(03-20-2020, 03:51 PM)psychdoctor Wrote: I posted this article because of the relevance for the Cincinnati Bengals...

https://landryfootball.com/scouts-take-evolution-safetylinebacker-hybrid-todays-nfl-free/?print=print

The evolution of the safety and linebacker position has been occurring for several years and seemed to be more related to the personnel rather than the actual position per se, until the last few years.  

Linebackers need to be more nimble and faster due to the mobility of the new wave of NFL QB.  The need for Big relatively quick linebackers are being replaced with somewhat large, much faster safeties.  

A concern for me and some fans of the Bengals is the lack of talent at the backer position in the 2020 NFL draft.  There are some backers that may be available but it is a thin class this year.  

Harrison, Dye, Queen, and Simmons are now the prototypical linebackers today.  So with this in mind, do not be surprised if the Bengals draft one linebacker and 2 or more safeties.  Here are some safeties that I like a lot:

McKinney
Dugger
Chinn
Muse
Burgess
Brookes

(03-20-2020, 04:02 PM)McC Wrote: Seems like a guy who has already made the S to hybrid transition like Mark Barron should already be in stripes.

(03-20-2020, 03:51 PM)psychdoctor Wrote: I posted this article because of the relevance for the Cincinnati Bengals...

https://landryfootball.com/scouts-take-evolution-safetylinebacker-hybrid-todays-nfl-free/?print=print

The evolution of the safety and linebacker position has been occurring for several years and seemed to be more related to the personnel rather than the actual position per se, until the last few years.  

Linebackers need to be more nimble and faster due to the mobility of the new wave of NFL QB.  The need for Big relatively quick linebackers are being replaced with somewhat large, much faster safeties.  

A concern for me and some fans of the Bengals is the lack of talent at the backer position in the 2020 NFL draft.  There are some backers that may be available but it is a thin class this year.  

Harrison, Dye, Queen, and Simmons are now the prototypical linebackers today.  So with this in mind, do not be surprised if the Bengals draft one linebacker and 2 or more safeties.  Here are some safeties that I like a lot:

McKinney
Dugger
Chinn
Muse
Burgess
Brookes

(03-20-2020, 04:08 PM)Okeana Wrote: I love a guy like Dugger who gives you options to move around Shawn Williams, both could play linebacker and safety depending on the scheme.

(03-20-2020, 04:20 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: I've been big on Chinn for most of draft season.  I really like his diverse physical tools, on that 6'3" frame.

But, I'm with some of the others, a pickup like Barron would help ease the way for a rookie to come along, as well as for Shawn Williams to get down the road.

(03-20-2020, 04:23 PM)psychdoctor Wrote: Muse is rather huge at 6'2" 230 lbs.  He hits a ton.  

(03-20-2020, 04:27 PM)McC Wrote: In today's NFL, that's LB size.

(03-20-2020, 04:28 PM)psychdoctor Wrote: I think so.  That is why i really like Woodward (LB)

(03-20-2020, 04:23 PM)psychdoctor Wrote: Muse is rather huge at 6'2" 230 lbs.  He hits a ton.  

(03-20-2020, 04:33 PM)Okeana Wrote: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kyle-dugger?id=32194455-4767-4843-b362-237ddcf75c1b

I prefer the traits and tape from Dugger.  Arm length, hand size, and vertical are far superior.  Dugger has better hips and change of direction on tape which is why I have him as a borderline first compared to Muse who puts up a nice 40, but tape is nowhere near as good.  I think Dugger could play all 3 linebacker positions as well as both safety positions if need be.  I can easily see his frame carrying another 10-15 pounds with little downside athletically.

(03-20-2020, 04:45 PM)psychdoctor Wrote: Dugger's level of competition was Division 2 and he will be a 3rd rounder.  I think Chinn would be better there.  But I am intrigued.  Muse will be likely be a 6th rounder.  

(03-20-2020, 04:32 PM)McC Wrote: The whole league is or will be gearing up to stop the running QB's.

(03-20-2020, 05:12 PM)Synric Wrote: Akeem Davis-Gaither is also one of the LB/S/CB hybrids (STAR). He is the closest thing to Isaiah Simmons in the draft. ADG impressed the Bengals staff in the Senior Bowl so I wouldnt be surprised if they take him at #65.

(03-20-2020, 05:12 PM)Synric Wrote: Akeem Davis-Gaither is also one of the LB/S/CB hybrids (STAR). He is the closest thing to Isaiah Simmons in the draft. ADG impressed the Bengals staff in the Senior Bowl so I wouldnt be surprised if they take him at #65.

(03-20-2020, 05:12 PM)Synric Wrote: Akeem Davis-Gaither is also one of the LB/S/CB hybrids (STAR). He is the closest thing to Isaiah Simmons in the draft. ADG impressed the Bengals staff in the Senior Bowl so I wouldnt be surprised if they take him at #65.

(03-21-2020, 03:04 PM)Gdale_Bengal Wrote: I'm planning to make a thread about this, but round 3 is the sweet spot where Dugger, Harrison, Chinn and Dye go. If the Bengals can get an extra 3rd somehow they can significantly improve the D in this round while taking a premiere offensive talent in the 2nd, should any of the other defenders not be there at 33.