Question on Tapper's Agility

[waldoputty]

Many have mentioned Tapper's amazing speed - 4.59 40.
In the combine, he did not run the 3-cone nor the shuttle.
They said he pulled his hammy while in the combine.
He also did not run in his pro day.
So we are missing key agility stats on him.

Is anyone aware of earlier stats for Tapper that had these agility results?

Would playing Tapper further from other linemen compensate for lesser agility?
So that would take advantage of his 40-speed instead of trying to bend around the LT?

I think that is what Seattle does with the LEO?

I have not watched tape.
Curious if the Cowboys D often move the RDE further away from the LT to get a better rush?

Thanks!

 

[Ellie826]

This is a great question. Everyone is mentioning his 40 but short area quickness/explosion seems more important to DEs.

 

[waldoputty]

This is a great question. Everyone is mentioning his 40 but short area quickness/explosion seems more important to DEs.

I think his first step is great from the 10-yard stat.
However, just cannot find anything for the cone or the shuttle.

Looking at a couple videos, he does not seem to do his spin move that fast.
I was comparing him with a video of Osi who had phenomenal 3-cone results...

Curious what anyone know or saw from his Oklahoma days.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

I think his first step is great from the 10-yard stat.
However, just cannot find anything for the cone or the shuttle.

Looking at a couple videos, he does not seem to do his spin move that fast.
I was comparing him with a video of Osi who had phenomenal 3-cone results...

Curious what anyone know or saw from his Oklahoma days.

At Oklahoma they didn't have him rushing very often. I could care less about 3 cone. I want to see it in a game, football speed with pads on. That's what is important, players can do great in spandex but can't move as well with pads and vice versa

 

[Boyz981]

 

[Ellie826]

At Oklahoma they didn't have him rushing very often. I could care less about 3 cone. I want to see it in a game, football speed with pads on. That's what is important, players can do great in spandex but can't move as well with pads and vice versa

Those numbers are important. If you have some insane workout numbers it should translate over. I can't think of anyone that timed really well and play slow in game. I can think of the opposite where they time bad but play fast though.

 

[alicetooljam]

If you watch closely youll see him chase down Amari Cooper, we shouldve snagged Eric Striker too as an undrafted free agent.

 

[speedkilz88]

That cat is in need of a cgi guitar.

 

[jazzcat22]

At Oklahoma they didn't have him rushing very often. I could care less about 3 cone. I want to see it in a game, football speed with pads on. That's what is important, players can do great in spandex but can't move as well with pads and vice versa

True, but they do have drills to help them move better.
And he did have to play college ball in pads, so even if he was used out of position there. There is still game film on him. Enough to evaluate this, or that is my thinking anyway.

 

[waldoputty]

True, but they do have drills to help them move better.
And he did have to play college ball in pads, so even if he was used out of position there. There is still game film on him. Enough to evaluate this, or that is my thinking anyway.

He was not that agile in highlights that I saw.
But I was comparing him to Osi and Gregory.
Though the focus on the wrong position may be stunting his technique and growth...

 

[jazzcat22]

If you watch closely youll see him chase down Amari Cooper, we shouldve snagged Eric Striker too as an undrafted free agent.

Thanks.
I think I now have my pet cat for TC.
I usually like to pick a late round draft pick, or an UDFA, to pull for. But a 4th round pick will do. I will now be looking forward to Tapper in TC.

I am sure someone else will step up too, like maybe Gathers. As well as a UDFA.

 

[TheHerd]

I don't watch OK tape so I have no personal opinion, but this doesn't sound promising. We're all hoing for the "he was in the wrong system" explanation :

Weaknesses
Offsets natural power and strength with terrible pad level too often. Offers minimal value as third down player. Plays with very little dynamic movement as a pass rusher and usually just crashes straight ahead with no real plan. Hand usage needs major work.

 

[jazzcat22]

He was not that agile in highlights that I saw.
But I was comparing him to Osi and Gregory.
Though the focus on the wrong position may be stunting his technique and growth...

They will find a way to use him and his abilities.

 

[JoeKing]

His forward speed is fine, it's his ability to transition from going forward to going side to side that is in doubt. The video doesn't lie.

 

[jazzcat22]

I don't watch OK tape so I have no personal opinion, but this doesn't sound promising. We're all hoing for the "he was in the wrong system" explanation :

Weaknesses
Offsets natural power and strength with terrible pad level too often. Offers minimal value as third down player. Plays with very little dynamic movement as a pass rusher and usually just crashes straight ahead with no real plan. Hand usage needs major work.

Which is why he was a 4th rounder. But does not mean he can't be productive in a rotation as Rod likes to use. So if coached right, he can be a 3rd down player. If not, he can be productive on 1st and 2nd downs. It's about rod's scheme and rotation. He does not need to be a 3 down player, nor a 3rd down player.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

True, but they do have drills to help them move better.
And he did have to play college ball in pads, so even if he was used out of position there. There is still game film on him. Enough to evaluate this, or that is my thinking anyway.

Ya that's what I was talking about. Film in pads, I was merely saying without pads.

 

[waldoputty]

They will find a way to use him and his abilities.

I am wondering if that is the reason for Seattle playing the RDE further away from the LT so that you get a better pass rush?
SF did that with the 'elephant' and Seattle calls it the "LEO".

Does lining up the RDE farther away from the left offensive tackle maximize the RDE's pass rush chances?

 

[jazzcat22]

I am wondering if that is the reason for Seattle playing the RDE further away from the LT so that you get a better pass rush?
SF did that with the 'elephant' and Seattle calls it the "LEO".

Does lining up the RDE farther away from the left offensive tackle maximize the RDE's pass rush chances?

Could be, as it may be taking advantage of his speed or they seen on film, the DE can get a better angle to pass rush.
Or it could be an alignment, if the TE comes across, the DE may need to cover him, and not rush.
Probably need a defensive type person to answer this better than myself.

 

[BoysWin]

I think his first step is great from the 10-yard stat.
However, just cannot find anything for the cone or the shuttle.

Looking at a couple videos, he does not seem to do his spin move that fast.
I was comparing him with a video of Osi who had phenomenal 3-cone results...

Curious what anyone know or saw from his Oklahoma days.

Tapper 10 yd split was 1.59- an outstanding measurement. DWare was 1.62. Bosa 1.68. Tapper also had 34Vertical and 9'11 broad jump. His explosion measurements are in the top 10% if not top 5%. I hope Tapper plays like he charts in drills.

 

[YosemiteSam]

If you're going to post this image, stop removing the guitar from the cat's hands.