A big problem up until this year I'd say. Shanle turned out to be a stud (97 TCK, 4 SACK, 0 INT, 1 PD, 1 FF) and was resigned to a 6 year deal a couple weeks ago. Fujita was always an awesome athlete and he also turned in a fantastic year (96 TCK, 3.5 SACK, 2 INT, 6 PD, 1 FF). Simoneau on the other hand is marginal at best. The Saints could definitely use an upgrade at MLB. The Saints have two great (and underrated) OLB's though who are in no need of replacement.
White Defensive Player
- Thread starter lumsdenpower
- Start date
devans
Mentor
That's what I'm thinking. Is it open season on the Saints linebackers because they are predominantly white and some commentators can show off how un-predjudiced they are. Would their criticism of an all black Linebacking crew be equally damning? How did the Saints manage to get to the playoffs with what they seems to be saying must be the worst Linebackers in the NFL? Edited by: devans
I like how Puz is described as a "very poor man's A. J. Hawk." Not just a poor man's Hawk but a very poor man's Hawk, yet is still projected to go in the first round.
The Saints linebackers were praised a fair amount last season, and rightfully so. Simoneau is the weakest link there though for sure.
Simoneau is pretty fast but is a bit undersized for a linebacker. He might be better off losing 20 pounds and playing as a big-hitting safety. Whether any NFL teams would be interested in converting him at this stage of his career is a different issue, but that's the route Pat Tillman and Adam Archuleta wentthey were drafted out of college.
The Saints linebackers were praised a fair amount last season, and rightfully so. Simoneau is the weakest link there though for sure.
Simoneau is pretty fast but is a bit undersized for a linebacker. He might be better off losing 20 pounds and playing as a big-hitting safety. Whether any NFL teams would be interested in converting him at this stage of his career is a different issue, but that's the route Pat Tillman and Adam Archuleta wentthey were drafted out of college.
NFLdraftcountdown is making a pretty dated justification for picking up Poz. Their LB corps WAS garbage...up until this year. Now they have two great OLB's and a thoroughly mediocre MLB. They do need a new Mike. Unfortunately, Simoneau is probably the least starter-worthy player on that defense.devans said:
White Mike
Guru
Eagles four-year offer sheet worth about $10.5M</font>
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Hoping to get younger and more productive at linebacker, and at the expense of a division foe, the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon signed Ryan Fowler of the Dallas Cowboys to a restricted free agent offer sheet, ESPN.com confirmed.
The four-year offer sheet is worth about $10.5 million and will pay Fowler, who has principally been a special teams performer for the Cowboys, $4 million in 2007, between bonuses and base salary.
Fowler, 24, chose the offer from the Eagles over one from the Tennessee Titans. He visited with officials from both teams last week.
Dallas will have seven days in which to match the offer sheet or pass on it.
Should the Cowboys match it, they will assume the terms of the deal that the Eagles negotiated with Fowler, a three-year veteran. If Dallas does not match the offer sheet, Fowler will move on to the Eagles.
But because Fowler entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Duke in 2004, and Dallas made him the lowest qualifying offer for a restricted free agent, a one-year deal at $850,000, the Cowboys would receive no compensation if he departed under the offer sheet.
In three seasons, Fowler has appeared in 32 games and started just three contests. He has 49 tackles from scrimmage, two forced fumbles and one recovery. For the most part, Fowler served as a backup inside linebacker in the Dallas 3-4 scheme. On special teams, he posted 28 tackles and had one forced fumble.
The Philadelphia coaches obviously feel, though, that the versatile Fowler can emerge in time as a starter for them, either at middle linebacker or at strongside linebacker. The Eagles' staff was less than satisfied with the performances of veterans Jeremiah Trotter and Dhani Jones, the two starters at those positions, respectively, in 2006.
If he possesses as much potential as the Eagles feel that he does, Fowler could challenge quickly for playing time at those spots.
Securing the services of restricted free agents historically has proven a difficult undertaking with the current system. In the 14 previous years of free agency, only 55 restricted free agents changed teams. Four restricted free agents changed teams in 2006.
So far this year, one restricted free agent, wide receiver Wes Welker, has switched teams. But that move, with Welker going from Miami to New England, came after the Patriots signed him to an offer sheet, and then the two teams subsequently agreed to a trade.
The Pittsburgh Steelers last week signed San Francisco punter Andy Lee to a restricted free agent offer sheet, but the 49ers quickly matched it. Cleveland last week signed Cincinnati defensive tackle Shaun Smith to an offer sheet and the Bengals are still deliberating over whether to match it.
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Hoping to get younger and more productive at linebacker, and at the expense of a division foe, the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon signed Ryan Fowler of the Dallas Cowboys to a restricted free agent offer sheet, ESPN.com confirmed.
The four-year offer sheet is worth about $10.5 million and will pay Fowler, who has principally been a special teams performer for the Cowboys, $4 million in 2007, between bonuses and base salary.
