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Outside LB's

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I think it's common knowledge that we need to upgrade our LB corps.

Meco has the middle sewn up. Greenwood while not spectacular was presentable. Still replaceable. Orr for a lot of the season was a non-factor.

I thought we could talk about some of the possible prospects that we can grab in the later rds. that may be able to come in and start for us.

A guy I like in rd. 3 is Earl Everett. On the team site they have him listed at 6-3, 234 lbs. I watched a lot of Gator games this year, and he was definitely one of the better players on their defense. Big physical guy that can rush the passer with good speed. IMO, a definite upgrade over either one of our OLB's.

Anybody think Lawrence Timmons or Paul Posluszny will be available when we pick in the second round ?
 
No way Posluszny is still there. If Timmons is there I would want him (unless Juwan Simpson is still on the board).
 
May 21, 2006
Juwan Simpson Arrested
Filed under: Football - Nico @ 5:18 pm
Alabama linebacker Juwan Simpson was arrested on Saturday for receiving stolen property, possession of marijuana, and carrying a pistol without a license.

This is incredibly shocking given that Simpson has been nothing short of upstanding in his time at Alabama. He’s an Academic All-SEC athlete, he’s already graduated and is working on a second degree, he received the Derrick Thomas Award (the team’s service award) and was nominated for the Lott Trophy which is based on a combination of academics, athletics, public service and character.

http://southerngent.org/?p=299

It's old...
 
Did Juwan Simpson recently get arrested ?

I havent heard anything about that.

I think he was arrested last year for something but he was Academic All-SEC so he should be smart enough to have avoided doing something stupid again.

He was also a semi-finalist for the Lott trophy so I would expect that he is of good character.
 
Stephen Nicholas.

Of course, if we don't limit ourselves to OLB's only, we could make a run at Desmond Bishop (ILB) & shift DeMeco to the outside. I'd sure like to see DeMeco coming off the edge regularly.
 
Stephen Nicholas.

Of course, if we don't limit ourselves to OLB's only, we could make a run at Desmond Bishop (ILB) & shift DeMeco to the outside. I'd sure like to see DeMeco coming off the edge regularly.

I've thought about Meco on the outside as well...

On one hand, he was a top 3 MLB this year....

On the other hand, Can he be more devastaing on the outside ?


Personally I'd just leave him in the middle...He has good range at the position, good instincts, and he's become our defensive leader. I'm hoping he can lock that spot down for years to come.
 
I've thought about Meco on the outside as well...

On one hand, he was a top 3 MLB this year....

On the other hand, Can he be more devastaing on the outside ?


Personally I'd just leave him in the middle...He has good range at the position, good instincts, and he's become our defensive leader. I'm hoping he can lock that spot down for years to come.

AMEN, BROTHER!!!!!:marionaner:
 
Ya I agree, that would be very risky if we moved him outside for no reason. He ajusted so if we do get someone who is an isl then we could move them outside and let them adjust. i would not like it at all if meco was moved. He will hopefully be the best mlb next year. And make the pro bowl, ,so i say leave him.
 
Desmond Bishop

2006: A first team All-Pac-10 selection and a third-team All-American by Rivals.com ... led the Pac-10 with 126 tackles and 9.7 tackles per game (14th in the nation) ... also has a team-high 15 tackles for loss (fourth in the Pac-10) ... averaged 11.2 tackles per game over the last six games ... tallied a game-high 12 tackles to earn Defensive MVP honors in the Holiday Bowl, a 45-10 Cal win over Texas A&M ... recorded 10 tackles in his final home game, a victory over Stanford ... tallied a game-high 13 tackles against USC ... led the Bears with eight tackles and a sack against Arizona ... snared an interception for his second straight game against UCLA while adding eight tackles and a pass break-up ... had a statement game against Washington with a career-high 16 tackles and the game-clinching interception on the goal-line in overtime ... tied for a team-high eight tackles against Washington State ... registered 10 tackles (eight solo) with an interception and a sack against Oregon ... tallied six tackles and a tackle for loss at Oregon State while also forcing a fumble on the Cal 12-yard line to halt OSU's first drive of the game ... recorded his first career sack, recovered a fumble and added nine tackles against Arizona State ... had six tackles (two for losses) and recovered a fumble against Portland State ... led the Bears with 13 tackles, one for a loss, against Minnesota.

