Grizzlies: The Defensive Front Line

[SuperPatsFan]

Good comment. Ty Warren is listed at 6-5, 300#, and Richard Seymour is listed at 6-6, 310#.

 

[reflexblue]

Good comment. Ty Warren is listed at 6-5, 300#, and Richard Seymour is listed at 6-6, 310#.

Well Watt is 6-6 and 290, thats close enough.

 

[SuperPatsFan]

You know, I think this is a great thread.

Based on the video I've seen so far, the closest fit to a 3-4 DE in NE's scheme is Heyward, but he's at least 10-15 pounds too light, and it's not clear to me how he'll play if he adds the required muscle mass.

JJ Watt is certainly impressive, but he seems to be a pure gap shooter. I haven't seen any video evidence that he can consistently 2-gap and overpower NFL tackles. At NE 3-4 DE he seems to be a project, albeit one with a huge upside.

 

[Off The Grid]

You know, I think this is a great thread.

Based on the video I've seen so far, the closest fit to a 3-4 DE in NE's scheme is Heyward, but he's at least 10-15 pounds too light, and it's not clear to me how he'll play if he adds the required muscle mass.

JJ Watt is certainly impressive, but he seems to be a pure gap shooter. I haven't seen any video evidence that he can consistently 2-gap and overpower NFL tackles. At NE 3-4 DE he seems to be a project, albeit one with a huge upside.

Wah HO!!

You have just NAILED my personal Game Plan for Defensive Ends in the upcoming Draft:

Left End: Cameron Heyward

AND

Right End: JJ Watt

With Ty Warren, Brandon Deaderick, Ron Brace, and friends tying things down on the Ends ~ and getting better every week!! ~ until Watt, in particular, is ready to come On Line...we could have a PHENOMENAL Front Line, by the end of next year!! :rocker:

For my small contribution of starting this Thread, I say: Thank You!!

But by this point, I've obviously got little to do with it, so I can say: I agree!! GREAT Thread!!

 

[Sciz]

Heyward has the size, but I'm not a fan of his play. I see him as a future bust, to be honest.

 

[patchick]

It doesn't seem like alot of these guys meet the DL requirement in terms of size, Isn't BB looking for 300 lbers??

There seem to be a fair number of 285 lbers, but the pickings get slim for players of the right size.

Jarvis Green and Kareem Brown were both around 285, so I don't think it's a hard and fast rule. But Seymour remains the prototype frame -- drafted at 6'6" 299 with lonnggg arms.

 

[Off The Grid]

Jarvis Green and Kareem Brown were both around 285, so I don't think it's a hard and fast rule.

But Seymour remains the prototype frame -- drafted at 6'6" 299 with lonnggg arms.

Indeed.

Vintage Shot: Richard Seymour, circa 2004: Sticking The Gap.

 

[Off The Grid]

* X Factor: Pernell McPhee!! *

Picking it up, again, with the Second Tier, I'll follow Brother Blue's lead and start off with Jared Crick:

SideLine Scouting on DE Jared Crick

Jared Crick - Nebraska (HT: 6-6 - WT: 285)


Positives: Solid production from the position, 75 tackles, 15 for loss and 9.5 sacks in 2009... Above average height... Solid versus the run... Gets get leverage... Uses his hands well... Can disengage from blocks... Does a good job locating the ball... Good lateral range... Can make plays outside the tackles... Solid pass rusher... Quick first step... Effective rip and swim moves... Has the power to push back lineman... Gets hands in pass lanes... Light feet... High motor... Instinctive... Does a nice job reacting to plays... Would be a fine fit as a 3-4 defensive end... Good character, has volunteered on team hospital visits, a World War II Veteran's visit and as a speaker on elementary school visits.

Negatives: Needs to improve playing balance... Struggles to hold his own as an anchor... Can struggle to redirect to put himself in position to make a play... Often over-pursues... Rarely splits a double team... Bull rush is still developing... Lacks counter moves... Would be best adding 15-20 lbs. if he is to remain at defensive tackle... Question how much success in previous seasons was due to playing alongside Ndamukong Suh.

