Demeco traded to Eagles

[Blitzwood]

Originally Posted by barrett

I never said that. But if there was a LB or S that changed positions, it was at least in part because they were not cut out (or weren't any longer) for the postions they were playing before the change. There is a reason DBs play DB and LBs play LB. And humans just aren't cut out for both.

Either way we don't need an ILB that can play on passing downs.

Actually, there is a player coming out in the draft this year that would fit the DB/LB hybrid type of player you speak of, his name is Lavante David, OLB, out of Nebraska. He's a tackling machine as his 285 tackles the last two seasons proved.

From Dane Bruglar NFLdarftscout: "He flies around the field with controlled aggression, looking natural bursting in any direction with very good first-step quickness. David doesn't have ideal strength to tear through blocks, but where he separates himself from the pack is his ability to find the ball and finish with a competitive drive. Also rare is his ability in reverse with smooth hip action and fluid footwork to drop and cover."

He would be an ideal replacement IMO.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by Blitzwood

Actually, there is a player coming out in the draft this year that would fit the DB/LB hybrid type of player you speak of, his name is Lavante David, OLB, out of Nebraska. He's a tackling machine as his 285 tackles the last two seasons proved.

From Dane Bruglar NFLdarftscout: "He flies around the field with controlled aggression, looking natural bursting in any direction with very good first-step quickness. David doesn't have ideal strength to tear through blocks, but where he separates himself from the pack is his ability to find the ball and finish with a competitive drive. Also rare is his ability in reverse with smooth hip action and fluid footwork to drop and cover."

He would be an ideal replacement IMO.

Actually he would be a terrible replacement. We are not looking for a coverage LB. We do not need a coverage LB. We also don't need a LB who can't beat a block.

In our version of the 34 the ILBs are unprotected. There is not huge NT to keep the OL off of them. So our ILBs have to be able to take on blocks first and foremost. This is why Demeco did not fit. I would not even consider an undersized ILB who can't get off of blocks. Those guys belong in the 43 with two big DTs in front of them so they can take advantage of their strengths flowing to the ball and diagnosing plays (and that is why Demeco went to the Eagles).

Not to mention our 2nd ILB DOES NOT PLAY ON PASSING DOWNS. So his coverage ability is almost useless. Cushing plays every down, and no matter how talented a LB is in coverage, they are not a better pass defender than Nolan or McCain.

[Blitzwood]

Originally Posted by barrett

Actually he would be a terrible replacement.... There is no such thing as LBs with the hip swivel, speed, and DB skills to play DB.....There is a reason DBs play DB and LBs play LB. And humans just aren't cut out for both.

I'm saying you're WRONG.

There are players that do posses the DB/LB you say can't be....

Don't believe me, read his scouting report, phrases being thrown around like the BEST COVER LB in the draft, could play SS or LB, FLUID HIPS and EXCELLENT NICKEL LB.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...012&genpos=OLB

I think a smart DC like Wade could find a way to play him, possibly at SS, or move him around a bit to keep the offense's guessing, even at ILB at times..

I know that sounds extreme to you, or probably impossible in your eyes since: " There is a reason DBs play DB and LBs play LB. And humans just aren't cut out for both."

First, You would have to be able to think outside the box and admit there are players that are LB and DB versitle.

He got to play in the Big 12(pass heavy) his Jr season and Big 10 (run heavy) his senior so he's been exposed to alot of different offenses.

L. David also excels at avoiding blocks and disengaging well off linemen, his burst, explosiveness downhill, and closing speed is all great, which allow him to slip by linemen to get to the ball. Check out this video of him avoiding linemen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CYjR...ayer_embedded#!

But what I'm most impressed with are his instincts for the ball and his motor. I'll take his speed and desire over typical girth.

As for Ryans, the main reason he was let go was $$, The Texans weren't gonna pay him 6+million this season for a 1 or two down LB. The main reason he wasn't playing the three downs wasn't for him not getting off blocks, he was alwasys more instinctive than physical....it was because he wasn't the same player after coming back from his achilles tear, he was slower, slower to the ball, and had considerably less tackles. 64 combined, 44 solo last year to be exact, compared to 123 combined, 93 solo the year prior to his injury (2009)......so roughly 50%. He almost had the same stats in 2010 playing only 6 than all of last year.

One could argue well thats because he didn't play in nickel situations, but then it goes back to being slower now post injury and more expensive to keep.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by Blitzwood

I'm saying you're WRONG.

There are players that do posses the DB/LB you say can't be....

Don't believe me, read his scouting report, phrases being thrown around like the BEST COVER LB in the draft, could play SS or LB, FLUID HIPS and EXCELLENT NICKEL LB.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...012&genpos=OLB

I think a smart DC like Wade could find a way to play him, possibly at SS, or move him around a bit to keep the offense's guessing, even at ILB at times..

I know that sounds extreme to you, or probably impossible in your eyes since: " There is a reason DBs play DB and LBs play LB. And humans just aren't cut out for both."

First, You would have to be able to think outside the box and admit there are players that are LB and DB versitle.

He got to play in the Big 12(pass heavy) his Jr season and Big 10 (run heavy) his senior so he's been exposed to alot of different offenses.

L. David also excels at avoiding blocks and disengaging well off linemen, his burst, explosiveness downhill, and closing speed is all great, which allow him to slip by linemen to get to the ball. Check out this video of him avoiding linemen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CYjR...ayer_embedded#!

But what I'm most impressed with are his instincts for the ball and his motor. I'll take his speed and desire over typical girth.

As for Ryans, the main reason he was let go was $$, The Texans weren't gonna pay him 6+million this season for a 1 or two down LB. The main reason he wasn't playing the three downs wasn't for him not getting off blocks, he was alwasys more instinctive than physical....it was because he wasn't the same player after coming back from his achilles tear, he was slower, slower to the ball, and had considerably less tackles. 64 combined, 44 solo last year to be exact, compared to 123 combined, 93 solo the year prior to his injury (2009)......so roughly 50%. He almost had the same stats in 2010 playing only 6 than all of last year.

One could argue well thats because he didn't play in nickel situations, but then it goes back to being slower now post injury and more expensive to keep.

Do you think if we get a 'better' ILB he would be an every down player?

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by barrett

Do you think if we get a 'better' ILB he would be an every down player?

I have to agree with this point. Any ILB we get will come off the field in a nickle defense, which we run a large amount of the time in the current pass happy NFL.

[idymoe]

No doubt. I would love to see the linebacker that could cover an extra receiver anywhere close to as well as Brice McCain, or any other CB on the roster can.

[Blitzwood]

Originally Posted by barrett

Do you think if we get a 'better' ILB he would be an every down player?

That depends if he's "better" than Cushing.

[idymoe]

Ya think???