English is going to have to play a lot this season. You figure English and JJ start in the base 34, since Freeney struggles so much playing LB. Then when we go to the nickle, which probably happens even more this year, because of Freeney, then English is still the guy opposite him, since you kind of want someone who can rush the passer, and JJ is really too slow to be that effective rushing. JJ will get some reps there, but English is going to have to step up.
I expect Williams will get some too, but again, history shows that not many rookie DE are ready to come in and be that productive. That is especially true of guys moving from 43 DE to 34 OLB. Granted, if he gets his reps in the nickle (a good bet), it does shorten his learning curve some. The good thing is that since WIlliams was a good ST guy in college, he will probably play and be active for all the games, so if you want to give him a few plays here and there, you can.
I expect Williams will get some too, but again, history shows that not many rookie DE are ready to come in and be that productive. That is especially true of guys moving from 43 DE to 34 OLB. Granted, if he gets his reps in the nickle (a good bet), it does shorten his learning curve some. The good thing is that since WIlliams was a good ST guy in college, he will probably play and be active for all the games, so if you want to give him a few plays here and there, you can.
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