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Since pretty much everyone here agrees that OLB is a top three need for this team, mostly likely an universal #1 need; I found this article today on the National Football Post on the difficulties of drafting a DE to convert to an OLB and how hard it is to choose a Terrell Suggs over a Vernon Gholston. It does give some insights into what to look for and some of the things that might be overrated.
Later in the article, they give the scouts' take of which players will make the transition the easiest and who will struggle. Here is the list:
Most Likely to make the transition
Dontay Moch
Chris Carter (not surprising since he plays for Pat Hill a Belichick disciple)
Sam Acho (the scouts say he will make the transition easiest)
Ricky Elmore
"Would Need Some Work"
Alondo Smith (say he is stiff and better suited to have his hand in the ground, but reminds people of Wille McGinest. My take he could take over that McGinest elephant role that revived McGinest's career)
Ryan Kerrigan (scouts are torn on him, but he looks to be more suited for an one gap attack type of 3-4 than the 3-4, two gap, read and react one the Pats run)
Brooks Reed
Jabaal Sheard
Cliff Matthews
Probably will Struggle
Robert Quinn (Basically says his limited football experience at the college level will make it tougher for him to change)
Justin Houston (sees to be a pass rush specialist and can't do other things required of an OLB in the 3-4)
Cameron Jordan (might not have the feet)
Ironically, these scouts are down on most of the guys who are the trendiest names to be 3-4 OLBs (Jordan, Quinn, Smith). Now is that because that is how they feel or are they trying to spread misinformation to scare off potential suitors.
NFP Sunday Blitz | National Football Post
Later in the article, they give the scouts' take of which players will make the transition the easiest and who will struggle. Here is the list:
Most Likely to make the transition
Dontay Moch
Chris Carter (not surprising since he plays for Pat Hill a Belichick disciple)
Sam Acho (the scouts say he will make the transition easiest)
Ricky Elmore
"Would Need Some Work"
Alondo Smith (say he is stiff and better suited to have his hand in the ground, but reminds people of Wille McGinest. My take he could take over that McGinest elephant role that revived McGinest's career)
Ryan Kerrigan (scouts are torn on him, but he looks to be more suited for an one gap attack type of 3-4 than the 3-4, two gap, read and react one the Pats run)
Brooks Reed
Jabaal Sheard
Cliff Matthews
Probably will Struggle
Robert Quinn (Basically says his limited football experience at the college level will make it tougher for him to change)
Justin Houston (sees to be a pass rush specialist and can't do other things required of an OLB in the 3-4)
Cameron Jordan (might not have the feet)
Ironically, these scouts are down on most of the guys who are the trendiest names to be 3-4 OLBs (Jordan, Quinn, Smith). Now is that because that is how they feel or are they trying to spread misinformation to scare off potential suitors.
NFP Sunday Blitz | National Football Post