Stuck at 3: The case for Raji

by Holmeslice on Mar 4, 2009 5:31 PM CST

((This is a basically a plagerized summary of this well written article))

Curry, Crabtree, or a tackle to protect the Cassel?

With our switch to a 3-4 (and the writing is on the wall) I don't think it will be any of them after I read the above article.

While I wouldn't mind a solid left tackle and moving Albert to RT or vice versa, we can look to the Pats to see they tend to find O-line talent in later drafts, with the exception of Logan Mankins at 32 overall. They found Dan Koppen in round 5, Nick Kaczur in round 3, and Matt Light in the late second.

But for defensive line, we've seen some solid picks in Richard Seymour and Ty Warren in the 1st. Last year was the LB Mayo in the top ten, which of course doesn't rule out Curry. (*Side note* Richard Seymour is an awesome 3-4 DE and I've heard many say why waste Dorsey as a 3-4 DE, that a top pick should do more. If Dorsey could convert it and be comfortable and make pro-bowls, then who cares where he was picked?)

An SI write-up of Mayo last year said: "Tough, run-defending linebacker. Best making plays downhill, Mayo is a good fit at middle linebacker or on the inside of the 34 alignment and has starting potential in the NFL."

An ILB in a 3-4 defense can be used in a more one-dimensional fashion, in this case an attacker who seeks the run, while the other ILB is more focused on coverage and range. And, as we know an OLB goes after QB and line of scrimmage. One of the pros of a 34 defense is that it gets your most athletic guys on the field in Linebackers and that they are generally easier to find than a solid D-line guy or DE in a 43.Curry is supposed to be very good against the run and in coverage, but not as much as a pass rusher meaning he would be a good ILB in a 34 but would be letting half of his game go to waste, so to speak, meaning he would be better in a 43 defense where his responsibilities go both ways.

So let me cut to the chase, a top nose-tackle would be a huge addition to a 3-4 when we don't have someone who is clearcut to play that position right now. Solid nosetackles are rare and the most important ingredient in running a 3-4 defense, which we are clearly moving towards. Look at how Haloti Ngata has been able to help for Bart Scott, Ray Lewis, and Terrell Suggs.

Don't forget Primetime's article about how we need a 3-4 guy. If we someone get Shaun Rodgers, I will shut my trap.

RAJI from NFL Draft Countdown: Strengths:
Outstanding mass and bulk...Excellent strength...Stout at the point of attack...Can fill two gaps...Able to occupy multiple blockers...Tough, powerful and nasty...A beast against the run...Can really collapse the pocket...Able to penetrate and make plays in the backfield...Above average athleticism...Quick and agile...Pursues well and has a burst to close...Good instincts and awareness...Will offer schematic versatility.

Weaknesses:
Conditioning and stamina have been problems...Is shorter than you'd prefer...Maturity and commitment have been questioned...Doesn't always play with proper leverage...Inconsistent and his motor tends to run hot and cold...Is not an elite pass rusher...Struggled to keep up with his studies and intelligence may be an issue..Durability concerns?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.

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Comments

They could be the second coming of Jesus Christ

and I still wouldn’t draft a DT. We’ve invested heavily enough in our defensive line that its time to focus on some other area’s. I’m tired of just throwing picks at it hoping it will get fixed

by KansasCityShuffle on Mar 4, 2009 5:37 PM CST reply actions

+1

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. With better Defensive Line coaching these guys would do much better and we wouldn’t need to switch to a 3-4. Think about it we have 2 1st round picks (Dorsey and Tamba), a 2nd rounder (Turk), and a 3rd rounder (Tank). These guys have talent and could be utilized better in a 4-3 and switching to a 3-4 and picking a guy who has MOTIVATIONAL ISSSUES with the 3rd PICK. I say no dice. I’d rather pick up Curry who is a motivated and seemingly smart individual.

by scharny on Mar 5, 2009 11:50 AM CST up reply actions

Yeeahh..

but that was the old group. I don’t think the new administration is all that concerned with that. It’s funny, that was the first post I was expecting.

home, of the....CHIEEEEEFS!

by Holmeslice on Mar 4, 2009 5:38 PM CST reply actions

Probably not Raji

I’m thinking its Curry at #3, if he’s not there it’ll probably be the best offensive player on the board – Crabtree @ #3. If neither one is there (highly unlikely), KC will probably trade away the pick to move down and get additional picks. OL came in bunches in last year’s draft. There isn’t sure thing in the OL this year. KC may draft one or two, possibly in later rounds, or they trade down to the lower teens…no less than 21st and snag one of the top two CENTERS, Unger or Mack?

by 58 was my friend on Mar 4, 2009 6:07 PM CST reply actions

It doesn't look like Mack/Unger will go in round 1.

