Should the Chiefs Draft an OLB at #21 in 2011?
by bbear200 on Mar 20, 2011 7:45 PM CDT
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Many of the mock draft experts have the Chiefs drafting a "bookend OLB" to replace Mike Vrabel and add pass rush skills (Vrabel had ZERO sacks last year) across from Tamba Hali. I personally think we should "reach" a little bit to grab NT Phil Taylor just like Pioli did in 2004 when he grabbed Vince Wilfork at #21 for the Patriots.
Thought you might like to see some “measurables” on some outside linebackers that you might find interesting. I realize that measurables alone do not determine success in the NFL, but I’m going to present the data to you anonymously first and then share the owner of each column of data at the bottom of this post.
Player A Player B Player C Player D
Height 6’ 3” 6’ 3” 6’ 3” 6’ 3”
Weight 246 lbs 255 lbs 270 lbs 275 lbs
40 Yd Dash 4.53 sec 4.51 sec 4.68 sec 4.87 sec
Vertical Leap 37” 36.5” 36.5” 30”
Broad Jump 10’ 6” 10' 7” 10’ 5” 8' 10”
Bench Press 21 reps NA 30 reps 18 reps
As you can see, Player A and Player B are similar to one another in height, weight, speed and overall athleticism while player C is faster, stronger and more athletic than player D.
Player A is Von Miller who’s considered to be the best 3-4 OLB pass rushing prospect in the 2011 draft and will likely be drafted in the top 5
Player B is Andy Studebaker who led the entire nation in sacks (17.5) in 2006 during his junior year at Wheaton College, a Division III school. In his first NFL start with the Chiefs in 2009 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he intercepted 2 passes, returning one for 94 yards. In 2010, in very limited action as Mike Vrabel’s backup, he had 2.5 sacks.
Player C is Justin Houston who’s considered to be the second best 3-4 OLB pass rusher in the 2011 draft and will likely be drafted in the first round
Player D is Tamba Hali who was drafted with the 20th pick in the first round in 2006 by the Chiefs and led the AFC in sacks last year with 14.5.
I'll say again that I know that “measurables” are not everything, but Andy Studebaker is big, fast and athletic. He’s an extremely hard worker and has proven, whenever he’s been given the chance to play, that he can affect the outcome of a football game.
I believe there’s a reason why a GM as intelligent as Scott Pioli awarded Studebaker a 3 year contract extension last fall when the NFL lockout was on the horizon. I don’t believe he would do that unless he was certain that the Chiefs had a “diamond in the rough” and wanted to lock him up while he’s cheap.
Mark my words. Watch for Andy Studebaker to blossom in 2011 as a 3-4 OLB for the Kansas City Chiefs.
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 like Studebaker a lot
And I’m not sure comparing his size to Miller and Hali’s is relly reflective of the type of guy we need playing the SOLB position. I’m no expert but if hali is coming every play, and he will, we’ll need a guy over there with the size and strength to hold his position, shed blocks, and stop the run.
I hope Studebaker can become that guy….but I’m not sure he is a 3-down LB and his contract could have just been to keep a good special-teamer and nickel situation LB on the roster.
After a lot of youtube scouting...I think Kerrigan could play OLB.
Yup. I doubt they broke the bank on him.
But they’re willing to go to war with him as starter/backup.
would of ≠ would've
I'm sure with the stud they are going to go with him as an insurance policy.
Just like you said Baja, he is going to play those roles.
They may not being willing to give him the keys to porsche, but they would let him use it to take grandma to the hospital.
I feel about Studs the way I feel about B-Rich (which is a good plan for anyone.) He could start in 2011, but I would rather have a potential star-above average player at RT and SOLB in the draft this year as well.
The Kansas City Chiefs can’t go wrong with bringing in more weapons.
If there ever is a resolve to the CBA, it is a strong free agent class this year, especially if they change it back to a four year starting point for FA. Even if that is not the case it is still a great class.
A couple scenarios to wet your whistle.
Draft top Five
Sherrod, Acho, Powe (Fua), Maehl, Beal
D’Qwell Jackson, Lyle Sendlein, Steve Smith, Gerald Sensabaugh (Paul Oliver), Wallacez
Or
Draft top Five
Kerrigan, Cannon, Dalton Marecic, Anthony Gray?
Huff, Breaston, Amendola, Franklin, Cooper (Bradley) , Zach Miller, Even Moore
Just throwing some names out there guys.
