Courting Leonhard - and how it affects Elam/Smith

Elam definitely suits Rex's playing style much more also.

 

I'm with ya here......I never even heard of this guy before Ryan became the coach, and now Leonhard is all over this message board

 

I never heard of Leonhard before this year either but even if he is just a system guy and not great player it would still be a good idea to bring him in; he'd be playing in the same system with the same coach.

As for Elam and Smith I wouldn't think about it for two seconds if Smith was dumped, he'll probably be on the Browns roster by training camp. Elam on the other hand would be a great back up if we let him play behind Rhodes. They have roughly the same tools except that Rhodes is better in coverage and Elam hits harder. They both work well as blitzing safeties and Elam does his best work closer to the line of scrimmage. He'd be great to keep for a rotational situation.

 

Let's get something straight, Leonhard was around and playing well BEFORE Rex got here. Whether or not you heard of him is on you.

I remembered seeing him play this year in the few Baltimore games I watched. I'm not saying he's great, but he'd be a FA acquisition that can possibly start and fills a need and upgrades (over Smith and Elam) regardless if he starts or not.

 

I would get rid of Smith if we sign Leonhard. However, I would definitely keep Abram Elam on the team. Elam may make a few mistakes here and there, but he made some huge plays that won us a few games. He's definitely worth keeping around

 

OK it's STRAIGHT he was around and playing...............STILL never heard of this guy and I hear he was a NON-FACTOR in Buffalo prior to that...so WHY is everyone so excited about this dude?

 

when he did that well under Ryan, and he doesn't have a new scheme to learn, and Rhodes can be the poor mans Ed Reed, its a good pickup.

Leonhard also makes the transition to Ryan's scheme easier for the other players we have. He will be invited to the film sessions with Revis and Rhodes and crew. He's going to help in more ways than one.

 

Everyone is excited about him because he excelled in the defense we are inheriting from Rex Ryan. He has speed, good hands, and can cover as well as being a guy who can help the team transition out of Mangini's defense and into Ryan's system.

 

thanks mick

 

I appreciate the info CKNY6 ....I had just never heard of this dude!

 

also...Kerry Rhodes will get much better with Leonhard back there with him. Look at what Ed Reed did with Leonhard?! seriously Kerry Rhodes will be back to his old self if we sign Leonhard just because Leonhard is good enough to play at that postion

 

Two great points......

 

Elam plays hard. Likes to hit, and goes after the ball at all opportunities. This is the type of player that fits Ryan's Defense. I think we'll still bring Leonhard in; cut Smith. Elam and Leonhard will share play time, and both will be used to their advantages for down situations. You can quote me on this.

 

elam is as good as leonhard. im telling you this kid is way too overrated on this board.

 

I said it before, I'll say it again. I'm down if he comes cheaply.

BTW, I like the fact that the thread title makes it sound like the OP is trying to get a date with him.

 

anytime sir, anytime.

 

the difference lies in the production.... Ryan pets will produce - Mangini pets are liabilities.

 

I agree, one or the other, btu not both if you sign Leonhard, which seems a foregone conclusion. The argument around here seems to be whether Leonhard is all that much of an upgrade, but I think that's the wrong approach. Leonhard knows the system AND will help teach it (to Elam or Smith or whoever), so it's like bringing in a free agent and a coach. ultimately, that guarantees that whoever starts next to Rhodes will know the D inside and out which is a BARGAIN for whatever we pay for Leonhard.