It is clear that we need some additions at the LB spot, but our DLine is perfectly fine now. Casey Hampton for Pitt is about the same size as DRob and I think he will do fine in this system. The 3-4 is based on masking blitzes so that the opposing O line gets confused and someone slips to the QB. Under Henderson, we NEVER blitzed. DRob and Ellis both suffered because the line knew EXACTLY where they were coming from and the Running Back could step over for an extra block. With Kimo (old yes, but a proven player in the 3-4 and will provide good leadership) coming off the end now, we have 3 big Dlineman. I dont know who you are watching if you think Ellis isnt big...Ellis is a monster..he just got a little out of shape under Herm. And our linebackers arent great at blitzing because Henderson never let them blitz and they probably didn't practice that as much. And if you want speed at the Linebacker spot, McClover was clocked at a 4.46 40...thats blazing for a LB. Watch for him to get some quality playing time under Mangini and get to the QB a few times this year. People, we are so focused on what these players couldn't do under Herm. Abe is our only protypical pass rusher, but now our linebackers and safeties are going to have a chance of getting to the QB. Blitzing from all these angles will allow DRob and Ellis to squeeze through and make some big plays for this year. Lets all give this system a chance. It is easy to see that Mangini is bringing guys that can play the 3-4 and who he feels can make a difference. There are a lot of speed LBs in the draft too so just wait and see what happens. Manny Lawson as a late first rounder/early second could take the place of Abe in a 3-4 as well. And dont forget, we havent lost Abe yet..hes had it with management but other teams are shying away from him, lets see if Mangini can convicne him to stay.
i will take a good run stopping dl over a pass rushing dl anyday. the object of the dl in the 3-4 isnt really to rush the qb anyway. i am a little concerned if they go 3-4 with ellis not having the strength to play de in it. he has had problems going inside in the past.
