Tackling the Situation at the Nose

by Sam13 on Feb 17, 2012 11:01 PM CST

Just about all of us can agree that our biggest weakness on the defense last season was a lack of a real NT. Shaun Cody did out preform expectations, but this is defiantly where out defense can improve. So lets take a look at available options.

On the Roster

Shaun Cody- Like I said Cody did outperform expectations, but it didn't hurt that he had a pro bowl ninja and The Milkman next to him. There is a good chance that Cody will be starting next year, but I'd much rather see him "On the Nose" then on the field.

Earl Mitchell- Mitchell has shown some flashes to become a solid player in the near future. But unfortunately, Cody is more likely to be the starter next year than Mitchell.

J.J. Watt- I hate the idea of moving a future Pro Bowl DE to the Nose, but a lot of people on this site seam to like the idea.

Free Agents

Paul Soliai- Won't happen to expensive

Sione Pouha-Very good run stuffer, he could be snagged up for the right price, but will likely remain a Jet.

Draft

Dontari Poe- He's going to be a very good player for a long time. Worth a first round pick, but will probably be going 24 to the Steelers.

Michael Brokers- Has all the raw talent in the world, better suited for DE in a regular 3-4 but in Wade's system he could become Ngata like.

Jerel Worthy- Does have conditioning issues, but if he puts it together he could become Worthy to draft. (pun intended)

Brandon Thompson- He would be another undersized NT, but so is Ratliff, and with Thompson size and speed, thats not a far off comparison.

Alameda Ta'amu- He is a fan favorite on this site, and after a tough season, he played good at the senior bowl. If he is still available in the second round the Texans need to take him.

Josh Chapman- His stock might slide because of his acl tear, but he is a warrior that does all the dirty work. He doesn't provide much pass rush but will be dominant in the run defense.

Sleeper to Watch- Jared Crick, he tore his peck early in the season, once considered a top 15 pick, he could now go between rounds 2-4.

So what are your predictions on who will start at the Nose next year.

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Comments

Hello Sam!

I too, have the best name ever. It’s nice to meet more amazing people named Sam out there! (screw you everybody else)

I hope we get Crick at a bargain. I watch the huskers and live in Lincoln, NE. I can’t guarantee he will be good (which I totally did for Suh btw, I don’t condone the stomping and shit, but I guaranteed he’d be very good) but he will have a chance to be what we need. He’s a decent pass rushing DT. He did disappear in more games than the stats would indicate tho. It’ll be interesting to see how he looks at the combine after not playing a year. But for what our NT does, he could fit and compete and push Cody.

Thank God for football!

by BattleRedHusker on Feb 17, 2012 11:29 PM CST reply actions

of all these

free agents will not happen, and i think poe and brockers are gone by 26. i would be just fine with either ta’amu or chapman. crick i agree would be a great sleeper.

by danbo316 on Feb 18, 2012 4:43 AM CST reply actions

lol i just want to point out Shaun Cody might not have a on th nose next year as he

might be getting replaced LOL i cant wait :)

All I want to do is FAAAARRRRRRRRRMMMMMMMMM!!!....and COok.

by Mellowcheese on Feb 18, 2012 10:18 AM CST reply actions

Jeff in Durham

You make some good points, but it would help me understand the options better, if you would list things such as height, weight, college/ previous stats etc. Also, could you provide a little more information and state your case for each guy. I don’t know enough about it.

Thanks!

Jeff in Durham

by Drewsky on Feb 20, 2012 9:19 AM CST reply actions

My long shot prediction is they draft Derek Wolfe

and put him at NT. He is small for the position, but very quick and strong. A lot like JJ Watt. Remember that Wade talked a little about putting Watt at NT. Wolfe can play both NT and DE. The Texans like hustle players and players that can play multiple positions. And they stand to be able to get Wolfe in the 3rd or 4th.

by BleachBum on Feb 21, 2012 11:43 AM CST reply actions

Wade talked about Watt at NT?

Can you link me? That’s exciting.

by willieboyd on Feb 22, 2012 12:25 PM CST up reply actions

last year after we drafted him

havent seen anything recently to that effect

by BleachBum on Feb 22, 2012 12:39 PM CST up reply actions

I think he was doing so good at DE

they didnt want to mess with him. I am not really in favor of moving him from DE either, but I see several players in this years draft with similar size, motor, and speed to him, and I am very much in favor of drafting one of them vs the planetoid NT (unless he is a quick planetoid)

by BleachBum on Feb 22, 2012 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

Same exact thoughts here.

by willieboyd on Feb 22, 2012 1:02 PM CST up reply actions

The D-lineman depth favors us this year, too.

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said this week that this year’s NFL Draft is particularly strong in defensive tackles and offensive guards.

Mayock said he has handed out first-round grades on 5-7 defensive tackles, including Michigan State’s Jerel Worthy, LSU’s Michael Brockers, Memphis’s Dontari Poe, Penn State’s Devon Still, Clemson’s Brandon Thompson and Mississippi State’s Fletcher Cox.

by willieboyd on Feb 22, 2012 1:08 PM CST up reply actions