Who is the best OLB in the draft?

[keg in kc]

Originally Posted by RedThat

It is a lot of stuff, and you know, this a team that were just gonna have to be patient because of the amount of holes to filled its gonna take a while. But, I think the key for them is to address the key positions right now.

If they get a really good NT, it'll help the run defense quite a bit. Even though, Mays and Williams are a problem, their job would be a lot easier with a good NT in there. Get a passrusher, and the CB's and safeties jobs are a lot easier. Yup even if that means living with McGraw and Brown for another year. As painful as that is to say, its possibly the best we can hope for.

Thing is, you didn't say get a passrusher, you said get two...

I worry more about Vrabel than Hali, and I worry more about Mays and Williams than either of them. This defense got destroyed up the middle, and I don't think adding two outside pass rushers solves that.

I do agree that NT would be a huge help, although I don't think it has to be a high draft pick solution. I'd look in free agency first, find somebody to knock Edwards from the starting lineup down to a rotation player.

I think Brown has to be replaced. They just can't afford to have that kind of target in the pass defense. I don't think that means that Berry must absolutely be the pick, however, although he's an obvious answer.

And I've said this before, but I think adding a player like Rolando McClain could have an enormous impact on the defense. He's a heady linebacker with great size and speed, the kind of field general that this team hasn't had in the decade I've watched, and he comes from the 3-4 in college to boot. I think he could have the kind of impact on this d that Urlacher did for Chicago. But, that said, 5 is damned high for taking a MLB.

Anyway, my perfect scenario would be Berry or McClain early, a WR and a rush linebacker in the second, a center and a guard somewhere in the 3rd-5th range, then NT and whichever position we didn't draft early (S or LB) from free agency, along with whatever else they need.

[OnTheWarpath15]

According to Pro Football Focus, Tamba graded out 2nd among all 3-4 OLB's in pass rushing, but was rated 25th of 28 in coverage, and 28th out of 28 against the run.

That's a one-dimensional LB, folks.

[Chiefnj2]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

According to Pro Football Focus, Tamba graded out 2nd among all 3-4 OLB's in pass rushing, but was rated 25th of 28 in coverage, and 28th out of 28 against the run.

That's a one-dimensional LB, folks.

Dumervil was right there with him.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

Dumervil was right there with him.

Tamba Hali isn't leading the league in sacks, if he threw up 17 we could live with the rest of that.

[Chiefnj2]

Originally Posted by Mecca

Tamba Hali isn't leading the league in sacks, if he threw up 17 we could live with the rest of that.

Maybe he'd have a few more sacks if the front 3 helped collapse the middle of the pocket.

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

Maybe he'd have a few more sacks if the front 3 helped collapse the middle of the pocket.

No, Hali is what he is 8.5 sacks is pretty much his peak. He's not going to overpower a tackle and he's not fast just has a good motor.

[Chiefnj2]

Originally Posted by billay

No, Hali is what he is 8.5 sacks is pretty much his peak. He's not going to overpower a tackle and he's not fast just has a good motor.

2nd in the league in pressures. I'd say with a little luck and less room for a QB to step up and/or a little more pressure from the other side, Hali could pick up another 2-3 sacks per year.

Let's face it, 99.9% of CP, myself included, thought he was going to completely suck ass at OLB. Give the guy some credit and some more time before you insert your foot in your mouth a second time.

[OnTheWarpath15]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

Dumervil was right there with him.

Dumervil was 5th in pass rushing, 14th in coverage and 27th against the run.

Clay Matthews was the 2nd most balanced, rated 8th in pass rushing, 3rd in coverage and 2nd against the run.

DeMarcus Ware was probably the best all-around. 3/2/5

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Dumervil was 5th in pass rushing, 14th in coverage and 27th against the run.

Clay Matthews was the 2nd most balanced, rated 8th in pass rushing, 3rd in coverage and 2nd against the run.

DeMarcus Ware was probably the best all-around. 3/2/5

In fairness to Hali, Ware and Matthews are much more naturally athletic than he is so that probably explains the coverage ratings.

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

According to Pro Football Focus, Tamba graded out 2nd among all 3-4 OLB's in pass rushing, but was rated 25th of 28 in coverage, and 28th out of 28 against the run.

That's a one-dimensional LB, folks.

Nice research *fist pound*

[RedThat]

Originally Posted by keg in kc

Thing is, you didn't say get a passrusher, you said get two...

I worry more about Vrabel than Hali, and I worry more about Mays and Williams than either of them. This defense got destroyed up the middle, and I don't think adding two outside pass rushers solves that.

I do agree that NT would be a huge help, although I don't think it has to be a high draft pick solution. I'd look in free agency first, find somebody to knock Edwards from the starting lineup down to a rotation player.

I think Brown has to be replaced. They just can't afford to have that kind of target in the pass defense. I don't think that means that Berry must absolutely be the pick, however, although he's an obvious answer.

And I've said this before, but I think adding a player like Rolando McClain could have an enormous impact on the defense. He's a heady linebacker with great size and speed, the kind of field general that this team hasn't had in the decade I've watched, and he comes from the 3-4 in college to boot. I think he could have the kind of impact on this d that Urlacher did for Chicago. But, that said, 5 is damned high for taking a MLB.

Anyway, my perfect scenario would be Berry or McClain early, a WR and a rush linebacker in the second, a center and a guard somewhere in the 3rd-5th range, then NT and whichever position we didn't draft early (S or LB) from free agency, along with whatever else they need.

I said "if" they decided to upgrade both OLB spots, id be for it. The pass defense would be awesome if you have two guys that are relentless and could get to the QB. We haven't had that since the N.Smith and Derrick Thomas days.

If not, then thats okay as long as they get one passrusher from this draft. But you have a good point, this team has many other needs to fill as it is. Like your scenario that works for me as well.

[keg in kc]

Originally Posted by RedThat

I said "if" they decided to upgrade both OLB spots, id be for it. The pass defense would be awesome if you have two guys that are relentless and could get to the QB. We haven't had that since the N.Smith and Derrick Thomas days.

While that would be nice, and while I'm not normally of a conservative bent, I think they need to worry more about the run defense at this point. The best pass rushers on earth won't help them if they're getting gashed for 150 yards/game at 4.7 yards a pop. Only two teams were run on more than the Chiefs in '09, in terms of attempts. And I don't think replacing Hali (and/or Vrabel) is going to fix that. Not when the middle of the defense is an open highway...

So many things to fix. Glad it's not my job.