Ron Fields

[SmilinAssasSin27]

Did I miss the thread, or does noone care about the Ron Fields signing? Sorry if I missed it while sifting thru all the Cutler bullshit, but I see this as one of our best signings so far. Clearly a NT that could do well for us. Obviously not Haynesworth, but at least it gives us an experienced 3-4 guy w/ some girth...

[SmilinAssasSin27]

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/atwater271/rf8.jpg

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/atwater271/rf7.jpg

[SmilinAssasSin27]

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/atwater271/rf.jpg

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/atwater271/rf6.jpg

[SmilinAssasSin27]

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/atwater271/rf5.jpg

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/atwater271/rf4.jpg

[TXBRONC]

There is one on him in the Draft and Free Agency section of our beloved board.

[SmilinAssasSin27]

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/atwater271/rf3.jpg

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/atwater271/rf2.jpg

[SmilinAssasSin27]

There is one on him in the Draft and Free Agency section of our beloved board.

gotcha

[TXBRONC]

gotcha

(Wipes egg off of face) Actually SA there isn't a thread specifically devoted to Fields but he has been mentioned in the thread "Have We Addressed the DL At All Yet?"

http://www.broncosforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34238&page=2

[broncohead]

Yes good pickup that knows the system. How big is he? I read somewhere around 318

[elsid13]

Yes good pickup that knows the system. How big is he? I read somewhere around 318

I nthe 330 range. Good pick up.

[honz]

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/atwater271/rf6.jpg
What's going on here? Why is he tackling a QB?

[turftoad]

Yes good pickup that knows the system. How big is he? I read somewhere around 318

He looks like a beast in those pics.

[fcspikeit]

Yes good pickup that knows the system. How big is he? I read somewhere around 318


I nthe 330 range. Good pick up.

NFL.com has him listed at 315 but they don't update it much so he could be heaver by now? He is also only 27 and Limbartie on NFL total access picked him as his biggest impacy FA. Granted that was mainly because our D was so bad, he said a guy like this would have a huge impact for us.

He said that when we first offered him the contract a couple weeks ago.

[broncohead]

He looks like a beast in those pics.

He does. Did he play NT under Nolan?

[elsid13]

He does. Did he play NT under Nolan?

He rotate in at both DE and NT.

[topscribe]

What's going on here? Why is he tackling a QB?

That's an easy one: He's not a Denver Bronco there . . .

-----

[dogfish]

he looks the part-- we'll see if he can play it. . . .

[Dean]

On the 49ers roster last year he was listed at 315 pounds. That is somewhat undersized for a nose tackle. His stats were not impressive but I realize that nose tackles unless they are gifted don't accumulate many stats.

Can someone out there who watches the '9ers from time to time give a first hand account of how he plays?
Ronald Fields | #93 | DT

San Francisco 49ers | Official Team Site



Height: 6-2 Weight: 315 Age: 27

Born: 9/13/1981 Bogalusa , LA

College: Mississippi State

Experience: 4th season

Career Stats more
Season Team Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
G GS Total Solo Ast Sck SFTY PDef Int Yds Avg Lng TDs FUM Lost
2008 San Francisco 49ers 16 0 19 13 6 0.0 -- 0 -- -- 0.0 -- -- -- --
2007 San Francisco 49ers 16 0 21 11 10 1.0 -- 0 -- -- 0.0 -- -- -- --
2006 San Francisco 49ers 13 9 28 20 8 0.0 -- 1 -- -- 0.0 -- -- -- --
2005 San Francisco 49ers 4 0 7 4 3 0.0 -- 0 -- -- 0.0 -- -- -- --
TOTAL 75 48 27 1.0 0 1 0 0 -- 0 0 0 0


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[SmilinAssasSin27]

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/atwater271/rf4.jpg

I was at this game.

[dogfish]

cool. . . now give us a scouting report on fields!


:lol:

[WARHORSE]

http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/atwater271/rf5.jpg




Man...........LOOK at that dude!


I think he can be the NT!

What a beast. heh heh

[Bozo Jr.]

No Doubt. That guy is ready to squash, preferably Rivers!

[TXBRONC]

No Doubt. That guy is ready to squash, preferably Rivers!

He doesn't seem to have much in the way pash rush skills not that those as important eating up blockers in a 3-4.

