The Enquirer agrees with Spain - a year removed

[TJJackson]

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art.../607290369/1066

It's an article re: rookie signings, but buried within is this tidbit (bolding is mine)

"Brooks is forecast to play inside linebacker with Odell Thurman in a revamped four-linebacker defensive scheme in 2007."

[skyline]

If Brooks and Sam Adams work out, then I think that's the obvious conclusion to be drawn.

[Ox]

That will be one hell of an inside backer core if it does indeed happen.

[bengalboomer7]

I would file that under a little speculation, but we obviously have some talented LB's and probably need to find a way to get more of them on the field.

[andybren]

Before Spain jumps on here and starts calling people names, can we also point out that this speculation didn't occur until after they drafted Brooks? It wasn't the flirtation with LaVar Arrington, the signing of Sam Adams, or the drafting of AJ Nicholson that pointed in this direction.

I'd also add, that this move wouldn't be possible if they didn't think Shaun Smith would eventually take over for Adams fulltime. As good as Adams is/will be, they're not going to re-orient the entire front 7 around a man of his advanced years.

P.S. In his column, Hobson also mentioned Brooks and Odell playing together, so it does seem like reasonable speculation. But still speculation.

[Pandre]

Can anybody think of a big slobber knocker at NT in this upcoming 07 draft?

Sorry I realize that is very early to begin talking of the draft I mean it is only training camp. Football can not get here early enough.

[Kazkal]

Well if we did go 3-4 depending where we pick probbley be better for a 3-4 end rather then 3-4 tackle but I doubt be good one left sense browns are gonna suck... the jets are gonna suck as for few of the other 3-4 teams =P

[Pandre]

I think this is going to be the last season we have with Justin Smith. A lot of people around here say that with this being his final year of his contract he is going to be a mad man because he will be out there with a mission. So not only do I think he will be to expensive for us to re-sign him but he really is not the end we are looking for if we do make the switch to the 3-4.

I am not going to lie I am a little afraid of us making the switch to the 3-4. I do not have a specific reason at this time just a gut feeling.

I fear change.

[Kazkal]

my only real dislike with 3-4 is it seems be flavor of the month for teams...but if we did stick 4-3 we would have room to resign justin if he earns it and if he doesnt get double digit sacks then he wouldent be as $$$ and still be a solid DE

[Pandre]

I wonder if we re-sign him if the teams puts in the contract that for every sack he gets they will buy him a keg of Budweiser.

I crack up every Sunday when I see him with that nasty anheuser busch tattoo.

I like Smith, I do not believe that he is elite at DE, but at the same time he is not a glaring whole at DE.

[Kazkal]

Agreed hes not elite ,but I always found him solid 6-8 sacks a year isen't great average at best but how many of the great passrushing DE's are also good vs the run? I'm very happy to have justin I just wish we had a better DE on the other side of the line

[Stripes]

I don't think Spain has been saying we're going to the 3-4 this season either (aside from that Arrington rant).

[DontPushMe]

wasnt really spain, a lot of people have been suggesting a 3-4 for a long time

[Kazkal]

DPM is back!