CFZ The increasing importance of Hybrid players in the NFL- the Cowboys have several

[Bobhaze]

In the last decade or two, the NFL has seen the value of so called “hybrid” players grow. What is a simple definition of a hybrid player? It is a player that is flexible enough to play multiple roles as opposed to a single traditional role for a position. These hybrid players are becoming more and more valuable in the modern game.The most common hybrid positions have been LBs, Safeties or TEs but can also include other positions as well.

An easy example of a hybrid player in today’s NFL is Micah Parsons, who is so flexible in ability he can be a “three tool defender”, who can rush the passer, tackle in space and cover receivers in the passing game. We‘ve seen Parsons line up as a DL, LB and even as an occasional Corner. He is easily the poster boy for the modern hybrid NFL player. Which may also end up eventually making Parsons the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. Other well known NFL hybrid players include SF WR Samuel Deebo, KC TE Travis Kelce and Chargers LB Khalil Mack to name a few.

The Cowboys have increasingly drafted or acquired more and more of these hybrid type players. Here are the Cowboys hybrid players and the multiple roles they play:

• Micah Parsons- as mentioned earlier, the model NFL hybrid player. A true “3 tool defender” who can rush the passer, tackle in space and cover receivers in the passing game. He will be the highest paid defender in the NFL soon.
• Tony Pollard- TP is an example of a hybrid RB because in addition to his game as a runner, he can also be used as a slot receiver, and has also been used very effectively as a weapon in kickoff returns.
• Jayron Kearse- one of Dan Quinn’s most cherished players because of his versatility, Kearse can cover receivers like a safety, but also can tackle in space like a LB. His flexibility gives the Cowboys defense many options.
• Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, and Peyton Hendershot- this TE trio is very versatile. The modern NFL TE has become so important because of their versatility as both receivers and blockers. Being able to have 3 athletic TEs who can block and catch is a premium.
• DeMarvion Overshown- this year’s 3rd round pick is another good example of a defensive player with loads of versatility. Overshown is probably the next Jayron Kearse in Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme because he has the size of a LB, can tackle in space, cover some receivers and occasionally rush the passer in a blitz. He still has to prove he can play at the next level but he does have the raw talent.

Having a player who can play multiple roles for a team is gaining increasing value in the NFL. It’s good to see the Cowboys have so many talented players with hybrid capabilities.

 

[JayFord]

If used properly and i think they will be the defense omgoodness

offenses wont be able to tell whos the linebacker and whos the safety on certain plays

 

[Bobhaze]

If used properly and i think they will be the defense omgoodness

offenses wont be able to tell whos the linebacker and whos the safety on certain plays

Having players like Parsons, Kearse and maybe Overshown can make this defense even more explosive.

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

Eh.

Other than TE and LB/S, there's no real hybrids, and LB/S only exists as a response to what modern TEs are.

Players being used in different positions a handful of times a game is reflective more of scheme than it is anything special about the player.

 

[jazzcat22]

In the last decade or two, the NFL has seen the value of so called “hybrid” players grow. What is a simple definition of a hybrid player? It is a player that is flexible enough to play multiple roles as opposed to a single traditional role for a position. These hybrid players are becoming more and more valuable in the modern game.The most common hybrid positions have been LBs, Safeties or TEs but can also include other positions as well.

An easy example of a hybrid player in today’s NFL is Micah Parsons, who is so flexible in ability he can be a “three tool defender”, who can rush the passer, tackle in space and cover receivers in the passing game. We‘ve seen Parsons line up as a DL, LB and even as an occasional Corner. He is easily the poster boy for the modern hybrid NFL player. Which may also end up eventually making Parsons the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. Other well known NFL hybrid players include SF WR Samuel Deebo, KC TE Travis Kelce and Chargers LB Khalil Mack to name a few.

