http://walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB3-4.php Trent Murphy, DE/OLB, Stanford Height: 6-5. Weight: 252. Projected 40 Time: 4.87. Projected Round (2014): 2-3. 2/8/14: Murphy has a well-rounded skill set as he is a good pass-rusher with quickness and strength. Murphy defends the run well and has good instincts. He also has the athletic ability to drop into pass coverage. Murphy looks like a great fit as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL. He would be drafted higher if he was faster and had more explosion off the snap. Murphy had a mixed performance at the Senior Bowl and wasn't good enough to help his first-round prospects. In 2013, Murphy totaled 15 sacks, 24.5 tackles for a loss, 62 tackles, six passes batted, one forced fumble and an interception returned 30 yards for a touchdown. He led the nation in sacks. In the 2013 season opener, Murphy recorded two sacks of San Jose State quarterback David Fales. Murphy had an interception returned for a 30-yard touchdown against Washington State. Versus Washington, he had two sacks and deflected a pass that was intercepted near the end zone late in the fourth quarter to protect Stanford's narrow win over the Huskies. Murphy played well against Oregon and was an animal against Oregon State, totaling eight tackles, 2.5 sacks, two batted passes and 4.5 tackles for a loss. He came close to a number of other sacks and was living in the backfield all night. Murphy was held in check by Notre Dame left tackle Zack Martin, and totaled just two tackles and .5 tackles for a loss. While Stanford fell in a road upset to USC, Murphy was phenomenal for the Cardinal. He had eight tackles with four tackles for a loss and two sacks. Murphy had a quality game against Michigan State in the Rose Bowl. 8/12/13: Murphy was perhaps the best player on Stanford's tough defense in 2012. That is saying something with other good prospects like Ben Gardner, Henry Anderson, Ed Reynolds, Chase Thomas and Shayne Skov all being legitimate pro prospects. Murphy is a physical force who beats linemen with power and technique. He also has speed to get by as an edge-rusher. Murphy totaled 56 tackles with 10 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, four passes broken up, one interception and a forced fumble last season. He racked up 40 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks in 2011. Murphy is a versatile player who has lined up in a variety of spots in Stanford's 3-4 defense.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB3-4.php Dee Ford, OLB, Auburn Height: 6-2. Weight: 243. Projected 40 Time: 4.60. Projected Round (2014): 2-3. 2/8/14: Ford was Auburn's best edge rusher in the Tigers' fast front seven. He ended 2013 with 29 tackles with 14.5 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Ford has excellent speed off the edge with moves to get away from blockers. In the National Championship, the senior dominated Florida State's right tackle. He missed the first two games of the season. While Ford is very explosive off the edge, he isn't big enough to remain at defensive end in the NFL. Ford will have to move to outside linebacker. In a 4-3 defense, he would have to play as a linebacker who rushes off the edge in passing situations, similar to Von Miller in Denver. Ford projects best as an edge rusher for a 3-4 defense. Behind Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald, Ford was the most impressive defensive prospect at the Senior Bowl. Ford had a great week and continued his tremendous play in the game. All week, he used his great get-off and quickness to burn edge blockers in one-on-ones. Ford has the agility to drop his hips and juke tackles to the inside. He also has enough upper body strength to help him break the grip of tackles hands and use his speed to close in an instant. 8/14/13: Ford plays defensive end for Auburn, but he'll have to move to outside linebacker in the NFL. Ford had six sacks with 34 tackles and a forced fumble in 2012. He missed the majority of the 2011 season with a back injury. Ford recorded 11 tackles and two sacks as a freshman.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB3-4.php Scott Crichton*, DE, Oregon State Height: 6-3. Weight: 260. Projected 40 Time: 4.73. Projected Round (2014): 1-2. 2/8/14: In 2013, Crichton had 47 tackles with 19 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. He was more disruptive than the numbers indicate. Crichton didn't record a sack against Oregon, but constantly pressured Marcus Mariota and caused lots of disruption. In his career, Crichton caused a lot of havoc and commanded some extra blocking potential. He finished the season well and entered the 2014 NFL Draft. 