3-down MLBs (1 Viewer)

[Tick]

I'll list the starting MLBs I can find. Someone tell me if they're in on all three downs or not.

STL Claiborne (NOT 3-down)

SEA Koutouvides? Tatupu? - might get displaced

OAK Clark (3-down)

TEN Kassell? Calmus? (NOT 3-down)

PHI Trotter (NOT 3-down)

NYG Pierce (3-down)

BUF Fletcher (3-down)

DEN Wilson (3-down)

JAC Peterson (3-down)

KCC Mitchell (NOT 3-down)

MIA Thomas (3-down) - but they'll be playing some 3-4

NYJ Vilma (3-down)

WAS Marshall Likely 3 downs

IND Brackett ?

TBB Quarles ? - might get displaced

BAL Lewis (3-down)

CIN Thurman (3-down)

MIN Cowart ?

NOS Watson ?

ARI Darling Likely 3 downs

ATL Hartwell (NOT 3-down)

CAR Morgan (3-down)

CHI Urlacher (3-down)

DET Holmes ?

GBP Barnett (3-down)

Not listed because I don't think they'll be in a 4-3 all that often:

DAL Nguyen

See post 47 by Ray for some good info!

 

[obxlegends]

STL ClaiborneSEA KoutouvidesOAK Clark (3-down)TEN Calmus? Kassell?PHI TrotterNYG PierceBUF Fletcher (3-down)DEN Wilson JAC PetersonKCC Bell? Mitchell?MIA Thomas (3-down)NYJ Vilma (3-down, this year)WAS Holdman? Marshall?IND Morris? Brackett?TBB QuarlesBAL Lewis (3-down)CIN Webster? Thurman?MIN Cowart? Harris?NOS WatsonARI Huff?ATL HartwellCAR Morgan (3-down)CHI Urlacher (3-down)DET HolmesGBP Barnett (3-down)

 

[redman]

I'll comment on the ones I know or have info about that may differ from yours, Tick:

SEA Koutouvides (it's not even clear if he's going to start, much less play x3 downs)

OAK Clark (I wonder how quickly Morrison will challenge for this job)

PHI Trotter (no way - he's out on passing downs/distances)

NYG Pierce (yes in Washington, but who knows in NYG? He originally was a OLB though . . .)

MIA Thomas (they're going to a hybrid 3-4/4-3 like Dallas - I have a feeling we're going to see Crowder take over his job)

WAS Holdman? Marshall? (Who knows? This depends entirely upon Barrow's health right now)

IND Morris? Brackett? (Who knows? There are rumors of a LB shuffle here)

TBB Quarles (Watch out for Ruud to take over some duties here)

CIN Webster? Thurman? (From what I've heard they're really impressed with Thurman)

MIN Cowart? Harris? (EJ Henderson is in the mix too)

NOS Watson (They drafted Fincher to play the middle too)

 

[Tick]

Thanks, guys. Still looking for more input - I'm hoping to unearth a relatively unknown MLB who plays all three downs and could have a breakout season.

 

[redman]

Thanks, guys. Still looking for more input - I'm hoping to unearth a relatively unknown MLB who plays all three downs and could have a breakout season.

IMHO, the best places to look for that would be KC, Seattle, Oakland, Minny, NO, and AZ. Can't think of any other team's where that would be much of a surprise.

 

[Beaumont]

Not listed because I don't think they'll be in a 4-3 all that often:

DAL Nguyen

Looks more and more that way:Cowboys | Transforming to 3-4 Defense - from www.KFFL.com

Thu, 19 May 2005 10:31:16 -0700

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports the Dallas Cowboys are apparently proceeding with their plans to transform from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive scheme this year. The rookies and first-year players lined up in the 3-4 scheme during the past minicamp and owner Jerry Jones said the club will open up in that formation during their full-squad minicamp May 27-29.

