Mathias Kiwanuka moved to SLB (1 Viewer)

[Weiner Dog]

Giants | Kiwanuka may change positions

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 14:42:10 -0700

Vinny DiTrani, of the Bergen Record, reports New York Giants DE Mathias Kiwanuka has reportedly been told by the coaches he will be begin transitioning to linebacker during the rest of the offseason .

 

[Slinger]

Link

April 29, 2007

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Giants concluded their 2007 draft by revealing big news about their 2006 first-round choice.

In their respective post-draft news conferences, at which they were asked about staffing at several positions, general manager Jerry Reese and head coach Tom Coughlin revealed that Mathias Kiwanuka, who played impressively as a rookie defensive end last year, will move to strongside linebacker this season. That is a major reason why, in the weeks leading up to the draft, Reese kept saying, “we have linebackers” when almost everyone outside Giants Stadium thought they should take one in the first round.

“We have him penciled in as our starting SAM linebacker, so linebacker wasn’t a pressing need for us,” Reese said. “We have two very good defensive ends (in Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora) and this guy is a very good football player. We expect that he can make the transition very easily. We want our best players on the field. We penciled him in a long time ago.

“There is no question he can make the transition to outside linebacker. There is no question he can play SAM linebacker for us. He’s athletic, he’s long, he’s tall – you want your SAMs to have some height to play on the end of the line. He can do all that stuff. He zone dropped and had a couple of interceptions last year.”

Coughlin said that he, new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and linebackers coach Bill Sheridan will spend the spring working with Kiwanuka on the switch.

“He is definitely an option that we are going to look at very strongly,” Coughlin said. “Mathias from the defensive end position has been up and dropped a year ago. We think that our idea there is to try to get as many quality players on the field at the same time as best we can. I think he can play well in that position and as we move into the spring here we get an opportunity to spend more time on the field and in meetings where we will continue with that experiment.”

Zak DeOssie, drafted on the fourth round today, will likely back up Kiwaunka. Antonio Pierce will remain in the middle. Recently-signed Kawika Mitchell and second-year pro Gerris Wilkinson will compete on the weak side.

 

[The Gator]

 

[Weiner Dog]

Kawika Mitchell = weakside

 

[chook]

Kawika Mitchell = weakside

Wilkinson was very average when given the chance last season.

 

[radiohead417]

This bumps Justin Tuck I would think.

 

[Jene Bramel]

This just seems silly to me.

I realize the new staff and scheme will see players differently. But you've got two of your three remaining ends coming off Lis Franc injuries. Both had surgery, meaning the injuries were significant and often take nearly 12 months to fully recover. One, Strahan, has been whining about holding out for months and will be 36 this year. The other, Tuck, has been taking snaps at DT often and has said he may not be ready for mini-camps.

Sure, the depth at backer isn't much better. But the Giants added Mitchell and DeOssie. I wouldn't be shocked to see Kiwanuka starting at end again sometime this season.

 

[lions327]

This just seems silly to me.

I realize the new staff and scheme will see players differently. But you've got two of your three remaining ends coming off Lis Franc injuries. Both had surgery, meaning the injuries were significant and often take nearly 12 months to fully recover. One, Strahan, has been whining about holding out for months and will be 36 this year. The other, Tuck, has been taking snaps at DT often and has said he may not be ready for mini-camps.

Sure, the depth at backer isn't much better. But the Giants added Mitchell and DeOssie. I wouldn't be shocked to see Kiwanuka starting at end again sometime this season.

Might be a great time to buy low.

 

[Toads]

This just seems silly to me.

I realize the new staff and scheme will see players differently. But you've got two of your three remaining ends coming off Lis Franc injuries. Both had surgery, meaning the injuries were significant and often take nearly 12 months to fully recover. One, Strahan, has been whining about holding out for months and will be 36 this year. The other, Tuck, has been taking snaps at DT often and has said he may not be ready for mini-camps.

Sure, the depth at backer isn't much better. But the Giants added Mitchell and DeOssie. I wouldn't be shocked to see Kiwanuka starting at end again sometime this season.

Do you want the good news, or the bad news?Supposing you're right, which you probably are, that means that Kiwanuka, previously listed as a DE ('05), will now be listed as a LB ('06) for purposes of position designation.

When he moves back to DE, he'll still be listed as a LB. Remembering a similar conversion for Suggs in BAL, wasn't Suggs value as a DE increased when he moved from LB to DE? True statement, right?

