2010 free-agent preview: Defensive linemen
Article By viyer.tsn on 22nd February, 2010
This is the second in a series of position-by-position analyses of the best players who may be available on the NFL's open market when free agency opens on March 5.
The Peppers game As the Panthers' franchise player last season, Julius Peppers made $16.7 million. Based on his production from 2009, that turned out to be about $1.6 million per sack. Unlikely to be tagged again (UPDATE: Reports Monday night said he won't be) and back on the open market, he'll command a contract that rivals that of some top quarterbacks.
With Julius Peppers all but done in Charlotte, teams must balance concerns over his price tag with his productivity. In addition to his price tag, there are other concerns about Peppers. Critics have often questioned whether he plays with the same drive on every snap.
Although Peppers has said he's flexible to a move to 3-4 outside linebacker, there is a concern if he can be effective in that role.
Former NFL defensive lineman Marcellus Wiley, an ESPN analyst, thinks Peppers, at 6-7, 283 and a former basketball player, has athleticism to do very well, but that's only part of the equation.
"You never how that will translate into coverage," and "It's a lot different when you're one-on-one with backs or tight ends."
The Patriots have been a popular rumored suitor, even though a splashy, expensive acquisition hasn't been their typical offseason approach.
A good nose is hard to find There's a big reason the Patriots and Steelers enjoyed great play from their three-man fronts over the past decade: They both have had strong, consistent nose tackles in Vince Wilfork and Casey Hampton.
Wilfork, Hampton and 49ers rising star Aubrayo Frankllin are all set to get tagged as franchise players, and there's a chance another 3-4 nose tackle, Green Bay's Ryan Pickett also gets that designation.
With so many other teams joining the Pac...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
The Peppers game As the Panthers' franchise player last season, Julius Peppers made $16.7 million. Based on his production from 2009, that turned out to be about $1.6 million per sack. Unlikely to be tagged again (UPDATE: Reports Monday night said he won't be) and back on the open market, he'll command a contract that rivals that of some top quarterbacks.
With Julius Peppers all but done in Charlotte, teams must balance concerns over his price tag with his productivity. In addition to his price tag, there are other concerns about Peppers. Critics have often questioned whether he plays with the same drive on every snap.
Although Peppers has said he's flexible to a move to 3-4 outside linebacker, there is a concern if he can be effective in that role.
Former NFL defensive lineman Marcellus Wiley, an ESPN analyst, thinks Peppers, at 6-7, 283 and a former basketball player, has athleticism to do very well, but that's only part of the equation.
"You never how that will translate into coverage," and "It's a lot different when you're one-on-one with backs or tight ends."
The Patriots have been a popular rumored suitor, even though a splashy, expensive acquisition hasn't been their typical offseason approach.
A good nose is hard to find There's a big reason the Patriots and Steelers enjoyed great play from their three-man fronts over the past decade: They both have had strong, consistent nose tackles in Vince Wilfork and Casey Hampton.
Wilfork, Hampton and 49ers rising star Aubrayo Frankllin are all set to get tagged as franchise players, and there's a chance another 3-4 nose tackle, Green Bay's Ryan Pickett also gets that designation.
With so many other teams joining the Pac...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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Tampa Bay Rays Tickets: The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in 1998, the club has played at Tropicana Field.
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