Interesting trend

[drew4008]

LB is one of the possible positions we target with our top 10 pick, and a trend emerging, particularly this year, is that young LBs are having tremendous success. DeMeco Ryans had a great year in 06, and now this year two rookies are 1st and 3rd in tackles (Willis and Beason). Ernie Sims, DJ Williams, Ryans (again), the Jets' Harris, Morrison, and many others had great years.

I remember reading quite a few times that LBs can take some time to develop which is why we wouldn't take one in the first the last few years... as well as the fact that we have such a complex defense. But nevertheless... young LBs are getting it done.

[patsfaninpa]

Agree. Throw in D.Harris too. Another think that seems to have changes is that safeties have become the dominant def. player on some teams.
B.Sanders
T.Palomalu
E.Reed(Yes, he's been better than R.Lewis last couple years)
K.Rhoades
Late S. Taylor
B.Dawkins


One could argue. That Rodney was our best def. player in 03 and 04.
I don't think he's that good. But, a lot of people are high on K.Phillips.

[WhiZa]

A top 10 LB would have to be a no-brainer. There were still a few first rounders not playing up to their potential (Greenway, Carpenter, Pollack).

[PatDaPatriot]

Originally Posted by WhiZa

A top 10 LB would have to be a no-brainer. There were still a few first rounders not playing up to their potential (Greenway, Carpenter, Pollack).

Greenway played really well in what was essentially his rookie season, considering he missed al of last season...

Carpenter has looked like a bust so far. Pollack, unfortunately, has neck issues that will likely prevent him from ever playing again...

[ayjackson]

I think Carpenter gets a bad rap. Parcells drafted him as in ILB in his big 3-4. He started him at OLB though because Ellis was injured and they had little options opposite Ware. His plan was to move him inside, though.

Phillips doesn't stress the size with his 3-4. Carpenter had Bradie James' job coming into training camp but had a tender hammy (or groin). He got his shot at the position in the final preseason game and didn't play well. Bradie James took the job and has been the Leader of that defense from Day 1.

Carpenter has played very well on ST, while sitting 4th on the ILB depth charts behind starters James and Ayodele and Nickel LB, Kevin Burnett.

[Ochmed Jones]

2007 Patriot draft pick Rogers is having a decent season as well on the Dallas Special teams.

Funny you should say comment on Phillips and his ILBs because the biggest hole on the curreent San Diego roster is at ILB because they let go two veterans and Cooper and Wilhelm are still developing.

[JaredOfNazareth]

Originally Posted by drew4008

LB is one of the possible positions we target with our top 10 pick, and a trend emerging, particularly this year, is that young LBs are having tremendous success. DeMeco Ryans had a great year in 06, and now this year two rookies are 1st and 3rd in tackles (Willis and Beason). Ernie Sims, DJ Williams, Ryans (again), the Jets' Harris, Morrison, and many others had great years.

I remember reading quite a few times that LBs can take some time to develop which is why we wouldn't take one in the first the last few years... as well as the fact that we have such a complex defense. But nevertheless... young LBs are getting it done.

I don't think the issue is about LBs taking time to develop as much as BB having a strong positive regard(aka love) for veteran LBs.

Besides, all those young LBs that are having success are doing so on bad teams where there are more tackles to go around.

PS To anyone researching the draft for their own personal amusement: Take a look at current Pats LBs hight/weight and abilities for the position. Then compare them to your dream prospect. If their not at least in the ballpark sizewise they have no chance to be drafted by NE.

[dryheat44]

The only inside 3-4 backers on the list are Harris and Morrison, neither of whom were first round picks and both of whom were probably on Belichick's radar. And Willis, but he was gone early...and is probably miscast in the 3-4. I'd be interested to see if Singletary takes over the Niners and switches to a 4-3, with Willis playing the weakside a la Derrick Brooks back in the day.

Rookie 4-3 backers have been getting it done on the field for a long time now. Hell, remember when the Hurricane LB trio stepped right into the NFL? (Smith, Barrow, and ........ Armstead) Ray Lewis, Derrick Brooks, Brian Urlacher, etc.

[Ochmed Jones]

A non first round 3-4 ILB that should be interesting to BB is Goff of Vandy. I think he was the SEC's leading tackler this season, ala Willis from the season before. He is not as fast as Willis, but clearly faster than Seau or Bruschi. HE is big, intelligent, instintive, good tackler and has decent speed. He got lit up by the speed of Florida this year, but for a 1st and 2nd down run stuffer for us, he would be ideal.