Who will it be?

That's only half true. Kemo's job is to take up blockers and stop the run, but Lewis (and Jenkins before him) is expected to get penetration and collapse the pocket, not take up blockers to free up the LB's.

As for Brace, why does anyone want Kemo, version 2? Kemo is fine for what we ask of him, where we struggle is with that second DT. We don't have anyone that can consistently get pressure up the middle and collapse the pocket. Lewis is serviceable, at best, as a starter, and is ideally suited for pass rush specialist in a rotation. So what we need is a more complete DT that can be effective in both pass rush and run defense.

Particularly in the cover 2, which Meeks is likely to utilize some version of here, most of the pressure comes from the DL, so we don't need another non-athletic run stuffer who is not very effective at getting penetration. If we had a first and perhaps an extra second, he might not be a bad luxury pick, but we have very specific needs, and only a couple of early picks to fill them (I'm generously counting our 3rd as an early pick). As it is, we may need to trade up to get a DT that fits our needs anyway, so I just don't see Brace as a good match here under the current circumstances.

The one caveat is if we do end up trading Peppers, we may have more picks to play with, although we would then have to also focus on getting someone that can rush the passer from the DE position. But even then, I'm not sure Brace would be good value here. Personally, I think that if we get our hands on another early pick or two, we need to seriously consider getting a CB to compete with Marshall for the starting spot (no way do I think he's earned having the job just handed to him.)

 

If that's his job then, no, he isn't.

 

I think Kemo is adequate but you can not have a big guy like that play the whole game. You have to rotate them or they will wear out. That is why I would like to have Kemo version 2.0.

As far as a pass rusher from the DT spot, you are going to pull Kemo and Brace in obvious passing downs. You could probably slide a guy like Brayton inside in those situations.

 

Then we get predictable when we pull our 'big guys' on third down. No, not all teams rotate their DTs based on down and distance. Jenkins was mostly an every down DT, only getting pulled for breathers if my memory serves me correctly. For that matter so was Buckner. Actually, Brenston was a heck of a pocket collapser when he didn't false start.

Look at Hayneswoth, he collaspes the pocket on obvious passing downs and is effective against the run. He also is an every down DT.

If their is one thing I am starting to hate about the NFL is the athletes are getting payed ridiculous money for an ever increasing 'specialized' sport. More and more players are 'niche' personnel, which is bullshit.

If we are looking for just a run stuffer or just a pass rushing specialist, we'll have to roster 2 guys for a one man job.

Personally, I'm looking for a complete DT, if that even exists anymore from the incoming rookies. The downer is our draft position and the lack of talent in this year's draft. I'm guessing that's why the brass extented two 'specialized' mediocre tackles (initially shocking the shit out of me) realizing the money wasn't there in FA and the chances of landing an eventual starter from the '09 DT crop wasn't feasible.

 

Haven't really watched him much, have you? Don't get me wrong, I don't think he's anything spectacular, but he does do a good job of taking up blockers and stopping the run...just ask Beason, and look at the games he was out.

 

Yep, teams pass on first and second downs too. One of our biggest problems last year was our inability to collapse the pocket. Without that inside pressure, it gives the QB a lot of room in the pocket to move around and buy time. However, our best pass rushing DT is Lewis, and he just doesn't hold up well as an everydown Tackle. We need someone that can play every down, and keep the QB from being able to step up whenever the DE's get close.

 

It is hard to say we need to draft a guy like Haynesworth at the bottom of the second round..... If the other team is passing on early downs all the time then we have probably shut down their run game. That is a victory for our defense most of the time.

 

He isn't anymore than okay, the guy gets taken out by one blocker plenty.