LB's in the NFL are going to get smaller and faster.

[ButchFragrance]

As the RB loses effectiveness and the TE gains it, LB's will need to follow suit. Think of Telvin Smith and Shazier as the prototypes.

 

[spiketex]

I understand why faster is better, but why is this a case for smaller?

 

[ButchFragrance]

Because there Arnt many Dansby type guys walking this earth. To get faster they are going to have to get lighter, maybe that's better than saying smaller.

 

[LANGER72]

Then big power backs will become the next thing. It runs in cycles.

 

[cash]

Then big power backs will become the next thing. It runs in cycles.

They've never been out of style in my opinion. Harder to find, don't last long and rarely can handle a full load. But you're right.

 

[Twitches Brew]

Get ready for Jelani Jenkins to have a big year. Seriously. Played some valuable snaps down the stretch last year...very high on him coming into this season.

 

[uk_dolfan]

Why can't they get bigger and faster? Like the rest of the league

 

[Al13]

let hickey get his Lavonte David and pick ryan shazier please

 

[Rev Kev]

let hickey get his Lavonte David and pick ryan shazier please

hickey is looking for a buyer - but he may have to make the selection - he is going play-maker - unless Martin and Lewan drop

 

[Zounds]

As the RB loses effectiveness and the TE gains it, LB's will need to follow suit. Think of Telvin Smith and Shazier as the prototypes.

I disagree. LB's used to be run stoppers, but now they are pass defenders - particularity against big TEs. I don't see LBs getting smaller.

 

[ChambersWI]

They've never been out of style in my opinion. Harder to find, don't last long and rarely can handle a full load. But you're right.

The issue is a lot of the guys you'd think would be big power backs coming into the pros didn't run as power backs in college. OR it was a case of them being so much bigger than everybody else that they don't react well to hits.

And yes, this is a cycle. After the Pats and Steelers had success everybody wanted to switch to 3-4, now everybody is going back to 4-3 with how Seattle has done

 

[rent this space]

Faster yes, but smaller won't work against TE's

 

[Ruckus45]

When has the league ever opted for slower? Of course guys get faster. Smaller- doubtful. Leaner, fast twitch muscle, and taller yes.

 

[ciscoholgate]

As the RB loses effectiveness and the TE gains it, LB's will need to follow suit. Think of Telvin Smith and Shazier as the prototypes.

Two of the best teams in the league (Seahawks, 49ers) have big power backs that take advantage of smaller, faster linebackers.
IMO, the run game is as important as ever as teams have set their defenses to try to match up with the likes of the Brady, Manning and Brees.