The point is with a few free agents and a great draft the Chiefs can look really stout next year. I am already polishing the Lombardi trophy for them of course.
meh...
by Chief-blinders-on on Mar 26, 2011 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions
I think your reasoning is sound.
You’re kinda like me and a few others in that you’re not stuck on any particular picks, as much as keeping things on the up-tick.
I don’t think KC needs to spend 1st round pick on LB. I think there’s plenty of competitive talent farther down. I’m partial to Sam Acho, but I’m not certain KC needs to spend even as early as a 2nd-rounder on OLB in order to get the kind of competition they want at the position.
This might be a good year to spend a late 1st on OT. There might be some very good talent slip to #21 and there should be a very good C slip to the 2nd round. I’m not STUCK on such a scenario, but if the talent is there, I’d love to see an end to constant hand-wringing over 3rd-and-short.
would of ≠ would've
Crap BBear
is Palko the next Manning Brother?
Rec
"We feel very strongly that our best policy is to draft the best player. This isn't fantasy football." - Ted Thompson
I like Stude ... just can't see him do what we'd all love that SOLB to be able to do
we shall see
Winner: 2009 Nostradamus of Arrowhead Pride Award
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
He's just too damn pleasant for my tastes.
I want ONE MEAN AND NASTY SON OF A BITCH playing there.
Actually, Hali is awesome on one side, but I hope he develops a mean streak.
"The towels were so thick there, I could hardly close my suitcase." ~Yogi Berra~
There's just a very low fear factor with Studie. And the same is long gone for Vrabel.
"The towels were so thick there, I could hardly close my suitcase." ~Yogi Berra~
We may be able to give a 7th rounder to trade up a few spots in the first and
nab Aldon Smith….not sure.
But if we can’t get him, Brooks Reed has some serious swagger. I like his attitude and field presence.
"The towels were so thick there, I could hardly close my suitcase." ~Yogi Berra~
Quadruple Post
FTW!!
I would like a Royale with Cheese
by ChiefWarPaint on Mar 21, 2011 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
ahh, my signature discussion again
I do think Studie is in the plans, and I believe he CAN get it done.
Depth will be a need if he’s the starter, or it’d take a good player to force Stude to be the depth.
I have a gut feeling that the Chiefs will draft an OLB in the later rounds, but go w Stude as the starter
Prediction: KC will not draft a LB before the 3rd round
by stagdsp on Mar 20, 2011 9:00 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Agreed!
(1) OT GABE CARIMI Wisconsin (2) WR TORREY SMITH Maryland (3) NT PHIL TAYLOR Baylor (4) ILB CASEY MATTHEWS Oregon (5) C JAKE KIRKPATRICK TCU (5) QB PAT DEVLIN Delaware (6) OLB MARIO ADDISON Troy (7) RB MATT ASIATA Utah
by chiefsfan62 on Mar 20, 2011 10:10 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I wouldn't be complaining about OLB in the first
But not Von Miller or Justin Houston. Houston is a better fit as a 4-3 end. we have our pure rushing OLB. We need an OLB that can play in coverage and can stop the run. Akeem Ayers fits that bill better. But I’d rather go Phil Taylor. a good NT can turn a average players around him great. but it takes a really good LB/DE to make up for average NT play. We’re better position to take the first path as hitting the jackpot on an OLB is hard. getting a NT that can rotate with Ron Edwards is much more likely to succeed than a rookie OLB having to start and put up with poor NT play. as for Von Miller. It just won’t happen
Can we be the AFC West Champions in 2010. You better believe it
Hali and Flowers are Pro Bowlers, even if the NFL fails to realise it
right you are
The ONLY SOLB I like for KC is Kerrigan
Reed or Acho in the 2nd
Or a Cliff Matthews type guy later on
Prediction: KC will not draft a LB before the 3rd round
by stagdsp on Mar 20, 2011 10:34 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
correction
Kerrigan is the only one I like in rd ONE
Prediction: KC will not draft a LB before the 3rd round
by stagdsp on Mar 20, 2011 10:37 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yep he's a high character guy from what I hear as well.
Ayers wouldn’t be my first choice but I wouldn’t be dissapointed with him
Can we be the AFC West Champions in 2010. You better believe it
Hali and Flowers are Pro Bowlers, even if the NFL fails to realise it
by trentchiefsfan on Mar 20, 2011 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions
i am kinda meh on Ayers
He doesn’t stand out as big or strong or nasty enough to hold down SOLB
Prediction: KC will not draft a LB before the 3rd round
by stagdsp on Mar 20, 2011 10:49 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm glad we've got most of our front seven in place
With a few teams switching to 4-3 and some to 3-4, D-lineman and LB will probably dominate the first round.
