Very true re: Raji - good thing is we have almost stockpiled defensively to allow for schemes within a scheme if you may - Matthews and Raji will have plenty of rotation with the likes of Harell, Jolly et al

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AADP - I see where you're coming from, but Raji should contribute as part of the rotation immediately. I think the secret to our DL is freshness. Keep everyone fresh, and they'll produce.

Last year, they were worn out, and it really showed in the 4th Q.

If they're fresh, you'll see more run stuffing in the middle and more sacks and hurries.

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I agree, but the thing is though can Raji hang on for 30 snaps against the likes of someone like the Vikings' G Hutchinson?

There is something to be said for freshness, but Raji is going against players a whole league above in terms of strength, speed, and quickness.

For what it's worth, I think Jolly instinctive-ness is highly underrated. If he can just focus on football and show up to practice and on Sundays, you'll see a dude that is going to cause problems for other teams. And Jolly isn't one to back away; he has the toughness to him - albeit he stupidly displays that against fellow teammates sometimes - that I think will be key on the run.

For sure Raji will provide key relief for Pickett and even Jolly. However, I honestly think asking the kid to play more than 15-20 snaps a game is pushing it.

We're talking as if Raji will just walk in and play - he won't, he'll have to show that he's ready and can handle the job out there. I don't think he'll be able to show he deserves a continuous amount of reps, the coaches will utilize him in short busts.

I can see Jolly be used for around 25 snaps, and being a lot more effective. Raji certainly provides depth which is key, but I don't he's going to be a Nagata type player who plays and is just unstoppable. He's got that ability, but I think it needs to progress now that he's on this level... that'll take at least a year IMO.


EDIT - I recall reading something about how Pickett / Jolly were playing close to 40 snaps a game. That's just WAY too much, and Raji will be essential to getting that number down. From that end, Raji is going to be very important.

But I don't think he'll be able to consistently hold is own. Some are talking as if Raji is going to get 30 snaps, and just dominate. I don't see that happening, especially in his first season.

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All hinges back to one of Thompson's most critical mistakes to date.. the roster numbers at defensive line early last season. We lacked rotation before Jenkins went done, after that it was a slippery slope.

Banking on Harrell and KGB to give us a boost proved to be costly as well..

You have to have solid front line talent, then followed by at least margin players and depth... it was a mistake in the roster makeup...

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