MAJBobby Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 I think we fit Fine in the 4-3. I personally would put Ragland at the MIKE. WLB - Z. Brown - if resigned MLB - Ragland (though I also see the argument at Sam) SLB - P Brown (reason I have him initially at SAM is I do think he is better in coverage than Ragland)
thebandit27 Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 I think we fit Fine in the 4-3. I personally would put Ragland at the MIKE. WLB - Z. Brown - if resigned MLB - Ragland (though I also see the argument at Sam) SLB - P Brown (reason I have him initially at SAM is I do think he is better in coverage than Ragland) That's probably the plan, but they need to make sure that they draft a coverage LB like Alex Anzalone or Zach Cunningham early, or a sub-package LB like Jayon Brown or Charmeachealle Moore later
boyst Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 That's probably the plan, but they need to make sure that they draft a coverage LB like Alex Anzalone or Zach Cunningham early, or a sub-package LB like Jayon Brown or Charmeachealle Moore later if we had lesser of a line id be concerned for not having run stopping ability as a primary skill of my mike. But we do and I value run stopping less. Meaning Ragland is going to pan out like Brandon spikes career
MAJBobby Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 That's probably the plan, but they need to make sure that they draft a coverage LB like Alex Anzalone or Zach Cunningham early, or a sub-package LB like Jayon Brown or Charmeachealle Moore later I agree the biggest issue really is Zach Brown, if they cannot re-sign him then the Bills will have a real big need for a LBer that can cover immediately. but with Brown in the fold it minimizes any Coverage Deficiencies that Ragland will have.
boyst Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 I agree the biggest issue really is Zach Brown, if they cannot re-sign him then the Bills will have a real big need for a LBer that can cover immediately. but with Brown in the fold it minimizes any Coverage Deficiencies that Ragland will have.brown moretha. 6 yards deep in coverage is a nightmare. Davis and keuchly would be 15-20 yards deep man coverage with safety help if he got there in time. We Need that type of lb. And aJ Klein is a fa to remember
Kirby Jackson Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 brown moretha. 6 yards deep in coverage is a nightmare. Davis and keuchly would be 15-20 yards deep man coverage with safety help if he got there in time. We Need that type of lb. And aJ Klein is a fa to remember AJ Klein seems like a logical target and one that we see a lot. Mychal Kendricks in a trade is another one to keep an eye on.
boyst Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 AJ Klein seems like a logical target and one that we see a lot. Mychal Kendricks in a trade is another one to keep an eye on.I think Klein starts over Ragland at Sam day 1. They may try to peg Ragland as a mike. It may work. But Klein is good. I don't think Shaw Thompson is that much better.Klein could also, and the more I think about it... could play mike. He played it when keuchly went dowm
HT02 Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 The Bills DL is better suited for the 4-3 but the linebackers are better suited for 3-4 so we should play a 4-4 This team is such a mess
thebandit27 Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 I think Klein starts over Ragland at Sam day 1. They may try to peg Ragland as a mike. It may work. But Klein is good. I don't think Shaw Thompson is that much better. Klein could also, and the more I think about it... could play mike. He played it when keuchly went dowm I think Klein makes sense if they don't re-sign Zach. Ideally, I'd like to see Zach come back, Ragland drop 15 lbs, and see a mid-round pick spent on a coverage 'backer. Preston can move to backup/run-stopping specialist.
Marty McFly Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 AJ Klein will be the mike...he is Keuchly lite but faster and a free agent who's ready to start. Lawson will beast at DE Kyle and Marcell can get 8-10 sacks apiece. I could see Marcell having a career year this year actually I really hope so. 1st round pick, no TC last year, was a disappointment, was a beast in college hope he makes it. The LBs will be a major issue unless the team is able to BOTH re-sign Zach Brown AND bring in at least one other 30-40 snaps/game player. Maybe Ragland can get his weight down to below 240 and play at that level, but I'm not confident about it. Zach can play the Will, but I really do think he's going to get serious money on the open market ($7M AAV or maybe more). The starting DL of Lawson-Dareus-Kyle-Hughes will be fine, as will the interior backups of Washington/Worthy--that Washington can also give snaps at the EDGE on run downs is a bonus, but they definitely need a 3rd pass rusher assuming LorAx can't be re-signed at a reasonable rate--i.e. $4M for a one-year deal (FWIW, Spotrac has him valued at $6.5M AAV). If they re-sign ZB which is likely I like our chances. Ragland is gonna be a good player. Mark my words. He might not have the speed but as long as he plays fast hell be ok. If we dont have the horses you can bet McDermy is gonna bring in a FA LB to run his defense the way it should run. Im actually really excited for the defense next year, we get a fresh full TC Shaq and Ragland, and Dareus can finally rush the passer again. As long as we grab a solid S in the draft and another one and a CB in FA we are good. The issue with Ragland is that even if he wanted to get lighter and faster to fit the new scheme he is coming off a ACL injury. This also concerns me. I think he is gonna be a good player, he plays fast on the field regardless of his 40 time but the injury might hamper the speed needed for McDermys defense.
