Guys,
If you are not concerned, then you are ignoring a lot of signs. The only sign that he'll be a good player, is his production in college. He is slow, as evidenced by producing the slowest 40 time in memory for a 1st round LB. So (1), he is slow. He is also, by his own admission, not strong enough (2). And the last thing of course being, he was a non-factor, actually playing in the league in question (the NFL). Remember also, he was supposed to be plug-and-play ready. Even if he ended up not being so, you would certainly expect him to have flashes of success (i.e. a few sacks?)
I'm not writing him off yet, but I am concerned. How can you not be?
I'm not at all concerned. I think he is going to be a playermaker for us. He has a knack for being around the ball and natural instincts and thats something you can't teach and something for important than some stupid 40 time in shorts.
Strength is a non-issue.... That is the easiest to fix. Timmons was the same way.
1. If a LB has to run 40 yards for any reason, something went totally wrong anyways.
2. Like Steelz said, strength can easily be fixed.
3. Plug n play ready in a very complex system like LeBeau's is never going to happen.
I sincerely believe he can produce at this level by hitting the gym and studying the playbook. He's a natural athlete and you can easily see that by watching him play.
2019 Mock
1. ILB
2. CB
3. ILB
4. S
5. CB
6. ILB
7. S
If that is the case, why aren't we drafting Aaron Donald, putting him in the weight room, and let him plug the middle (on 1st & 2nd) and rush the passer (on 3rd)? You know the reason why... because it isn't as "easy" as getting a guy on a bench press. Many people get stronger, and lose speed. For Jones, that would be a disaster.
wasn't james harrison really slow coming out of college? wasn't he too small? wasn't he too weak? didn't he only have one move? how'd that work out?
I don't see why your associating gaining strength and losing speed. I dropped 25 pounds and was stronger than I was when I was heavier. If you bulk up.. then yes, you might get a bit slower but not necessarily. It depends...
I don't see how JJ gaining strength will make him slower. In fact, I think he could add a bit more bulk as well without losing speed. He has the frame to easily carry 10 more pounds of lean muscle. He's taller than most think: 6'2.
Troy Polamalu was a non-factor in his rookie season.
Pittsburgh, PA: City of Champions.
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