3/4 OLB prospects (pre workouts)
by kcchiefstd on Jan 13, 2010 3:08 PM CST
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Alright with this one I went through all the DE/OLB prospects and found the players I feel would be a good fit for the 3/4 OLB position, This is my prospect list. My rankings and where they are predicted to go in the draft. * means intersted ** means I would really like to see them in a Chief uniform.
1. * Brandon Graham, 6'1'' 263, Mich (4.74) OLB/DE - Second Team All American, Explosive athlete who would not be to much of a reach at #5 in the draft. (1st rd)
2. Derrick Morgan, 6'4'' 272, GT (JR) DE/OLB - 2009 ACC defensive player of the year, and First Team All American. Had 12.5 sacks in 2009. (1st rd)
3. Correy Wooton, 6'7'' 270, NW (4.8) DE/OLB - 2008 First Team All Big 10, A big and Athletic player #1 on alot of boards for the 4/3 DE and 3/4 OLB position. (1st rd)
4.Sergio Kindle, 6'4'' 255, Texas (4.6) OLB - Fast off the snap with good straight line speed and agility in coverage. 2008 All American and First Team Big 12. (1st - 2nd)
5. Greg Hardy, 6'4'' 265, Ole Miss (4.58) DE/OLB - Big, Strong, Fast, Agile player who uses his hands well to shed blocks. 2007 and 2008 All SEC selection. (1st - 2nd)
6. Jerry Hughes, 6'2'' 257, TCU (4.7) OLB - All American for the Second time in 2009. Also the 2009 Lott and Ted Hendrick Award Winner. 15 sacks in 2008 and 11 1/2 sacks in 2009. A real force off the edge. (1st - 2nd)
7. Everson Griffen, 6'3'' 265, USC (JR) DE/OLB - A solid prospect who posted 8 sacks in 2009. (1st - 3rd rd)
8.* Sean Weatherspoon, 6'2'' 245, MU (4.59) OLB/ ILB - Second Team All American, Known as a tackling machine, who is always around the ball. Will be a playmaker at the next level. (1st - 2nd rd)
9. * Willie Young, 6'4'' 250, NC State (4.8) DE/OLB - ACC Second Team (media), 54 tackles, 14 TFL and 8 sacks in 2009. (2nd rd)
10. Austin Lane, 6'6'' 258, Murray St (4.7) DE/OLB - FCS First Team All American, Schools All Time sack and TFL leader. (2nd rd)
11. ** Brandon Lang, 6'4'' 256, Troy (4.67) DE/OLB - Excellent pass rusher cmpared to other Troy grads Umunyiora and Ware. (2nd - 3rd rd)
12. * Eric Norwood, 6'0'' 252, SC (4.67) OLB - Three Time All SEC selection, 7 sacks in 2009. An all around good OLB. (2nd - 3rd rd)
13. George Selvie, 6'4'' 245, South Florida (4.78) DE/OLB - 2007 First Team Big East and numerous All American accolades, but has not been as good sense. (2nd - 3rd rd)
14. O'Brian Schofield, 6'2'' 248, Wisc (4.63) OLB/ ILB - Fast Player who had 10 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in 2009. (3rd rd)
15. AJ Edds, 6'4'' 244, Iowa (4.68) OLB/ ILB - Big TEN Second Team (coaches) Good against play action and misdirection plays. Is also good in pass coverage. Willing to take on blockers and is a good tackler. good option for us as ILB. but thats for another post. (2nd - 4th rd)
16. ** Dexter Davis, 6'2'' 252, Ariz St (4.75) OLB - PAC Ten First Team, Started all 50 games of his carear. I would really like to see this player in a Chiefs uniform. (4th - 5th rd)
17. * Alex Carrington, 6'5'' 280, Ark St (4.78) DE/OLB - SACKMASTER, 2008 Sun belt player of the year. 2009 First team all Sun Belt.