Using the same logic, Kiwanuka would be in the same situation....only one problem....he's still listed as a LB and he's playing DE.

Back to the salt mines here: if the above scenario pans out, isn't Kiwanuka's value diminished?

 

[spec1alk]

Do you want the good news, or the bad news?

Supposing you're right, which you probably are, that means that Kiwanuka, previously listed as a DE ('05), will now be listed as a LB ('06) for purposes of position designation.

When he moves back to DE, he'll still be listed as a LB. Remembering a similar conversion for Suggs in BAL, wasn't Suggs value as a DE increased when he moved from LB to DE? True statement, right?

Using the same logic, Kiwanuka would be in the same situation....only one problem....he's still listed as a LB and he's playing DE.

Back to the salt mines here: if the above scenario pans out, isn't Kiwanuka's value diminished?

I want to hear from Jene, but this is exactly what I was thinking. Kind of like Bryan Thomas in reverse.

 

[Jene Bramel]

This just seems silly to me.

I realize the new staff and scheme will see players differently. But you've got two of your three remaining ends coming off Lis Franc injuries. Both had surgery, meaning the injuries were significant and often take nearly 12 months to fully recover. One, Strahan, has been whining about holding out for months and will be 36 this year. The other, Tuck, has been taking snaps at DT often and has said he may not be ready for mini-camps.

Sure, the depth at backer isn't much better. But the Giants added Mitchell and DeOssie. I wouldn't be shocked to see Kiwanuka starting at end again sometime this season.

Do you want the good news, or the bad news?Supposing you're right, which you probably are, that means that Kiwanuka, previously listed as a DE ('05), will now be listed as a LB ('06) for purposes of position designation.

When he moves back to DE, he'll still be listed as a LB. Remembering a similar conversion for Suggs in BAL, wasn't Suggs value as a DE increased when he moved from LB to DE? True statement, right?

Using the same logic, Kiwanuka would be in the same situation....only one problem....he's still listed as a LB and he's playing DE.

Back to the salt mines here: if the above scenario pans out, isn't Kiwanuka's value diminished?

Except that he'll probably do better listed as a "LB" when he goes back to playing end than he will as a SLB. But, yeah, his only value lies in being listed as a DL.

 

[Toads]

This just seems silly to me.

I realize the new staff and scheme will see players differently. But you've got two of your three remaining ends coming off Lis Franc injuries. Both had surgery, meaning the injuries were significant and often take nearly 12 months to fully recover. One, Strahan, has been whining about holding out for months and will be 36 this year. The other, Tuck, has been taking snaps at DT often and has said he may not be ready for mini-camps.

Sure, the depth at backer isn't much better. But the Giants added Mitchell and DeOssie. I wouldn't be shocked to see Kiwanuka starting at end again sometime this season.

Do you want the good news, or the bad news?Supposing you're right, which you probably are, that means that Kiwanuka, previously listed as a DE ('05), will now be listed as a LB ('06) for purposes of position designation.

When he moves back to DE, he'll still be listed as a LB. Remembering a similar conversion for Suggs in BAL, wasn't Suggs value as a DE increased when he moved from LB to DE? True statement, right?

Using the same logic, Kiwanuka would be in the same situation....only one problem....he's still listed as a LB and he's playing DE.

Back to the salt mines here: if the above scenario pans out, isn't Kiwanuka's value diminished?

Except that he'll probably do better listed as a "LB" when he goes back to playing end than he will as a SLB. But, yeah, his only value lies in being listed as a DL.

JB, once it's announced that he's the SLB, he'll be listed as a LB. That kills his value, right? He'll be doing lights out to be a top 60 backer unless he's doing heavy pass rush duty. His tackles will not support top 60 status?The other way to look at it is if he's on the field in three down packages, getting blitz opportunities, etc., he's got a lot more potential value than when he's riding the pine.

So, the key is three down duty. Does he have a shot at three down packages and what three down role does the SLB play in NYG land?

 

[massraider]

This bumps Justin Tuck I would think.

Good point. If they keep Kiwi there, seems like Tuck is next in line after Strahan leaves. Although I know he was getting reps at DT.God, Kiwi at LB, Tuck at DT, maybe the Giants oughta think about trading some of these DEs, rather than pounding square pegs into round holes.

