Let's Talk Football

[GM_Davenport]

Hey folks, it's been a while since I've had an opportunity to chat. I still linger quite frequently and appreciate a lot of the insight that you all provide -- it serves as a nice escape from the "work" part of the NFL and allows me to be just a fan. The past two seasons I've been working for the NFL Scouting Combine and the goal is to earn a full-time position in an NFL front office next season, but this business is all about the right opportunities. Many times in the NFL very capable scouts find themselves as subordinates to sub-par authorities, and as a result a "promotion" ultimately turns into a career regression.

Anyhow, there are some things I have in mind that I'd like to talk about as it pertains to the Dolphins, but I thought instead I'd take some questions and we'll see where it goes from there. Keep in mind that my job is football, any insight with regards to employment status would be merely speculative on my part. Also, while I do watch the All-22 of all Dolphins' games, my area of focus right now is ACC defensive players -- specifically defensive backs and odd technique linebackers -- and so I apologize if I'm not as up to date with current NFL schematics.

With that said, fire away!

 

[ProStyle]

What is odd tech lb?

 

[GM_Davenport]

What is odd tech lb?

Basically any linebacker that doesn't play a bubble. Typically lighter guys that you would find in a base 4-3 defense, but more teams are beginning to scout what used to be considered safety/linebacker hybrids as potential full-time linebackers in a 3-4 -- a la Bum Philips style.

 

[ProStyle]

so a lb like Eric Weddle

 

[Shouright]

Basically any linebacker that doesn't play a bubble. Typically lighter guys that you would find in a base 4-3 defense, but more teams are beginning to scout what used to be considered safety/linebacker hybrids as potential full-time linebackers in a 3-4 -- a la Bum Philips style.

Is that to match up with the NFL tight end?

 

[GM_Davenport]

so a lb like Eric Weddle

I never thought of him in that way, but I suppose with some of the base personnel transitions he might apply in the future. A better example would be Lavonte David.

I wouldn't be shocked at all though to see Weddle playing a rover-type position when NFL teams start using it more frequently.

 

[ProStyle]

Cool. A prototype Rover who is playing well in the NFL is Chancellor. Bud Foster uses rovers in his system. I think it's used in Tampa 2 as well.

 

[GM_Davenport]

Is that to match up with the NFL tight end?

That's part of it. It's also to get more speed in their interior pressure packages (A/B gap blitzes, etc.). As offenses continue to evolve their underneath passing game, particularly the increased rate of crossing patterns, defenses are trying to get more speed on the field. The old adage was that by doing this you'd sacrifice in run support -- but many of these guys have proven very capable in that regard despite being 20 lbs lighter.

 

[Shouright]

That's part of it. It's also to get more speed in their interior pressure packages (A/B gap blitzes, etc.). As offenses continue to evolve their underneath passing game, particularly the increased rate of crossing patterns, defenses are trying to get more speed on the field. The old adage was that by doing this you'd sacrifice in run support -- but many of these guys have proven very capable in that regard despite being 20 lbs lighter.

I think I'd counter with a Jason Witten type who could mow their ass.

 

[ProStyle]

So #1 LB prospect you are probably look at as you are scouting lighter LBers in ACC is Telvin Smith. What do you think?

 

[Phinatic8u]

Let's here your thoughts on Ryan Tannehill Mr. Davenport..

 

[GM_Davenport]

So #1 LB prospect you are probably look at as you are scouting lighter LBers in ACC is Telvin Smith. What do you think?

He'll go lower than he should due to a slower projected 40 time for his size. Film says he's a late 1st round pick, but the anticipation is that he'll produce disappointing measurables at the combine. I actually have his counterpart, Christian Jones, graded slightly higher right now.

 

[GM_Davenport]

Let's here your thoughts on Ryan Tannehill Mr. Davenport..

He needs a coach.

I have nothing against Zac Taylor, but he's in over his head with his current position. Tannehill is a quarterback with a tremendous amount of raw ability, and an extremely high intellect, that is begging to be developed. He's absolutely reading the field faster, his intermediate throws have been more precise compared to last season. What concerns me, is that he hasn't shown any feel for the flow of the game, and his footwork is still at a high school level. I also thinking he's a poor fit for a west coast offense. With the current state of the offensive line, and Tannehill's lack of pocket presence, the Dolphins should be operating a bootleg offense -- similar to the way the 49ers used Alex Smith. It would help Tannehill develop a rhythm and utilize the aspects of his game that are already polished.

Some people say that pocket presence can't be taught but I wholeheartedly disagree. Sure some are naturally better than others, but to see no improvement in that regard from year 1 to 2 is a product of poor coaching.

 

[Phinatic8u]

He needs a coach.

I have nothing against Zac Taylor, but he's in over his head with his current position. Tannehill is a quarterback with a tremendous amount of raw ability, and an extremely high intellect, that is begging to be developed. He's absolutely reading the field faster, his intermediate throws have been more precise compared to last season. What concerns me, is that he hasn't shown any feel for the flow of the game, and his footwork is still at a high school level. I also thinking he's a poor fit for a west coast offense. With the current state of the offensive line, and Tannehill's lack of pocket presence, the Dolphins should be operating a bootleg offense -- similar to the way the 49ers utilized Alex Smith. It would help Tannehill develop a rhythm and utilize the aspects of his game that are already polished.

Some people say that pocket presence can't be taught but I wholeheartedly disagree. Sure some are naturally better than others, but to see no improvement in that regard from year 1 to 2 is a product of poor coaching.

Those are my same observations. I also wholeheartedly agree that he needs a real coach.

 

[ProStyle]

Why is Jack Tyler out of VT ranked so low?