Football 101: Please explain to me something I've never really got (1 Viewer)

[culdeus]

Seems to me that the rounds 1/2 boards are just full of defensive lineman. They are the fantasy RB's of the NFL draft it would seem. Why is this? I would think CB/LB would have far more impact on the game long term and CBs seem to be the thinnest position out there.

Best I can figure is that they are

a)scarce?

b)short careers

 

[Imedos]

great dl make mediocre cbs and lbs look good.

It's harder for cbs and lbs to make up for a lousy line.

dl are most responsible for what makes a d good - stopping the run and getting pressure on the qb.

 

[Aaronstory]

They are, along with Corner, the hardest position to fill with quality players, by far.

It all starts up front, as people are fond of saying. A tough D-line that stops the run and rushes the passer without blitz or dog help is equal to gold. That's why you see teams like the Packers taking risks with players like Harrell. Sure he's a risk, but if he hits, he'll help transform their defense from mediocre to very stout. He'll open up plays for the linebackers, he'll team with Pickett to stop the run, ect.

Supply and demand. Everyone wants one, and there are only so many quality players in each draft.

 

[PatsWillWin]

You build a defense from the front back.

 

[Jason Wood]

In addition to the answers already provided, there is a physical scarcity at play. Biologically, there are simply fewer human beings that can carry 280-300+ pounds with the strength, athleticism and durability needed to dominate in the NFL.

 

[WhoDat]

If you 100 football coaches coaches together, and gave them a choice between a dominant, blue chip DT/DE or can't miss RB, I would guess 95-98 out of that group would take the DT/DE.

You win games at the line of scrimmage. Edge rushers or space eaters worth their speed and weight are just too much to pass up.

 

[redman]

A good defensive lineman effectively multiplies the number of defensive players you have on the field.

If a defensive coordinator wants to exert pressure on a given play from the right side of the defense against the offensive weak side, chances are he'll have to not only rush the RDE/ROLB and the DT, but also bring an extra blitzer.

If, however, you have Bruce Smith or Julius Peppers or another elite rusher like that, you may not have to do that in which case that extra blitzer can be used for something else. The only other situation on defense that's even remotely comparable would be the proverbial "shut down corner" who can be left alone on his side of the field, one-on-one against a receiver, while the rest of the defense focuses on the rest of the field.

In military parlance, this is a "force multiplier".

Either way, a player who can be relied upon like that is supremely valuable.

 

[s_ezy]

good teams usually stem from good play along the lines of scrimage

 

[mbuehner]

Defense wins championships, and d-lines dictate how good your defense can be. Look at the standout defensive linemen over the last few champion teams, pro-bowl appearances in parathesis if applicable:

2006: Colts: Booger McFarlend (im astonished he's never been to a probowl),Robert Mathis (50 tackles, 15 assists, and 9.5 sacks dont get you in?!),Dwight Freeney (3)

2005: Steelers: Casey Hampton (3), Aaron Smith (1)

2004: Patriots: Richard Seymour (5), Willie McGinest (2)

2003: Patriots: Richard Seymour (5), Willie McGinest (2), Ted Washington(3)

2002: Bucs: Simeon Rice (2), Warren Sap(7)

2001: Patriots: Richard Seymour (5), Willie McGinest (2)

2000: Ravens: Sam Adams (3), Rob Burnett(1),

and i probably forgetting some key guys...and i realize pro-bowl appearances arent the greatest indicator of talent but thats still a pretty good who's-who list of great d-linemen in the current era of the game.

I think the point is that you can win a Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer as your QB, Antowain Smith as your RB, Troy Brown as your best WR, or Kelvin Hayden as your 'big play' CB, but you arent going to find many (if any) successful teams that didnt have some studs on the d-line. And the great alltime teams had a bunch. This game is won and lost right in the trenches, and the deck is heavilly stacked in favor of the offensive line. So your d-line is absolutely critical. To be honest im surprised teams dont vie even harder for the top prospects at those positions.