2005: A second-team All-Pac-10 linebacker in his first season of Division I football ... finished No. 14 in the Pac-10 in total tackles and led the Bears with 89, including 62 solos ... led Cal in tackles seven times in 12 games ... ended the regular season with five tackles behind the line of scrimmage against Stanford ... best game came against top-ranked USC when he was credited with 12 solo tackles, the most by a Bear all season ... had 11 tackles against Illinois ... at Oregon, had nine stops, including two tackles behind the line of scrimmage ... recorded seven tackles, a tackle for loss and forced a fumble in the Bears' victory at Washington ... finished the season with eight tackles, a tackle for a loss and a pass break-up in the bowl victory over Brigham Young.
 
Meco is not your proto-typical MLB in size. At 236# he is undersized for that position. A MLB has to fight very large offensive guards, perhaps a center occasionnaly and should be around 245-250# to hold his own. I think he would be awesome at OLB. Look at Ray Lewis (250#), Brian Urlacher (258#).
 
Meco is not your proto-typical MLB in size. At 236# he is undersized for that position. A MLB has to fight very large offensive guards, perhaps a center occasionnaly and should be around 245-250# to hold his own. I think he would be awesome at OLB. Look at Ray Lewis (250#), Brian Urlacher (258#).

Why does that matter ? He's already proven that he can get in done in the middle. I don't see how that has any relevance at this point.
 
Stewart Bradley, Nebraska.

Stewart Bradley


2006 Outlook
Senior Stewart Bradley is one of three members of a talented Husker linebacker corps eager to get back on the field after a season-ending injury in 2005. Bradley missed the final seven games of the 2005 season after he suffered a knee injury against Texas Tech in game five.
Bradley has made steady progress during his rehabilitation, and took part in most non-contact drills during spring practice. Although Bradley did not see contact in the spring, he is expected to be at full speed for the start of fall camp.
The 6-4, 245-pound Bradley provides a physical run-stopping presence at the SAM linebacker spot, while possessing the athleticism to play the perimeter and cover opposing receivers. Bradley is a key component to a Nebraska linebacker unit that could rank among the best and deepest in the nation in 2006. With Bradley out of live action in the spring, junior Lance Brandenburgh took the majority of the snaps with the top unit at SAM linebacker and the position should be in great shape for the 2006 campaign.
Bradley opened the 2005 season in strong fashion, collecting 26 tackles, including five tackles for loss and three sacks in the season’s first five games. He also reached the end zone for the first time in his career, returning an interception 43 yards for a touchdown in the Huskers’ 31-3 win over Wake Forest. Bradley had a pair of seven-tackle efforts before his injury.
Bradley redshirted in 2002, then made a big impression as a Mike linebacker during spring camp in 2003. He was moved to defensive end in the fall of 2003, and played a key role on Nebraska's special teams with six tackles. He had a breakout season in 2004, taking over the starting role at SAM linebacker. Bradley finished second on the team with 67 tackles and 11 tackles for loss.
An accounting major, Bradley is on track to earn his undergraduate degree this December.
 
Why does that matter ? He's already proven that he can get in done in the middle. I don't see how that has any relevance at this point.

Well, there was a certain play at the end of the Titan's game where VY ran right by him because he was overpowerd and out of position. You don't hear a lot about those plays, only the ones he does good on. I like Meco and think he as done an excellent job at MLB for his size but think his natural position in the NFL is OLB due to his size.
 
Well, there was a certain play at the end of the Titan's game where VY ran right by him because he was overpowerd and out of position. You don't hear a lot about those plays, only the ones he does good on. I like Meco and think he as done an excellent job at MLB for his size but think his natural position in the NFL is OLB due to his size.

I understand what you're saying....

But I'm willing to sacrafice that size for his range...Because of his instincts and quickness, a lot of times he was able to diagnose the play and shoot the gap into the backfield to make a play. He has great range and can make plays from sideline to sideline. I'd rather him be in the middle because he has shown a nack for quickly diagnosing plays, and that is tremendous for a MLB. The guy was at the very top in the leauge in tackles. I'm not sure why you'd move a guy who played so well.
 
