Next years D

[cheerscoach]

I'm bored while some roofers are fixing my roof, so I feel like looking at next years defense.
RDE- Epenesa/ Gholston (A+, I think Gholston will be the first man in at either end)
DT- Lattimore/Nixon (B+, I think Nixon will be rotated heavily)
DT- Reiff/Linderbaum/Jansen (B, might be our week link, unless they play Lattimore and Nixon at the same time?)
LDE- A. Nelson/ Simon or Waggoner (A, like I said, I think Gholston will be the first one in on either side)
D-line may not quite have the depth and experience as this years line, but they certainly don't lack talent and Eppy, Nelson and Gholston will be absolute beasts in pass rush.

LEO- Niemann/ Wade (B+, these two are only going to get better. Huge upsides)
Mike- Welch/Jones (B+, these two will be seasoned pros next year. Welch is the better all around pick, but Jones can still be a beast if he figures out his reads. Doyle will be getting ready to take over.)
WILL- Colbert/Benson (B, I think Colbert is going to be a good one, and the nice thing is Welch can slide over if needed, also McDonald may make some noise here when he gets healthy)

With only Hockaday graduating, I think our LB group will be better or more 'seasoned' as KF says.

FS- Stone/? (B, I don't know who will step up behind Stone, but we could see Moss move over, or one of the youngster may emerge. I wouldn't count out Koerner. Could be the next surprise walkon.
SS- Hooker/Milani (A, Hooker should really shine his senior year, but with the inexperience at back up in the safeties, I don't see him playing the LEO much and we shouldn't need him to. A Craddieth or Merriweather could emerge)
C- Brents/Ojemudia (B, I think Brents takes the job from OJ, but OJ will still be valuable to the D)
C- Hankins/ Creamer (B+, I don't know what Creamer did to get in the doghouse, but they were really high on him and I expect him to reemerge.)

Lots of talent even deeper into the roster than these guys at DB, but thin in experience in depth at safety. If everyone can stay healthy, this is a really good bunch with Stone, Hooker, Brents and Hankins!

This has the makings of a really, really good D as long the upper classmen (especially the seniors) are as good as leaders as a Hesse, Nelson, etc. are, and don't start worrying more about their NFL stock. With the schedule next year, we really need to the D to dominate.

 

[Johnsoda123]

Love to see athletes like Golston, Colbert and Stone continue to develop and gain confidence. Golston has a chance to be a special player

Other names that might be in the mix are Shannon, Cradieth, DJ Johnson, Roberts, Doyle and McDonald.

 

[Harbinger273]

I think we are just about to the point of saying it's reload time for the defense next year. Talent and experience returning and talent coming in!

 

[cheerscoach]

I think we are just about to the point of saying it's reload time for the defense next year. Talent and experience returning and talent coming in!

I agree as long as the attrition bug doesn't start biting us again. Hopefully, with the better recruiting we're seeing and less attrition, we will just reload every year!

 

[TheHawkeyeDudeAbides]

I'm bored while some roofers are fixing my roof, so I feel like looking at next years defense.
RDE- Epenesa/ Gholston (A+, I think Gholston will be the first man in at either end)
DT- Lattimore/Nixon (B+, I think Nixon will be rotated heavily)
DT- Reiff/Linderbaum/Jansen (B, might be our week link, unless they play Lattimore and Nixon at the same time?)
LDE- A. Nelson/ Simon or Waggoner (A, like I said, I think Gholston will be the first one in on either side)
D-line may not quite have the depth and experience as this years line, but they certainly don't lack talent and Eppy, Nelson and Gholston will be absolute beasts in pass rush.

LEO- Niemann/ Wade (B+, these two are only going to get better. Huge upsides)
Mike- Welch/Jones (B+, these two will be seasoned pros next year. Welch is the better all around pick, but Jones can still be a beast if he figures out his reads. Doyle will be getting ready to take over.)
WILL- Colbert/Benson (B, I think Colbert is going to be a good one, and the nice thing is Welch can slide over if needed, also McDonald may make some noise here when he gets healthy)

With only Hockaday graduating, I think our LB group will be better or more 'seasoned' as KF says.

