The ILBs

[Alo]

Let's see how D'Qwell plays in what should be an improved defense. To this point, he's been an above average starter for us...but if that's all he is this year, we may go for an upgrade in next year's draft.

Keep an eye on Alabama's Dont'a Hightower. He could end up being better than Ro McClain; he actually reminds me a lot of David Harris.

[mz.]

I like DQ just fine for what he is, but he and Willis shouldn't be mentioned in the same thread, let alone the same breath.

[Flugel]

Originally Posted by Shep

Tom, I'm really gonna need you to get more positive about my boy DQJ. You're bumming me out. He's a keeper.

I really wanna see a starting lineup of Coleman, Rubin, and Rogers on the line... Roth, Jackson, Fujita, and Gocong at LB (with Bowens used liberally)... and Haden, Wright, Brown, and Ward at safety. Lots of youth to cure and season for 2011.

Contrary to what many have misperceived, I really want Haden to be great and very soon.

I know Shep - I should be more optimistic about him than I'm showing here. I really should. I just had turbo-high expectations for him that almost weren't fair because I was so jacked up about us drafting him. That's prolly what got me so critical of him. I KNOW he's fast - I just hope he's a little more instinctive so he can be quick too. If anyone can do it - he's got the work ethic to make it happen. Preparation for tendencies can improve that too so I'll put some rose colored glasses on and give him another year before I make any final conclusions too soon. Isn't that what I'm always asking everyone else to do on behalf of our younger players?

I like your list of starters - and I'm glad you include Bowens rotating in with that mix. I think we're going to continue to see Marcus Benard this year as well. We're pretty freakin deep all of a sudden at LBer and that's a good thing. I say that anticipating our younger guys improving. Even our backup dline of Robaire, Schaefering and Mosely/Geathers doesn't sound too bad either. When we upgrade the quality of fresh legs and engines relieving the starters - that's when we're ready to compete beyond the regular season.
- Tom F.