mcmurtry86
Rotational Player and Threatening Starter's Job
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CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.If we could get all these guys in the draft + Ben Tate, I would be happy:
4. Austen Lane, Murray State (6-6/265)
Lane has been dominant at the FCS level, although on account of his dominance he hasn't had to diversify his pass-rush moves. Lane has extensive experience playing in space, although he isn't afraid to put his hand down and dominate a lineman. Lane's versatility is his biggest asset. Could diagnose plays better.
Pros: Versatility, Size, Speed, Work Ethic
Cons: Competition, Instincts
Verdict: 2nd/3rd Round
5. Ricky Sapp, Clemson (6-4/245)
Sapp is a true one-trick pony: rushing the passer. He isn't able to get off blocks like an OLB needs too. This will lead to Sapp not being a 3-down LB, which means some teams will take him off their 1st round draft board. That said, Sapp rushes the passer like nobody else, with the possible exception of Jerry Hughes. He has a lightning first-step and the ability to change moves on the fly.
Pros: First Step, Speed, Moves
Cons: Strength, Injury History
Verdict: 2nd/3rd Round
6. AJ Edds, Iowa (6-4/245)
Edds diagnoses plays very well, and has tons of experience in coverage, as the Hawkeyes rarely play nickel or dime coverage. Edds does nothing that will make you think that he is a 1st-rounder, its his lack of mistakes that makes him a great linebacker. Could play SILB in a 3-4.
I'd say it's a combination. Let's call the physical prototype this stat line:
6.4+ 250+
Truth is, based on our current roster and past key BB acquisitions, the Pats prototypical DE/OLB has not averaged 6'4".
Redd has been the tallest at 6054 followed by Crable at 6047, and Woods at 6043. Vrabel was listed as 6-4, but he may have been just under at 6-3+. Ninkovich is listed as 6031. Colvin, AD, and TBC are all only 6-2+.
I'd say it's a combination. Let's call the physical prototype this stat line:
6.4+ 250+ 4.70-, 23+, 37"+, 4.20-, 7.00- and long arms
Put them all together and you have DeMarcus Ware. It doesn't happen often. (That Barwin dude missed the cut only on bench reps, which accounts for a lot of the breathlessness in these parts.) We all have our different opinions on which items to compromise on.
Thats true.True 'nuff. But it was equally true of Clay Matthews.
The road to success as a 3-4 OLB is utterly mysterious.
Where can we see all these measurables assembled conveniently for comparison, if not in our own "scouting the prospects - linebacker" thread?
If we could get all these guys in the draft + Ben Tate, I would be happy:
6. AJ Edds, Iowa (6-4/245)
Edds diagnoses plays very well, and has tons of experience in coverage, as the Hawkeyes rarely play nickel or dime coverage. Edds does nothing that will make you think that he is a 1st-rounder, its his lack of mistakes that makes him a great linebacker. Could play SILB in a 3-4.
Very well said. Kind of a Jack Del Rio type/Steve DeOssie type. Not physical specimens, but always in the right place doing the right thing.
For cross-year comparisons, you need an NFLDraftScout.com subscription. For this year's combine invitees try this:
2010 NFL Combine Results: Defensive Linemen | Steelers Depot
heh...clifton geathers.....6'7"/300/4.96...37 3/4" arms(and still did 26 reps).....>11" hands....and a 36 inch vertical....makes last year's specimen (jarron gilbert) seem pretty lame.......this guy is a monster waiting for someone to hit the switch
He's an unbelievable physical specimen, but didn't earn significant playing time until his junior year, wasn't a huge impact player, then jumped to the draft even though the draft advisory board recommended he stay in school. some character concerns, too. maybe an example of the downside of coming from an nfl family -- takes a lot for granted.
---The New England Patriots are a very private organization, our workout was private and extremely long. I started around 9 that morning and did not finish until 3 that afternoon.
But the good thing about all that was ... I think they liked me even more after our private workout. I got great feedback from the coach that was there, which really motivated me!