Can Robert Ayers play OLB?

[badboy]

I am really pumped about this young man who really helped himself in the recent bowl game. Some are wondering if he will fade. He is 6'3" 273 lbs and has been clocked at a low of 4.68. There are line backers that player at about 260 but are pretty slow.

I am looking at him losing 10 lbs and filling a OLB spot. I am looking now for an offer to be made for Peppers and getting Ayers in 2nd round. He could then support the Dline or LB. Or am I way too optimistic on Ayers?

Julius Peppers FA DE
Raji @ #15
Ayers in 2nd
Rashard Jennings RB in 3rd
Rashad Johnson FS 4th

 

[bah007]

I see Ayers as a strong side DE.

He is better at stopping the run than rushing the passer. I wouldn't put him at OLB, but that doesn't mean he is incapable.

 

[badboy]

My thinking was if we got Peppers who could create pressure at DE, Ayers in place of Greenwood could stop dumps to the RB or TE as he has strength. His speed and ability to get to QB could be used on blitz plays. Adding Peppers, Raji and a super big LB in Ayers would take care of our run defense problem. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Goldensilence]

My thinking was if we got Peppers who could create pressure at DE, Ayers in place of Greenwood could stop dumps to the RB or TE as he has strength. His speed and ability to get to QB could be used on blitz plays. Adding Peppers, Raji and a super big LB in Ayers would take care of our run defense problem. Thanks for your thoughts.

I don't see us getting Peppers. My thought is why have him lose the weight when we could just line him up as a DE. Size for Ayers isn't the issue but if you're looking for a replacement for Greenwood why bring in a guy who doesn't have the sideline to sideline speed that Greenwood lacked?

If he was a possible tweener like Brown or Maybin, although I don't care for the idea of standing them up at LB in a 4-3, I'd be on board with the idea.

 

[badboy]

I think Ayers is fairly quick and did well week of practice before seniors game against some pretty good offensive players. He could lose a few lbs if required without losing strength. He would be a stable option if Peppers did not work out at DE. I don't care if he can go sideline to sideline. Ryans and Diles can handle their areas of the field. I want a "zone" if you will for LBs. Our Dbacks should be much better this year & I am hoping LBs are not dropping back as much.

I am okay with drafting Ayers as a DE. I have fluctuated on Peppers as a starter for us and will he be willing to take what we offer. I could see some of the extra cap that was created by waiving Green and Greenwood ($8.9 million) being used in an offer for JP.

 

[Goldensilence]

I think Ayers is fairly quick and did well week of practice before seniors game against some pretty good offensive players. He could lose a few lbs if required without losing strength. He would be a stable option if Peppers did not work out at DE. I don't care if he can go sideline to sideline. Ryans and Diles can handle their areas of the field. I want a "zone" if you will for LBs. Our Dbacks should be much better this year & I am hoping LBs are not dropping back as much.

I am okay with drafting Ayers as a DE. I have fluctuated on Peppers as a starter for us and will he be willing to take what we offer. I could see some of the extra cap that was created by waiving Green and Greenwood ($8.9 million) being used in an offer for JP.

If you were critical about Greenwood's play then why plug in a former DE who would do probably about the same and possibly worse? The difference might be he might be able to rush the QB better.

I do want Lbers who do have sideline to sideline speed. It's a big reason we've haven't been great on the defensive side IMO. Once Adibi and Bentley got in the lineup our overall defensive play was better. Zone Lbers might be ok for catching some RBS but you want Ayers in pursuit of Chris Johnson, MJD, Addai, and covering Dallas Clark and Lewis as TEs?

No thanks. I don't think this squad is ready for any kind of hybrid role. How about just learning to play good defense for starters?

 

[Polo]

I don't see us focusing on LB...I look at DE and FS as the weakest links.

 

[threetoedpete]

NO. Guy is naturally 273. He has a big but and thunder thighs. I don't see him standing up flipping his hips and running with anyone. What was said about him during the senior bowl week by Mayock and the Path to the draft crew....was that he was known as a stack and shed DE at Tennessee. The first step in the one on one drills kind of surprised everyone. We should have a good shot at him in the second round. Be easier for him to get to 280 than try to get to 260. The boy is growing. Is he Orakpo...nope. But I think he'll work. Until I hear otherwise....Weaver isn't going anywhere. Ayers would be perfect to rotate with him until he can take over in 2010.

