Post by MGB01 on Jun 23, 2019 21:35:27 GMT -5
We continue our FA series by taking a look at linebackers
Kwon Alexander: Alexander was a question mark this past season, which allowed the Monarchs to sign Navorro Bowman. He played sparingly coming off a back injury that caused him to miss the Monarchs' 2018 playoff run and then was a full go for X-Bowl XIX, playing a huge role in shutting down league-leading rusher Jordan Howard, just in time for a payday.
Prediction: Orlando. Kris Richard would possibly set a new high-jump record if he could get Alexander to go with Jatavis Brown and Ja'Whaun Bentley as his linebacker unit in 2020. That group, if healthy, backing up a Da'Shawn Hand/Marcell Dareus-fronted defensive line is trouble for the rest of the East and represents a serious threat to Chicago, who has seven of the last eight division titles.
Jake Ryan: Was set to become the middle linebacker in the change to a 4-3 upon Richard's hiring, but never played a down after suffering a torn ACL in the preseason. So it's on the move for the former Michigan star.
Prediction: New York. Ryan, a classic undersized overachiever, will automatically appeal to Ron Rivera, and will replace Ramik Wilson as Rivera makes his first.major defensive move.
Gerald Hodges: Despite getting more playing time with Kansas City than he originally envisioned Hodges still went back and forth on retirement before deciding against it back in May. The Monarchs, who will be up against the cap again after re-signing Geno Atkins, may not have room for him even though Hodges is unlikely to command much more than the league minimum.
Prediction: Las Vegas. The bizarre situation with Telvin Smith, who plans to sit out the 2020 season, opens up a spot for Hodges, although the Outlaws may just be looking for veteran help to compete with younger players.
Shaq Riddick: The Ironmen would ideally like to keep Riddick, but as a backup to Duke Ejiofor. Riddick believes he can either get a starting job or at least a more prominent reserve role elsewhere.
Prediction: San Antonio. The Stampede will either trade or release Justin Houston, leaving Sam Acho and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, who flashed as a rookie, as their edge rushers. While the Stampede are bullish on Okoronkwo's potential they'd still like a veteran for him to compete with instead of just handing him a starting job.
Kyle Wilber: Listening to the Demons talk about 2018 second-round pick Kenny Young heading into his second year as well as Young himself suggests that Wilber will be on the move again after playing on a one-year deal in San Francisco.
Prediction: Carolina. The Colonels need to replenish their depth in the offseason and Wilber would offer veteran depth and versatility at all LB spots for Mike Mularkey's young defense.
Kwon Alexander: Alexander was a question mark this past season, which allowed the Monarchs to sign Navorro Bowman. He played sparingly coming off a back injury that caused him to miss the Monarchs' 2018 playoff run and then was a full go for X-Bowl XIX, playing a huge role in shutting down league-leading rusher Jordan Howard, just in time for a payday.
Prediction: Orlando. Kris Richard would possibly set a new high-jump record if he could get Alexander to go with Jatavis Brown and Ja'Whaun Bentley as his linebacker unit in 2020. That group, if healthy, backing up a Da'Shawn Hand/Marcell Dareus-fronted defensive line is trouble for the rest of the East and represents a serious threat to Chicago, who has seven of the last eight division titles.
Jake Ryan: Was set to become the middle linebacker in the change to a 4-3 upon Richard's hiring, but never played a down after suffering a torn ACL in the preseason. So it's on the move for the former Michigan star.
Prediction: New York. Ryan, a classic undersized overachiever, will automatically appeal to Ron Rivera, and will replace Ramik Wilson as Rivera makes his first.major defensive move.
Gerald Hodges: Despite getting more playing time with Kansas City than he originally envisioned Hodges still went back and forth on retirement before deciding against it back in May. The Monarchs, who will be up against the cap again after re-signing Geno Atkins, may not have room for him even though Hodges is unlikely to command much more than the league minimum.
Prediction: Las Vegas. The bizarre situation with Telvin Smith, who plans to sit out the 2020 season, opens up a spot for Hodges, although the Outlaws may just be looking for veteran help to compete with younger players.
Shaq Riddick: The Ironmen would ideally like to keep Riddick, but as a backup to Duke Ejiofor. Riddick believes he can either get a starting job or at least a more prominent reserve role elsewhere.
Prediction: San Antonio. The Stampede will either trade or release Justin Houston, leaving Sam Acho and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, who flashed as a rookie, as their edge rushers. While the Stampede are bullish on Okoronkwo's potential they'd still like a veteran for him to compete with instead of just handing him a starting job.
Kyle Wilber: Listening to the Demons talk about 2018 second-round pick Kenny Young heading into his second year as well as Young himself suggests that Wilber will be on the move again after playing on a one-year deal in San Francisco.
Prediction: Carolina. The Colonels need to replenish their depth in the offseason and Wilber would offer veteran depth and versatility at all LB spots for Mike Mularkey's young defense.