18. Cameron Sheffield, 6'2'' 249, Troy (4.78) OLB - 62 tackles and 7 sacks in 2009. 2008 First Team All Sun Belt. (4th - 5th rd)
19. Von Miller, 6'3'' 240 Tex A&M (JR) OLB/ ILB - 17 sacks in 2009, 21.5 TFL. A very good prospect. ranks alot higher as ILB (3rd - 5th rd)
20. ** Perry Riley, 6'1'' 245, LSU (4.65) OLB - A Finalist for the Butkus award in 2008. Healthy player who has been a consistant performer. Should be a really good player in the NFL. (5th rd)
21. Koa Misi, 6'2'' 263, Utah (4.74) OLB - Solid LB had a back injury at the beginning of 2009. (4th - 6th rd)
22. Jamie Kirlew, 6'2'' 259, Indiana (4.8) DE/OLB - Just a solid option at LB, don't know much about him. (4th - 6th rd)
23. * James Ruffin, 6'4'' 265, N Iowa (4.8) DE/OLB - FBS First Team All American, Excellent all around game. (5th - 6th rd)
24. Carl Ihanacho, 6'3'' 256, San Jose St (4.7) OLB - WAC Second Team (coaches), A solid prospect with all around game. (6th - 7th rd)
25. Antonio Coleman, 6'3'' 257, Auburn (4.8) OLB - 2008 First Team SEC (coaches) A solid player. (6th - 7th rd)
26. Adrian Tracy, 6'3'' 243, William & Mary (4.7) OLB - FCS Second Team at DE. (7th rd)
27. John Fletcher, 6'6'' 272, Wyoming (4.8) DE/OLB - Mountain West First Team. (6th - 7th rd)
28. Austin English, 6'3'' 252, Okl (4.76) DE/OLB - Big 12 Honerable mention, battled injury in 2009. (7th - FA)
29. Aaron Morgan, 6'4'' 240, Louis Monroe (4.78) DE/OLB - Sun Belt First Team. 9 sacks in 2009. (7th - FA)
30. * Lary Hart, 6'0'' 248, Central Ark (4.58) OLB - All American, 2 time Defensive Player of the Year. Good speed and ability. A very good late rd option. (7th - FA)
31. Sam Maxwell, 6'3'' 248, Kentucky (4.68) OLB - SEC Second Team, having shoulder surgery. (7th - FA)
32. Albert McClellan, 6'2'' 254, Marshal (4.76) OLB - All Conferance USA Second Team (coaches) 2008 First Team all conferance USA. (7th - FA)
Those are my prospects for the 3/4 OLB position in the 2010 NFL Draft. Now the players I would like the Chiefs to look at after the jump.
My Chief prospects.
1. * Brandon Graham, Has the ability to be a dominating force at OLB in the NFL could also be a very good 4/3 DE.
2. * Sean Weatherspoon, may be better suied for the ILB position in the 3/4 but will be a playmaker no matter where he lines up.
3. * Willie Young, Healthy player who will give consistant 100% effort and a solid prospect.
4. ** Brandon Lang, Comparison to Umunyiora and Ware make this prospect high on my list.
5. * Eric Norwood, Looks to have alot of potential could be a Pro Bowl caliber player or just average.
6. ** Dexter Davis, Is really pulling me in I am know a fan of his. Has never missed a game and has put up stats that make me feel this player WILL have a good NFL carear. (with 4th - 5th rd projection would be a great option.
7. * Alex Carrington, speed could be a ? but his pass rush ability make him someone high on my list.
8. ** Perry Riley, Yes another LSU player but this one has been very consistant and a great performer. A really good prospect.
9. James Ruffin, Again speed could be an issue but just a great all around football player who I have watched a bit of.
10. Lary Hart, Excellent speed and 2 time Defensive player of the year if we end up making trades and get a later pick in the draft an excellent option.
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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I have came down to wanting
Dexter Davis in the 5th or Perry Riley in the 5th if Davis is gone.
I want Hughes in 2nd
And or Norwood in 2nd or 3rd.
"Its going to be a challenge, its going to feel like forever, and there will be difficulties. But we will emerge on the other side of it stronger than we were when we entered." ~ Sudden
<3 Hughes in the second
OR Norwood in the 3rd
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 13, 2010 3:53 PM CST up reply actions
Couple of your early guys are way too big I think to play OLB but a good compilation of the players.
