FA LB to consider...

[capn22]

I don't post too much on here -- I'm really mostly interested in scoop and real inside news -- and the personal interactions or sightings stories are always good. But at this time of the year, when we're talking about FA and the draft, I'll throw my hat into the ring - or something like that.

In terms of what we need in the offseason, LB is on that list. Do we compete for the top guy on the market or do we pick up a cheaper alternative? I think a guy that we should (and will IMO) look at is SD OLB Ben Leber. He lost his job to Merriman this year largely because of an injury (to begin with) and then finally ended up on IR. Here is a guy with 3-4 experience, not really old and could make a nice addition to our D -- could come in and likely start immediately opposite of Ware. What would that mean for Burnett? Maybe a shift inside to play next to James? In terms of adding talent and experience at a resonable price, this guy fits the bill. Feel free to post other comparable alternatives. Keep in mind he won't be the best available guy -- I'd prefer Witherspoon or Ayodele to him -- but they'll cost more. Fire away!

capn22

 

[BigDFan5]

to CowboysZone

 

[big dog cowboy]

to the board. Interesting subject. I suspect they move Burnett inside and get a FA outside. Three weeks from Friday FA begins.

 

[Hiero]

I think Burnett will move inside this next year, and we draft another demarcus ware type in the draft.

 

[Hostile]

I don't post too much on here -- I'm really mostly interested in scoop and real inside news -- and the personal interactions or sightings stories are always good. But at this time of the year, when we're talking about FA and the draft, I'll throw my hat into the ring - or something like that.

In terms of what we need in the offseason, LB is on that list. Do we compete for the top guy on the market or do we pick up a cheaper alternative? I think a guy that we should (and will IMO) look at is SD OLB Ben Leber. He lost his job to Merriman this year largely because of an injury (to begin with) and then finally ended up on IR. Here is a guy with 3-4 experience, not really old and could make a nice addition to our D -- could come in and likely start immediately opposite of Ware. What would that mean for Burnett? Maybe a shift inside to play next to James? In terms of adding talent and experience at a resonable price, this guy fits the bill. Feel free to post other comparable alternatives. Keep in mind he won't be the best available guy -- I'd prefer Witherspoon or Ayodele to him -- but they'll cost more. Fire away!

capn22

You oughta be :whip: ed. Not for the post, but for taking so long to join the discussions.



Just kidding...I think.

I think Burnett will be moved inside with James as a starter and Fowler and possibly Shanle will be the Inside backups. I really think our primary focus in the Draft will be SOLB.

 

[Echo9]

I think Burnett will move inside this next year, and we draft another demarcus ware type in the draft.

While I agree that Burnett wil go inside, I don't see how we draft an Ware type this year.

In the 3-4 defense the "other" OLB has different resposibilites than the one Ware holds.

We're not looking for a speed rusher here. We need a guy who's good in coverage and against the run. That's how the 3-4 works.

 

[Hostile]

While I agree that Burnett wil go inside, I don't see how we draft an Ware type this year.

In the 3-4 defense the "other" OLB has different resposibilites than the one Ware holds.

We're not looking for a speed rusher here. We need a guy who's good in coverage and against the run. That's how the 3-4 works.

Exactly right.

 

[Dough Boy]

Exactly right.

Only if the OLB flip sides. If they don't flip, both OLB have to be equally adept at rushing the QB, run support and dropping into coverage.

If what you are saying is true, where is the element of surprise. If Offenses always knew Ware was rushing and the other guy was dropping, that would be too easy to scheme against.

 

[Dough Boy]

While I agree that Burnett wil go inside, I don't see how we draft an Ware type this year.

In the 3-4 defense the "other" OLB has different resposibilites than the one Ware holds.

We're not looking for a speed rusher here. We need a guy who's good in coverage and against the run. That's how the 3-4 works.

