Origins of 3-4, 4-3 and Draft Dlinemen analysis

[Steel Life]

Re: Origins of 3-4, 4-3 and Draft Dlinemen analysis

Regarding both sides of the argument, its clear that there are a disparity of opinions as to whats needed - especially on the offensive line - but in reality, there are only two positions of real "need" on the team - NT & Center. The fact is that the team has a number of players on the offensive line who have become a solid starting unit with contributions from what is serviceable depth, with some quality developmental prospects in Legursky, Foster & Urbik.

But at the Center & NT spots, we have at best two aging veterans for 2 to 3 more years & at worst one year solutions at each position. Hartwig is a stop-gap player & possibly the weak link of the line & Hampton is a short-timer due to age & salary. This is why I've said in other threads that aside from getting a starting-caliber NT, that Maurkice Pouncey is the preeminent player of "need" by the Steelers as the rest of the options are sub-standard, whereas the NT options in the draft are plentiful with attractive options from the 1st thru 4th rounds.

My hope is the Steelers get Dan Williams in the 1st & then make a move to get Pouncey in the 2nd. But if they decide to forgo a NT in the 1st, say choosing Weatherspoon instead, I'd still move to get Pouncey in the 2nd & then get the NT in round 3 like Cam Thomas or Troupe. This isn't to say that we shouldn't continue to stockpile talent at other positions of both lines, but as in baseball...the true strength of a team is measured from the middle out.

I agree with your assessemnt of the OL which is why I think Kugler will get a year to work with the guys he has versus spending a premium pick on OL. I think both the FO and Tomlin want to see what he can do with players there now before adding more into the mix.

I will caution everyone though about Pouncey. He may be the highest rated Center this year but this is a weak year depth wise for Centers...just the opposite of last year. You need to also watch how he played in Florida's offense. He did lots of non traditional Center stuff and rarely snapped a ball with a QB right behind him because Tebow was in the shotgun 99% of the time. Florida also did not have a inside power run game and did alot of running off tackle which did not require the Center to drive block against big DT/NT.

As far as NT, my pick is Torrell Troup in Round 3. Cam Thomas will probably rise into Round 2.

O - I was wondering about the prospect of Jon Asamoah (OG, Illinois) converting to center?

[Dee Dub]

Re: Origins of 3-4, 4-3 and Draft Dlinemen analysis

This is great!

From the site---
The 3-4 defensive alignment evolved from the old 5-2 “Monster” scheme. The nose tackle in the 3-4 was called a nose guard in the 5-2, defensive ends in the 3-4 were called defensive tackles in the 5-2, and the outside linebackers in the 3-4 were stand-up defensive ends in the 5-2, responsible for rushing the passer and covering the flats.
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A couple years ago at the Trib board I called Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel Defensive Tackles--which was pretty common among old school coaches and players--since they were lined up inside shoulder of each Offensive Tackle and not outside as an end would be. The reaction I got from some on that board (members who are now on this site), was nothing short of commical.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Origins of 3-4, 4-3 and Draft Dlinemen analysis

This is great!

From the site---
The 3-4 defensive alignment evolved from the old 5-2 “Monster” scheme. The nose tackle in the 3-4 was called a nose guard in the 5-2, defensive ends in the 3-4 were called defensive tackles in the 5-2, and the outside linebackers in the 3-4 were stand-up defensive ends in the 5-2, responsible for rushing the passer and covering the flats.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

A couple years ago at the Trib board I called Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel Defensive Tackles--which was pretty common among old school coaches and players--since they were lined up inside shoulder of each Offensive Tackle and not outside as an end would be. The reaction I got from some on that board (members who are now on this site), was nothing short of commical.

Call 'em 3-Technique then.