Do We Have to Pick What Type of LB Prospect We Want To Draft?

[817Gill]

NFL linebackers have become lighter and faster in the modern game and have to be able to cover a lot of space. Naturally, this evolution has reduced the amount of LB’s can play both pass and run; as they are often to light too take and shed blocks or too lumbering to cover in space.

What LB’s in this draft have the instinct and athleticism to do both?

Assuming these complete LB’s go early, we will most likely be looking at guys in round 3-5 who are either speed/space guys or two-down backers. If so, which type of LB would you prefer the Cowboys draft? How does the current depth chart play into your thought process?

 

[Alexander]

NFL linebackers have become lighter and faster in the modern game and have to be able to cover a lot of space. Naturally, this evolution has reduced the amount of LB’s can play both pass and run; as they are often to light too take and shed blocks or too lumbering to cover in space.

What LB’s in this draft have the instinct and athleticism to do both?

Assuming these complete LB’s go early, we will most likely be looking at guys in round 3-5 who are either speed/space guys or two-down backers. If so, which type of LB would you prefer the Cowboys draft? How does the current depth chart play into your thought process?

There are some weird trends that seem to point to S/LB hybrids that lean towards coverage versus having the ballast to be run defenders.

It makes sense since the preponderance of teams are not run-centric.

There are some that fit that prototype. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is one. So is LSU's JaCoby Stevens.

Look at what we are doing with Keanu Neal.

It would not surprise me if we drafted one of these types.

 

[Killerinstinct]

I think we need a run stuffing MLB. Bolton maybe

 

[cnuball21]

Our biggest weakness is run D...we need a LBr with instincts that can tackle and that has the athleticism to not be a liability in coverage.

 

[timb2]

Milo Eifler OLB Illinois .Big ran a 4.55 at his pro day

 

[BourbonBalz]

Jamin Davis can pretty much do it all. If he’s there when our second round pick comes up, take him (assuming we don’t take Parsons at 10).

 

[LACowboysFan1]

Having the 250-plus pound run stuffing linebacker does you little good if he's too slow to get to the ball carrier. Conversely having the speedy linebacker does you little good if the ball carrier drags him 5 yards after contract.

Hard to get size and speed, that's why it's such a shame LVE has had the injuries, he was one of those guys. Still have hopes he can return to rookie form, but I'm not sure he can...

 

[Typhus]

There are some weird trends that seem to point to S/LB hybrids that lean towards coverage versus having the ballast to be run defenders.

It makes sense since the preponderance of teams are not run-centric.

There are some that fit that prototype. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is one. So is LSU's JaCoby Stevens.

Look at what we are doing with Keanu Neal.

It would not surprise me if we drafted one of these types.

Indeed and funny you mention JOK,, been really taking a good look at him and this kid is very impressive