2012 NFL Draft: Dont'a Hightower Moving Up Draft Boards?
by JasonB on Jan 12, 2012 10:00 AM EST
in Philadelphia Eagles News
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Any news about linebackers in the upcoming draft is news that's relevant to Eagles fans. While we can have no idea whether the Eagles will take a linebacker with one of their top picks, we can all agree that they need help at the spot.
Of course, unlike last year, free agency will happen before the draft. So what teams need now will be different then. But if the Eagles still do have a hole at middle linebacker come April, one possible candidate to fill it could be the hulking the Dont'a Hightower from the national champion Alabama Crimson Tide. Here's what ESPN's Kevin Weidl had to say about him yesterday.
The more I watch Hightower, the more impressed I am. His size (6-3½, 260) and power between the tackles are second to none, and his thick base and instincts allow him to control things inside and stone ball carriers at the line of scrimmage.
Hightower's overall bulk -- some scouts believe he's gotten up to 270 pounds -- raises concerns about his range, but he did show versatility against LSU by putting his hand on the ground and using a good inside move to get to Jefferson and strip the ball away on a key fourth-down play.
While he could stand to slim down a bit and gain some quickness, Hightower's instincts, physical play and ability as a stack-and-shed defender at the point of attack give him a chance to move from the early-to-mid second round into the later part of the first if he enters the draft as a junior. The Giants and Ravens (who might be in the market for the heir apparent to Ray Lewis) are possible late-first landing spots, while the Panthers could possibly add Hightower early in the second.
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If you had a choice, who would be your first round pick ...
A. Burflict
B. Kuechly
C. RGIII
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
If Marty stays, C.
If not, then B.
#IUSucks
This is college basketball.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
I think I agree with this.
The ability to coach a QB has been a luxury the Eagles have had for years and sometimes we take it for granted. To bring in a guy like him and coach him up, has the potential to be great. And a GREAT QB is something that cannot be passed up … especially with a 30 something QB who IS injury prone.
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Jan 12, 2012 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
Burfict will be this year’s Ryan Mallett
by DLawrence55 on Jan 12, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
you just like burfict because he has a cool name. watch some tape, he sucks
NOW HIRING- NFL HEAD COACH
Nope, I’ve seen Burfict play a lot & when he’s on his game he’s a stud LB & someone I want in the middle of my defense
The Legend
and when he's not
it’s because he’s on the bench
Is that when he plays himself in NCAA 12 on JV level difficulty? Because it sure as hell isn’t when he steps onto an actual field.
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Jan 12, 2012 11:13 PM EST up reply actions
no offense, but if you think burfict is the right pick for the eagles, you have never watched him play. everyone always harps on the personal fouls and general lack of intelligence, but the real problem with burfict is that he is not that good. I have seen every play of his ASU career and the guy does not have the brain to make it in the NFL. Over the last three seasons Kuechly has 2.5x as many total and solo tackles as burfict. and dont let his 5 sacks fool you, he had three of them in the first game of the year against UC davis. burfict is fat, misses more tackles than you would think, and is CONSTANTLY out of position. go watch some ASU tape (i know, its painful) from this season and i guarantee that VB will not be your first choice. Give me Kuechly, Brown, Hightower over VB. maybe when vontaze falls to the 2nd or third round it’ll be worth taking a flyer on him, but he is a disaster waiting to happen…think ernie sims.
NOW HIRING- NFL HEAD COACH
I have seen every play of his ASU career
Good to know. I dont watch much college football, and rely mostly on what the “experts” say about these guys. The way you are describing him does remind me of Ernie Sims.
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Jan 12, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
Sims is the best comparison i can think of. Solid athlete who loves the big hit, but misses easy tackles in search of the impact play. i dont watch BC too much (i went to ASU, hence the VB opinion), but LK looks like he is in the right position on every single play, and thats what we need.
NOW HIRING- NFL HEAD COACH
I’d say Sims was a much better college player too. FWIW.
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Jan 12, 2012 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
BurfLict? Guy, Cmon man
I like turtles.
by Bleediots on Jan 12, 2012 12:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
d............
the ’high motor ’ waterboy .
It's never easy being an Eagle fan........but I'll be damned if I ever stop.