Alas, we traded 2nd rd. FOR TWO players. HAHA
Pioli might be able to negotiate a trade.
I love Curry as an OLB in 4-3 but I agree if the hardon for 3-4 continues A NT would be what we need.

by Steve_Chiefs on Mar 4, 2009 6:55 PM CST up reply actions

We've all seen the frustrations of the Defense..........

Apparently Herm had his ideas, Gun had his and the players were not always in the right formations or situations…….I can remember Herm’s excuses……..

I believe, just with some better scheems and organization, the D will be much better. I don’t believe that it’s going to require a complete revamping of personal. One thing that I heard Haley say that I really liked was something like he was going to build a lot of the team around what the talent is. I always felt that under Herm, there were many times that square pegs were expected to fill round holes, and that was the problem.

by jcox31mc on Mar 4, 2009 6:42 PM CST reply actions

Has Romeo ever run a 4-3?

by Steve_Chiefs on Mar 4, 2009 6:56 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think so

But if I remember correctly, Pendergast in AZ ran a hybrid 4-3 / 3-4 scheme which may be what we are heading for this year as a transition and to get players suited into their roles. If they can pull that off and get/work with the players they need, I’m all for that.

home, of the....CHIEEEEEFS!

by Holmeslice on Mar 4, 2009 7:08 PM CST up reply actions

If Pendergast is DC?

And no Romeo.
But I would rather run a 4-3 this year and through in some 3-4 for test purposes.
Of course in a 24-0 blowout of the Pittsburgh Steelers

by Steve_Chiefs on Mar 4, 2009 7:27 PM CST reply actions

+1

I think if we run a 4-3 for awhile and take our time and get the right personnel for a 3-4 it would work out better than just going to a 3-4 cuz its what the cool kids do. With better coaching the d-line will play better.

by scharny on Mar 4, 2009 11:35 PM CST up reply actions

Some scouts opinion?

Curry is supposed to be very good against the run and in coverage, but not as much as a pass rusher meaning he would be a good ILB in a 34 but would be letting half of his game go to waste, so to speak, meaning he would be better in a 43 defense where his responsibilities go both ways.

Who is to say that Curry can’t rush the passer? This is some scout’s opinion. Certain scouts also claimed that Aaron Maybin is a pass rushing specialist and that he has the quickest first step. Well, Aaron Maybin ran a 4.8-4.9 40 yard dash at the combine. Yeah some people may say, but its a 40 yard dash and those times are irrelevant b/c it should be what time he got in the first 10 yards to measure his explosiveness in gauging how good of a pass rusher he could potentially be (my point is gauging speed alone and not technique)

If anybody watched the combine… when running a 40 yard dash, the start and first 10 yards are the most important. This is why the coach that oversees the drill always stops players when they have a bad start. From what I gathered, the start is the most important and with each 10 yards of the run the player picks up speed.

So I’m curious to see what Curry ran in his first 10 yards in comparison to all the other pass rushing specialist (3-4 OLB) because Curry ran a 4.56 40 yard dash versus a 4.8 ran by Maybin.

If Curry’s 40 yard dash was that much more impressive, he has to be more explosive. Wouldn’t this translate into being possibly a good pass rusher. I know there are other variables that can be taken into account in being a good pass rusher like technique, strength for bull rush, or even good schemes. But on athleticism alone, I would have to say that Aaron Curry could be a good if not great pass rusher, and if he needs to learn technique (swim move, use of leverage), that is something that could be coached as his strength will only increase with age (to certain extent) to help his bull rush.