The Cowboys have increasingly drafted or acquired more and more of these hybrid type players. Here are the Cowboys hybrid players and the multiple roles they play:

• Micah Parsons- as mentioned earlier, the model NFL hybrid player. A true “3 tool defender” who can rush the passer, tackle in space and cover receivers in the passing game. He will be the highest paid defender in the NFL soon.
• Tony Pollard- TP is an example of a hybrid RB because in addition to his game as a runner, he can also be used as a slot receiver, and has also been used very effectively as a weapon in kickoff returns.
• Jayron Kearse- one of Dan Quinn’s most cherished players because of his versatility, Kearse can cover receivers like a safety, but also can tackle in space like a LB. His flexibility gives the Cowboys defense many options.
• Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, and Peyton Hendershot- this TE trio is very versatile. The modern NFL TE has become so important because of their versatility as both receivers and blockers. Being able to have 3 athletic TEs who can block and catch is a premium.
• DeMarvion Overshown- this year’s 3rd round pick is another good example of a defensive player with loads of versatility. Overshown is probably the next Jayron Kearse in Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme because he has the size of a LB, can tackle in space, cover some receivers and occasionally rush the passer in a blitz. He still has to prove he can play at the next level but he does have the raw talent.

Having a player who can play multiple roles for a team is gaining increasing value in the NFL. It’s good to see the Cowboys have so many talented players with hybrid capabilities.

Yes, and now since we have a coaching staff that knows how to use them as well as recognizing the actual talent as well.

Since we had failures such as Tyrone Crawford. Was not a factor at DE or DT.

On a humorous note...now they have Alacron that can play OL and now possibly DT.

 

[Cowboys4lifeGR]

In the last decade or two, the NFL has seen the value of so called “hybrid” players grow. What is a simple definition of a hybrid player? It is a player that is flexible enough to play multiple roles as opposed to a single traditional role for a position. These hybrid players are becoming more and more valuable in the modern game.The most common hybrid positions have been LBs, Safeties or TEs but can also include other positions as well.

An easy example of a hybrid player in today’s NFL is Micah Parsons, who is so flexible in ability he can be a “three tool defender”, who can rush the passer, tackle in space and cover receivers in the passing game. We‘ve seen Parsons line up as a DL, LB and even as an occasional Corner. He is easily the poster boy for the modern hybrid NFL player. Which may also end up eventually making Parsons the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. Other well known NFL hybrid players include SF WR Samuel Deebo, KC TE Travis Kelce and Chargers LB Khalil Mack to name a few.

The Cowboys have increasingly drafted or acquired more and more of these hybrid type players. Here are the Cowboys hybrid players and the multiple roles they play:

• Micah Parsons- as mentioned earlier, the model NFL hybrid player. A true “3 tool defender” who can rush the passer, tackle in space and cover receivers in the passing game. He will be the highest paid defender in the NFL soon.
• Tony Pollard- TP is an example of a hybrid RB because in addition to his game as a runner, he can also be used as a slot receiver, and has also been used very effectively as a weapon in kickoff returns.
• Jayron Kearse- one of Dan Quinn’s most cherished players because of his versatility, Kearse can cover receivers like a safety, but also can tackle in space like a LB. His flexibility gives the Cowboys defense many options.
• Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, and Peyton Hendershot- this TE trio is very versatile. The modern NFL TE has become so important because of their versatility as both receivers and blockers. Being able to have 3 athletic TEs who can block and catch is a premium.
• DeMarvion Overshown- this year’s 3rd round pick is another good example of a defensive player with loads of versatility. Overshown is probably the next Jayron Kearse in Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme because he has the size of a LB, can tackle in space, cover some receivers and occasionally rush the passer in a blitz. He still has to prove he can play at the next level but he does have the raw talent.

Having a player who can play multiple roles for a team is gaining increasing value in the NFL. It’s good to see the Cowboys have so many talented players with hybrid capabilities.

Dear Mr. Haze,
Always a pleasure reading your posts.
Cheers.

 

[Bobhaze]

Eh.

Other than TE and LB/S, there's no real hybrids, and LB/S only exists as a response to what modern TEs are.

Players being used in different positions a handful of times a game is reflective more of scheme than it is anything special about the player.