Tool Box’s Joel Welser on Jared Crick

Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska


Jared Crick pretty much came out of nowhere and dominated the front line during his sophomore campaign in 2009. After tallying a mere two tackles as a redshirt freshman the prior season, Crick totaled 73 tackles, 15.0 tackles-for-loss and 9.5 sacks. After six games in 2010, Crick is not dominating quite as much, but he is still wreaking havoc in the opposing backfield on a relatively consistent basis.

What makes Crick such a fine NFL prospect is his size. At 6-6, he has great size for a defensive tackle and will use that size to get his arms, and occasionally his head, in the way of passes even if he is held up at the line of scrimmage. Sooner or later he will add more girth to his 285 pound frame and then he will be a dominant player at any level.

It is that weight and strength at the point of attack that NFL scouts will want to see. Crick has a ton of potential, but the NFL will want to make sure that he can keep his weight up while still being a relatively nimble tackle. If he cannot prove that on the field this year, he may be better off going back to school for one more year; right now, he is still a borderline first round pick.

Draft Insider on Jared Crick

Jared Crick will be the center of attention on the defensive line now that Ndamukong Suh has graduated to the NFL. Crick plays with great explosion, displaying terrific first step quickness and uses his hands to get off blocks. Easily changing direction, he immediately alters his angle of attack to chase the action in pursuit. Crick must be more consistent playing low to the ground and must add football strength as he’s easily controlled at the point. He must also show he was more than just the beneficiary of the double and sometimes triple teaming of Suh the past few seasons.

Much debate about this guy...

 

[Off The Grid]

There are some very exciting Under the Radar 2nd and 3rd Round 5 Tech Candidates, this year...

NFP's Wes Bunting with a snippet on DE Muhammad Wilkerson

• DT Muhammad Wilkerson is another of the up and coming Temple prospects who looks poised to take his game to the next level, as he finished this week with six tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. The junior talent has a unique combination of size, burst and length, and will intrigue as both a potential starting three- or five-technique in the NFL.

Bleacher Report's Danny Flynn on Muhammad Wilkerson

When it comes to junior defensive tackles who could possibly enter the NFL Draft after this season, a few names like Auburn's Nick Fairley and Nebraska's Jared Crick immediately come to mind, but one player who doesn’t seem to be getting his fair share of hype is Temple's Muhammad Wilkerson.

That's what happens when you play for a MAC team that barely gets any TV time instead of a BCS powerhouse.

Wilkerson, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound junior, has been basically unblockable all season long, flashing what it takes to be an NFL caliber defensive lineman in the process.

The big man has already accounted for 8.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss in nine games, and he's widely considered the best defensive player in the league by many of the MAC's coaches.

Wilkerson has the size and pure brute strength to be a true anchor in the middle, and his agility and quickness aid him in his quest to penetrate into opponent's backfields.

The former lightly recruited two-star prospect out of New Jersey's Linden High School made a name for himself after a stop at the prestigious Hargrave Military Academy, and so far, he's proved to be a true gem for Temple Coach Al Golden.

Wilkerson is by far and away the best player on a Temple defense that's the best in the MAC this season. He's the type of player that's indicative of the sneaky talented players Golden is starting to bring to the school.

Does Wilkerson have first-round potential? Time will tell, but from what he's demonstrated over the last two seasons, he should definitely have pro scouts very intrigued.

His lack of national publicity could affect his chances of being considered for some notable postseason awards and honors, but it shouldn't hurt his NFL stock.

The scouts and NFL personnel folks do enough digging and evaluating to figure out who the best of the best really are, and you can bet that there aren't a lot of defensive tackles in college football who can measure up to what Wilkerson has to offer.

Tool Box's Joel Welser on Mo Wilkerson

Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple

Muhammad Wilkerson is one of the best defensive tackles that most people in the country have never heard of. The 6-5, 305 pound junior has been a huge part of the Temple turnaround. As a freshman in 2008, Wilkerson did not see too much playing time, but he tallied 2.5 tackles-for-loss and one sack. More impressively, Wilkerson got his hands up and broke up four passes. In 2009 Wilkerson totaled 10.5 tackles-for-loss and 7.0 sacks. Wilkerson did a superb job getting into the backfield and wreaking havoc against every Mid-American Conference opponent. Even when Wilkerson was not getting to the quarterback, he was making tackles and stuffing the run. He ended the season with 61 tackles, which is quite impressive for a defensive lineman.

