D Washington

[jerseyred]

Tell me why with his speed size he has not been tried at outside lb

 

[Krangodnzr]

Tell me why with his speed size he has not been tried at outside lb

Size? He's small for a LB (weight wise). That's why he's clearly a weakside backer in any scheme, and a WILB in a 3-4.

 

[JeffGollin]

Just guessing that Cardinal coaches (with Steeler mentality) like their OLB's big and tall like Woodley and Harrison.

But don't be surprised if - in Horton's mix & max schemes, you don't see #58 either lining up outside or executing OLB assignments when lined up inside.

 

[WickedKoolFan]

I've seen Darryl Washington rush on the outside a few times already. He'll rush from all sides in Horton's blitz schemes.

 

[Snakester]

If Horton is half the DC that we all hope he is, he will blitz Washington often.

 

[SuperSpck]

As it happens, the Steelers OLBers are notoriously under height for the position average.

Here's are some measurements for successful 3-4 OLBs (or who've played OLBs previously):

James Harrison 6-0 242
LaMarr Woodley 6-2 265
DeMarcus Ware 6-4 257
Tamba Hali 6-3 275
Cameron Wake 6-3 250
Clay Matthews 6-3 255
Calvin Pace 6-4 265
Shaun Phillips 6-3 250
Terrell Suggs 6-3 260
Kamerion Wimbley 6-4 255
Brian Orakpo 6-4 260
Bryan Thomas 6-4 265
Joey Porter 6-3 248
Shawne Merriman 6-4 262
Lawrence Taylor 6-3 241

The average of these players would be:
6-3 256

While Daryl's height at 6-2 wouldn't keep him from finding success, his weight at 230 is significantly less than the average.

Measureables aside, what makes for a good 3-4 rush backer is a combination of the ability to get to a fast speed quickly, and have the strength in his legs and core to deal with outside forces deliberately trying to force him off his path. He also needs to have enough upper body strength to shed punches or rip through other types of blocks.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Daryl Washington = Lawrence Timmons

Leave him be and watch him explode

 

[Crazy Canuck]

DW weight last season was 230.

Curious as to what it is now.

 

[desertdawg]

Send him and send him often.

 

[splitsecond]

pretty sure someone posted a while back in the preseasn that daryl is in the 240s this year. he certainly looks more muscular this year.

 

[TJ]

D Wash is a WILB exclusively and has shown growth and maturity towards the end of last season and this preseason. Cutting our nose to save our face is not a good idea. Who takes his place at WILB if you make that switch?

He's not 190 lbs and 5'9" so his measurables don't pose as a huge concern.

 

[Seandonic]

He's too small to play OLB in a 3-4. Period.

 

[jerseyred]

He's too small to play OLB in a 3-4. Period.

Dont tell James Harrison

 

[Seandonic]

Dont tell James Harrison

Seriously? Harrison is barely 6-0 tall and 245 lbs. That's 15 pounds more than Washington weighs soaking wet. Plus, Washington is nearly 3 inches taller, which makes his body type even leaner.

 

[kerouac9]

DW weight last season was 230.

Curious as to what it is now.

Urban reported it at the beginning of camp as 233 (but according to Urban he's a more solid 233 or something). But that was at the beginning of camp. Wouldn't be surprised to find out he actually plays at closer to 227 or 225 at the end of the season.

As to the OP: Washington was placed in positions to rush the passer from outside the DE slot at times last year, and I'd expect the same this year. But more likely we'll see Washington, Lenon, and Bradley with three down linemen in rush situations and have Bradley be the designated blitzer.

 

[Duckjake]

D Wash is a WILB exclusively and has shown growth and maturity towards the end of last season and this preseason. Cutting our nose to save our face is not a good idea. Who takes his place at WILB if you make that switch?

He's not 190 lbs and 5'9" so his measurables don't pose as a huge concern.

How did Buster Davis make it into this thread?

 

[TJ]

How did Buster Davis make it into this thread?

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Urban reported it at the beginning of camp as 233 (but according to Urban he's a more solid 233 or something). But that was at the beginning of camp. Wouldn't be surprised to find out he actually plays at closer to 227 or 225 at the end of the season.

As to the OP: Washington was placed in positions to rush the passer from outside the DE slot at times last year, and I'd expect the same this year. But more likely we'll see Washington, Lenon, and Bradley with three down linemen in rush situations and have Bradley be the designated blitzer.

In the pre-season, they've had Washington lineup off the left tackle as a potential blitzer, and Bradley coming up to the line of scrimmage threatening the middle.