Somebody tell me all about David Thornton (1 Viewer)

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Reports are that the Titans just signed him. I just really don't know much about him.

Style, speed, playmaker? Tell me what we are getting? Looks like Sirmon moves to MLB with Thornton and Bulluck outside.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

One of the offseason goals articulated by Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher was to add more speed to his linebacker corps, and the Titans accomplished that goal on Monday morning, as ESPN.com learned that the club has reached a contract agreement with unrestricted free agent David Thornton. The four-year veteran, who had played his entire career with the Indianapolis Colts, will sign a five-year contract that averages about $4.5 million annually. The deal includes $8 million in bonuses.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Reports are that the Titans just signed him. I just really don't know much about him.

Style, speed, playmaker? Tell me what we are getting? Looks like Sirmon moves to MLB with Thornton and Bulluck outside.

Thornton is a high character guy with a great motor. In his second year he played the weak side for Dungy and put up pro bowl numbers. He was moved to the strongside to make room for Cato June, but an article describing the move shed a nice light on how good Thornton is. Dungy explained to Thornton that the move was best for the team even though he was better than June on the weakside. Nobody on the roster including June could handle the strongside. So Thornton moved and his numbers went way down, but he's very very solid LB. He'll be 28 next year and the Titans made a great acquisition, imo.

 

[msommer]

He put up excellent numbers in 2003 or 2004 I believe when he was WLB in Dungy's system. He was moved to SLB I believe because June was too small to play at that spot. The article at ESPN hints that he was to take over from Kassel and/or Boiman though - to my knowledge he has not played MLB in the NFL.

If he is to play SLB will Sirmon move inside?

 

[diesel7982]

He put up excellent numbers in 2003 or 2004 I believe when he was WLB in Dungy's system. He was moved to SLB I believe because June was too small to play at that spot. The article at ESPN hints that he was to take over from Kassel and/or Boiman though - to my knowledge he has not played MLB in the NFL.

If he is to play SLB will Sirmon move inside?

I wouldnt say this move will preclude the Titans from drafting an LB in the 2nd round. Sirmon shouldnt be moved inside, and my guess is he'll be replaced completely.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

He put up excellent numbers in 2003 or 2004 I believe when he was WLB in Dungy's system. He was moved to SLB I believe because June was too small to play at that spot. The article at ESPN hints that he was to take over from Kassel and/or Boiman though - to my knowledge he has not played MLB in the NFL.

If he is to play SLB will Sirmon move inside?

I wouldnt say this move will preclude the Titans from drafting an LB in the 2nd round. Sirmon shouldnt be moved inside, and my guess is he'll be replaced completely.

Since the Titans declined to pick up Sirmon's option for 07, I think this is possible - he could be a steal in FA next year if he can get back to pre-ACL form.Thornton was by far the best LB in Indy imo, and they will miss him. I believe they should have invested in him instead of Brackett.

 

[bigreese82]

I wouldn't be surprised if they try Sirmon in the middle for 1 year or have a camp battle with him and Rob Reynolds for the MLB position.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

I wouldn't be surprised if they try Sirmon in the middle for 1 year or have a camp battle with him and Rob Reynolds for the MLB position.

Looks like they'd save about 1.5mm against the cap by releasing Sirmon. He is only signed through 06, so if they keep him then they'd get compensation if he leaves via free agency.I say they release him post June 1.

 

[BigRed]

Thornton was by far the best LB in Indy

Which is why Polian re-signed other LBs and let him go. Course letting our best LB go to a div. rival is kind of a tradition

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Thornton was by far the best LB in Indy

Which is why Polian re-signed other LBs and let him go. Course letting our best LB go to a div. rival is kind of a tradition

I just don't get it - I mean Brackett is really solid in coverage, which is important in that defense, but undersized LBs who can cover are not as hard to find as a guy like Thornton - a fast, physical player who knows the defense well enough to play both OLB spots and is the main run stuffing presence in the 2nd level. June and Brackett are just not strong enough to shed blocks and make plays, and unless they add a thumper through FA or the draft, that LB corps is going to get run over.