The 2010 campaign has been even more impressive. Wilkerson is third on the team with 70 tackles with a bowl game yet to play. Once again, tallying that many tackles is nearly unheard of and his ability to stuff the run makes him one of the most dangerous defensive tackles.

When Wilkerson is not stuffing the run, he is still getting into the backfield. This season he has 13.0 tackles-for-loss and 9.5 sacks. There is not much else Wilkerson can do to improve his NFL stock. He has been relatively consistent over the last two years and could very easily be a second or third round selection if he opts to go pro early.

Draft Insider on Mo Wilkerson

On the opposite side of the football, Temple defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson is a tailor-made five technique for 34 based teams. At 6-feet-5-inches tall and 305 pounds, the junior was completely overwhelming Chippewa offensive lineman on a down by down basis. Wilkerson led the team with two quarterback sacks and three tackles for loss. He would gain leverage, make his initial run read, and then easily discard blockers to the side.

Wilkerson has SERIOUS Dark Horse potential, here, as an exceptional 5 Tech Prospect: probably a 2nd Rounder.

 

[Off The Grid]

NFP's Wes Bunting on DE Jarvis Jenkins

DT Jarvis Jenkins: No. 99 (6-4, 305)

A thickly built defensive lineman who possesses good height, but looks a lot heavier on tape than his numbers would indicate. Exhibits decent flexibility off the snap and a good first step for a guy his size. Is quickly able to get into opposing linemen in the pass game, but too often gets upright with his pad level. Routinely allows blockers to get under his frame and anchor initially. Doesn’t play with consistent leverage, which really takes away from his bull rush ability. Now, is still a strong guy and has the ability to push the pocket, but needs to learn to play lower into contact. Does possess some natural lateral suddenness and explosion, and displays the short-area quickness to gain a step laterally and fight his way off blocks. Exhibits a quick spin move as a counter and is a good athlete one-on-one. But, his ability to quickly close on the play is again hindered by his high pad level inside once he gains a step.

Displays a much better pad level off the snap and will sit lower into his stance when asked to play the run. Doesn’t do a great job extending his arms, but has the ability to win as the low man, pump his legs and consistently drive his opponent into the backfield. Is tough to move off the football, as he plays with much better leverage and has upper body strength to eventually fight off blocks inside. However, needs to do a better job using his length and hands initially into contact; too often waits until he is engaged and struggles to maintain balance and quickly shed once he puts himself around the football.

Impression: A thick, strong-bodied kid who possesses some natural athleticism as a pass rusher. Has some holes in his game and needs to learn to play with better leverage vs. the pass. But can anchor with consistency and has the ability to develop into a solid NFL defensive lineman if he works at it, either as a three- or five-technique.

Draft Insider on Jarvis Jenkins

Jarvis Jenkins is a prospect we love and a lineman that can line up at tackle or as a two-gap end. Jenkins shows speed off the edge, has the athleticism to pursue the action down the sidelines and is also tough to move off the point. He gets underneath blockers and is constantly doubled by opponents. Moving towards the season we feel he’s significantly underrated.

Tool Box’s Joel Welser on Jarvis Jenkins

Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson

Jarvis Jenkins was a pretty highly regarded recruit coming out of high school, but he only saw limited action as a true freshman in 2007. However, when he was on the field he made a big impact. That success as a freshman led to bigger things in 2008. Forced to play a bigger role due to injuries, Jenkins did not disappoint. He totaled 36 tackles, 10.0 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks.

By 2009 Jenkins was certainly ready to emerge as the star of the Clemson front four. The 6-4, 310 pound defensive tackle had already proven to be a solid run stuffer who can also cause havoc in the backfield. Jenkins had a superb regular season as a junior and totaled 66 tackles, 11.0 tackles-for-loss and one sack. He has consistently gotten into the backfield and has emerged as a great run stuffer.

Jenkins has proven to NFL scouts what he can do on the field, but he still has not gotten much national attention for his efforts. He is not putting up eye popping numbers so far in the 2010 campaign and it was certainly a wise idea for him to return for his senior season. Jenkins should be one of the top ten defensive tackles in this class, but his stock could rise quickly once he gets to show his stuff at the NFL Combine.

This is another guy who is REALLY flying under the radar, despite a 2nd ~ 3rd Round grade.

