Future D-Line

So masterblaster, let me see if I get this correct. You're saying we're giving too much credit and faith to Turk and Tank, 2nd year players drafted in the 2nd and 3rd rounds respectively. Meanwhile, you're calling a 7th rounder from a I-AA school who couldn't even register any pressures against a third string line to have a "breakout rookie season." Please. Gun has been very high on Tank and Turk saying they've both shown marked improvements. Tank has shined in camp so far and I think he starts alongside the Swamp Thing by midseason and for many years to come. Don't get me wrong, I think Johnston has some great potential, but he's a guy that's gonna take some time to adjust and develop.

Tim,

Generally speaking, the concept of "gelling as a unit" is only important for an OL because they have do a lot of things in unison and they need to have a good, consistent feel for everybody is. Conversely, DLs play a bit more chaotic and tend to thrive when they have good rotations because that way they can go in with their maulers on the early downs/short yardage situations and then bring in the speedsters for long yardage and other obvious passing situations.

I think you guys are giving turk and tank too much credit. Remeber these are "pre-season" games. I think Dorsey and Hali are going to be solid (for obvious reasons). I also have a feeling that Johnston is going to have a breakout rookie season. But, I think if the line is going to crack anywhere, it is going to crack with turk and tank. Dont get me wrong. I'm not saying this is absolutely going to happen. I'm just sensing a few rose colored glasses in here. Talk to me after we break ourselves against the rock that is the New England Patriots.

I have to believe this defense is going to be much more about rotation and situational schemes than who starts at what position. I also think Gun will utilize his backers much more, especially DJ, as pass rushers. In fact, I would not be a bit surprised to see DJ and Tamba ending up with about the same number of total sacks and a bunch 1/2 sacks/tackles between them.

Of course, all this depends on how much pressure we can apply inside and in that respect I do like a rotation involving Dorsey, Tyler, Boone, Edwards, and maybe McBride occasionally. If I had to guess, I'd say the rotation at LDE will primarily be Turk, Johnston, and Boone while the RDE will likely be Hali, Johnston, and perhaps one other (Trevor Johnson maybe?).

It also sounds like the backers will be swapping around quite a bit no only in terms of rotation but also where they line up.

Depth, freshness, and different looks are all hallmarks of top defenses.

tank and dorsey in the middle? WOW that might actually stop the run. maybe just what this team needs

I really hope that these four can win the spots and occupy them all season. Just like the O-line. I hope we can develop these four over several years and really let them gel together. They all great potential and could be a fantastic front four.

Don't forget that Turk played DT and DE in college. I think he'd be a more likely candidate for moving to the middle if something like this were to happen.

But I don't really see it. For now I see Johnston as more of a guy for the D-line's rotation.

check this out guys

Raiders | Wesley released
Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:47:24 -0700

Raiders.com reports the Oakland Raiders have released FS Greg Wesley.

dont we all feel bad for him, LOL, not really

what about moving Boone back to dt on passing downs. he looked a little faster then he was last year and is still big enough to get a push up the middle. also TJ Parker had a couple of plays when he just planted the guard he was against. hope he comes along and makes the team. but i am all for moving everyone around and trying different combinations till we find some that work well

i actually like that line good idea zach

Why not do this:

Johnston, Turk, Dorsey, Tamba

DTs could swap too, even DEs

wat do yall think of putting tamba back at workin on Rt's and put mcbride or johnsoton against the LT's sorry i get the rde and lde confused lol wat do yall think?

Tamba has just had so much trouble so far with the big boys at LT, I wonder if he's big enough to bang inside. If so, yeah, those four (and maybe Parker) would provide a tremendous pass rush.

Adam:

Tamba played DT at times for Penn State. It's something that I was thinking about last year and this year we may have enough talent to implement it. Plus, Dorsey has a burst himself, so you could end up with all 4 rushing the passer. You could drop Johnston back in a zone blitz and bring a backer. I like the idea of creating confusion in the O-line.

If Tamba can hang at DT, I'd be all for it. I'm just not sure, though. I do like the concept. Ideally, Swamp Thing would occupy a double, and the rest could try and beat their man and get to the QB. You could even get really crazy and drop Johnston back with his speed and send a backer or two. Might confuse the hell out of both the line and QB. Parker might be the fastest DE, however, and if he makes the team he could be used like this as well.