Pro Bowl Secondary

[gregory smith]

Even if we end up with Smoot, Rogers, Bly and Fisher at the corners, and move Springs to safety alongside Taylor we will still be toast if we don't add a pass rusher. Nobody can cover for 7-9 seconds. If we pull the trigger on a trade and move out of the 6th overall selection where will we get a quality pass rusher.

[SkinsJock]

We all know 2 things - you've got to be able to pressure the QB AND there are no guarantees with a top 10 pick in the draft. If we can get 3 picks on day 1 then we have to consider that we have probably increased our chances of having a defensive line that will get to the QB anytime it has to.

I think (well I certainly hope) this FO group is just as focussed on our defensive concerns as we all are - hopefully this season we will be a lot more successful on defense at 3rd and long than we were last year. Nothing was as atrocious (including Brunell at QB) as the number of drives that continued after 3rd and 10 or longer - I think we were the worst in the NFL.

[sonofyens]

You are deadly accurate here. Just think back to the Bucs defense under gruden. Incredible dline that got wicked pressure. Hard hitters in secondary but not the gratest cover guys. Didnt need to since the dline got in the QB face so quickly. Same is true with the ravens vaunted defenses for the most part.

If you have a special shutdown guy like Bailey, then its so much easier to play defense. We dont really have that, so its critical that we get a stud on the dline to take pressure off the secondary.

[1niksder]

Even if we end up with Smoot, Rogers, Bly and Fisher at the corners, and move Springs to safety alongside Taylor we will still be toast if we don't add a pass rusher. Nobody can cover for 7-9 seconds. If we pull the trigger on a trade and move out of the 6th overall selection where will we get a quality pass rusher.

I still don't think Springs will be here (though I hope I'm wrong) but I also think the F.O. feels your pain however the rumors are the Skins don't like any of the D-lineman at #6 (Denver wants one of them -not sure which). The Skins are adressing other needs and will deal with the D-line in the draft. To do this they need MORE draft picks. If they don't drop too far down the board maybe they'll go for Adams, Branch, or Anderson. Trading down for more picks and still getting a Okoye or a even a Charles Johnson would be bad.

[Cappster]

I trust in Gibbs to address the needs that need to be addressed. I know that he knows we need a pass rush. They really seem to be focusing on defense this year and I think that trend will continue to show throughout the off season. Who knows, they may trade Springs for a quality D lineman. It will be interesting to watch the situation unfold.

[SeanTaylorJr.]

A real pass rusher is by far and away the most important addition that we need to make this offseason. It doesn't even have to be one defensive end or something that we pick up in the draft. It should be multiple d lineman, or pass rush lb's or a critical evaluation of what type of blitz packages we are bringing; cuz what we did last year was absolutely pathetic and embarassing. (fewest sacks ever in a season by a nfl team) if we can even partially fix this it will drastically improve our entire defense

[brad7686]

Usually pass rushers that are consistent in college are in the NFL, if they have first round tools. The ones you have to watch are projects like Mario Williams was. He probably will be good but wasn't great last year. Gaines Adams has been very consistent and Jamaal Anderson has been consistent in what little time he has played. They also don't have the technique issues that Williams had. They have good measurables AND good technique. There is no need to trade out the six spot unless there is an overwhelming offer. I say sign Ian Scott or Robaire Smith, draft Adams/Anderson and they will be in good shape on the D-line.