Agreed. I’m not sure if a healthy Jerel Worthy is the answer at DE in the base. But it’s likely he’ll begin the year on PUP and I won’t be surprised if his 2013 season mirrors Sherrod’s 2012 season: PUP then IR and hope for the best next season. Pickett isn't a prototypical 3-4 DE and neither is Daniels. That leaves Neal and there are question marks surrounding him, too. That's why I think DE is the Packers #1 need.
Although he is 30, like others I favor Canty’s signing for the right price. But he’s already visited two teams and apparently will visit at least one more in addition to the Packers. Any kind of bidding war probably means he won’t end up in Green Bay.
I agree with that; the only guy on this roster who looks like a 5 technique right (weak side) DE is Neal, and he's hardly a lock in even the "adequate starter" category. Could be...insufficient evidence.
Worthy is a defensive tackle; I don't see anything to suggest 5 technique on either strong side or weak side. The best he's looked is at 3 technique in nickel. He should be in a 4-3. Besides, it doesn't look like we'll get much out of him next year anyway. Daniels...same thing...3 technique. Raji plays some 5 techinque on the right (weak) side, and a fair amount actually in some match-ups; he looks like a very ordinary player out there.
We signed Saturday for 2 years, $7 mil last year for a position of clear need where a starter-quality guy in the draft would cost a 1st. round pick. This year, there are very few 3-4 RDE types in the draft who can start right away without spending a 1st. round pick; in fact it might take a trade-up.
TT is not chatting with Canty for no reason. He could fit the bill for a couple of years if he is/stays healthy. And TT may be tired of taking draft risks on 4-3 to 3-4 conversions, given the last draft's...ahem...disappointing results. However, if Canty really does have a clean bill of health, TT might be outbid...it depends on whether his desperation quotient is as high as it was last year at the center position.
There are several DT/NT types in the draft top 50 who look like they could play Pickett-style strong side DE while being able to swing inside to nose. If healthy, TT might just sign Canty, draft the DT/NT, call it good and roll the dice.
Then he'll have to find a safety.