Re: Rufus Johnson - LB, DE and now DT?
 

I don't know where you are coming from with that. It's not like they're putting him at nose tackle or something. Foster played pretty much the same role last year and he's roughly the same size as Rufus.

Re: Rufus Johnson - LB, DE and now DT?
 

Re: Rufus Johnson - LB, DE and now DT?
 

This^

Its difficult to find guys his size with such quick short area burst. Its why the coaches decided to keep him around. Its also similar to what we did with Junior Galette and that worked out very well for us. He's just a slightly bigger version.

I think his ideal spot is either a 4-3 DE, or even 3-4 DE if he adds a few more biscuits.

Re: Rufus Johnson - LB, DE and now DT?
 

I like Rufus and was a supporter of his, so my comments aren't meant to slam the guy. However, I think we have so much talent on the team this year he wont make the 53 man roster because (although he has the physical ability) he will be behind learning a new position. I believe this is the 4th position he has been slotted for in the last 2 years.

Also, its not as easy to bulk up and maintain quickness. If he does bulk up to 280 he may lose that sudden burst the coaches liked so much...

Re: Rufus Johnson - LB, DE and now DT?
 

Tweener from a small school. Long shot to make the squad.

Re: Rufus Johnson - LB, DE and now DT?
 

Galette was a tweener from a small school too. Also we have a semi-glaring lack of depth on the defensive line at this point. In fact my money's on Rufus beating out Tyrunn Walker for a backup DE spot. If he can flip back and forth between DE, OLB and 3-tech pass rusher that makes him even more valuable.

Re: Rufus Johnson - LB, DE and now DT?
 

Galette however is relentless, he will keep the pedal to the floor every play and that's how he makes money. He can get abused 10 plays in a row but the 11th one look out. Rufus is not that kind of player. Think the writing is on the wall for him unfortunately.

Re: Rufus Johnson - LB, DE and now DT?
 

That's right... has to be a 4-man line. He is not going to move inside and play NT... he's not bulky enough.

I really think Rufus' best chance to make the ballclub is as a situational pass rusher playing DE in a 4-man line. He might even be able to play DT and apply inside pass pressure in that configuration (Cam Jordan LDE, Rufus Johnson LDT, Akiem Hicks RDT, Junior Galette RDE). Neither John Jenkins nor Broderick Bunkley would be playing in that setup, since they are not known for pass rushing skills.

Re: Rufus Johnson - LB, DE and now DT?
 

I feel for the guy. The coaches are switching his position again.........I'd say no. :no:" I'm just learning this position and getting good at it."

He's always fighting for a spot against the up and coming players or
rookies.

Re: Rufus Johnson - LB, DE and now DT?
 

I don't think saying no is an option, if he did he'd end up on the waiver wire faster than kenny stills can grab an 80 yard TD