...as our DE/OLB. There's been a lot of talk about Adams, Moses, Abiamiri and Spencer as undersized DEs with the potential to transition to the OLB position in this upcoming draft but Tim Crowder always seems to be left out. He could be there in the 2nd round. -He has the size you are looking for: (6'4" 272 lbs -He has the speed: He ran a 4.69 at the combine; that's one of the better times recorded by a DE. It's just a few hundreds of a second slower than Gaines Adams who ran a 4.64. -He payed for a big time program against high level competition: Texas/Big 12 -He was consistent: he started as a freshman. -He was very productive: In 2006 he made 59 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, forced 4 fumbles. -He can drop down in coverage-this according to www.nfldraftcountdown.com -He is willing: When asked would he prefer playing on a defense that ran a 3-4 or a 4-3 scheme? He responded, "It really doesn't matter to me. I feel I can fit in either one. I can put my hand in the dirt or rush the passer from a two point stance, it really doesn't matter". -He is a "Tangini Type" player: All reports say he is a leader, smart, hard working, has a non stop motor w/ excellent intangibles.
We have a lot of options in this draft at DE/OLB tweener. I will trust Tangini with whatever decision that they make.
2006 Texas Longhorns Defense Preview cam4mav - 4 min - Jul 14, 2006 - (10 ratings) 2006 Texas Longhorns Defense Preview, put together quickly, but turned out ok http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feh3k4iH0o8 This the best I can do. He is # 80 in the highlights.
Crowder is probably the best straight-up 3-4 OLB coming out, since most of the prospects ahead of him are just lighter 4-3 DEs. The only thing I don't like about him is that I've read on a few sites that he doesn't have too much upside and is pretty much at his ceiling because he's not a great physical specimen. His speed seems fine, but his agility isn't great.
His speed is good, but his athletic ability is lacking. He is faster than most 4-3 DE's, but not athletic enough for a 3-4 OLB. I dont know how he would do in that spot, it is tough to tell, but I just don't see it from the little I have seen out of him this year.