Sign Spags Now !!!
by JJeaglerooter on Jan 12, 2012 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
wait a second
Are we really concerned about someone being too big? Lol
#highmotortweenersallday
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."-Bill Shankly
Got bad knees and a high motor? Well cmon on over to PHILLY, we'll do our best to put you in the right position and do a better job!
by theaction on Jan 12, 2012 10:20 AM EST via mobile reply actions
The concern about size is because he might be a tad overweight.
Not because he is big in general.
Clear eyes, full bologna sandwiches!
fat can be burned ...
once its gone, what will he be left at. 260 … 250 … 240?
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Jan 12, 2012 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
he will be left at DE
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."-Bill Shankly
Got bad knees and a high motor? Well cmon on over to PHILLY, we'll do our best to put you in the right position and do a better job!
“Can” and “will” are two very different things.
Its all about the []_[]
#FirePaulHolmgren
by philiafan14364 on Jan 12, 2012 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
If Mo Vaughn can trim down this year he could break out….
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Jan 12, 2012 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
Nothing about Hightower that I've heard/read suggests he wouldn't work to lose any necessary weight.
Clear eyes, full bologna sandwiches!
Just looking at him I'd have to guess somewhere around 250.
Hardly a scientific answer, but he looks to be a big dude, fat notwithstanding.
Clear eyes, full bologna sandwiches!
too big can a bad thing, see kirkland, levon (who, admittedly was way past his prime, but still. speed and quickness are just as important as size/strength)
yea, but
Kirkland was a pretty good LB his whole career at around 275lbs. We just ended up getting him past his prime and 300plus lbs. Lol
by Herrehkhan on Jan 12, 2012 4:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
We need Rd1 LB talent
1. Kuechly
2. Hightower
3. Burfict
If we don’t have one of those three on the roster after the draft, then we failed.
It's all speculation by us the fans right now.
After the senior bowl/combine and what we do in free agency we will have a better idea of what our 1st rd pick will be. Some people think that Burfict could fall to the 2nd rd. We need Kuechly we need a top LB in the draft.
by Almightypudster on Jan 12, 2012 10:28 AM EST reply actions
Personally
I think a thinker like Keuchly would make more sense than Burfict. Since we already have the Jim Washburn run at the QB like Braveheart line in the front I think a better read/react LB core would prove more useful. Let the line fly, let the backers think.
I agree Kuechly is very instintive, the guy is a tackling machine. I can’t wait to see what he does at the combine.
by Almightypudster on Jan 12, 2012 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
Isn’t a guy like Hightower pretty good for the Wide-9 system? If the d-line isn’t too concerned about eating up blocks from the offensive linemen, wouldn’t you want more physical stack-and-shed type linebackers? Especially in the middle?
I mean, I’m assuming we keep Washburn and his d-line system. So I’m trying to figure out which players actually fit that system and I would think you would want bigger more physical linebackers.
I do wonder though if Hightower is TOO big. Like, at 270, he’s bigger than Babin and about the same size as Cole. And frankly, the fact that he can put his hand in the dirt isn’t a bonus to me. I don’t want the Eagles to take another guy that tempts them to be creative. I want them get a guy who is a MIKE backer and thats it, nothing more.
I’m torn on this guy. From what is posted about him above there are definitely things I like and things I don’t.
Let the beasting begin.
by TransplantedFan on Jan 12, 2012 10:52 AM EST reply actions 9 recs
lmao @ this "I don't want the Eagles to take another guy that tempts them to be creative"
rec 50 times for that.
i can see andy and the brain trust now: “heey, if we had a 270lb FS, and 250lb CB, we could get away with having a whole fleet of 230lb DTs and 185 lb DEs – no one would be able to run or pass on us with such an innovation!”
Seriously could not agree more !!!!
I don’t want the Eagles to take another guy that tempts them to be creative. I want them get a guy who is a MIKE backer and thats it, nothing more.
Perfectly stated.
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Jan 12, 2012 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
He's a baller in run defense. He his back pedal sucks, and has no range in pass coverage.
Compare him to Brandon Spikes with a better pass rush arsenal.
I support the Giants like bras support Kim Kardashian's boobs. It can be a struggle, we've had some jiggles, but we're still firm.
by BigBlueIntervention on Jan 12, 2012 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
The last thing the Eagles need is a LB who is a liability in the passing game. He is not a 4-3 LB.
