Which OLB's Are Ready To Start?

[mgteich]

We all want us to draft at least one outside linebacker. As we know, our system take at bit of time to learn and belichick is reticent to trust rookies. BTW, I am fine with draftees taking a couple of years to develop.

However, it seems if we are to get our wish and have a new starter to replace Thomas, then we need a plug-in ready to go 3-4 OLB.

Which OLB's would you expect to be able to start for us on Game One?

 

[VJCPatriot]

Dude... let's be realistic. What OLB has EVER started for the Pats from Day 1? The responsibilities are even more complex for an OLB than an ILB in this system.

 

[mgteich]

Then we need to be prepared for a starting OLB rotation of Woods, Banta-Cain and Ninkovich.

Dude... let's be realistic. What OLB has EVER started for the Pats from Day 1? The responsibilities are even more complex for an OLB than an ILB in this system.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

We all want us to draft at least one outside linebacker. As we know, our system take at bit of time to learn and belichick is reticent to trust rookies. BTW, I am fine with draftees taking a couple of years to develop.

However, it seems if we are to get our wish and have a new starter to replace Thomas, then we need a plug-in ready to go 3-4 OLB.

Which OLB's would you expect to be able to start for us on Game One?

Tully Banta-Cain and Rob Ninkovich.

OLB who could play some situational reps:

Koa Misi
Eric Norwood
Daniel Te'o-Nesheim
Alex Daniels
Danny Batten
Barry Turner
Albert McLellen
Adrian Tracey
Arthur Moats
Tim Knicky
Jason Beauchamp

 

[VJCPatriot]

Then we need to be prepared for a starting OLB rotation of Woods, Banta-Cain and Ninkovich.

*groan* don't remind me!

Well TBC is fine for rushing downs, but I don't see him as a 3 down guy. Woods has had years to prove himself and done bupkus. Ninkovich is a 5th year journeyman. He has also done nothing special in his time in the league thus far. So... upgrade is probably needed but I would prefer signing vets since rookies simply don't come in and start at that position.

 

[TriplecHamp]

Tully Banta-Cain and Rob Ninkovich.

OLB who could play some situational reps:

Koa Misi
Eric Norwood
Daniel Te'o-Nesheim
Alex Daniels
Danny Batten
Barry Turner
Albert McLellen
Adrian Tracey
Arthur Moats
Tim Knicky
Jason Beauchamp

and all the other JAGs who are projected to go alot higher like Kindle or Dunlap

 

[jeffbiologist]

I think BB likes the game "hide the new guy". If we assume Thomas is gone and a rookie cant know the system long enough to start how about looking in a different direction? I know Guyton was the fastest LB at the combine a couple years ago, and was surprised to see him used so much inside. He has the size, what about moving him outside and putting last years pick McKenzie at ILB?? He has had a year to learn the playbook, and was playing well in minicamp before the injury. This is NOT the same as wanting Crable out there, and we know how BB likes his versatility in LBs. I can see Guyton at OLB on 1st/2nd downs and moving inside for a designated pass rusher on 3rd downs..... Sound good to anyone else??

 

[Patriot Missile]

I think BB likes the game "hide the new guy". If we assume Thomas is gone and a rookie cant know the system long enough to start how about looking in a different direction? I know Guyton was the fastest LB at the combine a couple years ago, and was surprised to see him used so much inside. He has the size, what about moving him outside and putting last years pick McKenzie at ILB?? He has had a year to learn the playbook, and was playing well in minicamp before the injury. This is NOT the same as wanting Crable out there, and we know how BB likes his versatility in LBs. I can see Guyton at OLB on 1st/2nd downs and moving inside for a designated pass rusher on 3rd downs..... Sound good to anyone else??

Guyton is fast but I don't think he has natural pass rush ability. You would figure they would of unleashed him by now if this team needed a sack or 2 down the stretch?? Design a stunt to set him up for the sack? He may just not have the strength or moves to shed the tackles on the outside?

