Carpenter vs. Lawson vs. Greenway: My take

[50cent]

Everyone gets caught up in the obvious and nothing is wrong with that. That said, I don't think we can go wrong with either of these young guys. LAwson is a freak by nature and his stock is growing by the second. He runs a 4.5 forty, has a 45 inch verticle, can get to the Qb. The verdict is still out on how he covers in space.. Carpenter, go over shadowed by fellow LB Hawk. Although, he too runs a 4.5, doesn't have quite the vert that Lawson has, but how many do? He can cover in space and get to the Qb. Can't go wrong. Greenway was very productive as well. Touted as the best coverage LB going into the season, he too can get to the QB. The kid runs well and is perfect for the 3-4. So what seperates them? Not much!

Although if I had my choice it would be Carpenter. Why? Its simple. He brings an attitude. One we really need. LAwson is flashy, because he can fly and is the athlete supreme. Greenway is the solid ball player that won't hurt you. But, Carpenter is that mean SOB that want to crush your every bone and he doesn't make many mental errors. IMO, its the best of both worlds. We missed out on the mean SOB in Merriman last year, but still got the steal of the draft in Ware. We are still in need of a bookend opposite Ware and no other than Carpenter can bring that "Shut up and hit somebody" mentality to the Boys.

I watched the Fiesta Bowl like 3 time already thanks to ESPN Classic and other than Ted Ginn JR, Carpenter was the guy that I came away the most impressed with. He called signals from the sideline to help his teammates, knowing he couldn't play. And did this while wearing his uniform. The kid yearns to suit up and play football and I welcome guys like that. To see his face in agony, knowing he couldn't be on the field sold me on what we could have if we were to draft him. Pair him with Ware and the future is set. BP, finish what you started and get this guy. Carpenter is the football playing Jesse I want in the 1st round. Just my opinion, but its right!

 

[hendog]

"Carpenter is that mean SOB that want to crush your every bone "


I'm with ya 50 cents, make that a dollar.

 

[50cent]

His mental mindset is what we miss. A guy that produces and doesn't back down. He and BJ could really punish some people. I think Burnett has that in him too, but I think we will bring in a vet for insurance until he heals properly. Enter a healthy Burnett into the MLB mix and we have the making of a talented but versitile corp.

 

[Manster68]

You know, I hope you people are right about Carpenter.

However, what I was thinking was to draft Lawson in the first round and grad Kai Parham in the second round.

Parham would have the same advantage that Canty had as a rookie. They both learned under Al Groh and knows Parcells defensive system.

Don't be surprised about Parham.

 

[50cent]

You know, I hope you people are right about Carpenter.

However, what I was thinking was to draft Lawson in the first round and grad Kai Parham in the second round.

Parham would have the same advantage that Canty had as a rookie. They both learned under Al Groh and knows Parcells defensive system.

Don't be surprised about Parham.

I wouldn't mind Parham in the second either. He would have an advantage, but how are his coverage skills. I really don't want another BJ clone.

 

[diamond cutter]

I am a big Iowa Homer and have watched Greenway perform for the last 4 years. I think he has a lot of potential, the guy covers VERY well -- however, I agree with the point that he won't put a hurt'n on anybody. He won't lower the boom like Carpenter can. I think that is the mentality that is needed to get this defense to be truely dominant.

 

[50cent]

I am a big Iowa Homer and have watched Greenway perform for the last 4 years. I think he has a lot of potential, the guy covers VERY well -- however, I agree with the point that he won't put a hurt'n on anybody. He won't lower the boom like Carpenter can. I think that is the mentality that is needed to get this defense to be truely dominant.

This is what really seperates them to me. Like I said, we can't go wrong with any of these guys and I didn't even mention my personal favorite Howard, from UTEP.

 

[ddh33]

At this point, I think either player would be a good pick.

Lawson would seem to have more potential and upside to his game. He looks like someone who could just be an athletic freak. Carpenter seems to be a lot like a Dan Campbell kind of personality who would be a team leader with his fiery personality. However, I think Carpenter would be a better player than Campbell.

I like Lawson's potential as a pass rusher better. I like Carpenter as a leader and in coverage more. Something that could make a difference to me would be health. Carpenter hasn't been able to stay as healthy as I would like.

 

[jbsg02]

I say trust in Jeff Ireland and Co. to make the right pick

 

[50cent]

I say trust in Jeff Ireland and Co. to make the right pick

The one position I trust BP and company to get right in the draft is LB. They know LBs.

 

[Billy Bullocks]

Anyone who can bring some pressure on the QB and really hold the point of attack opposite of Ware.

