Curry, Maualuga, & Laurinaitis (1 Viewer)

[buck56]

Do you think any of these guys, giving their landing spots, have a bright IDP future.

Curry is a freak, but SLB isn't an IDP hot spot, not to mention the quality backers that he will be playing alongside.

Laurinaitis is in the best position now, but is his long term potential as good as the others ?(Dizon was in the same position last year and look at him now).

 

[Jene Bramel]

My takes on these three have changed only slightly since draft day.

The consensus appears to be that Aaron Curry has the best long term potential. I'm happy to go against the grain a bit and argue in favor of the most talented players (see Jerod Mayo last season), but only if the situation isn't as bad as might be feared. In this case, with Leroy Hill back in the fold, Curry is likely to be slotted at SLB, will have plenty of competition for tackles at the point of attack and in pursuit and may have to fight for snaps in subpackages. There doesn't appear to be much likelihood of a positional shuffle given the current contract situations. It happens, but it's extremely uncommon for an every-down SLB to top 90 solos. When it happens, it's generally not repeated the following year. There's a small chance that Curry ends up on the weak side, but he's said he expects to align at SLB. To me, talent aside, that's a recipe for inconsistency rather than a Keith Bulluck like run of multiple seasons in the top ten.

If I'm in a redraft league or have a dynasty team with an immediate need at LB, I'd draft James Laurinaitis. I'm not convinced he's downhill enough, quick enough in pursuit or talented enough in coverage to push himself into clear LB1 territory, but he's very likely going to be the only every-down linebacker in a traditionally productive position this season. Long term, he looks like a very safe high LB3 to mid LB2 option.

I'm clearly in the minority again this season, but since the rookie rankings are meant to have a long-term focus, I've got Rey Maualuga first overall. He's the most downhill of the bunch and *should* slot into an every-down MLB spot at some point in the future. The early decision to start him at SLB could seriously hurt his 2009 value, though. Odds remain the same that he'll have a highlighted role in 2010, but his development (especially in coverage) could be stunted if he's not getting practice and game snaps in the middle. Still, I think he's the best bet of the bunch to have an extended run in the top 15.

I thought last year's class was a step back from the Ryans-Sims and Willis upper tiers of previous seasons, only to now feel that Jerod Mayo and Curtis Lofton belong in the top 12-15. The same could easily be said for any one of these three. There's a player for everybody in this class. If you're the type that wants all-around talent and can tolerate questionable opportunity, Curry is an easy call. If you want an aggressive potential playmaker that could explode at any point, you take Maualuga and hope for the best. If you want a safe option with some upside and the likelihood of immediate production, you're drafting Laurinaitis.

 

[jgb95]

My takes on these three have changed only slightly since draft day.

The consensus appears to be that Aaron Curry has the best long term potential. I'm happy to go against the grain a bit and argue in favor of the most talented players (see Jerod Mayo last season), but only if the situation isn't as bad as might be feared. In this case, with Leroy Hill back in the fold, Curry is likely to be slotted at SLB, will have plenty of competition for tackles at the point of attack and in pursuit and may have to fight for snaps in subpackages. There doesn't appear to be much likelihood of a positional shuffle given the current contract situations. It happens, but it's extremely uncommon for an every-down SLB to top 90 solos. When it happens, it's generally not repeated the following year. There's a small chance that Curry ends up on the weak side, but he's said he expects to align at SLB. To me, talent aside, that's a recipe for inconsistency rather than a Keith Bulluck like run of multiple seasons in the top ten.

If I'm in a redraft league or have a dynasty team with an immediate need at LB, I'd draft James Laurinaitis. I'm not convinced he's downhill enough, quick enough in pursuit or talented enough in coverage to push himself into clear LB1 territory, but he's very likely going to be the only every-down linebacker in a traditionally productive position this season. Long term, he looks like a very safe high LB3 to mid LB2 option.

I'm clearly in the minority again this season, but since the rookie rankings are meant to have a long-term focus, I've got Rey Maualuga first overall. He's the most downhill of the bunch and *should* slot into an every-down MLB spot at some point in the future. The early decision to start him at SLB could seriously hurt his 2009 value, though. Odds remain the same that he'll have a highlighted role in 2010, but his development (especially in coverage) could be stunted if he's not getting practice and game snaps in the middle. Still, I think he's the best bet of the bunch to have an extended run in the top 15.

