Scouts’ views: Old man Lewis still the king of NFL linebacker corps
Article By Unknown on 27th July, 2010
Dennis Dillon, Sporting News
All linebackers aren't the same. An inside linebacker is different from an outside linebacker. A linebacker who excels in a 4-3 scheme might be a bad fit in a 3-4 system.
Yet, there are some skills all linebackers need to have, like instincts, recognition, quickness, range and the ability to shed blocks. Durability is important, too. It's a collision position, you know.
DeMarcus Ware can disrupt a play no matter what the opposing offense is running. Sporting News solicited the help of one NFL team's assistant director of player personnel to rank and analyze the top 20 linebackers going into the 2010 season. A look at the scout's rankings:
1. Ray Lewis, Ravens (3-4 ILB). He has three–down ability because of his leadership, experience, instinct and bottom-line production. Despite his age, he remains an elite player.
2. DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys (3-4 OLB). He has a good combination of size, speed, quickness and strength. His abilities to defend the run and rush the passer make him a dual problem for any offense.
3. Patrick Willis, 49ers (3-4 ILB). Not only is he a good run defender—with instincts, athleticism and ball awareness—but he also can play in space.
4. James Harrison, Steelers (3-4 OLB). Despite his lack of prototypical size, he is a steady producer vs. the run and pass. His natural leverage, instinctive play and use of hands help him overcome his size limitations.
5. LaMarr Woodley, Steelers (3-4 OLB). He can play the run effectively on first and second down and can rush the passer by using strength/power or hands/finesse.
6. Jon Beason, Panthers (4-3 MLB). He brings toughness, effort and competitiveness week in and week out. He might be better as a one-gap defender, stacking and shedding blocks, but he recognizes plays and gets to the ball quickly.
7....
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Yet, there are some skills all linebackers need to have, like instincts, recognition, quickness, range and the ability to shed blocks. Durability is important, too. It's a collision position, you know.
DeMarcus Ware can disrupt a play no matter what the opposing offense is running. Sporting News solicited the help of one NFL team's assistant director of player personnel to rank and analyze the top 20 linebackers going into the 2010 season. A look at the scout's rankings:
1. Ray Lewis, Ravens (3-4 ILB). He has three–down ability because of his leadership, experience, instinct and bottom-line production. Despite his age, he remains an elite player.
2. DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys (3-4 OLB). He has a good combination of size, speed, quickness and strength. His abilities to defend the run and rush the passer make him a dual problem for any offense.
3. Patrick Willis, 49ers (3-4 ILB). Not only is he a good run defender—with instincts, athleticism and ball awareness—but he also can play in space.
4. James Harrison, Steelers (3-4 OLB). Despite his lack of prototypical size, he is a steady producer vs. the run and pass. His natural leverage, instinctive play and use of hands help him overcome his size limitations.
5. LaMarr Woodley, Steelers (3-4 OLB). He can play the run effectively on first and second down and can rush the passer by using strength/power or hands/finesse.
6. Jon Beason, Panthers (4-3 MLB). He brings toughness, effort and competitiveness week in and week out. He might be better as a one-gap defender, stacking and shedding blocks, but he recognizes plays and gets to the ball quickly.
7....
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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