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There are guys on this team who would be candidates to start on those early JDR era defenses as well.  As dominant as those teams were, JDR never found a consistent, long term pass rusher.  Accordingly, I think Fowler would be a good fit on those defenses.  Jack fits in at will on those teams, and any of Ramsey, House or Amukumara fits in  opposite Rashean Mathis.  I don't think, however, that Gipson starts over Deon Grant.

 

For a good chuckle, try plugging in some of those Gene Smith era guys into those defenses.

 

Regarding the JDR era Defense and the MIKE position specifically, I think Peterson and Poz are two different animals so to speak. Peterson trumps Poz in terms of pass coverage and speed, but Poz has the upper edge in run support. Not just in tackles, but in being able to absorb blocks and shed.

 

While the potential is there, none of the young pass rushers have shown the production of Reggie Hayward. Not saying that they will, nor that Heyward is the gold standard of DEs, but let's just slap an "incomplete" on that analysis. 

 

It's going to be fun to see if Jackson can be the player that Stroud was. Marcus had all of the talent in the world and was quite the mainstay. If Jackson can supplant his place, then we really have something. Along those lines, Miller fits in better into the Nose in this Defense than Henderson ever would. While Henderson was effective, it was honestly rather short lived. I love Henderson's athleticism, but I think I value Miller's stoutness at the Point of Attack a bit more.

 

I like this era's CBs much better and I also like the long term outlook of the Safeties a bit more. 

 

 

So yeah Bullseye. I'd say as far as raw talent goes, this is about as good as it's ever gotten around here. I can't wait to watch this Defense grow together.

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