I thought last year's class was a step back from the Ryans-Sims and Willis upper tiers of previous seasons, only to now feel that Jerod Mayo and Curtis Lofton belong in the top 12-15. The same could easily be said for any one of these three. There's a player for everybody in this class. If you're the type that wants all-around talent and can tolerate questionable opportunity, Curry is an easy call. If you want an aggressive potential playmaker that could explode at any point, you take Maualuga and hope for the best. If you want a safe option with some upside and the likelihood of immediate production, you're drafting Laurinaitis.

Well said!!!!

 

[buck56]

My takes on these three have changed only slightly since draft day.The consensus appears to be that Aaron Curry has the best long term potential. I'm happy to go against the grain a bit and argue in favor of the most talented players (see Jerod Mayo last season), but only if the situation isn't as bad as might be feared. In this case, with Leroy Hill back in the fold, Curry is likely to be slotted at SLB, will have plenty of competition for tackles at the point of attack and in pursuit and may have to fight for snaps in subpackages. There doesn't appear to be much likelihood of a positional shuffle given the current contract situations. It happens, but it's extremely uncommon for an every-down SLB to top 90 solos. When it happens, it's generally not repeated the following year. There's a small chance that Curry ends up on the weak side, but he's said he expects to align at SLB. To me, talent aside, that's a recipe for inconsistency rather than a Keith Bulluck like run of multiple seasons in the top ten.If I'm in a redraft league or have a dynasty team with an immediate need at LB, I'd draft James Laurinaitis. I'm not convinced he's downhill enough, quick enough in pursuit or talented enough in coverage to push himself into clear LB1 territory, but he's very likely going to be the only every-down linebacker in a traditionally productive position this season. Long term, he looks like a very safe high LB3 to mid LB2 option.I'm clearly in the minority again this season, but since the rookie rankings are meant to have a long-term focus, I've got Rey Maualuga first overall. He's the most downhill of the bunch and *should* slot into an every-down MLB spot at some point in the future. The early decision to start him at SLB could seriously hurt his 2009 value, though. Odds remain the same that he'll have a highlighted role in 2010, but his development (especially in coverage) could be stunted if he's not getting practice and game snaps in the middle. Still, I think he's the best bet of the bunch to have an extended run in the top 15.I thought last year's class was a step back from the Ryans-Sims and Willis upper tiers of previous seasons, only to now feel that Jerod Mayo and Curtis Lofton belong in the top 12-15. The same could easily be said for any one of these three. There's a player for everybody in this class. If you're the type that wants all-around talent and can tolerate questionable opportunity, Curry is an easy call. If you want an aggressive potential playmaker that could explode at any point, you take Maualuga and hope for the best. If you want a safe option with some upside and the likelihood of immediate production, you're drafting Laurinaitis.

thanks Jene, i have the same feeling on these guys, i am not convinced any of these guys will be LB1 quality.Before the draft i wanted Curry bad, but his situation bothers me, not to mention i already have Tatupu on my roster.I had the 1.14, 1.15, and 2.2 in my ongoing dynasty draft, and decided to trade the picks instead of taking 2 of these guys(already drafted Moreno, Crabtree, and Wells) I got S. Holmes, Brackett, Vanderbosch, and a first next year instead. Just not to high on this years LB corp. Thanks again for your thoughts on these guys.

 

[Swanson]