 

[IndyHavoc]

Thornton was by far the best LB in Indy

Which is why Polian re-signed other LBs and let him go. Course letting our best LB go to a div. rival is kind of a tradition

I just don't get it - I mean Brackett is really solid in coverage, which is important in that defense, but undersized LBs who can cover are not as hard to find as a guy like Thornton - a fast, physical player who knows the defense well enough to play both OLB spots and is the main run stuffing presence in the 2nd level. June and Brackett are just not strong enough to shed blocks and make plays, and unless they add a thumper through FA or the draft, that LB corps is going to get run over.

Just don't get it either. Not like Thorton got astronomical $$ from the Titans, either. I remember saying "see ya" to Washington and the insane $$ he got, but this and Mike Peterson (can't remember details ??) are 2 guys that should have been locked up for many years. I just don't see how they think Gardner can finally step up and stay healthy? Who else is in the pipe at OLB? Any FA's out there.

Think the Titans got a steal! This guy will be a playmaker for several years.

 

[diesel7982]

Thornton was by far the best LB in Indy

Which is why Polian re-signed other LBs and let him go. Course letting our best LB go to a div. rival is kind of a tradition

I just don't get it - I mean Brackett is really solid in coverage, which is important in that defense, but undersized LBs who can cover are not as hard to find as a guy like Thornton - a fast, physical player who knows the defense well enough to play both OLB spots and is the main run stuffing presence in the 2nd level. June and Brackett are just not strong enough to shed blocks and make plays, and unless they add a thumper through FA or the draft, that LB corps is going to get run over.

Just don't get it either. Not like Thorton got astronomical $$ from the Titans, either. I remember saying "see ya" to Washington and the insane $$ he got, but this and Mike Peterson (can't remember details ??) are 2 guys that should have been locked up for many years. I just don't see how they think Gardner can finally step up and stay healthy? Who else is in the pipe at OLB? Any FA's out there.

Think the Titans got a steal! This guy will be a playmaker for several years.

Now if we can steal us an LT, a C, a starting WR, and two safties, we'll be set.

 

[msommer]

Thornton was by far the best LB in Indy

Which is why Polian re-signed other LBs and let him go. Course letting our best LB go to a div. rival is kind of a tradition

I just don't get it - I mean Brackett is really solid in coverage, which is important in that defense, but undersized LBs who can cover are not as hard to find as a guy like Thornton - a fast, physical player who knows the defense well enough to play both OLB spots and is the main run stuffing presence in the 2nd level. June and Brackett are just not strong enough to shed blocks and make plays, and unless they add a thumper through FA or the draft, that LB corps is going to get run over.

maybe it was the 24 million cap charge for Harrison and Payton?I don't get it either but as a Titans fan I am

 

[msommer]

Thornton was by far the best LB in Indy

Which is why Polian re-signed other LBs and let him go. Course letting our best LB go to a div. rival is kind of a tradition

I just don't get it - I mean Brackett is really solid in coverage, which is important in that defense, but undersized LBs who can cover are not as hard to find as a guy like Thornton - a fast, physical player who knows the defense well enough to play both OLB spots and is the main run stuffing presence in the 2nd level. June and Brackett are just not strong enough to shed blocks and make plays, and unless they add a thumper through FA or the draft, that LB corps is going to get run over.

Just don't get it either. Not like Thorton got astronomical $$ from the Titans, either. I remember saying "see ya" to Washington and the insane $$ he got, but this and Mike Peterson (can't remember details ??) are 2 guys that should have been locked up for many years. I just don't see how they think Gardner can finally step up and stay healthy? Who else is in the pipe at OLB? Any FA's out there.

Think the Titans got a steal! This guy will be a playmaker for several years.

Now if we can steal us an LT, a C, a starting WR, and two safties, we'll be set.

:diggingupdeadhorse:Brick?

