Jump to content

  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Let's talk linebackers (Rostered, draft, & FA)

saX man

By saX man,
in Carolina Panthers

 Share

Recommended Posts

Raleigh PF Rising Star

Raleigh PF

Posted
Posted

With Tre Boston gone (thankfully), I wouldn't be opposed in drafting a safety. It'd have to be someone similar to Chinn - useful in several different aspects, but that would be a consideration I'd entertain to keep the defense flexible. I'd prefer to draft players that can be on the field in all downs and not be out of position against fast-moving offenses.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
MHS831 Grand Master

MHS831

Posted
Posted

Here is what I do not fully understand:  What skills do we need in the MLB when we run the 3-3-5?  It makes sense that a good, sideline to sideline run stuffing LB is all we need; before, when running the 4-3, we needed a guy with the hips and speed to cover the seam in the Tampa 2.

So that skill set should determine the LB we need.  Shaq, to be honest, was not the best fit at LB. 

On the roster, I would like to see what Jordan Mack can do there.  He opted out of the season, but he has the skill set to do what I suggested---since the Tampa 2 does not seem to be part of the defense, we may not need a Luke or Beason, or Morgan in the middle to be good. I dunno.

In the draft, I like Werner, Ohio St. because he is smart, but probably an OLB in the NFL.   I also like McGrone from Michigan--one of the best sideline-to-sideline MLBs in the draft.  Surratt is still learning, but he is a great athlete and very smart---I like the fact that an Ex QB is in the middle reading the offense.

 

  • Pie 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
saX man Mentor

saX man

Posted
  • Author
Posted
54 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

Here is what I do not fully understand:  What skills do we need in the MLB when we run the 3-3-5?  It makes sense that a good, sideline to sideline run stuffing LB is all we need; before, when running the 4-3, we needed a guy with the hips and speed to cover the seam in the Tampa 2.

So that skill set should determine the LB we need.  Shaq, to be honest, was not the best fit at LB. 

On the roster, I would like to see what Jordan Mack can do there.  He opted out of the season, but he has the skill set to do what I suggested---since the Tampa 2 does not seem to be part of the defense, we may not need a Luke or Beason, or Morgan in the middle to be good. I dunno.

In the draft, I like Werner, Ohio St. because he is smart, but probably an OLB in the NFL.   I also like McGrone from Michigan--one of the best sideline-to-sideline MLBs in the draft.  Surratt is still learning, but he is a great athlete and very smart---I like the fact that an Ex QB is in the middle reading the offense.

 

From what it seemed, we need 2 guys in Snow's scheme for most downs, not 3 like we're used to.  You've got some nice points.

A main honcho, sideline-to-sideline guy at one spot.  We just don't really have a lead man reading the offense. 

Then an athletic outside type, covering the seam like you say.  But needs to still handle the physicality of roughing it up with linemen.  Shaq was kind of in between the types. 

We've got Chinn as that rover type in those packages. 

Don't know if it's a 2nd or 3rd rounder (or later) but we need some help.  I think Carter could be decent but there's a big issue.  I think a big concern last year (as much as the lack of pressure) was not having a smart duder in the center of that D.  We don't need to find a Kuechly clone, but it would be nice to find a guy that can create the awareness of an offense changing things up on a 3rd and mid. 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
kungfoodude Grand Master

kungfoodude

Posted
Posted
4 hours ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I'm looking at 2nd to 4th rounders at LB. My favorites include Chazz Surratt, Pete Werner, Nick Bolton, and Monty Rice. And honestly, the only way I'm going LB in the 2nd is if there's no one there at CB or OL that I view of worthy of the draft position. 3rd or 4th IMO is the sweet spot for us at LB. I would expect one of the names I listed to be there in the 3rd. Monty Rice could potentially be there in the 4th.

Too easy to cheaply fill LB in free agency rather than spend a premium pick on a LB.

The idea of taking a LB in the top ten is just the sort of Hurney move that keeps us from being able to rebuild effectively. 

  • Pie 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
TheRumGone Grand Master

TheRumGone

Posted
Posted

The only way I’m taking a linebacker in the first round is if it’s a pick in the 20s and we already have our positions with the most value locked up. And even then I’d still be hesitant unless some freak of nature drops in a draft. 
 

this franchise has been obsessed with rbs and linebackers and it shows by our insane historical inconsistencies. And stop giving those two positions second contracts. The positional value is just not there. Build this team the proper way please.