The views expressed by this comment belong to they who wrote them, heretofore referred to as "comment maker."
The views do not reflect the official views of the comment makers employer.
The views do not reflect the official views of the organization through which the Internet was accessed by the comment maker.
How focus can we be on one LB this early?
no combines, no vetting…
I think this years draft class offers a LOT of hope for the eagles to walk away with 2 strong LB candidates out of the first 3 rounds…
Until the combine, I’ll be happy to leave it at that.
I think Kuechly, Burfict, and now Hightower will certainly be in the discussions of eagles fans heading into the draft…
by milroyigglesfan on Jan 12, 2012 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
Because we have nothing else...
The views expressed by this comment belong to they who wrote them, heretofore referred to as "comment maker."
The views do not reflect the official views of the comment makers employer.
The views do not reflect the official views of the organization through which the Internet was accessed by the comment maker.
If Luke Kuechly is gone by the time the Eagles draft
I want them to trade back a bit and take Hightower. I know, I know we always trade back. But as of right now Hightower isn’t worth #15.
But I like that he is a big LB. If he sheds the baby fat he’ll go down to maybe 250lbs….they guy isn’t that much overweight at all. But having someone that size with his strength would be awesome I think. He’d have a easier time shedding blocks and stuff the run for a 2 yard gain instead of a 6 yard gain.
If Kuechly is gone I’m fine with Hightower as a LB pick.
I agree, and...
….a really good tackling technique can overcome size issues. Smaller LB’s getting blocked is sometimes more of a problem than their tackling. If Kuechly has great technique at shedding blockers AND tackling, he may even be worth trading up a few spots if necessary.
by donniethelion on Jan 12, 2012 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
London Fletcher
A LB does not have to be big to shed blockers and tackle well. This guy is training his body to be a 3-4 OLB pass rushing specialist. Drafting him to play MIKE would be a bad move.
The views expressed by this comment belong to they who wrote them, heretofore referred to as "comment maker."
The views do not reflect the official views of the comment makers employer.
The views do not reflect the official views of the organization through which the Internet was accessed by the comment maker.
I would love to see us
take Zack Brown and then trade back into the end of the first and take Hightower. Brown would be an athletic playmaker on the outside and Hightower would be the block-shedding tackling machine in the middle.* They could be a stud LB duo for the next decade.
That is assuming we don’t sign (or trade for) an established Mike, i.e Lofton, Ryans, Tulloch, etc…
by The Reddgie on Jan 12, 2012 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
Seriously how does everyone feel about starting a rookie at MLB again?
I think Kuechly could play SAM as well. If we do get a veteran LB in free agency prior to the draft that does not mean we won’t draft a LB in rd 1. Burfict and Hightower have amazing size and play like the AXE MAN. They would be perfectly suited to play the MIKE LB. Kuechly could always put on more muscle as well being 6-3 237 he does have enough size to play the MIKE but Kuechly could be our SAM as well.
But I do like Chaney as our SAM. A veteran LB is a must in FA depending on who we get I could see the starting 3 like this.
WILL: Rolle or Matthews
SAM: Chaney or Kuechly
MIKE: Veteran, Kuechly, Burfict or Hightower.
I just know that in rd 1 it has to be Kuechly, Burfict or Hightower.
by Almightypudster on Jan 12, 2012 12:17 PM EST reply actions
I would be ok with it if the player has a) a brain b) a full off-season to get ready c) skill and d) EARNED THE DAMNED SPOT with competition
by ATLeagle on Jan 12, 2012 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
no it doesn't
I predict that Burfict slides due to character issues and concerns about his actual ability.
I legitimately think we can get both Kuechly and Burfict.
I legitimately think we can get both Kuechly and Burfict.
I think you’re right, but I doubt it actually happens.
Its all about the []_[]
#FirePaulHolmgren
by philiafan14364 on Jan 12, 2012 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
yea do you guys really think the eagles will draft 2 LBs in the first 3 rounds? best course is to draft kuechly and sign tulloch
NOW HIRING- NFL HEAD COACH
Tulloch is definately a veteran LB free agent to consider.
by Almightypudster on Jan 12, 2012 5:02 PM EST up reply actions
Is C. even a realistic opportunity?
