Don't Panic
04-23-2007, 03:11 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft07/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2846239
The 2007 draft might not have as many immediate first-year linebacker starters as the past three drafts -- which boasted an average of 10 linebackers getting at least five starts -- but it's loaded with good football players who should be adaptable to whatever system in which they land.
Heading the list is Patrick Willis (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11281) of Mississippi, whose strengths include versatility and the ability to adapt. His training against SEC offenses helps for what's ahead of him on draft day. The 49ers, who draft 11th, like him for their 3-4 defense. The Bills, who are looking for a run-stuffing tackling machine to replace London Fletcher (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4539), want Willis in the middle. The Panthers, who draft 14th, don't know if he would play outside or in the middle. All they know is he can play for them at any of the linebacker spots.
There's some Beason/Timmons stuff in there too... this hasn't changed my perspective as far as the Bills still drafting good Cover 2 fits, but it had some interesting insight (even if it was from Clayton).
The 2007 draft might not have as many immediate first-year linebacker starters as the past three drafts -- which boasted an average of 10 linebackers getting at least five starts -- but it's loaded with good football players who should be adaptable to whatever system in which they land.
Heading the list is Patrick Willis (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11281) of Mississippi, whose strengths include versatility and the ability to adapt. His training against SEC offenses helps for what's ahead of him on draft day. The 49ers, who draft 11th, like him for their 3-4 defense. The Bills, who are looking for a run-stuffing tackling machine to replace London Fletcher (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4539), want Willis in the middle. The Panthers, who draft 14th, don't know if he would play outside or in the middle. All they know is he can play for them at any of the linebacker spots.
There's some Beason/Timmons stuff in there too... this hasn't changed my perspective as far as the Bills still drafting good Cover 2 fits, but it had some interesting insight (even if it was from Clayton).