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Originally Posted by radjohns
Similarly, I see no reason to believe that the D-line will be an area of strength by seasons' end. If Pickett stays healthy he should be better than last season and that will be a big help. Kennedy can't be worse than last season and that too will be good news, but I'll be shocked if the D-line is an area of strength. Lewis is mediocre whether he is injured or healthy. Jackson is good off the bench, but he is not a force vs. the run. Moran is terrible, I hope that he gets cut. Little will be strong in passing situations, but has not shown much vs. the run. The rest of the unit is comprised of journeymen and unproven young guys. I just can't see this being a unit of strength.
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Don't get me wrong. A strong D-line hinges entirely upon health, but assuming they stay healthy, this could be, by the end of the season, one of the best interior lines in the league. When his ankles have allowed him to, Pickett has been an outstanding run-stuffer. He certainly has been better than some are willing to give him credit for. I think (feel, believe, hypothesize, opinionated guess) that Kennedy has become adjusted to life in the NFL. I just don't think he was mentally ready for the transition last year. Couple this with the fact that they are both playing at more comfortable weights should prove to provide noticeable improvements in run defense. As far as Lewis, no I'm not sold on him yet either, but he too has the ability to play significantly better than he has. We know what to expect from Little (top-tier pass rush, decent run stop), Tyoka (stability) and Moran (nothing), but Flowers, Fisher, & certainly Hargrove all offer decent upside.
If I'm wrong, I'll be the first to admit it, but this D-line excites me. It may take a fair portion of the season to do it, but they will establish themselves as one of the better lines in the league.