FS- Stone/? (B, I don't know who will step up behind Stone, but we could see Moss move over, or one of the youngster may emerge. I wouldn't count out Koerner. Could be the next surprise walkon.
SS- Hooker/Milani (A, Hooker should really shine his senior year, but with the inexperience at back up in the safeties, I don't see him playing the LEO much and we shouldn't need him to. A Craddieth or Merriweather could emerge)
C- Brents/Ojemudia (B, I think Brents takes the job from OJ, but OJ will still be valuable to the D)
C- Hankins/ Creamer (B+, I don't know what Creamer did to get in the doghouse, but they were really high on him and I expect him to reemerge.)

Lots of talent even deeper into the roster than these guys at DB, but thin in experience in depth at safety. If everyone can stay healthy, this is a really good bunch with Stone, Hooker, Brents and Hankins!

This has the makings of a really, really good D as long the upper classmen (especially the seniors) are as good as leaders as a Hesse, Nelson, etc. are, and don't start worrying more about their NFL stock. With the schedule next year, we really need to the D to dominate.

Reiff's playing experience will trump Nixon's hopes of being a starter. Nixon will see plenty of PT. LB corp could be lights out group as more athleticism comes in. Doyle and McDonald should part of mix that makes noise. Agree about Riley Moss move to FS. Brents and Hankins as starter. Two deeps will be watched. Iowa has an All American Hooker (what did say that was so wrong?).

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

Reiff's playing experience will trump Nixon's hopes of being a starter. Nixon will see plenty of PT. LB corp could be lights out group as more athleticism comes in. Doyle and McDonald should part of mix that makes noise. Agree about Riley Moss move to FS. Brents and Hankins as starter. Two deeps will be watched. Iowa has an All American Hooker (what did say that was so wrong?).

Word on the street is Nixon is our best DL prospect: unteachable 1 step quickness for his size

 

[HawkOn15]

For safety look out for Marriweather I think he’s already played in 4 games

 

[icantfindausernamethatisntused]

Don’t be shocked if Anthony Nelson declares for the draft after this season. This is his 4th year in the program, so he likely is at least very close to obtaining his degree, and I don’t think he stands to increase his draft stock much by staying for a 5th year.

 

[steventrelain]

Next year sets up with an impressive amount of talent. Sr. QB and lots of depth. Optimism is warranted.
Have to avoid the 2010/2016 syndrome. Sr QB with superstars on defense only to face-plant the season. Stanley has to avoid the senior quarterback curse that only strikes multi-year starters.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

I'm bored while some roofers are fixing my roof, so I feel like looking at next years defense.
RDE- Epenesa/ Gholston (A+, I think Gholston will be the first man in at either end)
DT- Lattimore/Nixon (B+, I think Nixon will be rotated heavily)
DT- Reiff/Linderbaum/Jansen (B, might be our week link, unless they play Lattimore and Nixon at the same time?)
LDE- A. Nelson/ Simon or Waggoner (A, like I said, I think Gholston will be the first one in on either side)
D-line may not quite have the depth and experience as this years line, but they certainly don't lack talent and Eppy, Nelson and Gholston will be absolute beasts in pass rush.

LEO- Niemann/ Wade (B+, these two are only going to get better. Huge upsides)
Mike- Welch/Jones (B+, these two will be seasoned pros next year. Welch is the better all around pick, but Jones can still be a beast if he figures out his reads. Doyle will be getting ready to take over.)
WILL- Colbert/Benson (B, I think Colbert is going to be a good one, and the nice thing is Welch can slide over if needed, also McDonald may make some noise here when he gets healthy)

With only Hockaday graduating, I think our LB group will be better or more 'seasoned' as KF says.

