The 2010 NFL free agent Defensive line class pretty deep, the only issue is that I don’t think many of them are actually going to be available. Good defensive linemen, especially pass rushers and nose tackles are just too hard to come by to let one go, but here are the candidates anyway.
Elvis Dumervil (Denver Broncos) Here is the big prize in this year’s class. This guy has been getting better and better each year he has been in the league, including leading the league in sacks last year. This guy was a key to the Broncos defensive turn around last year, and they would be out of their mind to let this guy go. Most experts believe the Broncos will spend the money to retain this guy, but they may be wrong. The Broncos only slapped a mid level tag on Dumervil and that is going to prompt a lot of teams to make offers. This was either a huge mistake by the Broncos or an attempt to get compensation for the guy, which would also be a big mistake. A good pass rush is essential in todays passing league and guys like this just don’t come along often enough.
Julius Peppers (Carolina Panthers) This maybe one of the most talked about free agents this year, but not in a positive light for Peppers. Everyone has realized that he just isn’t consistent, versatile or young enough to be considered elite anymore. He had the contact on the table from the Panthers last year and turned it down. Peppers has cost himself millions. Don’t get me wrong, they guy is still good, but not elite. His 10ish sacks and ok at best run defense is worth about 5 mill a year, not the 10 he is looking for. If your team ends up with this guy, don’t be excited, you probably over paid!
Aaron Kampman (Green Bay Packers) In my opinion Kampman is one of the most underrated 4-3 defensive ends in the league. The only problems is Green Bay moved him to 3-4 outside linebacker??? I know that Green Bay wanted to make the move to 3-4 and with their personnel, a passing league, and the price tag of good defensive linemen, I don’t blame them. However, they don’t have much of a need or reason to keep Kampman around. This guy should be a steal for a team looking to compliment a pass rusher. I could see Kampman ending up somewhere like St. Louis or Washington.
Adewale Ogunleye (Chicago Bears) Ogunleye still wants to start, but I am not sure there are many teams that are going to give him that chance. They guy is still a great situational pass rushers, but no longer a 3 down player. This is going to depend on how much money he is looking for. If he doesn’t want much, the Bears will retain him. If he wants a lot, look for a team like Pittsburg, who could use that situational pass rusher, to take a look at him.
Ray Edwards (Minnesota Vikings) This guy is being hyped after a good season. Maybe no one noticed, but he is playing on the same line as Pat and Kevin Williams and Jarred Allen? My grandma could make the Pro Bowl playing next to those guys. With the age of Pat and Kevin, I look for Minnesota to try and get a contract worked out, But make no mistake, if that doesn’t happen someone will over pay this guy and be disappointed.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment