Kirk Morrison (1 Viewer)

[AtomicDogg97]

I just drafted Kirk Morrison in my new dynasty draft and now I hear he might be moving to the strong side. Has anyone else heard about this? I am guessing it is going to kill his value and I just wasted a 10th round pick.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Unless I'm mistaken, I though Morrison was playing the weakside.

SLB: Howard

MLB: Clark

WLB: Morrison

 

[RAPTURE]

Unless I'm mistaken, I though Morrison was playing the weakside.SLB: HowardMLB: ClarkWLB: Morrison

You are 100% correct!RAPTURE

 

[Jene Bramel]

I just drafted Kirk Morrison in my new dynasty draft and now I hear he might be moving to the strong side. Has anyone else heard about this? I am guessing it is going to kill his value and I just wasted a 10th round pick.

I've not seen anything to confirm this rumor other than speculation that Thomas Howard's size and skill set may make him more attractive as a weak side backer. Of course, we've been there and back with any number of rookie backers at this point. Everything I've seen has Sam Williams as the SLB at this point.Most coordinators will say that the SLB is the easiest position to learn because of its clearly defined roles, rather than read-react, free-flowing WLB role. Some of the internet rumors I've seen the past couple of weeks are suggesting that Howard will play WLB because it's easier to learn.

I traded for Morrison a couple of weeks back without too much hesitation. My feeling is he'll probably stay where he is and produce similar numbers to last season.

 

[Tick]

Most coordinators will say that the SLB is the easiest position to learn because of its clearly defined roles, rather than read-react, free-flowing WLB role. Some of the internet rumors I've seen the past couple of weeks are suggesting that Howard will play WLB because it's easier to learn.

Something's goofy in that post.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Most coordinators will say that the SLB is the easiest position to learn because of its clearly defined roles, rather than read-react, free-flowing WLB role.  Some of the internet rumors I've seen the past couple of weeks are suggesting that Howard will play WLB because it's easier to learn.

Something's goofy in that post.

I didn't finish my thought. Moving too fast I guess. Let's see if I can do better. I've not seen any formal indication that Morrison will move from the weak side. Looks to me like Ourlads inserted Howard as the starting WLB and the masses have taken it as gospel. Some of those who believe Morrison will move are using the "WLB role is easier to learn for a rookie" thought as supporting evidence. I'm saying that most coordinators would disagree. The strong side backer has very defined roles - take on the blocker and contain, cover the TE, or rush the passer. Easier to adjust to than the read-react, flowing responsibilities of the WLB who must maintain discipline on the backside.

 

[Tick]

Most coordinators will say that the SLB is the easiest position to learn because of its clearly defined roles, rather than read-react, free-flowing WLB role. Some of the internet rumors I've seen the past couple of weeks are suggesting that Howard will play WLB because it's easier to learn.

Something's goofy in that post.

I didn't finish my thought. Moving too fast I guess. Let's see if I can do better. I've not seen any formal indication that Morrison will move from the weak side. Looks to me like Ourlads inserted Howard as the starting WLB and the masses have taken it as gospel. Some of those who believe Morrison will move are using the "WLB role is easier to learn for a rookie" thought as supporting evidence. I'm saying that most coordinators would disagree. The strong side backer has very defined roles - take on the blocker and contain, cover the TE, or rush the passer. Easier to adjust to than the read-react, flowing responsibilities of the WLB who must maintain discipline on the backside.

Thanks for the clarification. I'm a Morrison owner who's very interested in any info.

 

[massraider]

I've seen nothing different than the Williams (SLB), Clark (MLB), Morrison (WLB) projection.

Now, beyond that, I think there are two questions:

Who are the nickel LB's? Is it Clark and Morrison, which it was last year? On the one hand, they were the nickel guys last year, but they were also the only guys there. Or is it Williams and Clark, or Williams and Morrison? I truly don't know. Morrison might have more athleticism than Clark, but not much, and Clark has the experience and savvy. Williams is considered the best athlete of the bunch, but that was two injuries ago. Morrison was used as the dime LB last year, so I'd guess he's a lock for a nickel spot.

What happens if Williams goes down again? Does Morrison go to the strong side, hurting his numbers? Does he go to MLB, with Clark sliding over, and Howard going to WLB? My best guess is that Howard would come in at SLB, as the Raiders seem more interested in his coverage abilities, as opposed to his pass rush ability. Covering the TE is more important than ever in the NFL, and especially in the division with Gates and Gonzo, and that is where the Raiders seem to be focusing Howard.

For Morrison overall, his numbers might take a slight dip, only because the Raiders actually have some numbers at LB. And maybe a big dip, if he loses nickel snaps. But in order for that to happen, Sam Williams would have to remain healthy, and really show something. I wish, but odds are really against that.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Sporting News is reporting that Sam Williams will be a starting OLB, while Morrison will be the other starting OLB. This only solidifies the notion that Morrison will be playing weakside.

link:

http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/raiders/index.html

Raiders Team Report

7/7/2006

By Steve Corkran

Contra Costa Times

SITE: Napa Valley Marriott, Napa Valley, Calif.

REPORTING DATE: July 24

TOP PRIORITY: Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has three goals: 1) pick a base alignment and make a firm commitment to it; 2) determine which players best fit his scheme; and 3) decide which players will work well together. All the while, Ryan will have to sort through several interesting position battles.

CAMP CONFIDENTIAL: SS Derrick Gibson, a 2001 first-round pick, hasn't developed into the impact player the team thought he would. This is an important camp for Gibson; rookie first-rounder Michael Huff seemingly is poised to make him expendable. . . .

Oft-injured Sam Williams is expected to start at outside linebacker opposite Kirk Morrison. Williams finally is healthy and has the edge in experience, but he will have to hold off charges from rookies Thomas Howard and Darnell Bing. . . .

In an effort to restore the legendary Raiders nastiness, new coach Art Shell will run more full-scale, high-intensity practices. Shell wants his offensive linemen and defensive players to become accustomed to dictating the action instead of reacting to what opponents do.

 

[Achilles]

The Sporting News' Warroom depth chart has Morrison on the weakside and Williams on the strongside. I find that they update more often than Ourlads.

This update was 6/26.

Williams is an Al Davis favorite, however I don't think he'll last as I feel Howard has more upside and will force Morrison to the SLB and Howard will man the WLB role at some point this season.

 

[coolnerd]

The Sporting News' Warroom depth chart has Morrison on the weakside and Williams on the strongside. I find that they update more often than Ourlads.

This update was 6/26.

Williams is an Al Davis favorite, however I don't think he'll last as I feel Howard has more upside and will force Morrison to the SLB and Howard will man the WLB role at some point this season.

In the times I saw Howard play in college is good at using his athletic ability to run down ball carries after he located them. the problem was that he did not show very good instincts as LB and even against lower d-1 competition had trouble locating the ball. My thought is that if he is to make in the NFL it will at the SLB. Morrison is much better at locating the ball and not making false steps.

 

[Rozelle]

The Sporting News' Warroom depth chart has Morrison on the weakside and Williams on the strongside.  I find that they update more often than Ourlads. 

This update was 6/26.

Williams is an Al Davis favorite, however I don't think he'll last as I feel Howard has more upside and will force Morrison to the SLB and Howard will man the WLB role at some point this season.

In the times I saw Howard play in college is good at using his athletic ability to run down ball carries after he located them. the problem was that he did not show very good instincts as LB and even against lower d-1 competition had trouble locating the ball. My thought is that if he is to make in the NFL it will at the SLB. Morrison is much better at locating the ball and not making false steps.

Excellant point! Howard is too raw to be a starter. Bing has a better shot.