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ILB Prospects.

Wolf6151

All Pro
With the trading of Demeco and already being thin at ILB who do you guys think we'll go after and in what round? I am not looking forward to starting Sharpton.
 
Crack pipe dream- trade up for Keuchly. He will be a top 5 ILB for years.

Other than that, it is a pretty weak class IMO.

Burfict was supposed to be a stud, but has looked like a dud. maybe in the 4th, but no earlier than that.

Hightower could be good, but I just have an uneasy feeling about the guy, cant explain it. A round 1 candidate.

Kendricks would be solid in the 2nd or 3rd. He is a bit undersized though, but a very willing thumper.

Cole from NC State could be had in the 4th.

After those guys, it is pretty slim pickings.
 
best value for ILB this year his between rounds 4-5.
Burflict, Carder, Cole, James-Michael Johnson, Jerry Franklin.

i would be happy with any of these guys. Burflict only in the 5th though man that guy has fallen!
 
I'd take Cole in the 3rd I think he's got some stud potential, Franklin in the 4th, and Carder or Burfict in the 5th.
 
Crack pipe dream- trade up for Keuchly. He will be a top 5 ILB for years.

Other than that, it is a pretty weak class IMO.

Burfict was supposed to be a stud, but has looked like a dud. maybe in the 4th, but no earlier than that.

Hightower could be good, but I just have an uneasy feeling about the guy, cant explain it. A round 1 candidate.

Kendricks would be solid in the 2nd or 3rd. He is a bit undersized though, but a very willing thumper.

Cole from NC State could be had in the 4th.

After those guys, it is pretty slim pickings.

No way I'd take an ILB in the first round....

I believe part of the reason Demeco is no longer here is because of his limited role in this defense...I don't see any reason to take one unless a guy fell you that was just too good to pass up...No way I'd trade up for a guy though..
 
I'm tempted to say Burfict because between him and Cushing they might start a fire out there....That'd be awesome to see them feeding off each other...

But my first choice by a slim, slim margin would be Mychal Kendricks somewhere in the second round...If we missed out on him then I'd go after Burfict...

But I agree with Bah007 here...Kendricks would be perfect for us...


But man...The thought of Burfict playing next to Cushing is pretty damn enticing...
 
I'm tempted to say Burfict because between him and Cushing they might start a fire out there....That'd be awesome to see them feeding off each other...

But my first choice by a slim, slim margin would be Mychal Kendricks somewhere in the second round...If we missed out on him then I'd go after Burfict...

But I agree with Bah007 here...Kendricks would be perfect for us...


But man...The thought of Burfict playing next to Cushing is pretty damn enticing...

Indeed. If those two are in the middle of the field together this season, I probably wouldn't be able to stand up without being made fun of.
 
Well, if we get Kuechly, paint Smith white, and draft McLellin in the 3-4 round we may be all white up front, I just don't know what nationality Cody his, but he counts as a whitey
 
Well, if we get Kuechly, paint Smith white, and draft McLellin in the 3-4 round we may be all white up front, I just don't know what nationality Cody his, but he counts as a whitey
the kkk message board is down the hall and to the right...far right. :doot:
 
LOL Vinny. I HAVE black friends man it's cool.

But maybe I need to clear up that it was just an observation!

Really, is it an issue, in my head you have always looked like this

shaft-show.jpg
 
Are there any FA's or tendered players we could look at to fill, or are we planning draft simply for the cheap cost?

Tulloch was just re-signed by the Lions, but DeAndre Levy is still out there. Tendered for a 2nd. Might be a better fit at ILB.

Bart Scott on the trade block?
 
I'm tempted to say Burfict because between him and Cushing they might start a fire out there....That'd be awesome to see them feeding off each other...

But my first choice by a slim, slim margin would be Mychal Kendricks somewhere in the second round...If we missed out on him then I'd go after Burfict...

But I agree with Bah007 here...Kendricks would be perfect for us...


But man...The thought of Burfict playing next to Cushing is pretty damn enticing...

