Defensive Direction

Hey there my Brahma Herd! I'm breaking down our San Antonio Brahmas defense: what to look out for, what I'm expecting and who is likely going to get the nod. A quick overview shows a lot of promise from this squad, not quite as glamorous or exciting as the offensive side. However, there's plenty of hidden gems on this group that we should be looking at; let's get started!

Defensive Line

Justin Alexandre - Defensive End

Alexandre is one of the more exciting prospects for this defensive lines. Fans were clamoring for the Brahmas to bring in local talent; Alexandre fits that bill hailing from the University of Incarnate Word. He was a nice pickup as well - he's a strong and big edge guy, that moves very quickly; while he doesn't have the overall speed he compensates for this in his length with an 82in wingspan. He's certainly looking to make an immediate shake on the line.
Justin-Alexandre-SAB-DE

Owen Carney - Defensive End / Edge Rusher

Carney does bring some NFL experience to this team on the line. He has experience at defensive end and weak-side linebacker, but he's slowly moving down to the edge to apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks. 

Prince Emili - Defensive Tackle

Emili in my estimation will be one of the few 3-down linemen for this defensive front as he can line up in both defensive tackle and nose tackle spots. He's quickness allows him to explode off the ball, making blockers completely whiff and being able to track down quarterbacks causing disruption. He's also a strong middle cog repping out 28 reps out 225 lbs he'll not be an easy assignment for any blocker. He doesn't have the traditional measurements of defensive tackles, he could become our "Aaron Donald" with some fine tuning and coaching.

Other Defensive Linemen 

  • Mike Tverdov - situational edge rusher; likely to serve as a backup for Carney.
  • Matthew Goetel- was signed on after the draft. DC Hermann doesn't normally use true Nose Tackles, but Goetel certainly has a skill that will land him in a role to be used especially on early downs.
  • Denzel Chukwukelu- 
  • Youhanna Ghaifan - situational edge rusher; likely to serve as a backup for Carney.
  • Drew Beesley - situational edge rusher; likely to serve as a backup for Carney.
  • Julian McCleod - situational edge rusher; likely to serve as a backup for Carney.
Defensive Line Grade: B

Linebackers

Omari Cobb - OLB

SA used their 1st (and 3rd overall) pick on Patrick. He’s a huge grab for SA, as he possess the ability to be a three down back, while he does have several strong understudies Patrick hold the upperhand on each of the other RBs, he’s already played for OC Elizondo during the XFL’s first reboot with the Tampa Bay Vipers. While it may have seemed questionable to grab Patrick this early, given his familiarity with the offensive system and there not being an obvious true WR1 in this draft class he’s an excellent asset for SA. He’s not a fancy back nor has he shown elite levels of quickness, he’s a strong and powerful downfield runner. His physical nature will allow him to be a bruising pass blocker as well, in this suspected pass-heavy offense.

Ben Davis - OLB

SA used their 1st (and 3rd overall) pick on Patrick. He’s a huge grab for SA, as he possess the ability to be a three down back, while he does have several strong understudies Patrick hold the upperhand on each of the other RBs, he’s already played for OC Elizondo during the XFL’s first reboot with the Tampa Bay Vipers. While it may have seemed questionable to grab Patrick this early, given his familiarity with the offensive system and there not being an obvious true WR1 in this draft class he’s an excellent asset for SA. He’s not a fancy back nor has he shown elite levels of quickness, he’s a strong and powerful downfield runner. His physical nature will allow him to be a bruising pass blocker as well, in this suspected pass-heavy offense.

Other Linebackers

 

  • Joel Dublanko - while at Hawai’i, he played multiple positions and played well, making for a rare gadget player - although, did most of his damage at RB and WR.
  • Andrzej Hughes-Murray - comes to SA with a few years of NFL experience, but could never quite take advantage of his opportunities outside of a few sparks. He’s large frame and blazing speed, along with running wildcat in college left much to be desired from this well-built athlete. I could see him taking up first-team reps in the event Patrick gets hurt.
  • Riko Jeffers- was brought on to SA after the draft. While he does have NFL experience, in comparison to his competition, he doesn’t have a standout feature as the other three do (versatility, power, knowledge of offense, etc) he’ll likely be seen more as a depth back barring injuries.
Linebacker Grade: A

Defensive Backs

Luq Barcoo - CB1

At this point, everyone has heard about Vasher whether from his 1 handed catch at Texas Tech or his 1 handed catch in the Cowboys training camp. While he’s not a traditional WR1, he has all the measurables that can translate into a true WR1. Vasher standing at 6’6” with an 84in wingspan, 4.4 40 yard dash and 37 in vertical, he can easily be Pass’ number 1 guy.



Ryan Lewis - CB2

While I favor Kendrick Rogers, Tolliver is the player who I can see ultimately getting the nod at WR2. Like Patrick, he’s played under both the OC and QBC before during his stint with the Tampa Bay Vipers. Familiarity with the offense may prove to give him the upperhand.


Kary Vincent - Slot/Nickel/Returner

In steps our speedster from Purdue, whom is known for producing burners at wide receiver. Wright ran a 4.4 40 yard dash, while small in stature he was a dangerous deep threat and was constantly on the positive end of long throws.

Tenny Adewusi - Free Safety

At this point, everyone has heard about Vasher whether from his 1 handed catch at Texas Tech or his 1 handed catch in the Cowboys training camp. While he’s not a traditional WR1, he has all the measurables that can translate into a true WR1. Vasher standing at 6’6” with an 84in wingspan, 4.4 40 yard dash and 37 in vertical, he can easily be Pass’ number 1 guy.



Bubba Bolden - Strong Safety

While I favor Kendrick Rogers, Tolliver is the player who I can see ultimately getting the nod at WR2. Like Patrick, he’s played under both the OC and QBC before during his stint with the Tampa Bay Vipers. Familiarity with the offense may prove to give him the upperhand.



Abrae Booker-Currin - "Rover"; Hybrid LB/DB

In steps our speedster from Purdue, whom is known for producing burners at wide receiver. Wright ran a 4.4 40 yard dash, while small in stature he was a dangerous deep threat and was constantly on the positive end of long throws.



Other Wide Receivers

  • Rico Gafford - Returner; will want to get him and his speed on the field as often as possible
  • Elijah Jones - rotational corner
  • Coney Durr- depth corner
  • Terrell Bonds - depth corner
  • Jack Koerner - "rover" backup
  • Cedric Stone - backup Safety
  • Stephen Denmark - can back up and play both safety positions.
Defensive Back Grade: B