Fowler, 24, chose the offer from the Eagles over one from the Tennessee Titans. He visited with officials from both teams last week.
Dallas will have seven days in which to match the offer sheet or pass on it.
Should the Cowboys match it, they will assume the terms of the deal that the Eagles negotiated with Fowler, a three-year veteran. If Dallas does not match the offer sheet, Fowler will move on to the Eagles.
But because Fowler entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Duke in 2004, and Dallas made him the lowest qualifying offer for a restricted free agent, a one-year deal at $850,000, the Cowboys would receive no compensation if he departed under the offer sheet.
In three seasons, Fowler has appeared in 32 games and started just three contests. He has 49 tackles from scrimmage, two forced fumbles and one recovery. For the most part, Fowler served as a backup inside linebacker in the Dallas 3-4 scheme. On special teams, he posted 28 tackles and had one forced fumble.
The Philadelphia coaches obviously feel, though, that the versatile Fowler can emerge in time as a starter for them, either at middle linebacker or at strongside linebacker. The Eagles' staff was less than satisfied with the performances of veterans Jeremiah Trotter and Dhani Jones, the two starters at those positions, respectively, in 2006.
If he possesses as much potential as the Eagles feel that he does, Fowler could challenge quickly for playing time at those spots.
Securing the services of restricted free agents historically has proven a difficult undertaking with the current system. In the 14 previous years of free agency, only 55 restricted free agents changed teams. Four restricted free agents changed teams in 2006.
So far this year, one restricted free agent, wide receiver Wes Welker, has switched teams. But that move, with Welker going from Miami to New England, came after the Patriots signed him to an offer sheet, and then the two teams subsequently agreed to a trade.
The Pittsburgh Steelers last week signed San Francisco punter Andy Lee to a restricted free agent offer sheet, but the 49ers quickly matched it. Cleveland last week signed Cincinnati defensive tackle Shaun Smith to an offer sheet and the Bengals are still deliberating over whether to match it.
White Mike
Guru
Even as a Cowboys fan I hope this deal goes through. Ryan never really got a chance to produce in Dallas. Only good things can come from this. Regardless of which team signs him, I doubt either team will is going to pay someone more than $250,000 per year to ride the bench. I tried to find his combine numbers from 2004, hard to come by though. I know he has a 37.5in verticle and hit 35 reps at 225.
Matt_Bowen_Fan
Guru
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2006
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- 359
IIRC, Fowler had an awesome goal line stop or two last season when he did get a chance.
Fowler signed an offer sheet with the Titans instead of the Eagles, and comparing the track record of the two teams it seems like a wise choice. Tennessee has played more whites at linebacker than any other team the past several years, the Saints included. Draft Daddy had an interesting analysis today, remarking on the plight of the Eagles Sam Rayburn, like Fowler an undrafted free agent, who has mostly rotted as a backup despite clearly having outstanding ability:
DD.com Theory: We think it's a pretty good move for former undrafted players like Wes Welker; Shaun Smith and Ryan Fowler to jump at big offers made by other teams and leave their original teams. Why?
Because by accepting a big offer to leave, they wipe away the stigma (for the lack of a better word) of being an undrafted free agent and become known as valued free agent signees in their new cities. Defensive tackle Sam Rayburn of the Eagles is great example of a player who should've probably gone the free agent route. He turned in a great sophomore season for the Eagles in 2004 after going undrafted and signed a sizeable extension to stay with the Eagles. But his career has since stalled, as it seems to us that he can't overcome the label of being an "undrafted overacheiver" in Philly and the Eagles have been constantly drafting players to drop him further down on the depth chart.
DD.com Theory: We think it's a pretty good move for former undrafted players like Wes Welker; Shaun Smith and Ryan Fowler to jump at big offers made by other teams and leave their original teams. Why?
Because by accepting a big offer to leave, they wipe away the stigma (for the lack of a better word) of being an undrafted free agent and become known as valued free agent signees in their new cities. Defensive tackle Sam Rayburn of the Eagles is great example of a player who should've probably gone the free agent route. He turned in a great sophomore season for the Eagles in 2004 after going undrafted and signed a sizeable extension to stay with the Eagles. But his career has since stalled, as it seems to us that he can't overcome the label of being an "undrafted overacheiver" in Philly and the Eagles have been constantly drafting players to drop him further down on the depth chart.
White Mike
Guru
Don Wassall said:
I'm gonna take a wild guess. Are Rayburn & Smith white?
