(03-06-2021, 02:34 PM)Upper Wrote:

(03-06-2021, 02:27 PM)Bullseye Wrote: I will say that LB in a 3-4 is more important than the off ball LB in a 4-3, and Collins could play at the point at OLB in a 3-4.

Our ILBs are two of our highest paid players. Our OLBs are our last two first round draft picks. Either way the amount that we've invested into our linebackers should mean we virtually have to go elsewhere with our extremely valuable and important 25th overall pick.

The only way it would be wise to pick Collins is if you think that he is far and away the best player available at 25, and I just don't think it's possible to have him graded a full tier ahead of the other players that will be on the board at the time. Regardless of whether that's Jenkins or someone else.

EDIT: Honestly, I actually do think we need another outside pass rusher. I have strongly considered Ojulari at 25. If you think Collins can be a premier pass rusher then he would be fine there, but most people think he is more off ball/versatile than pure pass rusher.

My thing is switching to a 3-4, we're going to need more LBs as a general rule, and given the holes on our defense, you could make the argument this should be a defensive oriented draft.

Now if you were to draft Collins and put him inside, then you could try to trade one of the starters if the contracts are of concern.  But considering how much cap room we have, how little depth we have, and how unknown Jack is at ILB, I think it would be worth it to keep all three, at least for this year.

The best 3-4 defenses historically have spectacular LB corps.

If we are going to switch to a 3-4, I want us to have a spectacular LB corps.

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