Linebackers in the draft

[mardwin]

No, to the kid from Georgia (Smith). I've watched him play and his coverage skills are not very good, too reactionary nowhere near Jaylon Smith's level when he was back at ND.

 

[Undefeated]

I just got done watching Shaquem Griffin vs Auburn in the Peach Bowl and he looked pretty good too.

 

[Macnalty]

I went back as far as 2010. 1st LB taken....latest one in the 1st was #17. Usually 1st LB off the board within top 10 picks. If Roquan Smith is the best LB coming out, it's unlikely he makes it to 19th pick.

I am just going through needs based selections on the teams ahead of us along with stellar players that will get picked because of supreme talent. No guarantees in January but it is possible with all the QB's available and RB back in fashion in rd 1. I also think the 4-3 aspect of his game allows him to slip. I do think he is the best LB coming out more like a Sean Lee without the injury history.

 

[Macnalty]

Mac...I would be ecsatic!!! I would do back flips if the draft were to play out that way.

It is not far fetched with the needs of the teams ahead of us and the quality perceived of the QB's in this years draft. Of course this is Jan so lots of things are possible till all the dirt starts floating in the media about the draftees.

 

[Macnalty]

No, to the kid from Georgia (Smith). I've watched him play and his coverage skills are not very good, too reactionary nowhere near Jaylon Smith's level when he was back at ND.

Hey Jaylon at ND was top five pick in the draft without that injury. Smith is no slouch of a talent and would immediately play and upgrade our defense. Not many positions can be relevant as a rookie, MLB is one and CB is another.

 

[stilltheguru88]

I am just going through needs based selections on the teams ahead of us along with stellar players that will get picked because of supreme talent. No guarantees in January but it is possible with all the QB's available and RB back in fashion in rd 1. I also think the 4-3 aspect of his game allows him to slip. I do think he is the best LB coming out more like a Sean Lee without the injury history.

I’d rather Evans anyway

 

[Macnalty]

I’d rather Evans anyway

I hope we get a choice of both along with Derwin James safety from Florida State

 

[kumizi]

I hope we get a choice of both along with Derwin James safety from Florida State

I love Derwin. But I don’t think our coaching staff is smart enough to let him move around and be a game wrecker like Troy Palumalu. They’ll stick him in one position.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

I love Derwin. But I don’t think our coaching staff is smart enough to let him move around and be a game wrecker like Troy Palumalu. They’ll stick him in one position.

Our staff seem to love to move guys around. Jones plays both safeties and corner.
Woods played safety and slot corner.
Awuzie is moving around from corner to safety.
Heath has played both safety spots.

 

[kumizi]

Our staff seem to love to move guys around. Jones plays both safeties and corner.
Woods played safety and slot corner.
Awuzie is moving around from corner to safety.
Heath has played both safety spots.

Maybe freelance is a better word

 

[Irvin88_4life]

Maybe freelance is a better word

That's what I was thinking you meant.

 

[baltcowboy]

I love Derwin. But I don’t think our coaching staff is smart enough to let him move around and be a game wrecker like Troy Palumalu. They’ll stick him in one position.

Derwin is a more athletic version of Byron Jones. Mr. James is a unicorn. He was good his freshman year but was injured his sophomore year. I don't think he was played well this year but Florida State defensive scheme stinks. I think because of the success of Jalen Ramsey he will be a top 10 pick.

 

[Setackin]

Who has the best football IQ?

 

[RandyOh]

You want a Linebacker that will allow Jaylon Smith to over to WILL where he belongs? Draft Josey Jewell out of Iowa day 2. Hes not going to blow up the combine but if you want a linebacker with great instincts, can diagnose plays like Sean Lee, and drop back in coverage and make a play on the ball? Draft Josey Jewell. Hes like a bigger, longer, kinda faster Chris Borland.

 

[tm1119]

I'm a big fan of both Jewell and Kizer. Both are tough guys who play with instinct, you can tell watching them on tape that they know their position and defense. Would love to get 1 of them in the 3rd/4th round as well as sign a vet LB that won't hurt the team if he has to spot start. I think we all know Jaylon is going to be given the MLB spot next year...

 

[RandyOh]

I'm a big fan of both Jewell and Kizer. Both are tough guys who play with instinct, you can tell watching them on tape that they know their position and defense. Would love to get 1 of them in the 3rd/4th round as well as sign a vet LB that won't hurt the team if he has to spot start. I think we all know Jaylon is going to be given the MLB spot next year...

Have you watched any tape on Fred Warner out of BYU? I think he can be another solid candidate in the 4th round to develop at MLB and SLB.

 

[xwalker]

I'm a big fan of both Jewell and Kizer. Both are tough guys who play with instinct, you can tell watching them on tape that they know their position and defense. Would love to get 1 of them in the 3rd/4th round as well as sign a vet LB that won't hurt the team if he has to spot start. I think we all know Jaylon is going to be given the MLB spot next year...

Is Kizer any faster/more athletic than Hitchens?

 

[tm1119]

Is Kizer any faster/more athletic than Hitchens?

Nope. But not really expecting to hit a home run where I think he will be picked either. If I could get another Hitchens in the 3rd/4th I’d be happy to be perfectly honest with you.
In a perfect word I’d love to draft an athletic LB with high potential in the middle rounds, and maybe that guy is out there, I just haven’t seen him yet.
I actually think Hitchens is perfect for the role we need as a backup to both MLB and WIL that will most likely get a decent amount of playing time due to injuries. He’s just likely to get paid to be starter else where. Because let’s be honest...Jaylon is getting handed the MLB job on a silver platter. They aren’t driving someone early to take that spot from him.

 

[Verdict]

This is the hardest position to plan for. Lee is a god sent. Sadly he is fragile. Doesn't matter the position you put him in. His ability to call the play is just as valuable as himself playing. Let's say Roquan is as good as a player as Lee. Awesome, then we get the same quality of play, but do we get the same last minute position calling by the Defensive Captain? Lee at 32 yrs of age(next season) is only going to get more brittle. That is not a knock on him, just a fact of life. He has the brains and heart of a lion but limitations of most people his size with the wear and tear he has endured..

With that said we have a great player in Hitchens. Say what you will, but not only can he play all 3 positions, but also do at least 2 of them at a starter mentality. While the Will is his best position, that is where Lee is. Lately he has done rather well at the MLB position. Many have seen Jaylen Smith really get better in the last few games at MLB but he is still limited with his injury and his position versatility. I truly hope we find a way to keep Hitchens. He is a jack of all trades but not sure if he can master one or not. Regardless a great player to have.

We can all agree we need LBs in a bad way. But let's say Roquan is available. Is 225 lbs gonna cut it at any of our LB positions? If not for the training, on paper, I would think he is a great Strong Safety. Has the weight and coverage ability. A weakness on tackling TE's and power backs. Sorry I am liking Jefferson in the 2nd round if we can pull it.

I haven't seen a lot of his play. It I think Rowuan will fall in the draft and even then he may be overdrafted.

 

[Verdict]

We would have had to move up regardless.

He plays well at the college level. I'm just not sure he is going to be a great pro. I will say this he does have a nose for the football.