Strategy Session: Defensive Front 7 Size

Yesterday we took a look at the offensive line and their offseason size gain.  Today, we'll discuss the other side of the ball and the defensive front seven.  In our 3-4 defensive scheme this includes the Weakside Defensive End, Nose Guard, Strongside Defensive End and Linebackers.

Position	Name	2010 Weight	2011 Weight
WDE	Christo Bilukidi	290	300
	Demetreious Shorter	255	255
NG	Khirrey Karriem	270	270
	Terrance Woodard	320	320
SDE	Kalan Jenkins	245	255
	Alex Findura	227*	235
OLB	Jake Muasau	243	243
	Allen McKay	200	200
ILB	Evan Bostic	235	235
	Mike Hall	219	219
ILB	Louie Muasau	248	248
	Sam Burkhalter	220**	214
ILB	Qwontez Mallory	202***	235
	Akeen Felder	195	215

*Walk on SDE Austin Wiley served as primary back up in 2010.
**Cole Moon has moved to the offensive side of the ball and basically switched positions with former RB Sam Burkhalter.
***Mark Hogan started at this position in 2010.

My Analysis: Now I hope you see why I'm much more optimistic about our ability to stop the run in 2011.  We've added 48lbs of collective weight amongst the front 7 (6.85lbs per player).  If you look at the collective gain for the two deep it's a total of 81lbs (5.78lbs per player).  I absolutely look to improve on the 10 QB sacks and nearly 188 yards per game given up on the ground in 2010.

A Big Thanks to my man Bud Elliot at Tomahawk Nation for the inspiration behind this series.