Tag: 3-technique

Chiefs DT Chris Jones named NFL’s most disruptive pass-rusher from 3-technique

On the latest Xs and Os with Greg Cosell and Doug Farrar, #Chiefs DT Chris Jones was recognized for his play at 3-technique in 2022.

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Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones was recently recognized as the league’s most disruptive pass-rusher when aligning as a 3-technique.

On the latest episode of “Xs and Os with Greg Cosell and Doug Farrar,” the two veteran film junkies sought to identify the NFL’s most disruptive pass-rushers from every gap. They spent some time identifying the various traits that make for good edge rushers and interior rushers before delving into the players who were the best during the 2022 NFL season.

If you’re not familiar with the term, the 3-technique refers to when a defensive lineman aligns in the B-gap. They’ll align to the outside shoulder of an offensive guard, between that offensive guard and the offensive tackle.

While Aaron Donald remains in a league of his own, Jones was the better player at 3-tech last season in the eyes of Farrar.

“I’d say the guy who played the best three (technique) last year, to me, was Chris Jones with the Chiefs,” Farrar said. “He has great techniques, ways of just pulling you in and then slipping around.”

Cosell found himself impressed with Jones’ size and quickness, but there was something that he couldn’t seem to put his finger on about his playstyle.

“Yeah, he’s very big,” Cosell said. “He’s not as explosive of an athlete as (Aaron) Donald. So, he has a little bit more control in his playstyle, I mean, his game. Although, for his size, he’s quick. But he’s not quick in the way you think of like a true 3-technique.”

Farrar emphasized Jones’ finesse and hand-fighting as one of the things that set him apart.

“No, he’s a jiu-jitsu man,” Farrar said.

Be sure to check out the full episode at the top of the page or over on Touchdown Wire for more on the top D-Linemen in the NFL during the 2022 NFL season

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How adding Nick Williams impacts the Lions roster

Examining how agreeing to terms with defensive tackle Nick Williams impacts the Detroit Lions roster.

The 2020 tampering period is less than a day old and the Detroit Lions have already agreed to terms with several players, including defensive lineman Nick Williams.

Early expectations are that he will be part of the rotation at defensive tackle, splitting time with Da’Shawn Hand (my projected starter) and Kevin Strong. Williams is capable of seeing some snaps at the 1-technique spot but won’t be a heavy contributor there.

Athletically, Williams is very similar to Hand as you can see below in a comparison of Pride of Detroit’s Kent Platte’s RAS cards:

Williams is very athletic, but as a late bloomer, he also needs to show that he can use that athleticism to be productive beyond just what he showed last season in Chicago.

Factoring in the reported contract the Lions gave Williams — 2 years, $10 million — it appears the Lions believe he can be a consistent part of the rotation and will likely assume the role vacated by A’Shawn Robinson.

With Hand and Strong returning and the expectation of Williams to contribute, the Lions look to be content to open the season with this three-man rotation at the 3/5-technique position. Although, if the Lions are concerned about the injuries to Hand/Strong, it’s still possible they look to add one more veteran defensive tackle — potentially re-signing Mike Daniels.

While they appear set at 3/5-technique, there is still a starting job open at the nose tackle position and that position is very much open to adding a quality player. That could mean the Lions try to add a player like D.J. Reader, Marcell Dareus, or Michael Pierce in free agency, or look to the draft by targeting Derrick Brown (Auburn) or Leki Fotu (Utah).