Quote:
Originally Posted by Blitzwood
Actually, there is a player coming out in the draft this year that would fit the DB/LB hybrid type of player you speak of, his name is Lavante David, OLB, out of Nebraska. He's a tackling machine as his 285 tackles the last two seasons proved.
From Dane Bruglar NFLdarftscout: "He flies around the field with controlled aggression, looking natural bursting in any direction with very good first-step quickness. David doesn't have ideal strength to tear through blocks, but where he separates himself from the pack is his ability to find the ball and finish with a competitive drive. Also rare is his ability in reverse with smooth hip action and fluid footwork to drop and cover."
He would be an ideal replacement IMO.
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Actually he would be a terrible replacement. We are not looking for a coverage LB. We do not need a coverage LB. We also don't need a LB who can't beat a block.
In our version of the 34 the ILBs are unprotected. There is not huge NT to keep the OL off of them. So our ILBs have to be able to take on blocks first and foremost. This is why Demeco did not fit. I would not even consider an undersized ILB who can't get off of blocks. Those guys belong in the 43 with two big DTs in front of them so they can take advantage of their strengths flowing to the ball and diagnosing plays (and that is why Demeco went to the Eagles).
Not to mention our 2nd ILB DOES NOT PLAY ON PASSING DOWNS. So his coverage ability is almost useless. Cushing plays every down, and no matter how talented a LB is in coverage, they are not a better pass defender than Nolan or McCain.