I’d wager of Schofield or Norwood coming in later rounds 3+. My bet is on these two for various reasons but the biggest is that they’re versatile and thats what Pioli likes. Both these guys can play any of the LB across the board effectively and flat out know how to find the QB better then most of the guys on the list. They both have good instincts and phenomenal in game athleticism. Combine either of these guys with McClain in the middle, Hali off the other edge, DJ/Demorrio rotating and Vrabels tutelage and our LB corps will be a strength of this team next year.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
another thing...
Chief scouts have spent an awful lot of time at Wisconsin games and Schofield is really the only draft worthy prospect they have.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Jan 13, 2010 3:27 PM CST up reply actions
as always, appreciate these posts
good work, I know it’s time consuming… but it’s a great service for AP heading into the draft season
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
thx it is really helping to make more accurate shot at
guessing what Pioli might do, for myself anyway. Its a toss up but by the end of this I should atleast know the direction I would most like to go and hopefully alot of other Chief fans will be there with me.
As long as we get McClain or Berry in 1st....
and Norwood or Hughes in 2nd or 3rd I will be the happiest guy alive….
Our defense has to have more pieces…especially in the LB dept. Vrabel will not be around forever…and Mays and Williams are not the Pro Bowl guys that will get us over the top….
"Its going to be a challenge, its going to feel like forever, and there will be difficulties. But we will emerge on the other side of it stronger than we were when we entered." ~ Sudden
Agreed on the thought process
IMO if we draft Berry in the first, then OLB should be in the second.
IMO if we draft McClain in the first, then OLB could drop a lil farther down as he could also play inside/out.
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 13, 2010 3:56 PM CST up reply actions
Right
As long as Pioli puts the emphasis on D it should turn out ok
"Its going to be a challenge, its going to feel like forever, and there will be difficulties. But we will emerge on the other side of it stronger than we were when we entered." ~ Sudden
by Matt_Grbac on Jan 13, 2010 4:03 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
After Missouri losing to Navy I really question Weatherspoon
But I understand any linebacker has an impossible job if the DL is not playing well. They need room to work. Too many other priorties to take an OLB before 5th round.
gordymule
Really?
You think we have 5 other positions more important to draft before an OLB pass rusher?Please name them…
"Its going to be a challenge, its going to feel like forever, and there will be difficulties. But we will emerge on the other side of it stronger than we were when we entered." ~ Sudden
by Matt_Grbac on Jan 13, 2010 4:18 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I might
FS, ILB, C, G, WR, RB, NT?
I do think an OLB should be drafted, but I wouldn’t cry if they waited till the 5th.
I’m a huge Mizzou fan and alumnus, by the way… and I agree that Weatherspoon is not who I’d want in KC… he’s a 4-3 guy for sure… kinda reminds me of DJ a bit?
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
Agreed, but...
I’d draft another cb, k/p returner (2wr’s), 2 ILb’s, over an oslb pass rusher. On second thought, no I wouldn’t. I’d draft the best athlete available within reason of our needs. Actually, I’d like to see DJ be used as a pass rushing specialist more.
Its not about those positions
being more important its the value of the PLAYER we can get at OLB in the 5th a STARTER for OLB can be found pretty easily this year in the 5th rd at OLB. Those are good players the Depth at OLB talentwise is GREAT this year.
IMO
A starting 3-4 OLB in the 5th round would either be a great steal, or we have worse OLB’s than I thought. It’s not about where the player was taken, its about what positions need upgrading. If OLB is #2 on Pioli/etc’s list then that will be upgraded before what comes third.
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 13, 2010 9:33 PM CST up reply actions
I'd love to get Spoon or Sergio Kindle
But I think by the time we address our bigger needs they will be taken already.
"The way this works is you string together some good games, some good practices and you get momentum and you gain confidence," linebacker Mike Vrabel said. "It can be a real positive for your team. It builds on itself."
Kindle could be around at the top of the second
Though he’s not close to the top of my OLB list
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 13, 2010 5:36 PM CST up reply actions
You must have missed the BCS game then
Sergio was awesome!
"The way this works is you string together some good games, some good practices and you get momentum and you gain confidence," linebacker Mike Vrabel said. "It can be a real positive for your team. It builds on itself."
agreed...
