OT: Wilhelm released by Chargers

[miDeuce]

I think he'd be worth a look, better schematic fit than Paris Lennon (though not sure if he can help on STs), and has the size we've missed since Ted J. I mean, not out of the question he could take Bruschi's job as 2 down run stuffer (as much as I love Tedy)...

 

[BradyManny]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

Any reason why he was released?

 

[miDeuce]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

Any reason why he was released?

Not sure, I know he lost the starter job last year. But haven't seen the details/analysis yet...

EDIT... PFT LINK

 

[Rob0729]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

I think he'd be worth a look, better schematic fit than Paris Lennon (though not sure if he can help on STs), and has the size we've missed since Ted J. I mean, not out of the question he could take Bruschi's job as 2 down run stuffer (as much as I love Tedy)...

I'm not really sure he is a better schematic fit or not. Just because he played ILB in the Chargers' 3-4 doesn't mean he would do well in the Pats' 3-4. The Chargers run an one-gap 3-4 defense. Wilhelm probably hasn't had much experience trying to shed blocks from guards like he would with the Patriots. Not all 3-4s are the same.

He could be a good fit for the Pats. I don't know enough about him. But just because he played in the 3-4 doesn't mean he can play in the Pats' 3-4.

 

[Rob0729]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

Here's Scout Inc's take on the guy:

Filling in for Donnie Edwards, Wilhelm played well in his first season as a starter. He wasn't spectacular and didn't make a huge amount of big plays, but he was productive and regularly around the football. He is a bigger inside linebacker with the power and bulk needed to engage offensive line blocks at the point of attack. Wilhelm is a powerful, technically-sound tackler who plays the game with passion on every snap. He is a tough guy who doesn't shy away from engaging. Wilhelm finds himself out of position on occasion, but is improving in this regard. He also can play too high and struggles to get off blocks at times. His athletic ability and knee bend is a problem and will limit his upside going forward. He isn't real smooth flipping his hips and his change of direction isn't ideal. He also offers little when rushing the passer and is best playing only on early downs. He has battled injuries and his durability is a concern.

They give him a grade of 61 which is the low end of the average starter.

Matt Wilhelm Stats, News, Photos - San Diego Chargers - ESPN

 

[miDeuce]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

I'm not really sure he is a better schematic fit or not. Just because he played ILB in the Chargers' 3-4 doesn't mean he would do well in the Pats' 3-4. The Chargers run an one-gap 3-4 defense. Wilhelm probably hasn't had much experience trying to shed blocks from guards like he would with the Patriots. Not all 3-4s are the same.

He could be a good fit for the Pats. I don't know enough about him. But just because he played in the 3-4 doesn't mean he can play in the Pats' 3-4.

Well just from a size standpoint he might be a better fit. He's 6' 4", 245... 2 inches and 10 pounds on Lenon. For that alone he would add something the Pats don't have in their ILB crop. Of course he might not have the skills that translate to the Pats 3-4 and he lost his starting job so clearly he's not an Adam Seward-type or anything.

 

[BradyManny]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

Here's Scout Inc's take on the guy:



They give him a grade of 61 which is the low end of the average starter.

Matt Wilhelm Stats, News, Photos - San Diego Chargers - ESPN

Interesting, they do reference the ability to take on blockers. Do you happen to know what grade Scouts Inc gave Lenon for comparison?

 

[spacecrime]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

I'm not really sure he is a better schematic fit or not. Just because he played ILB in the Chargers' 3-4 doesn't mean he would do well in the Pats' 3-4. The Chargers run an one-gap 3-4 defense. Wilhelm probably hasn't had much experience trying to shed blocks from guards like he would with the Patriots. Not all 3-4s are the same.

He could be a good fit for the Pats. I don't know enough about him. But just because he played in the 3-4 doesn't mean he can play in the Pats' 3-4.

If the Chargers play 1-gap 3-4, shooting the gap, wouldn't that mean that there are MORE guards getting into the LB area? The 2-gap is where the DL holds their guy at the point of attack? I don't know, just wondering, but I do agree that all 3-4 players do not fit all 3-4 schemes.

Edit: To address someone's point about needing another Ted Johnson type, why? Even when he was here, BB replaced him early on with Roman Phifer, who was more mobile. Ted Johnson's been gone for 5-6 years now, and BB has never made an attempt to replace his type, even with a UFDA.

