Korey Toomer, Big Safety?

[Pandion Haliaetus]

I've been working on a random linebacker project and I've notice how awesome Korey Toomer stands out athletically. So I did some researching and found... the 6'2, 234 pound Korey Toomer compares favorably well to the 6'0, 190 pound Jermey Lane... a 44 pound difference.

Korey Toomer:
Height: 6022
Weight: 234
40 Yrd Dash: 4.53
20 Yrd Dash: 2.50
10 Yrd Dash: 1.61
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 20
Vertical Jump: 42
Broad Jump: 10'10"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.00
3-Cone Drill: 6.87

Jeremey Lane:
Height: 6000
Weight: 190
40 Yrd Dash: 4.48
20 Yrd Dash: 2.59
10 Yrd Dash: 1.58
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 12
Vertical Jump: 42
Broad Jump: 10'10"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.14
3-Cone Drill: 7.02

While Toomer is weak (bench press) compared to most other linebackers, he'd instantly be one of the strongest defensive backs on the team with 20, if he were to make the switch. Before we talk about not having required coverage ability, I see his ideal playing weight as a Linebacker/Safety hybrid minus 10 pounds at 224. His deep speed range of 4.53s will like be reduced to sub 4.5 speed. Automatically, making him one of fastest players in the Seahawks secondary.

Kam Chanchellor is about Toomer's size now,(however Chanchellor is good because he has QB, CB background before he transitioned to safety plus not to forget the tutelage of Lawyer Milloy)

Chanchellor:
Height: 6032
Weight: 231
40 Yrd Dash: 4.62
20 Yrd Dash: 2.63
10 Yrd Dash: 1.60
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 22
Vertical Jump: 32
Broad Jump: 09'08"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.41
3-Cone Drill: 7.36

How about the other 2 big safety projects on the roster:

Winston Guy:
Height: 6007
Weight: 218
40 Yrd Dash: 4.53
20 Yrd Dash: 2.64
10 Yrd Dash: 1.61
225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump: 36
Broad Jump: 09'07"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.29
3-Cone Drill: 6.79

Ray Polk, I didn't know he measured this good or played primarily FS in college, Johnson and Margagos has serious competition from this UDFA:
Height: 6006
Weight: 219
40 Yrd Dash: 4.40
20 Yrd Dash: 2.59
10 Yrd Dash: 1.59
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 19
Vertical Jump: 39
Broad Jump: 10'06"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.33
3-Cone Drill: 7.10

How about my Big Safety darkhorse:

DeShawn Snead, who actually played SS in college before becoming a DB tweener with the Seahawks:

Height: 6011
Weight: 220
40 Yrd Dash: 4.53
20 Yrd Dash: 2.71
10 Yrd Dash: 1.59 225 Lb. Bench Reps: 24
Vertical Jump: 38
Broad Jump: 10'01"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.23
3-Cone Drill: 6.76

I already compared Toomer to 5 DBs and he has compared well if not better than all of them despite out weighing most by 15 pounds. I'll throw two more names.

Richard Sherman:
Height: 6025
Weight: 195
40 Yrd Dash: 4.53
20 Yrd Dash: 2.56
10 Yrd Dash: 1.58
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 16
Vertical Jump: 37
Broad Jump: 11'00"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.29
3-Cone Drill: 6.72

Jeron Johnson:
Height: 5102
Weight: 212
40 Yrd Dash: 4.51
20 Yrd Dash: 2.55
10 Yrd Dash: 1.55
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 23
Vertical Jump: 31
Broad Jump: 09'05"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.20
3-Cone Drill: 6.95

So, back to Toomer... I feel with his athletic measures, he could become a hell of player at Safety if the Seahawks gave him an opportunity, and I understand it would be a climb and half for him to become "coverage" friendly. However, it would not surprise if Korey Toomer is one of, if the not the most athletic player on the roster. With the log jam that is becoming the LBer corps because of LEO/SAM dual responsibilities, the USC trio, and the additions of udfa, Lotulelei and Wilkins... both players who are intangibly better LBers than Toomer... It would be something I wish the team would do, if Toomer was up to the challenge... the Big Safety spot arguably has the weakest competition and adding an athletic powerhouse like Toomer to the mix will send a big message to other guys to step up their game like the guy named Guy.

 

[BigNastyyy]

how about we focus more on who's going to be the starting outside backer and not who could possibly be a third string safety

 

[KitsapHawk]

how about we focus more on who's going to be the starting outside backer and not who could possibly be a third string safety

yeah we arent getting paid to evaluate third strings

 

[ivotuk]

Interesting idea, but I think Jeremy Lane is a lot faster than 4.48. I'd put him closer to 4.35 after watching him blaze down the field on Richard Sherman's blocked field goal returned for a TD.

I wonder if Toomer wouldn't make a good DB though.

