Oh you’re hitting my sweet spot and what a perfect way to kick off some Q&A on this Friday.
Let’s assume Talib is back because I really think that’s a big key. If you want to beat Denver next season, you’re going to need a top corner like Talib. Between him/Dennard/Ryan/Arrington, I really like the group. Add another rookie for depth and we’re good.
In the 4-3, I’m moving Hightower to middle linebacker to replace Spikes. He has a little better range to cover the flat to to stay with tight ends going down the seam. Mayo remains at WLB and Collins goes to SLB full time where he can be used to blitz and cover.
On the defensive line I’m sticking with Jones and Ninkovich as our starters but I want a third defensive end who is almost as good as the starters. Ideally this third DE brings a little more pass rush to the party and also serves as the designated pass rusher.
Maybe Buchanan develops into that role, but I want a veteran FA as well. Someone in the Mark Anderson circa 2011 mold. If Julius Peppers gets cut I’d definitely explore that.
On the interior, I’m hoping Wilfork and Kelly are back. I like that combo. If they’re not I’m looking at a vet FA like Arthur Jones and/or Henry Melton. I like Chris Jones, and with Armond Armstead, they give us some better interior pass rush options for the rotation. Siliga is also a key piece either backing up Wilfork and spelling him frequently. We can’t go back to running Wilfork into the ground and there’s a very good chance he can’t play 80% of the snaps.
At safety McCourty is a lock and I like Harmon as well. I’d potentially look at replacing Gregory with a slightly bigger and more physical strong safety for the robber role. Someone who can play in the box and be a little more of an intimidator.
As for the 3-4 it’s a little tougher to put together. You could Kelly/Arthur Jones – Wlfork/Siliga – Chandler Jones up front with Chandler being a little more of a mobile pass rusher than a traditional RDE in the Seymour mold. Armstead/Chris Jones aren’t really fits for the 34 DL.
But clearly they’ll need another DE if they really have plans to run the 3-4.
At LB, I’d go Ninkovich at SOLB, Hightower at Mike, Mayo at Will and Collins at WOLB. Ninkovich and Collins could flip as well depending on the game plan.