rmgoris11

Hate to say it, but I don't think Brodrick Bunkley can play nose tackle. Looking through some cheap available NT, I would like to see us go after Alan Branch(28 years old) and Sione Pouha(34 years old). Both have size and experience in a 34 defense. Any thoughts on why they haven't been pursued? Or is it better for us to address this in the draft?

Danno

Bunkley graded out one of the best 3-4 NT in the Nfl two years ago, and #18 in the NFL versus the run this year in Spags 4-3.

We probably do need some depth behind him though.

lee909

I do wonder if Star Lutulolei(?) falls to us in the draft if they will be tempted.
I'd rather pick up one of the NT in rounds 4/5 personally.
Bunkley will do the job anyway IMO.

Halo

Honestly, there's going to be some shifting on the D-line to get the 3-4 working properly. Draft may not be an option, we may have to expolore free agency because the Saints do not have "years of time" available to them to rebuild this defense into a competitor.

From KFFL
I think the "Price is Right" tag is the same for New Orleans, but New Orleans is more attractive as the Saints are trying to assemble a Superbowl team. The Jags are trying to have a winning season.

I read where Pouha had a back injury in 2011. Don't know if that required surgery last offseason. He was a BIG hit against the Jets cap so they released him. Wonder what the asking price is.

Again, all has to do with if players are willing to make a fair and modest contract in the hopes of making it with a potential Superbowl team.

saintsfan403

I bet he will be a solid 3-4 NT and I bet Hicks will be as well.

rezburna

This. Please stop the NT discussions.

alexonfyre

Brodrick was doing really well in Philly as a 3-4 NT before his injury, and had one of his best seasons with Denver before we got him. Last year we moved him into a 4-3, where he did a lot more in the passing game than he usually does, but was clearly out of place most of the time. Getting back to a 3-4 will be awesome for him.

alleycat_126

The further the free agency process goes along the better it would be to get branch on the cheap, waiting on nnamdi to see where our money is?

rmgoris11

Great points being brought up. Since we don't know where Hicks will play, Bunkley's size is the only thing I am debating. Depth wouldn't hurt either at a vet minimum for Pouha. Thanks for all the added info provided in the post.

triman

NT is the foundation of a34 . You need a rotation at this position. It takes a special type of player to play NT. Forty % of NT picked in the 1 to 20 range of the draft were busts. So I think that we should look for a vet that has proven capable . This draft is loaded with players at DT. I would like to see us pick two players at this position in the draft. J. Jenkins GA, Jesse Williams AL, Star Lotuileilei Utah state,Brandon Williams
.Missouri Southern, Montorio Hughes TN Tech. IMHO the draft will be a failure if we don't get at least one contributor at. NT.