Let's Talk Linebackers

[Verdict]

I know most fans are excited to see Lee, Smith and LVE on the field at the same time. I have to say I'm a bit surprised that LVE hasn't been slotted to start at MLB as that was the spot he was probably drafted to play. Moreover Jaylon would probably be mor effective rushing the passer from the outside.

What do you guys make of the current LB slotting? Do you guys think that the current positioning will stay this way through the season?

What do we have after the Big 3?

 

[xwalker]

I know most fans are excited to see Lee, Smith and LVE on the field at the same time. I have to say I'm a bit surprised that LVE hasn't been slotted to start at MLB as that was the spot he was probably drafted to play. Moreover Jaylon would probably be mor effective rushing the passer from the outside.

What do you guys make of the current LB slotting? Do you guys think that the current positioning will stay this way through the season?

What do we have after the Big 3?

Marinelli and Jaylon have explained the basic thought process.

Marinelli:
They have 3 LBs for 2 spots (He means that they play Nickel the vast majority of snaps). He said they would like to rotate similar to the DLine if all 3 are healthy and playing up to expectations.

He also said they might not play much Dime because all 3 project to be very good in coverage.

Jaylon:
He said he will get pass rush opportunities.

Note: They use an SLB between 15% and 25% of the snaps. The SLB is often up on the Line in a good position to rush the passer.

My interpretation:
In base it will be:
WLB: Lee
MLB: Vander Esch
SLB: Jaylon

Nickel:
WLB: Lee
MLB: Vander Esch
Jaylon rotates in at both WLB/MLB in Nickel (They want to get Lee to the playoffs healthy).

 

[beware_d-ware]

I think they are going to see where LVE is at and where Jaylon is at and go from there. Lee is going to stay glued to the weak side because it minimizes contact for him and this defense needs him to stay healthy as possible.

LVE at Mike/Jaylon at Will, Jaylon at Will/LVE at Mike, it doesn't make a huge difference to me. Both are going to struggle against inside runs, both should be able to run and hit like mofos on the edge, both can drop into the deep middle and handle some really tough coverage assignments. I don't think our defense changes very much depending who is at what spot. I'd like to see them start breaking LVE in at Mike though, because long term I think that is his best fit.

Justin March-Lillard has reportedly looked good on the second team. I am hoping he can step up and give us some decent depth this year, because last year Damien Wilson and Justin Durant were just not up for the job.

 

[Verdict]

I think they are going to see where LVE is at and where Jaylon is at and go from there. Lee is going to stay glued to the weak side because it minimizes contact for him and this defense needs him to stay healthy as possible.

LVE at Mike/Jaylon at Will, Jaylon at Will/LVE at Mike, it doesn't make a huge difference to me. Both are going to struggle against inside runs, both should be able to run and hit like mofos on the edge, both can drop into the deep middle and handle some really tough coverage assignments. I don't think our defense changes very much depending who is at what spot. I'd like to see them start breaking LVE in at Mike though, because long term I think that is his best fit.

Justin March-Lillard has reportedly looked good on the second team. I am hoping he can step up and give us some decent depth this year, because last year Damien Wilson and Justin Durant were just not up for the job.

Why would LVE struggle against the run? He is built to stop the run. A real thumper inside based on his size. Jaylon may be slight bigger than average too fir a 4-3 backer.

 

[Verdict]

I think they are going to see where LVE is at and where Jaylon is at and go from there. Lee is going to stay glued to the weak side because it minimizes contact for him and this defense needs him to stay healthy as possible.

LVE at Mike/Jaylon at Will, Jaylon at Will/LVE at Mike, it doesn't make a huge difference to me. Both are going to struggle against inside runs, both should be able to run and hit like mofos on the edge, both can drop into the deep middle and handle some really tough coverage assignments. I don't think our defense changes very much depending who is at what spot. I'd like to see them start breaking LVE in at Mike though, because long term I think that is his best fit.

Justin March-Lillard has reportedly looked good on the second team. I am hoping he can step up and give us some decent depth this year, because last year Damien Wilson and Justin Durant were just not up for the job.

So what depth do we have? March Lillard and that's all?

What do you guys see out of Covington?

 

[beware_d-ware]

So what depth do we have? March Lillard and that's all?

What do you guys see out of Covington?

Haven't heard a peep about Covington all camp.

As far as LVE, he was getting rode out of plays by Mountain West linemen, so I will wait to see what he does in the pros, but I'm not hugely optimistic. He's got the size and arm length to shed blocks at a really high level but I'm not expecting that out of the gate.

 

[Bluefin]

What do you guys make of the current LB slotting? Do you guys think that the current positioning will stay this way through the season?

Multiple reports have indicated the coaches have LVE running 2nd team MIKE because they want him calling the defensive signals. WILL Sean Lee would normally do that with the ones, but he isn't practicing yet, so I'm unsure who is doing it with the starters at this point.

If Lee can stay healthy, it will be interesting to see if they rotate him out during games or just Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith.

What do we have after the Big 3?

Joe Thomas is a quality reserve who can also play special teams. Damien Wilson has starting experience and looked good at times when Lee was on the field telling him what to do, IMO. Justin March-Lillard is fighting for the sixth and final spot, he needs to show up positively during pre-season.

I'd like to have a better developmental prospect at WLB, but am very happy to have said goodbye to Kyle Wilber and Justin Durant.

This should be a much better group of reserve LBs.

Why would LVE struggle against the run? He is built to stop the run. A real thumper inside based on his size. Jaylon may be slight bigger than average too fir a 4-3 backer.

He's a rookie that will have to learn how to engage and shed NFL blocks. LVE has all the tools to do it.

What do you guys see out of Covington?

Chris Covington has had limited participation in training camp dealing with some minor injury. He wasn't expected to do much yesterday, so I expect the same holds true for today.

 

[cowboyec]

even tho it was a scrimmage...I wanna see TreVon Johnson more.I liked what I saw and will keep an eye on him in these pre-season games.

heard some good things on Justin March-Lilard...Joel Lanning getting buzz too.

those 3 are who I'll be watching.
haven't heard alot about Chris Covington...I'll be watching him too.