My takes on these three have changed only slightly since draft day.The consensus appears to be that Aaron Curry has the best long term potential. I'm happy to go against the grain a bit and argue in favor of the most talented players (see Jerod Mayo last season), but only if the situation isn't as bad as might be feared. In this case, with Leroy Hill back in the fold, Curry is likely to be slotted at SLB, will have plenty of competition for tackles at the point of attack and in pursuit and may have to fight for snaps in subpackages. There doesn't appear to be much likelihood of a positional shuffle given the current contract situations. It happens, but it's extremely uncommon for an every-down SLB to top 90 solos. When it happens, it's generally not repeated the following year. There's a small chance that Curry ends up on the weak side, but he's said he expects to align at SLB. To me, talent aside, that's a recipe for inconsistency rather than a Keith Bulluck like run of multiple seasons in the top ten.If I'm in a redraft league or have a dynasty team with an immediate need at LB, I'd draft James Laurinaitis. I'm not convinced he's downhill enough, quick enough in pursuit or talented enough in coverage to push himself into clear LB1 territory, but he's very likely going to be the only every-down linebacker in a traditionally productive position this season. Long term, he looks like a very safe high LB3 to mid LB2 option.I'm clearly in the minority again this season, but since the rookie rankings are meant to have a long-term focus, I've got Rey Maualuga first overall. He's the most downhill of the bunch and *should* slot into an every-down MLB spot at some point in the future. The early decision to start him at SLB could seriously hurt his 2009 value, though. Odds remain the same that he'll have a highlighted role in 2010, but his development (especially in coverage) could be stunted if he's not getting practice and game snaps in the middle. Still, I think he's the best bet of the bunch to have an extended run in the top 15.I thought last year's class was a step back from the Ryans-Sims and Willis upper tiers of previous seasons, only to now feel that Jerod Mayo and Curtis Lofton belong in the top 12-15. The same could easily be said for any one of these three. There's a player for everybody in this class. If you're the type that wants all-around talent and can tolerate questionable opportunity, Curry is an easy call. If you want an aggressive potential playmaker that could explode at any point, you take Maualuga and hope for the best. If you want a safe option with some upside and the likelihood of immediate production, you're drafting Laurinaitis.

Jene, what do you think are the odds these guys are 3 down players. I assume the Seahawks will make Curry a 3 down guy but who do they slide to the bench...Tatupu...Hill(who is good in covg and a good blitzer)? Maualuga...I know there were some questions about his coverage ability and if he starts out at the SAM would a guy not calling the signals get the nod over Jones? Obv Rivers is a 3 downer. Lastly, Laurinaitis I have been hearing reports that some coaches are already saying he is a 3 down guy and will start at the Mike from day one.

 

[lexus]

The real question here is:

Do we have three IDP winners or not? And if not, then whom will fall out of this grouping as an IDP winner?

Personally, I believe that they are all winers and will wind up scoring fantasy football-wise within about 10% of each other. I'm not saying that it will happen instantaneously, but after 1 to 2 seasons, these individuals along with their coaches and their defensive systems, results will bear this out.

Now if you're asking which should be drafted #1 thru #3, then you'll have to rely upon the various ADP statistics that are starting to show up in various places. Just pick your favorite and enjoy the game of FFB. Too many other factors could have an influence, and it is impossible to even start to identify what these factors might be. Football is definitely a team/franchise game with the players, the coaches, defensive scheme/position changes, the owners, wives/girl-friends, et cetera, all potentially playing a key role. And we are not even mentioning injuries.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Jene, what do you think are the odds these guys are 3 down players. I assume the Seahawks will make Curry a 3 down guy but who do they slide to the bench...Tatupu...Hill(who is good in covg and a good blitzer)? Maualuga...I know there were some questions about his coverage ability and if he starts out at the SAM would a guy not calling the signals get the nod over Jones? Obv Rivers is a 3 downer. Lastly, Laurinaitis I have been hearing reports that some coaches are already saying he is a 3 down guy and will start at the Mike from day one.

They may have given Hill a sizable contract, but I don't see any way that you're top five draft pick isn't on the field every down in short order. I'd be more nervous that Hill continues to sit in the nickel (as he began doing last season), than worried about Curry. I'm not down on Curry necessarily; I'd still rank him in the upper echelon of OLB prospects. I doubted Maualuga would be an every down player in 2009 with Jones, Johnson and Rivers available in that role. The early snaps at SLB make it even less likely. That's a long term prediction for his role. That situation doesn't exist in St. Louis. Tino and Draft have played every down roles in the past, but they're holdovers from the previous coaching staff and aren't as likely to hold Laurinaitis (who already has gotten a vote of confidence from the coaches) out of the nickel packages.

 

[stevegamer]

Jene, what do you think are the odds these guys are 3 down players. I assume the Seahawks will make Curry a 3 down guy but who do they slide to the bench...Tatupu...Hill(who is good in covg and a good blitzer)? Maualuga...I know there were some questions about his coverage ability and if he starts out at the SAM would a guy not calling the signals get the nod over Jones? Obv Rivers is a 3 downer. Lastly, Laurinaitis I have been hearing reports that some coaches are already saying he is a 3 down guy and will start at the Mike from day one.