How much would we need to give up to even have a shot? And with the pub Kuechly’s been getting, how much would we have to give up to be certain we could get him?
Offseason to-do list!
1.) Sign and trade djax!
“Great player but not what we need, if we can get a Michael Floyd in the draft… problem fixed!”
2.) Sign Evan Mathis!
“Did a great job helping us fix our online issues”
3.) Sign Stephen Tulloch to a nice contract.
“Tackling machine that could help us fix our MIKE problems”
4.) Sign veteran safety
“Insert Michael Griffin here! (If he accepts good sized contract) the guy has proved he can play and can help us shore up the secondary!”
5.) Draft Michael Floyd with 1st overall pick!
" The kid is the weapon were lacking on this offense, he and Maclin would be great compliments to one another"
6.) Trade 2nd round pick (cardinal pick) along with a 3rd rounder or so to Titans for Akeem Ayers.
“This kid is a playmaker! Team him up with Tulloch and ding ding ding ding, we have a winner ladies and gents… we all know we suck at using our 3rd rounders any way, lets use it to grab a great SAM linebacker”
7.) …to be continued!
by green_pete_trucking on Jan 12, 2012 1:56 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I don’t understand signing and trading DJax and then drafting Floyd. You essentially waste a first round pick to marginally upgrade the position (and it may not even turn out to be an upgrade). Unless you can get a huge haul for DeSean, which isn’t likely, it doesn’t make sense from a value standpoint.
Its all about the []_[]
#FirePaulHolmgren
by philiafan14364 on Jan 12, 2012 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
We can’t just let djax walk away! Tagging him is also gonna use up more cap that we could use to shore up the defense! I love the kid he’s blazing fast… but he disappears more often than not and he’s pretty much invisible in the red zone.. Michael Floyd has big, strong, reliable hands that he will use to snag balls out of the air! For all the damn throwing we do, I don’t remember the last 100 catch, 1000 yards, 10+ td guy we’ve had on this team! Do you? Floyd will be that guy! And using the cash and cap room we would save from trading djax would be tremendous value!!!!
by green_pete_trucking on Jan 12, 2012 2:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I just don’t think you’re going to get a whole lot for Jackson via trade as he had a down year this year and will have the gigantic franchise tag on him. I know his deal will be renegotiated with his new team, but the team that gets him is still going to have to pay him a good chunk of change from a new contract, which will make people want to pay us less for him.
And yes, you save money there, but then you also end up spending FA money somewhere else to fill a hole, likely LB. Basically, I would rather have DeSean + Kuechley/Brown than I would Floyd + Tulloch.
Its all about the []_[]
#FirePaulHolmgren
by philiafan14364 on Jan 12, 2012 2:44 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with you completely on the desean deal! Damn you desean for slacking this year! As far as linebacker goes, our team needs confidence! Leadership! Consistency! I don’t know that an unproven rookie linebacker gives us that at the MIKE position! I would love the idea of kuechly in midnight green, but a veteran like Tulloch gives us that “IT” factor were missing in our defense!
by green_pete_trucking on Jan 12, 2012 3:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I don’t know that Tulloch does bring that “IT” factor though. He was downright abused by the Saints.
Its all about the []_[]
#FirePaulHolmgren
by philiafan14364 on Jan 12, 2012 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
by green_pete_trucking on Jan 12, 2012 3:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I guess I do! Never really noticed it..
by green_pete_trucking on Jan 12, 2012 3:26 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I guess thats a reason why i'm a
23 year old truck driver who owns his own small business making 20K per month! Regardless, whether I use explanation points or not.. my passion and love for the eagles is the same as everybody on this website!
by green_pete_trucking on Jan 12, 2012 3:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Thank you for posting how much money you make.
I was really curious what you did for a living and how much $$$ you bring home every month before you were polite enough to let us all know. Good stuff.
Oh thanks at first I just though you were a little awkward now I know you’re a complete tool. Keep on truckin!
by ieatcrayons on Jan 13, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
I'm no expert
but the NFL would definitely never prove a sign and trade. When was the last one you heard of?
by Wet_Skeletonz on Jan 12, 2012 7:12 PM EST up reply actions
The NFL has no say in the matter, teams trade a guy to another team all the time where they then sign him to a new contract. See the Redskins with Donovan McNabb. See the Cardinals with Kevin Kolb. See the Dolphins with Brandon Marshall. See the Dolphins with Reggie Bush. Etc. etc. etc.
