Is LB Really a Need?

[BonifayRam]

First, I want to say I agree with you on all the points you made on Dunbar making sense.

But there are a few things I would like to address regarding the "youthful depth" at the LB position as you mentioned.

Sammy Brown has been converted into a DE, which was played a big part in the decision to let Rivers go when they needed to make the roster move during the season.

Phillip Steward is a "pass rush" specialist, and at 6'1 235, still undersized.

Both Armstrong and Bates are converted safeties, although Bates did make the transition out of necessity at Auburn, at 5'11 212 he is no where near big enough to be an every down or 2- down OLB. Special teams is his calling.

And Armstrong needs to demonstrate that he can play with even a little bit of discipline, before I would ever consider him as anything more than a Special Teams player. While still undersized, he does have a certain aggressiveness to him, but he is still very raw in terms of knowing how to play the position. He run around blocks, is out of position more than not, and just hasn't shown to be much more than a "look at me" knucklehead.

While I don't think a 3rd LB is a priority, I do feel they need to find someone to fill the void much the same way Will Witherspoon did this past year. Bring back Dunbar, find a late round draft pick and see what is out there again in the UDFA pool.

Yes I would say I am in strongly in favor of resigning Dunbar. They have Bates listed a little heavier than 212 was that his poundage @ Auburn where he did play the will LB'ing post.
http://www.nfl.com/player/darenbates/2541539/profile

Yep Brown has been going back & forth from OSLB'er & DE but he listed as a Lber and has a Lber number.
http://www.nfl.com/player/sammybrown/2534758/draft

Yes Ray Armstrong is making up for lost time but he does have the it factor at times. He is also not the fastest Lb'er around either.

 

[rdlkgliders]

If we don't re sign Dunbar acquiring a top linebacker isn't a luxury it is a necessity. With Dunbar I still want to see us add depth meaning someone that can take snaps and not on special teams. I don't trust anyone on the roster behind JL, Tree and Dunbar to be plugged in and play especially in the case of injury. I would love to see 1 or more of the kids step up but I don't count on any major contributions this year. I really think we grab an LB within the first 5 rounds and maybe even really high unless we sign a FA

 

[CoachO]

Yes I would say I am in strongly in favor of resigning Dunbar. They have Bates listed a little heavier than 212 was that his poundage @ Auburn where he did play the will LB'ing post.
http://www.nfl.com/player/darenbates/2541539/profile

Yep Brown has been going back & forth from OSLB'er & DE but he listed as a Lber and has a Lber number.
http://www.nfl.com/player/sammybrown/2534758/draft

Yes Ray Armstrong is making up for lost time but he does have the it factor at times. He is also not the fastest Lb'er around either.

I was going right off the Rams website, rather than the NFL.com site. Regardless, Bates is just not very big when it comes to playing OLB at this level. And as far as Brown, I was referring to comments made during the season, and going as far back as to training camp. On the rare occasion he actually was able to practice, it was at the DE position. And when he was out there, he was observing the D-Line drills, not LB.

 

[BonifayRam]

I was going right off the Rams website, rather than the NFL.com site. Regardless, Bates is just not very big when it comes to playing OLB at this level. And as far as Brown, I was referring to comments made during the season, and going as far back as to training camp. On the rare occasion he actually was able to practice, it was at the DE position. And when he was out there, he was observing the D-Line drills, not LB.

Understand my most excellent observer! CoachO man I loved your posts in training camp you have no ideal how much I looked forward to them.

 

[ReddingRam]

have to wonder ... how does JLoD feel about GW? And other Saints as well. Didn't they feel like he ratted them out?

 

[LosAngelesRams]

I don't know if LB is a real need, I like our LB's we have now. But at the same time I wouldn't mind me some Barr on our squad

 

[LosAngelesRams]

have to wonder ... how does JLoD feel about GW? And other Saints as well. Didn't they feel like he ratted them out?

never really thought about it, you got me wondering now.

 

[ReddingRam]

never really thought about it, you got me wondering now.

Just saw that N.O.'s released 4 Def. players ... then got to thinking about it when I wondered if they are potential pick ups

 

[LosAngelesRams]

Just saw that N.O.'s released 4 Def. players ... then got to thinking about it when I wondered if they are potential pick ups

Yea, I mean, it never dawned on me of what the players think of him after all that crap happened. Well I hope JLD plays like a animal, like the 1st year he was with us.

 

[Tron]

The best thing Mack brings to the table over any other LB in the entire draft is his versatility. Can literally line up at any position in a 3-4 or 4-3(except DT). That is rare. I would have no problem if we grabbed him...after a trade down of course.