[broncofaninfla]

I'm glad we signed him, I honestly thought we would be more active in free agency signing vets for teh DL but it hasn't played out that way. Apparently McD feels our problems were greater in the RB postion that on the DL? Hopefully we address those needs in the draft.

[TXBRONC]

I'm glad we signed him, I honestly thought we would be more active in free agency signing vets for teh DL but it hasn't played out that way. Apparently McD feels our problems were greater in the RB postion that on the DL? Hopefully we address those needs in the draft.

I don't its so much that he feels that running back is a bigger issue than defensive line as it is about finding quality on the defensive line in free agency.

[topscribe]

cool. . . now give us a scouting report on fields!


:lol:

Glad you mentioned that.

You can read a full-length article on Fields over at Mile High Report (http://www.milehighreport.com/2009/3/5/780937/tales-from-the-sunnyside-l). http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh256/AZDynamics/Smilies/thdrink.gif

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[G_Money]

Ron Fields has the problem that affliects most large DTs - motor.

We'll need to rotate him to keep him fresh, especially near the end of the game, but you should be seeing a lot of him early in games to stuff the run. At least I HOPE we can stuff the run this year. He's a big kid, and a strong kid, and he's hard to move. He won't get upfield and in the QBs face from what I've seen of the Niners - not a penetrating DT/NT by ANY means - but he can hold his own at the LOS and make sure we don't break gap responsibility as often as we did last year, and that'll be good. He's not our pass rush, or our pocket collapser, but that's not his job. Against the run? He should be decent, and help us be better than last year. Assuming our LBs can figure out how to get to a gap before a RB does, anyway.

I'm still curious as to whether we're gonna have Thomas bulk up a bit and play the nose as well, or go for DE instead. I think he'd be better as a DE in the 3-4, but it all depends. Maybe Powell and Peterson and crew can do some damage there and Thomas can figure out the NT position instead.

Right now our DL looks to me like the Trevor Pryce lines, sans Pryce. With guys like Maa Tanuvasa and such on em.

It just has that vibe to it. Hopefully we can get a Pryce, either from within or without, to supplement the talent.

Some SERIOUS pass-rushing LBs would be useful too. It's nice to let Moss and Doom try, but I can't say I have 100% faith that they can do what we need, and another year of no QB pressure will mean another year of overexposed secondary and pissed off offense.

I'd rather not.

~G

[TXBRONC]

Ron Fields has the problem that affliects most large DTs - motor.

We'll need to rotate him to keep him fresh, especially near the end of the game, but you should be seeing a lot of him early in games to stuff the run. At least I HOPE we can stuff the run this year. He's a big kid, and a strong kid, and he's hard to move. He won't get upfield and in the QBs face from what I've seen of the Niners - not a penetrating DT/NT by ANY means - but he can hold his own at the LOS and make sure we don't break gap responsibility as often as we did last year, and that'll be good. He's not our pass rush, or our pocket collapser, but that's not his job. Against the run? He should be decent, and help us be better than last year. Assuming our LBs can figure out how to get to a gap before a RB does, anyway.

I'm still curious as to whether we're gonna have Thomas bulk up a bit and play the nose as well, or go for DE instead. I think he'd be better as a DE in the 3-4, but it all depends. Maybe Powell and Peterson and crew can do some damage there and Thomas can figure out the NT position instead.

Right now our DL looks to me like the Trevor Pryce lines, sans Pryce. With guys like Maa Tanuvasa and such on em.

It just has that vibe to it. Hopefully we can get a Pryce, either from within or without, to supplement the talent.

Some SERIOUS pass-rushing LBs would be useful too. It's nice to let Moss and Doom try, but I can't say I have 100% faith that they can do what we need, and another year of no QB pressure will mean another year of overexposed secondary and pissed off offense.

I'd rather not.

~G

I wonder if Fields is still more a stop gap until we can find a better nose tackle?

[G_Money]

All nose tackles are stopgaps while you try to find a better one.

Guys can hang in the league a dozen years as a "stopgap" because every team that needs a NT doesn't have a better one.

It'd be nice to get a monster NT, but what we need is a functional one.

Our D has been too dysfunctional lately.

~G

[Ziggy]

I wonder if Fields is still more a stop gap until we can find a better nose tackle?


The 2 year contract makes me think that he's depth, and we're going to make a move for another NT in the draft or by trade.

[xzn]

I wonder if Fields is still more a stop gap until we can find a better nose tackle?

