Quote:
Originally Posted by The Goat
GT how do you project Rak as a SLB on 1st and 2nd down? Will he be able to cover and make plays in space as we require of our LB corp?
Edit: Also, how far is he from being a solid LDE...i mean both talent wise and bulk?
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Most teams treat LE as a different animal than RE, so as our future pass rushing stud, I think it would be a mistake to work him anywhere but RE as a rookie. I think he should split time with Carter, and I'd like to see him rush the passer from a standing position on third down.
I think he could handle all the responsibilities of a linebacker in this defense. I wouldn't play him there though, at least at the beginning of the year. If we're going to be blitz happy, we might as well, but again, I'd rather have Blades on the field than Orakpo. Ultimately, defensive lineman have a high bust rate because teams tend to mishandle them, so I think the critical thing is that we develop him properly, and don't be shortsighted with him.
The last time a Blache defense had the 13th overall pick, they drafted some DE named Michael Haynes. Just sayin'. Orakpo is a much more dynamic player, but he's not a sure thing if mismanaged.