Also Pettine loves versile edge rushers
as he uses them in different ways, such as using an edge rushers that has power and on a stunt can slide over and be used like an extra DT (which allegedly he is what he prefers) as a blitzer take the edge and they sometimes get a free rush with that stunt.
Or be able to drop back into coverage like Matthews and Fackrell did....
But I'm not sure how any of these guys can do the DT/coverage stuff...
Za'Darius Smith sounds like a pass rush specialist... and they didn't trust him in the run game for some reason... I'm thinking he is going to try to go to a 4-3 defense as sometimes those pass rush specialist can stay on the field more.
Originally Posted by: beast
That's true. And I imagine Preston would be better suited for Pettine's defense.
It's just that three things draw me to Smith.
First of all, the pressures. He put up the 17th most pressures out of all edge defenders. To me, that's the most important thing by far. If you can get home with 4 guys even semi-consistently, you'll always have enough guys back to play the run and pass.
Don't get me wrong, I like that Pettine's schemes are exotic and that he brings extra guys, but you shouldn't have to rely on that, just because your actual pass rushers absolutely suck.
Secondly, he's build like a 3-4 DE, but can play from the 3-4 OLB position. The guy is the same height as Kampman, but carries around another 10 pounds in weight. He relies on power more than finesse, as well. If you can't stop the run in that case, it feels more like a mental thing than physical limitation. Something that's coachable.
Thirdly... He just produces everywhere he goes. From starting every game at Kentucky, to being called the MVP at the Shrine Game, to having scouting reports rave about his work ethic, to becoming a force in the pass rush, while pretty much everyone wrote him off as a hands-down power end.
Pretty much in line with Smith, he won't carry your pass rush like a Mack, Ford or Von Miller will, but he'd instantly be the bust guy on our team and could work well in a good tandem, if he comes at the right price.