re: Bigger need: NT or OLB?

OLB for me, and not even close.


I like Bunkley for NT, he was an animal in Denver playing nose for their 3-4 scheme. I also love Hicks here. Hicks is a massive body, capable of blowing up a center, while also being agile for his size. Nose tackles are also much cheaper and easier to find than a pass rusher, or good 3-4 OLB.


OLB is the biggest need not only on the defense, but also on the entire team. I am fine with Lofton and ILB. He is a stocky guy for his height and you need a good size ILB. VIlma could possibly be the other ILB, but he is very undersized. I love the idea of Martez Wilson at OLB based on potential alone. He is freakishly athletic, and definitely has the look and skill set of a OLB in a 3-4 scheme. I believe the 4-3 was not a good fit for him, especially at end. A move for him to OLB, and playing with more space could really help him show some of his true potential. Another guy that some may laugh at the thought of is Harper, who in many formations is a rover and basically playing like an OLB. His best attribute is playing the run, and in 2011 he led the league in sacks at SS, due to WIlliams utilizing him as a rusher often. But, the team needs a true pass-rusher, and someone who can come in and make a immediate impact. Now that we've switched to a 3-4, Mingo is looking more and more like the kind of guy we need. The Saints desperately need a game changer, and in a 3-4 those guys are are almost always your OLB/Pass rusher.