This is a guy who has some substantial Pass Rush skills, combined with a great penchant for Sticking the Gap and Stuffing the Run.

Definitely somebody to keep a close watch on.

 

[Off The Grid]

NFP's Wes Bunting on DE Lawrence Guy

DT Lawrence Guy: No. 50 (6-5, 300)

A tall, long-armed defensive lineman who displays impressive bend and natural flexibility when asked to coil up into his stance. Possesses an impressive combination of instincts and burst off the snap and is consistently the first defensive lineman firing off the football and attacking up the field. However, isn’t real physical at the point when asked to anchor inside. Can be initially jolted on contact mainly because he doesn’t do a good job extending his arms into blocks. Too often allows offensive linemen to get into his frame and dictate to him. Now, he’s strong enough to work himself free after the initial punch, but needs to do a better job controlling blocks with his long arms and hands off the snap. Plays with a motor that is second to none, chasing down plays on all levels of the field and working until the whistle stops. Does a much better job beating slide down blocks off his frame. Is a coordinated defender with the ability to maintain balance through contact and uses his athleticism to quickly close on the football down the line.

Plays with natural leverage as a pass rusher and exhibits the ability to get under the pad level of opposing linemen and drive his way up the field. Is explosive for his size and definitely can threaten gaps inside. Can be powerful with his hands and slip blocks up the field, but again needs to do a better job playing with better length. Isn’t overly effective anytime he’s asked to take on a double team, consistently bends at the waist, drops his head down and becomes very linear trying to work his way laterally away from the blocks — losing his power and balance in the process — instead of toward the quarterback.

Impression: A long, physically impressive defensive lineman who has a lot of upside to his game. He’s flexible, explosive and plays with a motor that runs nonstop, but needs to continue to improve using his length to stack and shed blocks inside. However, after watching how hard he worked during a game, I am sure him putting in the time to improve his technique won’t be an issue. If he continues to improve, could be one of the best three or five-technique prospects in the upcoming draft.

Draft Insider on Lawrence Guy

Lawrence Guy is an intense interior lineman who plays with a competitive nature. Rarely off his feet, he plays with good lean, balance and has an explosive first step off the snap. Possessing a thick lower body, he is constantly doubled in the middle the line and shows the ability to collapse the pocket. A force when healthy, Guy struggled with injuries last year but comes with an upside.

Another guy with exceptional upside, though some injury history.

 

[Off The Grid]

* X Factor ~ Pernell McPhee: End...or Run Crushing Left Flanker?? *

NFP's Wes Bunting on DE/Flanker Pernell McPhee

DE Pernell McPhee: No. 90 (6-3, 277)

A thick, well-put-together defensive end prospect who has the frame that is NFL-ready right now. A former JUCO transfer who saw his first real SEC action last year and was still adjusting to the intricacies of the play at times. Needs to do a better job getting off the football on time and will fail to consistently read his run keys on the outside. Has a tendency to take himself out of plays getting up the field and will allow backs to run up underneath him. Also, gets sloppy when asked to be physical crashing down the line, as he doesn’t quite extend/use his arms as well as you would like to fend off blocks.

However, he does have the ability to anchor when run at and for the most part does a nice job using his length and powerful hands to keep himself clean on the edge. Exhibits good suddenness and power on contact when asked to disengage and can quickly shed one-on-one and close on the football.

Lacks an ideal first step off the snap as a pass rusher and isn’t a guy who is going to threaten the edge in the NFL. However, sits into his stance well, can keep his butt down off the snap and knows how to gain leverage on contact. Is a strong bull rusher who does a nice job extending his long arms into blocks, getting under opposing tackles’ pad level and simply overwhelming them into the backfield. However, it’s his suddenness and short-area quickness on contact that allows him to quickly gain a step and use his length/power to fight his way up the field and get into the backfield.

Impression: As solid as he was last season, he’s a guy who could really take a step forward this year. Isn’t ever going to be an explosive pass rushing threat at the next level. But, the guy has the ability to mature into a very solid three-down player early in his NFL carrier if he can continue to progress.

Tool Box's Ricky Dimon on Pernell McPhee

Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi St.

