Brian Billick - Top free agents: Defensive linemen

[atljbo]

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Top free agents: Defensive linemen

1. Ray Edwards: DE, Minnesota

Playing opposite Jared Allen has helped him statistically, but he has the skills to be a premier pass rusher in this league. Depending on free-agency structure under the new CBA, Edwards could be the most coveted pass rusher.

Potential landing spots: Atlanta, Baltimore, Cleveland

Even with Cleveland using its first two picks in the NFL Draft on defensive tackle Phil Taylor and defensive end Jabaal Sheard, Edwards would still make a solid addition to **** Jauron’s 4-3 defense. Unfortunately for Cleveland, Atlanta provides Edwards a much more attractive situation. He would have the opportunity to rush opposite proven veteran John Abraham, and could immediately contend for a Super Bowl.

2. Charles Johnson: DE, Carolina

Johnson had a breakout season in 2010, accounting for 61 tackles and 10 sacks, while helping to ease the loss of Julius Peppers.

Potential landing spots: Carolina, Denver

John Fox would love to bring Johnson with him to Denver, but considering the addition of Von Miller (No. 2 overall draft pick) and the return of Elvis Dumervil from injured reserve, the Broncos are better off addressing the interior defensive line rather than adding another outside rusher. It’s just as well too, because Carolina would be foolish to lose this this future star to free agency. Look for Johnson to re-sign with the Panthers once the lockout is lifted.

3. Cliff Avril: DE, Detroit

In his third professional season, Avril had 8.5 sacks, up from 5.5 and 5 in his first two seasons. I like the continuous improvement and consistency he shows in his game.

Potential landing spot: Detroit

Detroit is building what could easily be the most feared defensive line in football, and Avril is a key ingredient. With Avril opposite Kyle Vanden Bosch and the addition of Nick Fairley (13th overall selection in the draft) playing alongside Ndamukong Suh up the middle, this defensive line has limitless potential.

4. Tommie Harris: DT, Chicago

Harris’ disappointing 2010 eventually led to his release from the Bears, but I believe he still has three-plus years of impact football left in him. Being available to test the free-agent market may just give him the motivational spark he needs to rejuvenate his career.

Potential landing spots: Carolina, Chicago, New Orleans

Carolina used two third-round draft picks on interior defensive lineman in Terrell McClain and Sione Fua, but they could use the presence of a proven veteran. I wouldn’t overlook the possibility of Chicago trying to re-sign Harris at a reduced contract, but I think New Orleans is the best fit for the aging veteran. The Saints needed to improve their ability to pressure the quarterback, and they did so by selecting defensive end Cameron Jordan with the 24th overall pick. The addition of Harris would allow them to apply pressure up the middle in the pass-heavy NFC South.

5. Cullen Jenkins: DE, Green Bay

Despite only playing in 11 regular-season games, Jenkins recorded a career-high seven sacks last season. Jenkins is the best available 5-technique this offseason, and that will draw a lot of attention from 3-4 schemed teams.

Potential landing spots: Chicago, Green Bay, Washington

Green Bay would love to re-sign Jenkins, but he may demand nearly $20M in guaranteed money once he hits the open market. If the Packers are unwilling to fork over that kind of money, I look for Washington to do just that. Even though the Redskins utilized their first two draft picks in defensive end/outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan and defensive end Jarvis Jenkins, they could still find room for Cullen. Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo can apply outside pressure with Cullen Jenkins manning his familiar 5-technique position.

6. Jason Babin: DE, Tennessee

Coming off his most productive season as a professional with 12.5 sacks last year, — compared to only 17.5 in his previous seven seasons — Babin’s value is higher than ever.

Potential landing spot: Tennessee

With Babin having already played for the Texans, Seahawks, Chiefs, and Eagles over his NFL career, I see no reason to think he'll go anyplace other than his current home in Tennessee. He found a scheme that he can thrive in, and he should value the Titans just as much as they should value him.

