Plankton
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http://www.jsonline.com/sports/pack...e-new-model-in-nfl-b99704584z1-377154491.html
Given the changing nature in how the NFL game is played, however, there are a handful of prospects that could fit perfectly into the safety-turned-linebacker model used so successfully by the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams last season.
Personnel people talked so freely this spring about finding a "Bucannon" player, it's almost as if it were a new position.
Deone Bucannon was drafted by the Cardinals with the 27th pick in 2014. The Green Bay Packers, looking for a more conventional safety, took Ha Ha Clinton-Dix six slots earlier.
Starting nine games as a rookie, Bucannon played 65% of the snaps and ranked third on the team in tackles with 75. The Cardinals discovered Bucannon was a little tight and had some coverage deficiencies in the open field.
Last season, coach Bruce Arians started him at strong safety for the first month. Then the decision was made to start Bucannon (6 feet, 211 pounds) at a linebacker position previously shared by several much heavier players.
It couldn't have worked better. Yes, the Cardinals' defense did get smaller, but with Becannon's toughness the run defense remained firm and the overall explosiveness increased.
Defensive coordinator James Bettcher turned Bucannon loose as a key weapon in his blitz-heavy scheme while at the same time gaining improved coverage by having another pass defender.
Playing 95.1% of the time, Bucannon led the club in tackles with 127 and made a slew of game-altering plays.
Given the changing nature in how the NFL game is played, however, there are a handful of prospects that could fit perfectly into the safety-turned-linebacker model used so successfully by the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams last season.
Personnel people talked so freely this spring about finding a "Bucannon" player, it's almost as if it were a new position.
Deone Bucannon was drafted by the Cardinals with the 27th pick in 2014. The Green Bay Packers, looking for a more conventional safety, took Ha Ha Clinton-Dix six slots earlier.
Starting nine games as a rookie, Bucannon played 65% of the snaps and ranked third on the team in tackles with 75. The Cardinals discovered Bucannon was a little tight and had some coverage deficiencies in the open field.
Last season, coach Bruce Arians started him at strong safety for the first month. Then the decision was made to start Bucannon (6 feet, 211 pounds) at a linebacker position previously shared by several much heavier players.
It couldn't have worked better. Yes, the Cardinals' defense did get smaller, but with Becannon's toughness the run defense remained firm and the overall explosiveness increased.
Defensive coordinator James Bettcher turned Bucannon loose as a key weapon in his blitz-heavy scheme while at the same time gaining improved coverage by having another pass defender.
Playing 95.1% of the time, Bucannon led the club in tackles with 127 and made a slew of game-altering plays.