 

[Jene Bramel]

JB, once it's announced that he's the SLB, he'll be listed as a LB. That kills his value, right? He'll be doing lights out to be a top 60 backer unless he's doing heavy pass rush duty. His tackles will not support top 60 status?The other way to look at it is if he's on the field in three down packages, getting blitz opportunities, etc., he's got a lot more potential value than when he's riding the pine.So, the key is three down duty. Does he have a shot at three down packages and what three down role does the SLB play in NYG land?

IMO, Kiwanuka has no IDP value (except in sack heavy systems) when listed as a LB. I don't see any way he reaches 60 solos and 10 sacks in that position, which is what it would take in most leagues to make him rosterable as a LB. He looked solid in pursuit off the edge last year, but he won't get many pursuit opportunities as a SLB and he won't get many tackles at all in coverage.

 

[redman]

I drafted Tuck two years ago figuring, Strahan can't last forever, right?

The fact is that it seems like they're going to let Strahan remain there as long as he wants to and has any semblance of his game remaining. That throws everything off.

Now Giants fans, given that the two picks following the "wasted" Kiwanuka pick in the 2006 draft were D'Meco Ryans and D'Qwell Jackson, how do you feel now about the team taking a DE over a position of need like LB? It seems even more ridiculous now. They should trade Kiwanuka to the Bears for Briggs.

 

[Red Herring]

Obviously if he is listed as a LB, his value will nosedive, but what about leagues where he's still listed as a DL? What kind of numbers are realistic to expect, and where does he slot in the DL rankings with those #s? (yes, I'm a Kiwi owner, rostered him cheap to backup strahan)

 

[Jene Bramel]

Obviously if he is listed as a LB, his value will nosedive, but what about leagues where he's still listed as a DL? What kind of numbers are realistic to expect, and where does he slot in the DL rankings with those #s? (yes, I'm a Kiwi owner, rostered him cheap to backup strahan)

I think you'd have to consider him similar to Bryan Thomas last year, although he won't approach Thomas' tackle stats working on the strong side. I believe a reasonable projection would be 46-13-7, with bigger upside if he can adjust to the position well enough to get more tackles and/or sacks. That line would probably put him in the mid-high DL2 range in most leagues.I'm going to caution again here, though, that Bryan Thomas is likely to be an outlier for those in MFL leagues. Their system is hamstrung by what the depth chart services provide. The Jets made no effort to reflect the change in their 2006 scheme on any official depth chart. The Giants have publicly said that Kiwanuka will be a LB this year and MFL has been much better about making those corrections before the regular season starts since 2004. Depending on your league rules with regard to timing of positional changes, etal, Kiwanuka is not a safe bet to be listed as a DL in MFL leagues this year unless there's a change in the weather again in the Giant locker room.

 

[spec1alk]

If it makes any difference, I was listening to Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwin yesterday. They are pretty confident that the Giants will see that Kiwanuka does not adjust well to LB and move him back to DL. I think they said something like Dhani Jones could be picked up off the WW to help LB depth.

 

[Bossman]

I can see it know, Brian Westbrook catches the ball out of the backfield, Kiwanuka gives him a "big hug" .....at lets him go free to the end zone.

 

[massraider]

If it makes any difference, I was listening to Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwin yesterday. They are pretty confident that the Giants will see that Kiwanuka does not adjust well to LB and move him back to DL. I think they said something like Dhani Jones could be picked up off the WW to help LB depth.

Well, now me know of at least two more guys that have Kiwi on their dynasty teams.

 

[houndirish]

I drafted Tuck two years ago figuring, Strahan can't last forever, right? The fact is that it seems like they're going to let Strahan remain there as long as he wants to and has any semblance of his game remaining. That throws everything off. Now Giants fans, given that the two picks following the "wasted" Kiwanuka pick in the 2006 draft were D'Meco Ryans and D'Qwell Jackson, how do you feel now about the team taking a DE over a position of need like LB? It seems even more ridiculous now. They should trade Kiwanuka to the Bears for Briggs.

