Analysis: Ex-Buckeye Ryan Pickett will prosper in the Packers new 3-4 D.
NT Ryan Pickett is disruptive. He has averaged 3 passed defended each of his 7 seasons as the starter for the Pack. No, at 340, he is not dropping into coverage. He gets credit for a pass defended by knocking down passes at the line of scrimmage.
In the 3-4, Pickett should lose about 300 pounds. That should mean only 2 300+ pound blockers will be responsible for keeping Pickett off the QB rather than the 3 that he has seen all too often in the 4-3. His job is not necessarily to sack the QB but he does that more often than most NTs gathering 2.5 sacks in the last 2 seasons. What they want him to do is push the O line back into the QB's face. He does that regularly.
When he signs his contract, rookie 1st round pick DT B.J. Raji (9th pick 337 lbs.) from Boston College will play DE in the Packers 3-4. Pickett will play next to him and the other end will be Cullen Jenkins. The Packers have some question marks moving all pro DE Aaron Kampman to LB but there is no doubt about Pickett. He will hold down the middle of the line.
That's what I think. Tell me what you think.
Bill Smith is a former coach of several semi-pro teams, has officiated both football and basketball, done color on radio for college football and basketball and has scouted talent. He is a senior writer for http://NFLDraftDog.com and edits http://fryingpansports.com. He has also published several novels on http://www.eBooks-Library/Contemporary/Author.cfm?AuthorID=1003 and edits http://fryingpanpolitics.blog.com.