Scouts Eye: NFC South

[vafalconfan]

Scouts Eye: NFC South By Matt Williamson

Scouts Inc.

Each Monday, Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. breaks down a key position group in a division. He last reviewed AFC North running backs. Today, he reviews and ranks the NFC South defensive lines from best to worst.

1. New Orleans Saints

The Saints are much better off on the defensive line now than when the season ended. There is a lot more position versatility here with the addition of Shaun Rogers and first-round pick Cameron Jordan. Both players could excel in an even or odd front, and creative defensive coordinator Gregg Williams now has a lot more options at his disposal.

I expect both Rogers and Jordan to make huge impacts on every down. Jordan never should have fallen as far in the draft as he did. He should be a big strong-side end to complement Will Smith and then kick inside on passing downs. He also could play the five-technique when Williams decides to show that look and Smith kicks out to more of a 3-4 outside linebacker role.

Rogers can play end or the nose in an odd front and also is a very underrated but exceptional interior pass-rusher. Keeping Rogers fresh will be of paramount importance, but he can be as disruptive as any defensive tackle in football. I loved this signing.

Sedrick Ellis stepped up his game last season and did record six sacks. But he is not yet a dominant player in either phase of the defensive tackle position. Having Rogers alongside Ellis could help a great deal. Remi Ayodele is also still in the mix, but is an early-down run plugger.

At end along with Smith and Jordan, Alex Brown plays the run well and has a good understanding of leverage and blocking schemes, but his quick-twitch abilities have suffered over the years. He is no longer a suitable outside pass-rusher on throwing downs. Brown is now a rotational role player.

Jimmy Wilkerson and Anthony Hargrove are up for free agency. Wilkerson should not be a priority, but Hargrove is a big-bodied end who can also play tackle in a pinch. However, Hargrove's pass-rush prowess is less than exciting. Jeff Charleston has some similarities to Hargrove, and although he won't see a lot of snaps ideally, he is serviceable. One player to take note of is seventh-round selection Greg Romeus. This could be a redshirt year for Romeus, but many considered him to be a high draft pick before his injury issues. If he's fully recovered, Romeus has starting potential -- perhaps just not this season.

The Saints' run defense certainly wasn't great, but their pass-rush was the bigger problem in 2010. Although this line looks to be improved, adding a designated edge pass-rusher type in free agency could really put it over the top. Or, third-round pick Martez Wilson could potentially fill that designated speed rusher position on passing downs.

2. Atlanta Falcons

This group is better than it often gets credit for. Even better, Atlanta doesn't have any prominent members of the defensive line up for free agency.

John Abraham had a strong 2010 season and shows no signs of slowing down.

Although he isn't a young player, John Abraham still had a tremendous 2010 season, and his ability to get after the quarterback should not be in question. He has shown no lapse in his play with age whatsoever.

Kroy Biermann starts opposite Abraham but also gives way some to Jamaal Anderson. Although Anderson is a terrific run-stopping force, Biermann is a much better pass-rusher than his sack numbers would indicate. Another young end who could factor in is Lawrence Sidbury. The same could be said for Chauncey Davis. Seventh-rounder Cliff Matthews probably won't see a lot of playing time and seems like a good candidate for Atlanta's practice squad. Many considered defensive end as the Falcons' top need heading into the draft. They apparently disagreed. I think this unit is good enough to win with considering the depth.

Jonathan Babineaux is one of the best defensive tackles in football but rarely gets the credit he deserves. He makes a lot of plays in the backfield versus the run, but he isn't huge and can struggle snap after snap at the point of attack. But Babineaux is simply a great interior pass-rusher.

The Falcons need another defensive tackle to step up next to Babineaux. Corey Peters did some good things in his rookie season, but overall he could not be considered a success yet. Improvement should come in year two for Peters. The Falcons do need much more from former first-round selection Peria Jerry. Vance Walker has some ability but is tough to count on against the run.

Atlanta's run defense wasn't nearly good enough last season, as evidenced by the ugly statistic of 4.6 average yards allowed per rush. Although the Falcons lack a massive wide body in the middle of this defense, there is a lot of athletic ability up front and a decent rotation of players. But the production versus the run must improve.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers have made great efforts in the past two drafts to improve in this area, and that improvement is bound to become evident before long. But it is tough to get around the fact that only the Broncos recorded fewer sacks than Tampa Bay did last season. And only the Bills allowed a higher rushing yards-per-attempt average (4.7) than the Buccaneers.