After reading the MHR link that TOP posted I am more optimistic that he is a credible short to mid term option until we find a true "planet theory" freak to man that spot for our :defense:

[topscribe]

Ron Fields has the problem that affliects most large DTs - motor.

We'll need to rotate him to keep him fresh, especially near the end of the game, but you should be seeing a lot of him early in games to stuff the run. At least I HOPE we can stuff the run this year. He's a big kid, and a strong kid, and he's hard to move. He won't get upfield and in the QBs face from what I've seen of the Niners - not a penetrating DT/NT by ANY means - but he can hold his own at the LOS and make sure we don't break gap responsibility as often as we did last year, and that'll be good. He's not our pass rush, or our pocket collapser, but that's not his job. Against the run? He should be decent, and help us be better than last year. Assuming our LBs can figure out how to get to a gap before a RB does, anyway.

I'm still curious as to whether we're gonna have Thomas bulk up a bit and play the nose as well, or go for DE instead. I think he'd be better as a DE in the 3-4, but it all depends. Maybe Powell and Peterson and crew can do some damage there and Thomas can figure out the NT position instead.

Right now our DL looks to me like the Trevor Pryce lines, sans Pryce. With guys like Maa Tanuvasa and such on em.

It just has that vibe to it. Hopefully we can get a Pryce, either from within or without, to supplement the talent.

Some SERIOUS pass-rushing LBs would be useful too. It's nice to let Moss and Doom try, but I can't say I have 100% faith that they can do what we need, and another year of no QB pressure will mean another year of overexposed secondary and pissed off offense.

I'd rather not.

~G

Good comment. I think the Broncos are fine with pass-rushing LBs in Moss and
Dumervil. The question, however, is what else can they do in space? Can
they move well laterally? Can they backpedal and cover a TE/RB in a
crossing pattern?

I have caught wind that the Broncos are eyeing Peppers. The same questions
would linger with him since he has never played OLB, that I know of. I surely
wish there were a way the Broncos could end up with Curry . . . well, without
giving away the farm . . . but that's dreaming.

I think we're reduced with hoping one or both of Moss and Doom can do the
things OLBs do, and maybe even Boss? Who's available in the draft who could
do them and be the serious pass-rusher you mentioned?

The Broncos have done a superlative job in plugging holes, so far, it would
seem. OLB might prove to be a bit more difficult unless they already have them.

-----

[G_Money]

I think we're reduced with hoping one or both of Moss and Doom can do the
things OLBs do, and maybe even Boss? Who's available in the draft who could
do them and be the serious pass-rusher you mentioned?

The Broncos have done a superlative job in plugging holes, so far, it would
seem. OLB might prove to be a bit more difficult unless they already have them.

-----

My furor over Moss on draft day was not because I didn't think he could possibly be a first round pick or a good player, but that I felt he HAD to be a 3-4 OLB and he was never gonna be that with us.

It'd be like drafting DJ to play DE. Just silly.

As a DE, he's a 3rd down specialist with no moves and a huge learning curve. That's not a first round pick.

As an OLB, though, Moss has potential. I dunno that he'll ever reach it now, but Moss at OLB is a move that HAD to be made if we were ever gonna get anything out of the pick. Back at Florida I remember him being okay in the zone blitz in space. He's not gonna cover anyone man-up with any sort of skill IMO but as long as we employ a zone for him he should be acceptable, which will keep him on the field enough to be able to rush the passer more.

I hope our new LB coach can teach him some pass-rushing moves. He could be interesting if he ever knew how to do something other than "run full-tilt at the QB and hope nobody's in my way."

I have my fingers crossed that Moss will come on, this year. Cause let's face it, if he doesn't we could be in quite a bit of trouble as far as non-blitz pass-rush is concerned. With Nolan - who adores LBs and knows how to use em - and the Raiders LB coach who gets every ounce of potential outta his guys, I have more optimism about it than I did under Slowik.

This, however, is not saying much I know.

~G

[rcsodak]

Wasn't this thread about Fields? :confused::confused:

From what I read, he has never been a "1 position" player, but playing a little here, a little there. Thus, the reasoning for the 2yr contract. I imagine if they see he'll be a good NT, they'll have the opportunity to redo his contract, and in the meantime keep their collective eyes out for his successor.

