IDP Spotlight - DL Grant Wistrom, St. Louis Rams
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Posted 8/24 by Shawn Culcasi, Exclusive to Footballguys.com
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Culcasi's Thoughts
Phillip Daniels, Lamar King, Antonio Cochran and Chike Okeafor. Not necessarily
your who's-who of top pass rushers in the NFL, but these are the leading sackers
from defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks over the last five seasons. Not
since Michael Sinclair posted 16.5 in 1998 has a Seahawk end tallied double
digit sacks, but that streak is in serious danger.
One of the Seahawks top priorities this offseason was to find a pass rusher,
whether it be through the draft or free-agency. They were said to be interested
in Jevon Kearse (signed with Philadelphia), Darren Howard (slapped with the
franchise tag in New Orleans) and Adewale Ogunleye (currently holding out) but
settled for Grant Wistrom (if a $14.5 million signing bonus constitutes settling).
With four year averages of 48 solo tackles and eight sacks, Wistrom has grown
to become one of the best all-around defensive ends in the game. He makes up
for a lack of ideal size (6'4 272) with great speed, athleticism and a relentless,
nonstop motor. He's also mastered the use of leverage, helping him improve against
the run, an aspect of his game that was questioned early on.
Coming out of Nebraska in 1998 with a full credential of accolades, there was
a possibility that he'd be better suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker. The Rams
didn't think so, making him the 6th overall pick. He took over as a full-time
starter during his second NFL season, picking up 33 solo tackles with 6.5 sacks
and two interceptions in 16 starts, and has missed just two games since. His
durability sets him apart from Kearse and Howard, making him a much safer addition
for their money.
In Seattle, Wistrom should help improve both the run and pass defenses in his
own play and by freeing up teammates with his presence. Okeafor, a capable pass
rusher in his own right, will move to left end allowing Wistrom to step in at
RDE. This duo should turn into the best set of bookend defensive linemen that
Seattle has had in quite some time. With the addition of Marcus Tubbs in the
middle (rookie 1st round pick), the entire defense looks headed in the right
direction. Ray Rhodes is not used to finishing with a 19th ranked overall defense
and he should have this unit in the top 10.
Positives
- Grant Wistrom is a prototypical Lovie Smith-type defensive end, possessing
great speed and athleticism. His sideline-to-sideline skills for a defensive
lineman are outstanding.
- Durable, he's missed just two games over the last five seasons. He just
turned 28, which should leave him with a handful of productive years left
in the tank.
- Often overlooked when discussions arise about the leagues top defensive
linemen, underrated as a run defender. He's posted very consistent solo tackle
numbers, between 45-51 over the last four seasons.
Negatives
- The Seahawks have very little experience at defensive tackle. Chike Okeafor
will be relied on heavily to relieve double teams. If he struggles, Wistrom
could be neutralized. Wistrom does not get to play alongside Leonard Little
any longer.
- With just 12 sacks combined over the last two seasons, he's fallen short
of expectations as a pass rusher. He's posted double digit sacks just once
in his six year career (11 in 2000).
Final Thoughts
Grant Wistrom is one of those players that you can't help to root for. His
energy is contagious, he flies around the field like a linebacker, and he never
gets hurt. Look for him to quickly become a fan favorite in Seattle. While his
presence is expected to help those around him, their success will likely determine
whether or not he has the space to make his own plays. I see Chike Okeafor playing
well enough this year and I have high expectations for their entire defense.
Ray Rhodes definitely has some talent to work at every position and he should
have this squad playing well above the level that we've come to expect from
the Seahawks.
Quotes from the IDP Spotlight Message Thread:
To view the entire thread, click here: DL
Grant Wistrom, St. Louis Rams
grady:
"Wistrom is not flashy, nor is he a bum either. He is a strong run supporter
who will get his sacks from time to time. The downside for him this year is
that he doesn't have a reliable bookend and will probably draw a good amount
of double teams."
Projections
Source |
Solo
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Asst
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Sacks
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INT
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PD
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FF
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FR
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FntPts
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Aaron Rudnicki |
50
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10
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7.5
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0
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3
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1
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1
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84.5
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Shawn Culcasi |
57
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13
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10.0
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0
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1
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1
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1
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98.5
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Spotlight Consensus |
55
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5
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4.0
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0
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2
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1
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0
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73.5
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IDP Scoring System
1 pt per Solo Tackle
0.5 pt per Assisted Tackle
3 pts per Sack
4 pts per Interception
1 pt per Pass Defensed
2 pts per Forced Fumble
2 pts per Fumble Recovery
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