The Bowles Defense, Why OLBs are overrated, and Why Bucannon Might be the Answer

[Azlen]

So in the next draft should they continue with their version of BPA or should every pick be BLBA? It is highly unlikely that you're going to get a decent pass rusher in free agency but it isn't out of the question.

 

[Darkside]

Nice writeup Chopper.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[b8rtm8nn]

Yes, fantastic write-up, better than any professional writeup so far this month on the Cards D

 

[Chopper0080]

I will take Dante Fowler please. Beasley, Calhoun and Gregory will be gone.

I think the Cards will be taking a long hard look at Fowler in round 1 though I'm not sure he will be there.

 

[Chopper0080]

This team is desperate for an OLB who can rush the passer. There is a reason why they pressured Abraham to come back and give it one more try. It's because he was the only OLB on the team who could get to the QB. This has to be the #1 priority next season.

I think a better way to put it is the Cards are desperate for a DE who can rush the passer, and play a little OLB. Again, think Demarcus Ware or Aldon Smith rather than Von Miller or Clay Matthews.

 

[Chopper0080]

So in the next draft should they continue with their version of BPA or should every pick be BLBA? It is highly unlikely that you're going to get a decent pass rusher in free agency but it isn't out of the question.

I think you always want to go after BPA. However, your ranks will always be skewed by players at positions of need being ranked higher. It's a team's natural way to gain seperation in cross positional rankings.

 

[AZCrazy]

About 6'4 260-265 is probably the approx size. Obviously there can be a give and take, but from what I cna tell we are looking more for Demarcus Ware vs. Von Miller. Von Miller would be moved inside in this defense.

Too bad we haven't seen more flashes from Acho and Okafor. Those guys fit that description to a T.

 

[Chopper0080]

Too bad we haven't seen more flashes from Acho and Okafor. Those guys fit that description to a T.

They aren't really natural pass rushers IMO, though to be honest, I haven't seen enough from Okafor as a pro to make a determination.

We are essentially looking for a small DE with natural rush ability. I don't know how willing Keim is to go outside of this weight range for a natural edge rusher.

 

[Cardiac]

Really good thread and discussion. Your premise may be correct Chopper or it may be that Bowles is a genius who simply uses the tools he has and crafts the best defense from that. Abraham fell into our laps last year & was the best/only pass rushing talent that was available so SK grabbed Bowles what was out there and they weren't worried about if he was a DE who can stand up or an OLBer. Plus old Abe did start his career as a 3-4 OLB.

 

[Chopper0080]

Really good thread and discussion. Your premise may be correct Chopper or it may be that Bowles is a genius who simply uses the tools he has and crafts the best defense from that. Abraham fell into our laps last year & was the best/only pass rushing talent that was available so SK grabbed Bowles what was out there and they weren't worried about if he was a DE who can stand up or an OLBer. Plus old Abe did start his career as a 3-4 OLB.

All I know is, if I am investing in talent on this defense (spending money and high draft picks) in the form that it has been the past 20 games, I am investing in ILBs, athletic 3-4 DEs who can play DT in nickel, and CBs. The rest of the spots have been proven they can be filled without spending high picks or tons of resources.

I'm interested to see where the Cards head with Kareem Martin going forward. If he shows he can play a little OLB, DE in passing downs, and is able to generate a little pressure, our outlook going forward changes dramatically.

 

[cardncubfan]

All I know is, if I am investing in talent on this defense (spending money and high draft picks) in the form that it has been the past 20 games, I am investing in ILBs, athletic 3-4 DEs who can play DT in nickel, and CBs. The rest of the spots have been proven they can be filled without spending high picks or tons of resources.

I'm interested to see where the Cards head with Kareem Martin going forward. If he shows he can play a little OLB, DE in passing downs, and is able to generate a little pressure, our outlook going forward changes dramatically.

What I read on Martin pre-draft was that he had the same athletic ability as Clowney but just didn't have the experience. Don't know how true that is since I really don't follow college ball.

Btw, great write up Chopper!

 

[Jetstream Green]

What I read on Martin pre-draft was that he had the same athletic ability as Clowney but just didn't have the experience. Don't know how true that is since I really don't follow college ball.

Btw, great write up Chopper!

He has basically the same body measurements and his forty time if I remember was actually similar and I think Martin had like 11 sacks his senior year in college, but Clowney is a athletic freak past the forty time in quickness, agility and strength... I do not think Martin has the same athletic attributes as Clowney (but not many players do for his size) but that does not mean he is not athletic, Clowney is just rare athletically

 

[Cardiac]

All I know is, if I am investing in talent on this defense (spending money and high draft picks) in the form that it has been the past 20 games, I am investing in ILBs, athletic 3-4 DEs who can play DT in nickel, and CBs. The rest of the spots have been proven they can be filled without spending high picks or tons of resources.

I'm interested to see where the Cards head with Kareem Martin going forward. If he shows he can play a little OLB, DE in passing downs, and is able to generate a little pressure, our outlook going forward changes dramatically.

If I'm SK I realize that Bowles will become a HC sooner than later and will focus on getting two OLBers who are legit pass rushers.

I have high hopes for Martin and yes it will be interesting to see how he is used going forward.

 

[cardncubfan]

Here is an article on Martin.

http://www.seats3d.com/nfl/arizona_cardinals/#/level_5/