 

[threetoedpete]

I don't see us focusing on LB...I look at DE and FS as the weakest links.

When we had Demeeco surround by two athletic guys on the outside...they dominated. Dbs played better. The defense had a spark. Go back and re watch the Oakland game and notice who is on the field at the OLBs. OLB is critical in my opinion. Almost as critical as DE. And we're loaded at safety. Pampered and groomed these guys at DB for two years. Time for someone to fish or cut bait.

 

[Maddict5]

When we had Demeeco surround by two athletic guys on the outside...they dominated. Dbs played better. The defense had a spark. Go back and re watch the Oakland game and notice who is on the field at the OLBs. OLB is critical in my opinion. Almost as critical as DE. And we're loaded at safety. Pampered and groomed these guys at DB for two years. Time for someone to fish or cut bait.

really? i missed that memo. i think we all saw harrison wasnt the future last yr and barber is a huge unknown

adibi and diles are fine.. i see us focusing more on depth later in the draft at olb

 

[steelbtexan]

TTP I know you aren't high on M. Johnson but I dont think the Texans will pass on his potential. I would like to see the Texans select C. Matthews in the 2nd rd.

This would allow Bush to play the pressure defense he says he wants to play.

I scared of Maybin he looks fast his size doesn't bother me but the fact that Evans put up comparable stats playing the same position the year before tells me Maybin may be a system guy.

 

[threetoedpete]

Well I know what I saw....understand I was looking for these guys last fall. And I watched Micheal Johnson. Every time GT was on. You go watch him...you tell me. Yeah am I tempted by a Sean Jones type of guy lined up opposite Mario ? Damn right I am. Just watch the guy's game is all I'm saying. Look at where he started out the process and look at where he is now. When people who do this for their rice bowl evaluate the guy, they're scared to death of him. And so am I.

Draft him.

Maybe pro coaching will flip the guys light bulb on. Just going by what he produced in the games, I don't know where this guys mind is at but it isn't on football. His mind boggling athletic numbers do not equal his on the field production. And yeah, I'm always scared of those guys. I'm sure like everyone else he wants to be paid. If one of our division foes ends up with him I'll be a happy camper. We'll punk the guy. We'll block the guy to Mars.

Well Maybin was touched by the football Gauds in the womb and he's got something no one else does. Elite quickness and speed. And the guy is all out every play. At 235 yeah he's a risk. But my money says this guy hits the ground running and the very least he's pushing Adibi for the Will LB spot. And at the lower end he gives you a guy who will give tackles fits opposite Mario on third and long. If you're going to gamble on something, gamble on the speed and the elite first step.

 

[threetoedpete]

really? i missed that memo. i think we all saw harrison wasnt the future last yr and barber is a huge unknown

adibi and diles are fine.. i see us focusing more on depth later in the draft at olb

the grey beards played OK at outside LB. What they didn't have was that half second of speed to cut off the dump off check down passes or speed enough to cut off the edge on rushing plays. What the back ups cost us in cap, what do you want ?

Glass half full, Diles comes back 100%. Adibi shakes off the dings. Are you going to roll the dice on the results of the 2009 season on that ? Got a board full of guys...you slam it early. You make damn sure Demeeco has the athletic support he needs on the outside to be dominate.....no matter who's healthy and who's not come September. I like Delmus and Rashard Johnson. Just Judging what they've done in the past, they aren't going to start a rookie DB until he's ready. So now you've got another Db safety type warming his fanny on the bench....basically doing nothing the first month and a half of the season. I thought the whole point of this exercise was to sweep two of three division foes and win the division. They ain't going to do that starting out 1-4 again. I don't see how getting another prospect at Saftey helps them at all.

 

[steelbtexan]

High risk, High reward

I get what you are saying but any pik @ 15 is risky. I'll trust Smithiak after the interviews at the combine. If they hear what they want to hear in the interviews & take Johnson that's great. If Johnson doesn't give them the answers their looking for then Smithiak will move on.

I think Kollar can get the best out of Johnson.

TTP what do you think about my fears about Maybin?

