Clint Sintim

[brc9210]

I'm surprised there hasn't been much talk on these boards about Clint Sintim.
http://walterfootball.com/pro2009csintim.php
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/clint-sintim?id=81304
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=33810&draftyear=2009&genpos=OLB

At 6-3/254lbs he definitely adds much needed size. He also can blitz from the SAM side and might even be able to drop down and rush the passer on 3rd down. Seems like a definite candidate if we trade down into the 20's like most of us want. He might even slip to us in the 2nd round if we are very fortunate, doubt it though.

[chjoak]

There hasn't been much talk because he is considered a tweener. He is a DE in college and is projected to be a 3-4 LB in the NFL. That doesn't fit our needs because the transition to 4-3 OLB will be more difficult for him (or any college DE) than 3-4 OLB.

From one of your links...

NFL scouts appreciate Sintim's unique skill set. While not fluid enough to project as well in the 4-3, Sintim's burst upfield as a rush linebacker make him a first-day possibility for 3-4 defenses.

[TheLBCoach]

this is a good one to bring up. I haven't even thought about Sintom as an option. I would not be mad at all if he was taken if we can trade back.

Welcome to the boards man!

[brc9210]

Thats only one opinion though. If you look him up online and from the other 2 sources, and even on the source you pointed out they seem to think he can transition well to the Sam position in most cases. He's 254, and judging from his workouts it doesnt seem like speed will be a problem. My only concern might be coverage but I think he could stick with most Te's and the occasional running back just as well as, if not better than Zach Diles. He may not be as good as a Brian Cushing or a Clay Mathews, but I think he may be a much better value in the late 1st early 2nd. Kills two birds with one stone by bringing in a linebacker for depth and someone who can rush the passer from the outside for us since Antonio Smith will kick inside and rush from there on 3rd downs most likley.

[HoustonFan88]

There hasn't been much talk because he is considered a tweener. He is a DE in college and is projected to be a 3-4 LB in the NFL. That doesn't fit our needs because the transition to 4-3 OLB will be more difficult for him (or any college DE) than 3-4 OLB.

From one of your links...

Virginia plays a base 3-4 defense, and Sintim has always played as a 3-4 outside linebacker. That means he could be a situational pass rusher or maybe a strongside linebacker, but I think he's going to be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 in the NFL.

[GoldenHolden]

Virginia plays a base 3-4 defense, and Sintim has always played as a 3-4 outside linebacker. That means he could be a situational pass rusher or maybe a strongside linebacker, but I think he's going to be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 in the NFL.

Agreed. He is worth a look but 4-3 lb's have to drop into coverage a lot more than 3-4 olb's. If the Texans think he can cover, he would be a good pickup if we trade down or he drops to the mid 2nd. Otherwise, I think Cushing is a better sam prospect.