Matt Wilhelm will be starting at middle linebacker for the Chargers this season. He was a beast at Ohio State, yetanother big-time white linebacker to come out of that program who is finally getting his chance after patiently waiting behind Donnie Edwards the past four seasons. Look for Wilhelm to be another topnotch white linebacker in the NFL this season.
http://www.chargers.com/news/headlines/cooper-wilhelm-enjoyi ng.htmEdited by: Don Wassall
http://www.chargers.com/news/headlines/cooper-wilhelm-enjoyi ng.htmEdited by: Don Wassall
Don Wassall said:
HELL YEAH!!! Matt Wilhelm was a beast at Ohio St. He was 1st team All American in 2002 leading the great Buckeyes defense(one that included Tim Anderson, Donnie Nickey, Rob Reynolds, and Dustin Fox) to a national championship win against the hated Miami Hurricanes. Yet, somehow Wilhelm was only a 5th RD pick? No worries no Wilhelm will get to prove that he is a top notch talent and will be a good one. Put your money on that!
Chad Greenway says he's healthy and ready to go after missing his entire rookie season with a torn ACL. Looks like he'll be starting at one of the outside LB spots for the Vikings.
[url]http://www.hawkcentral.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200705 10/HAWKS0104/705100329/1053/HAWKS [/url]
[url]http://www.hawkcentral.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200705 10/HAWKS0104/705100329/1053/HAWKS [/url]
at the moment (and knowing NFL that's subject to change) it looks like we'll have more starting white players on D. let's hope it's a trend that will keep up, and with Connor, Long, Zbikowski and Cushing coming out next year it may look that way.
Edited by: backrow
Edited by: backrow
Matt_Bowen_Fan
Guru
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2006
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- 359
Justin Smith signed his franchise offer. $8.644 million this season, for a white DE.
Looks like Paul Posluszny will get the opportunity to start right away at middle linebacker for the Bills. With Poz and safety John Wendling added to the team's mostly white d-line, and some other talented white players such as Coy Wire and Jim Leonhard on the roster, the Bills are now the least anti-white team on defense, though the offense remains virtually all black outside of J. P. Losman.
[url]http://www.niagara-gazette.com/sports/gnnsports_story_133224 032.html[/url]
[url]http://www.niagara-gazette.com/sports/gnnsports_story_133224 032.html[/url]
The Eagles have done some good things the past year, drafting Jeremy Bloom, signing Kevin Curtis, starting Sean Considine and signing Dustin Fox, but they never gave DT Sam Rayburn much of a chance despite his incredible strength. Rayburn was recently cut by Philly and is visiting the Bills. Would be great to see him sign with Buffalo as they are the best NFL team as far as giving white d-linemen an opportunity, and Rayburn would give them a second white tackle to go with Kyle Williams at what is the league's blackest defensive position after cornerback.
Given white men'scomplete domination of strength events even decades into the Caste System era,I wonder what the excuse is foronly blacks being tackles at the position that requires the most brute strength. Maybe it's those darn tight hips again.
http://www.buffalonews.com/213/story/76315.html
Given white men'scomplete domination of strength events even decades into the Caste System era,I wonder what the excuse is foronly blacks being tackles at the position that requires the most brute strength. Maybe it's those darn tight hips again.
http://www.buffalonews.com/213/story/76315.html
The Sporting News
this week ranks each team on their starting defensive ends. Of the Bills, who are ranked only6th in the AFC, TSN says, "The Bills have a pair of high-motor starters in Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay."
Schobel is one of the best ends in the league and even made the Pro Bowl last season in spite of the racially stacked voting that takes place, but is stereotypedmerely as a "high motor" player.
The writer probably debated long and hard whether to use that term or "overachiever."
Schobel is one of the best ends in the league and even made the Pro Bowl last season in spite of the racially stacked voting that takes place, but is stereotypedmerely as a "high motor" player.
Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel has traveled the typical route of a white NFL'er -- playing the role of Special Teams Demon and backup for four seasons before finally becoming a starter last year. He has excellent pass-rushing ability, and his role is being expanded this season to take advantage of his speed. Hardly known, he could become a star in 2007.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07135/786033-66.stm
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07135/786033-66.stm
Yeah I was really impressed with Keisel last year. I think now that he's playing a lot more his production tackles, sacks, ect.. will go way up this season. Also in the article I liked how neither the writer or leBeau had no problems calling Brett athletic. Which he is but becuase of his skin pigmintation others might not be so apt to do so.
highschoolcoach
Guru
In the May 21, 2007 issue of Sporting News, Aaron Schobel of the Billsand Aaron Kampman of the Packers are rated as Top 5 defensive ends in the AFC and NFC, respectively. Only 2 of the top 10 is a disappointment, but better than expected. It very well could have been none, even though Kampmann was the NFC sack leader with 15 1/2.
No mention of being "high motor" or "overachiever", too, although Kampman was only called "strong and durable", not "fast" or "explosive" or "athletic" like the blacks.
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No mention of being "high motor" or "overachiever", too, although Kampman was only called "strong and durable", not "fast" or "explosive" or "athletic" like the blacks.
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Don Wassall said:
yet another interesting article about Keisel ability and new expanded role.
""He might be one of the most athletic guys on the team," defensive end Aaron Smith said. "He can run. He can jump. He can play in space."
Keisel was a good enough athlete coming out of high school that he could have pursued basketball in college."
