Quote:
Originally Posted by OldSchool
Why so much love for Van Noy?
Sure he's instinctive, but a lot of other players are too. Fact of the matter is though, he's a physically limited player with tiny arms and not much upside as a 3-4 rush LB. He's not a physically dominant player, lacks power, and isn't particularly fast or explosive. He's essentially the Chris Borland of the OLBs in this draft class.
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Van Noy has a remarkable knack for being able to follow a play, find a hole in the line and knife through it exactly when he needs to. He always takes the right step, the right path to the ball carrier or play. And when he gets there, his tackling is absolutely perfect. He uses a number of moves in getting to the QB in pass rushing, and he's got exceptional feet, hips and hands in coverage. He is the most fluid player in this draft by far.
His versatility allows him to play all four linebacker positions as well as special teams, where he's made a habit of getting into the kicker/punter and getting his hands on the ball. He's a four down player.
As well, he's a vocal and emotional leader on the field and in the locker room. This defense needs a guy like that.
No, his raw data numbers don't blow you away the way someone like Clowney's does, but he's the sum of all the parts. His instincts and immeasurables (feet/hips/hands/steps) make him very fast on the field and allow him to play sideline to sideline, front to back.
He's as good a pick for this defense as there is in the draft.