I hope he does, we need him this year in a big way. I hate to beat Crable like a dead drum but it sure would be nice if he could have some sick breakout year and kick this injury bug. It would be nice to see if this guy could actually play. One thing for sure is Crable, Mckenzie and Tate are absolute enigma's to me. I have no idea what to expect from them. I keep hoping atleast one of them can produce like a successful starter.

 

[WhiZa]

the only rookies to start on a BB team are usually 1st rounders. So the question is who is the best OLB we can get at #22. Then you will have my binky

 

[Marqui]

Greg Hardy

 

[patsfan-1982]

Sergio Kindle, IMO the only OLB that BB will let start more then 5 games.


Ninkovich, is just a back up and not a good one at that.



the pats need to draft more then one OLB. to do what BB wants them to do. Kindle, and Graham, are the best run stopers so one of dose two guys would see the most playing time. and Hughes, and norwood are the best 3rd down pass rushers.

 

[chevss454]

Greg Hardy

ROFL
10chars

 

[tanked_as_usual]

it depends on how they plan to use them.....guys like demarcus ware and shawne merriman rushed the passer almost exclusively as rookies and if thats all that would be expected here, then there are more of them who could start........if coverage alot of coverage is expected, then it will take longer

if they wan't coverage, then it will need to be someone who has already played the LB position

 

[cstjohn17]

We all want us to draft at least one outside linebacker. As we know, our system take at bit of time to learn and belichick is reticent to trust rookies. BTW, I am fine with draftees taking a couple of years to develop.

However, it seems if we are to get our wish and have a new starter to replace Thomas, then we need a plug-in ready to go 3-4 OLB.

Which OLB's would you expect to be able to start for us on Game One?

Bets case is a rookie has the same production as Matthews did with Green Bay, situational pass rusher, 3rd down specialist.

 

[alvinnf]

Sergio Kindle, IMO the only OLB that BB will let start more then 5 games.


Ninkovich, is just a back up and not a good one at that.



the pats need to draft more then one OLB. to do what BB wants them to do. Kindle, and Graham, are the best run stopers so one of dose two guys would see the most playing time. and Hughes, and norwood are the best 3rd down pass rushers.

I completely agree with you. While not initially sold on Kindle, I am starting to have a change of heart. He could really be an impact guy. He has stood up and played at DE 43 base. But I think with the absence of a 34 DE , for the next year or so we will be playing more snaps in a 43 hybrid.

 

[iapatsfan]

I would say several of these potential draftees have a chance to start for the Pats (Hardy, Kindle, Graham, Hughes, Sapp, Misi, etc.). Because of the Pats lack of talent at the OLB position, these players have a great chance to start right away. Sure, in a perfect scenario you would have them play situationally and learn for a year. Who are they going to learn from? Woods?? Ninkovich?? Crable?? Are we really to believe these 3 players will start simply because they've been in the system for a year or two? I would rather have a rookie start right away and cut any of these 3 guys. We've seen what these guys are and it's not much. Take a chance on the young guys for once and turn them loose. Next year is going to be rough (8-8ish) either way so we might as well see what we have with our incoming rookies.

 

[satz]

The problem with rookie is not pass rush its actually setting the edge.

now lets say we put kindle or graham guy in against say Jake Long of the dolphins . you see my point this guys give up 50 lbs or so to him and now you are asking them to set the edge against long .


i am suprised so many think rookie cannot rush ,its usually the other way around.

 

[tanked_as_usual]

The problem with rookie is not pass rush its actually setting the edge.

now lets say we put kindle or graham guy in against say Jake Long of the dolphins . you see my point this guys give up 50 lbs or so to him and now you are asking them to set the edge against long .


i am suprised so many think rookie cannot rush ,its usually the other way around.

if you're counting on the OG to deal with a 3-4 DE, the RB will likely never get to the edge......if the OT is freely setting up against the OLB on a run play, there is something else wrong with your defense.