BTB: Finding Playmaking Linebackers For The Cowboys

[CCBoy]

2011 NFL Draft: Finding Playmaking Linebackers For The Cowboys
by One.Cool.Customer on Mar 5, 2011 8:56 AM EST


http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2011...aymaking-linebackers-dallas-cowboys#storyjump



INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Von Miller of Texas A&M works out during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)


This is the third and final post in a series of posts in which we look at a few specific ratios and measures to get a better feel for some of the draft prospects in this year's class. The previous two posts were about defensive linemen, today we'll use the same measures to look at linebackers.

As a reminder, below are the definitions for each of the measures we'll use.

PRODUCTION RATIO = (SACKS + TACKLES FOR LOSS) / NUMBER OF GAMES PLAYED
EXPLOSION NUMBER = BENCH PRESS REPS + VERTICAL JUMP + BROAD JUMP
LATERAL AGILITY = 40-YARD DASH TIME - 20-YARD SHUTTLE

Before we get started though, a couple of very general observations about these numbers. These numbers are just one way of looking at the data we have for each prospect. They are not the be-all and end-all of statistical analysis. In fact, I'd be the first to argue that these numbers aren't even stats at all. These formulas group a bunch of numbers that may or may not correlate with each other, and infer causality where there may not even be a correlation.

But having said all that, we'll look at them anyway, cognizant of their flaws, because they do one thing well: they provide a different perspective by which to evaluate the draft prospects and draw our attention to a set of variables that we don't often look at. And in my book, anything that gets us off the beaten path is a good thing.



The Cowboys Linebackers

Again, as in the previous posts, we establish a benchmark for the 2011 draft class by looking at the Cowboys' linebackers....

 

[CCBoy]

If the Cowboys are looking for depth at OLB, they'll likely find clusters similar to what we see above come draft day, and can add depth in later the rounds. At ILB however, the pickings look slim, and outside of a late round surprise, the Cowboys' best option may be in free agency. Good thing we got ourselves a new linebackers coach who may have a candidate or two already in his sights.

That caught my eye...along with Huff, perhaps a middle linebacker can be added to the mix as well in the free agent pool. This is still a need area behind Brady James.

 

[Hostile]

I think we are set at OLB. ILB on the other hand we might look at given the ages of Brooking and James.

 

[Deep_Freeze]

Interesting, seems like a strong class of DL and CBs, but a weak class of LBs (but we do need more numbers on all of them) and safeties. Too bad we need everything on D.

This just in, Ware is a freak of nature.

 

[perrykemp]

Interesting. The article doesn't mention what I've read elsewhere at maybe the #1 combine stat that the scouts/GMs look for in a OLB -- the '10 yard split'. '10 yard split' measures a player's short-area burst.

Here is an article I found on it:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ys-behindthetimes031109

Note: in 2009, Clay Matthews finished with one of the fastest 10 yard splits of any player in the draft (beat by mainly some of top end CBs) -- he was measured at 1.49. IMHO, looking at how Matthews explodes off the ball, I'd say it's a pretty good measuring stick for a pass rushing OLB -- although clearly not the only thing that should be measured.

 

[ThreeandOut]

With Brooking here another year, I think the Cowboys likely pick up an ILB in the middle rounds and try to develop him. It wouldn't surprise me if at least a couple of the OLB's in this article are viewed more as ILB's in the 3-4.

 

[Deep_Freeze]

With Brooking here another year, I think the Cowboys likely pick up an ILB in the middle rounds and try to develop him. It wouldn't surprise me if at least a couple of the OLB's in this article are viewed more as ILB's in the 3-4.

Personally I would love to see if Spencer could play inside and pick up a player like Quinn or Miller. People go nuts around here when moving a player around is talked about (ie. TNew), but veteran players should be the ones that you can at least consider moving around.

 

[perrykemp]

Interestingly, if you look at that referenced Yahoo article re: 10-yard splits, Anthony Spencer is referenced as an example of a linebacker who had a poor 10-yard split time.

 

[Wolfpack]

Interesting that Lee's numbers are all very close to Ware's.

 

[CCBoy]

Interesting. The article doesn't mention what I've read elsewhere at maybe the #1 combine stat that the scouts/GMs look for in a OLB -- the '10 yard split'. '10 yard split' measures a player's short-area burst.

Here is an article I found on it:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ys-behindthetimes031109

Note: in 2009, Clay Matthews finished with one of the fastest 10 yard splits of any player in the draft (beat by mainly some of top end CBs) -- he was measured at 1.49. IMHO, looking at how Matthews explodes off the ball, I'd say it's a pretty good measuring stick for a pass rushing OLB -- although clearly not the only thing that should be measured.

Thanks for sharing, perrykemp. This might explain some of the reason why Anthony Spencer, who is a good athlete, has problems getting off of blocks. Where both larger size and comparable short distance speed is involved.

 

[AsthmaField]

Shows you just how good Lee can be, if he can stay healthy.

 

[perrykemp]

Anybody happen to know what Ware's combine 10-yard split was? I'd be curious to see how it compared to Clay Matthews? I'm certain it was much faster than Spencers....

 

[perrykemp]

Most of the top 10-year splits for this year's draft crop can be found here:

http://forums.charlotteobserver.com/?q=node/5535

What's shocking about them is that Clay Matthew's 10-yard split from the 2009 draft is faster than any WR in this year's draft including Green and Jones.

I had read Matthew's split was freakish but until I saw the numbers of the top WRs in the draft I really didn't understand how fast Matthews is in that 1st ten yards.

 

[Fear D-Ware]

wiki says d-ware was 1.62

 

[casmith07]

Just out of curiosity, what does everyone here define as "playmaking?"

I hate buzzwords.

 

[Kangaroo]

Interestingly, if you look at that referenced Yahoo article re: 10-yard splits, Anthony Spencer is referenced as an example of a linebacker who had a poor 10-yard split time.

i also like the vertical jump because of what it takes to have a good one Leg drive and strength just something I like to look at and see how players did.