 

[redman]

Not listed because I don't think they'll be in a 4-3 all that often:

DAL Nguyen

Looks more and more that way:Cowboys | Transforming to 3-4 Defense - from www.KFFL.com

Thu, 19 May 2005 10:31:16 -0700

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports the Dallas Cowboys are apparently proceeding with their plans to transform from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive scheme this year. The rookies and first-year players lined up in the 3-4 scheme during the past minicamp and owner Jerry Jones said the club will open up in that formation during their full-squad minicamp May 27-29.

Personally, I think he's probably gone in Dallas, which ironically may lead to more value for him if he's picked up by a 4-3 team as a true MLB. We'll see after June 1. He's just too small to play in a 3-4.

 

[Callas Disregard]

Thanks, guys. Still looking for more input - I'm hoping to unearth a relatively unknown MLB who plays all three downs and could have a breakout season.

Keep watch on Gerald Hayes in ARI.

 

[Beaumont]

Thanks, guys. Still looking for more input - I'm hoping to unearth a relatively unknown MLB who plays all three downs and could have a breakout season.

Keep watch on Gerald Hayes in ARI.

There is a lot of Gerald Hayes love in this forum ... I hope it pans out! I dont know that the Huff move to WLB has a lot of staying power ...

 

[-OZ-]

KCC - Bell will be a 3 downs player, but probably not MLB, he seems to be working as the WLB right now. Mitchell might be, but he might lose the job to a healthy Fujita (health being the question there), DJ will be the SLB if he performs in camp like he should.

 

[-OZ-]

Thanks, guys. Still looking for more input - I'm hoping to unearth a relatively unknown MLB who plays all three downs and could have a breakout season.

Keep watch on Gerald Hayes in ARI.

There is a lot of Gerald Hayes love in this forum ... I hope it pans out! I dont know that the Huff move to WLB has a lot of staying power ...

I realize he's probably a year away, but is there any chance Lance Mitchell starts this year?

 

[Beaumont]

KCC - Bell will be a 3 downs player, but probably not MLB, he seems to be working as the WLB right now. Mitchell might be, but he might lose the job to a healthy Fujita (health being the question there), DJ will be the SLB if he performs in camp like he should.

Heck, Maz may even start in the middle ... Dickie V says he is healthy enough to practice already ... who woulda thunk it ...

 

[-OZ-]

KCC - Bell will be a 3 downs player, but probably not MLB, he seems to be working as the WLB right now. Mitchell might be, but he might lose the job to a healthy Fujita (health being the question there), DJ will be the SLB if he performs in camp like he should.

Heck, Maz may even start in the middle ... Dickie V says he is healthy enough to practice already ... who woulda thunk it ...

That's the first I've heard of Maz being available.

 

[Beaumont]

DV Comments

Q: Do you have a health update on LB Mike Maslowski, LB Scott Fujita, and WR Marc Boerigter?

VERMEIL: “They are all progressing nicely. Maslowski really could practice, but it’s just better that he doesn’t from a medical standpoint. Fujita is not ready to practice. Boerigter is ready to practice, but he needs a medical release to practice and we will always been on the conservative side this time of year.”

 

[pretender]

Of almost all the depth charts I have checked K Bell is listed as the starting MLB for KC. I would say he will keep that job. IMO he has the talent to keep it as long as he stays healthy. I think he's worth a flyer. Even if he ends up at WLB, I believe he's going to be a force in KC. My 2 cents and yes I do have him on my dynasty team and am hoping he'll finally pay off

 

[Bob Magaw]

Not listed because I don't think they'll be in a 4-3 all that often:

DAL Nguyen

Looks more and more that way:Cowboys | Transforming to 3-4 Defense - from www.KFFL.com

Thu, 19 May 2005 10:31:16 -0700

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports the Dallas Cowboys are apparently proceeding with their plans to transform from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive scheme this year. The rookies and first-year players lined up in the 3-4 scheme during the past minicamp and owner Jerry Jones said the club will open up in that formation during their full-squad minicamp May 27-29.

