Can English succesfully move to Middle Linebacker?

by Tackle Box on Feb 12, 2009 6:47 PM CST

Mad.Mike, I'm hoping to get your opinion on moving Larry English to Linebacker, specifically Middle Linebacker.

There's lot's of talk and speculation that in order to succeed at the next level, Mr. English is going to have to make a position switch. He's shown a great abiltiy to rush off the ends, but how is his coverage ability and would he be able to adjust to the possibitly of having more blockers coming from more directions?

Or is he simply suited to be on the outside?

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It's a possibility, but...

…I can’t see any team really taking that chance. To me, Larry English is extremely quick off of the edge, but lacks the elite top-speed that is required by a MLB. Right now, I just can’t see him playing Middle Linebacker. I hope that English can show something new at the combine in a week or so. He might have lost weight and took a few tenths off of his 40 time. Add the fact that English would be extremely inexperienced at the position. From what I saw on the field, Larry barely ever dropped back in coverage usually in some sort of zone-blitz play.

Also I’m gonna have to assume from a front office position, it’s not a matter of him not being able to take on the position. Why would you waste the talent you have of English off of the edge running down the quarterback and making Offensive Tackles look silly? Sure the MLB can blitz once in a while, but I just think it’s a waste of what his best talent is: getting to the QB and into the backfield. Moving him to a 3-4 rush linebacker would be ideal as several DEs have done this in the past and have been successful.

by Mike Breese on Feb 12, 2009 8:00 PM CST reply actions

I agree.

Outside in a 3-4 would probably be the perfect fit for English.

Anyway, thanks for answering. There’s been some debate about him switching which is probably just wishful thinking trying to find a spot on the defense for such a talent like Larry English.

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by Tackle Box on Feb 12, 2009 9:28 PM CST up reply actions