I think they are not only replacing SS, but also preparing for the possible loss of Gaines after next year.

If you're wanting one of them to fill the abdullah role, that is exactly what you're asking them to do.

Having a corner that can tackle isn't a terrible idea, but isually, those guys don't tend to be the most skilled at the things you want that hybrid guy to do.

I understand what you're saying, but I was referring more to the SS/LB role that a guy like Bunchanon plays. That's different from Abdullah's role.

S. Smith, Gaines, Nelson, Peters, Fleming and Cooper were the guys last year.
Amith is gone, Gaines is always hurt, Fleming had to be moved to S bc he struggled at CB and Cooper was horrible, so your really only have 3 guys there.

We needed depth there so bad.

Peters, Gaines and Nelson seem like a decently experienced group. I think Parker will play some CB as well with the excess amount of safeties we have.

Add Russell and I think we're good with just one inexperienced guy.

The fact that Russell was the type to start his true freshman year and play at a high level makes me not worried about his inexperience either.

FWIW, the draft reports I read (like they know anything at all, but still, it's all I have) said that Russell has the quickest feet so he'd be the best in the slot.

Optimally, Peters and Gaines whip pussy on the outside and Russell abuses fools inside.

Not really. That's basically what they've had abdullah and now sorenson do. Come down in the box, etc.

It's mainly only against certain situations and formations I'd imagine but Sorter would have to explain that to a level over all our heads

I'll take a minority position.

I bet the team starts out with Russell as the dime back.

LCB: Peters
RCB: Gaines
NCB: Nelson

If Nelson sucks, or Gaines sucks on the outside, they'll put Russell in and slide Gaines inside.

I'll admit I'm more of a talent evaluator than a X's and O's guy, but I'm pretty sure their roles while somewhat similar are for the most part different. Maybe I'm wrong though.

There's basically 2 years worth of experience between Peters and Gaines. Fleming's been around but if he has to see significant playing time, we could be in trouble.

Why would you be concerned with Peters and Gaines inexperience when they've both proven they can play already? Makes no sense to me.

Small sample size?

I've seen Marcus peters, Philip Gaines and Ron Parker play well for extended periods of time. I trust them.
I feel good about Nelson having a year to acclimate.
I feel better knowing we have multiple drafted players that were well thought of this draft as a back up policy if something goes wrong.

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