2011 NFL Free Agents: Colts Should Target Brendon Mebane, DT, Seahawks
by Brad Wells on Jun 29, 2011 10:34 AM EDT
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Between now and the start of free agency, Stampede Blue will profile free agents the Indianapolis Colts could and should target when the new collective bargaining agreement is signed and the lockout lifted. Today, this post is sponsored by XFINITY.
Free Agent Target: Brendan Mebane, DT, Seahawks
Stop me if you've heard this before: The Colts need a defensive tackle in order to-- (readers smash brick over BBS's head).
OK, that's one way of stopping me from re-writing the same, tired issue that has plagued this franchise since Bill Polian took over the football operations in 1998. DT is still a major position of need, and drafting Drake Nevis in the third round this year is not going to fix it. Unless the Colts make a major upgrade here, they will not win a Super Bowl in 2012 in their home stadium.
Therefore, they need to turn to free agency, and one of the best free agent DTs to hit the market in some time will be available for Chris Polian to sign. It's Brendon Mebane, the 26-year-old tackle from Cal. At 6'1, 311 pounds, he's built and bred to dominate at the DT spot in a Tampa-2 defense.
Walter Football is a site I love, and they ranked Mebane as a four-star free agent heading into the 2011 off-season.
Brandon Mebane has always been great against the run; this year, he added some pass-rushing skills to his repertoire, allowing him to serve as an every-down player in Seattle's defense.
Pretty much since Anthony 'Booger' McFarland's career came to an unexpected end during the first days of training camp in 2007, the Colts have struggled to find a consistent run-stuffer in the middle of the line. This is a key element from Indy's defense for the simple reason that Gary Brackett, the team's defensive captain, can't tackle. According to Football Outsiders, Brackett was the fourth worst starting linebacker last season when it came to wrapping up the ball-carrier.
Now, I love Brackett and I think he's a good player, but tackling has never been his strong suit. He's a coverage backer more so than a tackler. Because of this, it's that much more critical for the ball carrier to get stuffed at the line. Should the ball carrier get past the tackles, he's likely going to gain extra yardage because, again, the Colts linebackers just aren't very good at tackling.
Mebane can provide this critical 'first line of defense' for Larry Coyer, who knows a thing or two about great DT play. Trevor Pryce's career was made by Coyer's schemes in Denver. When Coyer has quality players at the DT spots, we know he can scheme good run defense. But, when the DTs are cast-offs like Daniel Muir, one should not expect miracles from Coyer.
Mebane's best season came in 2008, when he had 39 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus projects him as the 79th best defensive linemen next season (this includes both DEs and DTs). Fili Moala is projected 111th, Daniel Muir 124th. PFF ranked Mebane as the No. 2 free agent available at the DT spot, giving him a +10.3 score for 2010.
Key Stat: Has finished in our top twenty for defensive tackles in the last three years.
Behind The Numbers: He’s never quite replicated his excellent 2008, but Mebane has always played well for the Seahawks. Capable of getting to the quarterback and blowing up run plays, Mebane is good enough to start for pretty much any team running a 4-3. Factor his production with his age and he could be in line for a big payday.
Now, for the sake of 'balance,' AdvancedStats.com ranks Mebane as one of the worst DTs in all of football. He's just below Daniel Muir, and just above Fili Moala (who they rank at THE worst DT in the NFL). Personally, I don't think this system is accurate in judging Mebane's effectiveness.
The Seattle-area paper, the News Tribune, recently wrote an article about Mebane, and the sense in the article is he will leave the Pacific Northwest. Indianapolis is listed as a possible landing spot. While I am not at big fan of Fili Moala, I think he could thrive if Mebane were lined up next to him, with Mebane as 'nose tackle' and Fili playing three tech.
As we've seen in the playoffs during the 2006 and 2009 seasons, when the Colts are able to stop the run, they are virtually unbeatable. Signing a young player like Mebane by selling him on the notion that 1) He'll back a ton of bread and 2) He'll be on a championship-caliber team would go a long way to fixing a consistent problem for this Colts defense.
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Agree
Membane would be the perfect fit. Also, sign Ian Williams(?) from Notre Dame as undrafted rookie free agent nose tackle. Then, let Muir and Mookie both hit the bricks, and Foster to relieve Mathis on appropriate downs at end . Matthews and Nevis would fill out a five-man tackle rotation that would be our best in years. I like your point that Moala would shine with a quality nose tackle lined up next to him. Then address the safety position for a starter and depth and the defense starts to shape up nicely.
by oldecoltsfan on Jun 29, 2011 12:33 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Also 2005
In 2005 we had Corey Simon to stuff the run and we were arguably dominant than at any point in the Manning era.
"Roll up, wait a minute
Let me put some kush up in it" - Dr. Dre
by P0RKINS2 on Jun 29, 2011 12:55 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
totally agreed
we need another Corey or Booger, all of us are tired Colts can’t stop the run , it was fun to watch them stop teams and then have Peyton do his thing,, unlike for instance the last time I watched the Colts down here against the Dolphins – they couldn’t stop anything even though they won it was a painful game to watch cause the Dolphins had the ball the game
by OBGYNOSUPREME on Jul 1, 2011 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions
thanks
This is exactly what I requested yesterday. Thank you. Would LOVE to have this guy as well. I hope that Chris Polian is able to learn from the mistakes of his father. He’s already spent more on high round OT talent. If he’s smart, and we can get some good DT in the FA market, you could see a continued run throughout the end of Manning’s career.
