mike — at this point, are we relying on internal development and a potential low-cost vet at DE behind nink + chandler? it’s worked in the past w/ carter/anderson in 2011, but (despite the different position and cheaper rate) i can’t help but get a shaun ellis vibe from will smith and some of the other remaining options on the table.

Yeah I agree on the Shaun Ellis vibe, and that’s at best.

I think it definitely puts a bigger focus on Michael Buchanan’s development, at least at this point. They could draft a defensive end near the top of the draft and he’d immediately be at least equal to Buchanan on the depth chart as the designated pass rusher.

They definitely could use a 3-4 style defensive end, i.e. a 6’5”, 310ish big body to round out the DL rotation, but I don’t think that is vital.

Who knows, maybe things suddenly click for Jake Bequette though I’m certainly not counting on it and am probably the only person who would even mention that as a possibility. But stranger things have happened and he did show some pop in the last year’s preseason finale.

As has been my mantra this offseason, if they’re not helping the pass defense, they’re not helping, so give me at least a couple more speed, pass rush guys and I think they’ll be okay. 

And if it ends up being Will Smith and Michael Buchanan just hold your breath that Nink and Chandler don’t get hurt.