Info that I ran across:

3-4 OLBs are the playmakers of the D. They get the glory of picking up sacks on the QB. They must have strong pass rush skills and be able to drop into coverage. If the 3-4 OLBs are unable to consistently apply pressure on the QB, the D is very vulnerable in the passing game. They tend to weigh around 245-270, and many are former 4-3 DE/OLB "tweeners". Many 4-3 DEs are not suited to playing 3-4 OLB because they lack the ability to play in space. The more agile 4-3 RDEs, such as the Jets' John Abraham (6-4 256), are able to play both 4-3 DE and 3-4 OLB. Many 4-3 OLBs are not suited to playing 3-4 OLB because they lack the pass rush skills and the ability to go toe-to-toe with an OT. Examples of solid 3-4 OLBs are the Patriots' Willie McGinest (6-5 270) and the Steelers' Joey Porter (6-2 248)

 

[big dog cowboy]

where is the element of surprise.

That is 99% of the problem. Zimmer the village idiot is still calling the shots.

 

[baj1dallas]

I would like to see one FA LB with 3-4 experience added, Leber would probably work.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I expect us to draft OLB Carpenter in round 1.

 

[Dough Boy]

That is 99% of the problem. Zimmer the village idiot is still calling the shots.

Then we should not run the 3-4, because that's a large part of running it to its max potential.

Another tid bit I found:

What are the advantages of the 3-4 defense
The offense does not know which of the 2 OLBs is going to rush the QB, as both of the OLBs are in a 2-point stance. This creates the following advantages:

It's harder for the offensive linemen to correctly determine their blocking assignments before the snap and execute
It puts more mental pressure on the QB. E.g. the Patriots did a masterful job in disguising their D against 2004 MVP Peyton Manning in the 2005 playoffs. Manning came unglued mentally, and his frustration seemed to affect his performance

 

[Dough Boy]

I expect us to draft OLB Carpenter in round 1.

I think Carpenter is a good fit. He can rush th QB and drop into coverage. My only neg with him is that most scouts are reporting that he is not as atheltic as his measurables indicate. His COD is not that of some of the other top LB.

I think Kamerion Wimbley could be a sleeper in the 2nd round for us if we go with a FS or Tackle in the 1st.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Nice 1st post.....welcome!

 

[Dough Boy]

I would like to see one FA LB with 3-4 experience added, Leber would probably work.

Not to be a downer on Leber, but he just lost his starting job in SD. I think Leber is very comparable to Fujita. If you want to upgrade the position, you don't sign Leber.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I expect us to draft OLB Carpenter in round 1.

Just asking.....if he is the target, do we try to trade down and get him?

 

[Little Jr]

That is 99% of the problem. Zimmer the village idiot is still calling the shots.

Ok. Can someone please explain this to me.


Does anyone really think that Zimmer actually controls the D with BP being the head coach and Zim not having no expeience with the 3-4? Does anyone really think if Zimmer has complete control over the D, that BP would keep him around if he thought he wasnt doing a good job?


My point is this. I really think we should be more agressive on D. But I dont put the blame on Zim. I think BP has most of the control on D. If he doesnt then it's pretty clear he doesnt have a problem with Zim play calling or he wouldnt still be D Corrd.

 

[Dough Boy]

I would love for us to pick up Kalimba Edwards. He is 6-5 265lb DE for the Lions. He played OLB and DE for S.Carolina. He is not as explosive as Ware, but he will be a better run defender. The Lions are rumored to turn him into a OLB in the 4-3 if they resign him.

In the 4-3 SLB role, I think some of his best traits are lost. He has put together a couple of 7 sacks seasons as a nickle pass rusher. I think this guy could be similar to McGinnest in that he is a larger 3-4 OLB, with enough speed to cover. I recall him playing at SC and he has good AA, COD skills and good speed. Again, he is not Ware, put he can get to the QB.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I think Carpenter is a good fit. He can rush th QB and drop into coverage. My only neg with him is that most scouts are reporting that he is not as atheltic as his measurables indicate. His COD is not that of some of the other top LB.

I think Kamerion Wimbley could be a sleeper in the 2nd round for us if we go with a FS or Tackle in the 1st.

That's a valid point.

As long as we come out with a T, FS and some kind of LB out of our first 3 picks and I'll be pretty happy.