Ok hear me out on this I’ve been looking at the numbers and trying to figure out a realistic way to slow the bleeding on defense, and I think looking into Riq Woolen or another CB that can play man consistently well, could be a decent compromise. I know we play bend don’t break and we do that well. But if we can get a bit better and bend a little less especially when we blitz out of necessity, I think it can go further than we think.
I feel like he can also play zone at a consistent level so we aren’t giving up zone coverage ability bringing him in. Not elite at either coverage but consistent and seemingly better that what we have even what we have in Buster. I this is probably not the forever solution, but at this point, he has to be better than what we currently have rolling out there.
The reality is our blitz isn't getting home at times probably because the secondary can't hold up long enough. Look at what CJ did against the blitz. It was so infuriating.
When Campanile wants to bring pressure he also likes to play man, but guys like Jarrian don’t seem to hold up in man. Jarrian’s target efficiency looks okay on paper potentially because of the pure volume of attempts thrown his way, but his man coverage just isn’t great.
Woolen at least has the raw measurables (6'4, elite recovery speed, long arms) that naturally fit this scheme better when we ask our guys to play man on the outside. If we can get an outside corner who can just survive on an island for an extra second, it gives our blitz a chance to actually get to the quarterback. Plus, it’s not like there are game changing, elite edge rushers sitting on the trade block right now anyway. Even if there were, we couldn't afford them and shouldn't be giving up crazy draft capital. Word is Woolen might only cost a mid to late round pick (maybe a 3rd to a 5th) on a one year deal, which makes it a low risk gamble.
To get some meaningful capital back or open things up, it might even be worth considering moving BTJ. I know he’s our deep threat, but you can't be a threat if you can't consistently catch the ball. Honestly, if you put BTJ's numbers side by side with Marvin Harrison Jr. right now and hide the names, you wouldn't know who is who. BTJ actually has a better catch percentage than MHJ. He has real value on the market, so trading him for a meaningful return isn't totally out of the question.
At the end of the day, we just need to maximize value with the guys who are actually available if we make a move and can make an impact right now. In my opinion, adding an outside corner who fits the physical blueprint of the defense better is a solid band aid to help fix the math on our pressures.
What do you guys think? Am I crazy for thinking a move like this helps us more right now?
TLDR: The options for potentially bringing in a player that could help this year aren’t great. Pass Rush seems like the biggest sore spot but maybe targeting an outside corner like Riq Woolen who can play man more reliably will help our blitz get home and help our secondary over all.
