Is Brandon Graham too short to be a DE in a 3-4? - New England Patriots Forums

furley · 01-31-2010, 07:43 PM

Would you select him in the first round?

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Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham was named the game's Most Valuable Player after a dominant performance. Graham collected five tackles, two sacks, one tackle for loss and forced a fumble. He was omnipresent for four quarters. On his first sack, Graham beat West Virginia tackle Selvish Capers around the edge with a speed move. Later in the game, he showed his strength while bull-rushing Ciron Black of LSU. Graham was exclusively used at defensive end in practices and during the game but his position at the next level remains a question. On Monday he measured 6-foot-1 and 263 pounds during weigh-ins, measurements which neither fit the defensive end nor outside linebacker positions. Do NFL teams envision Graham in the role of Denver Broncos star Elvis Dumervil or is he a modern day version of the Colts' Dwight Freeney? His workout at the combine next month should make things a little clearer.

Brandon Graham shines at Senior Bowl - NFL - SI.com

01-31-2010, 07:46 PM

And is he too short to be a pass rusher in a sub package?

The_Riddler · 01-31-2010, 07:49 PM

Let's just say this, Brandon Graham has one inch on James Harrison, so make of that what you will.

***mayoclinic*** · 01-31-2010, 08:02 PM

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Originally Posted by The_Riddler

Let's just say this, Brandon Graham has one inch on James Harrison, so make of that what you will.

And just where is that one inch located?

Seriously, there's no doubt that Brandon Graham's height should not be an issue with him playing in many 3-4 schemes. It may (especially when combined with his short arms) make him less desirable in ours. A bigger question is how loose his hips are and how well he can play in space.

Is Brandon Graham too short to play in a 3-4? No. But does Brandon Graham's height potentially lessen his attractiveness to the Pats? Quite possibly.

TriplecHamp · 01-31-2010, 08:07 PM

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Originally Posted by mayoclinic

And just where is that one inch located?

Seriously, there's no doubt that Brandon Graham's height should not be an issue with him playing in many 3-4 schemes. It may (especially when combined with his short arms) make him less desirable in ours. A bigger question is how loose his hips are and how well he can play in space.

Is Brandon Graham too short to play in a 3-4? No. But does Brandon Graham's height potentially lessen his attractiveness to the Pats? Quite possibly.

Disgusting

***mayoclinic*** · 01-31-2010, 08:10 PM

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Originally Posted by TriplecHamp

Disgusting

Sorry, but that was leading with the chin. The jab was there for the taking.

***NePatriots*** · 01-31-2010, 08:12 PM

I don't see Graham ever playing 3-4 DE. That doesn't mean he won't suit up for the Patriots. Brandon Graham has a lot in common with Tully Banta-Cain - just a better first step and more speed. I can see him as as a 3-4 OLB / 3rd Down DE with the Patriots.

***mayoclinic*** · 01-31-2010, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NePatriots

I don't see Graham ever playing 3-4 DE. That doesn't mean he won't suit up for the Patriots. Brandon Graham has a lot in common with Tully Banta-Cain - just a better first step and more speed. I can see him as as a 3-4 OLB / 3rd Down DE with the Patriots.

But the cost for TBC was a 7th round pick, not a 1st or high/mid 2nd round pick that it would take for Graham. That's too much if he's just a glorified situational pass rusher.

jays52 · 01-31-2010, 08:25 PM

I think Graham is going to be a solid pro. While playing weakside end in a 43 defense. You can tell a lot about a players's hips even when they put their hand in the dirt, and I don't see it. He's a first step guy, which is normal, but he is overly relaint upon that upfield burst on every snap. He doesn't square well, he doesn't scrape, his technique is predicated upon shooting the outside shoulder of the tackle. I think he will be a good player for somone, just not NE.

***mayoclinic*** · 01-31-2010, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jays52

I think Graham is going to be a solid pro. While playing weakside end in a 43 defense. You can tell a lot about a players's hips even when they put their hand in the dirt, and I don't see it. He's a first step guy, which is normal, but he is overly relaint upon that upfield burst on every snap. He doesn't square well, he doesn't scrape, his technique is predicated upon shooting the outside shoulder of the tackle. I think he will be a good player for somone, just not NE.

I agree. I think he's more Dwight Freeney than James Harrison by a long shot.

For all Graham's dominance in the Senior Bowl, we have yet to see him play OLB and see how he handles playing in space and dropping into coverage. It's a huge projection, especially given the demands our system makes of the OLBs to read and react to plays. He's a forward moving beast, and that would take away his greatest strength.