14thDragon
Third String But Playing on Special Teams
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First day is a reasonable description of "early". Casale's description of Siler is what really got me thinking about this. If he is truly just a 2-down run-stuffer, then he would be involved in short yardage and goal line...and probably not much else since he would be too easy to gameplan against.
Well, even if the guy is considered a "run-stuffer" it is not as if the guy would be completely usless in passing situations. He might not be running 20 yds down field with the TE or slot reciever, but he would be chucking them at the line and tieing up the RB from getting open. Since you would usually pair such a guy up with a better coverage ILB you would not completely leave that area undefended.
Agreed, but not really where I was going with my comments. I don't believe that the Pats need at LB is a run-stuffing specialist (or a pass-rushing specialist or a coverage specialist). While these specialists have value, they take up a roster spot and the Pats would still have a need at LB.
Well, it is not all thae different from having a run-blocking TE. In the base offense, most of the time he is going to be called upon to block, sometimes this is to run the ball, but it does not mean that it has to be a running play.
A run-stopping LB has plently of value in the base defense, but would be a liablity if the opposition goes to spread offense, thats usually when you would pull the LB and put in a nickle corner. Just because the guy cannot run with a WR or an especially athletic TE will not stop him from being a factor in stopping a passing attack as well.
"Siler may be relegated to a two-down run-stopper at the pro level. However, 3-4 teams like the Patriots don’t necessarily consider that to be a bad thing."
I find Casale's comment to be too simplistic at best and (in this era of short passing on early downs) totally off-base at worst.
I go a bit more glass half full way. If Silar turns out to be nothing more then a "run-stuffer" then it is not a wasted pick. It would mean he would have the size and streght to take on guards, get off blocks, and attack at the LOS, help free up the pass rush somewhere else, and mostly make sure that the running back is not making a living between the tackles. Which is not the end of the world. One would hope however he would also have the speed and insticts neccesary to be an asset in coverage as well, but the draft is an inexact science.