FS- Stone/? (B, I don't know who will step up behind Stone, but we could see Moss move over, or one of the youngster may emerge. I wouldn't count out Koerner. Could be the next surprise walkon.
SS- Hooker/Milani (A, Hooker should really shine his senior year, but with the inexperience at back up in the safeties, I don't see him playing the LEO much and we shouldn't need him to. A Craddieth or Merriweather could emerge)
C- Brents/Ojemudia (B, I think Brents takes the job from OJ, but OJ will still be valuable to the D)
C- Hankins/ Creamer (B+, I don't know what Creamer did to get in the doghouse, but they were really high on him and I expect him to reemerge.)

Lots of talent even deeper into the roster than these guys at DB, but thin in experience in depth at safety. If everyone can stay healthy, this is a really good bunch with Stone, Hooker, Brents and Hankins!

This has the makings of a really, really good D as long the upper classmen (especially the seniors) are as good as leaders as a Hesse, Nelson, etc. are, and don't start worrying more about their NFL stock. With the schedule next year, we really need to the D to dominate.

Frankly, depending on how the depth develops in the secondary, I could see Ojemudia make the move to safety. He deserves credit for continuing to improve through each season ... but in man cover skills will remain a liability against outside WRs. I see him residing within the role of backup DB next season.

While Anthony Nelson could have a NFL decision to make after this season ... I think that he'll look at the strength of the D next season ... and it will be too tempting to play along side such a talented ensemble. Our starting DEs will be Nelson and Epenesa ... but I agree with the assessment that Golston will be the first to sub in at either side. He's playing well and he has versatility. I love the energy he's been playing with ... and I love how he continues to improve!

I think that we'll have a rock solid trio between Nixon, Reiff, and Lattimore. Furthermore, I've heard great things about Jansen's work-ethic ... at the very least, he helps the guys in the room get better just by approaching things the right way. However, I agree that we'll need to keep an eye out for Shannon and Linderbaum. I'm still curious to see if either Linderbaum or Shannon can earn some reps towards the end of the season.

The LB situation will be one of the craziest I've ever seen for the Hawks. Not only are we returning an unprecedented number of guys who've seen quality reps ... but we'll be having some young talented LBs coming "online" who might be capable of keeping things interesting.

It's obvious that Phil loves both Hooker and Stone ... so our starting safeties will be rock solid. The next guy behind them seems most likely to be Merriweather. Phil has sounded positive about Craddieth but has alluded that he needs to make some strides relating to the cerebral side of the position. That's coach-speak for saying that Craddieth has a lot to learn as it relates to knowing how his position fits within the D, about defensive leverage (aka knowing where his help is), and getting used to a much thicker play-book.

As I've alluded earlier, I think that we're more likely to see Ojemudia move over to safety than Moss ... but, who knows? We'll need depth at CB ... and the main CBs I've hear buzz about (not named Brents or Hankins) are Moss and DJ Johnson. Thus, I would surmise that our starting CBs will be Brents and Hankins ... and our backup might end up being Moss and DJ Johnson.

Now that I think about it ... what will this mean for Turner? He's played ... and he made some noise during the prior 2 camps. Does he remain at CB ... or does he move to safety?

How about Creamer ... he's a talented athlete who was recruited as an ATH. Maybe he gets a look on the O?

Also, I really like the recruit Belton ... the coaches like him because he's a versatile DB ... can project equally well at either CB or S. Where does he end up?

 

[Ladell-hawk]

Don’t be shocked if Anthony Nelson declares for the draft after this season. This is his 4th year in the program, so he likely is at least very close to obtaining his degree, and I don’t think he stands to increase his draft stock much by staying for a 5th year.

I would be surprised if Anthony went pro after this season. He is pretty lean, and likely needs to be bigger and stronger before he is ready to play in the NFL.

