Smizzy Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Top prospects for 3-4 teams (March 17, 2007) -- Draft boards are set up differently around the National Football League. A team that uses a 3-4 defense is going to see talent from a much different perspective than a 4-3 team, for example. It wasn't too long ago that a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers merely had to figure out which college defensive ends could become 3-4 outside linebackers in order to continue to build their famous 3-4 package. But over time, things have changed and now the Patriots, Jets, Browns, Chargers, Cowboys and 49ers are all looking for the same players. When you throw in the hybrid defenses that like to jump back and forth from 3-4 to 4-3 packages, there is a much bigger drain on all of the front-seven positions for the 3-4. Don't get me wrong -- great players can play in any scheme, but building a front-seven unit is much different. So, where is the talent the 3-4 teams are looking for at nose tackle, defensive end, inside linebacker and, of course, the all-important outside linebackers? There are really two basic 3-4 packages being played in the NFL today. For the lack of a better way of describing them, I will classify one package as the Charger 3-4 and the other as the Patriot 3-4. San Diego loves to slant its defensive ends almost every play and bring at least one outside linebacker to create a four-man front after the ball is snapped. Because the ends are usually moving on the snap, they put more of a premium on quickness than the other 3-4 teams. The Patriot 3-4 calls for some movement, but will play more of a two-gap style from the defensive ends, so bulk and height are critical. Teams that use the 4-3 are looking for edge rushers at defensive end and would most likely have a totally different draft board at DE. At nose tackle, all of the 3-4 teams want a massive man who can command double-team blocks, and speed to stunt is not that critical. The 4-3 teams are looking for a nose tackle about 30 pounds lighter who can move and create blocking problems with stunts. An inside linebacker in the 3-4 has to be able to take on a 320-pound guard straight up and has to have the bulk and power to neutralize him. A 4-3 inside linebacker is usually going to be lined up off the hip of the nose tackle or under tackle, and that makes it difficult for the guards to get a clean shot at him, which means lighter, quicker linebackers are what the 4-3 teams are in search of on draft weekend. The outside backers in a 3-4 are pass rushers who can drop in coverage and are high-priced. An outside linebacker in a 4-3 usually has to be a guy who can hold off a tight-end route and be a contain player to turn back a run play to the inside. There are a number of front-seven positions in a 4-3 defense that command a bigger pay check than a 4-3 SAM backer. In the early '90s, the few 3-4 teams could easily pick up the guys they wanted across the front seven in Rounds 4-6, but with at least seven teams looking for the same players, times have changed. Look at the Patriots, for example. Their starting three defensive linemen are all first-round selections and they paid big money to acquire OLB Adalius Thomas this year in free agency. Ask any 3-4 defensive coordinator what he wants at every position and he will say Richard Seymour (Patriots) at defensive end, Jamal Williams (Chargers) at nose tackle, James Farrior (Steelers) at inside linebacker, and Shawne Merriman (Chargers) at outside linebacker. I asked a number of coaches and scouts if they could help me stack a 3-4 draft board, so here are the names we came up with for a 3-4 front. NOSE TACKLE ALAN BRANCH, MICHIGAN (Round 1) -- He could play in any front, but at 6-foot-5, 324 pounds and 33 bench presses, he could force that double team the coaches desperately want from the nose, and he can run. TANK TYLER, N.C. STATE (Round 2) -- Not the same size as Branch (6-2, 306) but with 42 reps on the bench, he has the power to do the job. PAUL SOLARI, UTAH (Round 3) -- A 6-foot-4 344-pound space eater who should force that all-important extra blocker to move him, and that frees up an inside backer. DEFENSIVE END ADAM CARRIKER, NEBRASKA (Round 1) -- A big player (6-6, 296) who can control the line of scrimmage with his long arms and that all-important height like Seymour. JUSTIN HARRELL, TENNESSEE (Round 2) -- He has medical issues but did well at the Combine and could be a factor (6-4, 300) at any of the three defensive-line spots. RYAN McBEAN, OKLAHOMA STATE (Round 3) -- He can move for a big man (6-4, 286) and showed the quickness at the Senior Bowl to play in the Charger style of 3-4. INSIDE LINEBACKERS DAVID HARRIS, MICHIGAN (Round 2) -- Big and thick (6-2, 243) to take on a guard, and at the Combine, he ran the 40 in 4.62, but more important -- a 4.29 short shuttle, which suggests ha can change direction and get off blocks. ANTHONY WATERS, CLEMSON (Round 4) -- Medical questions but a late workout could resolve the issue. As one scout said, "Go back and look at his junior game against N.C. State. This guy (6-2, 245) is ideal for the strong inside backer spot." DESMOND BISHOP, CALIFORNIA (Round 5) -- A few years ago, this is the kind of guy (6-2, 239) a 3-4 team would pick up in Round 7 or as an undrafted free agent. One coach said, "Today, he could go a little higher with the 3-4 teams all looking." OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS ANTHONY SPENCER, PURDUE (Round 1) -- A defensive end (6-3, 261) who can run 4.7 and a 4.4 short shuttle with 27 tackles for a loss last season and 21 career sacks is a prime candidate. LAMAR WOODLEY, MICHIGAN (Round 2) -- He's short for a defensive end (6-1, 266) but 52 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pragmatic Bus Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 terry doesn't do the draft any more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai Jet Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/10066679 Nice article Smizzy, thanks for posting it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 A 3-4 team is not taking Alan Branch to play nose tackle. His first pro training camp will shed 10 lbs of college/off-season fat off his out-of-shape ass (unless he goes to KC). Then he'll be 6'6/315. What 3-4 NT has there ever been in NFL history at 6'6/315? People are complaining that