DE/OLB Tweeners

[buffsoldier]

There are a few guys out there this year that I think might give us some versatility. Some of the OLB/DE tweeners lit up the combine this year and might be worth 4th or 5th round consideration since we are in need of a pass rush force opposite Mario and also a stong side linebacke that can take on the TE. These would be a few guys to consider, based on the NFL Draft Countdown rankings.

Quentin Groves (6'3"- 259) 4.57 40 yard dash, 30 bench reps, 4.42 shuttle, and a 10'0" broad jump.

Cliff Avril (6'3''- 241) 4.51 40 yard dash, 17 bench reps, 32.5 vertical, 6.90 three cone drill, and a 9'9'' broad jump

Marcus Howard (6' 0 1/2''- 237) 4.40 40 yard dash, 27 bech reps, 34.5 vertical

I dont think that the Texans would go after Groves because I think he might be gone in the second round, but the last two guys I like in the second day to maybe find another Owen Daniels like steal. Cliff Avril looks to possibly have a better chance to bulk up and put his hand down than Marcus Howard, but Howard is extremely explosive and with some coaching I think he could learn to play standing up and be an effective SLB.

At least these guys could project to 3rd down situational speed rushers opposite Mario.

[Towlie]

Just because they can run fast does not mean they can cover TE's... There is not a single backer or a tweener that can do that in this years draft... yes, im also including dan conner who i believe is a superb runblocker, but i have to question his pass rushing moves and his man coverage

[buffsoldier]

Just because they can run fast does not mean they can cover TE's... There is not a single backer or a tweener that can do that in this years draft... yes, im also including dan conner who i believe is a superb runblocker, but i have to question his pass rushing moves and his man coverage

I'm not saying that these guys would be able to come in and make the starting lineup after training camp, but speed, explosiveness and decent change of direction are all the physical tools you need to be effective in coverage.

It may take a season or two, but I think that with quality coaching they might be able to learn to add technique all that athleticism (more athleticism than Connor) and become a force.

But I am saying that these guys would be late round projects, not people to bank the house on.

[stx-texans]

the last gm and head coach were big on drafting tweeners, and we remember how well they worked out. can we all remember jason babin? lets just stay away from these type of players and draft players who play the same position in college that we want them to play on the texans.

[buffsoldier]

the last gm and head coach were big on drafting tweeners, and we remember how well they worked out. can we all remember jason babin? lets just stay away from these type of players and draft players who play the same position in college that we want them to play on the texans.

The only difference is that we gave up extra picks to move into the firt round and get Babin, which we all see was a ig mistake. I'm talking about possibly using a 5th rounder on a guy with more athleticism than Babin, just not as polished and accomplished. I do understand were you are coming fro, but I think that those are two different situations.

I mean I'm talking about maybe taking a guy that ran a 4.40 at 237 pounds, and also had a 34.5 inch vertical jump. I'll have to wait until his pro day to see how his shuttle times stack up with some of the top OLB porspects, but from what I have seen these guys are justa ast ATHLETIC as Keith Rivers but not nearly as POLISHED or EXPERIENCED at the postion.