Lets talk about Ryan Shazier

[tm1119]

102 solo tackles this year to go along with 23.5 TFL. The kid is absolutely all over the field and a great tackler. Also very good in coverage and has the speed to stick with most TE's and RB's.

The obvious weakness in his game is that he needs to add weight and strength, but I don't think he would have a problem being a 6'2 230-235 pound LB by the end of training camp.

I think he's very comparable to Alec Ogletree last year who was supposed to be a top 20 pick until he got a DUI. Anybody else like this kid?

 

[xwalker]

It depends on where he is available. There are several players that I like as a 2nd round pick but once they're projected to the mid-first round I don't like them as much.

Shazier is a good player, but I wouldn't be in favor of drafting him in the 1st or 2nd. I see other players that I would prefer at those picks.

 

[texbumthelife]

It depends on where he is available. There are several players that I like as a 2nd round pick but once they're projected to the mid-first round I don't like them as much.

Shazier is a good player, but I wouldn't be in favor of drafting him in the 1st or 2nd. I see other players that I would prefer at those picks.

Took the words out of my mouth.

I also like our LB core with Wilbur on the strong side next season. We need depth, but you don't spend a first or second rounder on a guy for depth.

 

[tm1119]

Took the words out of my mouth.

I also like our LB core with Wilbur on the strong side next season. We need depth, but you don't spend a first or second rounder on a guy for depth.

Kyle Wilber belongs absolutely no where near a starting position on any defense.

But I agree that it would take 1 heck of a combine + added weight for me to consider Shazier at 16, but 2nd round and he's a no brainer for me.

I was told linebackers aren't that important in Kiffin's scheme and we don't need need to invest any picks there last year. How'd that work out for us? The fact is that Lee can't be counted on to play a full season, Carter is a huge ?, and after that we have a whole lot of nothing behind them. And that last point was painfully obvious to watch. We need to add at least 1 quality starting LB somewhere this off-season.

 

[texbumthelife]

Kyle Wilber belongs absolutely no where near a starting position on any defense.

But I agree that it would take 1 heck of a combine + added weight for me to consider Shazier at 16, but 2nd round and he's a no brainer for me.

I was told linebackers aren't that important in Kiffin's scheme and we don't need need to invest any picks there last year. How'd that work out for us? The fact is that Lee can't be counted on to play a full season, Carter is a huge ?, and after that we have a whole lot of nothing behind them. And that last point was painfully obvious to watch. We need to add at least 1 quality starting LB somewhere this off-season.

Wilber was quite possibly our best defensive player and easily our best linebacker when he moved there. He earned a shot at a starting role. Bring someone else in camp just in case, but otherwise I think Holloman and Wilber have that position.

As for linebackers not being important, I don't know who told you that but Kiffin always had stud linebackers in his core at TB. His scheme requires very athletic and instinctive linebackers. Marinelli's scheme for the defensive line relies on LBs who have the instincts to read and react. Since he wants all his linemen to rush and get up field as quickly as possible, the linebackers have to read gaps as well as draws and screens while still being able to get back into their zones against the pass.

In other words, I disagree with your entire post.

 

[RS12]

Would he improve the front 7? Yes. Would he improve the front 4? No. Defense wont improve until the front four improves.

 

[supercowboy8]

Shazier would be a good WOLB in the Tampa 2, just depends on who else is available when we pick but he belongs on the draft board for sure.

 

[Picksix]

Took the words out of my mouth.

I also like our LB core with Wilbur on the strong side next season. We need depth, but you don't spend a first or second rounder on a guy for depth.

Guess it depends on how much the staff likes our LB core. I wonder just what they think about Carter at this point.

 

[supercowboy8]

Guess it depends on how much the staff likes our LB core. I wonder just what they think about Carter at this point.

I think Carter, Holloman, and Wilber should compete for the SOLB spot in training camp and we need a true WOLB. I think Carter can be just as good as Deandre Levy who played SOLB in Detroit.

I like Shazier as a WOLB but there are also in this draft that can play that position just as good. C J Mosley would be ideal if your looking 1st round. Telvin Smith would also be nice in the 2nd-3rd. Also I think Yawin Smallwood would also be a good fit.

 

[Picksix]

Can Carter play strong enough to be effective at SOLB? One of the problems he had this year, was not being to get off blocks. Would he be in a better position to avoid that?

 

[RS12]

Can Carter play strong enough to be effective at SOLB? One of the problems he had this year, was not being to get off blocks. Would he be in a better position to avoid that?

That is an understatement. Between that and not having great instincts, wrong place and wrong time way too often.

 

[Picksix]

That is an understatement. Between that and not having great instincts, wrong place and wrong time way too often.

Which is also a big reason why I wonder if he'll continue to be a starter, or if they'll look to replace him.

 

[tm1119]

Wilber was quite possibly our best defensive player and easily our best linebacker when he moved there. He earned a shot at a starting role. Bring someone else in camp just in case, but otherwise I think Holloman and Wilber have that position.

As for linebackers not being important, I don't know who told you that but Kiffin always had stud linebackers in his core at TB. His scheme requires very athletic and instinctive linebackers. Marinelli's scheme for the defensive line relies on LBs who have the instincts to read and react. Since he wants all his linemen to rush and get up field as quickly as possible, the linebackers have to read gaps as well as draws and screens while still being able to get back into their zones against the pass.

In other words, I disagree with your entire post.

I'll just say that I agree with your entire post as well. Kyle Wilber is not an nfl quality starting anything.

 

[xwalker]

Can Carter play strong enough to be effective at SOLB? One of the problems he had this year, was not being to get off blocks. Would he be in a better position to avoid that?

He was good at getting off blocks in 2012. It's weird that this became an issue in 2013 because normally 4-3 LBs have trouble with this issue when teams change from a 4-3 to 3-4. Normally, 3-4 ILBs are good at getting off blocks but sometimes struggle in coverage when they go to a 4-3.

 

[Pessimist_cowboy]

carter is a free agent after this season, i doubt we resign him.

 

[texbumthelife]

You guys want Carter on the strong side when his biggest weakness is coverage? Every linebacker has problems fighting blocks when having to do so with such regularity.

The problem is the front four not sustaining any sort of pass rush so offensive linemen fire right off to the second level without worrying. Get some guys who can rush the passer and you don't have to worry about your linebackers fighting those blocks, because the offensive line has to account for the defensive line. This is why you almost never saw Kuechly having to fight blocks this season. The Panthers line keeps offensive lines busy long enough for Kuechly to get to the play unimpeded. No, Carter isn't on the same planet instinct wise as Kuechly, but he is more than good enough.

I expect to see a lot of crow eating around here next season.

 

[dantheman41]

It depends on where he is available. There are several players that I like as a 2nd round pick but once they're projected to the mid-first round I don't like them as much.

Shazier is a good player, but I wouldn't be in favor of drafting him in the 1st or 2nd. I see other players that I would prefer at those picks.

Completely agree with everything you said here. Watched 3 games with him, and didn't love him.

 

[Common Sense]

You guys want Carter on the strong side when his biggest weakness is coverage?

Yes. Get him off the field on third down.