Young defensive core
 

Yesterday, it seemed like any time the defense was making a big play, it was either a first or a second year guy. Except for Houston getting yet another sack, this defense is composed of almost entirely players under 25 years old, it seems. This bodes very well for our future. Here’s the list of defensive players I have seen step up this week or the last two:

Banogu
Rock
Okereke
Tell
Willis
Hooker
Leonard

Did I miss anyone?

One of our most consistent guys on defense the last 2 years has been Kenny Moore, he had a great game yesterday. 3rd year player but only 24.

Even Grover Stewart has looked to be improving his level of play. Shakial Taylor has also not looked out of place either. Actually Tell and Taylor both appeared to play very well yesterday.

Hooker has really taken his game up a notch

There is certainly talent on this D, but they need to be more consistent. That should come with experience and some more depth.

Yeah Hooker has transformed himself into a more complete safety.

I'm really liking our secondary as a whole. Those guys were laying the wood yesterday with some great form tackling.

Tell, Moore and Ya-Sin covered well for the most part. Then throw in a healthy Desir to go along with Geathers, Hooker and Willis.

That is a complete unit.

Yea, I suspect this defense is only going to get better.

Don't forget Turay either. He was really getting pressure this year before going down. Losing him really sucked.

Looking to the future, the only real serious draft needs right now are on the line. If we can draft a solid interior DT and another pass rusher, that's good.

I would invest the rest of the draft into offense. QB, WR, OL, TE.
QB: I like JB just fine but he can be upgraded, but its not easy to do.
WR: We need more depth and a real #2, perhaps even a future #1
OL: Castonzo isn't getting any younger, and the right side could still be improved
TE: Ebron is wildly inconsistent, Jack Doyle is 29, the rest are depth players.

o


Perhaps continue improving enough to beat the Patriots and/or the Ravens if they should face off in the post-season.

Of course, being capable of and actually doing it are 2 different animals.


o

Agree that DT is greatest draft need. I’d address OL second if the talent is available. Not liking any free agent prospects on either line but there are some intriguing prospects at WR. A.J. Green’s situation is unclear in Cincy due to his health as well as the the need to rebuild that dumpster fire of a team. Amari Cooper and Emmanuel Sanders may hit the market as well but you gotta wonder if all these guys will demand grossly inflated figures to be had. Regardless of position, some our our holes MUST be filled in free agency next year.

He probably should have had an interception, could have easily had two but Rock really wanted that ball. I was most impressed with his big hit. He should send a gif of that hit to Jon Gruden.