Let's Replace DJ
 

Who in this draft do you think is up to the job, either right away or after some development?

I really love the tape I see on Denzel Perryman right now.

I think he needs some development -- his tackling and his run support against the downrill rungame need lots of work, but he is very athletic, crashes the line of scrimmage like a wrecking ball, and plays with the kind of passion that this defense is going to need if it loses DJ and Hali in the same offseason.

I think he can last to the 2nd -- I don't think he's a 1st round prospect, as he doesn't appear to be an elite athlete.

I like Shaq Thompson a lot as a MLB for this pass oriented league. He can cover like a safety and make plays all over the field from the ILB position. However, if you ask him to take on blockers all of the time, he's going to struggle. He's a playmaker though.

Ramik Wilson in the middle rounds would be a pretty decent addition.

Jake Ryan from Michigan is another option, he is beginning to return to the form that he had prior to his ACL injury. Very instinctive LB with good size and athleticism.

Stephone Anthony is an alright prospect.

AJ Johnson is too slow, IMO.

There is also free agency to turn to. KJ Wright out of Seattle is one of the best coverage LBs in the league. Mason Foster is going to leave Tampa because he doesn't fit their Tampa 2 scheme, he'd be a pretty solid addition.

Jake Ryan - Michigan - I'd take him round 2.

Don't think he'll be available in the 3rd?

Looks to be getting back to being what he was. Hard to find big tough linebackers that can attack the LOS like he can and still be a 3 down player. I think he bottoms out as top 90 player, so 3rd is possible, but I wouldn't wait that long.

Don't care about a thumper. Get a guy that can cover and run.

It'd sure suck to find the next Patrick Willis huh? Ryan isn't a 255 pound thumper type. He's a 235 pound missile when fully healthy. It really is a shame he tore his ACL last year.

http://www.btn2go.com/video/broadcas...tember-20-2014

At 38:30 or so... Closing speed to make a play (and fully upend Travis Wilson)...

I hate U of M so you won't find me pimping much... but Funchess and Ryan are players.

It depends on how well he tests during the pre-draft process.

One guy who really intrigues me is Eric Striker. I feel like he can play ILB and replicate what Washington does for Zona.

It always matters, I agree.

Check out around 46:35 of that vid I posted and watch his blitz... He's getting closer to full speed this year.

He will go 1st round. The top ILB/MLB that can play either 3-4 or 4-3, and also rotate OLB in 3-4 will ALWAYS get drafted 15-25 in every draft, ever. Happens like clockwork.

That being said, if you want a replacement for DJ, you're looking at Eric Kendricks. Go find some tape on him and get comfortable with the notion, because he's smart, he's got a motor, sideline to sideline type, and he's probably the only guy out there I see being able to take on the responsibility of defensive adjustments on Day 1, from this draft. Listen to his interviews, I promise you will fall in love. Should easily be available by our 2nd, and at worst by our 3rd. Depends a lot on the combine I suppose, but If we land PJ, Amari, or Scherff at #1, I expect #2 to be an ILB without so much as a batted eye.

I don't like Shaq, but I like your point about Ryan, however do you really want to risk his injury? He's going to fall in the draft I bet, and come under major scrutiny over that injury. The pick for replacing DJ though, is Eric Kendricks.

Wayyyyyyyyyyyyy early. He's going to go late 3rd at best. No way does he end up top 50-60.

Bingo. I expect him to barely break into the top 100 picks of this draft, on a good day.
I think his ceiling is about 75ish, with an average selection around 110. Which will put him right around 3.13 to 4.11 depending on compensatory selections of course.

There's soooooooo many thumpers in this draft, and on the best day there are 3 ILB's worth even so much as a look for being cover/signal caller types to replace DJ.

Doubtful Ex... hes the best LB in this draft at 100%, hands down.

Hands down is poor technique.

Bust.

truth... hahahha

Best LB? Nahhhhhh. There's a lot better LB talent elsewhere. Now for the specific role? He's maybe 1 of 3 or so, give or take, and he's the #2 option.