8/12/13: Crichton has displayed some natural pass-rushing and play-making ability over the last two years for Oregon State. The sophomore turned in an impressive 2012 season with nine sacks, 17 tackles for a loss, 44 tackles and a forced fumble. He had six sacks, 14.5 tackles for a loss, six forced fumbles and 74 tackles as a redshirt freshman in 2011. Crichton needs to improve his hand usage and the ability to shed blocks. He has some quickness and strength, but needs his repertoire of pass-rushing moves to get better. Crichton is too reliant on a bull rush. If the junior checks in smaller than his listed measurements, he will have to move to outside linebacker.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB3-4.php Trevor Reilly, DE/OLB, Utah Height: 6-5. Weight: 255. Projected 40 Time: 4.85. Projected Round (2014): 3-5. 2/8/14: Reilly played linebacker and defensive end for Utah. For the NFL, he could play either position, but would need to add more weight for defensive end. The senior recorded 100 tackles with 8.5 sacks, 16 tackles for a loss, two passes broken up, one interception and one forced fumble in 2013. Reilly had 69 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four passes batted and three forced fumbles in 2012. In 2011, he had 47 tackles, five sacks and four forced fumbles.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB3-4.php Ron Powell*, OLB, Florida Height: 6-4. Weight: 248. Projected 40 Time: 4.69. Projected Round (2014): 4-6. 2/8/14: Powell started the 2013 season strongly and recorded two sacks against Miami. He got banged up and barely played against Arkansas and LSU. Powell finished the season playing solid football and entered the 2014 NFL Draft rather than taking another injury risk. He notched 26 tackles with seven tackles for a loss and four sacks, but his collegiate career fell far short of expectations. 8/14/13: Powell was out for the 2012 season after a setback during rehab for his knee injury. The Gators are optimistic that he is in store for a big season in 2013. They are projecting Powell to be a starter, and he has been on the practice field without restrictions in training camp. The redshirt junior has the physical talent to be a first-round pick. Powell was the No. 1 recruit in the nation in 2010. He had a rough start as a freshman, recording just 25 tackles with 2.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. Powell was moved was moved to hybrid defensive end and outside linebacker for 2011 in Will Muschamp's defense. The 'Buck' linebacker produced some quality prospects like Sergio Kindle and Brian Orakpo for Muschamp when he ran the defense at Texas. Powell finished his second season with 32 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, six sacks and a forced fumble. Late in 2011, it seemed like the light bulb finally turned on as Powell showed some of the excellent speed and play-making ability that made him such a sought after recruit. He recorded four sacks in the final six games and was consistently pressuring the quarterback. There was a lot of excitement for Powell heading into 2012, but the junior tore a knee ligament in spring practice (and received a medical redshirt). Powell may be better off staying for his senior season in 2014 and continue to improve before going pro. However, there have been reports out of Gainesville that suggest Powell could explode this year.
CBS Sports Ranking of OLB Prospects (I have omitted those I think are strictly 4-3 OLB prospects and those who are ranked outside the top 25. As always, there are some discrepancies between different sites. Some have Bradford as an ILB and Fortt as an ILB. Some have some of the collegiate DEs listed strictly as 4-3 DEs, while others have them listed as 3-4 OLBs. If anyone has any additions or corrections, please let me know.) 8 Khalil Mack OLB 1 Buffalor Sr 6-3 251 1 10 Anthony Barr OLB 2 UCLA Sr 6-5 255 1 33 Ryan Shazier OLB 3 Ohio St Jr 6-1 237 1-2 38 Kyle Van Noy OLB 4 BYU rSr 6-3 243 1-2 46 Trevor Reilly OLB 5 Utah rSr 6-5 245 2 67 Carl Bradford OLB 7 ASU rJr 6-1 250 2-3 85 Jeremiah Attaochu OLB 8 Ga Tech Sr 6-3 252 2-3 117 Jordan Tripp OLB 11 Montana rSr 6-3 234 3-4 133 Adrian Hubbard OLB 12 Alabama rJr 6-6 257 4 146 Prince Shembo OLB 13 Notre Dame Sr 6-1 253 4-5 155 Morgan Breslin OLB 14 USC Sr 6-1 250 5 158 Ronald Powell OLB 15 Florida rJr 6-3 237 5 170 Devon Kennard OLB 16 USC rSr 6-3 249 5-6 187 Kasim Edebali OLB 17 Boston Coll. Sr 6-2 253 5-6 215 Jonathan Brown OLB 21 Illinois Sr 6-0 238 6-7 221 Khairi Fortt OLB 22 California rJr 6-2 248 6-7 245 Tyler Starr OLB 23 S. Dakota Sr 6-4 250 7 262 Derrell Johnson OLB 24 E. Carolina Sr 6-1 248 7-FA 273 Jonathan NewsomeOLB 25 Ball State rSr 6-3 247 7-FA