If they let Dunta walk my pick @ 15 is DJ Moore I like him more than V. Davis. Less of a bust factor, & I know he will play dinged up.

 

[badboy]

NO. Guy is naturally 273. He has a big but and thunder thighs. I don't see him standing up flipping his hips and running with anyone. What was said about him during the senior bowl week by Mayock and the Path to the draft crew....was that he was known as a stack and shed DE at Tennessee. The first step in the one on one drills kind of surprised everyone. We should have a good shot at him in the second round. Be easier for him to get to 280 than try to get to 260. The boy is growing. Is he Orakpo...nope. But I think he'll work. Until I hear otherwise....Weaver isn't going anywhere. Ayers would be perfect to rotate with him until he can take over in 2010.

Good info and supports my thoughts that Ayers will be able to gain 10-15 easier than lose same. You point to an area that to me is a weakness, our linebackers "flipping hips and running backwards." This does not seem to be working out well. I want our guys to be attacking "forward". Knock that TE off stride within 5 yards and you don't have to worry about him. With better DLine this year, Dunta back (hopefully at reasonable $) coaching up Bennett and maybe a FS starter through draft, I want to see more LBs getting up close & personal with QB. Do I expect our defensive strategy to cahnge much? Nope.

Weaver, maybe with a little more competition team may be willing to cut him and take the hit on dead $.

 

[badboy]

High risk, High reward

I get what you are saying but any pik @ 15 is risky. I'll trust Smithiak after the interviews at the combine. If they hear what they want to hear in the interviews & take Johnson that's great. If Johnson doesn't give them the answers their looking for then Smithiak will move on.

I think Kollar can get the best out of Johnson.

TTP what do you think about my fears about Maybin?

If they let Dunta walk my pick @ 15 is DJ Moore I like him more than V. Davis. Less of a bust factor, & I know he will play dinged up.

Just to clarify, my thread indicates Raji @ #15 and Ayers in 2nd round.

 

[Goldensilence]

Good info and supports my thoughts that Ayers will be able to gain 10-15 easier than lose same. You point to an area that to me is a weakness, our linebackers "flipping hips and running backwards." This does not seem to be working out well. I want our guys to be attacking "forward". Knock that TE off stride within 5 yards and you don't have to worry about him. With better DLine this year, Dunta back (hopefully at reasonable $) coaching up Bennett and maybe a FS starter through draft, I want to see more LBs getting up close & personal with QB. Do I expect our defensive strategy to cahnge much? Nope.

Weaver, maybe with a little more competition team may be willing to cut him and take the hit on dead $.

I don't think we'll be sending all 3 LBers all the time on blitzes. It's important as well they have the speed to catch Chris Johnson, be able to pursue Addai on stretch plays, reaonably cover Dallas Clark, and snuff out MJD at the line. I do want our LBers to be more involved in our blitz schemes next year but not at the cost of what LBers do overall for a team.

I'm for getting Ayers but only as a 4-3 DE.

 

[steelbtexan]

Just to clarify, my thread indicates Raji @ #15 and Ayers in 2nd round.

That would be the ideal senario.

I dont think he will be there @ 15. His dominating performance in the senior bowl practices will have him shooting up the draft boards. provided he has a good combine.

 

[threetoedpete]

I don't think we'll be sending all 3 LBers all the time on blitzes. It's important as well they have the speed to catch Chris Johnson, be able to pursue Addai on stretch plays, reaonably cover Dallas Clark, and snuff out MJD at the line. I do want our LBers to be more involved in our blitz schemes next year but not at the cost of what LBers do overall for a team.

I'm for getting Ayers but only as a 4-3 DE.

Agreed. We'll see what Sidbury runs Sunday and if he can do the three cone drills. Beerlover's latest mock where we're banging the OLB weakness early and often I believe is the quickest way to win the division. If you're sending the DTs through the gaps, better have athletes at Linebacker who can scrape get through the trash and shut down the natural holes it creates. I'm with beerlover on this. We can't have too many of them. If Cushings boobies check out...and he isn't on the sauce or the grass, He'd be a pretty good pick. Play either OLB . He over runs plays but they should be able to coach that up.
Come back and get Ayers, get Waever out of the game on third down...I think we'll have a prety good front seven. I think they move up in defensive production to catch the division. Perfect ? NO. But I haven't seen anyone in here advocating going up and getting Orakpo. Be gald I'm not the G M.