 

[ImTheScientist]

I prefer him to master the LBer position and make the team.

 

[drdiags]

Commendable effort in expressing your thinking. Hadn't considered Toomer in another role but we do know the coaches will try to take a player's talents and get what they can before giving up, ala Konz. Not sure why others feel they need to put you in your place but quick and to the point most likely works best for them?

I have no opinion on this but appreciate the attempt at out-the-box thinking.

 

[Pandion Haliaetus]

Interesting idea, but I think Jeremy Lane is a lot faster than 4.48. I'd put him closer to 4.35 after watching him blaze down the field on Richard Sherman's blocked field goal returned for a TD.

I wonder if Toomer wouldn't make a good DB though.

No doubt that Lane is one of the fastest on the team but I would guess if Toomer weighed 190 pounds... I'd reckon he'd run a cool 4-3 and have even better numbers overall.

And to others... this is merely a loose thought but I feel the Seahawks have instinctively better LBers available, right now, with some being on par or only half a step behind athletically. If moving Toomer to safety gives him a better chance at making the roster, then I would have no qualms about it what-so-ever.

 

[kearly]

I could see Toomer as a Winston Guy type safety. They are extremely similar players actually. Last preseason both struggled in coverage and run support but both sizzle as pass rushers. Similar size too, and all that. If we didn't already have Avril/Irvin, I'd consider Toomer an excellent candidate for the SAM/Spinner role. Maybe Toomer could make the team this year to cover for Irvin's early suspension?

 

[The Radish]

Nice presentation of a controversial subject.

:th2thumbs:

 

[ParisPC07]

Go Vandals.

 

[jlwaters1]

I've been working on a random linebacker project and I've notice how awesome Korey Toomer stands out athletically. So I did some researching and found... the 6'2, 234 pound Korey Toomer compares favorably well to the 6'0, 190 pound Jermey Lane... a 44 pound difference.

Korey Toomer:
Height: 6022
Weight: 234
40 Yrd Dash: 4.53
20 Yrd Dash: 2.50
10 Yrd Dash: 1.61
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 20
Vertical Jump: 42
Broad Jump: 10'10"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.00
3-Cone Drill: 6.87

Jeremey Lane:
Height: 6000
Weight: 190
40 Yrd Dash: 4.48
20 Yrd Dash: 2.59
10 Yrd Dash: 1.58
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 12
Vertical Jump: 42
Broad Jump: 10'10"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.14
3-Cone Drill: 7.02

While Toomer is weak (bench press) compared to most other linebackers, he'd instantly be one of the strongest defensive backs on the team with 20, if he were to make the switch. Before we talk about not having required coverage ability, I see his ideal playing weight as a Linebacker/Safety hybrid minus 10 pounds at 224. His deep speed range of 4.53s will like be reduced to sub 4.5 speed. Automatically, making him one of fastest players in the Seahawks secondary.

Kam Chanchellor is about Toomer's size now,(however Chanchellor is good because he has QB, CB background before he transitioned to safety plus not to forget the tutelage of Lawyer Milloy)

Chanchellor:
Height: 6032
Weight: 231
40 Yrd Dash: 4.62
20 Yrd Dash: 2.63
10 Yrd Dash: 1.60
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 22
Vertical Jump: 32
Broad Jump: 09'08"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.41
3-Cone Drill: 7.36

How about the other 2 big safety projects on the roster:

Winston Guy:
Height: 6007
Weight: 218
40 Yrd Dash: 4.53
20 Yrd Dash: 2.64
10 Yrd Dash: 1.61
225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump: 36
Broad Jump: 09'07"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.29
3-Cone Drill: 6.79

Ray Polk, I didn't know he measured this good or played primarily FS in college, Johnson and Margagos has serious competition from this UDFA:
Height: 6006
Weight: 219
40 Yrd Dash: 4.40
20 Yrd Dash: 2.59
10 Yrd Dash: 1.59
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 19
Vertical Jump: 39
Broad Jump: 10'06"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.33
3-Cone Drill: 7.10

How about my Big Safety darkhorse:

DeShawn Snead, who actually played SS in college before becoming a DB tweener with the Seahawks:

Height: 6011
Weight: 220
40 Yrd Dash: 4.53
20 Yrd Dash: 2.71
10 Yrd Dash: 1.59 225 Lb. Bench Reps: 24
Vertical Jump: 38
Broad Jump: 10'01"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.23
3-Cone Drill: 6.76

I already compared Toomer to 5 DBs and he has compared well if not better than all of them despite out weighing most by 15 pounds. I'll throw two more names.

