Prediction About Ben Gardner

[gimmesix]

This is what so many forget. Technique completely negates arm length for defensive linemen. If he has violent hands and good eye-hand coordination, both of which he has and will get even better, he can knock the olinemen's hands off him. Arm length is really important for offense but not as much for defense.

That's what I was going to say. OL need long arms because they have to react to the DL's movement. Defenders want to try to avoid the OL getting its hands on them as much as possible. Explosiveness and quickness are two of their primary weapons to keep out of reach, but they also need technique to knock the hands off them. The only time you really see DL using full extension of their arms is with the bull rush and explosion into the OL's body can allow them to do that no matter how long their arms are.

 

[Doc50]

He's the RKG for Marinelli. Big motor high effort guy who has some talent. Looking forward to seeing him perform. I hope he's a pleasant surprise for us.

And did you listen to all of Marinelli's post-pick phone conversations?
There is no question that the 'Boys picked players that he specifically wanted -- football players, guys that were tough and determined.

He was fired up about each one, and I think we'll see his stamp prominently on this defense.

 

[reddyuta]

I like these Stanford guys,intelligence is so underrated in defensive players,just look at Sherman.

 

[Doc50]

I like these Stanford guys,intelligence is so underrated in defensive players,just look at Sherman.

Agreed. Athletic skill only takes you so far; you end up needing to outsmart your opponent.