Outside Linebacker depth?
 

Didn't see a post regarding this topic. Apologies if I missed it

As it currently stands, we have three linebackers listed as OLB: Galette, Wilson, and Haralson. Looking at the roster, this seems to be a potential problem. My thoughts regarding this are as follows:

1. Harper comes down as a potential "OLB" to rush seeing as Ryan likes using 3+ safeties on the field. That leaves players like Jenkins, Vaccaro and Bush in the back half of the field in defense. Also, Harper is a very good pass rusher and not as good in coverage.

2. We currently have six players listed as ILB, but Vilma has proven able to rush the QB and is decent in coverage. Also Hawthorne played OLB for us last year (albeit not very well). Either of these two could possibly move outside on certain downs, though I'd MUCH prefer Hawthorne to stay inside.

It just seemed strange to me that we only kept three outside linebackers, especially when two of them have been hurt most of the preseason and the third just got to the team period. Thoughts?

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

We're all just as stumped as you are...

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

When you've got no salary room to acquire a free agent and you've failed to make it a priority in the draft, this is with what you're left...

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

I might smell a trade?

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

With keeping 6 ILBs and only 3 OLBs, they have to be figuring that some can play inside and out...

Guys like Hawthorne, Herring, and Reddick perhaps? And we exactly don't know Ryans scheme; he likes to move players around a bunch...

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

I wish we had money to get dumervil when he was a fa. Talk about a mean duo galette/dumervil. Oh well thats in the past now.



The end is nigh

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

1. isnt a good option as Harper is good at blitzing from the Safety position. As an OLB he will have to engage and avoid blockers, something he can't do.

The most viable option is for the starting line-up is Haralson at Jack for every snap and Wilson/Galette rotating in for the other position. Haralson is a potential pro-bowl OLB and Wilson/Galette should do very well opposite of him. The issue is the depth. I think Herring and Hawthorne could both be decent backups at the OLB position.

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

The transition from MLB to OLB isn't typically a big concern unless you're very slow footed. Humber, Herring, and Hawthorne can all play outside in a pinch. So while on paper it looks a bit puzzling, but it not a big deal at all.

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

******* be like!!!!

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

thin

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

Make no mistake, Galette is your Jack linebacker - pass rusher, back end pursuit on RB screens...

Haralson played the SAM in Frisco and that's where he will play; Martez, moved yet again to another position will split time with him there and roll in on pass rush packages...

Haralson will be a solid pro for us, but he was ostensibly replaced by the current ProBowlers who draw their NFL checks in San Francisco...

You're a little short on Herring and Hawthorne as they're excellent depth at all the LB positions; they could start and be effective as well...

Harper, my feelings on his game are well-documented...

Having a great weekend :chug: :bng:

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

Does look thin.

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

It looks thin and I'm a bit concerned, but steps can be taken. As others have said, some of the other LBs can fill in, and maybe we can work a trade for a RB (we certainly have enough of them on the roster).

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

People may forget... but when we signed Herring, he was a OLB.

We are fine. If Galette breaks out like we're anticipating, we are more than fine. This is really a non-issue that we don't even need to be harping on.

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

Papz makes an excellent point and it's a theme that Coach Payton has repeatedly identified when announcing acquisitions, draft or free agent, and that's a player's ability to be flexible...

Herring was considered a very good linebacker, not elite mind you, but a very good linebacker - and he'll be a pro for us and make plays to help win games...

Re: Outside Linebacker depth?
 

I don't want to rely on Herring..............