I know that S is a concern as well, but there are simply more options at S and a DT that could command a double team on the interior of the Colts DL would be huge. If you put him on the same side as Freeney, they have to commit 4 guys to cover 2 players. That alone will make the secondary better. if the TE, LT, LG, and C are all blocking 2 players that gives the DL and LB’s a MUCH better chance at tackling the QB/RB and the secondary less bodies to cover. I endorse this move all together.
Anyone have a pen?…..
Yeah, I'm Shure.
Would definately take him BUT...
Priority #1- SIGN QUINTIN MIKELL. Period, end of story. I beg of you football gods…please deliver him to us!! Priority #2- Sign an established DT. I think Mebane would be a great addition to the D-Line for all the reasons BBS stated. If he were able to return to his 2008 form he would add a presence to the D-Line that has been missing for some time. If the decision were mine to make I think I would go after Barry Cofield first though and then Mebane second. Cofield has been more of a consistent stud but may cost more. Priority #3- Sign another WR to add depth. Whether its Plaxico or Steve Smith or whoever, bring someone in who can contribute to the current WR corp and who could fill in if our WR’s get banged up again. Just make sure whoever it is that they aren’t Hank Baskett quality.
no
mebane would be a much bigger priority. you build from the lines out. we can get buy with a backup like bullit at safety
by omahacolt on Jun 29, 2011 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agree
Bullitt is a fine safety. No Ed Reid or Troy Polamalou, but upper half of the league.
A strong D line would eliminate so many of the problems that this D has had over the years.
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
Bullitt ain't a top15 safety
No offense, but he just isn’t that good.
He’s a fine football player, and I hope we re-sign him. He’s a phenomenal backup, and a solid player who can start if need be…But upper half of the league just isn’t objective thinking.
I think when its all said and done, losses are Addai, Bullitt, and Session. If Charlie Johnson leaves we can still fine a upgrade at guard but, he’ll be back. Vinatieri will be re-signed mostly because the difference between a missed game winning field goal made vs. missed might be a playoff spot. If Mebane is signed its possible to release A. Johnson and Muir, whose cost to sign replaces the cost of two members of last years team. Safety is the only other spot that will be addressed, Mikell is the best fit. Diem and Hayden are going to be cap casualties, product isn’t worth their paychecks. Finally, if enough money is there Jonathan Joseph would change the dynamic of the defense. I remember when he was drafted, I freaked out every time the team passed him up. Now, is the time to fix that mistake made years ago. Let’s review:
Additions – J. Joseph, Q. Mikell, and B. Mebane (unlikely but, wishful thinking)
Losses – J. Addai, M. Bullitt, C. Session, D. Muir, and A. Johnson
Resigned – C. Johnson and A. Vinatieri
NeXt Man Up
yawn
How many times have we said the Colts SHOULD sign someone and they never do?? They dont have the money to sign anyone decent, and free agency is not something they focus on historically, so this story is pointless
Yes please...
I’m assuming he’d play the 1-tech?
All offseason, leading up to the draft, I was praying for some OLineman & maybe another weapon for Peyton. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I hate nothing more than watching teams run the ball down the Colts’ throat. If signing Mebane can take us from a terrible run defense to a quality, above average run defense, I can’t really see a weak spot on the entire roster…I’d love the following situation (depending on $$, of course):
Resigned – P. Manning (duh), A. Vinatieri, CJ, M. Bullitt, J. Addai
Not Resigned – C. Session, Muir, Mookie
Cut – R. Diem, K. Hayden (unless we can re-structure his contract)
Free Agent Signings – B. Mebane, WR (Burress??)
I like Mookie
Mookie is far better than Muir. I don’t need to see Muir anymore.
I think they can do better at DT, but Mookie isn’t terrible and doesn’t command much in salary. I think he is worth keeping on the roster.
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
I agree that Mookie is better than Muir.
But if we have Moala, Mebane, & Nevis, I’m not sure we need Mookie back. He’d add more depth, for certain, but if we are spending money to bring in Mebane, I can’t see us ALSO spending money to keep Mookie in town, especially since he isn’t a coaches favorite, and we’d have 3 promising young players at the position.
I will defend Muir a bit...
Mookie is hands down a better nose tackle that Muir. Although Muir is as big or bigger, he may well be the fastest defensive tackle off of the snap on our team and has had success every time he has played the under tackle role. His skill set is better suited for under tackle. He had to play nose because Mookie was injured much of the year and did not get many opportunities at under tackle because Moala was playing much better in his second year — and because the team is investing in Moala’s development for the future.
Still, it is important that fans understand the difference between the two players and positions. Otherwise I think Muir does not get a fair shake. Run stopping, space eating nose tackle? No. Decent to solid NFL 4-3 under tackle? He has been when given the chance.
Just a for what it’s worth.
Also,
I agree with you that if Mebane comes it is unlikely that either Johnson or Muir will be retained. At that point I think keeping Foster around as a hybrid defensive lineman would be cost-effective and give the line a lot of utility.
Agreed
Especially ‘cuz I think we could use Mookie’s salary $$ elsewhere…whether it be contributed to re-signing Addai, Bullitt, Session, CJ, Vinatieri…If we sign Mebane, there’s much more pressing needs than Mookie.
whats wrong
with having de’s and dt’s without having an inbetween guy that can barely play either spot
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