TheOak

This thread is for discussing our defense and whether to draft or find Free Agents. All sources cited.

Here are some rough stats from the 2012 draft round (keep in mind a good % of the reason is based on the drafting teams needs)
704 NFL Starters in 2012 (excluding Punters and kickers)
30-35 rookie starters for week 1
2-4 QB that will start their rookie season

A typical year for rookie starters is 3% a bad year is 2%
Rookie starters for 2012? Bengals, Bucs, Jags, Browns will have a few - NFL - CBSSports.com News, Rumors, Scores, Stats, Fantasy

I cant find a discussion on years it takes the average player to develop into a starter but it seems offensive players tend to start a lot sooner than defensive players.

Scott Shanle - 5th year before he was a starter (actually only the Saints thought he was a starter for more than 8 games) *mind blown*

Troy Polamalu - didn't start until his second year.

Darren Sharper - didn't start until his second year.

Jared Allen - didn't start more than 10 games until his second year.

Ok so on with the discussion. Why is everyone so concerned with what we draft? You draft when your average and want to add a player that makes you good... You don't turn to the draft when your dead last in the league and want to make your team average.... NEXT YEAR.

On offense we draft a Colston/Graham/Thomas and the next season they work out great... We do not want to have to wait until 2014 for a decent defense do we?

I am still very befuddled as to why we did not pick up Julius Peppers when we could have. That is the sort of talent that makes an impact NOW.

2013 DE free agents
2013 NFL Free Agent Tracker

2013 corner-back free agents
2013 NFL Free Agent Tracker

2013 Safety free agents
2013 NFL Free Agent Tracker

2013 Line Backer free agents
2013 NFL Free Agent Tracker

2013 defensive tackle free agents
2013 NFL Free Agent Tracker