Free Agent Preview: Defensive Tackle

[Alec22]

"Free Agent Preview: Defensive Tackle

NOTE:This is the sixth in a series leading to the beginning of free agency on March 2.

By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

Given short notice with a new coaching staff in 2006, the Rams found themselves trying to plug all of the many holes on their defense.

The holes were so numerous that it was nearly impossible for the team to find the players to fill the holes. One position that saw plenty of change was defensive tackle.

The Rams welcomed veterans La'Roi Glover and Jason Fisk and said goodbye to Damione Lewis and Ryan Pickett. Along with that move, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett decided to move Jimmy Kennedy from his three technique position to nose tackle.

Glover provided the leadership the team had hoped as a team captain and positive influence in the locker room. But Glover was forced to play more snaps than he had anticipated. Meanwhile, Kennedy instead of hunting down the ball and making plays, Kennedy was asked to hold up blockers and serve as a set up man for others to make plays.

Behind Kennedy and Glover, the Rams used Fisk and rookie Claude Wroten in a rotation. Fisk was fine and Wroten flashed potential, especially as a pass rusher, but it's unsure whether he is ready to
be the full time starter.

Regardless, Haslett and the Rams will look for some help at defensive tackle, particularly at the nose tackle spot. Ideally, the Rams will be able to find a big wide body to plug in that spot and eat up blockers so the likes of Pisa Tinoisamoa and Will Witherspoon can run around and make tackles.

Expect Glover and Wroten to be brought back to work in tandem from the three technique spot and Kennedy being capable of playing both positions.

This year's draft is full of talented prospects at defensive tackle, but most are more suited to the three technique spot. That means the team could be especially active in the free agent market.

Should the Rams opt to search for a veteran, Miami's Vonnie Holliday and Atlanta's Rod Coleman represent a pairof intriguing options. Hollis Thomas is a local product that could be particularly interesting for the Rams considering his big body and experience.

More youthful options include Oakland's Terdell Sands and Chicago's Ian Scott. Sands is huge (6'7, 335 pounds), but a bit raw. Still, many believe Sands can become a dominant force in the middle if
put in the right situation.

Expect the Rams to emerge from free agency with at least one defensive tackle and possibly more. "

"Top Five Free Agent Defensive Tackles

1. Vonnie Holliday, Miami, UFA

2. Terdell Sands, Oakland, UFA (while it's not finale, sands is already sighned with oak. and will not be a FA)

3. Rod Coleman, Atlanta, UFA

4. Ian Scott, Chicago, UFA

5. Hollis Thomas, New Orleans, UFA"

[RAMMAN68]

I think Holliday or Thomas can make Kennedy better if he were to move back to the DT spot. He needs to use his strength and penetrate / get a push up field.

[tomahawk247]

Rod Coleman is available? i did not know this. He went to the pro bowl a couple of years back didnt he?

[Rambos]

91 Vonnie Holliday
Position: DT
Height: 6-5
Weight: 288
Born: 12/11/1975
College: North Carolina
NFL Experience: 9



75 Rod Coleman
Position: DT
Height: 6-2
Weight: 285
Born: 08/16/1976
College: East Carolina
NFL Experience:



# 95 Ian Scott
Position: DT
Height: 6-3
Weight: 302
Born: 11/08/1981
College: Florida
NFL Experience: 4


# 99 Hollis Thomas
Position: NT
Height: 6-0
Weight: 306
Born: 01/10/1974
College: Northern Illinois
NFL Experience: 11



Ian Scott, for the right price might be worth a look.

[Country]

Ian Scott is the best option he is young and plays the nose tackle spot. I know that 6'2" 302lbs. is not huge but he ia a plug aaginst the run.

[RAMMAN68]

I'd take him, he's affective and would free up Kennedy to perhaps play like a first rounder.