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Well considering at this point last year guys like Oliver and even Antwine were unproven I am not sure it is that big of a deal. We actually have some more potential guys for the position than we did at this time last year. Also my wording is sound as anyone that is a classified as a candidate is unproven. If they were proven then they would not be a candidate.
Oliver’s aren’t necessarily the norm. Antwine has always been proven, just didn’t get the recognition. We have plenty of DE’s. Our interior isn’t no where as strong as edge rushers. Evers is solid but undersized and can be moved. Asi, Ross, Kelly, Tuihalamaka, clay, the JUCO transfer aren’t near the same category as our DEs. None of those guys hold a candle to Antwine when it comes to stopping the run IMO
This is going to be the most interesting part of this season, to see just how much the defense drops off given the loss of so many good players at all 3 levels, not to mention Knowles. But even out of the guys we lost, not a single high draft pick in the group. So it's not out of the question to think we can reload at least to the point of not falling off too much. Linebacker is the obvious position of most concern. I know everyone is pretty high on Cobb, but it is the position where we were probably the strongest last year, and have the least returning both in terms of perceived talent and actual experience. We've got a ton of experience coming back on the dline and secondary, as well as some recruiting star power filling in. We don't have either of those things at LB.
Part of the reason our defense worked was the experience. We had a bunch of 22-24 year old players playing collegiate ball. Linebacker is a huge concern as well. I think they’ll be a drop off due to the lack of experience. Doesn’t mean they won’t be productive but having a ton of experience is what made this defense last year
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For sure, but that's also a reason for optimism. We've got super experienced guys coming back on the DL, and we've got Harper and Taylor coming back at safety, both having played a ton, along with some serious(recruiting) star power. We'll have new starters at corner but have played a lot as well. But I just don't see how we can avoid a major drop at LB.
I watched Antwine a ton and didn’t see much out of him. There’s a reason he didn’t get drafted. I have no earthly idea why he left early. Gundy usually has great relationships with parents and gives them sound advice and him leaving was not a good decision. Yes he was 300lbs and could battle 1on1 but man I couldn’t name a single big play or two he made. Will be interesting to see Lacy on the inside. Lengthy but not super strong lower body
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Defense will need time to find itself. First few games, even though against lesser competition could be average. But there’s a ton of potential with this group on D. Just need time to iron everything out, get reps, get accustomed to some new things Mason will bring and get guys in the right spots by conference play. So pumped about this season!
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Antwine was a beast. Yes, he should not have left early, but he made plenty of plays on the interior and always commanded two blockers. He rarely played on passing downs, so he didn't get the spectacular plays (sacks) the outside guys got, but he definitely made plays, and, more importantly, freed up linebackers to attack at will.
I think Lacy will be great inside on passing downs, and will get enough snaps off (taken by the bigger DTs) that he'll remain effective the entire game.
I think Lacy will be great inside on passing downs, and will get enough snaps off (taken by the bigger DTs) that he'll remain effective the entire game.
