Off The Grid
Veteran Starter w/Big Long Term Deal
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Some thoughts:
1. Movement skills and coverage ability will be more highly prized, so we'll see "front" players evolve who have better footwork and mobility. 6'7" 245# Dion Jordan plays almost exclusively standing up for Oregon, and is used to being moved around, including covering the slot and playing press CB. 6'7" 260# Devin Taylor is dropped into coverage a fair amount. Guys with "skill position" backgrounds - former RBs, WRs, and TEs - will be converted to the defensive side of the ball. Guys with cross-training in sports such as basketball, with an emphasis on footwork and quick change of direction as opposed to linear speed, with have an advantage.
2. Grappling and tackling skills will be emphasized at all positions. Defenses won't be able to rely on linemen to take on blockers and allow LBs to make tackles, or DBs who can just drop into coverage. DBs have to be able to support the run, and DEs have to be able to move inside as well as drop into coverage. Guys who are strong for their size and who have the hand skills to take on blockers will be at an advantage. Aldon Smith and Melvin Ingram both played a fair amount of DT in college.
3. Guys will be moved around to different positions and have to handle multiple assignments. It won't be enough to be a "one trick pony".
4. More defensive complexity and more schemes will favor guys who can process the complexity. We're already seeing kids coming out of college who are used to playing a variety of defensive schemes and packages. That will become more and more the norm.
We've already seen BB use Kyle Arrington rushing out of a 3 point stance, and the Ravens have had 340# Haloti Ngata stand up as a linebacker and occasionally drop into coverage. I wouldn't be surprised to see a guy like Dion Jordan used as a DB at times. And more players will evolve who can do those kind of things, if the evolution of the game requires it.
MayoClinic
1. Movement skills and coverage ability will be more highly prized, so we'll see "front" players evolve who have better footwork and mobility. 6'7" 245# Dion Jordan plays almost exclusively standing up for Oregon, and is used to being moved around, including covering the slot and playing press CB. 6'7" 260# Devin Taylor is dropped into coverage a fair amount. Guys with "skill position" backgrounds - former RBs, WRs, and TEs - will be converted to the defensive side of the ball. Guys with cross-training in sports such as basketball, with an emphasis on footwork and quick change of direction as opposed to linear speed, with have an advantage.
2. Grappling and tackling skills will be emphasized at all positions. Defenses won't be able to rely on linemen to take on blockers and allow LBs to make tackles, or DBs who can just drop into coverage. DBs have to be able to support the run, and DEs have to be able to move inside as well as drop into coverage. Guys who are strong for their size and who have the hand skills to take on blockers will be at an advantage. Aldon Smith and Melvin Ingram both played a fair amount of DT in college.
3. Guys will be moved around to different positions and have to handle multiple assignments. It won't be enough to be a "one trick pony".
4. More defensive complexity and more schemes will favor guys who can process the complexity. We're already seeing kids coming out of college who are used to playing a variety of defensive schemes and packages. That will become more and more the norm.
We've already seen BB use Kyle Arrington rushing out of a 3 point stance, and the Ravens have had 340# Haloti Ngata stand up as a linebacker and occasionally drop into coverage. I wouldn't be surprised to see a guy like Dion Jordan used as a DB at times. And more players will evolve who can do those kind of things, if the evolution of the game requires it.
Off The Grid
Outstanding!! :rocker:
Mostly, I just wanted to get your Post to the top'f the Page...
1 ~ The bit about Converting Glamor "Skill" Players to D makes a TON of sense. And of course BasketBall Players, with the emphasis on Fluidity, Short Speed, and FootWork. You and I'are both frothing CrossTraining fans, so it's no wonder we see eye to eye on this one...
2 ~ Yep!! Smaller Fronts means EVERYBODY has to take a bigger bit of the Tackling Pie, meaning: the Secondary!!
3 ~ Yep. "Specialists" are about to hit a severe Bear Market, I think.
4 ~ I fear for the health of Grizzlies who drop into Coverage, but I LOVE it!! :rocker: