NFL training camps are all open and the preseason is underway. Over the next couple of weeks, we
’re going to break down http://www.ochomesnloans.com/charles-johnson-jersey-c-1_34.html which offseason moves were the best at each position. We
’ve already looked at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end and the offensive line. Now in the interest of equal time, it’s time to check out the other side of the football. We began with the defensive ends earlier this week. Now we move onto the defensive tackles.But first things first: Who
’s still available for a team looking to fortify this area?Who
’s Still Out There?It
’s that time of the summer when the pickings are slim. Veteran Jonathan Babineaux was not re-signed by the Atlanta Falcons and remains available. Meanwhile, Dan Williams and Sen’Derrick Marks were released this offseason by the Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars, respectively. And, journeyman Paul Soliai was let go by the Carolina Panthers. All could fill roles and add depth to a defensive front.5. Domata Peko, Denver Broncos
While the Denver Broncos feature one of the more fearsome defensive units in the league, you would not have been able to tell that from the team
’s performance against the run in 2016. Only the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills allowed more yards per game on the ground than Denver this past season.Enter Peko, who was a solid performer alongside Geno Atkins with the Cincinnati Bengals. He should help this area of the Denver defense improve significantly. The Broncos also signed Zach Kerr, most recently of the Indianapolis Colts. But the veteran
—Peko—is the headliner here.4. Timmy Jernigan, Philadelphia Eagles
After finishing at or near the bottom of the league in numerous defensive categories during the final year of the Chip Kelly Era, these Birds began to make some strides under new coordinator Jim Schwartz. But that hasn
’t stopped GM Howie Roseman from adding even more talent. This offseason, there was the signing of defensive end Chris Long. Also, the team used a first-round pick on defensive end Derek Barnett, who enjoyed quite the preseason debut at Green Bay. Even more recently, the Eagles acquired http://www.firestormkennel.com/sio-moore-jersey-c-1_42.html cornerback Ronald Darby in a trade from the Buffalo Bills.
Jernigan also came via a deal, this one with the Baltimore Ravens. Pairing him at defensive tackle with star Fletcher Cox should open a lot of things up for Doug Pederson
’s improving squad.3. Dontari Poe, Atlanta Falcons
We will not bring up what happened to Dan Quinn
’s club in Houston six months ago. But, we will point out that despite having the NFL sack leader at their disposal, the Atlanta Falcons still managed a mediocre 34 quarterbacks traps. Nearly half of those (15.5) came from former defensive end turned outside linebacker Vic Beasley. Still, this is a unit that needs more help in this regard. Therefore, the addition of the two-time Pro Bowler from Kansas City can’t hurt. Poe isn’t necessarily an answer when it comes to stopping the run, though. Still, teaming him with the emerging Grady Jarrett (3 sacks in Super Bowl LI) may add up to some good things for the defending NFC champions.2. Johnathan Hankins, Indianapolis Colts
Under new GM Chris Ballard, the Colts spent free agency and the draft upgrading the front seven. The addition of the former New York Giants
’ defensive tackle was a big-time plus. Dominating inside will make this a better run defense and also make life easier for new outside linebackers such as Jabaal Sheard, John Simon and Barkevious Mingo. In 2016, the Colts finished a dismal 30th in the league in total defense, including 25th versus the run. Add in a total of 33 sacks and a disappointing 17 takeaways, and this has been a problem-plagued unit for far too long. The signing of Hankins came relatively late in free agency, but he will prove to be worth the wait.1. Chris Baker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The idea of pairing one of the more underappreciated defensive linemen in the league with a perennial Pro Bowler has to make coordinator Mike Smith and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
’ Head Coach a little giddy. This improving team went out and spent their money well on Baker, who can line up at various spots and should help Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Youth Jersey the club improve the league
’s 22nd-ranked run defense of a year ago. Baker will help there, but that’s not all. In 2016, the Bucs were among the NFL leaders with 29 takeaways—27 of those during the club’s 8-4 finish. Baker should help push the pocket a little more and should aid the cause of McCoy as well as promising pass-rusher Noah Spence.So what do you think? Which moves at defensive tackle were the best this NFL Offseason? Sound off below!
