ChiefsPlanet - 2014 NFL Combine - Players

As recent drafts show, middle linebacker largely becoming an afterthought
(highlights)

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Essentially, what’s happening is the ‘Will’ is becoming the ‘Mike’, a guy who can run from sideline to sideline.”

Even former teammate Ray Lewis, the seemingly ageless middle linebacker who is one of the greatest to play the position, sensed the game was changing before his final NFL season in 2012. He lost about 20 pounds so he could try to keep up with pass-catching backs and athletic tight ends, ensuring that the Ravens would keep letting him play every defensive snap.

“You’re asking linebackers to do different things,” said Greenway, who isn’t buying the notion that the position has been devalued. “You have tight ends now that are splitting out and are basketball players turned receivers. It’s turned into a different kind of game.”

Scott also pointed out that today many teams employ a committee approach at linebacker. Depending on the down and distance, defenses either will use one of those big thumpers or replace him with a coverage linebacker. Some teams, such as the Bengals when new Vikings coach Mike Zimmer ran their defense, sometimes use a third safety instead of an extra linebacker on passing downs.

“It’s all about roles,” Scott said. “The league has become about situations.”