Interesting topic.
I would start my opinion with the observation that the NFL is continuing to marginalize the LB position much like it has done at the FB position for the last 20 years. We already have a heavy investment in one LB and that is because at 270 he not only can be a beast run stopper, he can play outside at OLB and/or DE as well. That being said, any FA investments at that position should be kept at a minimum.
MFlowers is a very interesting decision. He did literally NOTHING on the regular defense for the first 4 years of his career before he was thrust into the DE here and did reasonably well. No question he has the speed everyone is clamoring for in this thread. The question is whether Flowers is a late bloomer who is ready to .explode as a defensive stalwart, or was he a product of careful manipulation from the coaching staff which covered the flaws that made him a career STer before he got here.
I think BB knows the answer to that question and we will find out what HE thinks when FA occurs and how hard he goes after him. I'm sure Patricia will be a suitor as well. In the meantime, we can speculate the hell out it.
BTW- I'm with those who want to keep him.
Hightower and KVN are two quality LB's who have shown a ton of flexibility. In an age where nickel and dime defenses are the norm, having these 2 guys as your starting point is a comforting fact.
I agree that Rivers is a more likely going to be an OLB more than a DE would normally get me excited. He looked like an explosive athlete who could be something in 3 or 4 years before he was hurt. Common wisdom says that it really takes 2 years to get back to 100% after an ACL, and that goes double for a speed and explosion athlete. So for 2018, I would have very low expectations for Rivers. Play ST's get some reps on situational D's and get valuable experience playing at this level. Remember he was in a 1AA program to start with, so while he got the mental experience last year, he still hasn't gotten actual football reps.
Roberts took on a heavy load last season, and while he didn't light up the league by any means, he didn't suck either. He was tasked as being the primary run stopper on early downs and stopping the run was NOT an issue during the 2nd half of the season He WILL have to improve if he wants to stay in NE past his rookie contract and it would help he was more productive on ST's. Right now he's a decent piece to the puzzle, who, if he improves could be more than that.
McClellan and Harris are goners and will add more cap room when they are gone (about $6MM IIRC) I suggest we spend that money on other positions
.As for the draft. I'd keep looking for those really fast LB/SS types. I'm going to be looking closely at the one-handed kid who is looking to run in the 4.4 range. I think he could be had at the bottom end of the draft and might add the kind of speed we want.
As for the lack of hand, I would remind people that there was a time where people played with a forearm shiver rather than hand placement techniques (including myself) Sure picks might be an issue, but how many do any LB's get now? If you are looking at speed with player we actually have a shot at getting he's the one. (even if I can't remember his name.
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