The wild card for the Bucs now and in the future is Da'Quan Bowers, an immense talent but also a player who enters the league with durability concerns. If he can overcome those obstacles, Tampa Bay may have landed the steal of the draft. Bowers would be exactly what the doctor ordered. Even if the Bucs have to monitor his practice and playing time strictly, as long as limited snaps are very productive, they will have a much improved defense.

More pass-rush is obviously needed -- Stylez G. White led this team with a paltry 4.5 sacks in 2010, even though he missed the last month of the season with a biceps injury. Bowers is capable of being that pass-rushing force, but White isn't really lacking in this department. I see White as a No. 2 pass-rusher and not someone who can flourish when opposing protection schemes focus on him.

Like White, Kyle Moore missed time with an injury (shoulder). Moore now should be a solid depth player and his starting job should go to first-round pick Adrian Clayborn. Clayborn has very good size and physicality and will probably start on the right side. Both of Tampa Bay's top picks do have some medical risks.

Moore will never be an upper tier pass-rusher, so he needs to make his living against the run. Like many Bucs defensive linemen in 2010, Moore did not accomplish that goal. In fact, Tampa's defense was terrible versus the run in 2010.

The defensive line is built around Gerald McCoy. McCoy has already proved that he can get after the quarterback from his three-technique position. So far, he has lived up to his high draft slot, and I expect him to quickly establish himself as one of the best defensive tackles in the league.

Brian Price didn't get a chance to make a huge impact as a rookie because of a pelvis injury, but from what we have seen, he seems capable of starting at this level. Tampa Bay has used so many high picks on defensive linemen that Roy Miller can get overlooked. Miller needs to step up his all-around game, but he is powerful and should free up those around him. Miller or Price will start next to McCoy.

Defensive line depth was a real problem a year ago, but that looks to be corrected. Both the tackle and end positions should have a talented and deep -- albeit young -- rotation. This line has the potential to be among the best in the league as soon as this upcoming season, but I just can't put it over Atlanta and New Orleans right now because it is too unproven.

4. Carolina Panthers

The key here is the status of their best lineman, Charles Johnson, who is up for free agency. Depending on the labor agreement, Johnson could be a restricted free agent or unrestricted. The Panthers had better pray that he doesn't hit the open market unrestricted. Many teams will line up for his services. I was shocked that Carolina didn't franchise Johnson, who is 24, but instead the Panthers used it on their starting center, Ryan Kalil. Johnson had 11.5 sacks and established himself as one of the better 4-3 defensive ends in football. He has power, speed, agility and a repertoire of pass-rush moves. He also shows the ability to stand up offensive tackles in the run game.

Everette Brown is a former high draft pick who hasn't done enough to get excited about. This could be a make-or-break season for Brown -- and he would really suffer if Johnson left. Tyler Brayton makes a lot of money but produces little. He could be let go. Carolina needs more of an edge presence than Brayton can provide. Greg Hardy had an intriguing rookie season and could be primed for much more action, even if Brayton and Johnson remain with the team. Hardy has an all-around game, and his abilities are apparent. Keep an eye on him.

Entering the draft, it could be argued that the Panthers' need at defensive tackle was as great as it was at quarterback. Although Carolina did not have a second-round selection, it did act accordingly by selecting Terrell McClain and Sione Fua with its next two picks after Cam Newton's selection first overall. Still, it is hard to imagine that defensive tackle will be a team strength in 2011, unless Carolina can land a prominent free agent at the position. If that doesn't occur, expect the Panthers to use a rotation. Derek Landri saw plenty of snaps at defensive tackle but has not been a dynamic enough player. Nick Hayden and Ed Johnson are not much better -- if at all. These two need to step up their run defense. It must be noted, however, that Carolina was the only team in the division to hold opposing runners to under 4.0 yards per rushing attempt.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.

[#1 pick]

I hope all the Ray Edwards fans read this. Our linebacker core is our weak link. The secondary is really young and could use a playmaker.

[ironhead1970]

DT anyone?

[Pacific_Falcon]

Our linebacker core is our weak link.