Don't get me wrong, I'd be thrilled if the Giants had drafted Ryans. In fact, he was the guy I thought they'd take that year, but the trade back with Pittsburgh was a good deal. I'll never blast my team for drafting talent, and in Kiwi, they've got it. The Giants may have appeared ridiculously deep at Defensive End going into last season, but by week 17 Kiwanuka was the only one on the field due to injuries, and making a solid contribution too. I'd love to say that losing three defensive ends in a year is a freak thing, but how many times has it happened to the Eagles in recent seasons?It's awfully early but returns on Kiwanuka have been far better than D'Qwell Jackson so if you're asking if I'd be happier having Jackson than Kiwi, my answer at this point would be an emphatic no.I'm not quite ready to claim Kiwi will easily transition to LB and be a difference maker, but the Giants are at the most, a year away from having 3 quality Defensive Ends (Osi, Tuck and Kiwi). That's not nearly as deep as it once sounded. Especially if Tuck ends up being a productive Tackle. As for trading with the Bears ... I'd let Tuck go for Briggs, but not Kiwanuka.

 

[ebcpastor2004]

Any updated news on Kiwanuka? FBG has him ranked and projected as a DL. But the FBG updated depth chart also has him listed as SLB. What will MFL do with his status? Any answers will be appreciated.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Any updated news on Kiwanuka? FBG has him ranked and projected as a DL. But the FBG updated depth chart also has him listed as SLB. What will MFL do with his status? Any answers will be appreciated.

I've been exchanging emails with Mike Hall of MFL over the past month. He is very interested in keeping his database correct but is hamstrung by the need to have an "official" depth chart source to rely on if questioned by his subscriber base.Kiwanuka was on a long list of DL/LB that are due to be amended in the database. It may not be until training camp when Kiwanuka shows up on an official depth chart as a LB (if in fact he remains there), but based on our conversations I'd expect nearly all of the players we've discussed as wrongly classified this off-season to be moved in the MFL database by mid-training camp.As a collective, we staffers are projecting/ranking the misfits where they currently lie. It's hard to know exactly what to do. We probably should be ranking those guys at their true position but it makes it difficult on owners who are able to draft them at their current MFL position.

 

[massraider]

As a collective, we staffers are projecting/ranking the misfits where they currently lie. It's hard to know exactly what to do. We probably should be ranking those guys at their true position but it makes it difficult on owners who are able to draft them at their current MFL position.

Hey, you roll the dice. Some owners will be looking to be clever taking him as a DL, hoping his status isn't changed, and they get LB points out of him. Others won't want to take the risk of wasting a spot on a LB that won't ever put up starting numbers. If some guy drafting Kiwi thinks he's slick because he's getting a guy at DE that is actually playing LB, and he gets reclassified, it's kind of tough to feel bad for him if he complains. By the same token, if the gamble pays off, the other owners that didn't have the guts or foresight to make the move really have nothing to complain about either. I had Bryan Thomas in two leagues last year, and no one complained.My own opinion on Kiwi is he's going to be a stud DE for them. When? I dunno, as soon as the Giants quit screwing around.

 

[Zoomanji]

Any updated news on Kiwanuka? FBG has him ranked and projected as a DL. But the FBG updated depth chart also has him listed as SLB. What will MFL do with his status? Any answers will be appreciated.

I've been exchanging emails with Mike Hall of MFL over the past month. He is very interested in keeping his database correct but is hamstrung by the need to have an "official" depth chart source to rely on if questioned by his subscriber base.Kiwanuka was on a long list of DL/LB that are due to be amended in the database. It may not be until training camp when Kiwanuka shows up on an official depth chart as a LB (if in fact he remains there), but based on our conversations I'd expect nearly all of the players we've discussed as wrongly classified this off-season to be moved in the MFL database by mid-training camp.As a collective, we staffers are projecting/ranking the misfits where they currently lie. It's hard to know exactly what to do. We probably should be ranking those guys at their true position but it makes it difficult on owners who are able to draft them at their current MFL position.

I'm guessing its the same story with Gocong?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Any updated news on Kiwanuka? FBG has him ranked and projected as a DL. But the FBG updated depth chart also has him listed as SLB. What will MFL do with his status? Any answers will be appreciated.

I've been exchanging emails with Mike Hall of MFL over the past month. He is very interested in keeping his database correct but is hamstrung by the need to have an "official" depth chart source to rely on if questioned by his subscriber base.Kiwanuka was on a long list of DL/LB that are due to be amended in the database. It may not be until training camp when Kiwanuka shows up on an official depth chart as a LB (if in fact he remains there), but based on our conversations I'd expect nearly all of the players we've discussed as wrongly classified this off-season to be moved in the MFL database by mid-training camp.As a collective, we staffers are projecting/ranking the misfits where they currently lie. It's hard to know exactly what to do. We probably should be ranking those guys at their true position but it makes it difficult on owners who are able to draft them at their current MFL position.

