Yeah people gave Orr way too much credit for my taste. One of the reasons that the defense improved significantly last season from the year before is because CJ made significant strides in coverage and his overall game. You could make an argument that he's a top 5 ILB right now. I hate the fact that a lot within the fanbase actually hate him(far more than I hate the Flacco criticisms because honestly he deserves it sometimes). The "Orr had a better year" crowd just doesn't know what they're talking about. He was a good player, but what happened when Orr took CJ's spot? He struggled big time. That alone shows who is better. CJ makes the defense work, and as much as I hated the pick at the time, I'm glad we have him.
(To go off topic)Personally, I'm excited for the direction the defense is going in next year. I just want a damn offensive linemen. I'm not of the "Flacco will be elite if he has an elite line" crowd. I believe if we can give him a line that can actually run block than the offense as a whole will click. I'm not worried about the WR corps, I'm not worried about our RBs, or our TEs. We need 3 things and then I think we're contenders again.
1. Offensive line. Our biggest need by far. Football is won in the trenches, and even in a passing league, if you can't establish the run, you're screwed. We have 3 talented RBs on the roster in Dixon, West, and Woodhead. Go get them some blockers and the offense begins to work.
2. Pass rusher, more specifically edge rusher. Our biggest need on the defensive side of the ball. People will be quick to blame Dean Pees on the Steelers game. They're wrong. We were blitzing and got no pressure. Not having Jimmy didn't help that, but at the end of the day our pass rush was what kept a very good unit from being an elite unit. Simply put, our best pass rusher last season was probably Timmy Jernigan. As much as I like him(which I do a lot), he's not an #1 or even a #2 guy. He's best as a #3 pass rusher who is a great run defender. Go get a Barnett, and maybe also add a situational guy like Kruger who knows our scheme.
3. CB Depth: I don't hate the Brandon Carr signing. In fact, I think he could potentially bounce back here. He was good last season and will no longer have to take on the #1 guy on a consistent basis. Hell, Tavon is a better player than him and he might even take on the outside guy. I think we should go acquire 2 CBs, one slot guy and one outside guy. We can't depend on Jimmy to be healthy, We need at least two more guys(Sidney Jones maybe?)
People are panicking about ILB and WR. Well, for starters Perriman has the traits of a #1. Strong hands, fluid hips, willingness to go over the middle, makes tough catches. He needs to work on his route running more than anything.. We also have a good deep threat in Wallace. I do think acquiring an underneath guy would be ideal, but it's not the need most people think it is.
As for ILB. Not worried. We will probably fill that gap with a UDFA. Or who knows, Correa will step up(doubt it though. A blemish on an otherwise perfect draft)
