Quote:
Originally Posted by dirk digler
Sorry.
Here is an interesting article about 3-4 DE's.
http://www.nfltouchdown.com/nfls-newest-trend-3-4-des/
NFL’s Newest Trend: 3-4 DE’s
After spending virtually all of March and April reviewing the 2008 film on all 32 teams, what stood out the most was just how important the defensive line has become in a 3-4 scheme.
Because the 3-4 scheme continues to seep deeper into the NFL mainstream we’re going to see more emphasis placed on the demands of its personnel. The common belief has long been that pass-rushing outside linebackers make or break a 3-4 defense. This is still true. But what teams are starting to figure out is that the defensive ends are almost equally as vital – especially when it comes to stopping the run.
No longer is it good enough for a three-man front to have just a dominant nose tackle alongside two mediocre ends. As the film showed this past season, the best 3-4 defenses are the ones that control the entire line of scrimmage – including the edges.
Take a look at the personnel of some of the best 3-4 defenses in the NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers have their blocker-eater in NT Casey Hampton, and then they have two excellent anchors in Aaron Smith (who, by the way, can also get in the backfield) and Travis Kirschke.
The next best 3-4 defense is either the New England Patriots or Baltimore Ravens. It’s no coincidence that the Pats feature future Hall of Famer Richard Seymour at one end and maddeningly underrated stud Ty Warren at the other. The Ravens present a burgeoning young star in Haloti Ngata at one of their end spots, and powerful veteran Trevor Pryce at the other.
The rest of the NFL has taken note. They saw the Browns defense and its pathetic ends get pummeled despite the presence of All-Pro NT Shaun Rogers last year. They saw Dallas suffer from the unusual inconsistencies of Marcus Spears and Chris Canty. This is why 3-4 DE’s Tyson Jackson, B.J. Raji (who can also play NT) and Evander Hood all went in the first round this past weekend.
I thought it was a little curious that the Chiefs – who are implementing a new 3-4 scheme in 2009 – took Jackson at No. 3 overall. They already had Tamba Hali – who is undersized but a good enough run defender to handle an anchoring role – along with last year’s first-round pick, Glenn Dorsey, who looks like the next Richard Seymour (and that’s something I’ve never said about anyone before). Dorsey could possibly play the nose, but I think his talent is too unique to be muffled by double teams inside.
Still, Chiefs GM Scott Pioli came from New England and understands the importance of building up front. Give him the benefit of the doubt here.
For the Packers, don’t be surprised if they use Raji in the same way the Ravens use Ngata. The Boston College product is big and explosive enough to wreak havoc from the nose, but he also has enough athleticism to operate with more space on the edge. Veteran behemoth Ryan Pickett is capable of handling the three-gap responsibilities inside, which is why I think you’ll see Raji get plenty of reps on the edge.
Hood, the newest Steeler, has the easiest transition to the NFL. He’ll spend this season, and possibly next season, developing behind Smith, Kirschke and Brett Kiesel. The Steelers’ three-man front dictates the action every Sunday because Pittsburgh’s scheme places minimal responsibilities on the linemen, which allows all three men to operate more as one unit.
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So, one of the starting DE's on the best 3-4 defense in the NFL was drafted in the 4th round, and the other was undrafted.
And of the others, the only guy taken in the Top 5 was Jackson.
You've really sold me, Dirk.