I understand what you're saying....

But I'm willing to sacrafice that size for his range...Because of his instincts and quickness, a lot of times he was able to diagnose the play and shoot the gap into the backfield to make a play. He has great range and can make plays from sideline to sideline. I'd rather him be in the middle because he has shown a nack for quickly diagnosing plays, and that is tremendous for a MLB. The guy was at the very top in the leauge in tackles. I'm not sure why you'd move a guy who played so well.

I would move him simply because he is physically playing out-of-position for his size. He would make a tremendous OLB because of his smaller size and quickness. You can blitz from the outside too. I just don't like players playing out of position, something the Texans are well known for.
 
I would move him simply because he is physically playing out-of-position for his size. He would make a tremendous OLB because of his smaller size and quickness. You can blitz from the outside too. I just don't like players playing out of position, something the Texans are well known for.

I don't know that he'd be an effective blitzer. That's speculation. What I don know is he is a trmendous MLB.

If he were playing OLB he wouldn't make as many plays. Ryans strength so far has been stopping the run, both inside and out. If we moved him outside he wouldn't be able to make plays from sideline to sideline.
 
I trust this staff to do what they think is best...in the end they know so much more than any of us do.

I'm not against him playing at mike, but I think they didn't have much of an option last season as to nobody else could. Plus he showed great leadership and ability to take on this role.

I'm not against them moving him outside. I feel everyone is over reacting to the idea of him moving outside...basically saying he played so good at mlb they are scared to move him outside then all of a sudden he won't do good.

He is smaller/lighter than they typical mlb. he has shown he can handle it for one season but are any of yall worried about his long term health and play? could he playing there 'undersized' have an effect on his long term durability?

I think just about every position on our team is getting a shake up over the offseason. I think they'll get the best three lb's out there. any way they can.
 
Ryans strength so far has been stopping the run, both inside and out. If we moved him outside he wouldn't be able to make plays from sideline to sideline.

I would disagree with a portion of that. It seems to me that he is much better chasing down plays (smaller size helps) than defending ones coming right at him (size helps). Case in point, the VY run at end of Titans game. The primary defensive responsibility of the MLB is the middle gaps, everything else is gravy but you must be rock solid on middle runs. I don't see that being the case here.
 
I would disagree with a portion of that. It seems to me that he is much better chasing down plays (smaller size helps) than defending ones coming right at him (size helps). Case in point, the VY run at end of Titans game. The primary defensive responsibility of the MLB is the middle gaps, everything else is gravy but you must be rock solid on middle runs. I don't see that being the case here.

I remember that play. One thing you should take into consideration is that he was a rookie, and rookies make rookie mistakes. For every play that you can come up with that he got blocked on I can point out ten more where he made a good play. Meco was borderline amazing playing MLB. I seriously doubt they even consider moving him.
 
Meco is not your proto-typical MLB in size. At 236# he is undersized for that position. A MLB has to fight very large offensive guards, perhaps a center occasionnaly and should be around 245-250# to hold his own. I think he would be awesome at OLB. Look at Ray Lewis (250#), Brian Urlacher (258#).

Geez, when is this "truism" about MLB size going to die the death it deserves. Take a look at the pro-bowl MLB's over the last few years and the guys who have been impact rookies and you will see predominately guys DeMeco's size such as:

DeMeco Ryans 6' 1" 236 lbs

Lofa Tatupu 6' 238 lbs
Donnie Edwards 6' 2" 227 lbs
Jonathon Vilma 6' 1" 230 lbs
Odell Thurman 6' 235 lbs
Zach Thomas 5' 11" 235 lbs
Al Wilson 6' 240 lbs
Antonio Pierce 6' 1" 238 lbs

FYI--Ray Lewis wasn't 250 lbs coming out of college and was considered too small by many.

Urlacher is the exception in the current NFL, not the norm.

Moving Ryans also takes him out of the playcalling/leadership role he is very good at.
 
