Many thought it was a stretch taking Irvin with that 1st round pick. While he did have some early season success I paid very particular attention to one aspect of his performance as the season went along and especially in the playoffs. For all of his speed, he often was the last lineman moving at the snap. It just seemed to me he was late more often than not moving with the snap. I would think he has to be the incredibly explosive to be effective. Just something I noticed!

Seattle took Bruce Irvin in the first round. I had to bite my tongue when Pete Carroll selected Irvin. Then I did some reading on Irvin. Carroll mentioned how Irvin was going to play the "Leo" position on the team. Carroll has a plan for Irvin. The player I wanted the Hawks to select was Chandler Jones. Notice that Bill Belichick traded up and snagged Jones. This is the third time that Belichick selected the defensive lineman that I wanted the Hawks to take. Maybe Bruce Irvin fits the Leo position better. I don't know. It will be interesting to see how their careers will compare to each another. In the long run Irvin will probably have more sacks. But no question Jones will be better against the run. Jones did have six sacks his rookie season. We will see what happens. BYW: Chandler Jones has a martial arts background. If I was a coach I would have all my players involved in martial arts.

What I would do is sign Dwight Freeney or maybe John Abraham. I prefer Freeney. Then I would select Datone Jones in the first round of the NFL draft. Jones probably could play the defensive end position. Then on obvious passing downs slide Jones in at tackle and rush the passer. From I what have read Jones could provide an interior pass rush.

It's because he's thinking too much. That will disappear.

None of these older rushers are worth paying big money. The program is to build from the draft. That means having the money to pay your own guy when time comes. They need to stay on the path they choose for it to work.

Irvin only led all rookies in sacks and set the Seahawks rookie record. He came from a run-first defense at WV, and he's been focusing on pass rush because THAT WAS HIS ROLE. I haven't seen him but I'm assuming that he is gaining weight and strength because that was the plan. Get Osi for situational 3rd down stuff and relax. Pete Carroll and John Schneider are going to pull some crap that none of us ever expected anyway.

Didn't ya all notice Kirwan's quoute "We are all looking for the next Irvin", didn't you notice he lead ALL Rookies with sacks. Didn't ya know it takes approximately 3 years for Pass Rushers to develop fully. Everybody needs to calm the heck down. Irvin is fine. Everybody keeps pointing to the ATL game as proof he can't step into Clems role, and we therefore need to sign a Kruger, etc. Bologna...Irvin didn't have anybody opposite him during ATL game, that could get any pressure, he didn't have anybody on the interior that was getting any pressure, I saw Irvin get pressure on the edge time and time again, and Ryan was just able to climb the pocket, because there was no interior pressure. Yes I expect the hawks to sign a Freeney/Abraham/Osi type but to fill the 3rd down nickel rusher position vacated by Irvin as he moves over to the Weakside End position. I also expect the hawks to expend at least 5 spots either in the draft, or free-agency in the Front 7. 2 DE's, (1 Leo, 1 Strongside DE), 2-DT's (1 Run Stopping Specialist, 1 Pass rush specialist, they would prefer to have it be the same person, but if that do it all 3-tech isn't available they have no problem splitting up the responsibilities)1 OLB. JS/PC likes to bring in multiple people at each position in order to maximize competition, and let the cream rise to the top.

Buss: You must have misunderstood my statement. I have no intention of dropping Irvin. Right now Irvin is a one trick pony. Its too early to determine if Irvin will develop into a full-time starter. Irvin did have 8 sacks. He did lead the rookie class in sacks. Also, I am well aware of the fact that the Hawks need improve their interior pass rush. I am sure Pete Carroll and Company are aware of that fact. My gut feeling is that this area of weakness will become a STRENGTH of the defensive in the coming years.

I wasn't talking about your comment but rather the entire conversation that was going on on the radio at the time as for Datone Jones, I don't think they see him as a DE type but rather a Nickel DT ala Jason Jones, the versatility is also desired... to bring the pass rush from the interior. I think if you listen to PC's interviews after JJ got injured they specifically commented on how up until that time, the pass rush was great because the interior forced them out of the pocket right into the waiting arms of clem/irvin, so they will be looking to replicate that. I like Datone Jones/Margus Hunt for that role. Hunt on inside stunts with his speed and brutal power would be something to see for sure.

I pretty much agree with your comments. However, someone would have to play the "Leo" position. until Clemons got back. Don't know if Irvin is ready fulltime for the Leo position. I like Datone Jones because of his versatility. However my model for the NFL draft is "Trust your Board" Hopefully Best Player Available matches up with your need.