Do we need a true NT? (Dontrari Poe, Memphis)

LieutKaffee · 2011-10-26T21:47:44-07:00

I admit I am not the type of fan who is qualified to watch our defense's performance with a trained scout's eye. From what I gather, though, the difference-makers on this roster are the LBs, the DEs, and some nice talent in the secondary with Culliver and Rodgers playing well. Are we still in search of a true NT to anchor the D-Line for years? Has Sopoaga been great in that role or merely serviceable? Looking at our depth chart, both guys behind him (RJF and Williams) are tiny for NTs at 300 pounds flat. So what about this guy: Dontrari Poe. He shows up at #13 in Scott Wright's October 25 mock. In the recent SI draft board, he's #40. I find myself latching onto him has my early favorite to be our pick in the late 20s. Here are the comments from Wright and SI: "A 6-5 and 350 pound monster in the middle, Poe is not just big but also freakishly athletic, quick and agile. Needless to say Poe would be the perfect choice to anchor Houston's defensive line." "The 350-pound junior is an imposing defender in the middle of the Memphis line. He has the power to drive opponents off the ball but also moves well in the box. Poe is expected to enter the draft and could end up the highest-rated nose tackle."

Oct 26, 2011 at 11:28 PM

martysofresh
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we will need one eventually. We have the number 4th ranked defense in the league right now but a true nose and might be able to push us over the top to that 1 or 2 spot. Pick up a good DB this year and pick this guy up next year cause I dont think he's coming out this year. Can you say Niner's have the best D in the league? lol. Niner's will rise up

Oct 26, 2011 at 11:32 PM

9erHIGH
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to those of you who answer yes, what is it that ICE does, or does not do, that makes him NOT a "true NT"?

Oct 26, 2011 at 11:35 PM

KowboyKiller
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Originally posted by 9erHIGH:
to those of you who answer yes, what is it that ICE does, or does not do, that makes him NOT a "true NT"?

He's isn't fat enough.

Oct 26, 2011 at 11:40 PM

9erHIGH
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Originally posted by KowboyKiller:

Originally posted by 9erHIGH:
to those of you who answer yes, what is it that ICE does, or does not do, that makes him NOT a "true NT"?

He's isn't fat enough.

oh that's right... belt size... i always forget that one. seriously tho anybody? name 3 true NTs in the NFL, and what do those players do that "are true NTs" that soap doesnt do. that way we know how to address this conversation.

Oct 26, 2011 at 11:41 PM

mod
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Draft Poe

Move Ice to FB

Oct 26, 2011 at 11:45 PM

LieutKaffee
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Originally posted by 9erHIGH:

Originally posted by KowboyKiller:

Originally posted by 9erHIGH:
to those of you who answer yes, what is it that ICE does, or does not do, that makes him NOT a "true NT"?

He's isn't fat enough.

oh that's right... belt size... i always forget that one. seriously tho anybody? name 3 true NTs in the NFL, and what do those players do that "are true NTs" that soap doesnt do. that way we know how to address this conversation.

My understanding is that Sopoaga was recently converted to NT to replace Franklin (who is also small and now lines up in a 4-3 in New Orleans). I don't think he's accustomed to or adept at playing both A gaps. If you have an NT who does that well, look out.

Oct 26, 2011 at 11:48 PM

martysofresh
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Originally posted by KowboyKiller:

Originally posted by 9erHIGH:
to those of you who answer yes, what is it that ICE does, or does not do, that makes him NOT a "true NT"?

He's isn't fat enough.

Im not saying that "ICE" isnt a "true NT". Im sayin that we get a rookie in there in a couple years behind "ICE" to learn and then have good rotation. I cant believe im sayin this but look at Detroit's D-Line. They are always rotating tht D-Line because they have depth and talent to the point tht there is no drop off. But id like to have 6'5, 350lb Poe behind "ICE" over 6'1, 305 Ian Williams. The main thing is we dont have depth at the position. nd I think what LieutKaffe was getting at is tht Sopoaga isnt a NT, he just stepped up to play the position because Frankin left. The equivalent of sayin "should we get a true FS?" if we had a CB playing safety

Oct 26, 2011 at 11:51 PM

LieutKaffee
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The Ravens use Terrence Cody who is 6'4" 350. The Patriots use Vince Wilfork who is 6'2" 325. The Packers use BJ Raji who is 6'2" 340.

