5. Jared Odrick - 4.5

 

4. Yannick Ngakoue - 6.0 

 

3. Malik Jackson - 6.5

 

2. Sen'Derrick Marks - 7.5 

 

1. Fowler Jr. - 9.0 

 

Overall review and expectations. In 2015, we only managed 36.0 sacks as a team. Odrick led the team with 5.5 and Colvin, a cornerback, was in a three way tie for 2nd place with 4.0 sacks on the team. Pretty sad. With Bradley's job on the line. And with Wash as his new defensive coordinator. I expect to see them pulling out all the stops to get it done this year. I think we should see an improved running game to help dictate the time of possession and also create more favorable chances for this pass rush to shine. 

 

Maybe I set the bar too high personally. But I expect to see four players leap Odrick as this year's sack leader. I don't think Odrick's role was to be a pass rusher to begin with. It's impressive he managed the 5.5 he had last year. I think if he gets some this year it will be due to coverage sacks or just too much protection sliding at times to the stronger pass rushing area. 

 

I like Ngakoue's size and agility overall. I think early on he's your designated pass rusher in situational downs. He's capable of being that compliment edge rusher opposite of Fowler Jr. Would I like to see a Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis duo out of Ngakoue and Fowler Jr.? SURE. But it may be too soon for that. 

 

Malik Jackson is now the highest paid Defensive Tackle in the NFL right? Or up there salary wise. I fully expect to see him EVERYWHERE. In the backfield, on the runningback, on the quarterback, bulldozing a fullback or lineman to create space for the rest of the defense this year. I think he'll get after it. I believe in what he's said this off-season. 

 

Marks is coming back hopefully at 100% and with a year off. I think he's beyond the term well rested. I hope he picks up where he left off in 2014. Some fans here have forgotten about him because of all of the off-season additions but I haven't. I fully expect him to make some noise. 

 

And then lastly. Fowler Jr. He's probably the most athletically gifted athlete on this team right now on the defensive front. With an improved secondary and more speed added in the linebacking group with Myles Jack pairing up with Telvin Smith. He's going to have a chance to shine in 2016. And quite honestly. This team NEEDS him to shine. This fanbase NEEDS him to shine. I don't mind if he's hot and cold this season. I really don't. Some of the best pass rushers in the NFL are hot and cold. Clay Matthews is hot and cold. Von Miller is hot and cold. It's more understandable being hot and cold at the defensive end position because it's physically more taxing and physically more violent. If he finishes the season with 9.0 sacks. And he's had maybe two to four REALLY dominate games where he's racking up 1.5 - 3.0 sacks in those games. I'll take it. 

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