Ok, back to your guys' moss subjustificationalism.... :rolleyes:

[G_Money]

Sorry for getting off track while talking about his effect on the rest of the D. Thanks for your 3 sentence contribution to the topic discussion. Couldn't have lived without it.

~G

[dogfish]

Wasn't this thread about Fields? :confused::confused:

From what I read, he has never been a "1 position" player, but playing a little here, a little there. Thus, the reasoning for the 2yr contract. I imagine if they see he'll be a good NT, they'll have the opportunity to redo his contract, and in the meantime keep their collective eyes out for his successor.

Ok, back to your guys' moss subjustificationalism.... :rolleyes:


keep quiet when G's talking old man. . . . :D

[skycoyote]

I think this is a good FA pick-up. I was hoping Nolan would have brought some more.

[Orange Terror]

heres an article by michael lombardi on the nationalfootballpost.comdiscussing the D line guys available in FA market. His comments on fields are interesting.
Nice article regardless, check out his other stuff, including a nice bronco article, on nationalfootballpost.com

very smart columnist



************************************************** ******


Notes From Lombardi: Free Agent D-Line

With free agency set to open on Friday, February 27th, the National Football Post continues its position by position breakdown of all of the top unrestricted free agents. Today we look at the free agent defensive linemen.

DEFENSIVE LINE REMINDERS

1. Must be able to play with power and explosion. We want one- step explosive players.
2. Plays the game with intensity. Most sacks in the NFL are done with effort and intensity, not always speed and skill.
3. Can the rusher turn the corner and collapse the pocket? Can he stay in balance as he turns?
4. Great rush ends can make themselves small around the corner, and can stay in balance and not pushed by.
5. Does the rusher force the ball to come out quick? More important than sacks.
6. What is the turnover/takeaway ratio on the defensive team with a great rusher?
7. Take time to know whom the tackle is that the rush end is playing against. What year is that player? Trev Alberts looked bad rushing against Jon Ogden when Jon Ogden was a sophomore.
8. Can the defensive line make tackles? Is he strong in his hands? Can he get the QB on the ground? Does he miss tackles?
9. Dome players play better at home-watch road games for dome defensive linemen.
10. Players that get sacks in college find a way to get sacks in this league. Who do they get them on? When do they happen?
11. How many plays can the defensive lineman play in a row? Does his conditioning affect his play? Look at 4th quarter production as opposed to 1st quarter.
12. What role does the player have in the last 4 minutes of each half? What production does he have at that time?
13. How many times is he on the ground in a game? Good players are RARELY on the ground. Does he tire from getting up off the ground?
14. Most DE/DT are moved to that spot from another position. What was his HS position?
15. Great rushers will need to beat tackles in the NFL. Who he gets the sacks against is critical. No back will be blocking a good rusher in the NFL.
16. Does he have a feel for rushing? Defense is about instincts.
17. Surge to ball carrier and surge to passer are important to determine. Who has the short area burst?
18. Level of competition is very important when grading defensive linemen. Must watch the right games.
19. Junior college defensive linemen without a redshirt year will take some time to develop in the NFL. Do not kill them too soon, if they have size andspeed, keep them alive.
20. Can he tackle? Getting to the passer is one thing, getting them on the ground is another. Must be able to tackle from awkward positions.
21. Football has to be important to this position—cannot have off the field issues and marginally love the game. Defensive linemen have problems off the field, but they have to love the game.

3 DOWN LINEMEN AND CAN RUSH height, weight, 40 time, age, agent

ALBERT HAYNESWORTH 6055 320 4.95 27 YEARS CHAD SPECK

The best player to hit the market since Reggie White. He can dominate a game and he makes every offensive line coach and offensive coordinator worry all week.

2 DOWN LINEMEN- NO RUSH

COLIN COLE 6015 320 5.25 28 YEARS NEIL CORNRICH

Was drafted by the Packers to be a big inside plugger in the old Jim Bates scheme. Is not going to be a rusher, but can help in the run game. Might end up in Tampa Bay.

RYAN BOSCHETTI 6043 306 5.2 27 YEARS JAMES ILVER

Best thing he does is handle the run and play physical. He does a good job of walking the guards back, but is not a pass rusher. Needs to be in the right scheme.

GRADY JACKSON 6020 380 5.00 35 YEARS ANGELO WRIGHT

One of the most athletic big men I have ever been around. He has shoulder and knee problems, but he can dominate the game for very brief moments. If he can pass a physical, he can help.

