Notes From Lombardi: Free Agent Linebackers

FROM MICHAEL LOMBARDI:

The National Football Post continues its look at unrestricted free agents and position reminders. Today: free-agent linebackers.

LINEBACKER REMINDERS

1.     Define the role of the player on every down.  He must be able to play three downs to get drafted early. 

2.     How many times a game does he play off the block to make a play?  Does he always have free access?

3.     Can he tackle well?  How many missed tackles?  Where do they happen, in the box or in space?

4.     Can he tackle with a defender on him?  In this league, he’ll have to. 

5.     Must have a role in the kicking game.  Did he do it in college?  Where would be play in the kicking game for us?

6.     Instincts and balance are the key factors here. 

7.     Toughness to play with pain and practice with pain.  Does he miss time?

8.     Zone drops are dead in the NFL.  What can this player do in coverage?  Who can he cover?  When have you seen him cover?

9.     Is he a good rusher?  Is he a fourth rusher or fifth rusher?  Does he know where to fit in the rush coming from the middle or the edges?

10.  Smaller players must be durable. 

11.  Must have explosive quickness to burst to tackle and make plays.  Does he make plays on third down?

12.  Can he cover for 20 yards in man-to-man down the field?  Can he be in balance while running full speed?

13.  Mike backers must be leaders and have the ability to make plays outside the box.  How many tackles does he make outside the 9/7 run area?

14.  Fat Mike backers might become defensive linemen.  Keith Traylor was a former Mike. Do they have the frame to get bigger?

15.  Sam backers must be able to play in the bubble.  Not many teams play all under any more. He must be able to read the keys from a bubble.

16.  Any big safety who might gain weight and can run would be a consideration to be converted to Will backer.  Must be able to show tackling and toughness to make the conversion. 

17.  We need playing speed, and he must tackle well.  Ask yourself this: Can this player tackle Darren Sproles in space?

THREE-DOWN BACKERS

Name, age; height, weight; speed; agent

Bart Scott, 28; 6-1, 235; 4.8; Harold Lewis -- He will command the highest level of interest and the most dollars in a new deal.  Can make plays on all three downs.

Ray Lewis, 33; 6-0, 245; 4.6; David Dunn -- Age is a concern in terms of long-term deal, and can he really play on third downs?  That’s somewhat debatable and he needs to go to a scheme that knows his limitations.  The wrong place and this might not work. 

Jon Vilma, 26; 6-0, 230; 4.63; Mitch Frankel -- Needs to play in the right four-man scheme. It’s important to know his role on third down before the big money is paid out.  Gregg Williams needs a Mike who can cover. 

TWO-DOWN BACKERS

Channing Crowder, 24; 6-0, 242; 4.77; Joel Segal -- Not comfortable with him on third down; there are also medical concerns. 

Eric Barton, 31; 6-2, 245; 4.66; Ken Kramer – Older and does not run as well as he once did. 

Andra Davis, 29; 6-0, 255; 4.95; Mitch Frankel -- Really lacks speed and playmaking ability. 

Tyjuan Hagler, 25; 5-11, 236; 4.66; Blake Baratz -- Athletic player with speed, but he cannot seem to stay healthy. 

Paris Lenon, 31; 6-1, 235; 4.68; Jon Persch -- Will need to add some veteran leadership.  Not very physical. 

Mike Peterson, 32; 6-1, 230; 4.65; Tom Condon -- Good leader, but he seems to have lost a step.

Nate Webster, 30; 6-1, 235; 4.67; Drew Rosenhaus – Has a hard time reading run or pass, which is bad for a MLB.

Coy Wire, 30; 5-11, 211; 4.68; Ron Raccuia -- Has played better as he’s gotten older.  Can still help in the kicking game. 

Pat Thomas, 25; 6-1, 237; 4.65; Jason Waugh -- Started last year but is lacking in instincts. 

SPECIAL TEAMERS

Monty Beisel, 30; 6-3, 245; 4.81; Jack Bechta -- Good leader on special teams. 

Ike Ekejiuba, 27; 6-3, 235; 4.61; Ed Wasielewski – Big, strong and fast but does not play a position. 

Cody Spencer, 27; 6-2, 245; 4.68; Mark Slough -- He can play many roles but is mostly good in the kicking game. 

Adam Seward, 26; 6-2, 247; 4.68; Michael Hoffman -- Good speed and can find the ball in the kicking game.  Too stiff to play in the base. 

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