So of the guys mentioned as potential 1st rounders this year, which fit in a)either a 3-4 or 4-3, b) 3-4, c) 4-3
In other words, is a guy like Taba Hali only a fit as DE in a 4-3? Can Kiwanuka play in either a 3-4 or a 4-3?
Here's the top guys mentioned (add others that I may have forgotten/overlooked):
Hawk
Mario Williams
Ngata
Kiwanuka
Greenway
Tamba Hali
Broderick Bunkley
Demeco Ryans
Orien Harris
Claude Wroten
Elvis Dumervil
Anyone want to take a stab at this?
I'm bored. I'll do my best. I hadn't noticed this thread, but I did just notice that the LB depth in this draft is very hyped, and the DB class is much stronger than I thought. That got me looking at DEs like Dumervil who may find themselves playing the Merriman, Ware, Foley role in a 3-4. So, I'll add a few names at the end of this. I think I have a pretty good handle on this. A big caveat to all of the draft discussion (in this thread and others) first. It's hard not to discuss these prospects in terms other than best case scenarios, so I and most others are probably very high on players who will flat out fail. Just scroll through a decade of drafts and you can't help but be stunned by what a crapshoot this picking and choosing really is. Without careful analysis, I would guess 50% of 1st and 2nd rounders never realize their supposed potential, and a much higher percentage disappoints more than meets expectations. That stated...
Hawk (OLB)-- His freakish combination of size, strength, speed, football instincts, and athleticism make him the most valuable and versatile name on this list. He can excell as a weakside or strongside LB in the 4-3, and he can likely takeover the middle better than Thurman or Tatupu did. In the 3-4 he should be awesome at ILB, in the Ray Lewis role, but his blitzing ability, strength and speed on the edge also transfer to an excellent 3-4 OLB.
Mario Williams (DE)-- Another talent who can manage very well in either defense. Has the strength and power to play DE in the 3-4, and the speed to be very effective at DE in the 4-3.
Ngata (DT/NT)-- Classic overpowering 3-4 NT, who would be an asset at DT in the 4-3 also.
Kiwanuka (DE)-- Probably a pure 4-3 DE. Doesn't have the leverage and power to play there in the 3-4, and is not a candidate for OLB.
Greenway (OLB)-- An excellent OLB in either system, would likely be at his best at OLB in the 4-3 where his LBing versatility could be put to better use than the constant pass rushing required in the 3-4, but he can get after the QB with the best of them.
Tamba Hali (DE)-- Not sure, and I have watched him fairly closely and read about as much as has been written. Obviosly, he is a highly regarded DE for a 4-3. He seems to have better power than Kiwi, but less athleticism. I don't think it translates to DE in the 3-4.
Broderick Bunkley (DT)-- An interesting player for this conversation. He is a classic 4-3 DT, but he is fast and athletic enough to possibley move out to DE in a 3-4. San Diego does it with Igor and the results have been surprisingly good.
Demeco Ryans (OLB)-- Not the most physical of LBs in this draft, but a high motor guy with awesome instincts who is always around the football. I think he needs to be outside in the 4-3, but here I'm probably over my head trying to evaluate him. He may translate to the 3-4, but he doesn't seem to have the pass rush explosion. More of a tracker and tackler, but not an inside LB.
Orien Harris (DT)-- See Brodrick Bunckley, but not as athletic.
Claude Wroten (DT)-- See Brodrick Bunckley, as athletic, but personal issues have been reported.
Elvis Dumervil (DE)-- The player I was researching who made me decide to reply to this thread. And I don't have much of an opinion. He's short. He's not 265 like some say. He's not very fast. He's an athlete (good basketball player) who has a keen sense of leverage and makes a mess of college level RTs. I think he's a situational pass rush specialist only, and regardless of defensive system.
Adding:
Manny Lawson (DE)-- I tried to
scout Mario Williams and this kid kept making great plays from the other end position. He certainly looks like he can be a quality 4-3 DE, but even more important he has a Merriman/Ware quality about him (so he could do well at OLB in the 3-4). Great power and speed combined with sideline to sideline athleticism and awareness. This is one of my sleepers to make a big move on draft day. I'd take him before Dumervil in a heartbeat.
Parys Haralson (DE)-- See Manny Lawson, but not as dominating. He is very quick and very explosive, but Lawson just had this uncanny knack for making plays that I think Haralson may lack. He's going to log a few sacks in the NFL whatever position he lands at though.
Ray Edwards, Kamerion Wimbley and Darrell Tapp (DEs)-- All look like classic 4-3 ends to me. I haven't seen much of Edwards and I guess he had a bad season, but the other two look good. Tapp is the kid who beat D'Brick badly all day earlier this season, and Wimbley looks very strong too.
Gabe Watson (NT)-- Gets lazy, but he is a rare classic 3-4 nose tackle and that alone could launch him into the first round. He would look disinterested for several plays this season, then destroy everything in his path for a few plays. If he can maintain his intensity, I think he can be very valuable in the NFL.
eta: Rodrique Wright could play DT in the 4-3 and be a very good DE in the 3-4. I may be too low on him.