Importance is relative term in relation to other positions. My argument is that a first round pick on a mlb will always be the wrong decision in the long run because of the overall impact they have on the game when compared to other positions.
Printable View
The thing i don't get is the proof is in the fact that CAROLINA's Defense is ranked 4th in total defense since Kuechly has moved to MLB as a starter.. And then add in all his numbers which inclued a Defensive player of the week winner, and the fact hes got the most double digit tackle games outta anyone in the NFL, and someone imgrate says that it dosen't mean hes the reason why? I mean, what else is it? He said himself the secodnary is trash, and he also said the dline is trash.. Well, what else is there???lol
Are they as impactful as DE,Cbs? obviously not....But when your MLBs have been crappy as ours have been, spending a high pick on one seems necessary....You obviously dont grab one ahead of a Elite passrusher or potential shutdown CB.....But when you look at blackburn,dillard,G.jones,Goff, then yes MLB is very important....Going from junk to atleast a decent MLB would make a big difference on this D.....
Theres not the most important players on D & having a Pat willis isnt mandatory to have a great D,but when your LBs are below average, then you upgrade....As long as theyre one of the 11 men on the field & are a weakness,then you take care of the problem.....1st,round,2nd,Fa, Whatever it is, these guys arent worthy....Cant expect UDFAs,late round picks & other teams trash to put together a good corps..
Other than jpp and linval, we have no young talent on the dl. I'm not saying take a 3rd round rated player in the first, but if there's a first round rated de dt cb then you take him, regardless of the linebackers on the board, because even if he isn't as good of a player he will still impact the game more.
hey imgrate
Luke Kuechly in his rookie year is already 10x better than Blackburn and he has been in the league for 7 years. PFF has Kuechly as the #5 overall ILB in the league this year. Blackburn? #46 lol he is so bad.
There is no such thing as a higher position of importance, especially on defense. Good players make plays at any position on the defense. JJ Watt is about to break the sack record as an interior lineman, Aldon Smith is about to break the sack record in his second year on the outside, Ray Lewis is a member of the 40 sack/30 int club, Derrel Revis can shut down anyone, and Ed Reed has been a turnover machine at Safety... Notice the pattern here? Every position can have a huge impact on the game.
Te'o has the play-making ability and leadership qualities to be the next Ray Lewis. In the last 2 seasons he has 235 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 7 interceptions, 13 PDs, and a FF. PLAYMAKER.