Dough Boy
04-11-2005, 03:36 PM
Big-hitting Merriman sells versatility
(April 11, 2005) -- Maryland's Shawne Merriman is widely regarded as one of the best defensive ends in the draft. He could even be the top player at his position.
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But Merriman's appeal to many personnel evaluators throughout the league doesn't end there.
What makes the former Terrapins star a likely first-round pick is that, at 6-foot-4 and 272 pounds, he might very well help some team as an outside linebacker just as effectively as he does as a defensive end.
Merriman's ability to play both positions makes him an ideal fit on the increasing number of NFL teams that are employing a 3-4 defensive front. In the course of a season, a game or even a series, he could be asked to alternate between lineman and linebacker.
Based on his impressive collegiate career and strong postseason auditions for NFL teams, Merriman seems capable of meeting the challenge.
"I can play (standing) up the first three downs and in pass-rushing situations, I can rush," Merriman said. "So whatever they need me to play, I'll play."
Shawne Merriman is able to hit the quarterback from any defensive position.
He has superb instincts rushing the passer. He has exceptional initial quickness, which gives him an edge when it comes to stopping the run outside. And he is always around the ball.
It has been suggested by at least one NFL scout that Merriman has the skills to line up at middle linebacker if necessary.
Merriman would have no problems playing there as well.
"I think I can play any linebacker, middle linebacker, outside, whatever they need me to play I can play it," he said. "It all depends on what they project me as and what they need for the team. And I can do it."
Merriman has every reason to believe in his ability to make a strong impact. He finished the 2004 season with 85 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 8½ sacks.
His nickname is "Lights Out" because of his reputation for making punishing hits.
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"I've knocked out a couple of people in my time," Merriman said. "I've probably had one big hit a game, but there was one I had against N.C. State that is still fresh in my memory. A guy came swinging out of the backfield, and I cleaned him up pretty good.
"I wake up in the morning, and that's like my alarm clock, hearing the hits (I have made)."
Merriman genuinely doesn't care about the position from which he delivers those hits. He also isn't concerned that, in the eyes of some scouts and coaches, he might not have enough bulk for a full-time defensive end in the NFL and that he might be a bit oversized for a regular outside linebacker.
"Some people find that maybe a 'tweener' is not so good, but from what I've seen so far, I find being a tweener' is an excellent thing these days," Merriman said. "Every team is trying to convert over to a 3-4, but I can also play a 4-3. So whatever they need me to play, I'll be able to fill those shoes.
"I just want to be in the scheme that uses all of my physical talents. The best way to help the team would be for me to use the height and the speed and the strength that I have to the benefit of the whole defense."
(April 11, 2005) -- Maryland's Shawne Merriman is widely regarded as one of the best defensive ends in the draft. He could even be the top player at his position.
NFL Network
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Analysis, opinions, features and more!
Download Super Bowl XXXIX radio broadcasts and highlights to your MP3 player!
Field Pass
Listen LIVE to NFL games, plus watch video news and features of your favorite team.
But Merriman's appeal to many personnel evaluators throughout the league doesn't end there.
What makes the former Terrapins star a likely first-round pick is that, at 6-foot-4 and 272 pounds, he might very well help some team as an outside linebacker just as effectively as he does as a defensive end.
Merriman's ability to play both positions makes him an ideal fit on the increasing number of NFL teams that are employing a 3-4 defensive front. In the course of a season, a game or even a series, he could be asked to alternate between lineman and linebacker.
Based on his impressive collegiate career and strong postseason auditions for NFL teams, Merriman seems capable of meeting the challenge.
"I can play (standing) up the first three downs and in pass-rushing situations, I can rush," Merriman said. "So whatever they need me to play, I'll play."
Shawne Merriman is able to hit the quarterback from any defensive position.
He has superb instincts rushing the passer. He has exceptional initial quickness, which gives him an edge when it comes to stopping the run outside. And he is always around the ball.
It has been suggested by at least one NFL scout that Merriman has the skills to line up at middle linebacker if necessary.
Merriman would have no problems playing there as well.
"I think I can play any linebacker, middle linebacker, outside, whatever they need me to play I can play it," he said. "It all depends on what they project me as and what they need for the team. And I can do it."
Merriman has every reason to believe in his ability to make a strong impact. He finished the 2004 season with 85 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 8½ sacks.
His nickname is "Lights Out" because of his reputation for making punishing hits.
Ask Vic!
Have a question for Vic on anything NFL related? Don't just sit there -- send it to AskVic@nfl.com, and the best questions will be answered throughout the season right here on NFL.com!
"I've knocked out a couple of people in my time," Merriman said. "I've probably had one big hit a game, but there was one I had against N.C. State that is still fresh in my memory. A guy came swinging out of the backfield, and I cleaned him up pretty good.
"I wake up in the morning, and that's like my alarm clock, hearing the hits (I have made)."
Merriman genuinely doesn't care about the position from which he delivers those hits. He also isn't concerned that, in the eyes of some scouts and coaches, he might not have enough bulk for a full-time defensive end in the NFL and that he might be a bit oversized for a regular outside linebacker.
"Some people find that maybe a 'tweener' is not so good, but from what I've seen so far, I find being a tweener' is an excellent thing these days," Merriman said. "Every team is trying to convert over to a 3-4, but I can also play a 4-3. So whatever they need me to play, I'll be able to fill those shoes.
"I just want to be in the scheme that uses all of my physical talents. The best way to help the team would be for me to use the height and the speed and the strength that I have to the benefit of the whole defense."