 

[Warren94]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

I wouldn't mind him one bit. If he can take on blockers get some tutoring from bruschi you never know.

 

[NEPatriot]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

Agreed, let's bring him in. I thought he would be a good fit coming out of college. He's been somewhat of a whipping boy in SD.

 

[BradyManny]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

Edit: To address someone's point about needing another Ted Johnson type, why? Even when he was here, BB replaced him early on with Roman Phifer, who was more mobile. Ted Johnson's been gone for 5-6 years now, and BB has never made an attempt to replace his type, even with a UFDA.

Yes, but must I bring up what else hasn't happened in the last 5 years... I don't see why BB wouldn't want a run stuffing SILB if he could have one - Bruschi platoons w Guyton anyway, a more effective player at stopping the run in the base defense would be preferable - Bruschi is already a liability in coverage.

And besides, I think AD was that strong SILB, but circumstances has moved him to OLB repeatedly.

 

[Deus Irae]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

Edit: To address someone's point about needing another Ted Johnson type, why? Even when he was here, BB replaced him early on with Roman Phifer, who was more mobile. Ted Johnson's been gone for 5-6 years now, and BB has never made an attempt to replace his type, even with a UFDA.

Seau obviated the need. That need is now there again, so I expect they'll be looking.

 

[spacecrime]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

Yes, but must I bring up what else hasn't happened in the last 5 years

Well, wow. I never once connected the loss of Ted Johnson with not winning a superbowl since he left. I always assumed the reason we stopped winning superbowls was because Je'rod Cherry left the Patriots in 2004.

 

[BradyManny]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

Well, wow. I never once connected the loss of Ted Johnson with not winning a superbowl since he left. I always assumed the reason we stopped winning superbowls was because Je'rod Cherry left the Patriots in 2004.

LOL. Well, all I'm saying is our best defenses had Ted Johnson in them, even if he was just platooning w Phifer.

 

[Dragda]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

I'm disappointed this thread hasn't degerated into "a do we have to have a thread everytime some shmoe is release.."

Maybe I should have read page 2 of the posts...

 

[unoriginal]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

I'm disappointed this thread hasn't degerated into "a do we have to have a thread everytime some shmoe is release.."

Maybe I should have read page 2 of the posts...

It helps that this guy isn't just a FA name and actually has some related experience at a position of need.

 

[DaBruinz]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

I don't see Wilhelm being brought in to play the Strong ILB position because that is the position that Mayo played the entirety of last year. If BB felt that Mayo was better at the WILB, that's where he'd have played with Bruschi at the SILB (a position that Bruschi played when Vrabel played the WILB).

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

I don't see Wilhelm being brought in to play the Strong ILB position because that is the position that Mayo played the entirety of last year. If BB felt that Mayo was better at the WILB, that's where he'd have played with Bruschi at the SILB (a position that Bruschi played when Vrabel played the WILB).

I believe you have that reversed Db, I recall Tedy at the "Mike" and Mayo at the "Jack" (if I have my terms right). Tedy in his more mobile days was on the weakside more often with T.J. plugging things up. Tedy took T.J.'s role on Junior's first year here, then the two of them switched off in 07 and Tedy moved back when Mayo moved in on the weakside.

I believe BB is moving away from a true "mike" and looking to play more of a twinned set of ILBs who have very strong coverage skills and are good at engaging OL, but not Ted Johnson thumpers. The 3-5 wide passing game and the use of receiving only TEs and speedy RBs out of the backfield has changed the dynamic and those ILBs need to be a little smaller and much better in coverage - hence Mayo and Guyton, McKenzie in the draft, and a partial reason Alexander has stuck for so long. I've speculated that Mayo may move to the SILB if Guyton moves ahead of Tedy on the depth chart. We'll have to wait and see how they use the kids this year.

The analysis above on Wilhelm shows how limited he was for San Diego's scheme, and for the ILB roles that appear to be developing here. He's an option as an injury replacement, hopefully one NE won't need.

 

[Bartmac36]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

He's built like the kind of guy Bill likes at OLB, 6'4'' and nearly 250 pounds...I think we have good ILBs already, so if anything we should bring him in just to test out his outside speed/skills...

If he has any of the skills needed for OLB, I think that's where he would be needed in this scheme, but I don't think he could help there so I say pass on him...

 

[farn]

Re: Matt Wilhelm Released...

Can someone please give us some kind of comparison to Adam Seward ?