I believe Sopoaga is 6'2" 330, putting him in this range. Part of the reason I posted this thread is because NT technique is something I know nothing about. So I'm wondering if he has made the adjustment to be above or below average for a prototypical NT.

[ Edited by LieutKaffee on Oct 26, 2011 at 11:53 PM ]

Oct 27, 2011 at 12:03 AM

9erHIGH
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honestly... they've been grooming soap for this role for quite a while. when he signed his 5 yr 25m contract, i knew it was coming. i posted it all over this board. IMHO, he was always a TRUE 2 GAP NT who was playing DE to get our best 3 DL on the field. yes we could obviously use more depth behind him. i dont see RJF as powerful enough to hold the point. it was quite a stark contrast early in the game v the bucs with ice out. perhaps he will become more technically sound with experience and that will enable him to play better, but this is his 3rd year. i dont see it happening.

Oct 27, 2011 at 12:10 AM

#10

LieutKaffee
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Originally posted by 9erHIGH:
honestly... they've been grooming soap for this role for quite a while. when he signed his 5 yr 25m contract, i knew it was coming. i posted it all over this board. IMHO, he was always a TRUE 2 GAP NT who was playing DE to get our best 3 DL on the field. yes we could obviously use more depth behind him. i dont see RJF as powerful enough to hold the point. it was quite a stark contrast early in the game v the bucs with ice out. perhaps he will become more technically sound with experience and that will enable him to play better, but this is his 3rd year. i dont see it happening.

Interesting post. Thanks for that. I hope to pay closer attention to the line play this week. Considering our numbers against the run, he definitely seems to be doing his job well. If he is high-end starting material with plenty of years left (only 30), I would be more hesitant to use a first rounder on depth.

Oct 27, 2011 at 2:16 AM

#11

English
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I don't know we can get much better. And a guy named Poe? Seriously!

How do these guys get to 350lb? Linemen on both sides have ballooned since I started watching

Oct 27, 2011 at 2:25 AM

#12

LottOfDefense
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Soap is fine and playing better than Franklin IMO, but I wouldn't mind grooming an eventual replacement with someone mid-late in the draft. Wonder what the coaches think of Ian Williams as they have blocked other teams from picking up him or Dobbs.

RJF seems to be molded in a DE that has had to converge to back up NT.

Oct 27, 2011 at 8:56 AM

#13

LumpiaJeff
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Originally posted by LieutKaffee:
The Ravens use Terrence Cody who is 6'4" 350. The Patriots use Vince Wilfork who is 6'2" 325. The Packers use BJ Raji who is 6'2" 340.

I believe Sopoaga is 6'2" 330, putting him in this range. Part of the reason I posted this thread is because NT technique is something I know nothing about. So I'm wondering if he has made the adjustment to be above or below average for a prototypical NT.

If I remember correctly, Cody isn't used at NT. They put him at DE in their 3-4 alignment.

Oct 27, 2011 at 9:15 AM

#14

mod
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Originally posted by 9erHIGH:
honestly... they've been grooming soap for this role for quite a while. when he signed his 5 yr 25m contract, i knew it was coming. i posted it all over this board. IMHO, he was always a TRUE 2 GAP NT who was playing DE to get our best 3 DL on the field. yes we could obviously use more depth behind him. i dont see RJF as powerful enough to hold the point. it was quite a stark contrast early in the game v the bucs with ice out. perhaps he will become more technically sound with experience and that will enable him to play better, but this is his 3rd year. i dont see it happening.

Stark Contrast? please explain...

I mean, we continued to shut down the run and our defense held them to 3pts