Conversion Projects

[WaterfallJumper]

Every year during draft time we hear the hype about defensive ends who will have to make the conversion to outside linebacker, but we often overlook the tackles who become guards or the corners who become safeties--quite a few positions get switched around, really. In this thread, let's profile likely (and perhaps not-so-likely) conversions from one position to another. What characteristics bode well for the transformation? What obstacles stand in the way? Etc.

I have a few ideas, but I'd like to hear the thoughts of my fellow Pats Fans first. Have fun!

 

[PatsCanDoIt]

I think Chris Scott from Tennessee becomes a guard. IIRC, he played some guard. IDK if he's nimble enough to play here though.

I've heard people on here talk about Roger Saffold at guard, but I think he might be able to play anywhere on the line.

Drew Boylhart says Earl Thomas should play corner and not safety. That's all I have for now.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

After watching Everson Griffen destroy the combine with hustle and determination, I've decided to rewatch some of his highlights--I think he's got the skills to make the switch to OLB. I've always thought of him as an underachiever, but getting beat out by Clay Matthews (2010 pro bowler) is certainly no shame. I think he's finally coming into his own. Apparently he rededicated himself in the spring, and had a pretty solid year. He's got great size and speed, with impressive power and actual experience dropping into coverage. Really intriguing guy.

Marshall Newhouse caught my eye, and during the combine he really showed fantastic athleticism. He's 325 or so, but faster and more mobile than a lot of the guards currently on our roster. He comes from a highly successful program, and played LT with considerable proficiency (going against Hughes every day certainly helped). Will need to move to guard in the pros, but I could see him being similar to Mankins.

Okay, this one's really out of left field, but what about drafting a guy like Geno Atkins or Earl Mitchell and asking them to slim down 20 - 25 pounds to play ILB? They're both crazy fast for 295 pound men (4.7!), and looked like linebackers in the drills. They'd definitely be used to taking on blocks, and I think they have the athleticism to make the transition. I'd love to put a thumper like that in the middle. Thoughts?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Hughes would smash OLB prototype - Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

“As for Hughes, when you watch him on film, he’s explosive and shows the ability to bend back inside. That’s when you see him attack the outside shoulder of the tackle and once under the shoulder make his move back inside, which effectively cuts down the angle to the quarterback. In order to do that, you have to have balance, ankle flexibility and upper-body strength. He has all three. On the flip side, the concern would be if he gets engulfed against the run against NFL offensive tackles.

Former RB converted to DE...people who want a power RB might just consider converting him back, he sure reads like a one cut RB.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Javier Arenas, Alabama, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Here's Kevin Faulk's replacement. He's a stud blitzer, that may help him learn blitz pick-up reads faster. Go back to the Senior Bowl, just after the two minute warning in the first half - 6'2" 246 lb. Legarrette Blount is rumbling, bumbling, and stumbling until he turns the corner and meets 5'9" 195 lb. Javier Arenas - then he stops. 250 LB blitzing, Faulk has a little trouble, 235 blitzing, Faulk plants them - Faulk is 5'8" 202 on NE's unofficial roster page, see the resemblance? Arenas is a greater returner, runs a 4.5/40, makes people miss in a phone booth, has pretty good hands for interceptions which should work okay for a receiver. Third down back, Nickelback, PR, KR - it's a conversion fit.

 

[WesWelker83]

My three favorite OLB prospects are all conversion guys. I like Brandon Graham , Wooten, and Misi all making the change to 3-4 OLB. Whoever BB likes the most out of these three please draft. I hope BB doesnt take Dunlap, Griffin, Sapp, or Kindle!

I dont know what to think about Hughes. Hes short and is weak vs the run but when I see him I think Freeney 2.0. On tape and in games hes always flying around the edge plus he looked excellent in coverage drills at the combine. I think somewhere towards the late 2nd he could have value as a pass rusher and coverage guy exclusively. I heard Billick last night on NFL network say that teams are now in their nickel cov 60% of the time so there is such a desire for Cbs and pass rushers.