If we can disgusie our 4th rusher, the key concept of the 3-4, our defense will be alot better.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

With Dat retiring, either of these would help us greatly.

 

[Tio]

I didn't even mention my personal favorite Howard, from UTEP.

In the second maybe, but I would stay away in the first. I live in El Paso too. The kid has got speed, but he hasn't showed up against UTEP best competition, who aren't that good anyway.

 

[50cent]

In the second maybe, but I would stay away in the first. I live in El Paso too. The kid has got speed, but he hasn't showed up against UTEP best competition, who aren't that good anyway.

No, not in the first. Carpenter is my first choice!

 

[Gaede]

Either way, this draft is really good for us. Plenty of good linebackers and OT's. A couple decent guard prospects too.

I see us getting Carpenter though, provided his stock doesn't go up in the offseason.

 

[Clove]

First off, Lawson ran a 4.43 last year which is blazing fast.

The guy puts instant pressure on the QB and I mean instant. If he doesn't get to the QB, he will jump up and block tons of passes. If you try to throw an out route and he's underneath, with his vertical being completely off the charts, he will knock down or intercept anything someone tries to throw over his head.

Someone this freakish cannot be let go period. Plus, the guy is quick and agile, not just a rusher. So fast RB's and TE will be no problem to keep up with.

***I can see it now, 3rd and 8. Dallas comes out with Ware and Lawson lined up on the same side 'wide' and Roy comes up to the LOS on the opposite side, while Kevin Burnett walks up the middle (what do teams do?)

At the snap Roy backs off into coverage along with Canty/Burnett (setting up the perfect slant zone to prevent slants and short passes) Ware and Lawson storm the back field, with one of them left 1 on 1 with a HB and completely pushes him on his butt throwing the QB for a loss and causing a fumble..***

That's what I want, LAWSON!!!

 

[50cent]

First off, Lawson ran a 4.43 last year which is blazing fast.

The guy puts instant pressure on the QB and I mean instant. If he doesn't get to the QB, he will jump up and block tons of passes. If you try to throw an out route and he's underneath, with his vertical being completely off the charts, he will knock down or intercept anything someone tries to throw over his head.

Someone this freakish cannot be let go period. Plus, the guy is quick and agile, not just a rusher. So fast RB's and TE will be no problem to keep up with.

***I can see it now, 3rd and 8. Dallas comes out with Ware and Lawson lined up on the same side 'wide' and Roy comes up to the LOS on the opposite side, while Kevin Burnett walks up the middle (what do teams do?)

At the snap Roy backs off into coverage along with Canty/Burnett (setting up the perfect slant zone to prevent slants and short passes) Ware and Lawson storm the back field, with one of them left 1 on 1 with a HB and completely pushes him on his butt throwing the QB for a loss and causing a fumble..***

That's what I want, LAWSON!!!

You make a good argument, but I envision Carpenter doing the same thing. Also, I mentioned it before. The one position I trust BP to get right is LB. He wanted Merriman last season and look what happened. We got Ware and look what happened. His track record with LBs speaks for itself. However, I have a funny feeling that when our pick comes, Carpenter, Lawson, Greenway and Thomas will be on the board. Which makes for nice trade down situation.

 

[joseephuss]

I have a nit pick about Carpenter. I thought it was cheesy for him to suit up for the bowl game even though he wasn't going to play due to his injury. There is a fine line between passion for the game and cheesy. I remember the Vikings had a couple of cheesy guys that painted their faces. They looked more like wrestlers than football players. They were called passionate, but they just weren't that good. Like I admitted, it is a nit pick, but there is something about that approach that has me questioning Carpenter. Before that, I thought he was a fine player.

 

[cowboys19]

My Favorite player is Ernie Sims, but Dallas wont get him cause he is too small for our scheme(which i agree)

but if he was 2-3 inches taller he would be considered the next Ray Ray.

The guy plays with so much intensity its scary. He tells people he wants to hurt the RB and take their heads off. I know cause im a FSU fan.

O well he still will be a stud, some team is going to be real happy.

 

[50cent]

I have a nit pick about Carpenter. I thought it was cheesy for him to suit up for the bowl game even though he wasn't going to play due to his injury. There is a fine line between passion for the game and cheesy. I remember the Vikings had a couple of cheesy guys that painted their faces. They looked more like wrestlers than football players. They were called passionate, but they just weren't that good. Like I admitted, it is a nit pick, but there is something about that approach that has me questioning Carpenter. Before that, I thought he was a fine player.

Did you see the tears he cried during the Michigan game when he couldn't play. Passion not cheesy!