First Round Lb - Why?

[F. Mulder]

What I meant by coverage is that too often we have seen TEs eat out lunch with LBers trying to cover them and we still haven't seen a swing pass to a RB get stopped by LBer coverage. I know in some areas the Safety helps but we make too many TEs and RBs look like world-beaters IMO. My point is we got a glimpse at how a LBer who can run (Ogletree) can really help in chasing down running QBs and stretch run plays. I agree that for me CB and Safety are bigger priorities. I doubt they would look at Barr or Mack but maybe someone lower in the draft they feel they can mold.

 

[Yamahopper]

If a LB is there and he is the best playmaker then get him. Lots thought Ogletree was a luxury in the 1st. The old "We can get LB's in the 3rd thought".
So how did that Ogletree work out? Pretty good eh?
Maybe the reason that Dunbar played so little in pass D was he just flat sucked at it.
JL is flexible in his ability to defend the pass. He would have been to multiple Pro Bowls if he played his natural position of a traditional WLB. He gives the team a chance to do different things in Pass D while still having 3 LB's on the field. And Ogletree isn't far behind him.
The traditional box we used to think in has changed it's shape, adapt or Lawrence Marmie it.

 

[V3]

That is what I'm tying to figure out. Would Mosley be as good as a CB? Though if he was close, clearly the advantage would be that he'd represent an exponentially better run defender against teams that try and cross up defenses by running against nickel.

Not trying to sound like a broken record, but hoping if it is asked enough, it might get answered at some point (possibly by somebody else in the thread seeing it and being prompted to respond). Does any 4-3 team currently do this, and historically speaking, has it happened before? We probably don't need to go back too far, as that could get into different eras (if you go back far enough in baseball, starting pictures put up ridiculous innings pitched numbers which will never be approached, as they preceded the relief pitcher specialist era).

If we have the same group of CBs and S's, then yes, a LB taken at the top probably should/would be better. Depending on who they take, they could be the eventual replacement for JL. I personally think JL would be better suited as an OLB at this point. He just isn't that good at shedding blocks and absolutely stuffing the ball carrier. He usually gets dragged a yard or two before he gets them down.

But I agree, a LB would not have a big impact on the team, IMO. At least not initially.

 

[V3]

If a LB is there and he is the best playmaker then get him. Lots thought Ogletree was a luxury in the 1st. The old "We can get LB's in the 3rd thought".
So how did that Ogletree work out? Pretty good eh?
Maybe the reason that Dunbar played so little in pass D was he just flat sucked at it.
JL is flexible in his ability to defend the pass. He would have been to multiple Pro Bowls if he played his natural position of a traditional WLB. He gives the team a chance to do different things in Pass D while still having 3 LB's on the field. And Ogletree isn't far behind him.
The traditional box we used to think in has changed it's shape, adapt or Lawrence Marmie it.

Who said LB was a luxury pick last year? We didn't have an OLB on the team, let alone one that could take on the big, athletic TE's and QB's that are showing up in the NFL. 4-3 teams need at least two LB's. We had JL. That was it. Anyone that said Ogletree was a luxury pick didn't know what they were talking about.

 

[BonifayRam]

IMO I have seen very good starting LB'ers fall just like RB's as of late where CB's & OL'ers go faster & higher than expected. Last yr getting Ogletree with the #30 pick was an outstanding pick! Great value for the draft selection absolutely no reach in that selection. Instant starter making plays day one.... a WR Tavon Austin selected 22 selections in front of Ogletree plus TA came with a cost of our a second round pick TA was not instant.... late getting started ......was not a starter, then got hurt the last 3 or 4 games but most fans were still out of their minds happy with TA rookies season. On the other hand Ogletree was a much better pick in value than Austin....of course that's IMO. LB'er Bobby Wagner fail like a lead balloon & lasted until #47 in the 2nd round (2012)what an instant impact to that Seattle defense. Pead was selected @ #50.

If Snead see's another situation where he can get that same scenario as he got with starters LB'er Ogletree or RB Stacy he will do it again & I will be very proud.

 

[ReddingRam]

Who says any of them sits? If he's good enough at pass coverage he stays in and provides additional help defending against running QBs like Kapernoodle and Wilson.

I do agree that it's not a dire need and I would doubt very much that's on their radar.

I hope.

I agree. If one is good enough in coverage, then maybe we don't have to play so much Nickel. Two I like are Borland and Skov.

 

[Alan]

It's definitely a need. I hope one of those two you like can be had in the 3rd or 4th.