Quote:Nickel situations makes "what to do with Fowler" much more difficult

Which is precisely why I posed the question, my good man!

 

While I do not advocate a particular draft strategy for the purposes of this discussion, drafting a DE in the first gives the defense a LOT of flexibility personnel wise.

 

It would be different from the end Gene Smith era, because then, the defense had no viable options anywhere.

 

Under this scenario (taking a first round DE), the D could emphasize pressure, coverage, or balance and still be effective-assuming of course we hit on the pick.  If Fowler busts, there is no problem sitting him.  If, however, he develops into a good pass rusher, whether from a 2 point or 3 point stance, a good player will have to sit.

 

It's a good problem to have.

 

But the question is what to do until we know that he's developed into the good pass rusher we hoped for when we drafted him?  If we take him off the field, do we hinder his ability to develop into that pass rusher? 

 

Does the fact that Fowler will be two full years removed from his ACL injury, having completed his first season actually playing change the analysis any, considering typically a player's biggest improvement is between year one and year two?

 

What of Jack's development?

 

If we play Fowler at one of the nickel backers, do we put in an athletic and relatively inexperienced Jack in at the other spot, and live with some rookie mistakes and relegate an equally athletic, more experienced Telvin Smith to the bench, or do we keep a 4th year player in Telvin Smith on the field, knowing he is likely fully developed, keeping Jack on the bench and risking him rusting away?

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