I'm pretty convinced that Curry is not a true 3-down guy this season with Hill returning. Both Hill & Tatupu can play all 3 downs well, and while the Seahawks did have alignments with Hill, Tatupu & Peterson on the field in a nickel, it wasn't the normal thing.I'd expect him to get some nickel snaps, but not to push on of those 2 guys aside in the nickel this year - the rookie wall will likely hit late, and he's not up to speed yet. Next year, there's a real shot - while Hill & Tatupu are pretty good, Curry should be as well.Edit:Wow, Jene & I completely disagree here, I see his point about draft position, though.I know Seattle (for some reason) was holding Hill out of some nickel snaps last year when I got to see them, but I figured they would want the best players on the field. It was a tough year to be a Seahawks fan last year - especially one out of market.

 

[Tick]

The angle I'd rather hear about here is Cushing. I really wanted to hear more in the IDP podcast - Jene sounded like he had him in a solid 4th place, just a hair behind the big three. Bloom sounded like he had him a lot lower - maybe 7th or so among LBs. The discussion on him was what i was looking forward to most in that podcast... would you guys mind chiming in here about Cushing?

 

[Jene Bramel]

The angle I'd rather hear about here is Cushing. I really wanted to hear more in the IDP podcast - Jene sounded like he had him in a solid 4th place, just a hair behind the big three. Bloom sounded like he had him a lot lower - maybe 7th or so among LBs. The discussion on him was what i was looking forward to most in that podcast... would you guys mind chiming in here about Cushing?

I like Cushing. It's entirely possible that he'll have a similar career path to Aaron Curry, should they both play on the strong side long term and remain healthy. He's fourth in this class for me, mostly because I'm not convinced that DeAndre Levy will ever play an full time MLB role in Detroit or that Clint Sintim is the long term MLB in NY and I don't think any of the 3-4 OLBs in this class are similar enough to James Harrison, Adalius Thomas or Demarcus Ware. The ready comp is Zac Diles, but I don't think those sorts of numbers (LB2 out of an every down SLB) are repeatable season after season. I think he's got a chance to fit in the LB3 tier, though, if his apparent coverage skill translates well.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

what about Jason Williams & Scott Mckillop Dynasty futures? both seem to behind aging veterans(Brooking/Farrior), seems as they will definetly be depth(unless injury or fading of vets infront of them). would they be worthy of stashing on a Taxi squad?

 

[Jene Bramel]

what about Jason Williams & Scott Mckillop Dynasty futures? both seem to behind aging veterans(Brooking/Farrior), seems as they will definetly be depth(unless injury or fading of vets infront of them). would they be worthy of stashing on a Taxi squad?

I've been pimping Williams pretty hard since draft day and he got a lot of love on our podcast, too. I think he's far and away the best of the "third tier" linebackers. I don't see McKillop earning an every-down role (to clarify, he's depth behind Spikes not Farrior), so he's got a little less upside for me.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

what about Jason Williams & Scott Mckillop Dynasty futures? both seem to behind aging veterans(Brooking/Farrior), seems as they will definetly be depth(unless injury or fading of vets infront of them). would they be worthy of stashing on a Taxi squad?

I've been pimping Williams pretty hard since draft day and he got a lot of love on our podcast, too. I think he's far and away the best of the "third tier" linebackers. I don't see McKillop earning an every-down role (to clarify, he's depth behind Spikes not Farrior), so he's got a little less upside for me.

have no idea why i said Farrior. i admit knowing nothing about Mckillop other than watching Draft day and seeing my niners take him. just knowing Spikes contract/age/mediocre skills(effective freeing up Willis) i thought maybe he'd get a shot in a year or 2 if he showed strong enuff at the point of attack

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

The angle I'd rather hear about here is Cushing. I really wanted to hear more in the IDP podcast - Jene sounded like he had him in a solid 4th place, just a hair behind the big three. Bloom sounded like he had him a lot lower - maybe 7th or so among LBs. The discussion on him was what i was looking forward to most in that podcast... would you guys mind chiming in here about Cushing?

Never been all that high on Cushing... he wasn't all that productive even though he was in the fiercest defense in college football - 1 INT, 2 FF in his career - he's versatile LB who plays with an attitude, and he'll elevate this defense, but I don't see him as a gamechanger or the kind of SLB who flies to the ball like Diles was from the HOU SLB last year. You also have to discount Diles stats from last year a bit because Ryans was hampered by an injury for some of Diles bigger statistical games.