McPhee spent two years at junior college (Itawamba, MS) and positively dominated. He was an All-American both seasons and had 13.5 sacks as a sophomore. McPhee transferred to MSU for his junior season and led the team with 12 tackles for loss and five sacks. Drawing more attention from offenses as a senior, the defensive end has struggled through seven games. McPhee has just 12 tackles (five for loss) and no sacks. He at least leads the team with six quarterback hurries.

McPhee has good size at 6'4' and 285 pounds. While he stars at end, he can play either outside or inside at the next level. He has decent speed and has been clocked as fast as 4.65 in the 40-yard dash, but that needs to be improved if he wants to be a starter in the NFL. Furthermore, McPhee's production--at least in 2010--is a concern. McPhee was on first-round radar screens prior to this season, and he definitely has the talent to return to such a status. However, he must finish the season much stronger than he started it before showing his stuff at the combine next spring. For now, McPhee looks like a possible third-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft.

More from Bunting on Pernell McPhee

• I liked the improvements made to the game of Mississippi State DE Pernell McPhee. McPhee isn’t the most explosive guy off the edge. But he’s a long, strong athlete who can overpower on contact and really looks a lot more coordinated and confident using his hands to shed blocks this season. He did a great job working a violent rip early in the game last week and then countering off it later with a sudden spin — something you can tell he’s been working on all summer. Plus, he showed some versatility as a stand-up rush guy, as well, and could even get some looks as a potential strong side 3-4 rush linebacker in the NFL. The future looks really bright for this guy as he continues to improve his overall game.

Draft Insider on Pernell McPhee

The Bulldogs have a terrific amount of talent on defense starting with Pernell McPhee.

McPhee, a junior college transfer, really took the SEC by storm last year. He’s a complete player at the defensive end position that can rush the passer or stuff the run. Very athletic, McPhee is tough to move off the point, effectively uses his hands to protect himself and gets off blocks to make plays down the line of scrimmage. Deceptively strong, he shows the ability to push blockers up the field and plays with terrific leverage. Fast off the edge, he’s fluid changing direction and can drop off the line then play in coverage. McPhee lacks the classic measurables (6’2.5”/277lbs) but is a good football player.

Thought Provoking Insight on McPhee from Wes Bunting

A lot of people are down right now on Mississippi State DE Pernell McPhee because when you look at the stats the guy doesn’t have any sacks on the season. However, as we all know stats never tell the entire story. First off, listed at 6-3, 285 pounds, McPhee doesn’t look anywhere near that heavy — looking more like he’s 270-275 — and because of it has shown impressive fluidity, balance and acceleration getting after the football this season when asked to stand up from a two-point stance. He has rushed as an outside linebacker a lot this year, moving all over the line of scrimmage creating mismatches before fending off blocks and using his power and burst to get after the passer. He’s been able to generate a lot of pressure from all angles this season, which is where his ten QB hurries come from. And with more and more 3-4 defenses wanting bigger outside linebackers who can set the edge and rush the passer, McPhee could end up being a real hot commodity come draft day. In my view, the guy’s stock hasn’t taken a hit at all in 2010.

An immensely intriguing prospect.

Could be a ROBBERY in the 4th Round.

 

[Off The Grid]

Fresh Today from NFP's Wes Bunting: DE Ricky Lumpkin

Size and anchor give him a little chance…

Coming into the season I thought Kentucky DT Ricky Lumpkin wasn’t much more than a free agent with good overall height and length for the position. However, he has put on a fair amount of weight this season, has done a better job keeping his base down vs. the run game and possesses the type of length and power to anchor with some consistency inside. He still struggles to consistently find the football and will take himself out of plays. However, at 6-4 and nearly 310 pounds, Lumpkin might be able to generate some interest as a potential 3-4 DE. He still isn’t a real gifted pass rusher, allowing his pad level to rise very quickly and he’s at his best when asked to stunt and use his length to keep himself clean on the move. Because when trying to disengage from blocks inside once engaged, he really doesn’t showcase much lateral suddenness or power because of that pad level. Nevertheless, looking over the DT class, there aren’t too many defensive linemen with his combination of size or length, and at a position usually starved for prospects every year, Lumpkin could force himself into a later round draftable grade in this weaker defensive tackle class that lacks some depth toward the back end.

A very intriguing late round option.

 

[Off The Grid]

* I will admit to being much more impressed this time around watching Baylor DT Phil Taylor than I was last summer on tape.