I agree...I think he's a fiery competitor...with coaching and maybe some anger management classes, he'll be a fine NFL'er...and I can't imagine him and Cushing getting Mic'd Up. I'd piss my pants from laughter.
 
If Hightower is there at 26, I think we need to take him. No way does Kuechly fall to 26, probably not out of the top 15. Hightower would mean that we replace one Bama MLB with another.
 
If Hightower is there at 26, I think we need to take him. No way does Kuechly fall to 26, probably not out of the top 15. Hightower would mean that we replace one Bama MLB with another.

I didn't see too many people saying we should take MLB before we lost Demeco...

But now, since we lost a player that really had miniscule production on the season we should take a replacement for him in the first round?

I would not oppose the hightower pick simply because he is a really good player and he has versatility in that he can play on the outside some...At the same time, I can see the F.O. passing on ILB there and instead fill that position with a vet, Sharpton and maybe a mid round draft pick....

That second ILB isn't going to get a whole lot of burn...but I could see Hightower playing more than most because of his ability to play outside...
 
I didn't see too many people saying we should take MLB before we lost Demeco...

But now, since we lost a player that really had miniscule production on the season we should take a replacement for him in the first round?

I would not oppose the hightower pick simply because he is a really good player and he has versatility in that he can play on the outside some...At the same time, I can see the F.O. passing on ILB there and instead fill that position with a vet, Sharpton and maybe a mid round draft pick....

That second ILB isn't going to get a whole lot of burn...but I could see Hightower playing more than most because of his ability to play outside...

His versatility would be very helpful in Wade's defense. Even if he's not playing ILB, he could rotate into the OLB position, and his speed of 4.6 ought to make him useful in 3rd down situations. I think he could cover TEs if needed. Might even be able to trade down a bit and still pick him up. Some drafts have him going anywhere from 21 to 38.
 
His versatility would be very helpful in Wade's defense. Even if he's not playing ILB, he could rotate into the OLB position, and his speed of 4.6 ought to make him useful in 3rd down situations. I think he could cover TEs if needed. Might even be able to trade down a bit and still pick him up. Some drafts have him going anywhere from 21 to 38.

I keep reading that, but why would we want to change somethign we were very good at?

We were very good in passing situations when we bumped Glover down, brought in another safety and put McCain in the nickel...

Urlacher is a beast, but as Vinny well tell you, he even came off the field in nickel situations...And I think Urlacher is one of the better LB's out there in pass coverage even at his age...

I'd rather put Cushing out there and to be honest, if it was a definite passing situation I'd have Cushing rushing the passer and I'd only have DB's in coverage in some cases...I can see why having a LB in coverage is beneficial at times(big TE and no DB's big enough to cover him, a run is possible, the LB is exceptional in pass coverage and better than some of your DB's), but there are also times when I just think it's a waste....

Basically, I don't disagree that Hightower would be a good pick for us, but I don't see him )or any other first round LB) as a must get now simply because we lost Demeco who by most posters here account biggest contribution was his leadership and not his actual on field play...
 
Audie Cole, NC State. Adrien Cole, Louisiana Tech. Doubtful the Texans will draft an ILB in the first 2 rounds unless Hightower is available due to his versatility. I don't think that Hightower will get past the Steelers because Farrior is really old. In our defense the guy who plays next to Cushing comes out when we go to the nickle package (Ryans played 57 or 58 percent of the plays last year). We had success last year doing this so I'm just about positive the Texans keep on doing it.
 
Audie Cole reminds me of a poor man's AJ Hawk, which I am not using as a compliment.

I'd rather have Keenan Robinson in the 4th. He did not look very good at Texas on the inside, but it was performing a slightly different role than would be asked of him here.

He certainly has the size and athleticism. I think he could shine with the proper coaching.
 
I doubt we take an ILB prospect earlier than late 3rd, I'll post which particular one I want after I make my selection for the Cards or he gets taken
 
I don't see the need to take an ILB high. I feel fully content going into the season with Sharpton starting. We just need a guy in the mid-rounds for depth. Hopefully we re-sign Dobbins after the draft as well.
 
