Originally posted by Waterbear:
Trust me. I'm a snob for good hand placement and technique for rushing the passer and I understand this kid does not have it. But I think Ebukam is such a good athlete that he will become one of better defensive players just from being able to chase down the mobile QBs in our division and playing the run/option. He doesn't need to be a great rusher to make a big impact and I think he will benefit from this attacking defense more than most players on the team.
Oh I agree, I think he will be great at setting an edge/chasing a QB down on those RPOs. He's a stud athlete without question. He will make an impact there…I also can see him winning based off explosiveness/motor/effort, this one gap go get the QB defense will benefit him.
End of the day rushing the passer comes down to technique as much as athletic ability. IMO he's lacking there (you agree). He more of a subpackage guy in regards to rushing the passer. We need someone that can actually rush the passer consistently opposite Bosa, especially early in the season. I don't think that guy is on this team (unless Ford magically fixed his back). I really don't want to see AA out there as much as he was last yr either.