Alphadawg7 Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 (edited) Would you guys consider Reuben Foster a good Mike for this D? I would not be surprised to see Foster be our 10th pick personally, thats assuming he is still on the board. Personally, i think we have a strong LB unit (assuming we resign our own) and have way bigger needs in the secondary and WR at 10, but I would not hate the pick and think Foster has the potential to be a top 5 LB in the NFL and would fit nicely in the 4-3 here. Edited February 14, 2017 by Alphadawg7
Marty McFly Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 (edited) if we had lesser of a line id be concerned for not having run stopping ability as a primary skill of my mike. But we do and I value run stopping less. Meaning Ragland is going to pan out like Brandon spikes career Common misconception. Here lemme show you bro. If Ragland can come back from his ACL as fast as he was or better, he will be a better player than Brandon Spikes. The vertical shows you Reggie is more explosive than Spikes was, this means he is gonna have a faster 1st step and thats important for LBs but not as important as smarts/instincts, which scouts point out is one of Raglands strengths coming out of college. The difference in 40 time is huge. The 20 time would have been more telling but neither ran it at the combine. We need to see how Reggie comes back from injury before we start labeling him Spikes 2.0. Its not a fair comparison yet. As for Reggie vs Kuechly well Reggie is a lot closer than one would think. Its really gonna come down to how Ragland translates to the NFL game, playbooks, reads, and instincts. Hes got more upside than Spikes if he can come back healthy. EDIT: Here is Luke Kuechly's Results for Comparison in what McDermy is gonna need at LB Edited February 14, 2017 by Marty McFly
boyst Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 Common misconception. Here lemme show you bro. If Ragland can come back from his ACL as fast as he was or better, he will be a better player than Brandon Spikes. The vertical shows you Reggie is more explosive than Spikes was, this means he is gonna have a faster 1st step and thats important for LBs but not as important as smarts/instincts, which scouts point out is one of Raglands strengths coming out of college. The difference in 40 time is huge. The 20 time would have been more telling but neither ran it at the combine. We need to see how Reggie comes back from injury before we start labeling him Spikes 2.0. Its not a fair comparison yet. I can show the stat that will convince you. Brandon spikes. Has a r as the second letter. That r begins Reggie's name. And I think they both have the same amount of letters etc.
Marty McFly Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 I can show the stat that will convince you. Brandon spikes. Has a r as the second letter. That r begins Reggie's name. And I think they both have the same amount of letters etc. Genius. I really think Reggie is gonna be better tho. He has the time to wash the Rex stench off em. 6 month recovery time. Reggie had 10 months then its June and he has another 3 during OTAs and TC to get back into playing shape etc.
ndirish1978 Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 People who think Ragland can't play in this system and be effective, at least as a SAM, never watched him play in college.
Johnny Hammersticks Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 Ragland can play 4-3 mike. I can steer my car with my feet. Preston Brown - Ragnuts - Reuben Foster Now that's a whole mound of sexy right there. Eh, boyst?
CanadianFan Posted February 14, 2017 Posted February 14, 2017 LB is the area that concerns me the most. Across the board the Panthers had elite LB coverage. If we can sign Brown he fits the bill as far as a cover guy. I don't know about Ragland in this role prior to his injury let alone now. Again, better fit for the Rex. Lot's of debate on how his cover ability will show but I think we can at least say we didn't draft him for coverage as his foremost skill. Alexander, if we sign him, would seem to be a better fit at DE? Think so, but if nothing else another guy who can't hang his hat on coverage ability being his best skill. We have a very little depth at LB. The defensive line could be very good. Alexander, Lawson, Kyle, MD, Hughes, and Washington. We need some things to go our way for that to happen. I see S, QB, WR, in most the draft threads. How do you think we address LB? Honestly I know Whaley will find the LBs if we can't/don't resign. Look at his track record. We lose LBs and keep finding capable replacements. think about the guys who've left over the years. I'm not worried. I think the D line has some talent, if Dareus stops being dope and not just smoking it. Last year's picks Shaq and Adolphus will have a season under their belt and hopefully becomes solid contributors. Schwartz was here what.. 2 seasons ago? Wasn't the conversation that this was more a 4-3 D than 3-4? We'll be alright.
thebandit27 Posted February 15, 2017 Posted February 15, 2017 People who think Ragland can't play in this system and be effective, at least as a SAM, never watched him play in college. OR... We've watched him a ton and--GASP--have a different opinion of him than you! I know, I know, seems impossible, but I assure you that its entirely true.
BUFFALOTONE Posted February 15, 2017 Posted February 15, 2017 I agree the biggest issue really is Zach Brown, if they cannot re-sign him then the Bills will have a real big need for a LBer that can cover immediately. but with Brown in the fold it minimizes any Coverage Deficiencies that Ragland will have. The Fins are high on Zach Brown. That's their guy once FA opens. Expect him to see a quick offer.
ndirish1978 Posted February 15, 2017 Posted February 15, 2017 OR... We've watched him a ton and--GASP--have a different opinion of him than you! I know, I know, seems impossible, but I assure you that its entirely true. Nah, I doubt that happens. It's ok, I forgive you for not watching him
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