FanPost

So many 3 techniques, so few places to put them

Arif's post got me thinking about what to do with the perceived quality at the 3 technique tackle position. We have Kevin Wiliams, who is good. We drafted Sharif Floyd and Dawkins. The team is very weak at nose tackle, and has 2 strong options as well as one potentially viable player as well.

Here are a few ideas:

As Arif suggests, install the wide 9, which employs wider splits to allow two tackles to play the 3 technique. I think this would only be a partial solution, as you couldn't run this against mobile QB's or strong up the middle running teams. It also might be a weird combination with press corners because the key strength of the wide 9 is the occasional "quick pressure" of the QB which isn't as necessary in press-man. But it isn't like the Vikes will only play press.

Trade or cut Kevin Williams, use the cap space and/or player to help at nose tackle. I'm not a fan of this approach but it should be considered. But I really don't know what is out there. Player for player veteran trades are pretty darn rare in this league and I don't know of any strong nose tackle FA's still out there.

Move Floyd to nose for his first season. His athleticism would create an improvement over Guion, but it would also stunt Floyd's development as a true 3 technique. Floyd also has isn't particularly stout against double teams.

Move Williams to nose. He won't be as dominant but I'm confident he could outperform Guion at that position given their similarities in physique and Williams' experience. Williams played a lot of end and nose tackle in his rookie season, though that was a long time ago...

Do nothing. Platoon your defensive players just like last year and sit on the depth. I don't see how this is a particularly good idea if you keep all three technique players.

Some combination of the above, which would be my suggestion. If you use Williams at both nose and 3 technique at times, play the wide 9 when appropriate on 3rd and medium/long, rotate reps, etc. you might be able to find some harmony where both Floyd and Williams, your two best tackles, get some action. Preseason injuries might also force your hand so taking a drastic measure early in camp might really come back to bite you if someone gets hurt or if Dawkins simply isn't any good. Floyd could even be used at end in some run heavy situations if someone else gets hurt.

This FanPost was created by a registered user of The Daily Norseman, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff of the site. However, since this is a community, that view is no less important.