The LB Thread

[DH523]

He may be a bit short at 6'2" (or 6'1") but I'm really high on Wisconsin's Ryan Connelly. Problem is he may not have the size Belichick looks for in an OLB but his downhill speed could make him a possibility as an ILB/Rush Specialist. He looks like he could bulk up to 245-250 and not lose much speed.

Positives: Downhill speed when he diagnoses/attacks. Reminds me a ton of Elandon Roberts/Ja'wuan Bentley in this regard ---- Flashes the ability to use his hands to disengage blockers and has some bull rush/rush move (showed off a spin against Ohio State in 2017) potential when blitzing.

Cons: Just average sideline to sideline speed. Showed faster speed in this area in 2017 but not above average (playing through injuries in 2018?) --- May be a better fit playing to a particular side of the field as opposed to the middle. --- Can be caught out of position, not quick twitch enough to recover in pursuit --- Shows some potential as a Zone Cover LB but he won't be the type to be able to drop back and cover the seams.

May be a 4th-6th round pick but I think he has potential to be a very good ST Cover guy with some potential to be utilized as downhill gap penetration either against the run or on blitzes. Issues are his lack of quick twitch athleticism and average sideline to sideline speed may make him a "box" area LB only. I can see enough upside at what Connelly does well to see Belichick taking a flier on him and playing to his strengths, especially as a potential downhill ST cover guy to start his career out.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

The tape of walker from Georgia just screams patriots. Same with his partner in defense, Ledbetter.

Very easy for me to see bb taking both of them on day two.

 

[Snooky97]

Emeke Egbule - Pure speed rusher, is very good in coverage as well. He’s very raw.

Chase Hansen - is your STAR linebacker, very good in coverage, needs coaching up but could become a 3rd down coverage guy and special teams value as well.

Vosean Joseph - plays like Jamie Collins. Unbelievable athlete, very good blitzer. He needs some coaching work but could be a pro bowl talent if it all works for him.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Vosean Joseph - plays like Jamie Collins. Unbelievable athlete, very good blitzer. He needs some coaching work but could be a pro bowl talent if it all works for him.

He's tiny and sometimes makes poor reads, but he's so fun to watch when he gets it right. Despite his size, he'll take on blocks. Tenacious blitzer, incredible range, big hitter. Big play magnet. If he were an inch taller and ten pounds heavier, he'd challenge White for first LB off the board.

 

[Peachhead]

My two biggest binkies in this draft are OLB D'Andre Walker, Georgia and OLB Christian Miller, Alabama.

 

[cstjohn17]

I have absolutely no football acumen but do try to read up on the draft. Although opinions are mixed I would be ok with Mack Wilson at 32 but only if Trey Flowers is resigned. If Flowers is not resigned we essentially don't have a defensive line and draft and/or cap resources must be spent on the defensive line.




If Flowers is resigned front 6 could look like:
DE - Flowers
DT- Guy
DT - Mid level yet to be name free agent (Darius Philon, Chargers; Mike Pennell, Jets; Harry Anderson, Jets; Brown, Patriots)
DE\OLB - Hightower, allow him to play to his strengths which is moving toward the QB
LB- Van Noy
LB - Wilson - I think he can be a 3 down LB (Unicorn)

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I have absolutely no football acumen but do try to read up on the draft. Although opinions are mixed I would be ok with Mack Wilson at 32 but only if Trey Flowers is resigned. If Flowers is not resigned we essentially don't have a defensive line and draft and/or cap resources must be spent on the defensive line.




If Flowers is resigned front 6 could look like:
DE - Flowers
DT- Guy
DT - Mid level yet to be name free agent (Darius Philon, Chargers; Mike Pennell, Jets; Harry Anderson, Jets; Brown, Patriots)
DE\OLB - Hightower, allow him to play to his strengths which is moving toward the QB
LB- Van Noy
LB - Wilson - I think he can be a 3 down LB (Unicorn)

I can see why bb would be interested in all of your mid tier dt’s. I think bb has to sign at least one to avoid having two rookies in the rotation next year.