1. Barry Cofield - NT - signed 2011. Cofield has been the NT for the NYG since his rookie year. Despite playing a 4-3, the Giants used Cofield as a NT to free up pass rushers like Strahan, Tuck and Umenyiroa.
here' what Shanhan had to say about Cofield:
“I thought he was the bell cow of their defensive line. He was a guy that was in the game the majority of the time, and you could tell he was a team leader. He played harder than any player on the team. You could tell that he took so much pride in everything he did. Very similar to Bowen. I said if we could get them, I think we could really help our football team. You get two guys who are 27 years old, two guys who are natural leaders, and that is how you build your football team. You build it up front on the offensive and defensive lines. We have a couple guys that I believe are future team captains and can lead.”
Stephen Bowen - DE - signed 2011 - Bowen has been part of the Dl rotation in Dallas for several years. An undrafted free agent, he has had to outwork and outplay other lineman to stay on the roster. Yet, each year he's had more playing time. Many analysts said Bowen was one of the more under-valued free agents available this year.
Here' what Shanahan had to say about Bowen:
“Playing Dallas, we got a look at him and saw him as being a very dominatant defensive tackle/defensive end. He has a lot of talent, lot of quickness, speed. He’s a young guy and has a lot of character. I thought he played as hard as any player on their football team and he was a guy we had targeted, and a guy we’re pleased about."
Adam Carriker - Skins swapped 5th and 7th round picks with the Rams for Carriker in 2010. In STL they tried to play Carriker as a "3 technique" DT who would play one gap and try to use quickness to disrupt the backfield. It didn't suit him. He preferred to use power and leverage instead. Haslett knew this from his time coaching in STL and the Redskins stole the former 1st round pick from the Rams. Despite not having a steady NT to play next to, Carriker was one of the bright spots on the line last season.
If the above three players are the starters this season, they all are 27 years old and within 3 months of each other.
The competition:
Jarvis Jenkins - DE/DT - 2nd round draft pick 2011 - Jarvis played on a Clemson team that featured Da'quan Bowers. While Da'quan made highlights, Jarvis played lots of two-gap responsibility. Sound familiar? the Redskins liked his strength, experience and unselfish attitude.
Kedrick Golston - DE/DT - 6th round pick 2006 - Kedrick has been through numerous coaching staff and scheme changes. Despite this he has contributed on defense and special teams every year without complaint. He has also been very durable and is known as a team player who works hard, is "high energy" and has an unselfish attitude.
Chris Neild - 7th round pick 2011 - Neild was a three year starter and anchored a WVU defense that ranked 3rd in the nation in total defense and 2nd in the nation against the run.
Vonnie Holiday - DE - signed 2010, 2011. Vonnie is the teams player rep and is a veteran leader. Depsite his age (35) he is very effective off the bench and can get after the QB playing "5 technique" DE.
Anthony Bryant - NT - signed 2010, was arguably the most effective NT last season. Will have tougher competition this year, but he has great size (360#+) and strength.
I think the FO has managed to find a collection of unselfish, hard working linemen without breaking the bank and still managing to get younger and deeper at the position. Good job to Shanahan and Allen. I think the competition for the three starting spots will be fierce!
Actually that explains a lot....