7. Mathias Kiwanuka: DE, New York Giants

Kiwanuka has the versatility to play either defensive end or outside linebacker. During his five-year career, he has averaged five sacks per season, but he will need to prove he's healthy after sustaining a neck injury last season.

Potential landing spots: Miami, New York Giants

Miami typically addresses the defensive front seven in the draft, but this year the Dolphins selected offensive players with their first four picks and didn’t select a defender until the seventh round. Adding a consistent pass-rush threat opposite Cameron Wake makes a lot of sense for this improving defense under second-year coordinator Mike Nolan. Under the current rules of free agency, New York has placed a second-round tender on Kiwanuka and therefore obviously value his services. With an already crowded unit, and the drafting of yet another defensive lineman in Marvin Austin, they may be willing to part ways.

8. Jamal Williams: DT, Denver

During the 2009 season, the Chargers felt the pain of losing Jamal Williams to injured reserve after just one game. By losing his presence in the middle, the Chargers fell from being the 11th best rushing defense in 2008 to the 20th in 2009. Denver was hoping for the 2008 version of Williams, but inevitably cut him after their defense ranked last in the league in both total yards and total scoring, and also gave up the second-most rushing yards per game. Now a full year removed from his injury, I believe Williams is out to prove he can still be a dominating defender in this league.

Potential landing spots: Denver, San Diego

I believe that Denver has every intention of re-signing Williams at a reduced contract, but there is a chance his old team will intrigue him. Denver is in full rebuilding mode, and that may be a deterrent to this aging veteran, but San Diego’s defense returned to form last season and has bigger needs at the skill positions. Denver remains the best option for Williams, as they rebuild the front seven with the return of Dumervil and addition of Miller.

9. Brandon Mebane: DT, Seattle

Mebane isn’t a flashy player that dominates offensive lineman and makes eyebrow-raising tackles in the backfield, but he is a gap-fitting defender who performs his role within the scheme of the defense.

Potential landing spots: Chicago, Seattle

For reasons previously discussed, the loss of Tommie Harris and potential interest in Cullen Jenkins could make Mebane a good fit along Chicago’s defensive line, but Seattle may not be willing to part ways with him. When Seattle placed only a third-round tender on Mebane, many analysts and Mebane included, thought he was no longer in their plans for the 2011 season, but the Seahawks draft-day activity suggested otherwise. Seattle waited until the seventh round to draft a defensive lineman and that tells me they are planning on re-signing Mebane.

10. Shaun Ellis: DE, New York Jets

Ellis had his best seasons in 2003 and 2004, and has since seen a steady decline in production. He's coming off a 36-tackle, 4.5-sack 2010 campaign in which he battled a nagging knee injury throughout.

Potential landing spots: New York Jets

I only list the Jets, not because other teams won’t value Ellis, but because I find it hard to believe that he would actually leave the defensive-minded Rex Ryan. With the vocal leader of the Jet defense, Bart Scott, publicly wishing for Ellis’ return, I put him back in green and white for the 2011 season.

[kane#7]

Man TBH I am sick of talking about this subject I just want them to resolve the CBA so we can finally know our roster for next season...

Thanks for posting it though.

[Dem Birds]

Kind of uneducated of Billick to not list another potential team for Johnson. I know Carolina is gonna go hard at keeping Johnson but he's said he wants to win and it might be a few seasons before Carolina is really a contender. Other teams that might be interested should at least be listed. (i.e. Atlanta.)

[Karst41]

Kind of uneducated of Billick to not list another potential team for Johnson. I know Carolina is gonna go hard at keeping Johnson but he's said he wants to win and it might be a few seasons before Carolina is really a contender. Other teams that might be interested should at least be listed. (i.e. Atlanta.)

Its a Smoke screen for Mike Smith.

