Merling vs Harvey

If we go DE at #13 is it Merling from Clemson or Harvey. Our interest in Harvey is well documented, not so much so any interest in Merling.

Harvey worries me as a guy who may have a tougher time vs the run. Merling might be a 1/2 step slower, but stronger and a better run defender.

Harvey, who was throught to be an undersized pass rusher until he weighed in at 271 at the combine, worries me as a guy who beefed up for the measurables and it cost him when he only ran a 4.71 (similar to Merling). Merling seems more naturally stout.

 

On Harvey (who is my preference of the 2, or most prospects for that matter)per NFL.com:

Despite his lanky frame, he is much more than just an edge rusher, evident by the fact that opponents were held to minus-28 yards on 47 running plays in his area last year. He needs to add more bulk to his frame, but 19.5 sacks and 30 stops for losses over his last two seasons vs. 300-plus pound offensive linemen are evidence that proves he has the power and avoidance skills to pressure the pocket on a consistent basis.

 

I would honestly prefer Harvey over an O-lineman, though Clady would be my second choice for the 1st round. I wouldn't cry over Mendehall either, but then we would definitely need to get a DE in the 2nd.

 

Harvey is all over the place, and fucking fast. He's heavier, he's taller, hes got the better stats.

Merling is good at the run and ok with the pass, but Harvey is good with one, and super with the other. Hes just active as hell, too.. A natural disrupter.

 

We need help with the pass rush much more than we need help with run support. Both guys are solid but I like Harvey better.

 

my only concerns with the DE pick high - the order behind Goulston has changed dramatically in the last two months, we don't really need a complete end as much as we need some rush, and the 2007 'can't miss' DE prospects didn't really contribute.

but, as of right now, I'd consider it the most likely pick, by a slim margin over OT.

 

At DE, Peppers long term future with the team is still in doubt. On the OL, Gross's long term future is in doubt as well. Drafting either an OT or a DE would not only fill a current need but give us some flexibility regarding what we do next off season with two guys who are going to be very expensive and unrestricted free agents.

I prefer taking a DE in the first round because if Peppers has another bad year then we will have no pass rush at all.