 

[maxwelledison]

My takes on these three have changed only slightly since draft day.The consensus appears to be that Aaron Curry has the best long term potential. I'm happy to go against the grain a bit and argue in favor of the most talented players (see Jerod Mayo last season), but only if the situation isn't as bad as might be feared. In this case, with Leroy Hill back in the fold, Curry is likely to be slotted at SLB, will have plenty of competition for tackles at the point of attack and in pursuit and may have to fight for snaps in subpackages. There doesn't appear to be much likelihood of a positional shuffle given the current contract situations. It happens, but it's extremely uncommon for an every-down SLB to top 90 solos. When it happens, it's generally not repeated the following year. There's a small chance that Curry ends up on the weak side, but he's said he expects to align at SLB. To me, talent aside, that's a recipe for inconsistency rather than a Keith Bulluck like run of multiple seasons in the top ten.If I'm in a redraft league or have a dynasty team with an immediate need at LB, I'd draft James Laurinaitis. I'm not convinced he's downhill enough, quick enough in pursuit or talented enough in coverage to push himself into clear LB1 territory, but he's very likely going to be the only every-down linebacker in a traditionally productive position this season. Long term, he looks like a very safe high LB3 to mid LB2 option.I'm clearly in the minority again this season, but since the rookie rankings are meant to have a long-term focus, I've got Rey Maualuga first overall. He's the most downhill of the bunch and *should* slot into an every-down MLB spot at some point in the future. The early decision to start him at SLB could seriously hurt his 2009 value, though. Odds remain the same that he'll have a highlighted role in 2010, but his development (especially in coverage) could be stunted if he's not getting practice and game snaps in the middle. Still, I think he's the best bet of the bunch to have an extended run in the top 15.I thought last year's class was a step back from the Ryans-Sims and Willis upper tiers of previous seasons, only to now feel that Jerod Mayo and Curtis Lofton belong in the top 12-15. The same could easily be said for any one of these three. There's a player for everybody in this class. If you're the type that wants all-around talent and can tolerate questionable opportunity, Curry is an easy call. If you want an aggressive potential playmaker that could explode at any point, you take Maualuga and hope for the best. If you want a safe option with some upside and the likelihood of immediate production, you're drafting Laurinaitis.

Thanks, Jene. Great work as always and you really helped me make a 2nd round rookies-only selection.

 

[therokie0070]

laurinaitis has to be on top now if you need a impact player this year!! Rams just cut is competition and will move Draft to Strong side leaving laurinaitis a 3 down MIKE on a team that will have there D on the field alot. Maualuga will be a bettein 2010/11 when the bengals trade or release Dhani Jones, with that said if Rey ends up starting this season as a three down mike he will produce Patrick Willis like numbers as a rookie. Last I dont think Curry will be much of a fantasy player but he is the best rookie LB out of the bunch.

 

[saintfool]

any thoughts on Levy in Detroit? With the Foote signing, what does that do to his role?

 

[Jene Bramel]

any thoughts on Levy in Detroit? With the Foote signing, what does that do to his role?

It'll be an open competition for now. The Lions bypassed a number of highly regarded ILBs in the draft and seemingly hand-picked Levy in the third, so the job will eventually be his. Foote should provide stiff competition initially, however. If Foote wins the job, Levy is stuck in a backup role with Sims and Peterson slotted outside. With Cunningham's suggestion that he'll use some 3-3-5 nickel packages this season (see the 2009 scheme thread), the winner of the job may end up having close to every down value.

 

[saintfool]

any thoughts on Levy in Detroit? With the Foote signing, what does that do to his role?

It'll be an open competition for now. The Lions bypassed a number of highly regarded ILBs in the draft and seemingly hand-picked Levy in the third, so the job will eventually be his. Foote should provide stiff competition initially, however. If Foote wins the job, Levy is stuck in a backup role with Sims and Peterson slotted outside. With Cunningham's suggestion that he'll use some 3-3-5 nickel packages this season (see the 2009 scheme thread), the winner of the job may end up having close to every down value.

i only ask because the foote deal seems to be a 1-year one. coming out of the draft, the coaches seemed to have every confidence in levy's abilities to man the position. even with the foote signing, they have been careful to say it's not a formality for him to start ahead of levy.

 

[therokie0070]

levy will just be another dizon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!