I suspect that the starting NT position will be more fluid than solid. I also think the primary NT for this 2017 Wade defense is not here yet.
Better than Cam Thomas at least.
Cam Thomas is the very opposite type NT that Wade Phillips desires. Thomas will not return.
So, if Brockers gets injured, then teams just hand off the ball every down?
Your have some merit in this statement but if the RB can NOT get a clean hand off from the QB due to penetration buy our 270 & 280 pound quick DL'ers that would resolve the size issue. I am thinking we will see several draft prospects who will look very close to Tyrunn Walker size to play NT for Wade.
Bill Johnson our D-Line coach was his D line coach in New Orleans. He was a big 4-3 DE in College. Probably depth at the 3-4 DE spot where we currently have no one behind Easley and Donald if we didn't tender Westbrooks.
Are we really so sure that Brockers is cemented in again @ NT? Have we though somewhat out of the box here where Brockers who is now our highest paid DL'er & just signed a 3 year, $34 mil.contract .including a $3,000,000 signing bonus,
$24,396,000 guaranteed, & an average annual salary of over $11 mil. is going to be just a space eater? I don't think so. In this Wade D he is sure to finally be turned loose to join all pro Aaron Donald as our starting 34 DE's when the season starts. When you then mix in the talents that a Dom Easley behind Donald & Ethan Westbrooks behind Brockers? Its the perfect scenario for dominance.
Brockers IMO would burst onto the NFL highlight reels & be a new pro bowl candidate if he was to play to start @ the left side 34 DE post.
When a team releases, trades & moves their top 3 starting DE's of the last two season in the off season there has to be a big change in the makings here.