The Curse of Lombardi
Iggles Nest
"Stats are for fantasy and losers. Winning is an attitude."
What is with the quotes?
Are you quoting yourself?
by The Reddgie on Jan 12, 2012 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
ok number crunchers
I have heard mikey miss kill AR for his record vs teams with winning records…well to me this is a loaded stat. Since obviously teams with winning records lose less. I want to know what grudens, cowhers, belicheats, coughlins, and tomlins. I guess ars win percentage is in the 30’s
by VRFC8 on Jan 12, 2012 2:15 PM EST via mobile reply actions
The pays haven't beaten a single team with a winning record this year
Yet everyone wants to be them. Funny.
I'm great like Gatsby.
by Clint Eastwood on Jan 12, 2012 2:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
im not at a comp could someone just look at the numbers
Missy is sayin belicheck has a winning percentage in the 60’s but I think that is bull and if true he is an annomlly sp? Haha
by VRFC8 on Jan 12, 2012 2:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
hightower seems more like a 3-4 OLB to me
he is not a fit for this team. i say kuechly is the guy and then hopefully theres some veteran linebackers in FA
claude giroux and shady mccoy. the future
by griffeagles on Jan 12, 2012 2:41 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Basically this
Its all about the []_[]
#FirePaulHolmgren
by philiafan14364 on Jan 12, 2012 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
If you meant “Mack Truck” then yes. Did anyone get the number on that jersey?
Astra Inclinant, Non Necessitant
by EagleGreeninMD on Jan 12, 2012 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
Realistically...
Option C is not even an option. Option A is the “sexier” option. I truly believe Burfict is a specimen AND will bring Suh nastiness,penalties, and playmaking ability. I am Ok with personal fouls like the other 32 NFL teams are as well; f#ck Roger Goddell for allowing conscientious, repeat offenders like Dunta and Harrison to still play. Defensive players should have a NASTY streak..period. Option B is what I call the no brainer option; and for this very fact, we won’t select him. Name one time this team has drafted who WE wanted or KNEW were the best fit. We did luck out on McCoy vs Moreno, lost on Maclin vs Nicks, definitely lost on Graham vs JPP vs Earl Thomas, and lost on Watkins vs Smith. I could go on, but you get the point. Kuechly is a COLLEGE tackling machine, and this by no means definitively translates to NFL standards. I do believe Kuechly will be above average, but his size 237 and lack of ability to stack and/or shed blockers is a big concern. Flying to the ball late like Casey Matthews doesn’t impress me. I do appreciate a “thinking” LB, but I believe overthinking will hinder his instincts which will ONLY further frustrate us (fans) when he is blown up by an aggressive, athletic, 300 lb OT/OG. I would be curious who our NEW DC likes: Kuechly or Burfict. And when the combine numbers come out….you will truly see what a beast Burfict can be next level. All these things were said about 13X Pro Bowl LB Ray Lewis. Time will tell, but we need our new DC to establish himself, our defensive scheme, and our identity. Why do new coaches/GM seem to draft QBs ie Colts: Luck, Carolina: Newton? Answer: Because new coach/GM will be forever linked to QB, and he establishes the Offense’s identity/Franchise face. Burfict will hopefully be Spags’ guy. I won’t be too upset if it is Kuechly ;). Side note: sign Desean to reasonable contract OR let him walk and draft Floyd or Jeffrey. We can’t lose cap space “franchising” a guy who will be a further distraction/head case to the tune of <60 recs, <900 yds, <5 tds, <10 yds punt avg, and >10 drops…even some in critical points in a game. I pass on that for 9.5 MILLION!!!
by Lawdhvmercy on Jan 12, 2012 4:33 PM EST via mobile reply actions
for every ray lewis there are 1,000 ernie sims/aaron curry type guys that suck. would you rather take a flyer like burfict who MAY have more upside (but wayyy more downside), or a safe pick like Kuechly, who everyone knows will be a solid NFL LB. If you are the ravens/steelers i could see why you may take VB, but dont forget we literally have the WORST LBs in the league.
NOW HIRING- NFL HEAD COACH
A couple things
lost on Maclin vs Nicks
Did we really lose?
