infiltrateib
TV Doctor
A-.
Don't be fooled. Our defense gets older all at the same time. We need to inject some youth in there NOW or be stuck with the consequences. I really wish we had an extra 2/3 to pick up a DT, but I'm very very happy with what transpired.
Love the Roth pick, as well as Crowder. I think Crowder was one of those value/unseen need picks that we didn't know we had. The worst thing you can do is put yourself in a position where Zach retires and you have to find a LB THAT YEAR to replace him or leave a void in the middle of the field. What that translates into is a forced need pick. In other words, you could be left with the highest player on your board being a DT but you have to go LB or you concede a season without an effective MLB. Crowder is also versatile and can play inside/outside. He can be our other ILB in the 3-4. Crowder is going to be a guy that learns from the best and is SMART.
Roth is a lunchpail beast. He's a guy that is going to give his all and just loves playing football. I see him as a Vrabel sort of guy. He was rated much higher than he went and I think he's a very, very solid pick. He just has so little risk. What's he going to do? He loves football, he loves playing, and what you see is what you get. He reminds me of "Braveheart" from our practice squad a few years back, except with much much more talent (and a different position, but still). He's also a need pick because honestly we don't have a dominant LDE and EVERYONE can agree (I think) that you can't (within reason) have too many good DEs. Saban is a no-nonsense guy. These are no-nonsense players.
Our defense was aging. Now, it's really not. Crowder is a youngin and we could start as many as 6 rookies or 2nd year players next year (Roth, Crowder, Poole, Brown, Carey, Hadnot). That's some serious youth. We also have Moore and Pope who can see some time. Our front 7 is getting much younger now.
If I had to describe the theme of this draft, I'd say it was versatile, no-nonsense lunchpail guys who will smash you in the mouth. Think about it:
Toughness
Roth apparently fought a bar full of people (he'll need to tone that down a little but I like that he's a badass).
Crowder is known for his devastating tackles and throwing his body around. He's also a brawler. You can make comments about his knees, but read that report. Plus, notice (first noticed by KB) that he was good AFTER his surgeries. They didn't slow him down. Those were back in the day. Aside from a groin strain, he's been healthy recently.
Brown is a physical beast. Hasn't had any injury problems or concerns.
Versatility
Ronnie Brown: most complete back in the draft. I won't belabor the point.
Roth: is a big guy, and can play in a 3-4 or 4-3. Can even line up at LB.
Crowder: can drop back in coverage. Can play ILB/OLB. Fast, fluid, and smart.
Daniels: can be S/CB. Just needs to add weight.
Criticism?: I realistically would have taken as low as a 4th to move down 1 spot with Cleveland (provided they promised not to take Brown or trade out). But that is questionable since it shows weakness. I really don't have any other criticism.
Caveat: My only other caveat is that I'm not going to pretend to know the careers of the latest-rounders. I'll take Houck's word on the OT... he did his homework and certainly knows what he's talking about.
What We Do Now: snatch up Shazor and Wilkerson. We have nothing to lose. Try 'em out. Wilkerson is an easy pickup.
Don't be fooled. Our defense gets older all at the same time. We need to inject some youth in there NOW or be stuck with the consequences. I really wish we had an extra 2/3 to pick up a DT, but I'm very very happy with what transpired.
Love the Roth pick, as well as Crowder. I think Crowder was one of those value/unseen need picks that we didn't know we had. The worst thing you can do is put yourself in a position where Zach retires and you have to find a LB THAT YEAR to replace him or leave a void in the middle of the field. What that translates into is a forced need pick. In other words, you could be left with the highest player on your board being a DT but you have to go LB or you concede a season without an effective MLB. Crowder is also versatile and can play inside/outside. He can be our other ILB in the 3-4. Crowder is going to be a guy that learns from the best and is SMART.
Roth is a lunchpail beast. He's a guy that is going to give his all and just loves playing football. I see him as a Vrabel sort of guy. He was rated much higher than he went and I think he's a very, very solid pick. He just has so little risk. What's he going to do? He loves football, he loves playing, and what you see is what you get. He reminds me of "Braveheart" from our practice squad a few years back, except with much much more talent (and a different position, but still). He's also a need pick because honestly we don't have a dominant LDE and EVERYONE can agree (I think) that you can't (within reason) have too many good DEs. Saban is a no-nonsense guy. These are no-nonsense players.
Our defense was aging. Now, it's really not. Crowder is a youngin and we could start as many as 6 rookies or 2nd year players next year (Roth, Crowder, Poole, Brown, Carey, Hadnot). That's some serious youth. We also have Moore and Pope who can see some time. Our front 7 is getting much younger now.
If I had to describe the theme of this draft, I'd say it was versatile, no-nonsense lunchpail guys who will smash you in the mouth. Think about it:
Toughness
Roth apparently fought a bar full of people (he'll need to tone that down a little but I like that he's a badass).
Crowder is known for his devastating tackles and throwing his body around. He's also a brawler. You can make comments about his knees, but read that report. Plus, notice (first noticed by KB) that he was good AFTER his surgeries. They didn't slow him down. Those were back in the day. Aside from a groin strain, he's been healthy recently.
Brown is a physical beast. Hasn't had any injury problems or concerns.
Versatility
Ronnie Brown: most complete back in the draft. I won't belabor the point.
Roth: is a big guy, and can play in a 3-4 or 4-3. Can even line up at LB.
Crowder: can drop back in coverage. Can play ILB/OLB. Fast, fluid, and smart.
Daniels: can be S/CB. Just needs to add weight.
Criticism?: I realistically would have taken as low as a 4th to move down 1 spot with Cleveland (provided they promised not to take Brown or trade out). But that is questionable since it shows weakness. I really don't have any other criticism.
Caveat: My only other caveat is that I'm not going to pretend to know the careers of the latest-rounders. I'll take Houck's word on the OT... he did his homework and certainly knows what he's talking about.
What We Do Now: snatch up Shazor and Wilkerson. We have nothing to lose. Try 'em out. Wilkerson is an easy pickup.