Geez, when is this "truism" about MLB size going to die the death it deserves. Take a look at the pro-bowl MLB's over the last few years and the guys who have been impact rookies and you will see predominately guys DeMeco's size such as:

DeMeco Ryans 6' 1" 236 lbs

Lofa Tatupu 6' 238 lbs
Donnie Edwards 6' 2" 227 lbs
Jonathon Vilma 6' 1" 230 lbs
Odell Thurman 6' 235 lbs
Zach Thomas 5' 11" 235 lbs
Al Wilson 6' 240 lbs
Antonio Pierce 6' 1" 238 lbs

FYI--Ray Lewis wasn't 250 lbs coming out of college and was considered too small by many.

Urlacher is the exception in the current NFL, not the norm.

Moving Ryans also takes him out of the playcalling/leadership role he is very good at.

Well...

I think that ends the argument.
 
Geez, when is this "truism" about MLB size going to die the death it deserves. Take a look at the pro-bowl MLB's over the last few years and the guys who have been impact rookies and you will see predominately guys DeMeco's size such as:

DeMeco Ryans 6' 1" 236 lbs

Lofa Tatupu 6' 238 lbs
Donnie Edwards 6' 2" 227 lbs
Jonathon Vilma 6' 1" 230 lbs
Odell Thurman 6' 235 lbs
Zach Thomas 5' 11" 235 lbs
Al Wilson 6' 240 lbs
Antonio Pierce 6' 1" 238 lbs

FYI--Ray Lewis wasn't 250 lbs coming out of college and was considered too small by many.

Urlacher is the exception in the current NFL, not the norm.

Moving Ryans also takes him out of the playcalling/leadership role he is very good at.



And the knock on some of the smaller guys was there size on the scouting reports. Sure it can be done but there won't be much up side over the long run since they are stretching there abilities to just stay where they are at with the MLB position.

I don't know why anyone would say that size doesn't matter in the NFL. The two poster child MLB's are 250+. These guys are the poster children for a reason, they are playing there natural position for one and they are just badaz...
 
The only way I would consider moving Ryans would be if we got Patrick Willis. Replace a tackling machine with a tackling machine. But that doesn't help us with our weakest LB spot (Strongside). Willis would play MLB, Ryans would play WLB (chances would be that Greenwood would be let go) and still no SLB (unless we draft Everett in the 3rd,[but I don't see us drafting 2 LBs that high]).
 
And the knock on some of the smaller guys was there size on the scouting reports.

Sure some draft gurus keep spewing the same truism but it clearly isn't true according to NFL coaches and GM's anymore.

Sure it can be done but there won't be much up side over the long run since they are stretching there abilities to just stay where they are at with the MLB position.

Yeah probowler sure is a low ceiling.

I don't know why anyone would say that size doesn't matter in the NFL. The two poster child MLB's are 250+. These guys are the poster children for a reason, they are playing there natural position for one and they are just badaz...

Not saying size doesn't matter--the point is Ryans is demonstrably not too small to play MLB.

Once again, one of your poster children (who didn't make the probowl this year) came out of college smaller than Ryans. Ray Lewis was 6' 235 lbs coming out of Miami.

Thurman is the same size and weight - 6-0, 235 - as Lewis when Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome drafted the Miami (Fla.) linebacker 26th overall in the 1996 draft.

Link
 
The only way I would consider moving Ryans would be if we got Patrick Willis. Replace a tackling machine with a tackling machine. But that doesn't help us with our weakest LB spot (Strongside). Willis would play MLB, Ryans would play WLB (chances would be that Greenwood would be let go) and still no SLB (unless we draft Everett in the 3rd,[but I don't see us drafting 2 LBs that high]).

I still wouldn't put Meco on the outside.

I'd move Willis to Strong side, Meco in the middle and Greenwood would be on the outside.

Meco stays in the middle no matter what.
 
I don't know why anyone would say that size doesn't matter in the NFL. The two poster child MLB's are 250+. These guys are the poster children for a reason, they are playing there natural position for one and they are just badaz...

I don't think of them as the poster child MLB's, more like the exceptions. Everyone is goning to speed at this position, thus most are getting smaller and faster. Yes everyone would love to have a Lewis or Urlacher type at MLB, but everyone would also want a Manning or Bradey at QB. They are more the exception than the norm.
 
I just do not see need of a linebacker in top 4 picks. I think an CB will be selected with a free agent or a day one pick. Two good CBs will take cover pressure off LBs and Petey F. will add strength at nickle. If we go LB on day two, ok.
 
