LB's are a key part of the 3-4 defense.
With Bruschi declining and getting close to retirement we need another ILB. Guyton looks good but fits the WILB role, which Mayo is already playing. We need a SILB.
The SILB is usually a bit bigger and attacks the line more. LB's from this years draft that fit this role: Rey Maualuga, Jasper Brinkley, Clint Sintim, Brian Cushing. Any others?
While I like Brandon Spikes he seems like a similar player to Mayo. More of a WILB play maker. James Laurenitis isn't suitable for a 3-4.
Here's a blurb I found on 34 Linebackers that id thought Id share...
Mayo will be a starter at WILB for the next 10 years. We need to fill the spot beside him so he can roam around freely and make plays. How do we go about filling this role.
With Bruschi declining and getting close to retirement we need another ILB. Guyton looks good but fits the WILB role, which Mayo is already playing. We need a SILB.
The SILB is usually a bit bigger and attacks the line more. LB's from this years draft that fit this role: Rey Maualuga, Jasper Brinkley, Clint Sintim, Brian Cushing. Any others?
While I like Brandon Spikes he seems like a similar player to Mayo. More of a WILB play maker. James Laurenitis isn't suitable for a 3-4.
Here's a blurb I found on 34 Linebackers that id thought Id share...
Inside Linebackers (ILB):
In a 3-4 system, the SILB (strongside inside linebacker) and WILB (weakside inside linebacker) typically have slightly differing roles.
The primary concern of the SILB is to shed blocks and stop the run on the inside, whereas the WILB is a pass covering MLB who is also decent at run stuffing. Both need to be able to get to the outside when an outside run is featured.
The SILB does not need elite speed - instead, he needs to be able to handle interior offensive lineman, shed blocks, and get to the runner. The SILB also blitzes sometimes to create pressure up the middle.
The WILB is generally a smaller, faster version of the SILB who has skills in pass coverage. Often times, he is one on one with a tight end, or drops back into zone coverage around the middle. He is also however decent at scraping blocks and stopping the run when needed. SILB need good hips and reaction in order to cover well.
Drafting interior linebackers for a 3-4 generally does not differ too much from drafting a 4-3 linebacker. A typical ILB will weigh in the 240-260lb range. Teams will look for MLB in a 4-3 who have certain characteristics of either a SILB or WILB. In addition, ILB who very physical are important, especially for the SILB, as most of the time they are matched up against lineman.
Mayo will be a starter at WILB for the next 10 years. We need to fill the spot beside him so he can roam around freely and make plays. How do we go about filling this role.
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