DUDE!

[nechemia]

I was just curious if anyone else out there is busting a nut at the thought of a future starting LB corps of Pollack, Thurman, and Brooks

[Ox]

Not busting any nuts, but def getting a chub..

[turningpoint]

Meh pollck and brooks yes, we still need to find a WILL after Simmons retires.

I hope he;s there at pick #32 next year.

[ArmyBengal]

Landon Johnson is going to suprise some people again this year when he gets the chance. He was the fastest LB in the draft that year and will be another one to benefit from having the big guys up front to take up the blockers and allow him to utilize his speed. I'm actually looking forward to seeing what he can do on the outside !!!

WHODEY !!!

[ShulaSteakhouse]

They could quite easily carve out a 3-4 defense now full-time.

Pollack/AJ/Brooks and possibly someone like Fanene would be ideal for the DE/OLB roles in that scheme. Simmons/Thurman manning the inside LB positions (or Landon).

I really don't think Pollack will be a very good 4-3 olb - they almost need to run a system similar to Pitt. Pollack will have to play a DE/OLB situational role in a 4-3 to be used most effectively.

Adams is ideal for the 3-4, with Justin/Robinson and Thorton/Geathers on the outside tackles, and SS or Peko or Askew rotating in the middle.

I'm trying to figure out exactly what they're going to do with the defense since Hobson won't tell us, or ask, unless I'm missing something.

[HoosierCat]

I'm trying to figure out exactly what they're going to do with the defense since Hobson won't tell us, or ask, unless I'm missing something.

I don't think you will see a switch in the base D (4-3 to 3-4) but I suspect that they will show an increased number of 3-4 looks. Right now, tho, they are clearly in the "throw everything against the wall and see what sticks" phase, doing things like putting Frostee at DT.

[Wraith]

Wait on the base 3-4 til next year, and yeah a corp of Pollack, Thurman, Brooks, and Landon Johnson with Jeanty and Nicholson as backups is pretty strong (IMHO the best young LBer corp in the league)

[ArmyBengal]

Yep, if the troubled ones can pull their heads out of their backsides, the LB corps would be good... SCARY GOOD !!!

WHODEY !!!

[JaxonFord87]

With all the talk about how our linebacking core is going to be, i'm starting to possibly see a repeat in history. If our Linebackers get that good, they are going to want top dollar. Who knows we might be talking about which linebackers we need to sign in like 4-5 years.

[ArmyBengal]

That may very well be the case, especially with Brooks and Pollack, but Odell may be another question with the thought of another positive or missed test equaling a season gone...

WHODEY !!!

[Kazkal]

With all the talk about how our linebacking core is going to be, i'm starting to possibly see a repeat in history. If our Linebackers get that good, they are going to want top dollar. Who knows we might be talking about which linebackers we need to sign in like 4-5 years.

then it will be time to start putting money in too the defense but thats still 4 years away.

[Stripes]

With all the talk about how our linebacking core is going to be, i'm starting to possibly see a repeat in history. If our Linebackers get that good, they are going to want top dollar. Who knows we might be talking about which linebackers we need to sign in like 4-5 years.

Certainly.

Let's get that Superbowl out of the way before that happens.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

I'm trying to figure out exactly what they're going to do with the defense since Hobson won't tell us, or ask, unless I'm missing something.

I don't think you will see a switch in the base D (4-3 to 3-4) but I suspect that they will show an increased number of 3-4 looks. Right now, tho, they are clearly in the "throw everything against the wall and see what sticks" phase, doing things like putting Frostee at DT.

Hobson read my post above today apparently

Bengals.com Q&A excerpt:

But the drafting of the 260-pound Brooks gives the Bengals all sorts of 3-4 options in the near future if they move Bryan Robinson and John Thornton from tackle to end, use Sam Adams, Domata Peko, and Shaun Smith as nose tackles (and they’re already built that way), and then put Brooks and Thurman (or Simmons) at inside backer flanked by David Pollack and Landon Johnson.

Although I don't think Simmons will be back and Landon's too small to play OLb in a 3-4, so am not sure what Hobson is thinking. It would be Thurman and Landon inside, with Pollack and Brooks on the outsides, I would think (and/or anyone else they add next year)