 

[nu2u]

Frankly, depending on how the depth develops in the secondary, I could see Ojemudia make the move to safety. He deserves credit for continuing to improve through each season ... but in man cover skills will remain a liability against outside WRs. I see him residing within the role of backup DB next season.

While Anthony Nelson could have a NFL decision to make after this season ... I think that he'll look at the strength of the D next season ... and it will be too tempting to play along side such a talented ensemble. Our starting DEs will be Nelson and Epenesa ... but I agree with the assessment that Golston will be the first to sub in at either side. He's playing well and he has versatility. I love the energy he's been playing with ... and I love how he continues to improve!

I think that we'll have a rock solid trio between Nixon, Reiff, and Lattimore. Furthermore, I've heard great things about Jansen's work-ethic ... at the very least, he helps the guys in the room get better just by approaching things the right way. However, I agree that we'll need to keep an eye out for Shannon and Linderbaum. I'm still curious to see if either Linderbaum or Shannon can earn some reps towards the end of the season.

The LB situation will be one of the craziest I've ever seen for the Hawks. Not only are we returning an unprecedented number of guys who've seen quality reps ... but we'll be having some young talented LBs coming "online" who might be capable of keeping things interesting.

It's obvious that Phil loves both Hooker and Stone ... so our starting safeties will be rock solid. The next guy behind them seems most likely to be Merriweather. Phil has sounded positive about Craddieth but has alluded that he needs to make some strides relating to the cerebral side of the position. That's coach-speak for saying that Craddieth has a lot to learn as it relates to knowing how his position fits within the D, about defensive leverage (aka knowing where his help is), and getting used to a much thicker play-book.

As I've alluded earlier, I think that we're more likely to see Ojemudia move over to safety than Moss ... but, who knows? We'll need depth at CB ... and the main CBs I've hear buzz about (not named Brents or Hankins) are Moss and DJ Johnson. Thus, I would surmise that our starting CBs will be Brents and Hankins ... and our backup might end up being Moss and DJ Johnson.

Now that I think about it ... what will this mean for Turner? He's played ... and he made some noise during the prior 2 camps. Does he remain at CB ... or does he move to safety?

How about Creamer ... he's a talented athlete who was recruited as an ATH. Maybe he gets a look on the O?

Also, I really like the recruit Belton ... the coaches like him because he's a versatile DB ... can project equally well at either CB or S. Where does he end up?

I agree with your hunch regarding Ojemudia and a possible move to safety in 2019. He played that position in high school and had a ton of receptions IIRC. Brents sure made the most of his opportunity when MO was slowed by an injury, a very impressive debut.

 

[icantfindausernamethatisntused]

I would be surprised if Anthony went pro after this season. He is pretty lean, and likely needs to be bigger and stronger before he is ready to play in the NFL.

If he were to come back, that'd be why. However, if he hasn't gained enough weight/strength after 4 years, what's the likelihood he'd do it after 5?

 

[mthawkeyes]

Frankly, depending on how the depth develops in the secondary, I could see Ojemudia make the move to safety. He deserves credit for continuing to improve through each season ... but in man cover skills will remain a liability against outside WRs. I see him residing within the role of backup DB next season.

This worked out well for Jordan Lomax.

 

[cheerscoach]

Frankly, depending on how the depth develops in the secondary, I could see Ojemudia make the move to safety. He deserves credit for continuing to improve through each season ... but in man cover skills will remain a liability against outside WRs. I see him residing within the role of backup DB next season.

While Anthony Nelson could have a NFL decision to make after this season ... I think that he'll look at the strength of the D next season ... and it will be too tempting to play along side such a talented ensemble. Our starting DEs will be Nelson and Epenesa ... but I agree with the assessment that Golston will be the first to sub in at either side. He's playing well and he has versatility. I love the energy he's been playing with ... and I love how he continues to improve!