KC Draft prediction: No OT taken in first round
by trentchiefsfan on Mar 20, 2011 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I think I might change my sig to yours
with my own twist
Can we be the AFC West Champions in 2010. You better believe it
Hali and Flowers are Pro Bowlers, even if the NFL fails to realise it
by trentchiefsfan on Mar 20, 2011 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Ayers is better in coverage than Houston?
At the combine his 40 time was pretty slow at 4.80, a vetical leap of 31" and an arm length of 33". While Houston ran 4.63. leaped 36.5" and an arm length of 33". To summarize: Houston can run faster, jump higher and has longer arms so I guess that’s why you think Ayers is better in coverage :)
I'll take it that was meant to respond to me
Houston weighs around 20 pounds heavier than Ayers. 40 times are the most rediculous thing to measure a player by. Game speed is so much more relevent. for all you know Ayers may have had a tight hamstring or something else that held him back. Houston has even put on a few pounds since the end of the season. this tells me he wants to play as a 4-3 end. Ayers has more experience as a LB as well. Combine stats is when a player knows what he needs to well in advance of doing it. I’m more interest in how a player makes those instant reactions on the field in pressure situations. combine stats have a place, but they shouldnt be used to completely dissprove a players ability
Can we be the AFC West Champions in 2010. You better believe it
Hali and Flowers are Pro Bowlers, even if the NFL fails to realise it
by trentchiefsfan on Mar 20, 2011 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Tell me about it...
They say Mike Pouncey’s stock may fall because he posted a pair of 4.7’s recently. I’m like…so what…the guys in the trenches playing Center. I hope his stock does fall so we can grab the guy.
If we need a Center, it’s the short bursts that matter….
When’s the last time a Center had to get 40 yards up the field in less than 5 seconds. Never.
"The towels were so thick there, I could hardly close my suitcase." ~Yogi Berra~
It is more about
how long it would take him to get to the outside when pulling or getting to the second level. Dont get me wrong I thin he would be great at either C or G for us. Depending on where we would use him. For some reason he isnt the same athlete his brother is. He has plenty of things to work on to be a C in the NFL but he could step right in a play G for a team. That is going to be his biggest addition to a team so I have a hard time seeing him falling much…
by Raiderhater1 on Mar 21, 2011 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions
I just read a report saying he's "a star" and "a carbon copy" of his brother.
What are you reading?
"The towels were so thick there, I could hardly close my suitcase." ~Yogi Berra~
You should read your comments again then...
“They say Mike Pouncey’s stock may fall because he posted a pair of 4.7’s recently. I’m like…so what…the guys in the trenches playing Center.”
THAT is what I posted on… It might not be what you meant to infer but that IS what you wrote…
by Raiderhater1 on Mar 22, 2011 8:05 AM CDT up reply actions
I am not They. I could care less about 4.7 40's in a Center
I thought I made that clear.
what I was responding to was this:
For some reason he isnt the same athlete his brother is.
I was referring to that sentiment alone, and stated that I read just the opposite.
"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine."
Actually, mean "couldn't care less." Also, 4.7's are fast for a C, aren't they?
Not that I have a dog in this fight.
would of ≠ would've
If the Chiefs pick him it's to play Center, not Guard. He's played G in college but
then they moved him to Center, which is what we would draft him for, but he is listed as an OG/OC, so he can play either.
"The towels were so thick there, I could hardly close my suitcase." ~Yogi Berra~
Really?
Gee I didnt know that!
He is well behind anyone at C and would take a couple of years learning the position. He was out of his comfort at C that is why he launched multiple shotgun snap over his QB and plenty of other issues. He is a better Guard at this point and if you are taking a player in the first round you are not going to give him much time at C if you need a G.
Go back and watch his games… Do you really want a guy who has played ONE year at the second most important position on the OL? Too many people use the “Well his brother is good at C so why cant he?” How about the Lopez brother is the NBA, how about the Morris twins at KC… There are plenty of twins that one is the better athlete and this is the case here!
by Raiderhater1 on Mar 22, 2011 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions
the snapping issue is exaggerated
He may not be his brother…..but he can be pretty damn good anyways.
Kerrigan, Ayers, A. Smith, T. Smith, G. Carimi, D. Sherrod, or P. Taylor. I'm happy with any of them.
I guess CBSSports.com is using it too then.
