The sexiest part of a 3-4 defense is its outside linebackers. They're the ones that gets the sacks (and probably, the cheerleaders).

IMO, however, the most important part of a 3-4 is the defensive line in general, and the defensive tackle in particular. When I think of a 3-4 DT, I think of a space-eater: someone who can take on two blockers and not get pushed backwards. Vince Wilfork, Grady Jackson, Casey Hampton, etc.

Do we have that guy? Pickett is the obvious choice, but what about Colin Cole? Justin Harrell? Johnny Jolly? Physically, we have several players who could fit the bill:


Is is possible that one or more of these, while not excelling in a 4-3, could be a good fit for the 3-4?

And if not, who's available that we could pick up?

Obviously, Albert Haynesworth. But what about Tommie Harris? Rocky Bernard? Tank Johnson? (OK, forget Tank).

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Why forget Tank? He hasn't got in any trouble since going to Dallas.

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I think Tank would be a good pickup. He will not be a high salary player and will fit at DE pretty good with Jenkins and Kampman.

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Because he struggled in the 3-4 there.. one game I think Tank was yelling at Roy Williams to get the hell out of the way I am coming through with a guard still kicking the shit out of him.

In other words.. he struggled going from the Chitown 4-3 to the 3-4... not enough marbles in the drawers. IMO.. doesn't fit the NT.. end maybe?

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Yeah, he'd work as an end.

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I'm not too sure about that. He seemed to have his best years in a one gap Tampa-2 scheme. We're already going to be playing with one guy who I think is best suited in a one-gap defense (Jenkins), no need to bring in another.

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I think we are good with what we have at the nose. No need to bring in any free agents at this position.

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I agree. Even if you don't think Pickett is the ideal NT, he should be passable. And given that he has no other position, releasing him plus signing a FA (of which only Haynesworth is a significant upgrade) just isn't worth the cost.

With that said, a NT does need to be drafted. Pickett is on the wrong side of 30 and it would be foolish not to have a replacement ready when his contract expires.

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Ideally, you want anybody over 6-2 and 325.

It looks wide open with the sizes you listed. But I give Pickett and Cole the edge.

Harrell could be a surprise and Bledsoe can be a dark horse. I mean... we have to have signed Bledsoe for a reason, right?

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Harrell is a huge dude. He could be the NT if he stays healthy.

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