3-4 OLB Propsects

nfldraftguru1 · Joined: 07 Feb 2009 Posts: 8126 Location: eau claire, wi

I know our OLB have to be extremely versatile in Capers scheme, they have to play well in space, be good pass rusher, and athletic enough to play in coverage. I've heard plenty of 3-4 OLBs but I'm not exactly sure who the best fits would be. Just from what I've heard around, Akeem Ayers seems to be the best fit due to his amazing versatility. Who would you say the best 3-4 OLB is, and why?
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JustisM · Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 7:45 pm Post subject:

This is my short list of 3-4 OLBs that I think could fit in our scheme:

Dontay Moch-Nevada
Akeem Ayers-UCLA
Chris Carter-Fresno State
Von Miller-Texas A&M
Steven Friday-Virginia Tech
Robert Quinn-North Carolina
Aldon Smith-Missouri
Mark Herzlich-Boston College
Vinny Curry-Marshall
Martez Wilson-Illinois

I think Moch, Carter or Ayers would be the best fits though.
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I Am Rodgers · Joined: 19 Jan 2009 Posts: 6454 Location: New Jersey

I need to watch more games of him, but I like Sam Acho, but I'm not sure how fluid he'd be. Another name I like is Justin Houston. Already plays in a 3-4.
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JustisM · Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 8:10 pm Post subject:

I know most of you guys don't know Chris Carter so I did a short write up for you all.

Chris Carter
6'2” 240 #43 Fresno State

Positives:

Never misses a tackle

Very strong

Has passrushing instincts

He can get in low angles when pass rushing just like some of the greats
Negatives:

Still unknown if he can cover

Only has okay speed (4.6-4.85)

Size, he is only 6'2"

This years stats game by game and all his season stats.

Junior Season Highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMVtxfRt8ok
Includes some footage of him against some of your guys' Wisky Badgers Wink

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ShimSham · Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Posts: 11095 Location: Hattiesburg, MS

Taking a pass rusher in the first round scares me because of the bust rate of the past several years on pass rushers.

Looking back at 34OLBs and 43DEs selected in the first round...
2005 - Ware, Merriman, Erasmus James,
2006 - Mario W, K. Wimbley, Manny Lawson, Hali, Kiwanuka
2007 - Gaines Adams, Jamaal Anderson, Jarvis Moss,
2008 - Chris Long, Vernon Gholston, Derrick Harvey, Lawrence Jackson
2009 - Aaron Maybin, Brian Orakpo, Larry English, Robert Ayers, Clay Matthews

Merriman obviously had a great start to his career but we all have seen how it's gone since then. I think he deserves some recognition for his amazing start though.

I bolded the guys who I think have pretty much lived up to their billing, though obviously with the 2009 guys you want to give them a little more time. I also think Chris Long probably deserves consideration since he's started to come on. Wimbley got off to a hot start but faded. Manny Lawson isn't terrible but he's not that great either, solid start.

The hits are pretty big hits, the misses are usually equally as big misses.
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rdub1051 · Joined: 05 Feb 2010 Posts: 148 Location: Sacramento, Ca

MantyWrestler · Joined: 03 Feb 2009 Posts: 355 Location: Manitowoc, WI

1) Robert Quinn-North Carolina Huge 6'5" 270, great pash rusher... can he cover? #1 if he can

2) Von Miller-Texas A& very good athlete, like CM#

3) Akeem Ayers-UCLA very good athlete, like CM#

4) not sure yet but I like Moch's speed and Smith's athletic ability

Dontay Moch-Nevada crazy fast but small... not sure about him
Chris Carter-Fresno State
Steven Friday-Virginia Tech
Aldon Smith-MissouriMark Herzlich-Boston College
Vinny Curry-Marshall
Martez Wilson-Illinois

I think Moch, Carter or Ayers would be the best fits though.[/quote]

incognito_man · Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 26528 Location: Madison

I've watched Moch a couple times. Thought he looked like trash, really not interested.

Houston early or Carter late are 2 guys that I like right now.

Such a hard position to judge.

Waldo · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 22679 Location: The ATL

How do two of you have long lists of guys yet leave Justin Houston off? He's arguably the most dominant pass rusher in the SEC, and he already plays 3-4 OLB.
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palmy50 · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 12601

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, Justin Houston right now for THIS team. There are a few guys that might be a hair more complete and look better in shorts come workouts, but Houston looks to be an ideal combo man for young Clay. Also plays the game with a HUGE chip on his shoulder at all times. Houston might not be as tech strong, but very much the same style of play as Graham had last class. Add in the film he now has on his feet, and you have a plus prospect all the way there IMO. Has a very low risk feel to him, though I have been told interviews will be big for the kid.

Either way, I frickin love that general mold. I also love the fact that he has great numbers over solid tackle play with his hand in the dirt. Also love those kids that ball from day one in a major program. Just damn easy to fall in love with him! Only real issue is off the field and in coverage, and just about all in that mold have some coverage flaws.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!!
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palmy50 · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 12601

Damn Waldo, ya beat me to it.....LOL
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Kal-El · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2010 2:16 am Post subject:

palmy50 · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 12601

Not so sure I buy that either. You need to take that thing case by case IMO. First let me just say Long and English are both fine football players. James looked to be as well but had the injury, and RIP Adams. I'm sure that staff feels Merriman was worth the pick as well.

Then you have a few workout guys that jumped the board late (doubt TT would do so) with Lawson, Gholston, Maybin, Ayers, Moss, and Jackson. I do view Anderson and Harvey as bust picks. Do your homework though, and I'm more than OK with the rusher idea. Most bring teams value as well. Just because you don't see the sacks on paper should not spell bust.

Just saying, if you look at them case by case then look at TT's work over the years. I feel odds are high we will find a player at the end of the day. Might not be Clay, but a guy that brings value to the table.

That's also a gig that's hard to find the "great" later on. You might find a RB in the later rounds, but more times than not if you need a rusher you better get him quick.
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EMHS · Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 185 Location: Asheboro, NC

EMHS · Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 185 Location: Asheboro, NC

Just watched the Chris Carter video...

He is very small in the seat...I would question his leg strength. He does look like he could add some to his frame. He looks in the build of Maybin and or B Jones.. No doubt he has speed, but that is all you see in his video, if he isn't getting the arc...he isn't getting the QB. That is a positive in some way, it is very hard to teach that speed (note, almost impossible), but if you can get one or two counters to that (rip/spin to the inside) then he'll be a force. I like him playing with the cast, it shows a bit of heart and toughness.

All in all...I'd be concerned that a majority of his reel came from a game vs Hawaii. They throw 110% of the time...very east to pass rush against that. I'd also like to see how he holds up vs the run at the point. At 240 I would be a bit concerned.