Personally, I think he's probably gone in Dallas, which ironically may lead to more value for him if he's picked up by a 4-3 team as a true MLB. We'll see after June 1. He's just too small to play in a 3-4.

hey redman,good input upthread. there have been rumors that dat didn't fit new 3-4 scheme (it would be easy to do a who's on third routine with dat... who dat? :^)... the only thing strange about this is they supposedly could have had darren howard (good 4-3 DE, not sure how he would translate to 3-4 DE), but the sticking point supposedly was parcells (jones?) didn't want to part with him.

parcell's does like bigger players in general, which led to speculation LAST season that he might be on his way out... but than word was he played well enough to earn parcell's respect & trust... not an easy thing to do.

 

[Bob Henry]

CAR Morgan (3-down)

This, of course, is a double meaning. Morgan is certainly a 3 down backer, but he's usually in the infirmary after three downs, too.

 

[Barry Jive and The Uptown Five]

Not listed because I don't think they'll be in a 4-3 all that often:

DAL Nguyen

Looks more and more that way:Cowboys | Transforming to 3-4 Defense - from www.KFFL.com

Thu, 19 May 2005 10:31:16 -0700

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports the Dallas Cowboys are apparently proceeding with their plans to transform from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive scheme this year. The rookies and first-year players lined up in the 3-4 scheme during the past minicamp and owner Jerry Jones said the club will open up in that formation during their full-squad minicamp May 27-29.

Personally, I think he's probably gone in Dallas, which ironically may lead to more value for him if he's picked up by a 4-3 team as a true MLB. We'll see after June 1. He's just too small to play in a 3-4.

hey redman,good input upthread. there have been rumors that dat didn't fit new 3-4 scheme (it would be easy to do a who's on third routine with dat... who dat? :^)... the only thing strange about this is they supposedly could have had darren howard (good 4-3 DE, not sure how he would translate to 3-4 DE), but the sticking point supposedly was parcells (jones?) didn't want to part with him.

parcell's does like bigger players in general, which led to speculation LAST season that he might be on his way out... but than word was he played well enough to earn parcell's respect & trust... not an easy thing to do.

Speaking of the 3-4 switch in DAL....A sleeper LB I will be keeping an eye on is Scott Shanle. He came in and played very well as SLB in last year's 4-3. With the additions of Ware & Burnett on the outside, I could see Shanle slipping inside quite nicely. Ourlads has Singleton ahead of him, but IIRC, Shanle beat him out at the end of 2004 as SLB.

 

[Rovers]

I think it's very safe to call Pierce a 3 down MLB.

 

[redman]

I think it's very safe to call Pierce a 3 down MLB.

I agree that that's probably the case given Pierce's skills. Still, I'm not familiar enough with Coughlin's scheme to guarantee it.

 

[Beaumont]

Speaking of the 3-4 switch in DAL....

A sleeper LB I will be keeping an eye on is Scott Shanle. He came in and played very well as SLB in last year's 4-3. With the additions of Ware & Burnett on the outside, I could see Shanle slipping inside quite nicely. Ourlads has Singleton ahead of him, but IIRC, Shanle beat him out at the end of 2004 as SLB.

It seems much more likely that Bradie James gets that second inside LB spot next to Dat ...

 

[Beaumont]

Eagles | Trotter to Play More in Nickel Package - from www.KFFL.comMon, 6 Jun 2005 14:10:57 -0700Philadelphia Eagles LB Jeremiah Trotter is expected to play more in nickel situations, according to defensive coordinator Jim Johnson.

 

[Rozelle]

Thanks, guys.  Still looking for more input - I'm hoping to unearth a relatively unknown MLB who plays all three downs and could have a breakout season.

Keep watch on Gerald Hayes in ARI.

2 down backer

 

[Tick]

bump

 

[nortobc]

Thanks, guys.  Still looking for more input - I'm hoping to unearth a relatively unknown MLB who plays all three downs and could have a breakout season.

Keep watch on Gerald Hayes in ARI.

2 down backer

Who will play on 3rd down?

 

[jgb95]

NFL.com has Derrick Johnson as MLB.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/depthcharts/KC

Any thoughts on this????

 

[nortobc]

NFL.com has Derrick Johnson as MLB.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/depthcharts/KC

Any thoughts on this????

This site has Derrick Johnson as a Weak-side LB http://www.localsports.ca/nfl_rosters/afc_west.html#

 

[jgb95]

thanks for the link, never seen this one before!

