Jeff in Denver, Colo., writes: I can’t believe your NFC South LB ratings. Scott Shanle at 14 is terrible. The guy has started for four years, has been based the defensive MVP, stayed on the field as a three down linebacker, has the most tackles of any Saints defender since Sean Payton arrival and is constantly matched up against the opposition best TE or RB in coverage while Jonathan Vilma roams due to being the better cover guy. The guy deserves respect and putting him behind guys who haven't done anything is terrible on your part. The guy can play!
Pat Yasinskas: The rankings are about the 2010 season and what I project. Yes, I’m the first to admit Scott Shanle’s had some very nice years for the Saints. If this were 2008 or ’09, he’d definitely be in the top 10, maybe the top five. But this is 2010 and Shanle is 30 and going to be 31 in November. I rely heavily on the words of scouts, coaches and players when compiling these rankings. Ultimately, I make the call. But I was hearing things people who know a lot more about football than I do tell me they’ve always viewed Shanle as being “just a guy’’ and that his age is catching up to him. Conversely, many of the guys who don’t have his track record were ranked ahead of him because they’ve got much more upside and I’m expecting big things from them in 2010.
Eddie in Gastonia, N.C., writes: I'm from Gastonia and I've been following your columns since your Observer days. I was wondering about Tony Washington from Allison Glock's story. On one hand, I know Jerry Richardson tries to steer clear of players who will give his team bad press but as a religious man who is viewed by many as a benevolent, fatherly type, I wonder why he wouldn't be willing to step up and give a guy like Washington a chance. After all, his problem seems relatively benign and quite a few years behind him. Keep up the excellent work, Pat.
Pat Yasinskas: Honestly, I had no idea who Washington was when I first got your note. I looked him up and found Allison’s excellent story. Was not aware of any of that and I highly recommend everyone reads the story. I can’t speak for Richardson, but I know the man well and I think your points all make sense. Richardson is serious about staying away from guys with troubled pasts, but Washington’s story sounds like he may have paid a price for something he might not have done. Knowing Richardson, he’d take that into account if the Panthers’ football people were interested in Washington. I’ve got no indication they are at this time. Sounds like Washington might have to show off his potential in the Canadian Football League or United Football League in order to really catch the attention of NFL teams.
Jeff in Charleston, S.C., writes: Hey Pat. How are you feeling about Atlanta's D-Line rotation? Does Peria Jerry look like he's at full speed to you? I really feel like Kroy Biermann could lead this team in sacks this year, and I felt that way towards the end of last season. Also, how about Lawrence Sidbury? I feel like he improves a little bit every time he gets on the field. Just wanted to get your overall thoughts on how effective this D-Line rotation Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff have developed can be.
Pat Yasinskas: Smith has been talking about rotating defensive linemen all offseason and he’s not making it up. We saw a heavy rotation in last night’s game with Miami and I liked it. Smith said he wants to set a cap where no defensive lineman goes above 35 or 40 snaps a game. I think that’s a great idea, because Atlanta’s defensive line has some strength in numbers, although it might not have any superstars. I think the system will work. As far as Biermann, he’s had a sack in each of the preseason games and that’s very encouraging. Sidbury’s coming along, too. A lot of people with the Falcons believe Sidbury has more upside than Biermann and eventually could develop into a big-time pass-rusher.
Clarke in Los Angeles writes: Thanks for being my lifeline to Panthers football here in Los Angeles. I just wanted to ask where would you have ranked Thomas Davis in the NFC South Linebacker rankings had he not been injured?
Pat Yasinskas: Can pretty much assure you he would have been in top five. No worse than No. 3 or No. 4. Davis had emerged into a force at weakside linebacker.
Todd in Indiana writes: Just watched a video saying Stylez G. White was on the bubble. Is there any truth to that? If so what do you think about it? Is this about chemistry or poisoning the young DEs work ethic?
Pat Yasinskas: Not sure what video you’re talking about. But putting White on the bubble might be a little too strong, especially if you think he’s going to be cut. It is very true the Bucs haven’t been real pleased with what White’s done in camp. He’s never been much of a practice player, but there was hope he would step that up a bit this year and emerge as a leader on a very young defensive line. That hasn’t happened and the Bucs are disappointed about it. But White’s been moderately productive in past seasons. I’d have a tough time seeing the Bucs just cut him now because they have virtually nothing else at defensive end.
