Starting line up on opening day

I wonder if Branch will play SS or FS?? The move was essentially made to make way for Thomas Davis, but I felt Branch played MUCH better when he was at the SS spot. Minter seemed to take a step back, but he was able to play the spot all year.

 

I felt like Minter was a bit better at FS, mostly because we dont' cover the TE well and he was the main matchup (we still finished something like 19th against TEs). Branch was largely non-existant at both - the one game he was in (got hurt early 2nd game) at FS he barely got on film. It's like he has that "retarded kid in baseball" deep-deep-deep left field.


It's somewhat unlikely, but still possible, that Davis play SS. Not my first choice, but it's possible they go get a WLB, start Davis at SS, Minter at FS, and Branch backs them. I was thinking about drafting one of the big SS instead of a FS, and honestly, it took me a while to remember that we've got a guy who more or less fits what the team wants at SS, who they haven't said is going to LB.

 

That is an interesting idea, that they keep Davis at SS. I had not really considered that since everyone was assuming he moved to WLB. That means we have two holes at linebacker though. We can probably fill one in the draft but two? Maybe that is why they contacted that linebacker from Cleveland? I suppose you could say we only have one hole if we assume Draft as a starter.

 

it would not suprise me if they waited for the draft to see which OLB was available. They could go weak or strong. If they choose weak then Davis could go to S. Draft to SLB. If they choose SLB then Davis stays at WLB.

 

I am still not sold on Davis being able to play safety in the NFL. He seems more suited to WLB to me. Maybe he will prove me wrong. I just hope he get settled in a position and stays there.

 

I don't think you make that type move unless you know Seward and/or Draft are the starter at SLB. There's always the far outside chance that Seward and Draft both start, but obviously doubtful.

 

Draft showed me enough, that I would be happy with him starting. But even if we do that and Davis is at the other LB spot, we still need depth, unless Morgana plans on staying healthy the entire year.

 

If we envisioned TD as a safety we wouldn't have brought in two safeties and no linebackers. And speaking of, don't be surprised if Shaun Williams ends up starting for us. I've defended Branch fervently, but if he's healthy then Williams might be our best option.

 

Williams is a guy with a lot of potential and a history of injuries. I can see why we wanted him....... I hope he can stay healthy too.

 

Undoubtedly, Williams is more talented.

FWIW, we brought in two safeties the year we drafted Davis, and then stuck him at S. We also drafted another safety after that. Doesn't mean "hey he's going to S", but doesn't directly mean otherwise either. Right now, I'd as well have him at LB. But I do think he can be a good S, especially if he occasionally plays a role near the LOS. Looking at guys like Bing, who I'd like here, and while I'd enjoy that, I also think we have that guy if we want him. They're similar.