Linebacker Comparisons
 

So I thought I'd look at how Anthony and Kikaha compared to the other MLBs and OLBs drafted around them

Kikaka
Total tackles: 26
Sacks: 3
Passes Defensed: 0
Forced Fumbles: 2

Dante Fowler - IR

Vic Beasley
Total tackles: 11
Sacks: 2
Passes Defensed: 1
Forced Fumbles:1

Bud Dupree
Total tackles: 11
Sacks: 2
Passes Defensed: 0
Forced Fumbles: 0

Shaq Thompson
Total tackles: 16
Sacks: 0
Passes Defensed: 0
Forced Fumbles:0

Stephone Anthony
Total tackles: 23
Sacks: 1
Passes Defensed: 1
Forced Fumbles: 0

Eric Kendricks
Total tackles: 19
Sacks: 1
Passes Defensed: 0
Forced Fumbles: 0

Bernardrick McKinney
Total tackles: 10
Sacks: 0
Passes Defensed: 0
Forced Fumbles: 0

Denzyl Perrymen
Total tackles: 10
Sacks: 0
Passes Defensed: 0
Forced Fumbles: 0

OUt of the top" OLBs, Kikaha leads them all in tackles, sacks and forced fumbles. Out of the "top" MLBs, Anthony leads them in tackles and is tied with one sack. Thus far, we've pretty much hit it out of the ballpark with our MLB and OLB draft picks

Re: Linebacker Comparisons
 

Thank you new scouting department. We finally drafted some good players.

Re: Linebacker Comparisons
 

Like the post. Playing time is a factor you may not be considering and we won't truly know how good these guys will be for another year but overall I get your point.

I think we drafted the right guys and they'll be quality starters for years.

Re: Linebacker Comparisons
 

We are getting a lot of mileage out of our young defenders and this will pay off in the next few years. Solid pieces selected this season.

Re: Linebacker Comparisons
 

Passes Defensed: 0

This is the sore spot we need to correct at OLB.

Re: Linebacker Comparisons
 

Now we need a lb coach to help in their development

Re: Linebacker Comparisons
 

Some of those players listed are DE's. And we are playing our rookies because we have no choice. I like Kikaha, but I'm still waiting for him to learn some moves. Number of tackles is a meaningless stat.

Anybody remember Curtis Lofton? He made a lot of tackles. He also missed a lot and sucked in coverage. I'm not making a judgement 4 games into their careers, but I'm sure not seeing a home run either. I do see the potential in Kikaha, and it's obvious why. I still haven't seen Anthony do much other than make a tackle here and there.

Re: Linebacker Comparisons
 

The DROY finalists may have two Saints if they keep this up!!!

Re: Linebacker Comparisons
 

I dont care what the stats say, I am very impressed with what I saw. I like Kikaha, but Anthony is really impressing me. He seems to read plays well and tackles with authority.

Re: Linebacker Comparisons
 

Well, most of them were projected as 3-4 LBers for the draft. Kikaha plays OLB and DE for us. As for no choice but to play our rookies, I think Kikaha and Anthony earned their PT. Could be Humber starting at MLB or Hawthorne. But our rookies earned their spots and, for rookies, are playing well. They can only get better.

And yeah, you can't judge them based on 4 games really, but compared to the other top draft picks at their positions, statistically they are putting up better numbers. And, out of the list, the only players who aren't starting for their teams right now is Bud Dupree (Steelers) and Denzel Perrymen (Chargers). Considering how these other players were generally ranked higher than our pre-draft, I think they are doing pretty well, in comparison, and hopefully continue to improve. Future looks bright at LB to me #WhoDat