I'm guessing its the same story with Gocong?

Yes.Here's the list of players MFL will be looking into. It wasn't meant to be a complete list and one or two are still in question.> Luis Castillo >> DE> Bryan Thomas >> LB> Ray McDonald >> DE> Robaire Smith >> DE> David Bowens >> LB> Adam Carriker >> DT> Kevin Carter >> DT> Chris Gocong >> LB> Parys Haralson >> LB> Alvin McKinley >> DT> Brian Smith >> LB> Anthony Spencer >> LB> Lamarr Woodley >> LB> Mathias Kiwanuka >> LB> Cory Redding >> DT> Antwan Peek >> LBWe'll discuss moving some of the tweeners who are clearly out of position in our rankings soon.

 

[lions327]

I have Kiwanuka on a team. I am holding, because the Giants will eventually move him back. They just need to come to their senses. I think he may be stuck their until Strahan is gone. I'm holding him, and he can sit on my bench in my deep league. He will be the new version of D.J. Williams (stashed future stud).

I generally have tried to stay away from any of these hybrid type players, or any tweeners, for the above reason. I didn't think Kiwanuka would be one though, so I'm not too bothered by this. He was impressive as an end last season, so this one did surprise me.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Any updated news on Kiwanuka? FBG has him ranked and projected as a DL. But the FBG updated depth chart also has him listed as SLB. What will MFL do with his status? Any answers will be appreciated.

I've been exchanging emails with Mike Hall of MFL over the past month. He is very interested in keeping his database correct but is hamstrung by the need to have an "official" depth chart source to rely on if questioned by his subscriber base.Kiwanuka was on a long list of DL/LB that are due to be amended in the database. It may not be until training camp when Kiwanuka shows up on an official depth chart as a LB (if in fact he remains there), but based on our conversations I'd expect nearly all of the players we've discussed as wrongly classified this off-season to be moved in the MFL database by mid-training camp.As a collective, we staffers are projecting/ranking the misfits where they currently lie. It's hard to know exactly what to do. We probably should be ranking those guys at their true position but it makes it difficult on owners who are able to draft them at their current MFL position.

I'm guessing its the same story with Gocong?

Yes.Here's the list of players MFL will be looking into. It wasn't meant to be a complete list and one or two are still in question.> Luis Castillo >> DE> Bryan Thomas >> LB> Ray McDonald >> DE> Robaire Smith >> DE> David Bowens >> LB> Adam Carriker >> DT> Kevin Carter >> DT> Chris Gocong >> LB> Parys Haralson >> LB> Alvin McKinley >> DT> Brian Smith >> LB> Anthony Spencer >> LB> Lamarr Woodley >> LB> Mathias Kiwanuka >> LB> Cory Redding >> DT> Antwan Peek >> LBWe'll discuss moving some of the tweeners who are clearly out of position in our rankings soon.

It is you crusading purists that take away all my hybrid advantage....:shakesfist:

 

[Jene Bramel]

It is you crusading purists that take away all my hybrid advantage....:shakesfist:

You'll still have Chike Okeafor this year. And Brett Keisel and Bert Berry if you're so inclined.Jason Taylor is the one you should really have an eye on. If Cameron/Capers submit a 3-4 depth chart as "official", Taylor will be a LB.

 

[lord_helmet]

I can't really decide if I should just give up the crusading and try to nab some of these hybrids, stash them on my bench where they won't do anybody any good (incl. me) or just plug them in whenever I get the chance to try and get stud numbers from low cost players. Moral high ground or accept the state of things and be super competative ?

 

[Zoomanji]

I can't really decide if I should just give up the crusading and try to nab some of these hybrids, stash them on my bench where they won't do anybody any good (incl. me) or just plug them in whenever I get the chance to try and get stud numbers from low cost players. Moral high ground or accept the state of things and be super competative ?

How many points do you get each week for the moral high-ground?If it's not more than 0, you should just get with the program.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I can't really decide if I should just give up the crusading and try to nab some of these hybrids, stash them on my bench where they won't do anybody any good (incl. me) or just plug them in whenever I get the chance to try and get stud numbers from low cost players. Moral high ground or accept the state of things and be super competative ?

While you shouldn't pass on the hybrids to take the moral high ground, I don't think you should stop crusading either. Winning at FF should be about superior knowledge, analysis, etc, not exploiting loopholes.

