jason ferguson and plans for our NT position

[BGtoKNfor6]

So it appears that parcells runs the 2 gap 3-4 defense. I know ferguson was a pretty decent pickup and basically plays the "0" technique in the scheme, where he lines up over the center and is responsible for tying up the center/guard (A gaps). This will depend on where the ball carrier is going to (left or right side of center).

Why is this position ever so critical to the success of a 2 gap 3-4 defense? Well any good 3-4 defense relies on an athletic big 330 lb or better NT to clog up that middle of the line (A gaps) to allow our linebackers to get in and make plays. The problem is that ferguson is a tad undersized at 305 ish and teams have been able to run up the gut against us. Ted washington is a perfect example of the kind of mass we need over the center in this defense. Vince Wilfork is another example. Basically an immovable force that doesn't go backwards but has the agility to actually move or fall over into the A gap and clog the hole.

That leads me to this question, as I don't follow college ball religiously (michigan wolverines fan...UGH! Thanks rodriguez!! IDIOT!). Who are the big nasty 3-4, 2 gap, "0" technique NT's coming out of school right now? Also what about free agency?

I know ferguson is just a stop gap right now and a guy like starks doesn't have the size either. Either way, I don't think he is the guy parcells is craving for in the middle. Good for now but just wondering what is coming down the pipeline out of college or FA?

 

[juniorseau55]

We have held our opponents rushing yardage this season but our problem has always been our secondary. I think he is doing well but our defense success will always be from our passing defense by making those key passing stops.

 

[Geforce]

I think if you go to the draft forum you will that others are already talking about what NTs they like such as B.J. Raji from Boston College.

One thing to remember is that Parcells has never relied on a 330 lb NT for his 3-4 defenses. This is why he drafted Ferguson in New York and then took him to Dallas and now Miami with him.

 

[Geforce]

We have held our opponents rushing yardage this season but our problem has always been our secondary. I think he is doing well but our defense success will always be from our passing defense by making those key passing stops.

Our secondary is still a problem but until we get a more consistent pass rush, they will continue to be a sore spot for many fans.

 

[juniorseau55]

Our secondary is still a problem but until we get a more consistent pass rush, they will continue to be a sore spot for many fans.

True, I agree with ya there Geforce. If we manage to find a good corner in free agency then we could draft a top safety prospect or a corner. Whichever is the best player at either position in regards the order of our pick. The pass rush has been a tad inconsistent this season.

 

[cullenbigcstill]

NT Terrance Cody from Alabama has been an absolute beast in the middle for Bama this year. He is also a very large guy....I have seen several sites list him at different heights and weights but he is about 6'5" and 370 lbs. and seems like a perfect fit at NT. He will be drafted in the first round. Another guy who seems like a fit at that NT position, would be Filli Moali (spell check) from USC. I dont know his size off the top of my head, but have read that he could make the transition to NT because of his short area burst and his strength and power.

 

[Geforce]

NT Terrance Cody from Alabama has been an absolute beast in the middle for Bama this year. He is also a very large guy....I have seen several sites list him at different heights and weights but he is about 6'5" and 370 lbs. and seems like a perfect fit at NT. He will be drafted in the first round. Another guy who seems like a fit at that NT position, would be Filli Moali (spell check) from USC. I dont know his size off the top of my head, but have read that he could make the transition to NT because of his short area burst and his strength and power.

As of now, Cody says he is returning to Alabama for his senior year and Maola is under 300 lbs so if he is drafted he would initially play DE in the 3-4.

 

[Lorenzo Rules]

this is why we should draft another dt with our first rd pick unless we sould bring in a dt like Ryan Mcbean who is a big hoss of a dt . he is still on the steelers practice sqaud i think .

my priorty for this team would be.
#1 dt
#2 cb
#3 wr
#4 cb
#5 safety
#6 dt
#7 wr

and 8 undrafted rookies for special teams and compitition.

 

[Geforce]

True, I agree with ya there Geforce. If we manage to find a good corner in free agency then we could draft a top safety prospect or a corner. Whichever is the best player at either position in regards the order of our pick. The pass rush has been a tad inconsistent this season.