I’d take him in the 2nd if he’s there…
but only if Golden Tate, iupati and Cody are all off the board :)
You're either growing or you're dying, there ain't no third direction
-Big Tom Callahan
Agreed
I hope Cody falls to the 2nd round, and we pick up McClain or Berry in the 1st
"The way this works is you string together some good games, some good practices and you get momentum and you gain confidence," linebacker Mike Vrabel said. "It can be a real positive for your team. It builds on itself."
You really like Cody?
Outside of his size, I don’t see a whole lot there. He just seems to have mediocre written all over him, and I don’t think you want a guy like that in the 2nd round when you need 3-4 immediate positional upgrades to come out of the draft.
Predictions:
Kansas City will not win more than four games in 2009
Kansas City will have a new OC and DC in 2010
Kansas City will win at least seven games in 2010
He does have value as a second round pick
Especially with a lot of teams passing more and needing a nickle package(no NT) on the field plays right into Cody’s massive hand
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 13, 2010 9:37 PM CST up reply actions
Cody reminds me of the Fridge
Especially when he’s lined up at full-back. I think he’s going to be a very good player.
"The way this works is you string together some good games, some good practices and you get momentum and you gain confidence," linebacker Mike Vrabel said. "It can be a real positive for your team. It builds on itself."
He requies double-teams almost constantly
He controls the line, freeing up others. He stuffs the run pretty well. He’s not going to make anyone think of Kevin Williams, but he’s more like Ted Johnson, possibly Tony Siragusa.
by burntorangehorn on Jan 14, 2010 10:18 AM CST up reply actions
Good Points (by all of you)
I just saw the ‘lazy’ label & that scared me away.
It would be a tough choice if both Earl Thomas and Cody are available at the top of the 2nd round. I’d lean toward Thomas though.
Predictions:
Kansas City will not win more than four games in 2009
Kansas City will have a new OC and DC in 2010
Kansas City will win at least seven games in 2010
Thomas was born to play football
Cody’s good, but yes, he might have motivation problems. He supposedly trimmed down to 365, but it appears he gained a bit of that back.
Then again, Vince Wilfork also had weight and motivation questions (in addition to off-field concerns), so it might be a crapshoot.
by burntorangehorn on Jan 14, 2010 11:20 AM CST up reply actions
In the 2nd round, Absolutely!
I wouldnt pay that big dude top 5 money. Let him get a 2nd rounder paycheck and earn that big extension. I think in our system now, with Haley watching player’s weight and Romeo coach def that a player like Cody could be a wise investment. I see him playing 1st and 2nd down than on 3rd and long he can go grab a light snack. I recommend dried fruit and Red Bull.
Mr J
KC Chiefs Fan
Actually I watched the game twice
Kindle is either making a play or is no where to be found. IMO he doesn’t have the size/strength to take on a good NFL tackle, he has to beat his man around the corner to get a sack or hes completely taken out of the play.
Hughes is at the top of my OLB list. Norwood/Lang are up there and Ricky Sapp is a player that interests me(even if hes not on this list).
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 13, 2010 8:01 PM CST up reply actions
Kiper has Kindle ranked #20 right now.
"The way this works is you string together some good games, some good practices and you get momentum and you gain confidence," linebacker Mike Vrabel said. "It can be a real positive for your team. It builds on itself."
That's pretty inaccurate
He’s definitely an edge rusher, but he can bull pretty well. Ideally he’s a rush linebacker in a 3-4, though, not a defensive end.
by burntorangehorn on Jan 14, 2010 10:20 AM CST up reply actions
Just saying what I've seen
I really have never seen him stand his man up and string the play wide, he either gets by the tackle on speed or he is just not in the play.
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 14, 2010 1:31 PM CST up reply actions
He played buck this year
Which took him from only part-time in the three-point stance to full-time, lined up against the tackle. He absolutely embarrasses the mammoths with questionable feet, although quicker, more athletic tackles can hold up a little better.
Overall, he’s an amazing athlete who was one of the top five HS recruits in the nation. He should definitely be near the top of the list for rush linebackers. A team looking for a Demarcus Ware should take him; a team wanting a Jason Taylor, well, maybe let him slide a little, then consider him.
by burntorangehorn on Jan 14, 2010 2:13 PM CST up reply actions
I'd rather have Hughes than Kindle
and thats just my opinion.
