Content Post Why does Wingspan matter for Tackles?

[One-If-By-Sea]

I don't know man. We've got guys here that know better in real time what the rest of us were truly thinking versus whatever nonsense we posted and don't hesitate to proclaim it. Seems like for them projecting other folk's future declarations would be cake in comparison.

It is an odd thing on PatsFans where posters have to create a "boogie man" scenario so that they can then fight against the boogie man. They want to look like heros or champions instead of having a simple normal conversation.

No one talking at a bar would act like that. Maybe the posters here on PatsFans have never had a conversation over a beer?

 

[Clonamery]

It is an odd thing on PatsFans where posters have to create a "boogie man" scenario so that they can then fight against the boogie man. They want to look like heros or champions instead of having a simple normal conversation.

No one talking at a bar would act like that. Maybe the posters here on PatsFans have never had a conversation over a beer?

You mean have a conversation with the guys that said, "WTF!!!???, what the f*ck, who is that guy?!? A guard in the 1st round, wathefug! Belichick is retahded! He's completely lost his f*cking mind!!," when Mankins was drafted? Yeah, ok. I don't think any of them had heard of Pat Hill, Fresno State or Courvoisier either at the time but none of that sounds like beer/bar talk either. Next you'll be telling me that the boogie man is made of glass.

 

[stinkypete]

If pass blocking is a mix of quickness/footwork and punch, then a deficit in one area should be compensated for by a strength in the other. Campbell's wingspan is about 9% shorter than the LT ideal. Leverage itself is a linear function - 9% less length = 9% less power. This, in theory, can be compensated for if the player can move his feet 10% quicker. An oversimplification, probably - there is a complex physiological component to suddenly changing direction while punching forward with all one's might - but it should be possible to compensate.

Unrelated, this was a very weak top 10 draft class. If Campbell emerges as an all pro LG, I am fine with the pick. If he winds up at LG and is simply "good", it would be a bust.

 

[Ring 6]

Then why do you keep posting the bare minimum…. 0.01 seconds, one inch arms?

Trent Brown was as wide as a house, it was a distinct advantage to him.

Better is better, whether you like it or not. Ultimately the player is the sum of his parts, not just his wingspan or inline speed… but saying these things don’t matter isn’t accurate. It all matters.

Because it is a bare minimum. As I have asked numerous times, show examples of when LTs use the limiting their wingspan in order to block. Your example implies OL and DL engage with their arms fully extended to the maximum length which just isn’t how the game is played. Thats the issue, how far you can reach is all but insignificant in actually playing the game.

 

[Wozzy]

An offensive line punch is a technique used by offensive linemen to block pass rushers during pass protection. It involves using the hands to deliver a quick, powerful strike to the opponent's body, typically to gain leverage, redirect the rusher, and prevent them from reaching the quarterback. The punch is a critical component of pass protection, as it helps the offensive lineman maintain control and protect the pocket.

Boxers with longer reach have an advantage, so do linemen.

@Ring 6 I already answered this

Your notion that arm length doesn’t matter isn’t supported by any football scout worth a damn.

 

[Wozzy]

This conversation will continue ad nauseam because the “arm length doesn’t matter” crowd keep implying somebody said “arm length is all that matters.”

Literally nobody said this, and more importantly wingspan is the correct measurement, not just arm length.

When I have to drive around a mountain, I have to consider the entire circumference of the mountain… not just the final leg of the drive.

 

[signbabybrady]

If pass blocking is a mix of quickness/footwork and punch, then a deficit in one area should be compensated for by a strength in the other. Campbell's wingspan is about 9% shorter than the LT ideal. Leverage itself is a linear function - 9% less length = 9% less power. This, in theory, can be compensated for if the player can move his feet 10% quicker. An oversimplification, probably - there is a complex physiological component to suddenly changing direction while punching forward with all one's might - but it should be possible to compensate.

Unrelated, this was a very weak top 10 draft class. If Campbell emerges as an all pro LG, I am fine with the pick. If he winds up at LG and is simply "good", it would be a bust.

Because it is a bare minimum. As I have asked numerous times, show examples of when LTs use the limiting their wingspan in order to block. Your example implies OL and DL engage with their arms fully extended to the maximum length which just isn’t how the game is played. Thats the issue, how far you can reach is all but insignificant in actually playing the game.

I don't understand why you insist that the only time wing span or arm length matter is if you are fully extended?

If my arms/wingspan is longer than yours and we are both half extended I still have the advantage. @stinkypete just said it perfectly.

 

[40yrpatsfan]

Posters are still talking about arm length and wingspan interchangeably, while this thread is about wingspan specifically. Arm length is from your shoulder to fingertip, and has an impact we can all understand when trying to reach your opponent before he reaches you. Our boy was measured at 32 5/8" and later at 33". There's some really good OT's with 33" arms, including perhaps the best one (Slater). Campbell's arm length is on the shorter end of the spectrum, but within the range of normal.

Wingspan is holding both arms out to the sides and measuring fingertip to fingertip. Campbell's measurement is a good 3" less than almost anybody else (i.e., 1.5" per side), clearly lower than normal, indicating he has narrow shoulders. The question posed in this thread is basically "so what?", because an OT doesn't make plays with both his arms stuck out to the sides like a scarecrow. Unlike arm length, this would not appear to have an impact that we can all understand.

 

[Patjew]

I am watching this thread like I would a car wreck. I haven't read every post, but is it possible that no one has made a "size doesn't matter" joke yet??

 

[Patsfan1645]

Only way to truly scientifically test if Will is at a disadvantage. Training camp cant start soon enough so threads like these will get buried at least until mid season when the quotes come flying one way or another.

 

[Ring 6]

I don't understand why you insist that the only time wing span or arm length matter is if you are fully extended?

If my arms/wingspan is longer than yours and we are both half extended I still have the advantage. @stinkypete just said it perfectly.

You are joking right?

 

[signbabybrady]

You are joking right?

No

 

[Ring 6]

No

Wow

 

[Ring 6]

@Ring 6 I already answered this

Your notion that arm length doesn’t matter isn’t supported by any football scout worth a damn.

Just not true.

 

[sb1]

Just not true.

I read somewhere that Parcells said it was one of the most important measurements for a tackle prospect.

 

[Hyped]

 

[WhatJustHappened]

Only way to truly scientifically test if Will is at a disadvantage. Training camp cant start soon enough so threads like these will get buried at least until mid season when the quotes come flying one way or another.

I remember my thumbs hurting from that 1...yes, I'm pretty old.

 

[maust]

I remember my thumbs hurting from that 1...yes, I'm pretty old.

You may well be old but that's no indicator of it. Rock 'Em Sock 'Em robots can be found on the shelf of your local Walmart or Target right now. Last year I bought one off the shelf for the grandkids to have at our summer place when it was raining. My sons saw it and thought we'd saved theirs lol

 

[Water Boy]

The whole concept of this thread is ridiculous. Tackles don't even have wings.

 

[WhatJustHappened]

You may well be old but that's no indicator of it. Rock 'Em Sock 'Em robots can be found on the shelf of your local Walmart or Target right now. Last year I bought one off the shelf for the grandkids to have at our summer place when it was raining. My sons saw it and thought we'd saved theirs lol

That thing was ridiculous...hard to do noises in words, but...
"Eeeeeerrrrrr" when the neck went up...
,