TANK JOHNSON 6026 300 4.76 26 YEARS JERROLD COLTON

He does show some skill to be a rusher, but not as a nose. He needs to be in the under and on the move. Off the field is a huge concern.

RYAN SIMS 6041 311 5.11 28 YEARS PETER SCHAFFER

On the ground too much, and he does not make many plays. Not ideally suited for the new scheme in Tampa Bay.

NICKEL TACKLES

ROCKY BERNARD 6033 293 5.00 29 YEARS GARY UBERSTINE

When he is healthy and used right, he can make an impact on the game. He has unique skills to rush from the inside and can be a disruptive force.

ONE GAP TACKLES

JOVAN HAYE 6020 284 5.05 26 YEARS SEAN KIENAN

Not a lot of production from him, more scheme based and needs to be on the move.

SHAUN CODY 6040 292 5.18 25 YEARS UNKNOWN

Plays the game too tall and with little power. He needs to be on the move and in a backup role.

HAROLD GREEN 6022 320 5.2 29 YEARS ALBERT ELIAS

Can play 15 plays a game and not let the defense down. He must be on the move and is best in a one-gap scheme.

JAMES REED 6002 286 4.91 31 YEARS JIMMY SEXTON

On IR last year, but he has the movement skills to be a good player. If healthy, a true under team might be a perfect landing spot.

5 TECHNIQUES, NOT RUSHERS

RON FIELDS 6023 313 5.23 27 YEARS DREW ROSENHAUS

Excellent power player and if a team wants to run a 3-4, he is the perfect player. He will make a ton of money in the market.

MIKE WRIGHT 6037 300 4.92 26 YEARS ANDREW BAKER

Plays smaller than his size, but gives great effort and is around the ball. He is a replaceable player, but you gotta love his effort.

OLD AND MIGHT BE ABLE TO PLAY PART TIME–LIMITED MONEY

JOHN THORNTON 6027 295 4.97 32 YEARS JOBY BRANION

In the right role, he can help and mentor a young line.

DARWIN WALKER 6023 294 4.82 31 YEARS E. IRBY

Thought the gas ran out of the tank when he left Chicago. Not sure, he can do much.

LA’ROI GLOVER 6011 285 5.16 34 YEARS TOM CONDON

15 plays in nickel only. He still has one-step quickness and little else. Great teammate.

[spikerman]

What's going on here? Why is he tackling a QB?
Slowik, is that you?

[SoCalImport]

5 TECHNIQUES, NOT RUSHERS

RON FIELDS 6023 313 5.23 27 YEARS DREW ROSENHAUS

Excellent power player and if a team wants to run a 3-4, he is the perfect player. He will make a ton of money in the market.



Me likey. now if we can get one rook with right measurables I'll start to relax a little about the NT situation

[xzn]

One article said Fields can play solid Zero technique, this one says he is a good Five tech.

I hope that just means that he is versatile....

[Dean]

Me likey. now if we can get one rook with right measurables I'll start to relax a little about the NT situation

The article is saying that the author thinks that fields could be a good 3-4 DE. It is not saying that he would be a good nose. However, nose is where the Broncos appear to be planning on using him.

[elsid13]

The article is saying that the author thinks that fields could be a good 3-4 DE. It is not saying that he would be a good nose. However, nose is where the Broncos appear to be planning on using him.

He played both postions with SF, but he was a better a NT then DE.

[Dean]

He played both postions with SF, but he was a better a NT then DE.

What is the basis of your statement? How was he a better nose tackle? What does he lack at DE? :idea:

If you whatched him play, I would appreciate it if you could support your evaluation so that I know what to look for.

[elsid13]

What is the basis of your statement? How was he a better nose tackle? What does he lack at DE? :idea:

If you whatched him play, I would appreciate it if you could support your evaluation so that I know what to look for.

I am basing my statement on seeing him play a couple of times, and news articles about him.

At the DE, when he was playing 5 techinque, he looked lost in space and the tackles were able to push him out of the play when he attempt to make any moves. Basically he would choose the wrong gap to defend and allow the rusher past him as tackle help open up that gap

As NT when he was able play 0 techinque, he was able to anchor down, little movement and push/hold up the interior line. Plus if he choose the wrong gap he had Willis and other ILB whose name I forget clean up for him.

