VJCPatriot
Pro Bowl Player
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Why do those 2 numbers matter so much to you?
I believe he's quoting BB's reported preferred size/speed for OLBs.
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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.Why do those 2 numbers matter so much to you?
Because they matter to BB. This is his response to a question about why the Pats didn't select any 3-4 OLBs in the draft last year.
"There weren't a lot of 4.6, 4.65 [40 time] guys. There weren't a lot of 6-[foot]-4, 6-[foot]-5 guys. I'd say it was a much smaller pool of those types of players."
All Things Bill Belichick: 26-Apr-2009 Press Conference Transcript
This statement matches up with BB's draft history with the Pats. The only 3-4 OLB they have selected in the first four rounds is Shawn Crable (Rd3, 2008. 6’5 45 lbs. 40: 4.61 ). Here is a list of the other guys that the Pats have drafted at OLB with later picks, and their combine measurements and times are relatively close to the 6'4 4.6 club
Casey Tisdale (Rd7, 2000) 6’4 255 lbs. 40: 4.71
Tully Banta-Cain (Rd7, 2003) 6’2 264 lbs. 40: N/A
Jeremy Mincey (Rd5, 2006) 6’4 259 lbs. 40: 4.76
Justin Rogers (Rd6, 2007): 6’4 252 lbs. 40: 4.76
Notable UDFA:
Pierre Woods 6’4 249 lbs. 40:4.73
Stryker Sulak, Missouri, 6’5 251 4.63
These numbers are based on combine times. Perhaps these players ran faster at their pro days, but the point is that BB has been very picky at OLB over the years, and the 6'4 4.6 requirement seems to be a reason why (according to my research, there have only been 24 DE/OLB prospects invited to the combine since 2000 who met this criteria). Based on all this, it seems prudent to eliminate any 3-4 OLB prospect who isn't a member of 6'4 4.6 club as a possibility for the Patriots, at least when it comes to rounds 1-4.
Patrick Willis wouldn't make BB's grade but I have a feeling we'd be a better team with him on board.
I have a feeling the team will continue to suffer because BB's inflexibility.
"Perfection is the enemy of good enough"
Patrick Willis wouldn't make BB's grade but I have a feeling we'd be a better team with him on board.
I have a feeling the team will continue to suffer because BB's inflexibility.
"Perfection is the enemy of good enough"
And in his defense, it has worked for him in the past. Willie McGinest, Mike Vrabel, Carl Banks, and Lawrence Taylor all fit the 6'4 4.6 40 mold and were excellent players under BB.
Patrick Willis is an ILB. My post only refers to 3-4 OLBs.
I am not eliminating the possiblity that Koa Misi could be a very good player. I think he and Brandon Graham will probably be productive pass rushers in the NFL, in another scheme. But my point is that these guys are not possibilites for the Patriots because BB prefers guys with more length and straight-line speed. You can debate the merits of BB's standards, but I doubt it will change his mind. And in his defense, it has worked for him in the past. Willie McGinest, Mike Vrabel, Carl Banks, and Lawrence Taylor all fit the 6'4 4.6 40 mold and were excellent players under BB.