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joecrisp · 06-21-2004, 06:40 AM

Size is relative to the position. It really depends on what type of interior lineman you're looking for. If you're talking about an anchoring nose guard, then 300 lbs would be a little small. You generally want those guys to be around 320 lbs or more. They don't need to be terribly athletic-- just big enough and strong enough to be a blocker-magnet. Think Sam Adams (6-4, 335) or Ted Washington (6-5, 365).

However, if it's quickness and penetration you're looking for, 300 pounders are generally more ideal. While not the biggest guys in the middle, these guys are by no means the smallest, either. La'Roi Glover of the Cowboys, for instance, is a mere 285 lbs-- about the same size as a lot of defensive ends. If you look at the Eagles' roster (http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/te...p?sortBy=title), you'll find that their heftiest lineman is Hollis Thomas, at 306 lbs. Their two starters, Darwin Walker and Corey Simon, are both under 300 lbs (294 lbs and 293 lbs, respectively). It all depends on what you're looking to do with your interior linemen in the defensive scheme.

But if I had to choose an ideal combo, I'd go with the Raiders' new duo of vets: Washington and Warren Sapp. The 365-lb Washington will open up attacking lanes for the smaller (6-2, 300) and quicker Sapp, while protecting his linebackers from blockers. It will interesting to see how much damage that pair can wreak this season.

06-21-2004, 06:40 AM	#7
joecrisp The Starter Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Charlottesville, VA Age: 49 Posts: 1,501	Size is relative to the position. It really depends on what type of interior lineman you're looking for. If you're talking about an anchoring nose guard, then 300 lbs would be a little small. You generally want those guys to be around 320 lbs or more. They don't need to be terribly athletic-- just big enough and strong enough to be a blocker-magnet. Think Sam Adams (6-4, 335) or Ted Washington (6-5, 365). However, if it's quickness and penetration you're looking for, 300 pounders are generally more ideal. While not the biggest guys in the middle, these guys are by no means the smallest, either. La'Roi Glover of the Cowboys, for instance, is a mere 285 lbs-- about the same size as a lot of defensive ends. If you look at the Eagles' roster (http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/te...p?sortBy=title), you'll find that their heftiest lineman is Hollis Thomas, at 306 lbs. Their two starters, Darwin Walker and Corey Simon, are both under 300 lbs (294 lbs and 293 lbs, respectively). It all depends on what you're looking to do with your interior linemen in the defensive scheme. But if I had to choose an ideal combo, I'd go with the Raiders' new duo of vets: Washington and Warren Sapp. The 365-lb Washington will open up attacking lanes for the smaller (6-2, 300) and quicker Sapp, while protecting his linebackers from blockers. It will interesting to see how much damage that pair can wreak this season.