Tulloch vs Rennie Curran (1 Viewer)

[jacobo_moses]

I've read multiple places that say that Rennie Curran is too undersized to play MLB let alone WLB in the NFL. I just don't get this. Will someone explain this to me. I've looked at the Footballguys and Rotoworld. And they both say that Curran and Tulloch are both 5'11. And Curran is 228 LBs and Tulloch is 235 LBS. So does a difference of 7 lbs really make that much of a difference or are we splitting hairs here? I realize looking at most starting MLB's in the NFL that they usually are 6'1 or 6'2. But I really don't see how 2 inches makes that much of a difference.

So could Curran fill in for Tulloch if Tulloch leaves via FA?? Or is Curran just too small to do much of anything. ??

Please insight anyone.

 

[Duffy]

I'd assume his weight may be viewed as an issue, but Curran seems to get to the ball carrier well enough. I'd hope his coaches give him a real opportunity to compete before moving on to someone new...especially if Tulloch leaves. How tall is London Fletcher?

 

[Jene Bramel]

I've read multiple places that say that Rennie Curran is too undersized to play MLB let alone WLB in the NFL. I just don't get this. Will someone explain this to me. I've looked at the Footballguys and Rotoworld. And they both say that Curran and Tulloch are both 5'11. And Curran is 228 LBs and Tulloch is 235 LBS. So does a difference of 7 lbs really make that much of a difference or are we splitting hairs here? I realize looking at most starting MLB's in the NFL that they usually are 6'1 or 6'2. But I really don't see how 2 inches makes that much of a difference. So could Curran fill in for Tulloch if Tulloch leaves via FA?? Or is Curran just too small to do much of anything. ??Please insight anyone.

I don't think it's the number as much as the body type. Some 230 pounders have the frame to put on weight or have their weight distributed where it's helpful to leverage and shed blockers, (i.e. Beason, Ryans) and can play inside effectively. A guy like Fletcher or Brackett may not be tall, but have the lower body strength and football instincts to play at an elite level. Some 240 pounders have the "size," but can't play inside for the same reasons (i.e. Rivers).Last year's scouting reports give a mixed read on whether Curran would survive inside. He may not have the frame to develop, but may have the instincts and playing strength to overcome some of his size limitations. Haven't seen enough of him to form an opinion yet. It's worth noting that this coaching staff isn't tied to Curran any more than they were Tulloch. Both were Fisher selections. Curran certainly isn't too small to play, but it's likely his best fit is outside. I've seen the speculation about moving Curran inside, but I'm not sure that's anything more than speculation that, "If Tulloch isn't re-signed, Curran is the most highly regarded current backup and would therefore be the most likely replacement." Given how well he held up on the strong side last year against the run, there's an equally valid argument that Gerald McRath has a better chance to move inside.It'll be interesting to see how it shakes out. Both McRath and Curran are worth holding for their upside. Both have every-down potential for 2011.

 

[jacobo_moses]

All great points. Thanks as always JEne.