I don't see the need to take an ILB high. I feel fully content going into the season with Sharpton starting. We just need a guy in the mid-rounds for depth. Hopefully we re-sign Dobbins after the draft as well.

I'm with you, I really would like to see us re-sign Dobbins and I doubt that we will take a ILB early due to the amount of time he will be on the field. Also, like you said, the coaches seem content with Sharpton starting.
 
Ryans was our 2-down run stopper. Overpaid in that role but someone has to step up and fill in. I think that could either be an ILB or a big run stopping DT like Kheeston Randall from Texas. Found a guy that will be available later: Shawn Loiseau, high motor player with special teams mentality. Might even be able to pick him up UDFA but I spent a 7th on my mock to get him, nobody's ever been accused for reaching on a 7th rounder lol...
 
Ryans was our 2-down run stopper. Overpaid in that role but someone has to step up and fill in. I think that could either be an ILB or a big run stopping DT like Kheeston Randall from Texas. Found a guy that will be available later: Shawn Loiseau, high motor player with special teams mentality. Might even be able to pick him up UDFA but I spent a 7th on my mock to get him, nobody's ever been accused for reaching on a 7th rounder lol...

Don't worry about it, the draft is a crap shoot. I listed Adrien Cole because he seems like a fit for that position in our system. He should be around in round 6 or 7 and he had solid college production (WAC Defensive Player of The Year) and can really lay the wood. I really think we are going to draft a DE or DT in the top 3 rounds because I suspect Antonio Smith will be a cap casualty after this season. Who knows if they think Earl Mitchell can play DE. Personally I think he can but that does not really matter.
 
Don't worry about it, the draft is a crap shoot. I listed Adrien Cole because he seems like a fit for that position in our system. He should be around in round 6 or 7 and he had solid college production (WAC Defensive Player of The Year) and can really lay the wood. I really think we are going to draft a DE or DT in the top 3 rounds because I suspect Antonio Smith will be a cap casualty after this season. Who knows if they think Earl Mitchell can play DE. Personally I think he can but that does not really matter.

I think Mitchell is more than capable of playing the 5' tech. He's more of a penetrator than a run stuffer, I actually see him as a great fit in Wade's system at DE. I wouldn't be surprised to see us take a DT early allowing us to move Mitchell to DE where he's a better fit, IMO.

I would also not be surprised to see us take a DE in the mid-rounds if we are planning on cutting Antonio loose next year.
 
Lavonte David would be the best possible ILB that the Texans could have a real shot at landing--only problem is that he's undersized and fits a 4-3 defense better than he could a 3-4.

RMartin you're a Husker fan right? What do you think of David?
 
Nope, Oklahoma fan. I think our resident New Zealander is the Nebraska (N for Nowledge) fan.
 
Lavonte David would be the best possible ILB that the Texans could have a real shot at landing--only problem is that he's undersized and fits a 4-3 defense better than he could a 3-4.

RMartin you're a Husker fan right? What do you think of David?

Not a Nebraska fan, but I am familiar with David. Guy is a total stud but it would be an absolute waste of his talents for a 3-4 team to take him.

Looks like a great 4-3 WILL prospect.
 
kiwihuskersfan here.

My knowledge of all things huskers has lapsed a little not being in Nebraska anymore but I have seen enough of David to know that he is pure football player. He is sudden, instinctual and tireless.

He will make a great WLB for some team, but too small to play in the 3-4.

Apparently some pro people are talking about his as a safety given his skill set, but I think you are wasting him if he isn't at the WLB spot.
 
I don't see the need to take an ILB high. I feel fully content going into the season with Sharpton starting. We just need a guy in the mid-rounds for depth. Hopefully we re-sign Dobbins after the draft as well.

