SLB Battle

[The Saltman]

[HSCBandit07]

I would like to know who is backing up Beason if Connor starts...although it could be the same kind of deal as when beason was playing that position until Morgan was injured

[OneBadassCat]

I think either Conner comes out an clearly dominates the competition or Anderson beats everyone out. Anderson has all of the athletic tools be a monster and he's a smart guy he should be ready to take on the role.

[SorthNarolina]

Yeah I think Connor will win the spot. JR mentioned him in his interview.

I hope he can handle it, he's certainly smart enough but I'm a little worried about his athleticism in the cover 2.

[Peppers90 NC]

I think you would have to give the edge to Anderson at this point with Jamar Williams as the dark horse.

The knock on Connor has always been his tight hips, which leads teams to have concerns about his ability to pivot and therefore play pass coverage. Sometimes the scouting reports are wrong and sometimes guys like this surprise you. We know he can play, 400+ tackles in college is significant and he has a high football IQ.

This, besides Connors value as our #2 MLB is pretty important. And for those that think J WIlliams will back up Beason, well he is an OLB.

[rayzor]

connor will probably win the job, but, just like his predecessor, the Sam will only be on the field 1/2 - 2/3 of the defensive snaps anyway.

going to be seeing a lot of norwood taking the spot on passing downs. we will be seeing a lot of 5 and 6 DB formations as well. thats going to cut into the SLBs time on the field.

[Carolina Crazy V2]

I bet Jamar Williams starts.

[SOJA]

If Jamar Williams is a good as Chicago fans make him sound, I kind of want him to start

[Cyberjag]

I think you would have to give the edge to Anderson at this point with Jamar Williams as the dark horse.

The knock on Connor has always been his tight hips, which leads teams to have concerns about his ability to pivot and therefore play pass coverage. Sometimes the scouting reports are wrong and sometimes guys like this surprise you. We know he can play, 400+ tackles in college is significant and he has a high football IQ.

That's the first I've heard of this, and I thought I had read a lot about him. Where did you find that? Based on his cone and shuttle times at the combine, I would think that his hips and ability to quickly change direction were considered strengths. It's his straight-line-speed that was in question, if I recall correctly.

He had about the same numbers in those as Beason did. Anderson was faster than both, but not as quick on the shuttle and cone drills.

[CatMan72]

That's the first I've heard of this, and I thought I had read a lot about him. Where did you find that? Based on his cone and shuttle times at the combine, I would think that his hips and ability to quickly change direction were considered strengths. It's his straight-line-speed that was in question, if I recall correctly.

He had about the same numbers in those as Beason did. Anderson was faster than both, but not as quick on the shuttle and cone drills.

I know I've read that in more than one scouting report, will try to find an example.

[CatMan72]

Well, Mayock liked Connor in all 3 spots and I'd take Mayock's opinion over just about anyone so I'll go with that:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-senior-bowl/09000d5d806276e2/2008-Senior-Bowl-Dan-Connor