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By Mike Sando | ESPN.com
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/ ... t-division
The NFL trend toward a state of (pass) happiness has not swept over the NFC West.
Go ahead and blame the quarterbacks, but realize, too, that the St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers have sought run-oriented identities through their current head coaches.
The Rams' decision to draft defensive tackle Michael Brockers in the first round, understandable based on need alone, makes even more sense in a divisional context. The NFC West schedule delivers the Rams six games against Marshawn Lynch, Frank Gore and Beanie Wells -- three physical backs coming off 1,000-yard seasons. The 49ers also added 260-pound Brandon Jacobs to their backfield.
The Rams ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed last season. They allowed 5.7 yards per carry on runs up the middle, including 3.2 before contact. Those figures were worst in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Brockers is 6-foot-5 and 322 pounds. Scouts Inc.* rated him as exceptional or above average in every area except pass-rush ability, where his grade was average. Brockers' grades were exceptional for run defense and durability.
"He's what you want in a defensive tackle, especially in our division with the downhill runs and things like that," Rams general manager Les Snead told reporters Thursday night. "One person I know that’s smiling right now is (middle linebacker) James Laurinaitis."
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* Scout Inc Rating
Defensive Tackle Specific Traits
Versus the Run 1 (excellent)
"Shows adequate to good initial quickness and power. Will come off the ball a bit high at times but shows ability to play with leverage and continues to improve in this area. Displays above-average awareness locating the ball. Powerful upper body. Flashes ability to ragdoll some OL. Does a nice job with swim and rip moves but can be a little loose with technique at times. Generally does a very good job of disengaging quickly once ball is located. But occasionally will let his pads rise while looking for the ball, and will allow OL to establish leverage advantage. Lower body strength is adequate but can improve. Works hard to fight through double-team. Does a nice job of defending lower body on cut blocks. Gives a good effort in pursuit. A powerful hitter. Will sell out to make the play."
Pass Rush Skills 3 (average)
Good initial quickness but not elite first step to consistently penetrate. Shows power to collapse the pocket at times as a bull rusher. Does not appear to have a game-plan as a pass-rusher at times and wastes a lot of steps and energy. Effort is not in question; he will chase if he gets a clear line to the quarterback and he keeps fighting even when he's not making headway. Also shows good awareness. Will get his long arms up and disrupt passing windows. Has tools to improve but results in this area have been underwhelming.
Quickness (hands/feet) 2 (above average)
"Very good first-step quickness for size. Consistently gains initial penetration and is very disruptive. Can improve his hand usage but has the quick, violent hands to do so. "
Toughness/Motor 2 (above average)
"Had luxury of playing on deep defensive line at LSU and got plenty of rest. However, his effort is very good. He works hard to find the ball and pursue. He's not afraid to sacrifice his body to get into the mix. Fights hard to split the double-team. "
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/ ... t-division
The NFL trend toward a state of (pass) happiness has not swept over the NFC West.
Go ahead and blame the quarterbacks, but realize, too, that the St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers have sought run-oriented identities through their current head coaches.
The Rams' decision to draft defensive tackle Michael Brockers in the first round, understandable based on need alone, makes even more sense in a divisional context. The NFC West schedule delivers the Rams six games against Marshawn Lynch, Frank Gore and Beanie Wells -- three physical backs coming off 1,000-yard seasons. The 49ers also added 260-pound Brandon Jacobs to their backfield.
The Rams ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed last season. They allowed 5.7 yards per carry on runs up the middle, including 3.2 before contact. Those figures were worst in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Brockers is 6-foot-5 and 322 pounds. Scouts Inc.* rated him as exceptional or above average in every area except pass-rush ability, where his grade was average. Brockers' grades were exceptional for run defense and durability.
"He's what you want in a defensive tackle, especially in our division with the downhill runs and things like that," Rams general manager Les Snead told reporters Thursday night. "One person I know that’s smiling right now is (middle linebacker) James Laurinaitis."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Scout Inc Rating
Defensive Tackle Specific Traits
Versus the Run 1 (excellent)
"Shows adequate to good initial quickness and power. Will come off the ball a bit high at times but shows ability to play with leverage and continues to improve in this area. Displays above-average awareness locating the ball. Powerful upper body. Flashes ability to ragdoll some OL. Does a nice job with swim and rip moves but can be a little loose with technique at times. Generally does a very good job of disengaging quickly once ball is located. But occasionally will let his pads rise while looking for the ball, and will allow OL to establish leverage advantage. Lower body strength is adequate but can improve. Works hard to fight through double-team. Does a nice job of defending lower body on cut blocks. Gives a good effort in pursuit. A powerful hitter. Will sell out to make the play."
Pass Rush Skills 3 (average)
Good initial quickness but not elite first step to consistently penetrate. Shows power to collapse the pocket at times as a bull rusher. Does not appear to have a game-plan as a pass-rusher at times and wastes a lot of steps and energy. Effort is not in question; he will chase if he gets a clear line to the quarterback and he keeps fighting even when he's not making headway. Also shows good awareness. Will get his long arms up and disrupt passing windows. Has tools to improve but results in this area have been underwhelming.
Quickness (hands/feet) 2 (above average)
"Very good first-step quickness for size. Consistently gains initial penetration and is very disruptive. Can improve his hand usage but has the quick, violent hands to do so. "
Toughness/Motor 2 (above average)
"Had luxury of playing on deep defensive line at LSU and got plenty of rest. However, his effort is very good. He works hard to find the ball and pursue. He's not afraid to sacrifice his body to get into the mix. Fights hard to split the double-team. "