[ABQCOWBOY]

Originally Posted by Dough Boy

ABQ,

I never said Tuck was a run stopping LB. I never diagreed about him being an undersized DE, I read your post to mean, he has never played LB at ND. If you are sayin they tried and moved him, that's fine.

At the end of the day, Most profiles think he can play OLB in a 3-4 scheme, consistent with what I'm saying. I have seen him play over the past two years at DE in a 4-3 scheme, and I think he can be a OLB ala Terrell Suggs.

To post my draft profiles:
NFL Draft Countdown -
Strengths: Excellent natural athletic ability...Tall and lanky...Explosive speed and quickness...Was very productive and a sack artist...Has a lot of experience against top competition...Is unblockable at times...Getting better every season.

[View Full Quote]Weaknesses: Undersized...Needs to continue to get bigger and stronger...Improving but still not a force against the run...Needs to show more discipline...Has to continue working on his technique...A possible 'tweener who could project to OLB in the pros, especially in a 3-4 scheme.

Notes: Notre Dame's all-time leader in sacks...Cousin of Adalius Thomas of the Baltimore Ravens...Has made major strides as an all-around player the last couple of years.

On the Clock -
Justin Tuck is the cousin of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas. He began his career at Notre Dame as a linebacker before moving to defensive end the following year. He picked up five sacks in a reserve role that year and went on to break the teams single season sack record in 2003 with 13 1/2 sacks. He had six sacks this past season, breaking the school's career sack record with 24 1/2. He is one of the best pass rushers in the draft with great quickness and excellent closing speed getting to the quarterback. He has the speed to make plays all over the field but needs to bulk up some and increase his strength to play defensive end at the professional level. He could easily play outside backer in a 3-4 scheme, especially considering the fact that he is a converted linebacker. He is a true leader and was voted most valuable player by his teammates this past season. Durablity is a qustion mark for Tuck. He has had a shoulder injury and a major knee injury which ended his 2003 season prematurely. He has been working to improve his play against the run the past couple seasons but he still has room for improvement in that area. Tuck is an extremely talented player who is still developing as a defensive end. He will most likely be drafted in the top half of the second round but he could make a push to be selected in the latter portion of round one.

Notice the Bold Statement above


NFL.com

Tuck can also perform in a two-point stance as well as drop in coverage in some zone blitz situations. He's a solid tackler, aggressive to get to the ball and will bring his hips and unload on ball carriers. His biggest question is his ability to hold up at the point due to a frame that looks lean in the lower body. Still, he never gives up in pursuit, makes every effort to close rush lanes and has the sudden burst to make opposite field tackles. He has good burst to close and the body control to capture ball carriers in space.

I seem to recall you saying he was not a good tackler and does not play well in space....

Getting back to this after the weekend. Yes, I said that. He doesn't. He's terrible in coverage and he takes poor angles to the ball. He may have the natural ability to play well in space but he doesn't do it well. There is a definate difference between a player who should be able to play well and a player who actually does. Tuck does not play well in space. that is my assesment of the situations. Other's may not agree but I believe it's a none issue. He will not be playing LB in the NFL. He will be an edge rusher.