If we lose Bannon & Edwards

[thundercleetz]

Kruger needs to get toughness? The guy was stabbed in the face nine times, and lived to tell about it.

 

(I may be slightly off on the details, but he's a tough guy.)

 

I have heard from sources that say the coaching staff does not think very highly of and are frustrated by Kruger's toughness on the field. Take it for what it is worth.

[cravnravn]

Draft implications ? Maybe we shift our attention to the DL.

 

 

A MUST, especially with our question marks at DB..An aging Buddy Lee, no Bannon, no Edwards and a inexperienced Kruger..Oh boy

[geo]

I have heard from sources that say the coaching staff does not think very highly of and are frustrated by Kruger's toughness on the field. Take it for what it is worth.

 

Sucks. Then I will think of him as Dwan the second, until he hopefully proves another story. Dwan.. Six years and never a starter in week one.

 

And with Bannan, Edwards gone and Gregg and Pryce playing in their autumn, we do need at least one starting caliber DE and DT... So DL in round 1+2?

 

 

Btw any one words on Anthony Weaver? He played every single game in 2008, and since then I guess he has been looking for money?

[thundercleetz]

Here is a good blog entry on Kruger making the transition to a 3-4 end.

 

Kruger Working For Position Change

 

As for 3-4 depth in free agency, a guy like former Panther Tyler Brayton makes sense. He is 6'6" 280 pounds and just turned 30-years old. He has posted good production with 40 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 16 games in 2008 and 45 tackles and 5 sacks in 15 games this past year. Here is what Scouts, Inc. says about him in their free agency scouting report:

 

Brayton has been a starting defensive end for pretty much his whole career since being drafted in the first round of the 2003 draft. He has started 31 of 31 games since coming to the Panthers prior to the 2008 season. He is a high motor player that has above average speed around the corner but relies on effort and intensity to pressure the pocket more than explosive speed off the edge. He has developed a few counter moves as a pass rusher but is still more effective playing the run than rushing the passer. He uses his hands well and has the strength needed to hold up at the point of attack.

 

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/fa?playerId=4490

[cravnravn]

Liked that article Mr Cleet. I hope the kid does put on some weight.

[ForceEight]

Four years, $18 million for Edwards.

[thundercleetz]

Dwan Edwards: "I'm going to be a Buffalo Bill": Defensive end agrees to terms on a four-year, $18 million deal

 

Concerns about his spinal fusion surgery from two years ago ultimately cooled interest in Edwards, a versatile defensive lineman who unseated Trevor Pryce as a starter last season in Baltimore.

 

“It wasn’t a money thing with the Ravens, it was just my neck,” Edwards said. “They wanted me to have another surgery on my neck. If people didn’t have issues with my neck, free agency would have gone a lot better for me.

 

“The doctor that did my surgery said there were no changes to the structure of my neck from the beginning of the season to after the season. I played 18 games and it was fine. I’ve proven that I can play football and that I’m going to be healthy.”

 

Despite strong initial interest from the Seahawks and the Broncos, Edwards didn't garner offers.

 

His health was the primary issue.

 

“I didn’t want to have surgery again,” Edwards said. “I definitely lost a lot of money because people were worried about my neck. I went into free agency expecting to be one of the top free agents, but it didn’t work out that way. Honestly, it was disappointing. This has been very rough on me.”

 

Edwards emphasized that he has been cleared to play medically, but acknowledged that different doctors will often have differing opinions.

 

The Bills’ spine specialist is regarded as an expert in his field, especially considering his work with former Buffalo tight end Kevin Everett who was nearly paralyzed during a collision on the field and has regained his ability to walk.

[cravnravn]

Why in the world would the Ravens want him to have another surgery?? Something is fishy there

[ForceEight]

Tyler Brayton was just resigned by the Panthers, Cleet.

[thundercleetz]

We will be fine, Kelly Talavou (25-years old, 6'2" 350 pounds), Brandon McKinney (26-years old, 6'2" 360 pounds), and Lamar Divens (24-years old, 6'3" 338 pounds) are all big, young guys who have potential. I am sure one of these guys will step up. These guys have been in the league for a couple of years, and there will be competition in training camp, hopefully someone will step up to the challenge. Then we have Trevor Pryce-style ends in Paul Kruger (24-years old, 6'4" 260 pounds) and William VanDeSteeg (24-years old, 6'4" 256 pounds) who will be second-year players. VanDeSteeg was very impressive in training camp last season, keep an eye on him, whether he is an OLB or has gained some weight to play 3-4 end. And to top all of that off, we will sure get some help in the draft.

[colincac]

Definitely a position that now needs to be addressed, somehow, before the season begins. We can not afford to go in to the season with that little experience in our DLine.

[thundercleetz]

Remember, going into this past season Edwards was seen as a bust and a non-factor. He was a big surprise for us, just like Gregg and Bannan have been. I am sure one of Divens, McKinney, or Talavou will step up. And if not, Ozzie will definitely have drafted another big body to add to the competition.

[BMoreHon]

Remember, going into this past season Edwards was seen as a bust and a non-factor. He was a big surprise for us, just like Gregg and Bannan have been. I am sure one of Divens, McKinney, or Talavou will step up. And if not, Ozzie will definitely have drafted another big body to add to the competition.

 

agreed! looking back when we picked up Bannan as a FA from Buffalo, we all said "who is this guy???" I think the FO has the same idea in place......if not, we draft wonderfully at defense or even UDFA.

[cravnravn]

Look at the pay day we allowed Bannon to get..He was NOTHING with Buffalo, he fit our system perfectly.