So all I’m saying is that the blockquote is just some scouts opinions and they could be wrong. I just don’t see why Aaron Curry is considered not able to be a good pass rusher?

by JZChiefsfan on Mar 4, 2009 9:59 PM CST reply actions

You say

scouts opinions don’t matter yet base an argument entirely on 40 yd dash? C’mon. And it’s well documented that Curry’s strengths are NOT in rushing the passer but in coverage and in stopping the run.

I never once hinted that he couldn’t become a pass rusher, but that is certainly not where he projects. Don’t blame me, blame the “scouts”

home, of the....CHIEEEEEFS!

by Holmeslice on Mar 4, 2009 10:19 PM CST up reply actions

Holmeslice

Dude I’m not blaming you at all and using the 40 yd dash is not the entire argument but just one point in the argument of Curry being able to play 3-4 OLB.

I just read an article from a link on the home page (Cassel trade shakes up Chiefs draft board, Curry won’t be the pick – not exact wording) and the article was talking about how Aaron Curry would be a reach at #3 b/c he projects more as a 3-4ILB. The article goes on to talk about how Curry’s versatility would be a waste and reach at #3 b/c he can’t rush the passer. They also use Maybin and E. Brown for examples for possibilities of a trade down and say that they would make good 3-4OLB b/c they rushed the passer in college.

I think that article (other than the importance of NT and Raji) is bullshit. Just b/c Curry ran a 4-3 OLB in college and wasn’t called upon to strictly rush the passer doesn’t mean that he cannot transition to becoming a 3-4 OLB in the NFL. Curry’s versatility and athleticism would never go to a waste for the Chiefs and he’s definitely not a reach at #3. His versatility and athleticism will prove that he can play ALL the LB positions in both the 3-4 and 4-3, this includes rush LB in the 3-4. If anything his versatility will create more value for him b/c when we run a hybrid he will also be a great 4-3 MLB or OLB.

I just don’t see how someone SO athletic, full of drive, and versatility is projected to not be able to play rush LB in a 3-4? Curry weighs 254lbs only a few lbs lighter than Everette Brown. Everette Brown didn’t even run good at the combine. Aaron Maybin tried to put on a few lbs and ran a 4.8 40 yr dash. Why can’t Curry play 3-4 OLB? He’s 254lbs, runs a 4.56 40yd dash, 37 in vert, 10’4 broad jump and all his other numbers were pretty much the best for LB’s and he proved to be more athletic than both E. Brown/Maybin.

by JZChiefsfan on Mar 5, 2009 12:45 PM CST up reply actions

Curry is the best 34 ILB in the draft. Bar None.

Rey Maualuga is the next best.
The draft is deep at OLB, but after the first 2 guys at ILB is a medium fall to the next guy James Lautinaitis and then a huge drop off after that.

The Powers Of Astute Observation Are Often Mistaken As Cynacism By Those That Do Not Posses Them -- G.B. Shaw

by Texas Chief on Mar 5, 2009 12:22 AM CST up reply actions

curry ran the fastest 40 among linebackers

by Hendrix on Mar 5, 2009 4:11 AM CST up reply actions

I like Raji

but only if Aaron Curry is gone and we are unable to trade down. I like to think of the possibility of trading down and getting more players (Swap 1st, + 2nd & 3rd). If a trade like this could be made, we would be able to fill even more holes, like take a top LB other than Curry (Maualuga, Cushing, Mathews, Barwin, Johnson) or DE (Tyson Jackson, Jarron Gilbert). If we switch to the 3-4 and are able to trade down, those 3-4DE could become the best possibility considering we have no one on our roster other than maybe Dorsey to man those positions. If we did take a 3-4DE, we would be able to take LB’s later as this draft is fairly deep with them.

If Curry was gone, I like the thought of taking Raji to man the middle as we can fill the OC/OT with our 3rd or 4th round picks. Plus a scenario like this looks like something that Pioli/Patriots would do (taking DL in rd 1, and OL later in draft).

by JZChiefsfan on Mar 4, 2009 10:18 PM CST reply actions

+1

IF Curry is gone. Raji or trade down. Slow the pregression to 3-4 while coaches determine player suitability and player availability. With 6 picks in draft #1 to “D” and mid rounds to “O” line.

by Steve_Chiefs on Mar 5, 2009 6:18 PM CST up reply actions