 

[redman]

Any updated news on Kiwanuka? FBG has him ranked and projected as a DL. But the FBG updated depth chart also has him listed as SLB. What will MFL do with his status? Any answers will be appreciated.

I've been exchanging emails with Mike Hall of MFL over the past month. He is very interested in keeping his database correct but is hamstrung by the need to have an "official" depth chart source to rely on if questioned by his subscriber base.Kiwanuka was on a long list of DL/LB that are due to be amended in the database. It may not be until training camp when Kiwanuka shows up on an official depth chart as a LB (if in fact he remains there), but based on our conversations I'd expect nearly all of the players we've discussed as wrongly classified this off-season to be moved in the MFL database by mid-training camp.As a collective, we staffers are projecting/ranking the misfits where they currently lie. It's hard to know exactly what to do. We probably should be ranking those guys at their true position but it makes it difficult on owners who are able to draft them at their current MFL position.

I'm guessing its the same story with Gocong?

Yes.Here's the list of players MFL will be looking into. It wasn't meant to be a complete list and one or two are still in question.> Luis Castillo >> DE> Bryan Thomas >> LB> Ray McDonald >> DE> Robaire Smith >> DE> David Bowens >> LB> Adam Carriker >> DT> Kevin Carter >> DT> Chris Gocong >> LB> Parys Haralson >> LB> Alvin McKinley >> DT> Brian Smith >> LB> Anthony Spencer >> LB> Lamarr Woodley >> LB> Mathias Kiwanuka >> LB> Cory Redding >> DT> Antwan Peek >> LBWe'll discuss moving some of the tweeners who are clearly out of position in our rankings soon.

We ought to rank these guys according to their hybrid value. They could be good FA pickups for some people with holes in their lineups.

 

[stevegamer]

What does this do to Mitchell's value? I'm thinking he gets a fairly decent bump if he wins the job.

 

[Lash]

if you want to do away with hybrids...

establish a scoring system that doesn't award ANY points for tackles by DLinemen, maybe boost the DL glory stats so they are still drafted earlier than kickers though if you do

that way if you get a bryan thomas luckily listed at DL, but he plays LB, you will not get any tackle points and thus the hybrid is defeated

 

[Penguin]

if you want to do away with hybrids...establish a scoring system that doesn't award ANY points for tackles by DLinemen, maybe boost the DL glory stats so they are still drafted earlier than kickers though if you dothat way if you get a bryan thomas luckily listed at DL, but he plays LB, you will not get any tackle points and thus the hybrid is defeated

 

[Penguin]

if you want to do away with hybrids...establish a scoring system that doesn't award ANY points for tackles by DLinemen, maybe boost the DL glory stats so they are still drafted earlier than kickers though if you dothat way if you get a bryan thomas luckily listed at DL, but he plays LB, you will not get any tackle points and thus the hybrid is defeated

Instead of just bashing the idea I should add some thoughts.One problem you create here is that now you have customized scoring for different defensive positions. To boost the DL's back to the range they were with tackles included you're going to have to make sacks worth 6 points, FF's & FR's worth 5 points, INT's worth 10 points etc, this is only for DL's. LB's will only receive 3 points per sack, 2 points per FF's & FR's. This is an issue as most sights will not allow for unique scoring per position.Secondly, players will have large variences from year to year on points scored as you've over-valued the most inconsistant part of the game, "The Big Play." Which in turn increases the luck factor a little bit and minimizes the skill factor to a certain degree, I'm speaking only of the DL position.In the end I just don't like it, JMHO

 

[lions327]

I don't like it because tackles are the most important stat and get the highest numbers, like yards for offensive players.

 

[Bri]

IMO, Kiwanuka has no IDP value (except in sack heavy systems) when listed as a LB. I don't see any way he reaches 60 solos and 10 sacks in that position, which is what it would take in most leagues to make him rosterable as a LB. He looked solid in pursuit off the edge last year, but he won't get many pursuit opportunities as a SLB and he won't get many tackles at all in coverage.

If you were an OC, wouldn't you run some plays at him to see if he can hack it as a LB?

 

[Jene Bramel]

If you were an OC, wouldn't you run some plays at him to see if he can hack it as a LB?

Sure. But unless the right side of the offensive line is particularly weak, Kiwanuka will be tested plenty on the strong side anyway.