[atljbo]

Kind of uneducated of Billick to not list another potential team for Johnson. I know Carolina is gonna go hard at keeping Johnson but he's said he wants to win and it might be a few seasons before Carolina is really a contender. Other teams that might be interested should at least be listed. (i.e. Atlanta.)

Its been said the Panthers are willing to pay whatever it takes to get Johnson... Most dont see him leaving Carolina because they could give him 10+ mil a year.

I want Johnson to be a Falcon but i know TD wont over pay for him (after just one great season) ... We have to many potential FA's

Man TBH I am sick of talking about this subject I just want them to resolve the CBA so we can finally know our roster for next season...

Thanks for posting it though.

Trust me i understand... Until this dumb lockout end... We have to talk about something tho

[atljbo]

Sidenote: Coach Hamilton

"They are more specialized now," says Atlanta Falcons defensive line coach Ray "Sugar Bear" Hamilton, a dominating defensive tackle who started out playing end during his nine-year career with the New England Patriots (1973-81). "You do not have as many guys who can do it all. You have pass-rush specialists and run stoppers."

[Tribal Chief]

We wont be going big at DE like everyone thinks. I see the board has slowly started realizing that.

[Butudontseeme™]

Someone on that list will land somewhere totally unexpected. Cj could wind up in freaking detroit or Cleveland for all we know. Imagine him lining up with suh. What a nightmare!

[bigdogg]

Go get either Charles Johnson or Ray Edwards and I wll be happy about our roster, throw in a good nickel back and Zach Miller and I will be very, very happy about our roster.

[Falcon Fantom]

Detroit is gonna have a monster line! Sucks!! The sorry teams get the best draft picks. SMH

[sdogg]

Go get either Charles Johnson or Ray Edwards and I wll be happy about our roster, throw in a good nickel back and Zach Miller and I will be very, very happy about our roster.

Thats my dream.

[Mr. Right]

Didn't know Cliff Avril was a FA. Bring him home TD.

[Atlfanstckndenver]

unfortunately i find it plausible for Charles to simply use us to drive up his $ with the panthers. I definitely prefer him but i dont think that ray is as bad a second option as some here seem to think. I think odds are 70/30 in favor of RAY becoming a falcon.

[atljbo]

We wont be going big at DE like everyone thinks. I see the board has slowly started realizing that.

Thats a big time possibility... I dont care how we do it.. I just want a consistent pass rush.

If we can bring in a Andre Carter (short term answer) while giving Kroy and Sid some snaps and it makes our pass rush better... I'm cool with that as long as we improve

[Atlfanstckndenver]

We wont be going big at DE like everyone thinks. I see the board has slowly started realizing that.

either way its speculation...at least there has actually been real indications that we WILL do something in FA.

[Tribal Chief]

Thats a big time possibility... I dont care how we do it.. I just want a consistent pass rush.

If we can bring in a Andre Carter (short term answer) while giving Kroy and Sid some snaps and it makes our pass rush better... I'm cool with that as long as we improve

As long as we don't over spend on 1 of 2 guys I'm good. I have been against it from day 1 and will continue to be against it. We aren't as desperate as everyone seems to think. There are 4 people on our line that deserve a share of the blame, not just Kroy.

[Herr Doktor]

Detroit is gonna have a monster line! Sucks!! The sorry teams get the best draft picks. SMH

And pay for it!!

[TeamPlayer1]

atljbo,

As always thank you for the straight up post. No bs, no tilt one way or the other.

Yeah, I know it was a link but good choice.

Edited July 15, 2011 by TeamPlayer1

[The Dirty Bird]

Didn't know Cliff Avril was a FA. Bring him home TD.

I love Avril and am proud to say I took him in the IMD years ago .

However I know Avril's game very well and I think his best spot in the NFL is as a 3-4 OLB. Avril was a linebacker and defensive end at Purdue, and he is tremendously athletic and can run. He had to transition to becoming a 4-3 DE, but he could be a serious force in a 3-4 -- kind of like how Dumervil was good in a 4-3 and studly in the 3-4.

