I think he will contribute. My guess is around four sacks this year. He will be used primarily at end this year. I think he is looked over for the reasons you stated.

 

I don't think anyone knows what exactly he is going to do.

 

Wait we've started playing already?????

Don't worry he's getting talked about alot. In VIP there is a multi page thread about him.

 

i think Jake long gets so much press because he was #1 overall. and of course you're gonna talk about the quarterback...so its not surprising things are a bit quiet about Merling. I don't expect too much from him in his rookie campaign, with having a recent injury, which helped cause his slide to 32 in the first place. imo.

 

HA...i know at least 30 guys who think they know EXACTLY what he's gonna do.:lol:

 

Yea, there is a long thread about him in VIP...

Another thing we need to keep in mind is that he is still not fully back to where he in regards to his hernia.

I dont expect him to be much of a contributor his rookie year. Atleast not as much as Long.

 

the injury likely means we don't expect to see much out of him this season, but yes there's a very good thread about him in VIP/Club Level.

 

Can anybody bring up few points from the VIP thread?

 

He will be primarily used in passing situations, learning from a pass rushing master in Jason Taylor. Don't expect anymore than 5 or 6 sacks. Anything more is gravvy. I think Merling is going to be a good player and that you guys were lucky to grab him where you did. The jump of Derrick Harvey and the fall of Merling never made sense to me.

 

you should definitely join:up:

 

i thought all the scouting info on Merling was that his strength was against the run, and in his motor, stacking at the point of attack, pursuing plays from the backside, and tackling... but that his pass rush moves were not so great.

He basically sounds like a bigger, stronger, BETTER Matt Roth.

 

Like many have already said, when you have the #1 overall pick, the other picks seem to get a lull in expectations generally... Henne gets more advertisement and scrutiny in this town because of two things...He's next in the long line of QBs we've had brought in here (mostly via trade though), that aren't named Marino...We all know the story since Danny retired so any QB here will get extra credit until one of them does well... And second, we do have Beck, last years' flavor of the month that really hasn't gotten a legitimate shot and who should improve in his second year that we need to see more of before he's discarded. Henne, being a rookie QB, probably would be best served on the pine this year...

As to Merling, believe it or not, I think he was brought in here as a kind of project even tho he's essentially a 1st round pick... My guess (thanks to many in The Club and the media) is that he'll be playing 3-4 end this year behind Holliday and probably in the rotation and certain packages and then be able to branch out from there after he gets his feet wet from there. There is much debate amongst fans as to whether he's best suited as a 3-4 end or OLB. Only time will tell us that for now. This year, since he's coming off the injury and by most accounts needs to continue to build up his strength to play his best at this level, that seems to be the concensus best fit for him this year. Obviously that can change...

 

Because he is coming off of an injury and learning a new position under the tutelage of Holiday.

 

My groin is feeling good and I'm just learning behind Vonnie and some of the other veterans," said Merling, who produced 78 tackles, seven sacks and two forced fumbles last season in his most productive year at Clemson.

But that was as a rush end in a base 4-3 defense. Merling, and most of the team, will be making the transition to a 3-4 scheme, which requires a more physical style of play from the front line guys, and the ability to press off blocks. That's the aspect Merling said has been the most difficult to adjust to going from college to the NFL game.

"Playing on the inside in a three technique is real difficult. I'm used to playing on the end," said Merling, who believes becoming accustomed to the strength in the NFL is the biggest adjustment he has to make.

"Offensive linemen are a lot faster and more talented so I've got to get back in the weight room and get grinding," he continued. "My quickness and speed is fine. It's more strength, getting a lock on the big guys. I'll get it down."

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports...ive-linem.html

 

Search my posts. I think its the thread titled "Simms likes Beck" or something like that. I talk about any improvement to this team will primarily be the responsibility of the new and improved Dlline. Merling, Langford, Starks, and Ferguson are all going to be integral to the success we have.

I have heard him favorably compared to Gaines Adams, the #4 pick of Tampa last year.

Now, I don't think Gaines Adams is a Pro Bowl caliber player, but I do think Merling can play, and will be good for us for a long time.