Clint Hurtt understands the dynamic in his defensive line room: The elder statesman among the tackles is Milton Williams, all of 25 years old in his fourth season. The pieces of clay to mold include former first-round picks Jordan Davis (entering Year 3) and Jalen Carter (Year 2).
The possibilities are exciting.
"Making strides and it's a work in progress," said Hurtt, the team's senior defensive assistant/defensive line coach who worked for two seasons with coordinator Vic Fangio in Chicago and then spent seven seasons in Seattle, two as defensive coordinator. "Jalen has been really good. He's grown and matured so much and it's been a pleasure to coach him. Jordan is a huge man, long arms. He's strong. He can get up and down and make tackles in the tackle box. Being in great shape is the key for him.