David Veikune (1 Viewer)

[onionsack]

Making the transition to inside linebacker?

David Veikune, ILB, Cleveland Browns: Like Orakpo, Veikune is making the transition from defensive end to linebacker with Cleveland. Unlike Orakpo, however, Veikune was asked to move to the inside linebacker position -- a transition he showcased surprising comfort with during rookie camp May 1-3. Veikune showed better-than-advertised agility at the position and impressed coaches with his instincts and understanding of the defense in his first days at the position.

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In the draft, the first defensive player picked by the Browns was David Veikune, a defensive end at Hawaii. The assumption was he'd play outside linebacker for the Browns. His specialty is rushing the passer, but the Browns have been looking at him at both inside and outside linebacker. They want someone next to D'Qwell Jackson (they love the guy) to stop the run.

It could just be Mangini wanting to familiarize his new charge with all the positions, but it's certainly an intriguing development if he sticks there. Veikune was a defensive end in college, and I'd considered him kind of a one-trick (speed rush) pony as a 3-4 OLB prospect. A Tedy Bruschi-type transition to the inside could really boost his value, though. The guy's got an outstanding motor, and he's got the size (6'3" 257), strength (35 reps at the combine) and quicks (4.75 40) to suggest he's got the tools to make a case for himself playing inside. Barton likely has the inside track on the job for now, but Veikune is a guy you might want to keep on your radar.

 

[duece2626]

I grabbed him in all my dynasty leagues. Could very well end up being the best Brown LB in the next few years.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I moved him up to 22nd in my IDP rookie rankings on that news.