Richard Sherman:
Height: 6025
Weight: 195
40 Yrd Dash: 4.53
20 Yrd Dash: 2.56
10 Yrd Dash: 1.58
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 16
Vertical Jump: 37
Broad Jump: 11'00"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.29
3-Cone Drill: 6.72

Jeron Johnson:
Height: 5102
Weight: 212
40 Yrd Dash: 4.51
20 Yrd Dash: 2.55
10 Yrd Dash: 1.55
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 23
Vertical Jump: 31
Broad Jump: 09'05"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.20
3-Cone Drill: 6.95

So, back to Toomer... I feel with his athletic measures, he could become a hell of player at Safety if the Seahawks gave him an opportunity, and I understand it would be a climb and half for him to become "coverage" friendly. However, it would not surprise if Korey Toomer is one of, if the not the most athletic player on the roster. With the log jam that is becoming the LBer corps because of LEO/SAM dual responsibilities, the USC trio, and the additions of udfa, Lotulelei and Wilkins... both players who are intangibly better LBers than Toomer... It would be something I wish the team would do, if Toomer was up to the challenge... the Big Safety spot arguably has the weakest competition and adding an athletic powerhouse like Toomer to the mix will send a big message to other guys to step up their game like the guy named Guy.

Where do you get the idea that he's horrible in coverage? At Idaho they played less nickle than originally anticipated because Toomer was able to match up and cover the Slot WR. He played alot of coverage in college and was pretty good. He also was an efficient blitzer. I'm not sure if moving him to safety would work. But I sure hope he takes a big step forward in his development and can make the team this year.

At Idaho he played special teams his first year, redshirted his 2nd year due to a hand injury and then was a star as a SR. I would hope that he could make the team this year mainly as a special teamer. I'd love to see his athleticism on the field for Seattle, but maybe we'll have to be patient with his development.

 

[Coug_Hawk08]

Has he played safety before, ever? What we know right now, is that he was barely a PS level talent last season. Now, we have heard some nice comments on his progress, but he has a lot of competition and is no lock to make the team at LB. His odds would be even longer at safety. His special teams play is probably the most important thing for him right now.

The numbers don't mean much, we already knew he was an athlete.

 

[CamanoIslandJQ]

I would like to see a DB following Winfield around like a puppy while picking his brain like Chancellor learned his position from Lawyer Malloy. Winfield is, after all, probably a 1 year rental considering his age. Current players that MAYBE could fit this scenario that are on the -current- roster IMO are: Ray Polk, Jeremy Lane, Chris Maragos, Byron Maxwell--and for some reason I think John Lotulelei might be a good fit converting from LB? Just my thoughts :49ersmall:

 

[grizrgood]

Go Vandals.

Hide the spray paint!

GO GRIZ!!

 

[SE174]

Go Vandals.

Hide the spray paint!

GO GRIZ!!

No, no, no. 20-3 & 32-26... Go Eagles!

 

[NorthDallas40oz]

Wow, this really is the dead part of the off-season.

 

[grizrgood]

Go Vandals.

Hide the spray paint!

GO GRIZ!!

No, no, no. 20-3 & 32-26... Go Eagles!

It's a new season and we will find out on October 26! :th2thumbs:

 

[Pandion Haliaetus]

Wow, this really is the dead part of the off-season.

Wow, you have nothing tangible to add to this conversation yet you feel the need to state an obvious and useless fact.

Again, to others, and understand this for its importance... it was just a loose idea... at first it was Malcolm Smith popping off in my head as a possible linebacker/safety hybrid but then Toomer just stuck out like crazy... and it was even more surprising to see that Toom tested well in comparison to the other defensive backs even at 234 pounds even against CBs who weighed 30-40 pounds less.

However, its not like I'm going to rally up and lobby the VMAC for Korey Toomer to be converted into a safety. It was an idea. I didn't know it would be such a touchy subject for people to grasp. "Change?... Oh no. I don't... I can't understand it"

So my apologies to those people that I made think beyond the capacity of their Seahawks box.

To JWalters: Honestly, I really didn't know what Toomer was like in coverage, I just said that because I knew others would think it.

 

[kigenzun]

Personally, I love the idea of redefining and improving upon classical/traditional ideas of "positions" with the intriguing new possible combinations of personnel we have assembled on this team. I also love the idea of taking the best athletes we can find, coaching 'em up at multiple positional possibilities, across years of development and coaching, then turning 'em loose with enthusiasm and wild abandon.

To the haters, drool on...

To Pandion, I love the out of the box thinking, fresh ideas, and excellent analysis.
To you, sir, kudos.:th2thumbs:

Be sure to keep up the good work.
No doubt.
And never punt.

 

[A-Dog]

His short shuttle time is amazing. The thing is, none of these tests measure instincts. Doesn't matter how athletic you are if you're not going in the right direction. It is interesting to see the kind of athletes Pete & John are looking for. He could be a factor if he puts it all together. I'm really excited to see what we put on the field defensively this year.