Thomas Davis, SLB, and Diggs, WLB, Carolina - What are the expectati (1 Viewer)

[TomBrady]

In my league, Thomas Davis is still listed as a DB but he's playing SLB after trying to play either position last season and not doing very well. But as a SLB, he plays 3 downs and is a hard nosed tackler, if not a particularly good defender against the pass. After all the hype he received last season, will he become a top LB this season, even at SLB? Or is he just the average SLB?

And now that Witherspoon is gone, Diggs was expected to take over at WLB, a very valuable position in the Panther defense. But I bellieve he's recovering from injury. Anyone have any insight on Diggs this season? Or is there someone else I'm overlooking?

Thanks.

 

[pretender]

In my league, Thomas Davis is still listed as a DB but he's playing SLB after trying to play either position last season and not doing very well. But as a SLB, he plays 3 downs and is a hard nosed tackler, if not a particularly good defender against the pass. After all the hype he received last season, will he become a top LB this season, even at SLB? Or is he just the average SLB?And now that Witherspoon is gone, Diggs was expected to take over at WLB, a very valuable position in the Panther defense. But I bellieve he's recovering from injury. Anyone have any insight on Diggs this season? Or is there someone else I'm overlooking?Thanks.

Diggs was a starter in Green Bay - he was an adequate linebacker but they didn't waste anytime not resigning him. He is recovering from a knee injury from the game a week ago I believe. I don't think he is going to light up the world but if he stays healthy will prove to be a decent #3-#4 linebacker. JMO

 

[Jene Bramel]

Davis has gone from ridiculously over-hyped at times (guilty as charged your honor) to flying under the radar a bit. He's not flashed much in pass rush yet, but he's looked improved in coverage and has been getting off blocks well enough to make plays. Most are anticipating a Mark Fields-like role from 2002 and the production to match. Expect some inconsistency early in the season, but there's no reason he can't reproduce those stats by late season consistently with more game reps. He should prove to be a better than average SLB, with Dansby/Washington upside.

Na'il Diggs sprained his knee last week but was expected to recover by week one at last report. He had all but put Keith Adams on the waiver wire in the competition at WLB. But I'm not sure the WLB is as valuable a position this season. I think Will Witherspoon was easily the best linebacker on the field when Morgan was out of the lineup. This season, the coaches have continued to be impressed by second year player Adam Seward, who played some SLB before an injury last year. He's been moved to second team MLB. He's likely to produce better than last year's backup (Chris Draft) and Na'il Diggs is certainly no Will Witherspoon so I'm reluctant to attribute the same value to the WLB role this season.