Could Irvin be a 4-3 OLB?

[Trrrroy]

I know the chance of a position change is essentially non-existent, but looking at just his measurables (40 time, 3-cone, etc...) he at least athletically could play the position. I feel like he could increase his value if used like the in-his-prime Julian Peterson was. I'm no scout however, so this could very well be wishful thinking on my part.

 

[TheRealDTM]

if he puts on 30 pounds. Otherwise he'll be an even bigger liability in the run game.

 

[Trrrroy]

if he puts on 30 pounds. Otherwise he'll be an even bigger liability in the run game.

A 278 pound linebacker? He's already heavier than Peterson was, and they're the same height.

 

[ImTheScientist]

if he puts on 30 pounds. Otherwise he'll be an even bigger liability in the run game.

Chris Clemons is 254
Bruce Irvin is 245
Leroy Hill is 238
Bobby Wagner is 241

I guess I don't understand what you are saying. He needs to add 10lbs and play LEO.

Overreaction Monday.

 

[Traxs]

The only position I could see him switching to is TE. Really, he's fine at DE. It's one game.

 

[pehawk]

He needs to be used at OLB and LEO, IMO. Mix it up.

 

[Trrrroy]

if he puts on 30 pounds. Otherwise he'll be an even bigger liability in the run game.

Chris Clemons is 254
Bruce Irvin is 245
Leroy Hill is 238
Bobby Wagner is 241

I guess I don't understand what you are saying. He needs to add 10lbs and play LEO.

Overreaction Monday.

I'm asking if he could be used as a 1-2nd down LB, as a DE on passing downs, and a blitzing LB in certain packages. It's how JP was used in his prime if memory serves. So essentially he'd keep the job he had this season as a situational pass rusher, while also playing LB.

 

[Sarlacc83]

if he puts on 30 pounds. Otherwise he'll be an even bigger liability in the run game.

Chris Clemons is 254
Bruce Irvin is 245
Leroy Hill is 238
Bobby Wagner is 241

I guess I don't understand what you are saying. He needs to add 10lbs and play LEO.

Overreaction Monday.

Why is it an overreaction to try and put players in a position where they can succeed?

 

[Chawker]

He needs to be used at OLB and LEO, IMO. Mix it up.

BINGO!

 

[Missing_Clink]

I've wondered about this many times. Could he be a Julian Peterson type player? Why not move him around pre snap so he gets different rushing looks? I'd love to see him knife through the guard and center and get to the QB.

I hope I am way off base on this, but I get the sense that Irvin is not the brightest cat. Perhaps at age 25 with the football coaching he has received, he is pretty much doing all he is capable of doing at the NFL level. He has never played LB as far as I know. Can he learn it now and play it at an NFL level?

 

[knownone]

Being a linebacker has nothing to do with measurables. Bruce does not have the instincts to play in space.

 

[AceBoogie715]

I think he just has to improve on his skill set to learn to stop the run. A lot of you say he should add weight, I think that affects his game negatively. He'll likely lose a step on his speed and quickness which is his main weapon. And then a lot of you say he should be a OLB. I can see where some of you might say that, but I honestly can't see him playing OLB other than to pass rush. He'll still have to improve his run defense, as well as occasionally stepping out into coverage. The chances of him excelling there are highly unlikely, but who knows?

 

[Trrrroy]

Being a linebacker has nothing to do with measurables.

Well, "nothing" may be an overstatement, but it definitely isn't everything *cough* Aaron Curry *cough* (though Irvin has better measurable than even him).

As for whether he has the instincts to play in space, I don't know how anybody can make that judgement other than the coaches close to him and those that have closely scouted him.

 

[kearly]

I really doubt it. Bruce Irvin is the Shawn Kemp of the Seahawks: more athlete than player. He can be great, just make sure to keep things basic for him. And I really doubt he'd move to LB, not unless he blitzed on 90% of the plays.

 

[knownone]

Being a linebacker has nothing to do with measurables.

Well, "nothing" may be an overstatement, but it definitely isn't everything *cough* Aaron Curry *cough* (though Irvin has better measurable than even him).

As for whether he has the instincts to play in space, I don't know how anybody can make that judgement other than the coaches close to him and those that have closely scouted him.

It would be unprecedented for a guy whose never played linebacker, to pick up the nuances of the position in 1 or even 2 offseasons.

 

[pehawk]

I really doubt it. Bruce Irvin is the Shawn Kemp of the Seahawks: more athlete than player. He can be great, just make sure to keep things basic for him. And I really doubt he'd move to LB, not unless he blitzed on 90% of the plays.

Umm, Shawn Kemp drained every jumper past 20' come playoff time. It could be argued he deserved MVP votes, on the LOSING side of the 1996 Finals. Sonics are a sore subject, pookie, only bring it up if you know you're spot on.

I dont think he could ever play LB. Too much to learn this stage of the game. BUT, he does need to stand up in certain situations. Which is why if Bradley goes, I'd like to see Pete hire from outside. Yes, Pete's married to his defense. But, even that allegience has changed from Bandit to 2012 version. He'll adapt, if necessary.

 

[Red Beard]

I really doubt it. Bruce Irvin is the Shawn Kemp of the Seahawks: more athlete than player. He can be great, just make sure to keep things basic for him. And I really doubt he'd move to LB, not unless he blitzed on 90% of the plays.

This. Add 10 pounds ideally for the LEO position. If we want to use him as a linebacker, he would only be effective rushing the passer. I like the idea of him moving around to confuse the opposing O-Line and add another element to our defense. If this were going to happen, I'd want to target the best available linebacker in coverage through the draft in say the 2nd-4th round.

 

[The Battle #83]

i agree with
mix it up

 

[Happypuppy]

I don't think so. I realize he was in college, but he was not instinctive in His play. He didn't seem to read plays all that well

 

[Hotchy]

I think Irvin reminds me of Pat Swilling from the Saints. I cant remember too many times seeing Swilling OR Ricky Jackson drop back in coverage as OLBers on those 80's Saints. Use Irvin just like that. I think we could easily switch to a 3-4. Red is a huge sized DE for a 3-4. We just need Marcus Tubbs at DT(too bad), Mebane at the other DE, Irvin and Clemons at OLB, KJ and Wagner in the middle.