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Agree with coolnerd on all points. Barwin has played defense for two seasons now. He has plenty of potential and will likely get better against the run at some point. I think Barwin has upside, but it'll be a longshot for him to see more than 60% of the snaps in 2010.
That's interesting. My first instinct would have been to say it's not possible. And I don't think it's likely in the cards. But I suppose that Barwin is a little in the Orakpo/Matthews/Vrabel mold. I don't think he's explosive enough to play like Orakpo. It'd take a lot of coaching to teach him yet another role -- standup OLB on base downs. In the end, though, athleticism or otherwise, I think the hybrid OLB role will be Cushing's. Cushing won't ever play with his hand down, but the Texans really opened things up for him during the second half. He had just a half sack through seven games, then 4.5 in the second half of the season and 3.5 in his last three games.
Sidbury is a little hard to peg given his college competition, but his scouting report was very favorable for an every-down end. He may not be as athletic as Barwin, but I don't think it hurts his upside. I liked Sidbury's opportunity and overall ability a little better last May and I'd probably keep him above Barwin in 2010 expectation. John Abraham isn't getting any younger and the LDE position should be available in Atlanta, too. A good offseason would put Sidbury in line for nice playing time.
