Here are my thoughts on the Backers in this years draft. Let me know your thoughts and opinions Outside Linebacker 1. A.J. Hawk ? Even his name sounds like an old school football player and that?s exactly what he is. In my opinion he is the best player in the draft. Has the intangibles and the ball has a nose for him and he makes plays. Tough as nails and will knock the opposing teams teeth in. 2. Bobby Carpenter ? Hawk?s teammate. Has the ability to get to the passer and in my opinion is suited better in a 3-4 scheme. Also tough as nails with the ability to fly around the field. Plays faster than he times. 3. Chad Greenway ? Doesn?t get caught up in traffic and like Carpenter can really get after the QB. 4. DeMeco Ryans ? Is not on the same plan as the top three but still will be able to contribute when given the opportunity. 5. Roger McIntosh ? Could be a bit of a sleeper because most teams are looking at the Hawks and Carpenters. Also don?t forget how successful previous Miami backers have been. Worry List Ernie Sims ? I am not usually a guy who goes based on numbers but his 5?11 frame is alarming to me. Sleepers A.J Nicholson ? Late season trouble off the field has him slipping a bit but if he can behave he could be a force coming from the mid rounds. Brandon Hoyte ? Not necessarily a sleeper but as a undrafted free agent or late pick could bring some great special teams coverage. Inside Linebacker 1. D?Qwell Jackson ? While the draft may have some studs at outside backer it really lacks pop on the inside. Jackson has the athleticism the only question for him is the size at just over 6? 2. Abdul Hodge ? Greenway?s teammate, he has gotten to see some good competition playing for Iowa but also lacks idea height at just over 6? 3. Gerris Wilkinson ? The first inside back on the board with a good frame. All he needs to do now is get some more meat on that frame. 4. Leon Williams ? It?s tough to fill the top five at inside backer in my opinion but with Miami backers recent success Williams lands at number 4. 5. Tim McGarigle ? He makes the board by default. Worry List Kai Parham ? To slow for my liking (see his over 5 second 40) Sleepers Anthony Schlegel ? It simple in my mind the Ohio State line backing core from this year was one of the best ever in college football history and he was the third member. Playing along guys like Carpenter and Hawk can only help you experience wise.
I wouldn't worry about Sims although I'm not a fan of him he should be atleast 5th on that list. Love the mention of Brandon Hoyte... has all the intangibles and leadership you want and would make for an excellent leader of our kick cover team. Good backup LB as well.
Simms speed, no matter his size, puts him in the top 5. My order: 1. Hawk 2. Sims 3. Greenway 4. Carpenter 5. Ryans This draft has great OLB depth, Howard and McIntoish would be in my top 5 most years. I agree that Nicolson is a sleeper, if he can get away from off-the-field troubles, he can help a team.