Nicks career- 202 rec/3034 yards/24 TDs
Maclin career- 189 rec/2596 yards/19 TDs
Not really a great amount of distance there. Wouldn’t really count that as a loss. Especially considering the type of offense we play.
lost on Watkins vs Smith
You mean Tyson Smith? A guy that we were never aiming for in the first place? A player who was a projected top 10 pick while we picked 23rd overall? I wouldn’t really call that a loss since we never had a chance at him and really didn’t have all that much a need for him since Herramans is so versatile. Besides, Watkins played extremely well down the stretch.
Flying to the ball late like Casey Matthews doesn’t impress me
I’m really getting tired of these Casey comparisons because the guys play nothing alike. Casey Matthews: 229 college tackles, Luke Kuechly: 532 college tackles. For everytime on that someone calls Luke, Casey, I’m calling Burfict, Curry.
And when the combine numbers come out….you will truly see what a beast Burfict can be next level.
So Taylor Mays is the greatest safety of all time? Look at his combine numbers. He makes Ronnie Lott his bitch.
"truTV is like BET for white folks." - Chuck
"Brian Dawkins is always 100% Eagles related."--macjack09 & BGN Nation
High five!
The Curse of Lombardi
Iggles Nest
"Stats are for fantasy and losers. Winning is an attitude."
Agreed with you
but I think he meant Jimmy(?) Smith, the CB that we were projected to take instead of an OG.
by ChillBillinChina on Jan 12, 2012 7:51 PM EST up reply actions
Well considering the fact
That even though Jimmy has a lot of talent at the end of the day 1) Danny is starting, Jimmy is not, 2) We got DRC who is a proven player, over Jimmy. I mean Jimmy may turn out good, but the fact that DRC has played in the league for 4 years, I would say his resume is better than Jimmy’s at this point. 3) We got Nnamdi and DRC so getting Jimmy would have been quite a crowd and would have been a luxury pick.
"truTV is like BET for white folks." - Chuck
"Brian Dawkins is always 100% Eagles related."--macjack09 & BGN Nation
As I said
I agree with you, just pointing out that he was referencing Jimmy Smith, not Tyron. Not really that important, I guess.
by ChillBillinChina on Jan 13, 2012 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
What if Luke Kuechly were black?
2011 National Champs in Men's Basketball
FIRE DeLEONE
Eat a bagel (like a mumu)
18-1
1967: Embrace it
I'd love to see us
Draft Kuechly and sign Tulloch. Two heady guys that are always in the right spot on the field. we have a ton of talent on the d-line and at CB, so all the LBs have to do is not F it up, which is why we need smart players more than anything.
NOW HIRING- NFL HEAD COACH
Uh...
Tulloch was exposed in the Saints game. We are building our defense to stop the Saints AND Packers which why we are going after Spags. Kuechly is a great collge player AND Burfict is a physical specimen…maybe once in a decade. No one is guaranteed to be a stud, but with a full training camp, OTA’s, AND preseason….I want Burfict. We take Floyd/Jeffery @ 15; package 2nd/3rd or whatever it takes even both 2nds to Steelers to select Burfict @ 24. Veteran LB, S, maybe QB (I still like Vince, but for way less $$) in Free Agency
by Lawdhvmercy on Jan 12, 2012 5:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Kuechly I think will thrive in our system.
Let’s assume that we do keep the wide 9 technique for the d-line if we get SPAGS. Kuechly just knows how to sift out the ball. He fills gaps perfectly, he needs some work in coverage but that can be fixed.
Let’s just hope DIXON comes back 100% and we resign LANDRI. With Dixon, Landri, Jenkins and Patterson we have a pretty good DT rotation Laws is most likely gone. So I can see us drafting a run stuffing DT with one of our 2nd rd picks. Who knows we may for a 3rd straight year draft a safety in the 2nd rd.
Regarding our safeties all I can say is I hope Jarrett steps up and shows why he was a 2nd rd pick. It seemed like Allen was completely healed up from his torn patellar tendon by the end of the season. Kurt Coleman is a viable backup at safety but there is a competition for the SS position.
by Almightypudster on Jan 12, 2012 5:19 PM EST reply actions
If we don't land Kuechly...
I’ll take Michael Brockers, Jerel Worthy or Stephon Gilmore.