A one-rimensional pass rush and giving up over 4 yards per run, but our LBers are the problem? GTFO.

Abraham and Babineaux are good, but thats only half of our DL. We cant be blaming our LBers when the other team's OL are getting to the second level as often as they are. Either Jerry needs to stay healthy and play up to his 1st rd pick potential, or Peters has to suddenly become a great space eater and/or disruption in the backfield before we point fingers at Lofton and Co.

[#1 pick]

A one-rimensional pass rush and giving up over 4 yards per run, but our LBers are the problem? GTFO.

Abraham and Babineaux are good, but thats only half of our DL. We cant be blaming our LBers when the other team's OL are getting to the second level as often as they are. Either Jerry needs to stay healthy and play up to his 1st rd pick potential, or Peters has to suddenly become a great space eater and/or disruption in the backfield before we point fingers at Lofton and Co.

A bunch of slow run stoppers and ST guys outside of Spoon isn't going to win you games in a division that has RB's and TE's like Shockey, Graham, Winslow, Bush, Stewart, etc. We need a LB much more than in a DE unless it's an impact player so GTFO with your nonsense. If you say Charles Johnson, that's fine. If you say sign Nnamdi Aso, that's fine but it's when you ask for rotational guys like Eric Wright and Ray Edwards that's my issue.

Biermann is severally underrated on this forum. 2nd DT is a big issue but the book is still out on Jerry. I have no issues with DE to be honest. I would love a playmaker like Johnson. I do have some issues with CBs but nothing major but if Nnamdi signs, that's excellent. We can look at our LB's core as a problem. Outside of Lofton, they aren't good. Spoon showed flashes and can potentially be a playmaker. Nicholas was meh. Peterson is done. The rest are ST guys.

Edited May 9, 2011 by #1 pick

[JOEinPHX]

I think it's fair to say that the linebackers were the primary goats of the run defense when you look at four plays that really skewed the statistics. The Falcons gave up four big runs on the season (80 Hightower AZ, 60 Lafell CAR, 50 Mendenhall PIT and 48 Stewart CAR). Missed tackles or out-of-position play by linebackers is usually the reason for runs like that, though I think poor scheming by VanGorder also contributed on two of those four plays.

Absent those four plays, the opponents rushing YPA drops from 4.6 to 4.0 and the teams rush defense ranking (based on opponents YPA) goes from 26th best to 11th best.

[Pacific_Falcon]

A bunch of slow run stoppers and ST guys outside of Spoon isn't going to win you games in a division that has RB's and TE's like Shockey, Graham, Winslow, Bush, Stewart, etc. We need a LB much more than in a DE unless it's an impact player so GTFO with your nonsense. If you say Charles Johnson, that's fine. If you say sign Nnamdi Aso, that's fine but it's when you ask for rotational guys like Eric Wright and Ray Edwards that's my issue.

Biermann is severally underrated on this forum. 2nd DT is a big issue but the book is still out on Jerry. I have no issues with DE to be honest. I would love a playmaker like Johnson. I do have some issues with CBs but nothing major but if Nnamdi signs, that's excellent. We can look at our LB's core as a problem. Outside of Lofton, they aren't good. Spoon showed flashes and can potentially be a playmaker. Nicholas was meh. Peterson is done. The rest are ST guys.

If we're giving up that many avg yards per run, then run stoppers are EXACTLY what we need. Nicholas isnt anything special, but he does his job servicably. Biermann being 'underrated' doesnt excuse the fact that his production is poor. Lousy against the run, and isnt getting to the QB fast enough. I agree jerry is still a ? which is why I said he has to make an impact this year. I dont see why we need another speedy coverage type OLB when we have Spoon. In obvioys pass situations we shoyld have a nickel (shudder) anyway.

Between the lack of DE production other than Abe and the problems in the run game, its just my position that an upgrade at DE is needed, even if its not a huge improvement. While I agree Edwards may be a benefactor of the rest of the Vikes' DL, i have to believe he will still be better than Biermann against the run and in getting sacks. My problem would be the price tag, but I suppose that is AB's problem, really. Overall im just saying i have no reason to believe kroy is any more of a legit starter at de than adkins, wire, or our new UGA rookie is at OLB. I think theyre all situational/rotation players when it all comes down to it. I like Kroy, dont get me wrong, and i think in a couple years he might be a legit starter. But he pretty much got the starting gig by default because our DE position is dreadful, and he's not at the level he needs to be for us to count on him as a solid starter.

