Should we still draft any of these LBs?

Frankie · 03-10-2005, 02:00 PM

That's if we do sign Hartwell.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/8273061

1. Derrick Johnson, Texas, Outside

Positives: Speed, play-making ability, ball skills, instincts, ability to diagnose plays, tackling, height (6-foot-3), long arms … He is not only the best linebacker in the draft, but the best defensive player in the entire college crop, and his game-changing impact should make him a top-five pick.

Negatives: Handling running plays directed straight at him, upper-body strength.

2. Shawne Merriman, Maryland, Outside (underclassman)

Positives: Size (6-4, 272 pounds), pass-rushing, instincts, intensity, leaping ability, open-field tackling, outside run stopping … Although he surprised more than a few player personnel evaluators by electing not to work out at the National Scouting Combine, Merriman still offers enough elite talent as a pass rusher to be selected in the middle of the first round.

Negatives: Hand placement, ability to gain leverage on offensive linemen, vulnerability to play action.

3. Darryl Blackstock, Virginia, Outside (underclassman)

Positives: Initial quickness, change-of-direction skills, intensity, discipline, recognition skills … His talent is good enough for him to become a low first-round choice or early second-rounder.

Negatives: Lower-body strength, ability to gain separation from blockers, overall technique against the run.

4. Channing Crowder, Florida, Inside (underclassman)

Positives: Man-to-man coverage of running backs, intensity, instincts, big-hitting ability … He is very raw and probably should have remained in college for one more season to fully develop his skills, yet he does have the talent to likely become a second-round choice.

5. Kevin Burnett, Tennessee, Outside

Positives: Size (6-2, 239 pounds), speed, athleticism, man-to-man coverage of running backs, tackling … His stock didn’t suffer because of the calf injury that prevented him from working out at the combine; he should be a solid second-rounder.

Negatives: Recognition skills, closing speed as a pass rusher.

I'd vote NO. Although I wouldn't mind spending a lower round dc on Lofa wutzizname from SC. What round do you think he will go in the draft?

03-10-2005, 02:00 PM	Topic Starter
Frankie Banned Join Date: Jul 2001 Casino cash: $10004900	Should we still draft any of these LBs? That's if we do sign Hartwell. http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/8273061 1. Derrick Johnson, Texas, Outside Positives: Speed, play-making ability, ball skills, instincts, ability to diagnose plays, tackling, height (6-foot-3), long arms … He is not only the best linebacker in the draft, but the best defensive player in the entire college crop, and his game-changing impact should make him a top-five pick. Negatives: Handling running plays directed straight at him, upper-body strength. 2. Shawne Merriman, Maryland, Outside (underclassman) Positives: Size (6-4, 272 pounds), pass-rushing, instincts, intensity, leaping ability, open-field tackling, outside run stopping … Although he surprised more than a few player personnel evaluators by electing not to work out at the National Scouting Combine, Merriman still offers enough elite talent as a pass rusher to be selected in the middle of the first round. Negatives: Hand placement, ability to gain leverage on offensive linemen, vulnerability to play action. 3. Darryl Blackstock, Virginia, Outside (underclassman) Positives: Initial quickness, change-of-direction skills, intensity, discipline, recognition skills … His talent is good enough for him to become a low first-round choice or early second-rounder. Negatives: Lower-body strength, ability to gain separation from blockers, overall technique against the run. 4. Channing Crowder, Florida, Inside (underclassman) Positives: Man-to-man coverage of running backs, intensity, instincts, big-hitting ability … He is very raw and probably should have remained in college for one more season to fully develop his skills, yet he does have the talent to likely become a second-round choice. 5. Kevin Burnett, Tennessee, Outside Positives: Size (6-2, 239 pounds), speed, athleticism, man-to-man coverage of running backs, tackling … His stock didn’t suffer because of the calf injury that prevented him from working out at the combine; he should be a solid second-rounder. Negatives: Recognition skills, closing speed as a pass rusher. I'd vote NO. Although I wouldn't mind spending a lower round dc on Lofa wutzizname from SC. What round do you think he will go in the draft?
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