I just do not see need of a linebacker in top 4 picks. I think an CB will be selected with a free agent or a day one pick. Two good CBs will take cover pressure off LBs and Petey F. will add strength at nickle. If we go LB on day two, ok.


Yeah....

We should draft all OL on day 1...
 
Well, since this thread had an original purpose...

Lawrence Timmons, Florida St.
Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
Earl Everett, Florida
Jon Beason, Miami
Brandon Siler, Florida
Stewart Bradley, Nebraska
Tony Taylor, Georgia
Justin Durant, Hampton
Juwan Simpson, Alabama
Desmond Bishop, Cal
Prescott Burgess, Michigan
Dallas Sartz, USC
Tim Shaw, Penn St.


These are the guys I think we can draft after the first round that are worth getting.
 
I don't think of them as the poster child MLB's, more like the exceptions. Everyone is goning to speed at this position, thus most are getting smaller and faster. Yes everyone would love to have a Lewis or Urlacher type at MLB, but everyone would also want a Manning or Bradey at QB. They are more the exception than the norm.

Well, I have to admit you may be right. I did a little research and I was surprised to find that of the 27 teams running the 4-3 defense, the average weight of the MLB position was 241.4#.

The smallest was S. Quarles from Tampa Bay at 225# and the largest was J. Trotter from the Eagles at 262#.

The number spread was:

12 players < 240#
8 players >= 240# but < 250#
7 players >= 250#

Hopfully Meco can put on a few more pounds though.
 
You never stop amazing me. I never mentioned the Oline in this post. Linebacker in 3rd was mentioned. I voiced my opinion. Your sarcasm drips but fails to impress. Truck on dude.

Well the least you could do is tell where our picks would be better spent. You open yourself up to well warranted speculation when you make open statements.
 
Stephen Nicholas.

Of course, if we don't limit ourselves to OLB's only, we could make a run at Desmond Bishop (ILB) & shift DeMeco to the outside. I'd sure like to see DeMeco coming off the edge regularly.

As I've posted many, many times before, I think they need to sniff Meco at the will in '07. Therfore your Will linebacvker wish list is a little to rigid for my tastes. I'm looking for a guy who can handle the middle and the Will. Means the guy has to have some rocks in his pockets.

I'm with you on this one Toddie. Makes no sense playing Lawrence Taylor on the inside. The fact is, we don't know for sure if we have that yet or not. But I'd like to find out. That is for sure.
 
I still wouldn't put Meco on the outside.

I'd move Willis to Strong side, Meco in the middle and Greenwood would be on the outside.

Meco stays in the middle no matter what.

I got it ...you two. I would at least give him a try there this off season. What is the harm ? Give up ten sacks a season...that's pretty tunnel visioned by you guys. And why prey tell couldn't he make the calls for the defense ? An angle of two feet is going to make that much of a difference ? Because noone knows for sure makes your rigidness obtuse. You guys are just throwing away a weapon, out of hand, because it's extra ordinary ? I don't get it ? MLBs are a dime a dozen. A Will who can get there is worth his wieght in NFL gold. You guys wanna be block headed, fine by me.
 
As I've posted many, many times before, I think they need to sniff Meco at the will in '07. Therfore your Will linebacvker wish list is a little to rigid for my tastes. I'm looking for a guy who can handle the middle and the Will. Means the guy has to have some rocks in his pockets.

I'm with you on this one Toddie. Makes no sense playing Lawrence Taylor on the inside. The fact is, we don't know for sure if we have that yet or not. But I'd like to find out. That is for sure.


:hairpull:
 
I still wouldn't put Meco on the outside.

I'd move Willis to Strong side, Meco in the middle and Greenwood would be on the outside.

Meco stays in the middle no matter what.

Agree, as I said the only way I would consider, not would move.
 
Well, since this thread had an original purpose...

Lawrence Timmons, Florida St.
Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
Earl Everett, Florida
Jon Beason, Miami
Brandon Siler, Florida
Stewart Bradley, Nebraska
Tony Taylor, Georgia
Justin Durant, Hampton
Juwan Simpson, Alabama
Desmond Bishop, Cal
Prescott Burgess, Michigan
Dallas Sartz, USC
Tim Shaw, Penn St.


