Because of the hybrid nature of some of the players, it may not end up at 9 DL and 9LB. But all in all, I think you’re pretty close.

I feel like I’ve been to a rave with all the colored words! :-O (and curious to know how you did it)

EXCELLENT breakdown. The D-Line competition is going to be fierce! Could I ask who you see going on the practice squad? I like your crystal ball even if it is before training camp.

Another breakdown that I would enjoy is for Special Teams. I freely admit that my ST knowledge is really poor.

for the reasoning Mike.Good work.

That seems interesting to me and I know the competition will be intense, but never count a Marine out.

It will be very interesting to see how things play out on the DL and LB fronts, especially since we know so litle about what sort of D we’ll be playing. But one thing is really clear: Which group of players would you rather have – the 09 players (see above) or last years bunch going into training camp, which included, at LB: Boss Bailey, Jordan Beck, Louis Green, Niko Koutovides, Nate Webster, D.J. Williams, and Jamie Winborn. And at DL: Larry Birdine, Paul Carrington, Tim Crowder, Elvis Dumervil, Ebeneezer Ekuban, John Engelberger, Carlos Hall, Steven Harris, Josh Mallard, Alvin McKinley, Jarvis Moss, Kenny Peterson, Dewayne Robertson, and Marcus Thomas.

I haven’t seen the first 2 versions so I don’t know if there’s been any debate about this, but I prefer Josh Bell to Jack Williams. I know sentimentality is against me with the J.Will – D.Will comparisons, but Bell showed me more last year where it matters most than Jack did.

I love how it was organized and structured, it looks really good. I liked what you wrote and agree with a bunch of it.

I think that Pedescleaux may have a decent shot at making the roster, perhaps over Parker, but right now who really knows.

@MikeB…
My D squad is close to yours but with adjustments. Like all posters have stated, lets see when the pads are on.
I keep all 5 safeties. Josh Barrett showed last year that he can take a TE out of play (great job on Gonzales). Maybe a sub SAM.
I do agree about Jack Williams and Josh Bell. One stays and I think Jack because of ST again.
DL, wow who knows. I still think Coach Nunnely rotates 6-7 players. Versatility is the key so it does not matter DE or NT. Lets get the pads on.
From minis it seems like McBean, Fields, Peterson, Thomas, Baker, Powell, and Davis/Pedescleaux. Parker and Askew seem out.
I really love the thought for Larsen to really push Davis and Williams. Lee Robinson will make the 53. Surprise cut LB Griesen, due to lack of ST.
I too think Phonze will start at RCB because two times when Andre Goodman was signed, it was stated that his natural position is nickle.
My surprise camp pick, along with Mr. Robinson, is Domonique Johnson CB. He just might find a nich somewhere.

LOve these posts, thanks

And discussions, the only thing I can add here, is I’d like to see us keep both Josh Barrett and Jack Williams (and I still can’t get over not even giving Nate Webster or Jamie Winborn a chance before cutting them – LoL )

Rockin’ on mikebirty!

Winborn played the game of his life one week – three weeks later he was demoted and then tossed. I did a piece that included it with the life story of Winborn, which is an amazing tale.

It was a great post. I think you’re brave to even attempt a D-line prediction post, lol. Its so much of an unknown going into training camp.

With McD’s player qualities emphasis, and the evolving defensive scheme, its hard to really even know which players talents will be needed the most. They are all fairly unique and most carry a heavy amount of versatility, veteran experience, or a much needed strength (i.e. run stopping or pash rushing).

The only locks I would bet any money on are Dawkins in the backfield (every defense needs a great signal caller and we’ve been lacking that ever since Lynch left) Alphy as a nickel back (who I agree will DEFINATELY get at least one start come wintertime), and Ayers as an OLB/Rushing End.

…Im also remembering that post on DB.com talking about D.J. Williams as the “Jack” back in Nolan’s scheme. He was also one of the few LB’s from last year that managed not to get cut, so they HAD to see something extraordinary in him. I’d be willing to bet he’s a lock at ILB for opening day.

     I must admit, I have scratched my head quite a bit at this subject. At the safety spot, we all know Dawk is gonna have one of the two spots on lock down. I am curious to see how the other spot plays out. I know it seems likely that Hill will be the other guy, but I have this striking suspicion that one of the young guys will be out there. I have researched Mcbath some, and it seems that this kid is a natural playmaker. I would really like to see him shine for us. I would love to say “you just got Mcbathed.” I am gonna go ahead and coin that phrase now, lol. We have lacked playmakers for some time in our defensive backfield, and I think all that is about to change.

     I believe our linebackers will be the strength of the defense this year, and I agree with your starters. DJ and Andra (has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?) are your starting RILB and LILB, respectively. Then you have Doom and Gloom (Ayres) at your outside spots. We should have some decent depth here as well. Overall, I’m really liking this group.

     As far as the D-line is concerned, I’m really not sure what exactly to expect. I still think this spot is a potential weakness for us. None of the players we have (as of this moment) really strike fear in my heart. D-line has been a problem area for us for the longest time. We have had good ones over the years, but we let them go, or for whatever reason, they stopped playing for us. Pryce, Hayward and Berry are just three I can think of off the top of my head.

    I’ve been wanting to vent about this for the longest. What in the HELL was with what I like to call “The Cleveland Experiment”. I know Shanahan is widely regarded as an excellent coach, but I really questioned some of his moves. He is the reason we are in this mess in the first place.

    I really like Carlton Powell. I have a hunch about this kid. VT’s D has been one of the best year in and year out and he was in the middle of it all while he was there. I like this from db.com “He Finished his Virginia Tech career as the only Division I-A player who held opponents to negative rushing yards (-13 yds. on 106 att.) on running plays directed at him according to NFLDraftScout.com.” That is pretty bada$$. I think this guy could be special. He is coming off a ruptured achilles, so last season was pretty much a wash. If he can stay healthy I think he will become a starter at one of the end spots. I like Fields and Peterson to round it out as well.

  This is how I would like to see us come out on opening day:

 Goodman, Mcbath, Dawkins, Bailey
   Dumervil, Williams, Davis, Ayres
         Powell, Fields, Peterson

  Again, this is just my take on things. Rock n’ roll.

   The more I think about it, the more I like Thomas as a starter. 2 years and a leg up can’t hurt his chances. I think Baker is the dark horse in all of this. The kid is also a hell of a dancer, so we have that going for us :)

Like you, I think the SAFs and CBs are easier. The OLBs and DEs are very, very hard to predict. Thanks for taking the time to put up your thoughts and back them up. Can’t wait to see how it ends up panning out.

Rec’d!