Options at DE

[crash123go]

Really we could play a 3-4, Irving could play as a rush LB (played a lot of DE in college) opposite of Von. Trevathan played ILB in a 3-4 in college, Woodyard's still undersized for it, but I don't think he'll be bad at it if he got consistent playing time at the position.

We could play almost any defense at this point. A 4-4-3 wouldn't be such a bad idea in some games especially against option football

[Matymaddog]

Really we could play a 3-4, Irving could play as a rush LB (played a lot of DE in college) opposite of Von. Trevathan played ILB in a 3-4 in college, Woodyard's still undersized for it, but I don't think he'll be bad at it if he got consistent playing time at the position.

I think you're confused because that didn't happen

[beastlyskronk]

I think you're confused because that didn't happen

Yes he did, why do you think a MLB has developed a spin move? That's horrible for a MLB to do, but he does it because he played DE as well as WLB early at NC State. Actually here's a video of him at DE

[Matymaddog]

Yes he did, why do you think a MLB has developed a spin move? That's horrible for a MLB to do, but he does it because he played DE as well as WLB early at NC State. Actually here's a video of him at DE

That's a single clip. He didn't play "A lot" of defensive end. He actually hardly ever played defensive end. He's much better at delayed blitzes up the middle. Irving in a 3-4 is a Ted through and through. If we switched to a 3-4, Shaun Phillips becomes the automatic OLB starter. That maybe the only sack in his collegiate career he got from playing defensive end.

[beastlyskronk]

That's a single clip. He didn't play "A lot" of defensive end. He actually hardly ever played defensive end. He's much better at delayed blitzes up the middle. Irving in a 3-4 is a Ted through and through. If we switched to a 3-4, Shaun Phillips becomes the automatic OLB starter.

He played DE throughout high school and he played a good bit there at the beginning of his college career. A switch to a 3-4 isn't going to happen this year so Phillips won't be a starter. I only brought up the 3-4 because eventually Trevathan will either take over for Woodyard or we'll find a way to get both of them on the field. Woodyard nor Trevathan could play OLB in a 3-4 as neither are real threats as a pass rusher. Irving has already developed a spin move so he's much more suited to play OLB than either one of them.

[Matymaddog]

He played DE throughout high school and he played a good bit there at the beginning of his college career. A switch to a 3-4 isn't going to happen this year so Phillips won't be a starter. I only brought up the 3-4 because eventually Trevathan will either take over for Woodyard or we'll find a way to get both of them on the field. Woodyard nor Trevathan could play OLB in a 3-4 as neither are real threats as a pass rusher. Irving has already developed a spin move so he's much more suited to play OLB than either one of them.

I hear you. I don't know about high school but Rivals has him listed as playing only LB and TE in high school. I watched him a fair amount in college. Huge fan here. His attacking, aggressive attitude is enough to put him there. He could definitely be successful there in time seeing on how he is the best blitzer on this team not named Von Miller (I know, people maybe saying "What? He's barely played" but he is). I just think it would take him a few years to be a full time guy there and he'd be better suited inside. We have the talent on the D-line to make the switch though. Half of our DT's fit at base DE in an odd front with the way they are built.

[beastlyskronk]

I hear you. I don't know about high school but Rivals has him listed as playing only LB and TE in high school. I watched him a fair amount in college. Huge fan here. His attacking, aggressive attitude is enough to put him there. He could definitely be successful there in time seeing on how he is the best blitzer on this team not named Von Miller (I know, people maybe saying "What? He's barely played" but he is). I just think it would take him a few years to be a full time guy there and he'd be better suited inside. We have the talent on the D-line to make the switch though. Half of our DT's fit at base DE in an odd front with the way they are built.

I think he'd develop a lot quicker on the outside to be honest. At 6'1" he will generally win the leverage battle, it won't be hard for him to provide a strong speed rush especially against some slower OTs. I don't question him at any position though, I love what he brings to the LB position. He shows natural instincts and plays violently. There will be some rough patches, but he'll get better as he matures.

[Matymaddog]

I think he'd develop a lot quicker on the outside to be honest. At 6'1" he will generally win the leverage battle, it won't be hard for him to provide a strong speed rush especially against some slower OTs. I don't question him at any position though, I love what he brings to the LB position. He shows natural instincts and plays violently. There will be some rough patches, but he'll get better as he matures.

His greatest asset is his controlled violence. Keyword is controlled. Joe Mays plays with a lot of violence but he is straight up out of control. Not to mention Irving had great instincts at the collegiate level. I assume with a few years under his belt he will be set for this season. I really believe he will become a fan favorite around here just like Woodyard did.

[ERoyal248]

I'm in ACC country.

Irving didn't play much DE, he was strictly MLB most of the time. Excited to see him get a shot this year.

[Iron Clady]

I saw Irving play as a sophomore and really liked him. I could not see him playing DE/34 OLB in the pros at all.

While he could get some pressure from DE in college, this league is a different animal. He doesn't have the flexibility to bend around the edge. He isn't the most explosive athlete.

He fits as a traditional LB in any scheme who crashes down on the run, is an effective blitzer, and hopefully is adequate in coverage.

[crash123go]

I think it's more likely that Irving is just a very good athlete who can rush the passer at MLB. this kid is going to blow up this year!