The Curse of Lombardi
Iggles Nest
"Stats are for fantasy and losers. Winning is an attitude."
I'm indifferent on Gilmore
I love his versatility. He can blitz, he can support in the run, he can tackle well, he can play the pass. But he can be so inconsistent it’s crazy. Like one series he will completely shut down a side of the field and come up and make a drive stopping tackle, then another series he’ll get burned in coverage or let someone beat him on a route.
His versatility is my biggest thing on him. He reminds me of a Charles Woodson type where you can do so many things with him. He’s even thrown a few passes hasn’t he?
"truTV is like BET for white folks." - Chuck
"Brian Dawkins is always 100% Eagles related."--macjack09 & BGN Nation
Yep, he attempted 3 passes and he had 7 rushing attempts on offense. He’s a heck of an athlete, and that is why I like him. He’s 6’1" and about 190 pounds with 4.4 speed and good fluidity. He is inconsistent but in terms of physical skill sets, he is second only to Claiborne in this draft. He is faster and smoother than Dre Kirkpatrick (but not as physical, aware in zone coverage or well coached). He is a perfect fit as a press man corner and he could actually project to any defensive back spot (except maybe the NB spot) for all the reasons you listed (physicality, tackling). He has a ton of upside and if he develops right, he could become the best DB from this class (but I wouldn’t bet on it because Claiborne is fantastic).
The Curse of Lombardi
Iggles Nest
"Stats are for fantasy and losers. Winning is an attitude."
if we dont go LB
id like to go wr. be it floyd or alshon jeffery. personally i like alshon, that is, if desean leaves
claude giroux and shady mccoy. the future
Eh, if DeSean leaves I’d rather just sign a guy and then draft a guy on day 2 like Joe Adams or Brian Quick.
The Curse of Lombardi
Iggles Nest
"Stats are for fantasy and losers. Winning is an attitude."
So do
you like Worthy over D. Still from PSU, or do you assume he’ll be off the board by 15?
by ChillBillinChina on Jan 12, 2012 7:53 PM EST up reply actions
I think Still goes top 10, he’s a beast and a half.
The Curse of Lombardi
Iggles Nest
"Stats are for fantasy and losers. Winning is an attitude."
Hahaha I played Devon in HS, great kid. He was an even better athlete before the injuries. I was All-State, he blocked me from one hash mark to another. What a damn monster!
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Jan 13, 2012 1:43 AM EST up reply actions
But if Still and Worthy were on the board and we were still using the wide 9, I would take Worthy. Worthy is an incredible fit for the wide 9, he has great quickness, his first step is great for a DT and he isn’t undersized, he is a powerful, strong, very thick and he has a naturally low center of gravity. If he learned to play lower and put his explosiveness to better use, he could become the best pass rushing DT from this draft class. Love me some Worthy.
The Curse of Lombardi
Iggles Nest
"Stats are for fantasy and losers. Winning is an attitude."
Gotcha
thanks for the input. As a PSU grad I have a bias toward Still, but Worthy is certainly worthy of a draft pick. HEY-O!!
by ChillBillinChina on Jan 13, 2012 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
Are our linebacking problems
Only because of bad draft picks? I know guys like McCoy and Gardner vanished when they left, but others—like Spikes, Witherspoon, and (in admittedly different systems) Gocong and Mays did well. I want to draft one of these blue chip linebackers as much as anyone, but I would ALSO like the front office to bring in the Mudd or Washburn of linebacker coaches. These missed assignments and crappy tackles might be correctable with quality instruction. Is Singletary busy?
by randallscrambling on Jan 12, 2012 11:41 PM EST reply actions
Singeltary isn’t even wanted back in Minnesota.
The Curse of Lombardi
Iggles Nest
"Stats are for fantasy and losers. Winning is an attitude."
I don’t think it is entirely a coaching issue. If you’re a 4-3 coach and you have a guy better suited for a 3-4 it isn’t necessarily a coaching issue. The guy(even if he is good) just flat out won’t fit your system.
My issue recently has been that I have no idea what our ideal LB is…. I mean seriously aside from the obvious Patrick Willis, Urlacher, Ray Lewis type guy what exactly are we looking for?
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Jan 13, 2012 1:47 AM EST up reply actions
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