We don't need an ILB & could Baker be our RDE?

[bronx_2003]

I don't see the need for an ILB, even after David was released. I am espeically against blowing our #11 on McClain although thankfully, that is very unlikely to happen IMO.

To play the TED next to DJ we have 2 options - Haggan or Larsen. Recently McD indicated that Larsen will be moving to ILB full-time and that he will battle it out in TC with Haggan to start.

Alot of ppl here have mentioned that they would like David Hawthorne from Seattle to play the thumper role at TED but Larsen is plenty big enough as well -

Spencer Larsen - 6-2, 240
David Hawthorne - 6-0, 240

Hawthorne did play well last year but I think Larsen could be a good starter as well if given the chance. He played very well against the Falcons a few years back when they struggled to run on us and he is a very good ST's player.

So with ILB being DJ and either Haggan / Larsen at TED the only need at LB I see, possibly, is someone who plays ILB/OLB as back-up in round 6 or 7.

Now, moving onto Chris Baker..........................

The obvious problem is that we do not know how highly the staff think of him. I still think the fact he was never put onto the PS means that we didn't want to risk losing him.

Our depth chart is...........

LDE - BANNAN
NT - WILLIAMS, FIELDS
RDE - ??????????

With Jarvis Green a 3rd down pass rusher at either DE or NT

I really don't mind if Odrick is selected but the question is, could Baker play RDE?????

I found this scouting report on him from last year befoe the draft -

'Baker played at both nose tackle and end in the Pirates’ 3-4 defense last season. He has good quickness off the snap, gets leverage and pushes his man into the backfield, and has good moves to shed blockers. '

[ERoyal248]

Good post, i agree, i dont think ILB is a huge need, especially for a 3-4 defense. I'm not sure Haggan or Larsen are longterm solutions though. I really like Baker, i love his potential, im anxious to see what the coaching staff thinks of him. Whether we can use him like Ngata, or is he the future NT?? It wouldnt surprise me one bit if was our RDE.

[conannilsen]

Do not sell Ryan McBean short, he was solid last year and should project to start again.

[Hoserman117]

I don't think we need an ILB, but you can't just compare size and assume Larsen is okay for the job. I know a 6'0 240 pound guy in my apartment complex but he'd make a terrible linebacker.

[bronx_2003]

I don't think we need an ILB, but you can't just compare size and assume Larsen is okay for the job. I know a 6'0 240 pound guy in my apartment complex but he'd make a terrible linebacker.

Well, obviously......

but Larsen being big enough for the TED role was only part of my argument for him being able to play it.

It was there for some ppl I have heard say Larsen is not big enough for ILB

[housemouse]

Well he could play end on running downs...but otherwise he wouldn't be too effective.

I agree with you on ILB, however I think if Spikes is there at our #2, we have to take him.

[jojo187]

ILB is a need, but you can get a quality ILB late in the draft, and we already have WW for third down so a big thumper like spikes makes a lot of sense, even if he is a two down guy.

I honestly think they should go Dline, safety, or trade for more picks. The broncos could fill most of their needs pretty well in the second round IMO

Needs being (not counting a HoF QB)
1. OG, need a bulldozer here
2. ILB, need a run stuffer
3. Safety, there is a good amount of safety talent in this draft
4. Dline, need to get younger and SO much talent this year.

[Papa-pwn]

What are you talking about.

McDaniels never said anything close to Larsen moving to full tim ILB, let alone competing for the starting spot.

Larsen will be our starting FB however, and Haggan or a draft pick will be the starting ILB.

Also, no chance does Baker start on our DL over McBean. 0%

[Hoserman117]

What are you talking about.

McDaniels never said anything close to Larsen moving to full tim ILB, let alone competing for the starting spot.

Larsen will be our starting FB however, and Haggan or a draft pick will be the starting ILB.

Also, no chance does Baker start on our DL over McBean. 0%

I wouldn't say there's 0% chance. There's no denying that Baker has potential. I think it's unlikely, but he has a chance.

[-Rod-]

I hope Spencer Larsen moves to ILB because I think he is a poor option at FB. We should look for a 260-pound brick wall that can lead block but also run and catch some passes.

[Hoserman117]

I hope Spencer Larsen moves to ILB because I think he is a poor option at FB. We should look for a 260-pound brick wall that can lead block but also run and catch some passes.

Yeah I agree. I just want a giant bruiser who lines up and clubs you in the face and finishes the season with like 2 carries for 3 yards and 2 TD's or something.

[johnlimburg]

Well he could play end on running downs...but otherwise he wouldn't be too effective.

I agree with you on ILB, however I think if Spikes is there at our #2, we have to take him.

yes!!!!

pick spikes/pick spikes/pick spikes

[Papa-pwn]

ILB is a need, but you can get a quality ILB late in the draft, and we already have WW for third down so a big thumper like spikes makes a lot of sense, even if he is a two down guy.

I honestly think they should go Dline, safety, or trade for more picks. The broncos could fill most of their needs pretty well in the second round IMO

Needs being (not counting a HoF QB)
1. OG, need a bulldozer here
2. ILB, need a run stuffer
3. Safety, there is a good amount of safety talent in this draft
4. Dline, need to get younger and SO much talent this year.

No way is safety our 3rd biggest need.

We have 3 starting calibur safteys in dawkins, mcbath, and hill

And we have 2 backups who could start in a pinch in Barrett and Bruton.

3 of those 5 are under 25.

Maybe a late round safety would be fine, but its definitely not a pressing need

[crash123go]

What are you talking about.

McDaniels never said anything close to Larsen moving to full tim ILB, let alone competing for the starting spot.

Larsen will be our starting FB however, and Haggan or a draft pick will be the starting ILB.

Also, no chance does Baker start on our DL over McBean. 0%

larsen wont be our starting FB cause that will leave only 3 ILB I expect mcdaneils to use a later pick on a true FB, lets look at what mcdaniels has done he drafts a RB in the first round last year then takes the best run blocking TE las year in the 2nd round, I expect him to take lupati in the first round this year cause that is our most glaring hole and lupati is the most athletic gaurd in the draft. MCDANIESL WANTS TO RUN THE BALL and one of the best wasy to really run the ball is get a road plow of a FB run blocking. look at some of the best run teams in the league the vikings, the jets, the ravens, the panthers all these teams have a FB that does one thing and thats clear the road. I want this kid john "the terminator" connor from north carolina he is the only true FB in this draft and I think we should jump on him in the 5th round

[crash123go]

I wouldn't say there's 0% chance. There's no denying that Baker has potential. I think it's unlikely, but he has a chance.

I bet he has a better chance then most people think cause he was a projected 2nd round pick and because of the fight he was in he went undrafted, he is bigger, stronger and FASTER then mcbean I for one wouldnt be surprised if he beat mcbean out for the starting job at DE. plus the most important part of this is mcdaniels preaches getting bigger up front
1st he brings in a 315 lbs DE
2nd he brings in a 350 lbs NT
3rd he cuts a 245 lbs ILB so a 265 LBS LB can start in haggan

it would only make since to start a kid who played both DE and NT in college and pair him with williams and bannan