Having someone like Malcolm Jenkins would be nice, I just feel that if it came down to an OLB with pass rushing abilities or a DB, the Trifecta would choose the OLB first.

 

[Geforce]

this is why we should draft another dt with our first rd pick unless we sould bring in a dt like Ryan Mcbean who is a big hoss of a dt . he is still on the steelers practice sqaud i think .

my priorty for this team would be.
#1 dt
#2 cb
#3 wr
#4 cb
#5 safety
#6 dt
#7 wr

and 8 undrafted rookies for special teams and compitition.

No OLBs, DEs or OLs?

 

[BGtoKNfor6]

We have held our opponents rushing yardage this season but our problem has always been our secondary. I think he is doing well but our defense success will always be from our passing defense by making those key passing stops.

I understand what our current problems are BUT ferguson is what 33 years old and isn't your prototypical nose tackle for a "0" technique. Now teams don't exclusively run a 1 or 2 gap system, as they run hybrids based on whatever they see and packages they put in. Langford IMO could be a 3 technique guy and tee off on the quarterback if needed. Merling could as well.

Parcells verison of the 3-4 he had much success back in the day with the giants relies on a large zero technique agile nose tackle to clog up the A gaps but IIRC erik howard back in the day did get some sacks in so he probably wasn't a true zero technique but also brought up some 0/1 technique as well. Of course when you have lawrence taylor, carl banks and pepper johnson moping up behind leonard marshall and howard...it doesn't hurt...

That being said, this is is why porter is flourishing in this defense. Porter is our lawrence taylor right now. That leads us to look long and hard at another OLB and ILB in the draft. Adding another potential stud linebacker on the team would be phenomenal. Just imagine if we could be our 340 lb A gap plugging monster with langford, holiday (he is aging), merling and starks on the line. Add porter with another fast agile linebacker...

 

[Geforce]

I understand what our current problems are BUT ferguson is what 33 years old and isn't your prototypical nose tackle for a "0" technique. Now teams don't exclusively run a 1 or 2 gap system, as they run hybrids based on whatever they see and packages they put in. Langford IMO could be a 3 technique guy and tee off on the quarterback if needed. Merling could as well.

Parcells verison of the 3-4 he had much success back in the day with the giants relies on a large zero technique agile nose tackle to clog up the A gaps but IIRC erik howard back in the day did get some sacks in so he probably wasn't a true zero technique but also brought up some 0/1 technique as well. Of course when you have lawrence taylor, carl banks and pepper johnson moping up behind leonard marshall and howard...it doesn't hurt...

That being said, this is is why porter is flourishing in this defense. Porter is our lawrence taylor right now. That leads us to look long and hard at another OLB and ILB in the draft. Adding another potential stud linebacker on the team would be phenomenal. Just imagine if we could be our 340 lb A gap plugging monster with langford, holiday (he is aging), merling and starks on the line. Add porter with another fast agile linebacker...

While Ferguson is not what fans consider prototypical or a NT, he is what Parcells want for the position. As I mentioned earlier, Parcells drafted Ferguson when he was in New York and brought Jason to Dallas to help him impliment the 3-4 in Dallas and has done it again here in Miami.

While I would love for someone like T. Cody of Alabama or Raji of BC to bea selection, I'm not sure if either of them are what Parcells look for in a NT.

 

[romio]

if you look at jets NEW nose tackle man hes making a difference
we need a monster nose tackle

 

[RUDEbyallMEANS]

Trenches, trenches, trenches....

In 2006, Nick Saban tried to trade away his wife to move up to draft Haloti Ngata but couldn't get the trade to happen... with very good reason... then drafted Jason Allen...

 

[RUDEbyallMEANS]

if you look at jets NEW nose tackle man hes making a difference
we need a monster nose tackle

Kris Jenkins and Shaun Rogers are playing like behemoths for the Browns and Jets in the 3-4 NT positions... Ferguson is good but Miami got the worst of the 3.