I just want to here your thoughts on 3 of our young backup LB's: Woods, Alexander, Mays. Even the most die hard LB advocates must admit that it seems to be against BB's MO to draft LB's - he prefers to develop them himself. That being said, these guys probably represent a good amount of our future at the LB position (along with key vets added along the line, of course).
Alexander - I'm higher on him than most. He's very athletic and is probably our best cover LB (although AD might have that title now - but do you really want our prized LB's chasing TE's instead of rushing the QB the majority of the time?). He's not so big, but is very aggressive and physical (like Tedy), and he seems to be able to fight through trash. Great form tackler who is, IMO, was our best STer last year. I think he could really contribute in a rotation if he can add just a little more strength.
Woods - The guy basically won himself a roster spot last year out of TC, and seems to have the physical dimensions down (6'5, 250, athletic). Obviously, there's a lot more to the position than just the physical aspect, but he looked great in limited action last year (preseason) and was good on ST. I'd like to see him earn some reps in the base D this season (hopefully due to blowout and not injury), and hopefully he delivers. I have to say I'm intrigued though.
Mays - We know, like Alexander, he'll earn his roster spot through top ST work. I'm not sure if he has the instincts/block shedding ability to ever be a contributor in the base D, so like Izzo he'll make himself worthy as a pure STer and maybe get some spot duty in the GL package, but that's it. IMO he might be fighting with Izzo for that last LB spot (as I am assuming/hoping at least 1 other guy is brought in to play some LB), or, more precisely, with Izzo/Mel Mitchell/Andrews for one of those pure STer spots. If I had to guess, I'd say barring a few injuries in camp he'll start the season on the ps (he has one year of eligibility left) before some ST help is needed due to injury - sort of like Alexander 2 seasons ago.
These are some of the lesser known/discussed players on the roster, but these guys are important as they are probably the closest thing we'll ever see to youth at LB (although I'm sure another late roudn pick or UDFA or two will be added as well).
Beats the minute-by-minute updates on Stallworth or Moss rumours at the very least...
Alexander - I'm higher on him than most. He's very athletic and is probably our best cover LB (although AD might have that title now - but do you really want our prized LB's chasing TE's instead of rushing the QB the majority of the time?). He's not so big, but is very aggressive and physical (like Tedy), and he seems to be able to fight through trash. Great form tackler who is, IMO, was our best STer last year. I think he could really contribute in a rotation if he can add just a little more strength.
Woods - The guy basically won himself a roster spot last year out of TC, and seems to have the physical dimensions down (6'5, 250, athletic). Obviously, there's a lot more to the position than just the physical aspect, but he looked great in limited action last year (preseason) and was good on ST. I'd like to see him earn some reps in the base D this season (hopefully due to blowout and not injury), and hopefully he delivers. I have to say I'm intrigued though.
Mays - We know, like Alexander, he'll earn his roster spot through top ST work. I'm not sure if he has the instincts/block shedding ability to ever be a contributor in the base D, so like Izzo he'll make himself worthy as a pure STer and maybe get some spot duty in the GL package, but that's it. IMO he might be fighting with Izzo for that last LB spot (as I am assuming/hoping at least 1 other guy is brought in to play some LB), or, more precisely, with Izzo/Mel Mitchell/Andrews for one of those pure STer spots. If I had to guess, I'd say barring a few injuries in camp he'll start the season on the ps (he has one year of eligibility left) before some ST help is needed due to injury - sort of like Alexander 2 seasons ago.
These are some of the lesser known/discussed players on the roster, but these guys are important as they are probably the closest thing we'll ever see to youth at LB (although I'm sure another late roudn pick or UDFA or two will be added as well).
Beats the minute-by-minute updates on Stallworth or Moss rumours at the very least...