DJ still expects to be ready for camp

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by staylor26

March was an UDFA, Wilson doesn't fit the decision lens mold and is more of a TED, and Alexander, while athletic and fast, didn't have Eligwe's upside. He's turned out to be a hell of a special teamer though, and that's all I think they were ever really hoping for with him. Even our scout said they hope Eligwe will follow DJ.

Why would you have said, in real time, that Alexander doesn't have Eligwe's upside? Just curious.

Because coming out of college, Alexander appeared to be ALL upside and a very similar kind of player/prospect to Eligwe.

I just think we're assigning credit for development elsewhere to our ILBs. This team does a great job with certain areas; DBs and DLs most notably. But Justin Houston pre-dated this regime and had made a Pro-Bowl before Andy and crew got here. Hali was Hali 10 years ago. Ford's development has been...rocky? The ILBs by and large haven't progressed worth a damn (and DJ was DJ already, just like Tamba).

We don't really have much in the way of success stories to point to at the LB position with this regime. Now I'm not saying we should close the book on the possibility or just say that they can't do the job. But thus far they really haven't and I think it's fair to stay open to the possibility that they're just not terribly strong in that area right now.

There are worse sins and it's not fatal. I just wish we'd have put a little more draft capital towards the position recently. I have some hope for Terrance Smith and love Eligwe's potential, but it requires some faith that may not be entirely earned.