Let's talk linebackers (Rostered, draft, & FA)

[Scott12345]

7 hours ago, LinvilleGorge said:

This. LBs are luxury items. You need pass rushers, secondary, and some block occupiers in the middle in today's NFL. Honestly, LB is basically a dying position. The modern NFL LB is more akin to the old school SS than it is to the NFL LB of the '80s.

Totally disagree...one reason our defense was so bad was our lousy LBs...got to upgrade here big time

[Untouchable]

Can't imagine us not fitting the criteria

[bigskypanthersguy]

51 minutes ago, Scott12345 said:

Totally disagree...one reason our defense was so bad was our lousy LBs...got to upgrade here big time

'backer, cornerback and safety really need help.  Chinn is fine but really needs a complement.

[SOJA]

LB is the least important position on the defense. We've been spoiled with legendary Mikes but it is not a prerequisite to a great defense

[SOJA]

there are solid LBs to be found in later rounds, always a decent to great one available in FA

 

QB is nearly impossible to find a great one. If lance or another franchise QB is at 8 you don't pass on him for a guy that is a tweener edge

[Panthero]

Id be thrilled if we could get the OSU middle LB in the third. Werner. Dude is a hoss. 

[Smithers]

I see us upgrading LB in FA.  This is the year to go after quality starters, with every team but a few having limited cap space.  There will be a ton of 1 year deals, which is fine since we have a ton of space available next year.  
 

I see us going after Reddick and Perryman or Williamson.  

[ImaginaryKev]

I'm happy with Reddick or Brown, not sure who would cost more tbh. Reddick coming off his best season, Brown is a modern day LB who can cover and young

[ImaginaryKev]

A LB trio of Brown, Thompson, and Carter as the third guy could work in today's NFL and allow us to focus elsewhere in the draft. At least two of those dudes can cover, and JC is at least good on running downs. Yes. FA LB is needed. 

[saX man]

My biggest thing is that our deficiency at LB is a quiet but impactful one. We didn't really have anyone who could detect how the team's were running audibles or correctly read the offense presnap--it was a HUGE reason for why we could barely force a punt the first half of the year. 

Step one in causing 3 and outs is always preferred to be a dominant defensive line, but the leader at that next level is critical to get the secondary & lbs on the same page.  Wrapping plays up and not letting guys slip past.  Shaq just isn't capable of that level of leading. 

It improved once we got Carter in there and changed things up a bit.  It's easy to look at it like a plug in play, like the RB of the defense these days, but I think that's more at the FS spot.  LB isn't a 1st round need, but it's a big need and could greatly improve our ability to stop drives.  Maybe we find a Bobby Wagner type in the 3rd.  Never know.

That Pete Werner does look pretty dope along with the FA Smith out of Tennessee.

and edit--I do agree we really only need 2 with Snow's defense, so it makes me wonder where they are with Carter.  I just think Shaq isn't a fit.

 

Edited February 27, 2021 by saX man