 

[Beaumont]

KC has been playing Derrick Johnson at SLB ... a questionable move given that the knock on him is that he gets blocked easy ... many KC fans want him on the WLB spot free to make plays ... but as of now it is:Bell WLBFox/Johnson SLBMitchell MLB

 

[Beaumont]

NFL.com has Derrick Johnson as MLB.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/depthcharts/KC

Any thoughts on this????

NFL.com depth charts are ridiculously bad ...

 

[Strider]

I have to wonder if Jay Foreman could emerge in Oakland in the middle. He but up some great numbers in Houston. Last year, injuries hurt his numbers, but he can tackle. Pass coverage is something to be desired, but you can't doubt his run stopping abilities. Good be a sleeper to watch, especially if the Raiders use more of the 3-4.

 

[skycriesmary]

So Fujita gets left out of the mix? I thought he was progressing nicely...he put up a very solid season last year.

 

[Beaumont]

So Fujita gets left out of the mix? I thought he was progressing nicely...he put up a very solid season last year.

As of now that appears to be the case ...

 

[Bob Henry]

Lehman won't make this list because he's not the Lions starter at MLB, technically.. but he will be the Lions nickel LB and he's used in just about every defensive package the Lions have - whereas the Earl Holmes won't. In other words, Lehman almost never leaves the field when the Lions defense is on it. Once Holmes is gone (I'm guessing his contract is up after this year? Not 100% sure on that..) Lehman's fantasy production and value will climb even higher. The curious thing about the Lions LB right now is they finally have a ton of depth and I'm talking speed, speed and more speed. Bailey, Lehman, Lewis, Davis, etc. I've always thought Bailey would be great on the weak-side with Lehman in the middle. These would be your two nickel backers. Lewis/Davis could compete on the strong-side and both have good coverage skills despite being a little on the small side.You can't knock Holmes though. He's a reliable 2 down run stuffer, but he's a target for offenses to throw center screens, underneath routes for TEs and RBs, etc.. that just not his bag.Overall, the Lions defense could sneak up big-time on people this year if they finally establish a more consistent pass rush and manage to stay semi-healthy for once. Bly and McQuarters (Bryant, too) give up big plays, but also make big plays (not so much with Bryant though).. Add in the Lions perennially strong special teams units and they have a top 10 or 15 sleeper potential depending on the league and the scoring.

 

[Maggot Brain]

Mitchell for KC

 

[-OZ-]

Mitchell for KC

I'm really not sure about this. Kawika plays out of position way too much, Bell and DJ are better players.

 

[Sofa King Money]

 

[MallRat]

Keep this kicked... and updated. This thread is a great resource for those of us in redraft point-per-tackle leagues. It's hard enough to keep track of who's settling into starting jobs at MLB... even harder to track which ones will be on the field for 3 downs.

 

[GridironMenace]

let's get an updated list going...

 

[Beaumont]

Hayes is the MLB in AZ, but is replaced by Ohalete (sp?) in the nickel from what I can see ...

 

[redman]

Two updates:I think you can put Marshall in Washington down as a 3-down MLB. His experience is playing the Will and he's somewhat undersized and very athletic, so he's defintely capable of pass defense. Also, I think you have it wrong with Miami. Crowder is impressing in camp and will challenge Thomas for PT. Also, that hybrid 3-4/4-3 they're playing will greatly affect Thomas' standing there. Personally, I think Thomas is done there after this year given that he's already smallish for a 4-3 MLB, and he's downright tiny as a 3-4 ILB.

 

[Beaumont]

With Hayes out for 2+ months replaced by Darling is Darling a 3 down MLB? Or does he come out and Huff is a 3 down WLB?

 

[Tick]

redman, I changed Marshall, but left Thomas as-is for now. I think he'll be on the field all the time this year. Do you have a link where anyone from the team is talking about it at all? Seems like things have been pretty quiet about their LBs.

 

[Renegades of Funk]

Any chance of expanding this to all LB's that are on the field for 3 downs? Spikes, Farrior, etc.

