So, in the new scheme, the NT is a critical piece--maybe the critical piece. Anyone else where you'd put the best athlete out of position just because you need them there?
Seems like for this defense, sometimes your ILB is the guy who gets the glory, sometimes the OLB, sometimes the DE, but I'm just guessing at this point.
well, I am not totally sure what you are asking, but in my view, on D you try to get your best 11 on the field; which means some guys may be one position away from their ideal. Branch at the 3tech last year was a good example. He can be a more ideal SDE
I think roof tried to do that as well in spots, but also, tried to put the best players at his most critical positions based on his d design (ie BJS at MLB); which in essence killed getting the best 3 lb on the field at one time...imo....
I think Woody will try to get the best on the field. So for instance. If we have two DE in his scheme that are better than an ok DT and putting branch at end. Then you may see branch at DT and two other DE.
By the same token if the NT is good enough, then branch slides to end.
I think one thing, I have been reading on this board alot, is the perception of the NT in this defense. Its not the same as a 2gap NT in a 3-4 that Groh or others used. In this D, the NT is important but for different reasons and its more around penetration and getting the C to not handle you on attack, vs lining up a yard back and holding the center to control him side to side.
As a result. It would absolutely not shock me to see Branch win out the NT position. By the same token, If others at NT, like Glanton, Cerge or adams or whoever are good enough, and that combo with Branch at one DE spot is better...thats what he will do.
I feel the same for LB. If the best 4 are Vic, mitchell, BJS and one other, then, he will find a mix. In that mix, my point was simply about fit for position. I think BJS will look good at OLB in this scheme vs inside, as i think the speed body type etc for MLB seem to fit vic and brant better. But, if BJS does go inside with mitchell (as mitchell will never be outside); then the two other OLB have to be dynamic players. Both be able to play on the line and drop back. This is why I think Vic struggles here...he is not dynamic enough across two levels imo. But we will see...
Anyway just one opinion.....But I can see Gray getting walked up to one OLB position (boundary side); but again, this is only if that combo is better with a new S vs gray staying at S.