5 takeaways from Hard Knocks preview

[Doc16LT56]

Simmons could be a game changer in the right system
I thought Wink just didn't have a clue as to how to use him effectively.
I really hope they can use Simmons to become a force on defense.

I was listening to an interesting discussion the other day between Wink Martindale and Mike Lombardi. They were talking about matching players to scheme. Wink mentioned Isaiah Simmons as one of his highest graded players ever coming out of college. He thinks with the right coordinator who believes in him and moves him around, that Simmons can live up to the potential. Now he didn't get there under Wink, but Wink said he still believes in him and thinks he's early enough in his career that he can get there with the right coordinator.

[bamagiantfan]

I thought Simmons NFL career showed that he is better as an ILB who rushes from that position and chases than more of a coverage player.

Hybrid safety is a position that can be both effective and maddening. I like Isaiah Simmons, and I liked Landon Collins. Getting them on the field in the right position, for the right call, where he can have the desired impact has always proven harder than it would seem.

[Philosophers]

Hybrid safety is a position that can be both effective and maddening. I like Isaiah Simmons, and I liked Landon Collins. Getting them on the field in the right position, for the right call, where he can have the desired impact has always proven harder than it would seem.

Simmons was initially a slot CB for the Cards because of his 4.38x speed.  I heard that although he is quick, his speed is better utilized running forward than backpedaling and mirroring.

[bamagiantfan]

Simmons was initially a slot CB for the Cards because of his 4.38x speed.  I heard that although he is quick, his speed is better utilized running forward than backpedaling and mirroring.

The Cardinals kept moving him around. I think we all remember that as well as Kiwanuka played he was constantly being asked to help somewhere else playing LB, Edge, DE, and DT in the 4 aces package. That has its pluses and minuses. I don't want to hijack the topic. I was just thinking out loud.

[Jclayton92]

I thought he would be really good in that Derwin James role. Occasionally blitzing, but being the run game tone setter, and covering what was in front of him.

[Philosophers]

Maybe he is a great, fast athlete but not instinctive.

[President Rick]

well I'm looking forward to the program [and BTW I'm glad we're not on the regular hard knocks....too distracting.   ......starts July 2 on HBO for those who weren't aware of the details.  Go Giants.

[4 Aces]

I don't think some are interpreting this correctly.

Bowen made 2 separate statements here:

*His base D is a 34, with 3 DL on the field, 2 OLBs and 2 ILBs.

*Specifically to Simmons, he'll be a nickel CB on early downs and a nickel LB on passing downs.

That does not mean Simmons is in the base D. What it likely means, when they are playing a passing team, they could play a nickel D on early downs (instead of their base), with Simmons at CB. 

[BluesCruz]

The money linebacker is a recently popular position in the NFL. The money linebacker is an athlete who is smaller than most traditional linebackers, usually closer in size to a strong safety. His most developed trait is his ability to tackle, yet still maintains the range of a safety. He is a capable blitzer, is constantly chasing the ball and is physical at the point of attack. The money linebacker usually stays on the at all times, changing positions to fit the defensive scheme. His primary usage is near the line of scrimmage where you want your top athletes.

What was Buddy Ryan's innovation for the roving Saftey/LBer  The 46 Defense?   Do that

Recently the Arizona Cardinals turned former Washington State strong safety Deone Bucannon into an effective money linebacker taking the place of their traditional Sam linebacker spot. Bucannon was very effective at this position and went on the lead the Cardinals in tackles (112) in 2015.

The St. Louis Rams did something similar with Mark Barron, but they utilized him as a Will linebacker. Although, this is closer to how the Carolina Panthers use Thomas Davis than to Bucannon. Bruce Irvin is another similar player but he is used more as a pass rushing specialist.

The money backer position is a popular position in the college game where teams want their athletes close to the ball. Michigan is implementing a new defensive scheme that features Jabril Peppers at the money linebacker position (although they call it the traditional Sam). Michigan State uses Ed Davis and Jon Reschke as money linebackers, and Ohio State used Darron Lee there as well.

So who can the Lions add in the 2016 draft to fill this role? Check out the six players I've identified on the next page.

https://detroitjockcity.com/2016/04/15/detroit-lions-draft-2016-adding-money-linebacker/