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Yes, hands are critical for DEs to play effectively. They have to keep their hands active and be able to grip the OL to throw him or other techniques to keep them from blocking him. Fold your index finger to your palm and try imagine using that hand to grip the outside should of a tackle to keep him from crossing your face and getting you turned on a stretch play or trying to grab the tackle's inside shoulder pads to keep separation so he can find the ball and disengage to go make the tackle. It could be an issue against elite tackles (*cough*COWBOYS*cough*) or tackles who have a strength advantage. It wouldn't be as big of a deal if it was his pinky. It will be enough of a difference to change his value from one of the absolute best at his position and somebody whose side you won't run to into just a really good DE. The owners/GMs will do whatever they can to get out of paying top dollar.
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