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.

 

[Harry]

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.

This coaching staff is much better at teaching. He might be more productive under their tutelage. I wouldn’t rule it out.

 

[Zeem_Freeze]

bumping this thread as this is an increasing possibility.... Cardinals reporters even reporting there is smoke to this fire.

Giving a rookie the green dot and putting the pressure of organizing the defense on day 1 in the NFL was the most Keim move ever...

giving the green dot to a veteran who the coaches label as "doing everything for us and a smart player" is a JG/Monti move.

I don't see the special teamer linebacker we signed this offseason wearing the green dot.

 

[FB94]

Maybe with the beef we now have on the D line Collin’s won’t be exposed so much playing inside backer

 

[Shane]

I think we just drafted our MLB in round four

 

[Zeem_Freeze]

I think we just drafted our MLB in round four

I would be suprised if Rallis gives the green dot to a rookie... Hopefully the rookie shows he can run the defense.

I think we have a nice camp competition between Zaven and Cody Simon.

 

[Goldfield]

I def think it’s a possibility now

 

[FB94]

Maybe with the beef we now have on the D line Collin’s won’t be exposed so much playing inside backer

 

[Shane]

I would be suprised if Rallis gives the green dot to a rookie... Hopefully the rookie shows he can run the defense.

I think we have a nice camp competition between Zaven and Cody Simon.

I’m not sure I understand this line of thought rookie MLBs start all the time in the NFL and do just fine…. The kid is coming from one of the biggest college programs ever. If he wins in camp, he wins it.

 

[Zeem_Freeze]

I’m not sure I understand this line of thought rookie MLBs start all the time in the NFL and do just fine…. The kid is coming from one of the biggest college programs ever. If he wins in camp, he wins it.

I don't have any data to back it up, but have the general idea that much like QB, rookie MLBs often have a longer timeline to wearing the green dot.

Would actually be interesting if there is a study out there. Some teams run the dot on a safety because they don't trust the LBs.

Zaven played 6 positions last year and commonly got complimented from the staff about how much he does for the defense.... I would guess a rookie LB has an uphill battle to overcome the trust the staff has in Zaven

 

[kerouac9]

I’m not sure I understand this line of thought rookie MLBs start all the time in the NFL and do just fine…. The kid is coming from one of the biggest college programs ever. If he wins in camp, he wins it.

Not so much lately actually.