Is Branch Too Tall?

[Garthshort]

To play NT? I thought nose tackles were in the 6'1 to 6'3 range, and at 6'6 AB was more suited for a DE position in the 3-4 defense. Also, at yesterday's practice Bryant Johnson sat out with a hammy. He was rplaced be a Special Teamer, Sean Morey. Doesn't bode well for Breaston, McCoy, Spurpock and Merritt. Or am I reading too much into it?

 

[dreamcastrocks]

I don't think that being 6'6 is too tall to be a NT.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Ted Washington

6'5" 365 lbs

 

[ARZCardinals]

he dominated the line in college...I don't think he's too tall...the only thing he's been is too good.

 

[Goldfield]

is Buster Davis too short?

 

[BigWatson]

To play NT?

Yes.

 

[phillycard]

I think he uses his height to his advantage. Looking at film, he's not oakey like some tall big men. Good technique coupled with size and strength is potentially devastating. I'll be interested to see.

 

[BACH]

To play NT? I thought nose tackles were in the 6'1 to 6'3 range, and at 6'6 AB was more suited for a DE position in the 3-4 defense. Also, at yesterday's practice Bryant Johnson sat out with a hammy. He was rplaced be a Special Teamer, Sean Morey. Doesn't bode well for Breaston, McCoy, Spurpock and Merritt. Or am I reading too much into it?

If he can stay low enough, then it's an advantage. The only problem is, that the taller you are, the harder it gets to stay low. It's all about technique.

 

[Shogun]

Ted Washington

6'5" 365 lbs

But he plays like he's 6-1.

 

[RonF]

I always said, "you can't coach tall."

 

[Pariah]

If Branch plays like he's Too Tall we'll be very lucky.

 

[perivolaki]

I always said, "you can't coach tall."

Aint that the truth. One thing I remember reading in his scouting report is that he had very long and strong arms and that made it very difficult for running backs to get through the line because even when Branch was occupied with blockers he could take backs down by just getting a hand on them. That height and arm length works very well for him. He is supposed to have good vision for finding the play too. His height may have aided him in that regaurd. Some of those shorter guys just seem to get overwhelmed and lose sight of the ball carrier because they just can't see him or find him.

 

[JeffGollin]

The taller you are the more of a challenge it becomes staying low coming out of your stance (not impossible - just a challenge).

On the flip side, there's nothing wrong with having a tall guy in the middle who can get his arms up to disrupt the inside passing lanes.

 

[cardsfanmd]

If Branch plays like he's Too Tall we'll be very lucky.

exactly

 

[cardsfanmd]

IMO Marcus Stroud is the best DT in the game right now and he is 6-6 I believe. As long as they have a good strong base and technique I see height in your tackles to be a huge advantage. Even when he isn't knocking passes down he will be disrupting the QB's line of sight.