We finally have some options on defense. So much depth in the front 7 now, we don't even have to start our rookies.
We could go-
Branch/Phillips/Suh/Hayes on run downs
Harris/Hayes/Suh/Wake on pass downs
Misi/Branch/Harris/Timmons at SAM, situationally
Alonso/Timmons/McMillan in an Over Base off the line heat seeking
Wake/Branch/Suh/Harris in like a speed package
Alonso/McMillan in Nickel
Hewitt backup Will and specials ace
Godcheaux and Taylor in on goaline
Fede playing Specials
basically we have so many tools to work with that fits what Gase has been saying playing situational football from week to week throughout the season. Every game your 0-0, and so you have to be a flexible enough team to matchup with what your opponent is working with.
not to mention our secondary that really bolstered the boundary with another press corner. Safety is definitely something to monitor, but Nate Allen isn't a slouch, and TJ Mcdonald may very well be FS of the future for us. We want to play Cover 2 and it won't matter about his single high abilities when we're having him and Jones roaming around and shooting passing and running lanes. Nickel play hurt us all year but we still will have fierce competition for that role. McCain/Thomas/Lucas/Pitts/Allen will all fight for PT at nickel and maybe better play from our LBs won't make Nickel so obvious?