I guess I just don't see what you're seeing. As of now we have 3 ILBers on the roster. Cushing, Sharpton, and Alexander. Sharpton is coming off surgery on his knee and Mister Alexander played ST and saw the field very little after he was called up from the PS late in the year. Dobbins could be serviceable but nothing special if resigned. This doesn't paint a very good picture for me. To many ? for me. And what would happen if, God forbid, Cushing gets injured?

I hope if Hightower is there in the 1st or Kendricks is there in the 2nd or 3rd that the Texans take one of them. I don't want to take a chance on Sharpton coming back half speed or Dobbins not resigning or having to rely on an UDFA from last year to fill in if Cushing or Sharpton go down. And I hope the Texans don't take that chance either. JMO.
 
And what would happen if, God forbid, Cushing gets injured?
What would happen if Andre got hurt? I guess the Texans should have taken a WR in the 1st. What would happen if Duane Brown got hurt? I guess the Texans should have taken a offensive tackle in the 1st. You can play that game up and down the roster. It just doesn't make sense to draft a player in the 1st round that will come off the field on 3rd down.
 
I guess I just don't see what you're seeing. As of now we have 3 ILBers on the roster. Cushing, Sharpton, and Alexander. Sharpton is coming off surgery on his knee and Mister Alexander played ST and saw the field very little after he was called up from the PS late in the year. Dobbins could be serviceable but nothing special if resigned. This doesn't paint a very good picture for me. To many ? for me. And what would happen if, God forbid, Cushing gets injured?

DeMeco was coming off a far more severe injury last year and nobody questioned the depth. I have faith that Sharpton will be a good starting LB for us. Yes we need depth behind him and Cushing but it doesn't have to be a top pick (hence why I said we don't need a high pick at ILB). Dobbins could be serviceable and that's all we need for a depth player, he doesn't need to be special. Cushing, Sharpton, Dobbins, and draft pick seem pretty okay to me.

And if Cushing gets injured it would be a huge problem, just like it would have been last year.


I hope if Hightower is there in the 1st or Kendricks is there in the 2nd or 3rd that the Texans take one of them. I don't want to take a chance on Sharpton coming back half speed or Dobbins not resigning or having to rely on an UDFA from last year to fill in if Cushing or Sharpton go down. And I hope the Texans don't take that chance either. JMO.

I wouldn't mind Hightower because he could be a 2 down thumper like DeMeco but could also play rush LB. However, 1) he will be gone by the time we pick and 2) we'd be taking a 2-down player with our 1st rounder. I love Kendricks, but I just don't see the need for a high pick at ILB with bigger needs on the OL and at WR. We also need another OLB and depth on the DL.

You make good points, but I happen to have more faith in Sharpton's ability than most people on this board. I loved the pick when we made it and he's exceeded expectations for us so far.
 
Nigel Bradham from Florida State can play ILB in our scheme. He ran a 4.64 at the combine at 6-2 241. He had a 37" vert and a 10' 1" broad jump with 24 reps on the bench. He led the Noles in tackles in 2011, 2010, and 2009. He also had 3 INTs and 9 sacks in his career. He and Sharpton would be a nice combo to replace DeMeco Ryans. I think Bradham could be had with our high 4th rounder that we got from Philly for DeMeco.
 
Nigel Bradham from Florida State can play ILB in our scheme. He ran a 4.64 at the combine at 6-2 241. He had a 37" vert and a 10' 1" broad jump with 24 reps on the bench. He led the Noles in tackles in 2011, 2010, and 2009. He also had 3 INTs and 9 sacks in his career. He and Sharpton would be a nice combo to replace DeMeco Ryans. I think Bradham could be had with our high 4th rounder that we got from Philly for DeMeco.


I like this idea alot more than taking Hightower in the 1st round. Our new ILB won't be on the field but about half the defensive snaps so no need to waste a 1st on a guy that's not going to play much. The 4th round is perfect for what we need at ILB and Bradham sounds good here. Personally I like Audie Cole from N.C. State a little better but either one in the 4th and I'm happy. Good pick.
 
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