Do Starting DT's really matter?

by NachoD on Apr 19, 2010 3:23 AM CDT

Casey Hampton, Chartric Darby, Rocky Bernard, Anthony McFarland, Raheem Brock, Tank Johnson, Ian Scott, Barry Cofield, Fred Robbins, Vince Wilfork, Bryan Robinson, Darnell Dockett, Sedrick Ellis, Daniel Muir and Antonio Johnson.

What is this list of names and what do they have in common? These are all the starting defensive tackles from the winning AND losing teams from the last five Super Bowls. You might ask yourself: Where are B.J. Raji, Glenn Dorsey, Adam Carriker, Broderick Bunkley, Amobi Akoye, Justin Harrell, Haloti Ngata, John McCargo, Travis Johnson, Tommie Harris and Marcus Tubbs? Good question.

I remember when these guys all came out, they were high on everyones draftboards. We are fully aware of how we whiffed on Damione Lewis, Jimmy Kennedy and Ryan Pickett. On ESPN the other day Mark Schlereth made some comments of how it is difficult for defensive tackles to go from throwing people around like rag dolls in college and then just kind of blending in with the pro's because the opposing offensive line is bigger, stronger and faster than what they faced in their college conference. It really makes me wonder if Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy are going to be the exceptions to the rule and be able to dominate like Warren Sapp, Casey Hampton and Vince Wilfork or if someone is going to be disappointed 3-5 years from now knowing that this was supposed to be a very deep draft and their pick busted.

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Well Ngata and Harris are studs.

Carriker and Dorsey are out of position. Raji has only had a year.

I actually don’t understand the question though? You’re asking if a position on a football team matters?

"I was just letting the shots fly. You know, I don't leave any bullets in the chamber."

"Everything negative- pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise."

-Kobe Bryant

A mantra for all athletes.

by TrojanRam on Apr 19, 2010 7:00 AM CDT reply actions

It seems to me his is saying

that being one of the top DTs in the draft doesn’t guarantee success in the NFL. Suh has been able to pretty much manhandle any offensive lineman he played against in college. Will he be able to do so in the pros? And will that be enough to help his team reach the playoffs?

I think Suh is going to succeed in the NFL, but it is a fair question.

by andyrose on Apr 19, 2010 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Look at the time I posted...

I was tired…this is what I meant to say: Is using a first round pick on a DT really the best thing to do? There are a few no names on that list that got drafted later on in the draft or picked up as a free agent.

by NachoD on Apr 19, 2010 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Anyone who starts every play that close to the football is important

This year is more about the obvious domination of one guy than the position he plays.. We all know the DT isn’t the star player. There are a lot of solid reasons to take Suh first. That being said there are a lot of reasons to take Bradford first. One I hope that is NOT considered is the ‘Face of the Franchise’ need some seem to think is important. I understand the need to sell tickets but it is a very subordinate need

by dbcouver on Apr 19, 2010 12:28 PM CDT reply actions