What about Deebo Samuel? Not a TE, LB or S- Catches passes, can be used very effectively as a runner and is big enough to occasionally line up as a TE to block. That’s not scheme. That’s the player having that versatility.

Or Corrdarele Patterson of Atl. Also a decent running weapon while being a receiver. LA Charger Austin Ekkler can line up as a RB or receiver very effectively as his stats show. Taysom Hill, Alvin Kamara also come to mind. There are many hybrids who aren’t just LBs and TEs.

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

What about Deebo Samuel? Not a TE, LB or S- Catches passes, can be used very effectively as a runner and is big enough to occasionally line up as a TE to block. That’s not scheme. That’s the player having that versatility.

Or Corrdarele Patterson of Atl. Also a decent running weapon while being a receiver. LA Charger Austin Ekkler can line up as a RB or receiver very effectively as his stats show. Taysom Hill, Alvin Kamara also come to mind. There are many hybrids who aren’t just LBs and TEs.

Deebo is a wide receiver who gets <4 carries a game and only gets those when they can get him to the edge and in space.

He's not a hybrid player, they just occasionally use his ability with the the ball in his hand to exploit matchups. It's not different than the handful of plays in the slot for a RB. They're used to create numbers advantages, but they aren't multi-positional players.

 

[rnr_honeybadger]

If used properly and i think they will be the defense omgoodness

offenses wont be able to tell whos the linebacker and whos the safety on certain plays

Beefing up the defense to the max is really the only chance this team has of winning a SB. The offense is pretty much a liability with the guy we have under center.

 

[fivetwos]

Yes, and now since we have a coaching staff that knows how to use them as well as recognizing the actual talent as well.

Since we had failures such as Tyrone Crawford. Was not a factor at DE or DT.

On a humorous note...now they have Alacron that can play OL and now possibly DT.

Does anyone know how long the roster exemption last for Alarcon?

He is about done here either way, but it was very worth taking a flier on a guy like that.

No kidding, he could probably get a book deal based on the whole experience and what he saw along the way….if he doesn’t mind selling a few people out. Jerry probably has NDA language in every contract though lol.

 

[SlammedZero]

If used properly and i think they will be the defense omgoodness

offenses wont be able to tell whos the linebacker and whos the safety on certain plays

I'm wicked excited to see the defense this year.

 

[StarOfGlory]

In the last decade or two, the NFL has seen the value of so called “hybrid” players grow. What is a simple definition of a hybrid player? It is a player that is flexible enough to play multiple roles as opposed to a single traditional role for a position. These hybrid players are becoming more and more valuable in the modern game.The most common hybrid positions have been LBs, Safeties or TEs but can also include other positions as well.

An easy example of a hybrid player in today’s NFL is Micah Parsons, who is so flexible in ability he can be a “three tool defender”, who can rush the passer, tackle in space and cover receivers in the passing game. We‘ve seen Parsons line up as a DL, LB and even as an occasional Corner. He is easily the poster boy for the modern hybrid NFL player. Which may also end up eventually making Parsons the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. Other well known NFL hybrid players include SF WR Samuel Deebo, KC TE Travis Kelce and Chargers LB Khalil Mack to name a few.

The Cowboys have increasingly drafted or acquired more and more of these hybrid type players. Here are the Cowboys hybrid players and the multiple roles they play:

• Micah Parsons- as mentioned earlier, the model NFL hybrid player. A true “3 tool defender” who can rush the passer, tackle in space and cover receivers in the passing game. He will be the highest paid defender in the NFL soon.
• Tony Pollard- TP is an example of a hybrid RB because in addition to his game as a runner, he can also be used as a slot receiver, and has also been used very effectively as a weapon in kickoff returns.
• Jayron Kearse- one of Dan Quinn’s most cherished players because of his versatility, Kearse can cover receivers like a safety, but also can tackle in space like a LB. His flexibility gives the Cowboys defense many options.
• Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, and Peyton Hendershot- this TE trio is very versatile. The modern NFL TE has become so important because of their versatility as both receivers and blockers. Being able to have 3 athletic TEs who can block and catch is a premium.
• DeMarvion Overshown- this year’s 3rd round pick is another good example of a defensive player with loads of versatility. Overshown is probably the next Jayron Kearse in Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme because he has the size of a LB, can tackle in space, cover some receivers and occasionally rush the passer in a blitz. He still has to prove he can play at the next level but he does have the raw talent.

