Zaven back to Middle Backer?

[Zeem_Freeze]

I've been wondering if our dormant approach to MLB in free agency is due to Zaven moving back to MLB... early in his career, it was clear the game was too quick for him and he needed simpler instructions...

I think that has changed, with the coaching staff saying "we ask Zaven to do a lot on our defense. He's our most versatile player." They said that on many occasions. Anyone think there is a plan to move him back to middle backer and wear the green dot?

 

[ASUCHRIS]

He was a very bad MLB, so seems unlikely.

 

[BirdGangThing]

he can play the run and cover tight ends but no

 

[gmabel830]

I think we'll draft an ILB to compete with Davis-Gaither. Depends on who they like, but I think there are a lot of decent ILB prospects out there. Jihad Campbell wouldn't be the biggest shock to me in round 1, or more likely a guy like Demetrius Knight (South Carolina), Chris Paul Jr (Ole Miss), Jeffrey Bassa (Oregon), Barrett Carter (Clemson), and Cody Simon (Ohio State) more in the middle rounds.

 

[Shane]

No

 

[kerouac9]

Our Edge group is arguably the worst on the defense (WR group is the worst on the team). So I'm guessing you're not going to move your 2nd or 3rd best player at the position.

So, I'll say no.

 

[oaken1]

Our Edge group is arguably the worst on the defense (WR group is the worst on the team). So I'm guessing you're not going to move your 2nd or 3rd best player at the position.

So, I'll say no.

Enter #1Draft pick, 2025

 

[Zeem_Freeze]

If you think this GM or head coach would draft a MLB round 1, you aren't paying attention... that is a non-premium position... They wont draft a MLB in the first 5 rounds... they throw pennies at the position.

And to Kerouac9, zaven is not 2nd best edge on the roster... he is 5th

1: sweat
2: Mack wilson
3/4: browning
3/4: ojulari
5: Zaven

 

[Zeem_Freeze]

I think we'll draft an ILB to compete with Davis-Gaither. Depends on who they like, but I think there are a lot of decent ILB prospects out there. Jihad Campbell wouldn't be the biggest shock to me in round 1, or more likely a guy like Demetrius Knight (South Carolina), Chris Paul Jr (Ole Miss), Jeffrey Bassa (Oregon), Barrett Carter (Clemson), and Cody Simon (Ohio State) more in the middle rounds.

I'm doubtful this team would hand a rookie the green dot....

 

[kerouac9]

And to Kerouac9, zaven is not 2nd best edge on the roster... he is 5th

1: sweat
2: Mack wilson
3/4: browning
3/4: ojulari
5: Zaven

Hilarious.

Zaven is arguably the worst pass rusher in that group, but he’s a more complete player than everyone but Sweat rn.

 

[HookemCards]

Hilarious.

Zaven is arguably the worst pass rusher in that group, but he’s a more complete player than everyone but Sweat rn.

I think that is the argument for moving him back into the middle. I asked the same question about a month ago because of the FO letting White leave.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I think that is the argument for moving him back into the middle. I asked the same question about a month ago because of the FO letting White leave.

I think we've all seen the issues that Zaven had.

The most ideal situation for Zaven is to be an OLB in an even front, where his responsibilities would mainly be to stop the run and cover, but he isn't good enough to dictate a defense change just for him.

 

[Garthshort]

He was a very bad MLB, so seems unlikely.

Is it possible that he would be a better MLB, if he were surrounded by better players? And, I'll admit I don't know the answer.

 

[Stout]

I think that is the argument for moving him back into the middle. I asked the same question about a month ago because of the FO letting White leave.

Zaven sucks in the middle, end of.

 

[kerouac9]

Is it possible that he would be a better MLB, if he were surrounded by better players? And, I'll admit I don't know the answer.

He was probably surrounded by better players when he was an ILB than he would be if moved back there.

If you're trying to get your best 11 on the field on first and second down, I don't think you pull Zaven off for Browning or Beej or Robinson, based on what we've seen so far.

You definitely don't pull Mack Wilson to make sure you get Collins on the field for any down. Who knows about the guys we just signed in free agency.