These are the guys I think we can draft after the first round that are worth getting.

The guys I have bolded are my favorite of these guys. The only one we seem to be in position to draft out of those three is Taylor, unless we went for Rufus in the 2nd assuming he was there. YTF, which of these guys would fit best for us at SLB.

Also, what position does Burgess project at. I remember him being good on the blitz, but I do not remember if he was SLB or WLB.
 
Beason is considered by most to be one of the top tier LB's this draft as is Timmons, so if either of them fell to us in the 2nd we better be running up to the podium to get him like we did with Meco last year. I would also be inclined to look at Siler, Simpson, Alexander, Taylor and Everett in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. As much as I would love to get Briggs I think it makes more sense in the salary cap situation to get another young stud LB through the draft than to get into a bidding war over a player like Briggs (which will happen if Chicago doesn't resign him). Does anyone know any potential 2008 free agents???
 
Beason is considered by most to be one of the top tier LB's this draft as is Timmons, so if either of them fell to us in the 2nd we better be running up to the podium to get him like we did with Meco last year. I would also be inclined to look at Siler, Simpson, Alexander, Taylor and Everett in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. As much as I would love to get Briggs I think it makes more sense in the salary cap situation to get another young stud LB through the draft than to get into a bidding war over a player like Briggs (which will happen if Chicago doesn't resign him). Does anyone know any potential 2008 free agents???

1. Patrick Willis
2. Desmond Bishop
3. Brandon Siler

Those 3 are the best LBs available. Simpson's also a potential sleeper pick.
 
Ya I agree, that would be very risky if we moved him outside for no reason. He ajusted so if we do get someone who is an isl then we could move them outside and let them adjust. i would not like it at all if meco was moved. He will hopefully be the best mlb next year. And make the pro bowl, ,so i say leave him.

He was drafted to play OLB. If he plays outside he is best suited to play the WILL. But Greenwood really only plays the will also. So thats a problem. The idea is to get your 3 best LBs on the field together and last year that meant a SAM of Orr, MIKE of Ryans and WILL of Greenwood. This coming year that may change. Greenwood may get hurt and then the best 3 (from the current roster) maybe, Wong, Rainer, Ryans. If that is the case then you have to get the best 3 guys on the feild.( I am not saying this is the best group, I am giving a what if).
 
He was drafted to play OLB.

That was just an assumption by many fans because of where he played in college. Quite a few of the scouts had him moving to the MLB spot at the NFL level such as NFL.com:

Overall, Ryans has ability to be a good starting linebacker, but he is best suited to play either middle linebacker or strongside linebacker because of his strength at the point of attack and competitiveness against blockers.

Link
 
The guys I have bolded are my favorite of these guys. The only one we seem to be in position to draft out of those three is Taylor, unless we went for Rufus in the 2nd assuming he was there. YTF, which of these guys would fit best for us at SLB.

Also, what position does Burgess project at. I remember him being good on the blitz, but I do not remember if he was SLB or WLB.

Burgess should be a WILL in the NFL.
 
The guys I have bolded are my favorite of these guys. The only one we seem to be in position to draft out of those three is Taylor, unless we went for Rufus in the 2nd assuming he was there. YTF, which of these guys would fit best for us at SLB.

Also, what position does Burgess project at. I remember him being good on the blitz, but I do not remember if he was SLB or WLB.


I'm not a big fan of Taylor honestly.


Lawrence Timmons, Florida St. - 1st round talent
Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma - Rufus is a late first, early second. He may go to Chi to replace Briggs or Indy.
Earl Everett, Florida
Jon Beason, Miami Beason is the guy I would draft first out of this group.
Brandon Siler, Florida - a better talent than everett
Justin Durant, Hampton - a sleeper LB
Juwan Simpson, Alabama - sleeper LB
Desmond Bishop, Cal - my favorite day 2 SAM
Dallas Sartz, USC - WILL blitzing machine. just wreacks havoc
Tim Shaw, Penn St. - my second favorite LB on his team, ahead of Plouz

The guys I list here are the guys I would look at personally. They can be had at various times throughout the draft.
 
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