It’s time for a reach

*Rambos* · #1 (**permalink**) -22-12-2006

How about trying Brandon Green, weight 264, height 6-2. You ready, move him to MLB. Have him lose about 10 pounds and work him in the middle. We would get size and a high-energy guy. Let him compete next year for the MLB spot. Why, why not?

**AvengerRam** · #2 (**permalink**) -22-12-2006

The problem with moves like that is that players who are used to playing on the DL are typically good at moving forward (i.e. rushing passer, penetrating the gap to stop the run) but don't move well in space (i.e. dropping back into coverage). So, while he may have the right size for the position, I think it would be a tough transition.

*Rambos* · #3 (**permalink**) -22-12-2006

Quote:

The problem with moves like that is that players who are used to playing on the DL are typically good at moving forward (i.e. rushing passer, penetrating the gap to stop the run) but don't move well in space (i.e. dropping back into coverage). So, while he may have the right size for the position, I think it would be a tough transition.

I agree with you but you said it best. (i.e. rushing passer, penetrating the gap to stop the run) man we could use this.

One other note Shawne Merriman

Shawne Merriman. Position: Outside Linebacker/Defensive End. College: Maryland. Height: 6-4. Weight: 253. He made the change. Or am I wrong he was more of a LB then a D line man?

**laram0** · #4 (**permalink**) -22-12-2006

This is a great thread. That's what we need some creativity...think outside the box.

Pass coverage would be my concern also.

*Rambos* · #5 (**permalink**) -22-12-2006

Quote:

Pass coverage would be my concern also.

We all have seen Will get burned in coverage, how about in 3rd down or passing situation we bring in a lighter more cover type LB, with range. Maybe a Jon Alston type.

Drop these 8 guys in the box, against the run.

DE Little

DT FA/Wroten

NT Kennedy or FA

DE first round rookie

WLB Tino

MLB Green

SLB Spoon

SS Alston

**Nick** · #6 (**permalink**) -22-12-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rambos

I agree with you but you said it best. (i.e. rushing passer, penetrating the gap to stop the run) man we could use this.

One other note Shawne Merriman

Shawne Merriman. Position: Outside Linebacker/Defensive End. College: Maryland. Height: 6-4. Weight: 253. He made the change. Or am I wrong he was more of a LB then a D line man?

Merriman is completely different. The outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme has a lot of the same responsibilities that a defensive end does, which is why you see so many smaller athletic defensive ends making the transition to 3-4 outside linebackers. Transitioning from defensive end to 4-3 middle linebacker is a whole different bag of chips.

*Rambos* · #7 (**permalink**) -22-12-2006

Quote:

Transitioning from defensive end to 4-3 middle linebacker is a whole different bag of chips.

So are you saying you could not see Green playing in the MLB period or it would be a really hard for him to pull it off?

**Nick** · #8 (**permalink**) -22-12-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rambos

So are you saying you could not see Green playing in the MLB period or it would be a really hard for him to pull it off?

Honestly I can't see him doing it. He wouldn't be able to make nearly as much use of his ability as a pass rusher, and I haven't seen anything to suggest he could handle someone in coverage.

**laram0** · #9 (**permalink**) -22-12-2006

So...........how bout' going to the 3-4 moving Leonard Little to an outside backer???

*ramsbruce* · #10 (**permalink**) -22-12-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by laram0

So...........how bout' going to the 3-4 moving Leonard Little to an outside backer???

We can't get consistent pressure from our front 4, I don't think making them 3 would be wise unless we get different personnel.

**laram0** · #11 (**permalink**) -23-12-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramsbruce

We can't get consistent pressure from our front 4, I don't think making them 3 would be wise unless we get different personnel.

At least 1 of the 4 linebackers rushes...ie Pittsburgh Steelers. The beauty is the offense has a tough time predicting which 1 or 2 are coming. Something to think about.

*Rambos* · #12 (**permalink**) -23-12-2006

Quote:

So...........how bout' going to the 3-4 moving Leonard Little to an outside backer???

I would like to see some 3-4 looks, now and then.

*blood85* · #13 (**permalink**) -23-12-2006

And while we're at it, why don't we try to use Georgia Frontiere as a tackling dummy during training camp?

**laram0** · #14 (**permalink**) -23-12-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by blood85

And while we're at it, why don't we try to use Georgia Frontiere as a tackling dummy during training camp?

I thought they were?

*MauiRam* · #15 (**permalink**) -23-12-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rambos

So are you saying you could not see Green playing in the MLB period or it would be a really hard for him to pull it off?

Brandon played 4 years exclusively as a DE in college. Moving him to the MLB position where he would captain the D would be a big transition in itself, not to mention that the tackling angles would be different as well. Who knows?? Maybe he could pull it off, but as long as we stay with the 4-3 defense, I like him as a DE. If we were to acquire the personnel during the off-season through free agency or the draft to run a 3-4 defense, then moving Green to one of the LB slots would make more sense ...

http://www.nflplayers.com/players/player.aspx?id=34674