Pat Yasinskas: The rankings are about the 2010 season and what I project. Yes, I’m the first to admit Scott Shanle’s had some very nice years for the Saints. If this were 2008 or ’09, he’d definitely be in the top 10, maybe the top five. But this is 2010 and Shanle is 30 and going to be 31 in November. I rely heavily on the words of scouts, coaches and players when compiling these rankings. Ultimately, I make the call. But I was hearing things people who know a lot more about football than I do tell me they’ve always viewed Shanle as being “just a guy’’ and that his age is catching up to him. Conversely, many of the guys who don’t have his track record were ranked ahead of him because they’ve got much more upside and I’m expecting big things from them in 2010.
Eddie in Gastonia, N.C., writes: I'm from Gastonia and I've been following your columns since your Observer days. I was wondering about Tony Washington from Allison Glock's story. On one hand, I know Jerry Richardson tries to steer clear of players who will give his team bad press but as a religious man who is viewed by many as a benevolent, fatherly type, I wonder why he wouldn't be willing to step up and give a guy like Washington a chance. After all, his problem seems relatively benign and quite a few years behind him. Keep up the excellent work, Pat.
Pat Yasinskas: Honestly, I had no idea who Washington was when I first got your note. I looked him up and found Allison’s excellent story. Was not aware of any of that and I highly recommend everyone reads the story. I can’t speak for Richardson, but I know the man well and I think your points all make sense. Richardson is serious about staying away from guys with troubled pasts, but Washington’s story sounds like he may have paid a price for something he might not have done. Knowing Richardson, he’d take that into account if the Panthers’ football people were interested in Washington. I’ve got no indication they are at this time. Sounds like Washington might have to show off his potential in the Canadian Football League or United Football League in order to really catch the attention of NFL teams.
Jeff in Charleston, S.C., writes: Hey Pat. How are you feeling about Atlanta's D-Line rotation? Does Peria Jerry look like he's at full speed to you? I really feel like Kroy Biermann could lead this team in sacks this year, and I felt that way towards the end of last season. Also, how about Lawrence Sidbury? I feel like he improves a little bit every time he gets on the field. Just wanted to get your overall thoughts on how effective this D-Line rotation Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff have developed can be.
Pat Yasinskas: Smith has been talking about rotating defensive linemen all offseason and he’s not making it up. We saw a heavy rotation in last night’s game with Miami and I liked it. Smith said he wants to set a cap where no defensive lineman goes above 35 or 40 snaps a game. I think that’s a great idea, because Atlanta’s defensive line has some strength in numbers, although it might not have any superstars. I think the system will work. As far as Biermann, he’s had a sack in each of the preseason games and that’s very encouraging. Sidbury’s coming along, too. A lot of people with the Falcons believe Sidbury has more upside than Biermann and eventually could develop into a big-time pass-rusher.
Clarke in Los Angeles writes: Thanks for being my lifeline to Panthers football here in Los Angeles. I just wanted to ask where would you have ranked Thomas Davis in the NFC South Linebacker rankings had he not been injured?
Pat Yasinskas: Can pretty much assure you he would have been in top five. No worse than No. 3 or No. 4. Davis had emerged into a force at weakside linebacker.
Todd in Indiana writes: Just watched a video saying Stylez G. White was on the bubble. Is there any truth to that? If so what do you think about it? Is this about chemistry or poisoning the young DEs work ethic?
Pat Yasinskas: Not sure what video you’re talking about. But putting White on the bubble might be a little too strong, especially if you think he’s going to be cut. It is very true the Bucs haven’t been real pleased with what White’s done in camp. He’s never been much of a practice player, but there was hope he would step that up a bit this year and emerge as a leader on a very young defensive line. That hasn’t happened and the Bucs are disappointed about it. But White’s been moderately productive in past seasons. I’d have a tough time seeing the Bucs just cut him now because they have virtually nothing else at defensive end.
Pat Yasinskas | email
NFL- ESPN NFC South Blogger
- Joined ESPN in 2008
- Began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990
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Pat Yasinskas
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.
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