Originally posted by Ninerz4Life:
This pick is scouting 101 and if he turns out to be a better than average player it's just another example of what a strong staff we have when it comes to the defensive side of the rock. Dial was a late round pick that didn't play a whole lot at Alabama (a role player). Analysts predicted he was just D line depth to help against the run. Now the reports are showing that he's been a beast to guard even showing some quickness and pass rush ability. I don't know if his toe injury was bothering him in college or not and he just sucked it up. The real test will come week 1 but for now arrow up and important especially if Ian Williams isn't at full strength to start the year. We fell off a bit against the run last year partially to Justin's bad shoulder and some of it to a light line. Dial gives us that bigger body in the middle and if he can add any rush with the guys on the outside good luck to opposing offenses who try to throw in running situations. With a year of experience and being healthy now while being coached and being on an NFL training program it shows you how important the scouts and coaches are to be able to look at a guy's tape and project his ability and what you can get out of them combined with the things I just mentioned. If it works out credit to the scouting and coaching staff working together.
I think your understating Bamas depth. Its hard to break through on that squad. To begin Dial was a 4 star JC transfer. He only spent two years at bama. DE is pretty much a platoon position at Bama. In the base its a very simple position. Push the point of attack and cover your gap. DBs really get all the love at Bama. The dline in the 3-4 our two gapping run stuffers. He brings that to the table but you have to consider Tomsula is going to bring him to the next level. The kid has talent. Watch the ND game. He's 90 I think. His reach combines with his strength and makes him violent at the point of attack. He has a quickness to him though. Very functional for a guy his size with a great motor. I think you want to develop that against taller linemen. He could really be a TFL machine that collapses the pocket every 5 snaps.
