LaRon Landry (1 Viewer)

[J Giles Band]

Per Jason Reid (from the Washington Post's Redskins Insider):

LaRon Landry indicates the coaches have told him he'll be predominantly playing SS in the Redskins new 3-4 scheme. Landry who is currently up to 230 lbs after playing at 210 lbs last season, says his goal is to play at 240 lbs to better withstand the beating you sustain playing in the box at SS.

While I'm sure many are down on Landry after a couple disappointing seasons for the #6 overall pick in the NFL draft (not to mention some high selections in rookie IDP drafts), I'm cautiously optimistic about this turn of events. Primarily because Landry's size and skills are much better suited to playing in the box than in deep coverage (despite his elite straight line speed). Landry's rookie season, he flashed the ability to be effective blitzing the QB, in addition to his hard hitting tackling in the box.

Interested in any thoughts from the vets...

 

[tones]

How many 240 pound SS are there?

I think of some of the best in a 3-4 which tends to be tackle rich are 210 - 225. Couldn't cover at 210 how will 240 work. Seriously, he is bigger than many Tampa 2 WLBs and a couple of MLBs.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Certainly won't hurt him. He's proven to be effective supporting the run in the few games he's been tasked with an in-the-box role. If they use him that way, he could push 70-75 solos pretty easily unless the yet-to-be-confirmed RILB really cleans up alongside London Fletcher. It'll be interesting to see if the next FS plays well enough to allow Landry to stay in this role this time.

 

[Kinger]

Landry averages about 42 solos a season and the differences as far as FS vs SS haven't been that great for him. His biggest problem is that he doesn't tackle, he hits. If he'd ever learn to wrap his arms around a guy or slow down so he can't be side-stepped as easily, then I wouldn't be surprised to see his solos go up nearly 50%. He must miss at least once a game as it is now due to his playing style. I think what we see is what we get here unless someone can coach him into playing differently, but I'm not sure you can change him.