What's the big deal about Hatcher?

[The Answer]

I haven't read a thing projecting him at linebacker. How does one project to possibly LB, DT, or DE? Seriously, I could be wrong, but I'd think you'd need different measurables to fit at least two of the three. I imagine there's no way a person can have the measurables for both DT and LB. LB/DE or DT/DE, but not DT-LB.

If you could post that scouting report suggesting that, I'd love to read it.

The Answer could be wrong, but I thought I saw on one scouting report in which he was projected to be a LB by some teams. If I come across it again during my studies I will post it. The majority of what I've read does have the DT/DE and 3-4/4-3 projections on him:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/draft/prospect?contentId=5527982

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2006/hatcher_jason

 

[Bizwah]

Don't forget that Terrel Suggs ran a 4.8 or 4.9 something. You don't have to run a blazing forty time to be a good pass rusher.

 

[VoR]

I'll do what any thinking person does and reserve judgement until he actually plays.
From what I saw on film he looked very good.

 

[gimmesix]

I haven't read a thing projecting him at linebacker. How does one project to possibly LB, DT, or DE? Seriously, I could be wrong, but I'd think you'd need different measurables to fit at least two of the three. I imagine there's no way a person can have the measurables for both DT and LB. LB/DE or DT/DE, but not DT-LB.

If you could post that scouting report suggesting that, I'd love to read it.

It's the same one that lists Skyler Green as a tweener guard/receiver.

 

[theogt]

The Answer could be wrong, but I thought I saw on one scouting report in which he was projected to be a LB by some teams. If I come across it again during my studies I will post it. The majority of what I've read does have the DT/DE and 3-4/4-3 projections on him:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/draft/prospect?contentId=5527982

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2006/hatcher_jason

The Answer should learn that the 4-3 DT/3-4 DE is a common move but does not get labeled as a "tweener". These types of players NEVER get labeled as possible LBs.

 

[theogt]

It's the same one that lists Skyler Green as a tweener guard/receiver.

That, coupled with your avatar, is hilarious.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

The Answer had Hatcher graded as a 2nd to 3rd round prospect all along.

...yeah, ok

 

[Qwickdraw]

A lot of people have knocked this move, but The Answer had Hatcher graded as a 2nd to 3rd round prospect all along. Some see Hatcher as a defensive tackle because he lacks speed and explosiveness, but he will make a great DE after after a few years of development.

Hatcher is what you call a 'tweener' similar to what many scouts had Manny Lawson pegged for. Is he a linebacker or DE? Since we are a 3-4 team he will fit in perfectly to our complex defensive scheme as a DE. This move will look like pure genious in a few years....kudos once again to our fine scouting department!

~The Answer

He's a 'tweener' but not in the Lawson mold.
He's a Canty-type 'tweener' who could play DE or DT... not LB.

I wasnt incredibly impressed with the highlights either but...

for a guy that size to have closing speed and quick change of direction is a rarity. He's huge and can get bigger, too. I see him as a more agile Canty with a shorter wingspan.

 

[burmafrd]

Considering the low quality of the video and its distance - I don't know that you could say all that much one way or another. BP has this theory that the number of people with the athletic ability he has is so limited that if one comes along grab him. We will see at camp, but anyone going either way just on that video is stupid.

 

[cwbyfan72]

Lets keep in mind, every draft pick in the later rounds is a "project"! Give it up, the kid has a lot of upside.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

This is a portion of a PM I just sent to AdButcher. Ad was a college DL and his analysis of them is one I trust very much. He's got a very good football mind.

Maybe this will explain some of what the Cowboys see. Maybe not. Listen closely to the announcers at the Combine, Hatcher was climbing teams ranks because of his hustle factor.

His ceiling for potential looks very high to me. The best thing I saw is that he plays fast. Not waiting around.

That is similiar to what Jeff Ireland said to BP on draft day......

 

[Yakuza Rich]

(apropos speed, it seemed to me that the combine figure showed 4.91 in the 40

According to USA Today, Hatcher ran a 4.82 forty time at the combine.


Rich..........