[Dean]

Scout.com doesn't list him in their top 22 DT.




Pos Pos
Rank Rating Name Type Yr Ht/Wt College 2008 Team Signed Team
DT 1 Albert Haynesworth UFA 7 6-5/320 Tennessee Tennessee Washington
DT 2 Rocky Bernard UFA 7 6-3/290 Texas A&M Seattle NY Giants
DT 3 Jovan Haye UFA 4 6-2/295 Vanderbilt Tampa Bay Tennessee
DT 4 Kedric Golston RFA 3 6-4/292 Georgia Washington
DT 5 Dewayne Robertson UFA 6 6-1/317 Kentucky Denver
DT 6 Shaun Cody UFA 4 6-3/290 USC Detroit
DT 7 Tank Johnson UFA 5 6-3/300 Washington Dallas
DT 7 John Thornton UFA 10 6-3/297 West Virginia Cincinnati
DT 8 La'Roi Glover UFA 13 6-2/285 San Diego State St. Louis
DT 9 Grady Jackson UFA 12 6-2/345 Atlanta Detroit
DT 10 Darwin Walker UFA 9 6-3/294 Tennessee Carolina
DT 11 Mike Wright UFA 4 6-4/295 Cincinnati New England
DT 12 Colin Cole UFA 4 6-2/325 Iowa Green Bay Seattle
DT 13 Larry Tripplett UFA 7 6-2/293 Washington Seattle
DT 14 Ellis Wyms UFA 8 6-3/290 Mississippi State Minnesota
DT 15 Gabe Watson UFA 3 6-4/340 Michigan Arizona
DT 16 Kenderick Allen UFA 5 6-5/330 LSU Minnesota
DT 17 James Reed UFA 8 6-0/286 Iowa State New Orleans
DT 18 Jimmy Kennedy UFA 5 6-4/320 Penn State Minnesota
DT 19 Jeff Zgonina UFA 6 6-2/290 Purdue Houston
DT 20 Fred Evans RFA 3 6-4/305 Texas State Minnesota
DT 21 Josh Shaw UFA 5 6-3/305 Michigan State Denver
DT 22 Chris Cooper UFA 7 6-5/285 Nebraska-Omaha Seattle


Here is another opinion- WalterFootball.com.




2009 Free Agents: Defensive Tackles





2009 NFL Free Agent Positions:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P



2009 Free Agency: Star rating is out of five. Age listing as of Sept. 1, 2009.


Albert Haynesworth, Titans. Age: 28.
Signed with Redskins (7 years, $100 million; $41 million guaranteed)

The most dominating 4-3 defensive tackle in the game, Albert "The Hamstring" Haynesworth figures to cash in big time this offseason, given that the Titans can't franchise him. My only concern is that Haynesworth was merely playing for a contract these past two years.


Gabe Watson (RFA), Cardinals. Age: 25.
Tendered by Cardinals (2nd round)

One of the many reasons Arizona was able to improve so much on defense throughout the year. The Cardinals can't afford to let Giant Gabe go anywhere.





Anthony Montgomery (RFA), Redskins. Age: 25.
Tendered by Redskins (low)

Anthony Montgomery, a very talented defensive lineman, didn't make the leap expected of him this season because of a broken hand and a knee injury. The Washington Post predicts the Redskins will slap a second-round tender on Montgomery.


Jovan Haye, Buccaneers. Age: 27.
Signed with Titans

The Buccaneers need an upgrade at Jovan Haye's position. Haye can be a solid rotational player in this league, but his starting days could be over. Haye had six sacks in 2007, but couldn't manage one this year.


Tank Johnson, Cowboys. Age: 27.
Huge character concerns. Tank Johnson could find a home with a 4-3 defense. If not, some team may hire him to shoot the opposing star receiver in the foot.






Kedric Golston (RFA), Redskins. Age: 26.
A rotational nose tackle who just had ankle surgery. That's not much of a concern.


Rocky Bernard, Seahawks. Age: 30.
Signed with Giants (4 years, $16 million)

After registering nine sacks in 2005, Rocky Bernard has managed only 12 sacks in the next three seasons. Odds are against him rebounding.


John Thornton, Bengals. Age: 32.
Though he's still solid against the run, John Thornton lost his grip on the starting job late in the year. He turns 33 in October.