Having a player who can play multiple roles for a team is gaining increasing value in the NFL. It’s good to see the Cowboys have so many talented players with hybrid capabilities.

I believe Tony Pollard can be for us what Brian Westbrook was for the Eagles.

 

[Bobhaze]

Deebo is a wide receiver who gets <4 carries a game and only gets those when they can get him to the edge and in space.

He's not a hybrid player, they just occasionally use his ability with the the ball in his hand to exploit matchups. It's not different than the handful of plays in the slot for a RB. They're used to create numbers advantages, but they aren't multi-positional players.

Sorry but I completely disagree. In the last 2 seasons, Deebo Samuel has rushed for 597 yards on 102 carries, and includes 11 rushing TDs. That’s not just getting to the edge occasionally. In his first team All Pro 2021 season, Deebo had over 1,700 total yards, including 365 yds rushing. That’s textbook hybrid.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Is Kelce really a hybrid? Thought he was just a wide receiver masked as a tight end.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

I believe Tony Pollard can be for us what Brian Westbrook was for the Eagles.

Use to hate to love that guy. Westbrook was a beast. Nobody talks about him these days but man he was a killer in the pass and rush game.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Eh.

Other than TE and LB/S, there's no real hybrids, and LB/S only exists as a response to what modern TEs are.

Players being used in different positions a handful of times a game is reflective more of scheme than it is anything special about the player.

I really don't think so either. I think maybe Micah fits in that mold but to me Pollard for sure isn't a hybrid player. I think the OP gives too much credit to some guys. Deebo for sure is a hybrid player. Most of these guys don't really have positions and are called hybrid guys. Not sure that's a good thing honestly.

 

[jazzcat22]

Does anyone know how long the roster exemption last for Alarcon?

He is about done here either way, but it was very worth taking a flier on a guy like that.

No kidding, he could probably get a book deal based on the whole experience and what he saw along the way….if he doesn’t mind selling a few people out. Jerry probably has NDA language in every contract though lol.

I think that exemption ended after last season. This year new teams now can get exemptions for players. They rotate so many teams I believe for 3 or 4 years.

 

[JBS]

Don’t overlook the versatility of being able to play outside and inside as a CB. Quinn talked about how vital it was having that type of flexibility with Bland last season.

The same can be said about Tyler Smith. That proved to be important last year as well.

 

[Jipper]

forgot to mention another one

Jerry Jones - both the GM and owner, incredible hybrid with the ability to suck and still not fire himself...haha...I jest, great list bob and love the approach

 

[Bobhaze]

I really don't think so either. I think maybe Micah fits in that mold but to me Pollard for sure isn't a hybrid player. I think the OP gives too much credit to some guys. Deebo for sure is a hybrid player. Most of these guys don't really have positions and are called hybrid guys. Not sure that's a good thing honestly.

The definition of hybrid is not just about positions- it’s about roles. Players on offense that can be an effective runner, receiver, blocker or passer is a hybrid.

Here are some examples of guys like this in recent NFL history:

• Wes Welker- one of the most flexible players in NFL history. When he played for Miami in 2005, he actually set an NFL record for doing all these things in one game: Kicked off, kicked XPs, kicked a FG, made ST tackles, returned a punt, a kickoff, caught passes, and carried the ball rushing, all in one game. The Miami K had pulled a hammy in warm ups. Welker was a multi- role hybrid if there ever was one.
• Kordell “Slash” Stewart- in his 10 year career with the Steelers and ravens, Slash had 77 TDs passing and 38 TDs rushing. He also served as the backup punter for the Steelers a couple of seasons and had 6 punts in his career, avg about 36 yds in career, including 3 inside the 20.

Im too lazy to go further but there are a many famous guys in this league who were hybrids because they could play multiple roles for a team.