Something that Hasn't Been Talked About? Who is taking Luke's Role to Lead the LBs?

[musicman]

I agree with an above comment. If we stay at 7, we take LB Simmons. We need an anchor on defense along with Shaq. DT's take a year or so to get good anyway. If someone takes Simmons before us, we trade back. 

[Rags]

Probably won't be fixed overnight. Leaders, hell players like Luke don't come along often.

Shaq should be fine at mike, he won't be Luke, but in terms of play we'll be fine. 

Simmons isn't an true LB. He's as close to a buffalo nickel as I've seen, ironically now that Ron's gone. That said he can benefit our team.

You wanna help our LBs? Build that line.

[Rags]

2 minutes ago, musicman said:

DT's take a year or so to get good anyway.

Even if that were true (it's not. there's plenty of DTs in recent memory who showed out their rookie seasons. Hell Short was an instant boon for us.)...why would that matter? it's almost certain we're not competing next year.

[Khyber53]

I think we will see Shaq move to MLB and take over the role Luke had. Do I think he can do it? Yeah, he's a smart young guy, high motor and high football IQ. He has also had the opportunity to learn from probably the best MLB to play the game.

As to the LBs beside him... there I have some worries. I'm just not seeing the names that make me think we're solid. 

I don't think we will use our first round pick on LB, but I could see us moving in the second or even picking up Davis-Gaither from App State if he's still there in the third round (or dipping back into the second for him).

 

[Mr. Scot]

Position aside, who would you say is the better player between Isaiah Simmons and Derrick Brown?

BPA is gonna matter.

[Rags]

6 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

Position aside, who would you say is the better player between Isaiah Simmons and Derrick Brown?

BPA is gonna matter.

Brown. Easy. Simmons is good but a modern day tweener and I think is more boom or bust than people let on.

Add onto the fact that our d-line is trash and that makes it harder for LBs, Simmons ability at the LoS/to take on blocks is questionable (and we already are working on that with Burns) and there's actually quite a but of talented depth at LB in both the FA and the Draft, I'm really not crazy about Simmons. I see his ability and definitely think he can fit in some schemes (and become a Telvin Smith like player) but I don't think he should be the direction we go in the top 10 and this is a gross over reaction to Luke retiring. 

[MMA]

Trade back into the 1st for Kenneth Murray. He’s the real deal. 

[Mr Mojo Risin]

1 hour ago, Rags said:

Probably won't be fixed overnight. Leaders, hell players like Luke don't come along often.

Shaq should be fine at mike, he won't be Luke, but in terms of play we'll be fine. 

Simmons isn't an true LB. He's as close to a buffalo nickel as I've seen, ironically now that Ron's gone. That said he can benefit our team.

You wanna help our LBs? Build that line.

Simmons is 6' 4 230 LBS...that is a prototypical NFL LB build. Shaq was a "safety hybrid" coming out of college as well doesn't mean they cant play LB in a 4-3.

[The Lobo]

Luke said in his video Shaq can lead them.

[Rags]

36 minutes ago, Mr Mojo Risin said:

Simmons is 6' 4 230 LBS...that is a prototypical NFL LB build. Shaq was a "safety hybrid" coming out of college as well doesn't mean they cant play LB in a 4-3.

Brian Burns was 6'5 249 coming out yet we still heard nothing but things about his strength and frame coming out.

On top of that, Simmons was shown to play off the LoS or shoot the gap very often. And while that is what Will linebacker does, we don't really have a lot of personnel to take advantage of that right now.

Shaq was getting fringe first/early second round grades. Simmons is top 15. Lotta difference here.

[MHS831]

2 hours ago, Mr. Scot said:

Given who's doing the drafting, can't say it'd shock me.

That was factored in--but I would not be upset with Simmons.  I would love to have Brown or Kinlaw, but there are not many players (0) like Simmons in this draft.

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, MMA said:

Trade back into the 1st for Kenneth Murray. He’s the real deal. 

I have not done a film study on him yet.  Thanks.  (by film study I mean googling you tube highlight videos).

[MHS831]

Murray film study complete:  Plays down hill-can play every LB position.  Reads are quick and he does not hesitate.  Can pressure passer---If we run 3-4, he and shaq could be formidable.  Excellent size (6-2, 245).  May be fast, but is quicker than fast.

[RumHam]

3 hours ago, bull123 said:

We are in big trouble at LB

we are in big trouble.

FTFY