http://walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB3-4.php Michael Sam, DE/OLB, Missouri Height: 6-1. Weight: 260. Projected 40 Time: 4.71. Projected Round (2014): 3-5. 2/8/14: Sam was a breakout performer for Missouri in 2013 with 11.5 sacks. He also recorded 48 tackles with 19 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and two passes broken up. Sam returned a fumble for a touchdown in the Tigers' upset win over Georgia. He dominated with three-sack games against Arkansas State, Vanderbilt and Florida. Sam was shut down by Tennessee's tough offensive line, and Auburn ran over him in the SEC Championship. He should move to outside linebacker in the NFL, but could be a situational defensive end in obvious passing downs. Sam had a mixed week at the Senior Bowl. Sam recorded 22 tackles with 4.5 sacks, seven tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles in 2012. As a sophomore, he had 1.5 sacks. That was slightly less than the 3.5 sacks from his freshman season. For the NFL, Sam would probably fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Here's a link to Combine results for the OLB prospects: http://www.footballsfuture.com/2014/combine/olb.html
I mentioned in another thread Small schooler Larry Webster who worked out as DL but did conversion drills. 6"5 260 with long arms & frame to put on more weight. 4.58 in 40 & looked natural standing up.Said to have great week rushing the passer at east west shrine. His father played for the Ravens..likely while Rex was there. I'd expect the jets to take a long look in rounds 5-6.Has all the measureables Rex looks for, Rex loves small schoolers & of course the balty connection
Shazier ran an unofficial 4.36 at his pro day. Holy ****. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap20...yan-shazier-runs-unofficial-436-40-at-pro-day
Can someone who knows more than I do, and who's watched film on him, tell me if it's at all within reason to POTENTIALLY consider Shazier as a safety in the long run? Or is that just craziness/internet stupidity?
I just want to know how often a LB will run like that. That is just INSANE. He's the #3 OLB on that list, so I'm assuming there isn't much chance of converting to safety. Who cares anyway, as we really need an OLB. I would LOVE to get that guy in the second round. OLB is the biggest need on the team next to WR, and TE. Yeah we could use Safety help too, but it would be a dream for me if we went WR, OLB in the draft.
I have a feeling Barr will be on this team and team him up with Coples and we are talking serious QB pressure. Ive heard a lot about Barr slipping but if one guy could get him to produce its our HC Rex Ryan. This pick will cause problems with most posters because its D but if he falls i take him in a heartbeat. This is supposedly the deepest WR class in a while and we can go WR TE in rounds 2 and 3 and get the offense young and explosive
I would hope, first and foremost, that Coples lose minimum 20 lbs if the plan is to settle him at OLB. I am dead serious about this. He's almost 300 lbs - that will put a HUGE amount of wear and tear on his knees and ankles. He won't last in this league at that weight. If I could have it my way, I'd make him lose 30 lbs, in line of 260 lbs somewhere. While he's at it, he'd have to build his endurance more than anything. He has to chase down the receivers and TEs 60 minutes. If that happens - then Barr coupled with Coples could possibly mean terrorizing presence on both end - and with this monster DL up front, that would mean really, REALLY miserable day for any opposing QB, including the almighty Tom Brady.
Better yet, either play Coples where he belongs on the DL or trade him. If they keep him, rotate him at DT and DE to keep everyone fresh, and bring in (draft) a real OLB.
That was my original proposition from months ago - but if they are hell-bent on keeping him at OLB, that was my suggestion.
Crichton, Martin and Sam should be removed from consideration at OLB. Shazier is best suited as a 4-3 OLB or 3-4 ILB. Shazier might be a great choice to replace David Harris.