  • Pie 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
saX man Mentor

saX man

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)
46 minutes ago, TheRumGone said:

The only way I’m taking a linebacker in the first round is if it’s a pick in the 20s and we already have our positions with the most value locked up. And even then I’d still be hesitant unless some freak of nature drops in a draft. 
 

this franchise has been obsessed with rbs and linebackers and it shows by our insane historical inconsistencies. And stop giving those two positions second contracts. The positional value is just not there. Build this team the proper way please.

Like one or 2 people mentioned Parsons.  It is not the suggestion of the thread--just gauging the talent and best potential route.

Edited by saX man
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Peon Awesome Experienced

Peon Awesome

Posted
Posted

I don't think the situation is as dire as some make it. With the way most teams line up in nickel coverage half the snaps, we may only play 2 linebackers a good portion of the game. If we do keep Shaq, it'll be Carter and Shaq (or Chinn, but then we need another safety). So it comes down to finding a part-time starter and some depth. Throw in Christian Miller who can easily jump in on blitz packages (and hopefully more) and some combination of cheap free agents or mid to late round picks and we're fine. I'd much rather invest more heavily in offensive line and cb

  • Beer 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Captain Morgan
      I believe in bryce...

      By Captain Morgan · Posted

      Bryce among the 7 players Mark Ross of NFL.com guarantees will get better this season. Today, I am identifying seven players who I guarantee will improve on their 2024 output in the 2025 season. Young took tremendous strides in 2024 after returning to the starting lineup in Week 8 following his benching. He looked far more comfortable in his return and produced with consistency, as he threw for 2,104 yards with 15 TDs and six INTs in the final 10 contests. Most important perhaps is Young's confidence grew immensely down the stretch, leading Carolina to either a game-tying or game-winning drive in six of those games. Now he enters his second season in Dave Canales' system with his best supporting cast to date. The Panthers drafted wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan eighth overall to pair with Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette, who I also believe is poised for a breakout campaign this fall. The 18th-ranked rushing attack from a year ago added Rico Dowdle to complement Chuba Hubbard, giving the team a pair of 1,000-yard rushers. The Panthers have taken the necessary steps to ensure Young's third season will be the best of his career, and now it's up to him to not only continue to grow as a player but prove why he was worthy of being taken No. 1 overall in 2023. I believe that's what he will do. https://www.nfl.com/news/which-nfl-players-will-improve-in-2025-c-j-stroud-deebo-samuel-among-guaranteed-risers  
    • Icege
      BREAKING: Panthers interested in Justin Simmons

      By Icege · Posted

      While it's fair to question how impactful a player's relationship with a coach is (especially if someone has questions regarding said coach), it's important to also evaluate the difference between the players here. Jordan Fuller was pick #199 in the 6th round while Justin Simmons was #98 in the 3rd round. Jordan Fuller might have gotten a Super Bowl ring while he was with the Rams, but he got it while on the IR. Justin Simmons, on the other hand, is a x2 Pro-Bowler (2020, 2023), x4 second-team All-Pro (2019, 2021 - 2023), and was the NFL co-leader in INTs (2022). Simmons has also fallen off in the last couple of seasons though, grade-wise. He very well might not be that same player, which could be why the Falcons have elected to replace him with Fuller. As far as getting the best out of what he has, asking him to produce with a starting DL of A'Shawn Robinson (63.56% of the defense's snaps), LaBryan Ray (51.48%), and Shy Tuttle (50.08%) isn't reasonable. Wonnum only played in 8 games, but had the second most % of snaps (37.27%) at EDGE behind Clowney (53.53%). The second-string DL based on snap % was... and don't read this if you just ate... Charles Harris (34.48%), DeShawn Williams (27.67%), and Nick Thurman (19.7%). The second-string EDGEs based on snap count would be DJ Johnson (32.27%) and Cam Gill (18.14%). With the investments made in the run defense this season though, especially on the defensive line, it's more than fair to demand a complete turn around from last season.
    • PNW_PantherMan
      Official 2025 NHL Playoffs Thread

      By PNW_PantherMan · Posted

      Lotta talk emerging about The Rat winning the Conn Smythe this year
×
×
  • Create New...