 

[threetoedpete]

Just to clarify, my thread indicates Raji @ #15 and Ayers in 2nd round.

Raji is so close to Okoye....I dunno. 335 he's bigger. He's an upgrade over Okam, TJ, DelJuan Robinson and the grey beard Zgonina. Better watch Diles and Adibi's health pretty close. Unless you coming back in the third for the Cal guy or someone like him....you're one injury away from being on the eight and eight road again.

Defiantly hot for Ayers. Understand Ayers doesn't have no bust stamp on his heel either. He is a one year wonder who's been hurt a lot. But he's shown flashes of a pass rush. And he plays the run well. Don't know about Cochran's toe. Don't know what kind of progress DelJuan Robinson, Jessie Nadding is making. We know Bulmman is worth four sacks. Someome is going to be the odd man out.

http://www.battleredblog.com/2008/6/25/558950/the-road-he-traveled

 

[badboy]

Agreed. We'll see what Sidbury runs Sunday and if he can do the three cone drills. Beerlover's latest mock where we're banging the OLB weakness early and often I believe is the quickest way to win the division. If you're sending the DTs through the gaps, better have athletes at Linebacker who can scrape get through the trash and shut down the natural holes it creates. I'm with beerlover on this. We can't have too many of them. If Cushings boobies check out...and he isn't on the sauce or the grass, He'd be a pretty good pick. Play either OLB . He over runs plays but they should be able to coach that up.
Come back and get Ayers, get Waever out of the game on third down...I think we'll have a prety good front seven. I think they move up in defensive production to catch the division. Perfect ? NO. But I haven't seen anyone in here advocating going up and getting Orakpo. Be gald I'm not the G M.

Just to clarify, I ain't checking out Cushings' boobies or any other NFL player or hope to be NFL player. Just saying. It might be easier if he is high but I ain't going there.

 

[badboy]

Raji is so close to Okoye....I dunno. 335 he's bigger. He's an upgrade over Okam, TJ, DelJuan Robinson and the grey beard Zgonina. Better watch Diles and Adibi's health pretty close. Unless you coming back in the third for the Cal guy or someone like him....you're one injury away from being on the eight and eight road again.

Defiantly hot for Ayers. Understand Ayers doesn't have no bust stamp on his heel either. He is a one year wonder who's been hurt a lot. But he's shown flashes of a pass rush. And he plays the run well. Don't know about Cochran's toe. Don't know what kind of progress DelJuan Robinson, Jessie Nadding is making. We know Bulmman is worth four sacks. Someome is going to be the odd man out.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/houstontexans/profile?team=HOU

I am hopeful Okam steps up his sophomore year. He looked lost some last season but has the size. Everything I can find on Raji shows he collapses pocket or shoves his guy backwards and that is what I want. He can cause the QB to hurry and stop the run. We have NO ONE that does both, not even Mario. That is why I have him over Orakpo if both are at 15.
I like Ayers, Raji, Okoye and Mario. Then add a FS like Rashad Johnson that has good chance of starting due to speed...now that could be a defense!

Yes you are one injury (linebackers) from 8-8. Can't we say that about QB and WR? Don't see any one really pushing to draft either of those in 3rd.

You are correct on Ayer's one year, yet he just keeps getting better it seems. Will he plateau? Maybe. But so can any of the top 5 picks. I just really like the guy. No off field shenannigans. Quiet and simply goes at his job against whoever lines up against him. If he has a great combine and interviews well, it is possible to see him move into the first round.

 

[76Texan]

Ayers looked bad in the season opener against USC.
He was constantly stood up by the TE #86, even by a receiver at one time.
He had a better game against Vandy, but didn't look like a first rounder to me (their 11th game.)

The Vols play a three-man front, with Ayers at OLB.
He did not look good at rushing the QB either!

 

[76Texan]

My bad.

It was Sintim (Virginia) who did not look good against USC.
Virginia play a three-man front (from what I can see.)
Tennessee play both the 3-4 and 4-3

Anyway, neither one looks like a first rounder to me.