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 14, 2010 4:47 PM CST up reply actions
If you want the lesser athlete, sure
Hughes is definitely a good prospect, but he’s not in the same class as Kindle. There was a time when a lot of casual CFB wathers thought Aaron Hunt was a better prospect than Cory Redding.
by burntorangehorn on Jan 14, 2010 6:20 PM CST up reply actions
I'd rather have a good player not just a good athlete
This talk is going no where, but IMO Hughes has better instincts, size, strength. Kindle just beats him out with being faster.
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 14, 2010 7:39 PM CST up reply actions
Heh, not really, not if you've watched them both extensively
But agree to disagree, I guess.
by burntorangehorn on Jan 14, 2010 8:12 PM CST up reply actions
Love Schofield
I think he’s gonna be just an absolute stud at the next level and I think we could potentially snag him in the 4th-5th round range
I've heard a lot of people that like him after watching one game
I havn’t seen him play.
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 13, 2010 8:02 PM CST up reply actions
including one against my beloved hawkeyes
which is where he absolutely made our all-american tackle Bulaga look silly, grant it he was coming off of illness but everytime I’ve watched schofield this year he has just had that nack for getting after the quarterback. He also looks above average in pass coverage and is very fast with good instincts, this is probably because he started out as a linebacker at Wisconsin
Nice work....
Ricky Sapp from Clemson should really be on this list and is a 1-2 rd prospect.
I personally like Graham, Hughes, Norwood and Schofield at the OLB position, with Austen Lane as a sleeper (good measurables, but never watched him play).
I also agree with your take on Edds 100%. He was so good in coverage, he kept the nickel CB off the field.
I'm not sure I would grade Sapp as a 1-2rd guy
IMO he is a situational player when he comes into the league and has to bulk up before he would be a starter. Sapp is the kinda guy who could be a late round pick up that could sub in as an ILB/OLB.
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 13, 2010 8:05 PM CST up reply actions
I'm just relaying what I've seen....
Draftscouts ranking…
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=66339&draftyear=2010&genpos=OLB
Sapp isn’t the player I’d like to see the Chiefs target, but he is projected as a 34 OLB.
by chrisclark_dfw on Jan 13, 2010 8:10 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah I can understand that
I don’t put much stock into ‘draft ranking sites’ however. I’ve seen several photos of Sapp and he really needs to fill out his frame/bulk up for either 4-3 DE or a 3-4 OLB.
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 13, 2010 8:40 PM CST up reply actions
Sapp seems like the kind of player
Who can play ILB right after the draft, bulk up and also play OLB. He is def one of my later round picks, but if he goes early…not worth it IMO
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 13, 2010 9:35 PM CST up reply actions
I like Graham in the 2nd
Other than being from Michigan, he reminds me of LaMarr Woodley…very strong, good hip bend, and relentless pass rusher. Having him playing opposite of Hali would be nice to have, especially if Vrabel would resign for a year to mentor him and allow Graham to come in on obvious passing downs.
I agree....
with all the junior DEs declaring for the draft, and Graham’s lack of ideal measurables I’m hoping he slides to the 2nd also.
by chrisclark_dfw on Jan 13, 2010 8:26 PM CST up reply actions
'Lack of ideal measurables'
He only lacks the measurables is for a 3-4 OLB, he is a prototypical 4-3 LDE.
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 13, 2010 8:41 PM CST up reply actions
Graham's height...
Graham is 6’-1" and 263. It seems to me, prototypical for either 34 OLB or 43 LDE is normally taller, and a little heavier for 43 LDE. Shorter DEs seem to fall on draft day, Everette Brown last year.
I agree with kc_radrh8r comment above on Graham and would love to see either he or Hughes as a Chief. IMO, both have an important characteristic that can’t be coached a non-stop motor like Hali.
I’m hoping with guys like Derrick Morgan, Jason Pierre-Paul, Everson Griffen and Carlos Dunlap all entering the draft Graham will get overlooked despite his superior production.
by chrisclark_dfw on Jan 14, 2010 4:14 AM CST up reply actions
With Woodley also coming out of
Mich and Woodley/Graham being about the same height/weight/playing same position/etc I can’t see him falling.
by BAMFSpecialOps on Jan 14, 2010 1:37 PM CST up reply actions
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