 

[Tick]

If someone else compiles the list, I'd edit it back into the top, but for my own purposes I don't plan on it.

 

[pretender]

I think we might have to scratch Hartwell :( at least against JAX tonight I saw him coming off the field on 3rd and 5 obvious passing down for JAX. Also didn't always see him on the field. Of course they may have been rotating LB's in and out like Beck and others. Anybody else see the game? Observations? Atlanta Homers?

 

[Ray]

Any chance of expanding this to all LB's that are on the field for 3 downs? Spikes, Farrior, etc.

Imo, strong side LBs and OLBs in 3-4 are too hit/miss. So, i expanded it to WLB & 3-4 ILB:
TEAM Schm WLB/LILB MLB/RILBCLE 3-4 54 A.Davis (?) 58 B.T__ (?)DAL 3-4 56 B.James (?) 59 D.NguyenHOU 3-4 52 K.Wong (SNB) 56 M.Greenwood (?)N.E 3-4 44 M.Biesel 98 C.BrownOAK 3-4 55 58 D.Clark (WNB) 51 T.JohnsonPIT 3-4 51 Farrior (MNB) 50 97 L.Foote (SNB)S.D 3-4 59 D.Edwards (MDB) 58 R.Godfried (?)S.F 3-4 50 53 D.Smith 53 55 J.Ulbrich ARI 4-3 57 O.Huff (?) 51 J.Darling (MNB)ATL 4-3 56 K.Brooking (WNB) 50 E.Hartwell (?)BAL 4-3 50 T.Polley (?) 52 R.Lewis (MNB)BUF 4-3 51 T.Spikes (SNB) 59 L.Fletcher (MNB)CAR 4-3 54 W.Witherspoon (MNB) 55 D.MorganCHI 4-3 55 L.Briggs (WNB?) 54 B.Urlacher (MNB)CIN 4-3 56 B.Simmons (SNB) 51 T.Odell (?)DEN 4-3 52 I.Gold (?) 56 A.Wilson (WNB)DET 4-3 52 J.Davis (?) 50 E.HolmesG.B 4-3 55 R.Thomson (MNB) 56 N.Barnett (WNB)JAX 4-3 52 55 D.Smith (SNB) 54 M.Peterson (MNB)MIA 4-3 55 J.Seau (SNB) 54 Z.Thomas (MNB MDB)MIN 4-3 56 EJ.Henderson 55 S.CowartN.O 4-3 57 C.Bockwoldt 55 C.Watson (MNB)NYG 4-3 51 C.Emmons (?) 58 A.Pierce (?)NYJ 4-3 50 E.Barton 51 J.Vilma (?)PHI 4-3 57 K.Adams (?) 54 J.TrotterSEA 4-3 56 L.Hill (?) 51 L.TatapuStL 4-3 ?? Pisa or Coakley 51 C.ClaiborneT.B 4-3 55 D.Brooks (SNB) 53 S.Quarles (MNB)WAS 4-3 56 L.Arrington (?) 98 L.MarshallIND 4-3noStr ?? D.Thornton/C.June (NB?) 58 G.BrackettK.C 4-3noStr ?? K.Fox/K.Bell 50 K.MitchellTEN 4-3noStr 53 K.Bulluck/P.Simon 55 B.Kassell http://www.ourlads.com/secure/index.cfm

 

[Beaumont]

I think we might have to scratch Hartwell :( at least against JAX tonight I saw him coming off the field on 3rd and 5 obvious passing down for JAX. Also didn't always see him on the field. Of course they may have been rotating LB's in and out like Beck and others. Anybody else see the game? Observations? Atlanta Homers?

I do understand that Brooking and Reese or Demo Williams are the nickel backers ...

 

[Chaos Commish]

Claiborne is NOT playing 3rd downs (for now). Tinoisamoa is moving to the middle in the nickel. Pisa may be in for a great year. Including assists, he's led the Rams in tackles two years in a row, only started about 3/4ths of the time, and played almost half the season last year with a fairly difficult leg injury. He wasn't putting up #s (3 solo, no ast) against the Lions last week but he was all over the field and in every package.