Potential DE convert to OLB - New England Patriots Forums

***Rob0729*** · 02-29-2008, 06:39 PM

So I was scanning the list of DE free agents out there for potential guys who might convert to OLB in the 3-4. I came onto one interesting name. Bobby McCray from the Jags. He is tall, lean and quick (6-6, 261lbs). Here is what Scouts Inc. has to say:

Quote:

McCray is a solid defensive end, but not someone who made a huge impact for the Jaguars in 2007. He had some nagging injuries, which kept him from playing a couple of games this year. McCray is a long and lean defensive end with an athletic build, great height and long arms. He has a good motor and can get off the ball well. He excels on the edge in his pass rushes and he relies on his speed to beat the offensive tackles to the outside. His motor also helps him chase down opposing running backs on the backside of the run play. McCray has to keep a wide base in order to be effective. Once his base comes together, he is susceptible to being tossed from side to side. He would be an interesting experiment as a 3-4 outside linebacker, which some team may take a chance on him since hes still relatively young.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/fa?playerId=5774

There is a chance that we add a LB who was not a LB before he came to the Patriots. McCray looks like a DE who could potentially move to the OLB spot. He did have 10 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in 2006. Not sure if he could make the transition, but he might be a guy to watch. Calvin Pace is so hot on the free agent market because he was a DE who converted to a 3-4 OLB.

***HEY BRO! WHAT UP?*** · 02-29-2008, 06:45 PM

Highly doubt that. He doesn't look very fast and agile. I don't see that happening.

unoriginal · 02-29-2008, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob0729

So I was scanning the list of DE free agents out there for potential guys who might convert to OLB in the 3-4. I came onto one interesting name. Bobby McCray from the Jags. He is tall, lean and quick (6-6, 261lbs).

Calvin Pace is so hot on the free agent market because he was a DE who converted to a 3-4 OLB.

The difference between Calvin Pace and McCray is that the Pats had one chance to draft Pace, and they took Ty Warren. The Pats had at least 8 chances to draft Bobby McCray, and they took Dexter Reid and Christian Morton. Athletically, he's already been evaluated. He's a straight 4-3 rush specialist, not a 3-4 OLB.