Very good article on Middle LB prospects and the short shuttle

[MightyGiants]

Here is a sample

When evaluating the middle linebacker position, the first and most important aspect to note is the prospect’s ability to read and react quickly and correctly to plays. I would much rather have a middle linebacker who runs a 4.8 and consistently reads the action quickly as opposed to a linebacker who can run a 4.4 but has a tendency to take a false step when asked to find the football. The MLB spot in the NFL is all about instincts and possessing the ability to quickly change directions and get after the ball.


The MLB is at times asked to run sideline-to-sideline or drop into coverage down the middle of the field. However, for the most part, inside linebackers are expected to read and react to run/pass keys between the tackles and redirect toward the football. Therefore, when evaluating the MLB position, it makes sense to put more weight on a linebacker’s short-shuttle time than his 40 time since he is more often asked to redirect quickly in tight spaces than run 40 yards across the field.

and here is a good chart on what should be considered good times

Great Short-Shuttle Time (4.2 seconds or less)

Barrett Ruud, Buccaneers (4.0)

Stephen Tulloch, Titans (4.18)

 

Good Short-Shuttle Time (4.21-4.3 seconds)


Jerod Mayo, Patriots (4.29)

Kawika Mitchell, Bills (4.24)

 

Average Short-Shuttle Time (4.31-4.45 seconds)


Kirk Morrison, Raiders (4.35)

D’Qwell Jackson, Browns (4.37)

 

Below-Average Short-Shuttle Time (4.46 seconds or more)

 Curtis Lofton, Falcons (4.56)

Kendrell Bell, Free Agent (4.5)

MORE (including the short shuttle times of this year's prospects):

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/03/behind-the-times-mlb-short-shuttle/

[jimmyz]

I'm glad someone wrote this article.  I've stated the same thing many times in previous offseasons.  Reaction time is much more important than foot speed.

I'll use my boxing analogy.  It was Jack Dempsey, I believe, who once said that he could beat most opponents to the punch even though there were many people who had faster handspeed.  Most others did not possess the abiliy to react to openings as quickly.

You could run a 4.2 but if you're feet are stuck in place because you cant tell what's happening then it's worthless.

The processing of information takes time.  I think most people may realize this but i think the vast majority of people truly do not understand that there is a time delay between brain and body that can be significant if its not trained.  It is not negligible.

[PSUBeirut]

I couldn't agree with this article more, and have said so much every time this topic comes up.  The short shuttle is the definitive LB agility test, especially for MLB.  That plus game tape gives you a great idea on a LB prospect.

[MightyGiants]

What I took away from the article is a new found respect for:

James Laurinaitis, Ohio State (6-2, 244), short-shuttle: 4.24

[Gmo11]

If you liked that Mighty wait till you see his numbers from his pro day:

ILB James Laurinaitis (6-2, 242) improved on his 4.76 40 time at the NFL Combine with a 4.72. He looked smooth during position drills and also lowered his short-shuttle time to 4.18 seconds.

Now thats what I'm talking about.

[PSUBeirut]

Tape > Short Shuttle.   

But good for JL. 

[President Rick]

I was thinking the same thing, Mighty Giants.  Here in Buckeye country I have seen JL play a lot and he always seems to be quick to the ball.  He is a good hitter and a better elader.  Also fairly smart they say, and seems fairly articulate in interviews.  basically a good kid who is also a fine athlete.  Nice NYGiants prospect in my book, esp. in a year where I'd be looking MLB in round one, even if i had to [gulp, I'm going to day it] move up 5-9 slots to get him.

[beaugestus]

Thanks Rich, I was debating on JL and noticed his shuttle time and felt at the time it was more important than a 40 time.

[bigblueinclearbluenc]

This article tells me that we're OK with Pierce at MLB, even though he lost a step. His smarts and knowing what's happening is more important. He lines up the defense and has them in position to make the play and does react accurately towards the play. He needs speedy OLB's and we're set. That also speaks highly for Blackburn as a solid back up. He's smart and reads the play. He just doesn't have the speed to play outside.

[XNYrnLA]

This article tells me that we're OK with Pierce at MLB, even though he lost a step. His smarts and knowing what's happening is more important. He lines up the defense and has them in position to make the play and does react accurately towards the play. He needs speedy OLB's and we're set. That also speaks highly for Blackburn as a solid back up. He's smart and reads the play. He just doesn't have the speed to play outside.

How's that....pierce will be slower than 5.5 now!

[tomeee]

How's that....pierce will be slower than 5.5 now!

If you take your first step in the wrong direction in really doesn't matter how fast you are. If you have the rest of the D aligned wrong look out big play coming. It is not all about speed.