Chiefs sign Zach Thomas

[TheGuardian]

Originally Posted by bdeg

But I bet if you look at percentages most 3-4 olb's, especially those used primarily to rush, especially those who had an immediate impact, played some DE in college.

I realize that isn't exactly the point he was making, but it shouldn't be entirely dismissed.

edit: or they at least had sacks in college like Sintim.

Most college players, esp defensive players, line up all over the place. Lots of NFL players do as well. A few years ago the Saints used their middle linebacker at the time, Charlie Clemons, as their hybrid rush end on passing downs. THEIR MIDDLE LINEBACKER. He had 14 sacks doing it. He was the teams leading tackler as well.

The point is, if you want to draw a line in the sand and say "name me a guy that never put his hand in the dirt" then it is possible that NO one can be listed. Because at some point most linebackers played a few downs with their hand in the dirt at some level. However rushing from the outside spot in a 30 front where the tackle is covered up by an end or guard isn't the same as rushing with your hand in the dirt. So a guy can come in as a traditional linebacker and become a good pass rusher from the stand up position without ever having played most of his time at end. Why? Because it's two different animals. James Harrison could not line up in a 40 front defense and collect 15 sacks a year. Write that down. Wouldn't happen. Jared Allen on the other hand, doesn't have the quickness off of a 9 technique to get 15 sacks either. He does it from the end postion because his is a grinder with great leverage and long arms. Jared has the ability to beat guys from up close. He would not be as effective lining up wide like a linebacker in a 30 front. Harrison uses his short leverages to beat guys from a wide position, and because he's very explosive in that short distance.

It's really apples and oranges. Some guys can do both. Some can't. It's really about the player and not his position.