Who is good on the Dline? Taylor is decent. He showed up for 5 games before he got hurt. Godchaux is average. Wilkins is a rookie. Defensive ends are well average at best. LBs are one of the worst groups in the league. Back half has holes that Im not sure if can overcome with a lack of a pass rush.
Flores want to play 5 and 6 DBs most of the time. Even more than that at times. We got two Dbs that I feel good about in coverage.
Your take is very pessimistic. IMO.
I think most fans have a serious deficiency in rating players who are not OBVIOUS game changers and routinely dismiss too many good (solid) football players simply because they don't make enough "highlight plays."
I think Godchaux and Taylor are OBVIOUS ascending players -- and Wilkins is OBVIOUSLY a very talented rookie. In addition Akeem Spence is a very solid rotational player who brings tuffness and physicality to the line.
I tend to agree our DE position is a legit question -- and I doubt it emerges as an "impact" laden unit. But we have some players to develop and (for now) we have to hope we catch a positive flyer there.
I think we have a number of interesting athletes @LB -- starting with the obvious choice being Baker. Beyond that Van Ginkel has apparently flashed, and the kid from CFL has certainly turned some heads. Yea, I get it. We're not "stacked" at the position as it seems right now. But really -- "worst in the league?" Dude.
DB wise we have some serious talent (X Fitz) and another group of interesting, developing athletes. The wild card in the equation to me is #20. If this staff can get the best from him, and he's physically capable of holding up -- he could be a powerful force in this D. But yea, it's a significant if...
Let's just have an open mind and not unnecessarily condemn the squad before they have a chance to perform.
You actually might be in store for a few positive surprises!
BNF