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Thornton was by far the best LB in Indy

Which is why Polian re-signed other LBs and let him go. Course letting our best LB go to a div. rival is kind of a tradition

I just don't get it - I mean Brackett is really solid in coverage, which is important in that defense, but undersized LBs who can cover are not as hard to find as a guy like Thornton - a fast, physical player who knows the defense well enough to play both OLB spots and is the main run stuffing presence in the 2nd level. June and Brackett are just not strong enough to shed blocks and make plays, and unless they add a thumper through FA or the draft, that LB corps is going to get run over.

Just don't get it either. Not like Thorton got astronomical $$ from the Titans, either. I remember saying "see ya" to Washington and the insane $$ he got, but this and Mike Peterson (can't remember details ??) are 2 guys that should have been locked up for many years. I just don't see how they think Gardner can finally step up and stay healthy? Who else is in the pipe at OLB? Any FA's out there.

Think the Titans got a steal! This guy will be a playmaker for several years.

Now if we can steal us an LT, a C, a starting WR, and two safties, we'll be set.

Vincent Fuller will be your starting FS barring a FA signing. I, for one, look forward to that.

 

[diesel7982]

Thornton was by far the best LB in Indy

Which is why Polian re-signed other LBs and let him go. Course letting our best LB go to a div. rival is kind of a tradition

I just don't get it - I mean Brackett is really solid in coverage, which is important in that defense, but undersized LBs who can cover are not as hard to find as a guy like Thornton - a fast, physical player who knows the defense well enough to play both OLB spots and is the main run stuffing presence in the 2nd level. June and Brackett are just not strong enough to shed blocks and make plays, and unless they add a thumper through FA or the draft, that LB corps is going to get run over.

Just don't get it either. Not like Thorton got astronomical $$ from the Titans, either. I remember saying "see ya" to Washington and the insane $$ he got, but this and Mike Peterson (can't remember details ??) are 2 guys that should have been locked up for many years. I just don't see how they think Gardner can finally step up and stay healthy? Who else is in the pipe at OLB? Any FA's out there.

Think the Titans got a steal! This guy will be a playmaker for several years.

Now if we can steal us an LT, a C, a starting WR, and two safties, we'll be set.

Vincent Fuller will be your starting FS barring a FA signing. I, for one, look forward to that.

I know Reese is interested in bringing back Schulters. Im ok with Fuller as a starter, but we definitely need a veteran contingency in place.

 

[diesel7982]

Thornton was by far the best LB in Indy

Which is why Polian re-signed other LBs and let him go. Course letting our best LB go to a div. rival is kind of a tradition

I just don't get it - I mean Brackett is really solid in coverage, which is important in that defense, but undersized LBs who can cover are not as hard to find as a guy like Thornton - a fast, physical player who knows the defense well enough to play both OLB spots and is the main run stuffing presence in the 2nd level. June and Brackett are just not strong enough to shed blocks and make plays, and unless they add a thumper through FA or the draft, that LB corps is going to get run over.

Just don't get it either. Not like Thorton got astronomical $$ from the Titans, either. I remember saying "see ya" to Washington and the insane $$ he got, but this and Mike Peterson (can't remember details ??) are 2 guys that should have been locked up for many years. I just don't see how they think Gardner can finally step up and stay healthy? Who else is in the pipe at OLB? Any FA's out there.

Think the Titans got a steal! This guy will be a playmaker for several years.

Now if we can steal us an LT, a C, a starting WR, and two safties, we'll be set.

:diggingupdeadhorse:Brick?

Id still rather see a QB...Ill trust the FO to draft the best of the 3. Ferguson is a can't miss prospect, but at the same time, we risk becoming the Raiders, holding on to a veteran QB too long and not being able to find a worthy replacement for years on end. Getting Leinart or Young now would likely be alot better for our future.

 

[msommer]

Personally I'd rather solidify the line and bring in a young FA - or pick a developmental guy in later rounds