I'm almost certain the Patriots stockpiled draft picks for this past draft so they could sign a studly RFA, give up some extra draft picks, and have immediately help for a Super Bowl contender. There was no free agency for this past draft so in order to hold onto these chips they basically pushed them forward into 2012 draft picks. Once the lockout is lifted the Patriots will be able to sign whoever they want because of their abundance of picks, and if all free agents end up being unrestricted the Pats could have an unbelievable offseason if they brought in Cliff Avril and a WR (Vincent Jackson or Sidney Rice). Don't forget they have future 1st round trade chip Ryan Mallett in the fold as well.

________________

As for the Falcons, I'd rank need #1 as DE and we need to get Charles Johnson (1A) or Ray Edwards (1B).

If it weren't for the darn Redskins who are about to drive up the price on Cullen Jenkins I would make him our #2 FA signing and then our defense may actually become elite like KC Joyner is predicting. Jenkins is 6'2, 310 lbs and is the DT our D-line needs to become the best in the NFL. Babineaux is as dynamic as DTs get when rushing the passer but we still lack a run-stopping DT who can free up our LBs a little more -- enter Jenkins who is far more than just a great run-stopper, he is also a terrific pass rusher who had 7 sacks last season as a 3-4 DE (very impressive) and helped the Packers win a championship. If we could steal a DE from a division rival (Charles Johnson) and a DT from championship team that steamrolled us in the playoffs (Cullen Jenkins), all for the price of one CB (Nnamdi), that is my dream scenario.

People say Zach Miller but he isn't leaving Oakland, and Johnson and Jenkins have a chance of leaving their team. With Jenkins basically set to go to Washington for a huge deal however I'd be ecstatic with one of the top 2 DEs and SLB Manny Lawson in addition to keeping Clabo and Blalock. I really like Lawson as a fast SLB who is exceptional in coverage but is a good pass rusher as well. Him with Weatherspoon and Lofton and Dent as the 4th situational LB would be great.

[Jimsmusic™]

We wont be going big at DE like everyone thinks. I see the board has slowly started realizing that.

which is fing stupid by TD

[k-train]

Its been said the Panthers are willing to pay whatever it takes to get Johnson... Most dont see him leaving Carolina because they could give him 10+ mil a year.

I want Johnson to be a Falcon but i know TD wont over pay for him (after just one great season) ... We have to many potential FA's

With the rookie pay scale in place, we should save a ton per year on Julio. Maybe the money the would've spent on Julio can be spent to even out paying a lot for Johnson. Keep in mind, TD paid Turner a boatload as a pretty much unproven back & paid Robinson a ton after having arguably only one real standout season. TD will in fact pay big if he (and/or Blank and Smitty) feel like Johnson is THE guy.

The way I see it, IF the Falcons f.o. thinks he's their guy, they will be willing to pay whatever it takes because they know he may be the one piece they need to win it all.

Now, if the money's even remotely close & it comes down to playing for a totally unproven, rebuilding team or playing right down the road from where you went to school for a SB contender, who would you choose?

If TD and co. want him, they should be worried about other good teams trying to get him first, much more than they should be worried about Carolina resigning him.

[84White32Quizz]

Sidenote: Coach Hamilton

That quote right there makes me believe we will go after Ray if we do look for a DE in FA.

Abe and Sid at RDE and Ray and Kroy at LDE.

[Knight of God]

I can't wait until this over and done just to be able to focus on a full roster and instead of possibilities.

[Mid-Nite-Toker]

So from this article its RE or bust? The selections seem slim and RE will be in the driver's seat(contract) if he's the only realistic option for us.

I'm regrettably becoming more of a fan of letting KB play the position full-time(no SPT)and hoping for the best. We don't have a lot of quality at DE other than Abe but we do have depth.