Colin Cole, Packers. Age: 28.
Signed with Seahawks (5 years, $21 million)

A monstrous defensive tackle weighing 330 pounds, Colin Cole played in all 16 games but didn't log a start.


Kenny Peterson, Broncos. Age: 30.
Re-signed with Broncos (3 years)

A valuable reserve defensive lineman who can play both the 4-3 and 3-4, Kenny Peterson will find a home in Denver's new scheme.






Shaun Cody, Lions. Age: 26.
Perhaps saving himself from unemployment, Shaun Cody started the final three games of the year, filling in for an injured Cory Redding. Cody could be more effective in the 3-4.


Dewayne Robertson, Broncos. Age: 27.
It almost seems like Dewayne Robertson has never been healthy. Robertson has some talent but his knees are shot.


Grady Jackson, Falcons. Age: 36.
Signed with Lions (3 years, $8 million)

Grady Jackson started at nose tackle all year for the Falcons. It's safe to say that Atlanta will be looking to upgrade this position pretty soon.


Darrell Reid, Colts. Age: 27. - Signed with Broncos
Fred Evans (RFA), Vikings. Age: 25. - Tendered by Vikings
Ronald Fields, 49ers. Age: 27. - Signed with Broncos
Ellis Wyms, Vikings. Age: 30.
Ryan Sims, Buccaneers. Age: 29. - Re-signed with Buccaneers
La'Roi Glover, Rams. Age: 35.
Howard Green, Seahawks. Age: 30.
Jason Jefferson, Falcons. Age: 27. - Re-signed with Falcons
Ryan Boschetti, Redskins. Age: 27.
Brandon McKinney (RFA), Ravens. Age: 26. - Re-signed with Ravens
Ed Johnson, Colts. Age: 25.
Darwin Walker, Panthers. Age: 32.
Gary Gibson (ERFA), Panthers. Age: 27.
Antwan Lake, Saints. Age: 30.
Langston Moore, Lions. Age: 28.
William Joseph, Raiders. Age: 29.
Jeff Zgonina, Texans. Age: 39.
Jimmy Kennedy, Vikings. Age: 29.
Ethan Kelley, Browns. Age: 29.
Rod Coleman, Falcons. Age: 33.
Kenderick Allen, Vikings. Age: 30.
Montavious Stanley (RFA), Saints. Age: 27.
James Reed, Saints. Age: 32.
Josh Shaw, Broncos. Age: 29.



There are more and I'll admit one has him with a decent ranking but most don't agree with you.

I hope that you are right and both they and I have it all wrong.

[TXBRONC]

The article is saying that the author thinks that fields could be a good 3-4 DE. It is not saying that he would be a good nose. However, nose is where the Broncos appear to be planning on using him.

Right now with nothing else to go on putting him at nose tackle seems like the best place to put him.

What do you think coach?

[Dean]

If we don't get a nose tackle in free agency, then by process of elimation he would be the best we have. I just simply don't feel that it needs to come to that. I would like the front office (Josh) to at least make an offer to Watson and if Arizona matched it then so be it. I would at least feel that we took our best shot rather than to be content with another third rate pick-up.

I understand being out bid. I understand the desire to keep your draft choices in the lottery (draft). However, I don't understand not making an honest effort.

[TXBRONC]

If we don't get a nose tackle in free agency, then by process of elimation he would be the best we have. I just simply don't feel that it needs to come to that.

I don't think we'll be addressing it any further through free agency, but I can see us still drafting a couple of defensive tackles this year.

[rcsodak]

Dean, the only thing I can say, is Nolan was his HC, and KNOWS what he has to offer. Far be it for us to counter guess his knowledge.
Albeit, I fully understand what happened with the Dline coach that Shanny brought over from Cleveland. :(

I guess this is where we need to show some trust in McD and his coaches. So far, we have zero to go on, imo.

[Dean]

Yes, Nolan used him in Nolan's "Big Seven" (BS) front. However, the '9ers played better once they quit running their big front. So. . . is that what we are looking at next year?

[TXBRONC]

Dean, the only thing I can say, is Nolan was his HC, and KNOWS what he has to offer. Far be it for us to counter guess his knowledge.
Albeit, I fully understand what happened with the Dline coach that Shanny brought over from Cleveland. :(

I guess this is where we need to show some trust in McD and his coaches. So far, we have zero to go on, imo.

It doesn't matter if we trust him or not, it's not anything in our control.