All I can say is you’re entitled to your opinion and I’m entitled to mine.
You’re entitled to read and believe the reports you want to, and me the same.
You’re opinion is no better or true than anyone else’s on here, but you’re certainly entitled to state it.
I would defend to the death you’re right to have wrong opinions.
"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine."
40 time is actually pretty important for olineman.
Especially the 10 yard split time.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Mar 21, 2011 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions
somewhat more important for ZBers to
shows explosion, athleticism, pulling / 2nd level ability,e tc.
Prediction: KC will not draft a LB before the 3rd round
Well, watch some Centers on each snap and let me know when you see one
run 40 yards on a play. Talk to you in about 20 years.
"The towels were so thick there, I could hardly close my suitcase." ~Yogi Berra~
I love the game of picking what is behind door number...
but I wasn’t happy to find out whom I picked when I picked door lettered C. I’m not overly impressed with Houston at the number 21 position… Sadly Hali would have been the last one picked as he didn’t fit the ‘mold’ of what I was thinking we needed at the SOLB position.
In order of importance reading this I picked C,B,A, and then D
Go Chiefs!!!!
obviously studi isnt the one...
with all the measurables and being a 3rd year player, yet unable to wrest the starting job from a LB on the decline? that to me is reason to pick up an stud pass rusher… if he hasnt got it yet, hard to think he ever will…
with all the measurables and being a 3rd year player, yet unable to wrest the starting job from a LB on the decline? that to me is reason to pick up an stud pass rusher… if he hasnt got it yet, hard to think he ever will…
Normally we expect to know what sort of a player a guy will be by the end of year three…if that guy went to Alabama, or OSU, or USC, etc. I think the learning curve Studebaker met when he left the Division III football powerhouse Wheaton College was steep enough that I am fine with waiting one extra year…
the difference between the USC program and the Wheaton program is worth one year.
Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl
of course it is
besides, you can’t put it on Stude that he didn’t “win the job”
Haley and company LOVE Vrabel (and Thomas Jones)
They clearly wanted him on the field, so my guess is: Stude could have won IF there was a competition, but there wasn’t.
Prediction: KC will not draft a LB before the 3rd round
And I would submit that much of what we dislike about our LBs is the result of young secondary and incomplete D-Line.
In ’09, it was SLOW secondary and incomplete D-Line.
would of ≠ would've
I would rather the Chiefs drafted Kerrigan in the first round.
And Powe in the third round.
Or Phil Taylor in the first and Broods Reed in the second. Either way, we need both a DT and OLB.
Ding Ding Ding I am on that bandwagon also.
Wilson or Kerrigan either pick I would be happy with.
Not in round one, I don't think, unless they trade down
However, round two is really a sweet spot for OLBs, including Sam Acho.
When the world slips you a jeffrey, stroke the furry wall.
by burntorangehorn on Mar 21, 2011 11:21 AM CDT reply actions
Acho is my 2nd favorite
outside of Kerrigan.
I think Acho will be a great value in the 2nd or 3rd if he slips
Prediction: KC will not draft a LB before the 3rd round
He's really a good kid, has a nose for the ball (and popping it loose), and a very hard worker
He’s not really a vocal leader as far as enforcing discipline on the team, but that’s probably not as much of a concern at the pro level as it is with college kids.
When the world slips you a jeffrey, stroke the furry wall.
by burntorangehorn on Mar 21, 2011 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
agreed
he jumps out to me on film as a guy that can destroy an OT and get to the ballcarrier/QB
Prediction: KC will not draft a LB before the 3rd round
great awareness for the ball, too
some of these guys seem to run right past the play, not realizing the ballcarrier is in their area. (Houston, Ayers)
Acho is always around the ball making plays, from what I’ve seen.
Prediction: KC will not draft a LB before the 3rd round
Indeed
He doesn’t always get past the OT like, say, Merriman did in college, but Merriman was constantly running himself out of plays when the QB stepped up in the pocket or handed off on delay. Acho keeps his awareness of what the QB’s doing, and does a decent job of keeping containment. That could be an even bigger deal if he’s playing OLB against a more mobile QB. Since Rivers, Tebow, and Campbell are all at least reasonably competent at putting one foot in front of the other, that’s a bonus.
When the world slips you a jeffrey, stroke the furry wall.
by burntorangehorn on Mar 21, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
What jumped out at me in Acho was his quick-twitch for a man his size.
Seemed like rare athleticism that may not show up in some of the things they measure.
would of ≠ would've
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