Great question Kiwi! I was thinking the same thing.

I was surprised he wasn't utilized a little more than he was at times but it seems he was learning the ropes.

I think come next season, he's going to really bring it, since he knows what he has to do now, to get himself prepared.

But...I am still wondering if he's going to be a game changer or just a very steady defensive presence. I would like to know from Joe and a few others on here, who have a better perspective, what they think.

syxwunine wrote: After watching Liuget's monstrosity of a rookie season, and his sophomore year, I will not even try to make judgement on Ingram at this point.

He had a decent rookie year, probably missed a dozen sacks by the skin of his teeth, but I want to see him get faster this offseason.

slammer8 wrote: I was the first one on the board to rave about him. I still like this player.  He did not even play more than half the snaps this season and will play more next year.  You are going to like what you see. Stay tuned.

slammer8 wrote: I was the first one on the board to rave about him. I still like this player.  He did not even play more than half the snaps this season and will play more next year.  You are going to like what you see. Stay tuned.

IThisfrickinguy wrote: Where's GoBolt and the pissing monkey squirrel when you need him?  All this love going around the board just doesn't seem right.    Where's the arguing? LOL.

88Unbeatable82 wrote:

slammer8 wrote: I was the first one on the board to rave about him. I still like this player.  He did not even play more than half the snaps this season and will play more next year.  You are going to like what you see. Stay tuned.

Yep, you convinced me leading up to the draft, doc, and that's not easy to do .

And you were right, too.  Plus, like you just said, the only reason he seemed to not do as much this season was because he didn't play a lot.  But then, this team led the league in run defense during the early part of the season, and its front seven was EASILY its strength, so that's not surprising at all.

Once he plays a majority of the snaps, I think any remaining doubts will be gone.

bolt4life wrote: If our corners could cover anybody for more than a second or two, he'd have more sacks. Our corners are horrible which allows opposing QB's to get rid of the ball before the pass rush can get there.

Melvin is a good player who will get better.  Has lots to learn yet but his raw skills are immense.  As many have said he was close on several sacks.  Those will come when the game slows down for him.  He was fooled a few times on the run,, and struggled at times in coverage but he always put good hits on the ball carrier causing several turnovers.  Whatever he lacks in arm length he makes up for with speed and leverege.   I look for a leaner meaner Melvin in 2013 .   Lets hope Pagano opens up the playbook and let this man loose because he does seem to be a gamer.

chargers4life wrote: As crazy as this sounds, fix the o-line and our defense will improve.

If our offense can return to form, the defense will get more rest, and will see less playing time.

We have some very young CB's. I'm not ready to give up on them yet, but I do have my concerns.

bolt4life wrote: If our corners could cover anybody for more than a second or two, he'd have more sacks. Our corners are horrible which allows opposing QB's to get rid of the ball before the pass rush can get there.