DRob's too small at around 6'1/315. He looks the 3-4 NT part a hell of a lot more than Branch, who's going to get up-ended by shorter, more compact centers/guards. Branch will be a bull-rusher 4-3 DT. And with his skills/size/speed he could be a great one. But just plumping him up to 360 lbs to be some fat albert in the middle would be a waste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECURB Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 A 3-4 team is not taking Alan Branch to play nose tackle. His first pro training camp will shed 10 lbs of college/off-season fat off his out-of-shape ass (unless he goes to KC). Then he'll be 6'6/315. What 3-4 NT has there ever been in NFL history at 6'6/315? People are complaining that DRob's too small at around 6'1/315. He looks the 3-4 NT part a hell of a lot more than Branch, who's going to get up-ended by shorter, more compact centers/guards. Branch will be a bull-rusher 4-3 DT. And with his skills/size/speed he could be a great one. But just plumping him up to 360 lbs to be some fat albert in the middle would be a waste. You got it and I swear I read that "PAUL SOLARI" was down to about 325 as of the combine... at 6'4" he is also going to be to small for his frame... I think Drob will be the NT again this year... He is almost the same size as Vince Wilfork... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quietjets Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 terry doesn't do the draft any more I still believe Terry does it because Tannenbaum is clueless about prospects and players. Terry knows football but not money business and Mike T knows money business but not football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoping4ASuperBowl Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Obviously Alan Branch wont fall to us and Tank Tyler has way to many character issues that Mangini would take him. Paul Soliai sounded like a good pickup with a lot of raw talent. What about Pouha? Seems like everyone either forgot or just gave up on this guy. Could Pouha come back and give Robertson a run for his money? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECURB Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Obviously Alan Branch wont fall to us and Tank Tyler has way to many character issues that Mangini would take him. Paul Soliai sounded like a good pickup with a lot of raw talent. What about Pouha? Seems like everyone either forgot or just gave up on this guy. Could Pouha come back and give Robertson a run for his money? Lets hope so... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clemens&theJets Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 woodley would be great but i think Moses would be a better fit and a better player in the long run Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MasonJet Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Looks like Woodley would be a great pick in the 2nd round. I really hope we can get Carriker too, but that seems unlikely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetsman1 Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 I think Branch could be a pretty good 3-4 end like Seymour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alk Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 I think Drob will be the NT again this year... He is almost the same size as Vince Wilfork... If you believe that Drob is the same size as Wilfork or even withing 30 lbs. I have some nice beachfront property here in Kansas to sell you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alk Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 What about Pouha? Seems like everyone either forgot or just gave up on this guy. Could Pouha come back and give Robertson a run for his money? You should probably go ask Arod over at JI, he's the Pouha expert. He predicted he would the Jets answer at NT last season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raffyD Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 If you believe that Drob is the same size as Wilfork or even withing 30 lbs. I have some nice beachfront property here in Kansas to sell you. Us regular folk must not get as up close and personal with NFL players like you do Alk but according to nfl.com ecurb is right (I'm pretty sure 317 is almost as much as 325 but I'll have to get some help from the resident math wiz on that one): 63 Dewayne Robertson Position: DT Height: 6-1 Weight: 317 Born: 10/16/1981 College: Kentucky NFL Experience: 5 # 75 Vince Wilfork Position: NT Height: 6-2 Weight: 325 Born: 11/04/1981 College: Miami (Fla.) NFL Experience: 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 I don't think DRob weighs 317 anymore. In camp he was under 310. So was Pouha, down from 325 to 305 I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raffyD Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 I don't think DRob weighs 317 anymore. In camp he was under 310. So was Pouha, down from 325 to 305 I think. If that's the case then somebody get the butcher ball some Chunky soup! I blame Herm, he probably didn't let him eat the bbq because he wanted faster dlinemen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsnts725 Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 I don't think DRob weighs 317 anymore. In camp he was under 310. So was Pouha, down from 325 to 305 I think. holy ****! O_o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alk Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Us regular folk must not get as up close and personal with NFL players like you do Alk but according to nfl.com ecurb is right (I'm pretty sure 317 is almost as much as 325 but I'll have to get some help from the resident math wiz on that one): 63 Dewayne Robertson Position: DT Height: 6-1 Weight: 317 Born: 10/16/1981 College: Kentucky NFL Experience: 5 # 75 Vince Wilfork Position: NT Height: 6-2 Weight: 325 Born: 11/04/1981 College: Miami (Fla.) NFL Experience: 4 You don't have to get up close and personal, all you have to do is look at the guy on television. No way on god's green earth is he only 325 lbs and if he is then Robertson is 295. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsnts725 Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 what does everyone think about harrell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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