Assuming Weaver brings over the scheme from the Baltimore Ravens, then we are going to rotate 4 players every game at the Defensive end position in the 3/4 base alignment.
Last year Wilkins & Sieler had like 90% of the snaps and we didn’t rotate at all. So the scheme is going to be different and calls for more bodies for the rotation. Would it have been good in an ideal world if Wilkins was one of those 4 bodies? Of course it would’ve. However, can the front 7 be stout against the run and get pressure against the Qb just as well as last year if not improve and do better? Yes.
We did improve our coverage by adding Brooks & Fuller, so perhaps that will buy our pass rush more time to get there & Weaver will likely bring more blitz’s than Fangs did because that’s what the system he is installing calls for, and of course more bodies that should be a bit fresher and not wear down as much is The theory.
So in summary, Sieler is Sieler, but there will be another player rotating from his position and taking more snaps now, and there is an open competition for two players to take Wilkins spot. That’s what all of the players we signed at Dtackle are for, with the exception of Benito Jones who is replacing Raekwon Davis at the zero tech. We will likely add more bodies to compete for those 3 rotational spots (Sieler + 3 more) in the draft, and possibly other free agents, or cuts or what have you.
At least that’s what it looks like to me…