Draft Needs?

[Duckjake]

4-3 OLB have more time to read plays, and don't have as many responsibilities on every play like ILB's in a 3-4 do. Every play, 3-4 ILBs are responsible for either cutback lanes or point of attack and have to battle guards and fullbacks while doing so. 4-3 OLBs have to either set the edge, or pursue behind the LOS when play goes away. They face more OTs and TEs than OGs and FBs, and are protected a bit more.

Honestly, the hardest part about transitioning from OLB in a 4-3 to ILB in a 3-4 is that playing inside in a 3-4 requires significantly better instincts and technique (leverage). False steps, and high hips kill you inside in a 3-4 while you can get away with them more playing outside in a 4-3. The problem is that these are hard traits to scout.

That makes sense but few college teams play a 3-4 and yet a lot of rookie ILBs seem to do well almost right away in the NFL.

 

[Chopper0080]

That makes sense but few college teams play a 3-4 and yet a lot of rookie ILBs seem to do well almost right away in the NFL.

Sadly one reason is that OLBs who are converted to ILBs are generally less athletic, which means that they have to have better instincts and technique to get to the NFL. Very close to the same as college OTs becoming professional OGs.

 

[juza76]

excuse me guys but zach brown can be a olb in 3/4 defense???? i saw him in some videos and i think he just can be an ilb in 3/4 scheme,,if we trade down we can get in the second round a good pass rusher fast like irvin from west virginia,massaquoi or lindsey,,very productive players in the last 2 seasons

 

[THESMEL]

BPA
Kolb
BPA
BPA
BPA
BPA
BPA

 

[Chopper0080]

excuse me guys but zach brown can be a olb in 3/4 defense???? i saw him in some videos and i think he just can be an ilb in 3/4 scheme,,if we trade down we can get in the second round a good pass rusher fast like irvin from west virginia,massaquoi or lindsey,,very productive players in the last 2 seasons

Brown is a bit redundant as he would project as a WILB if anything. Washington is already undersized, and I'm not sure that I would spend a 1st rounder taking a similarly undersized LB.

At this point I'm on either Luke Kuechly at ILB or Whitney Mercilus/Nick Perry/Vinny Curry at OLB.

 

[juza76]

Brown is a bit redundant as he would project as a WILB if anything. Washington is already undersized, and I'm not sure that I would spend a 1st rounder taking a similarly undersized LB.

At this point I'm on either Luke Kuechly at ILB or Whitney Mercilus/Nick Perry/Vinny Curry at OLB.

curry and perry are secon or third rounders..as a first rounder i see upshaw and mercilus..i prefer upshaw cause he played already linabacker and is a player who makes plays also against top competitor..

 

[Bodha]

Brown is a bit redundant as he would project as a WILB if anything. Washington is already undersized, and I'm not sure that I would spend a 1st rounder taking a similarly undersized LB.

At this point I'm on either Luke Kuechly at ILB or Whitney Mercilus/Nick Perry/Vinny Curry at OLB.

For an ILB, Kuechly isnt very big. Only 6'3 236. thats on the slim side. I honestly dont think his game is going to translate to the next level. Hes 100% brainpower, and I respect that, but in the NFL you need to be a physical specimen. Hes going to get washed out by 340 pound+ Olineman. Besides, im not ready to give up on Bradley yet. (also, just for comparison, Bradley is 6'4 260)


My #1 choice is Mercilus. But I think Brown would be a good choice despite his lack of size. If hes got technique, that goes a long way as a pass rusher. Look at Dwight Freeney. Hes no Julius Peppers physcially, but hes got an arsenal of moves that makes him one of the best rushers in the league.

I also like Vinny alot. Im confident we will get someone in the 1st who will be a difference maker.

 

[Chopper0080]

curry and perry are secon or third rounders..as a first rounder i see upshaw and mercilus..i prefer upshaw cause he played already linabacker and is a player who makes plays also against top competitor..

Curry will be drafted before Upshaw. Curry is more explosive, and a better athlete. Upshaw will be drafted later because he is slow and has not shown a quick twitch this season.

 

[Chopper0080]

For an ILB, Kuechly isnt very big. Only 6'3 236. thats on the slim side. I honestly dont think his game is going to translate to the next level. Hes 100% brainpower, and I respect that, but in the NFL you need to be a physical specimen. Hes going to get washed out by 340 pound+ Olineman. Besides, im not ready to give up on Bradley yet. (also, just for comparison, Bradley is 6'4 260)


My #1 choice is Mercilus. But I think Brown would be a good choice despite his lack of size. If hes got technique, that goes a long way as a pass rusher. Look at Dwight Freeney. Hes no Julius Peppers physcially, but hes got an arsenal of moves that makes him one of the best rushers in the league.

I also like Vinny alot. Im confident we will get someone in the 1st who will be a difference maker.

Kuechly is a risk due to his size as well, but he reminds me of Sean Lee, which makes me think that he can stick. I can't see Brown at OLB as he is very small, but who knows. I'm with you on Mercilus and Curry. I see them as both first rounders and both impact edge rushers.

 

[slanidrac16]

Campbell will be franchised...surprise, surprise. It's not the right thing to do but indeed it is what the Cardinals will do.

I don't want to see Levi Brown walk away. As mentioned above , let the lesson be learned from Leonard Davis. Brown can absoluetly maul people if moved inside. He would also add flexability to the line and at least fill in at OT in a pinch.

That being said this team needs to concentrate on the defensive side of the ball. Just witnessing the improvement of our D over the last 5 games or so proves how a good defense can keep you in games and take pressure off the offense.

The days of a 40 points a game left town when Warner retired. Kolb is a Qb designed to run a more ball control offense while peppering in some big plays. We have all become spoiled knowing we could simply outscore anybody we played and we can no longer count on that.

In the 5 games we've won we have allowed 84 points (16.8 PPG). If we can build a defense that could sustain that average I believe we would win more games than we lose even if we didn't change a thing on offense. An above average defense would score more points and shorten the field for the offense we have.

An OLB with pass rushing capabilities would be a huge asset for Horton and this defense. I don't know if there is a Von Miller type guy out there that would be available when we pick, but that would be great.
A run stuffing ILB would also be great. Let's hope Bradley is the guy but up to this point and his history of injury means he cannot be counted on as being that guy.
A true SS to move into Wilson's spot. Wilson is finally being utilized a bit more in the right manner. Keep him moving forward and we are okay. Ask him to drop back and strictly cover and he's a liability.

I know many are concerned about a #2 WR. Roberts is proving he can be a solid #3. Doucet's light seems to flicker on and off at times and I just don't think he is a true #2. What we need to see these remaining 5 games is what Sampson brings to the table. Don't know what's available in FA, but I don't want to see us draft another WR. Don't want him but can you imagine what Desean Jackson would bring to this team?