Heres an article from Pro Football Weekly on the proliferation of the 3-4.
The proliferation of the “34” defense has affected how scouts are preparing for the 2006 draft.
One team in a division with multiple rivals who operate variations of a 3-4 alignment this season said the middle of the first round is prime territory for finding the right fit for that defense. He senses a willingness of teams to deal to ensure they get a player they’ve targeted.
Pittsburgh is most often associated with the defense because of the team’s history using the 3-4 front. The Patriots, Jets, Cowboys, 49ers, Browns, Dolphins, Chargers and Raiders also used the 3-4 consistently last season. The Giants, Redskins, Ravens and Rams are among the others who intend to use the three-man front as a base defense at times this fall.
That will not only create more competition in the first round, but we’re told to expect the slim pickings of pure 3-4 personnel to drive up the value of certain players who will go earlier than they might have in years past.
“Just the way the (order) fell, there’s no chance a (Shawne) Merriman or Marcus Spears get past (pick No.) 10 or 12 in this draft,” said one AFC South scout. “The 3-4 teams seek a more specific breed of athlete than a conventional 4-3 might look at. There’s less room to fudge the difference between an ideal 3-4 linebacker and a 4-3 OLB.”
The following is an alphabetical list of players coveted by the aforementioned 3-4 teams. Some could be drafted higher than expected because of their projected value within the defense:
DL Brodrick Bunkley
Bunkley has the ideal DT build but is capable of playing almost anywhere on the defensive line in a 3-4 defense. He’s strong and has quick-twitch explosiveness (4.16-second short shuttle). Bunkley could easily be a top-10 pick and can two-gap, split double-teams and hold up as a “zero” over the center.
PFW projection: Early first round (picks 7-13)
Best position fit: Defensive tackle
Most likely destination: Lions
LB Bobby Carpenter
Despite concerns about Carpenter not being the best teammate, his workout was nearly as impressive as more coveted Buckeyes LB A.J. Hawk’s. At the Ohio State pro day, he displayed a 34 1/2-inch vertical, 10-foot-4 broad jump, ran a 4.62 40-yard dash and a 4.30 short shuttle. Carpenter is fully healed from the broken right leg he suffered last year and could easily slide into the back end of the first round. Carpenter can rush the passer — he played right defensive end in the Buckeyes’ nickel package — and fits in either a 4-3 or 3-4 with the ability to play inside or outside.
PFW projection: Late first round (picks 21-32)
Best position fit: Inside linebacker
Most likely destination: Giants
NT Orien Harris
Harris was a nose tackle who played on a shade at Miami (Fla.) and has the versatility to play in either front. He has some size. There are teams who won’t consider Harris because he doesn’t always show the desired fire or a football demeanor.
PFW projection: Second round
Best position fit: Nose tackle
Most likely destination: Bills
LB A.J. Hawk
Hawk is a very good athlete who can run, cover and hit. He’d be fine inside or outside in most defenses. He possesses great character and leadership traits. Hawk ran 4.59 in the 40 and can handle responsibility as a rookie. Played point guard on a successful high school basketball team. The only real issue scouts voiced on Hawk was his lack of great height (6-foot-1), but that is not a complaint of every team. Hawk is very good to outstanding in almost all other areas.
PFW projection: Early first round (picks 2-6)
Best position fit: Inside linebacker
Most likely destination: Packers
DE Julian Jenkins
At Stanford, Jenkins played as a five-technique in the 3-4 but was more productive as a 4-3 left end, when he can split to a seven- or nine-technique. More strength than speed at 280 pounds. He’s not coveted by 4-3 defensive teams.
PFW projection: Third or fourth round
Best position fit: 3-4 defensive end
Most likely destination: Jets
OLB-DE Manny Lawson
He’s almost 6-6 and 240 pounds and runs the 40 in under 4.46. He can make an impact as a rush linebacker, but he lacks the bulk and strength to fight off blocks and make consistent plays against the run. While extremely explosive and a workout warrior, teams do wonder if Lawson can be effective when his speed is neutralized.
PFW projection: Top 20
Best position fit: Drop linebacker
Most likely destination: Cowboys
NT Haloti Ngata
The best pure nose tackle in the draft, Ngata is a 340-pounder who’ll need to be poked, prodded and pushed by his coaches and teammates at the next level. But if he finds the right program, he could be a major asset. Scouts have said 3-4 nose tackle is one of the most difficult to adequately fill. Ngata isn’t all power, either. He can penetrate with a first step that is above average for his size and would be outstanding occupying blocks as a two-gap tackle in a 4-3, keeping his linebackers free to roam.
PFW projection: Early first round (picks 7-12)
Best position fit: Nose tackle
Most likely destination: Browns
LB DeMeco Ryans
Ryans played all three LB positions at Alabama. He’s field-fast but has 4.65 stopwatch speed and weighed less than 240 pounds at the Combine. Ryans is a fringe first-round pick because of his instincts and work ethic. A coachable workaholic and the kind of player teams like the Patriots and Steelers flock to.
PFW projection: Late first round (picks 22-32)
Best position fit: Outside linebacker
Most likely destination: Jaguars
NT Gabe Watson
The space-eater from Michigan was considered an underachiever throughout most of his college career. He was able to acquit himself to a degree at Senior Bowl practices. The interior plugger is said to be a step below Oregon NT Haloti Ngata in terms of Draft Day value, but he has the ability to flourish in the NFL. He’s very strong and can dominate when the light is on.
PFW projection: Second round
Best position fit: Nose tackle
Most likely destination: Ravens
DE-OLB Kamerion Wimbley
Ideally suited for the rush LB spot in a 3-4 defense, Wimbley could be another DeMarcus Ware or play right end in a 4-3. He has a burst and showed in workouts the athleticism and flexibility to work at linebacker. Some teams do wonder if Wimbley could be the next Jamal Reynolds and will be scared off by the history of Florida State defensive linemen falling short in the NFL.
PFW projection: Mid-first round (picks 12-21)
Best position fit: Rush linebacker
Most likely destination: Patriots
DT Rod Wright
Long and lean at nearly 6-6, 300, Wright looks the part and can play as a five-technique or a three-technique, but he played the nose at Texas. Some say he plays smaller than he measures but believe Wright can get by on quickness and impressive straight-line speed. Beating double-teams as a down lineman in the 3-4 must be taught.
PFW projection: Second to fourth rounds
Best position fit: Three-technique DT … if he keeps his weight at 300 pounds
Most likely destination: Steelers
DE Mario Williams
The second coming of Julius Peppers to some, Williams might be a more explosive Richard Seymour if he lands with a 3-4 team. He’s young but can play either end or tackle and be a star immediately. His workout numbers are equal to or better than Peppers’ in most areas. Bigger but not as stout or naturally strong as Michael Strahan but could play left or right end in a 4-3. Has unique ability for his size and is expected to be a star.
PFW projection: Early first round (picks 1-2)
Best position fit: Left defensive end
Most likely destination: Saints
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