Orakpo to play LB?

[Paniolo22]

According to the Skins, Orakpo practiced exclusively at OLB during the recent mini camp. Are they switching to a 3-4? Maybe someone can clear this up for me.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

Probably not. Blache likes to have DE's that are good run defenders and have a SLB who can do a lot of pass rushing. That's the way he worked things as D-Coordinator in Chicago...having Daniels play DE and Roosevelt Colvin...a former college DE, playing SLB.



3JACK

 

[Skinsmaniac]

They are thinking of using him as a strongside linebacker on first and second downs and then moving him to DE on passing downs. I have concerns about his ability to cover, but we'll see how he does. Phillip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn are still good run defenders even at their ages, so if Orakpo does have the skills to play SOLB then I could see it working well.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Plenty of teams have used a similar scheme on defense over the years. Marvin Lewis loves to use that type of scheme (although w/Zimmer as D-Coordinator it should change) and did it with the Ravens. Peter Boulware was never great in coverage, but could stop the run and rush the passer.




YAKUZA

 

[DTK]

Sounds good to me. Can't wait to see him try and cover Felix out in the flat.