* At 6-4, 340 pounds, the guy does possess a good overall first step for his size, displays some quickness when asked to shed blocks and is doing a better job using his length and hands to keep himself clean in the pass game.

* Also, he’s a really strong kid who has the kind of power to overwhelm on contact on his bull rush when he wants to push the pocket, can eat up blocks inside vs. the run and did an impressive job defeating slide down blocks on the move, keeping his motor running and making a play on the football away from his frame.

However, he’s still raw and if he really wants to take his game to the next level he needs to learn to play with a more consistent pad level. First off, he really struggles to sit into his stance, stay compact and keep his pad level down into contact. Then, once he fires off the ball, his pad level gets far too high, which limits his power, balance and overall explosion in both the run and pass game.

Nevertheless, he’s so physically gifted that he can get away with it for the most part, but he has the upside to develop into a quality NFL lineman if he wants to. Also, weighed into the equation is his overall character concerns. He’s a former Penn State defensive lineman who transferred after being dismissed from the Nittany Lions back in 2008 and has had his fair share of weight problems during his college career.

* However, if he can put that all behind him he seems like a guy who could play just about any interior defensive line position in the NFL including even the 5-technique as a 3-4 defensive end.

But he strikes me as a real boom or bust type prospect who will likely be overdrafted due to upside and will need some time to mature both on and off the field.

I'll say it again: If we can harness this kid's immense capabilities ~ and nobody is more adept at that than our very Crew ~ the Tactical Possibilities...are simply AWESOME.

 

[Off The Grid]

As stands, I'm leaning towards 2 of 3 of JJ Watt, Mo Wilkerson, and Cameron Heyward.

 

[p8ryts]

I watched Adam Clayborn in the bowl game and he didn't show me anything. Slow off the ball, no push, no quick step, no pursuit. Play went left and he just stood around and watched, literally almost hands on hips.

 

[Sciz]

Am I the only person who doesn't see Marcell Dareus having success for the Pats? I got completely flamed on another thread for it, but he just doesn't have the height or length of a guy like Seymour. If it'd take a trade into the top-10 to get him, I want Seymour, and Dareus will always lack his ability to control blocks in the run game.

Anybody else with me?

 

[Off The Grid]

Am I the only person who doesn't see Marcell Dareus having success for the Pats? I got completely flamed on another thread for it, but he just doesn't have the height or length of a guy like Seymour. If it'd take a trade into the top-10 to get him, I want Seymour, and Dareus will always lack his ability to control blocks in the run game.

Anybody else with me?

I am with you 100%

I love Dareus, but for precisely the reasons you cite ~ height and length ~ I see him as an awful match for us.

There's another side to that argument, of course ~ one I'll leave to those who can speak more eloquently than I about Leverage and Interior Lines ~ but as of now, I'm persuaded that it would a terrible move.

Give me JJ Watt, and I'll be ecstatic.

 

[MaineMan]

Jarvis Green and Kareem Brown were both around 285, so I don't think it's a hard and fast rule. But Seymour remains the prototype frame -- drafted at 6'6" 299 with lonnggg arms.

Green and Brown (colorful names) only cost 45/46 draft trade points each at #126/#127 respectively.

Marquise Hill was 6'6"/300, drafted #64 overall (270 DTP).
Ty Warren was 6'5"/300, drafted #13 overall (1150 DTP).

Feels to me that, if we're talking about a 3-4 DE to be drafted in the 1st or 2nd rounds (270-1000 DTP), length and weight (or, at least, the frame to easily support 300+) are likely to be somewhat firm requirements. A guy 6'3"-6'4"/285-ish would have to be a really, really rare talent and an otherwise perfect BB fit to make the cut at that high a cost.

 

[Snake Eyes]

Am I the only person who doesn't see Marcell Dareus having success for the Pats? I got completely flamed on another thread for it, but he just doesn't have the height or length of a guy like Seymour. If it'd take a trade into the top-10 to get him, I want Seymour, and Dareus will always lack his ability to control blocks in the run game.

Anybody else with me?

Umm, no, not with you on that. Plenty of guys have done a fine job as a 3-4 DE without Richard Seymour's height, and plenty more do a fine job of confusing correlation with causation, I think a lot of this height/arm length/hand size stuff is VASTLY over-rated.