Ware vs Merriman

[marchetta]

Until Offensive Coordinators start gameplanning for Merriman, I'd chose Ware. We all know that Ware is accounted for every time he steps on the field. When he's in the game, every offensive player knows where he is before the ball is snapped. No one is accounting for, or paying attention to, Merriman. I watched him Monday, and don't let all the stats fool you. SD was blitzing two LB side-by-side, so the OL had to choose which to block. On the sack/fumble play Merriman was unblocked, and had an unimpeded road to the QB. On another play SD did the same thing. They blitzed Merriman and a 2nd LB at the same time side-by-side, and the OL chose the other guy again. I'm not saying Merriman isn't a good player, but when an OL gives you a free shot at the QB on 2 occasions it shows how much respect Merriman gets. Every coordinators designs plays to help OT block Ware. When Ware blitzes, he has everyone's attention. Enough said!

 

[Billy Bullocks]

I honestly havent seen much of Merriman. I hear that he's real good(from a Chargers fan whos a buddy). Merriman went right after Ware. Guarantee if we had picked Merriman, half of you would be singing a differnet tune. Merriman is bigger, and he's probably going to be a better player against the run. Our problem was we havent had a pass rush for years, that's where Ware is better. I like Ware. But had we drafted Merriman, I would not have been disapointed either. Im not going to bash teh guy because we passed him up

 

[marchetta]

I honestly havent seen much of Merriman. I hear that he's real good(from a Chargers fan whos a buddy). Merriman went right after Ware. Guarantee if we had picked Merriman, half of you would be singing a differnet tune. Merriman is bigger, and he's probably going to be a better player against the run. Our problem was we havent had a pass rush for years, that's where Ware is better. I like Ware. But had we drafted Merriman, I would not have been disapointed either. Im not going to bash teh guy because we passed him up

Exactly. Both players are going to be good. If you were looking for a pure 3-4 LB then Merriman would be the choice. If you were looking for a LB/DE then Ware would be the choice. Merriman is bigger and younger but he's not fluid. He could never play DE, or be a constitent blitzer because he lacks fluidity. He's big and strong as a bull, but he's stiff. Ware, on the other hand, is fluid and much more athletic. He'll be better in coverage, and allows you to line him up in many formations, and will play multiple positions. I don't think he's going to turn out to be as good a "LB" as Merriman, but he allows you to do many more things. If Merriman can keep his head straight(character issues) he'll prove to be a force. But he'll never be as versatile as Ware. Ever!

 

[StoneyBurk]

Ware has started pretty fast considering the posistion change and all.

 

[Tobal]

I think Wares skill set is a little more rare, and the impact his type of skill set at the postion he plays is more importants.

An example would you rather have a great tackle and a good gaurd or a great guard and a good tackle?

 

[Jarv]

I like Wares quickness. Last week in the Philly game, MacFlab tried to juke him and Ware stayed right with him...Although he got the pass off to TO, if that had been Wiley, he would have had his 10 seconds out there and that coulda spelled trouble.

 

[AsthmaField]

Both are going to be great players. Merriman is 20 pounds heavier and more able to man up a tackle. Ware will generate more sacks and outside pressure. This Merriman sux and Ware is God stuff is silly. Both went top 12....

Parcells as much said he liked both and Bellicheck was gushing about Merrimans talent level pre Charger game. Merriman is also the youngest player in the NFL - Barely 21.

With Merriman being so young and already a 270 pound linebacker, I'd be a little worried about his size. He's still got some growing to do and if he isn't careful about his eating habits and offseason habits, he could quickly outgrow the 3-4 OLB position.

He might end up being a 290 pound DE like Spears... which would be okay, but if you drafted him to be a edge rusher at OLB, his size could become a concern by the time he's 23-24 years old.