Tyrone McKenzie drawing rave reviews at TC

http://www.nesn.com/2010/07/after-y...ie-making-presence-felt-at-patriots-camp.html

My question is, why not move McKenzie to OLB,where he played in college? From what I've heard, most of his snaps are at ILB, but that sucks because we need more help at OLB especially now with Burgess possibly retiring.

TommyBrady12 said:

My question is, is McKenzie projected to be an OLB or ILB? From what I've heard, it's ILB, but that would suck because we need more help at OLB especially now with Burgess possibly retiring.

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ILB... That's what he was playing when he tore his ACL last year. And that is back where he's at now from everything I've read.

The more likely choice to move to OLB is Guyton. But we'll have to see what happens.

TommyBrady12 said:

After Year Away From Football Field, Tyrone McKenzie Making Presence Felt at Patriots Camp - New England Patriots - NESN.com

My question is, why not move McKenzie to OLB,where he played in college? From what I've heard, most of his snaps are at ILB, but that sucks because we need more help at OLB especially now with Burgess possibly retiring.

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McKenzie played a heck of a lot at MLB in College.

Don't sleep on the kid, I've been saying it since the season ended.

ILB.

I think he and Spikes are going to have one of the fiercest competitions this year for the early down spot with Mayo.

TommyBrady12 said:

After Year Away From Football Field, Tyrone McKenzie Making Presence Felt at Patriots Camp - New England Patriots - NESN.com

My question is, why not move McKenzie to OLB,where he played in college? From what I've heard, most of his snaps are at ILB, but that sucks because we need more help at OLB especially now with Burgess possibly retiring.

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As usual it comes down to what BB is looking for in a 3-4 OLB, McKenzie just doesn't have the length. Now in a 4-3? Yeah, that would work.

SSDD

Nothing like quality depth and a 3-down, 3 star-studded ILB rotation, all 3 will have that much more in the tank in the 4th quarter game in and game out.

All of this quality youth on both sides of the ball is great. It's keeping the media expectations down, but not the team's expectations and we are going to bite alot of people in the arse this because of it.

Can't wait to see it all Monday night !

patriotscpfc said:

ILB.

I think he and Spikes are going to have one of the fiercest competitions this year for the early down spot with Mayo.

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I agree and the team will be better for it.

I have high hopes for Spikes, too. But I am surprised at how many people just seemed to overlook Tyrone McKenzie and just hand Spikes the second inside spot. I'm glad he's kickin' ass.

patriotscpfc said:

ILB.

I think he and Spikes are going to have one of the fiercest competitions this year for the early down spot with Mayo.

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Yeah, I'm just happy about this crazy depth. Last year what did we have next to Mayo ? Guyton and then who was the next guy ? Was it Alexander ? Who played next to Guyton when Mayo was out, I forget. Regardless, we're going from Guyton as a full time starter to him likely playing a small, specific role - although Guyton may be the starter for a while heading into this year.

ILB and CB are slowly getting stacked with good, young talent.

patriotscpfc said:

ILB.

I think he and Spikes are going to have one of the fiercest competitions this year for the early down spot with Mayo.

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McKenzie has been working out in Will and Spikes has been working out of Mike.. neither of them are going to compete to start alongside Mayo, it will be Guyton for at least the start of the season.

Spikes could play OLB too. He has good rushing ability, albeit he doesn't have the 40 time to cover TEs.

sigh....i guess all this means that we have to rely heavily on jermaine cunningham at OLB.

Would love to see McKenzie be an impact NFL player, his story is one of those feel good things that would be inspirational to many others..

DarrylS said:

Would love to see McKenzie be an impact NFL player, his story is one of those feel good things that would be inspirational to many others..

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Yup, he and cunningham are definite binkies for me.

DaBruinz said:

ILB... That's what he was playing when he tore his ACL last year. And that is back where he's at now from everything I've read.

The more likely choice to move to OLB is Guyton. But we'll have to see what happens.

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What about Guyton on the outside?? He has speed..............not tall enough or heavy enough maybe?

If Mayo/Spikes/Mackensie/alexander end up as our top 4 ilbs

How about TBC/Woods/Ninkovich/ Cunnigham and add Guyton on the outside?

Leaving Alexander/murrell//williams to make it on teams or displace any of the above.

fgssand said:

What about Guyton on the outside?? He has speed..............not tall enough or heavy enough maybe?

If Mayo/Spikes/Mackensie/alexander end up as our top 4 ilbs

How about TBC/Woods/Ninkovich/ Cunnigham and add Guyton on the outside?

Leaving Alexander/murrell//williams to make it on teams or displace any of the above.

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If I remember correctly, Guyton struggled in coverage.. he could improve as he has the speed..

DarrylS said:

Would love to see McKenzie be an impact NFL player, his story is one of those feel good things that would be inspirational to many others..

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Based on the short amount I have seen, he has the potential to be a solid contributor.

DarrylS said:

If I remember correctly, Guyton struggled in coverage.. he could improve as he has the speed..

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Guyton does very well in coverage, he struggles taking on OTs and pulling guards at the OLB spot though.

FrreeeBird said:

Guyton does very well in coverage, he struggles taking on OTs and pulling guards at the OLB spot though.

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We've been through this. Guyton is marginal at every position and situation. He can't set the edge. Hes can't hold the point of attack consistently. He is average in coverage and has trouble reading routes. He is an outstanding backup but just doesn't have the size to stack the line or hold OLs steady.

There was some conversation on Spikes playing some OLB, but I don't think thats the best way to use him.

Chung
Butler
Vollmer
McKenzie
Tate
Ingram
Pryor
Edelman

All should be significant contributors in their 2nd years, at least half of them starters. That's looking like a hell of a draft.

TommyBrady12 said:

Tyrone McKenzie Making Presence Felt at Patriots Camp After Year Away From Football - New England Patriots - NESN.com

My question is, why not move McKenzie to OLB,where he played in college? From what I've heard, most of his snaps are at ILB, but that sucks because we need more help at OLB especially now with Burgess possibly retiring.

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Unless USF played a 3-4, that's not where he played in college. I can't think of any outside linebacker in our system who wasn't a defensive end in college. they simply are not the same, or comparable positions.

Our outside linebackers would always be pass rushing defensive ends in college or on other teams (Ninkovich for example)