No, I think Ninkovich is here to stay as a three-down DE and I’m happy with that. He’s so versatile and very good against the run. And really, pass rushing is probably the weakest link of his game, though I’d still put him as better-than-average.
For that third DE role I think you want a pass rush specialist or as it’s called a Designated Pass Rusher (DPR). If I ever got the chance to ask BB a question it would be about the evolution of this role. The nickel cornerback has essentially become a starter and I think DPR is right behind him in terms of necessity and value.
I really think they nailed it in 2011 with Andre Carter and Mark Anderson. Anderson was the perfect DPR, but when Carter when down Anderson’s snaps went up and he wasn’t quite as effective. Though I will say he had a very good playoffs and Super Bowl.
Ideally, I’d love to return to that model.
