imahobgoblin
2nd Team Getting Their First Start
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2019
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I am tired of all the same content being regurgitated and nothing new being discussed so I started doing some research. The average LB in the league in 2025 weighed about 238–240 pounds and stands around 6’2” tall. Here is the breakdown:
Inside Linebacker (ILB / MIKE) - 240–255 lbs
Outside Linebacker (OLB) in 3–4 defense 245–265 lbs
Coverage / speed linebackers 225–235 lbs
This is a departure away from bigger and heavier linebackers from the past. The biggest change has been with off-ball linebackers (MIKE/WILL). Five years ago, many teams still preferred bigger “thumper” linebackers in the 245–255 lb range. Today, more teams prioritize speed, coverage ability, and sideline-to-sideline movement, so many linebackers now play closer to 230–240 lbs. Teams used to prioritized taking on fullbacks and power run schemes. Base defenses (4–3 or 3–4) stayed on the field more often. Today, nickel defenses are effectively the “base” defense because the game changed. Linebackers must cover slot receivers, go tight ends, and mobile quarterbacks. Players around 230–238 lbs are now common starters.
There was a lot of criticism launch at the Pats in the offseason for the way the roster was built, but there is one thing that sticks out. The goal was to add brute force and mass on offense. We have a mobile QB that must be accounted for. During TreVeyon Henderson's 65-yard touchdown run in 2025, Drake was clocked at 20.58 mph. That requires faster linebackers. I asked AI for the average size and weight of the Pats offensive editions in the offseason and it spit out about 6’3½” and 267–270 lbs. I assume linemen skew those numbers but Reggie Gilliam is 6’1” and 255 lbs. Julian Hill is 6’4” and 251 lbs. Their blocking skills are something this team has been missing for a long time. Eli Raridon is 6’6” and 251 with a lot of room to fill out. Lomu is not known for his blocking. I see eventually being out starting LT and Campbell moving the LG or RT. But Dametrious Crownover excites me because even as a rookie he can contribute immediately as a run-blocker, especially in heavy or goal-line packages at 6'7" and 336 lbs.
Even with AJ Brown, I think this offense looks totally different from last year. It has the potential to be the deep shot offense again, and I think Drake will continue to push the call downfield, but the play action will come a lot easier. The goal in the offseason was to become a brute force team and run the other team over by knocking the absolute crap out of them. Vrabel's defense was violent last year. It was so much fun to watch it in the playoffs, but the offense was not that way. I think they really addressed it. It should show as we get late into games when the smaller defenses are worn out. It should also show late into the playoffs when weather becomes a factor and we can only run the ball.
Inside Linebacker (ILB / MIKE) - 240–255 lbs
Outside Linebacker (OLB) in 3–4 defense 245–265 lbs
Coverage / speed linebackers 225–235 lbs
This is a departure away from bigger and heavier linebackers from the past. The biggest change has been with off-ball linebackers (MIKE/WILL). Five years ago, many teams still preferred bigger “thumper” linebackers in the 245–255 lb range. Today, more teams prioritize speed, coverage ability, and sideline-to-sideline movement, so many linebackers now play closer to 230–240 lbs. Teams used to prioritized taking on fullbacks and power run schemes. Base defenses (4–3 or 3–4) stayed on the field more often. Today, nickel defenses are effectively the “base” defense because the game changed. Linebackers must cover slot receivers, go tight ends, and mobile quarterbacks. Players around 230–238 lbs are now common starters.
There was a lot of criticism launch at the Pats in the offseason for the way the roster was built, but there is one thing that sticks out. The goal was to add brute force and mass on offense. We have a mobile QB that must be accounted for. During TreVeyon Henderson's 65-yard touchdown run in 2025, Drake was clocked at 20.58 mph. That requires faster linebackers. I asked AI for the average size and weight of the Pats offensive editions in the offseason and it spit out about 6’3½” and 267–270 lbs. I assume linemen skew those numbers but Reggie Gilliam is 6’1” and 255 lbs. Julian Hill is 6’4” and 251 lbs. Their blocking skills are something this team has been missing for a long time. Eli Raridon is 6’6” and 251 with a lot of room to fill out. Lomu is not known for his blocking. I see eventually being out starting LT and Campbell moving the LG or RT. But Dametrious Crownover excites me because even as a rookie he can contribute immediately as a run-blocker, especially in heavy or goal-line packages at 6'7" and 336 lbs.
Even with AJ Brown, I think this offense looks totally different from last year. It has the potential to be the deep shot offense again, and I think Drake will continue to push the call downfield, but the play action will come a lot easier. The goal in the offseason was to become a brute force team and run the other team over by knocking the absolute crap out of them. Vrabel's defense was violent last year. It was so much fun to watch it in the playoffs, but the offense was not that way. I think they really addressed it. It should show as we get late into games when the smaller defenses are worn out. It should also show late into the playoffs when weather becomes a factor and we can only run the ball.