I think that we'll have a rock solid trio between Nixon, Reiff, and Lattimore. Furthermore, I've heard great things about Jansen's work-ethic ... at the very least, he helps the guys in the room get better just by approaching things the right way. However, I agree that we'll need to keep an eye out for Shannon and Linderbaum. I'm still curious to see if either Linderbaum or Shannon can earn some reps towards the end of the season.

The LB situation will be one of the craziest I've ever seen for the Hawks. Not only are we returning an unprecedented number of guys who've seen quality reps ... but we'll be having some young talented LBs coming "online" who might be capable of keeping things interesting.

It's obvious that Phil loves both Hooker and Stone ... so our starting safeties will be rock solid. The next guy behind them seems most likely to be Merriweather. Phil has sounded positive about Craddieth but has alluded that he needs to make some strides relating to the cerebral side of the position. That's coach-speak for saying that Craddieth has a lot to learn as it relates to knowing how his position fits within the D, about defensive leverage (aka knowing where his help is), and getting used to a much thicker play-book.

As I've alluded earlier, I think that we're more likely to see Ojemudia move over to safety than Moss ... but, who knows? We'll need depth at CB ... and the main CBs I've hear buzz about (not named Brents or Hankins) are Moss and DJ Johnson. Thus, I would surmise that our starting CBs will be Brents and Hankins ... and our backup might end up being Moss and DJ Johnson.

Now that I think about it ... what will this mean for Turner? He's played ... and he made some noise during the prior 2 camps. Does he remain at CB ... or does he move to safety?

How about Creamer ... he's a talented athlete who was recruited as an ATH. Maybe he gets a look on the O?

Also, I really like the recruit Belton ... the coaches like him because he's a versatile DB ... can project equally well at either CB or S. Where does he end up?

You may be right about OJ. Excellent in run support, suspect in coverage right now. I thought about that, but I didn't think they would switch him over for one year, unless they are going to start working him there now. Moving someone that late in their career hasn't been their tendency. They have moved people, but even with Lomax, he had 2 yrs. at safety. I think Moss was recruited to play safety which is why I'm making that prediction. I think Castro is more college football ready than Belton, and it wouldn't surprise me if his name gets thrown in the mix next year, especially if he's an early enrollee.

 

[bigfridaynite]

If he were to come back, that'd be why. However, if he hasn't gained enough weight/strength after 4 years, what's the likelihood he'd do it after 5?

It does make a difference young men change a lot from year to year and them Olinemen in nfl are grown men.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

You may be right about OJ. Excellent in run support, suspect in coverage right now. I thought about that, but I didn't think they would switch him over for one year, unless they are going to start working him there now. Moving someone that late in their career hasn't been their tendency. They have moved people, but even with Lomax, he had 2 yrs. at safety. I think Moss was recruited to play safety which is why I'm making that prediction. I think Castro is more college football ready than Belton, and it wouldn't surprise me if his name gets thrown in the mix next year, especially if he's an early enrollee.

It's hard to say. Maybe they keep Ojemudia at CB ... much like they kept Draper and Fleming at CB. However, if you look at guys like Donnatel or Ward ... those guys got positionally moved all over the place in order to BOTH get them on the field ... and to help bolster our depth.

Furthermore, as I mentioned ... I actually have been pretty impressed by the growth that Ojemudia has shown. He's improved as a player ... and I think that he deserves props for that. However, if other guys pass him ... and make the most of their opportunities ... then he could be getting relatively buried on the depth chart. Suppose that DJ Johnson lives up to Phil's praise ... and he makes the most of any reps he gets? Then that could potentially push OJ down to our #5 CB. Right now ... I'm under the impression that OJ is currently battling for our #3 CB spot ... but given the play of Moss ... I really wouldn't be surprised if OJ is down to our #4 CB. That would put him as a likely special teamer and a dime-package DB. Those are still very important niche CB spots ... however, if he can even be our #3 safety in 2019 ... that would likely equate to more playing time for him ... and that still wouldn't necessarily change his status as our dime-package DB.