Originally posted by 9erred:
People in the zone seem to still believe a 3-4 defense plays a NT the majority of the time. The 3-4 is the BASE defense, which means it is the defense they draft for. The advantage of the 3-4 is the 3-4 DE's can become tackles on nickel and dime package downs. Essentially Ray McDonald and Justin Smith are 4-3 DT's with Brooks and Aldon rushing.
Tank Carradine will be a big upgrade when he is healthy. The niners will not put a premium on NT. They plan to run up scores, if this is the case other teams will need to pass to keep up, keeping the NT to 20 or less snaps per game.
This is the way I feel. It's a cost/benefit thing. Unless your drafting Raji, Ngata, or Star Lotoulolei then there's really no point reaching into the early rounds to fill a position that can be filled with an UDFA(Williams). I don't think it's a black and white issue though. I'm not saying I would never draft a NT in the first 3 rounds. In fact if the right NT came around at a good position,and after we have handled the secondary, I would be fine with a NT in the 1st 3 rounds. I think your assuming that a NT has to come out in the nickel. The NT position is filled by a person. If said person can also create pressure then I see no reason why that person can't rotate at DT in the nickel. Also in the 4-2 both DTs usually are not rushing. It's usually the responsiblity of one to rush and the other to clog the middle to contain the QB. This is a role that can be filled by a NT. Williams actually did this in the Packers game a couple of snaps but he was pushed off. Dorsey did it too and he did a great job of controlling the middle while Mcdonald rushed. My point is just because we draft a NT doesn't mean we're getting a player that is only useful 40% of the time.
I'm also looking forward to Carradine joining the team. I think he could be very useful in pass rushing situations. I can't tell whether or not we had problems creating pressure on Sunday or if the Packers just got away with at least 5 holds. I questioned everything I know about holding after this game. Regardless an extra pass rusher will do the defense a lot of good. Believe me. That's what were getting with Carradine. A bull.
