Alan Branch can he play NT in the 3-4?

Cowboys73

This guy has great size he is kinda tall for a nt, Just curious where everyone thinks he gets drafted if he declares.

http://www.mgoblue.com/bio.cfm?bio_id=2982&section_id=258&top=2&level=3&season=983
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LionsFan01 · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 3014

He certainly has the size for it but I think he's better suited at a DT in a 4-3 scheme because that utilizes his abilities better. He's more than just a run stuffer and a plug in the middle because he has phenomenal agility and acceleration for a man his size which allows him to get alot of pressure on the QB from his position. He could also be a very good DE in a 3-4 scheme ala Richard Seymour.

sbrown · Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 8974

plan9misfit · Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 5:02 am Post subject:

He's tpp big to be a 3-4 DE. They tend to be in the 295-305 range, not 330+. He would be a very good 3-4 NT because of his abilities to take on double teams and due to his runs stuffing ability.
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Cowboys73 · Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 10:10 am Post subject:

This is starting to sound like last years Ngata threads about him being an end or a NT in the 3-4. I definetly dont seem as a DE in the 3-4 he may be a good athelete for his size but Seymore is more like 6'6 310 and similiar to chris canty in that they are tall and have enormous wing spans.
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draftguru151 · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 135

He is too tall and doesn't play with enough leverage to play NT in a 3-4. NTs are around 6-1/6-2. I think he can be a very good 3-4 DE and that is where I think he is best suited.
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Olympia Martin · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 6158 Location: N.Y.

The biggest problem with slotting draft prospects into NFL positions is the height - weight distinction. Just because a player is 6'6 and 330lbs doesnt mean he is a great fit as a 3-4 NT. I like the question implied in the initial post as to where he fits into the NFL, but people shouldnt just assume he is a great fit in a 3-4 because of height and weight. There is a lot more to it than that.

Cowboys73 · Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 8:03 pm Post subject:

titan52490 · Joined: 24 Jan 2006 Posts: 13415 Location: STL

Cowboys73 · Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 8:21 pm Post subject:

diezjabronie · Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 10:44 pm Post subject:

Alan Branch is 6-6 330.

He has the ability to play NT in the NFL.

He is a first-round pick when he comes out.
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LionsFan01 · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 3014

When I think of a NT, I think of a big, run stuffer who's expected to plug the middle of the line and not much more. I think if Branch was used as a NT, he could be very effective. But I think he could be an even better 4-3 DT because of his ability to get into the backfield. I would compare him favorably to Shaun Rogers. Huge guy with unbelievable quickness and agility on the inside which allows him to get to the QB more than most DT's. I think former Wolverine Gabe Watson is a NT but not Branch. Watson couldn't get to the QB like Branch can.

sbrown · Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 8974

djvenditti274 · Joined: 15 Mar 2006 Posts: 3940

I'd be all for him going to the Browns, hopefully Big Teddy will still be around to teach him a thing or two if we got him...

and yeah if he can stuff the run and be an effective pass rusher, so what...I doubt any coaches that run a 3-4 will say no because he can pass rush well and get in the backfield

draftguru151 · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 135

This is why I don't post here often. I like to post places where people realize some guys are the exception not the example. Yes Ted Washington did it, but he is also one of the biggest human beings in the world. Williams is 6-3 350, not 6-6 330 (I've heard Branch is closer to 315).
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