[Durrty]

It all starts in the trenches...if our DL beats opposing OLs, we win, plain and simple. Our DL isn't horrible, but they need a serious boost in production. Hopefully our GM plans to do this whenever this lockout madness ends and FA can officially start.

[Captain Falcon]

I agree that our linebackers are the weak link, but that is only because we don't know how good Spoon is going to be. He still might become a monster beside Lofton. If that happens, our linebackers are instantly one of our teams best aspects.

[Sun Tzu 7]

Based on the logic used in this article we must have the best WR group in the division. They're counting on Jordan like he's a known commodity. DE is a position with as high a bust rate for 1st rounders as WR.

Also isn't Will Smith going to be suspended for 1/4 of the season for that starcap thing?

And does anyone know if the DT Rogers was at the workout that Brees put together where he invited the media and held a press conference?

Edited May 9, 2011 by Sun Tzu 7

[Pacific_Falcon]

Based on the logic used in this article we must have the best WR group in the division. They're counting on Jordan like he's a known commodity. DE is a position with as high a bust rate for 1st rounders as WR.

Also isn't Will Smith going to be suspended for 1/4 of the season for that starcap thing?

And does anyone know if the DT Rogers was at the workout that Brees put together where he invited the media and held a press conference?

All good points. I do think both TB and NO drafted to improve their DL, but draft picks are only potential help, nothing is concrete. Thats why guys like Brady become superstars out of the 6th rd and top 5 picks like Akili Smith vanish without a trace in no time at all. That said, I think both NO and TB will give us big problems this year defensively. Our OL is average in protection, and thats if we keep all our free agents. Its easy to look at our D after the GB debacle and focus on that, but I'm just as worried abput our OL. If Ryan doesnt get protection this year, that big move for JJ will amount to a pile of lizard crap.

[freebird310]

pretty generous of them to rate our D-line over Tampa .......

[Clark Kent™]

pretty generous of them to rate our D-line over Tampa .......

Um you must have missed the part where he said only the Broncos had fewer sacks than the Bucs and only the Bills had a higher rushing ypc than the Bucs. So i'm not seeing the generosity here.

[freebird310]

Um you must have missed the part where he said only the Broncos had fewer sacks than the Bucs and only the Bills had a higher rushing ypc than the Bucs. So i'm not seeing the generosity here.

I think that may change for them real real soon .....

[ru_serious]

A bunch of slow run stoppers and ST guys outside of Spoon isn't going to win you games in a division that has RB's and TE's like Shockey, Graham, Winslow, Bush, Stewart, etc. We need a LB much more than in a DE unless it's an impact player so GTFO with your nonsense. If you say Charles Johnson, that's fine. If you say sign Nnamdi Aso, that's fine but it's when you ask for rotational guys like Eric Wright and Ray Edwards that's my issue.

Biermann is severally underrated on this forum. 2nd DT is a big issue but the book is still out on Jerry. I have no issues with DE to be honest. I would love a playmaker like Johnson. I do have some issues with CBs but nothing major but if Nnamdi signs, that's excellent. We can look at our LB's core as a problem. Outside of Lofton, they aren't good. Spoon showed flashes and can potentially be a playmaker. Nicholas was meh. Peterson is done. The rest are ST guys.

It's hard to underrate a guy that only gets 3 sacks and gets mushed in the running game.

[Clark Kent™]

I think that may change for them real real soon .....

Yeah its possible with all the draft picks they have spent on Dlineman the last 2 years, but until we have seen any kind of progress out of the D line then its not generous to put us before them lol

[freebird310]

Yeah its possible with all the draft picks they have spent on Dlineman the last 2 years, but until we have seen any kind of progress out of the D line then its not generous to put us before them lol

Yea guess you are right ....I will neg my own post on that one, LOL .....

[chitowndirtybird]

I hope all the Ray Edwards fans read this. Our linebacker core is our weak link. The secondary is really young and could use a playmaker.

Give us a proper Nickel and the secondary is on the verge of being great.

[THE ICEMAN]

No Give me Ray Edwards and Cullen Jenkins I think the Defense would go from being Solid to very good and take a good player away from the Packers that wouldn't hurt either