High Mark Posted February 22, 2009 Posted February 22, 2009 I never really like to use measurables as a reason not to draft someone. I figured if they could get it done on the field the rest was iceing on the cake. But Everette Brown is only 6'2''. Just how short is too short to be effective as a DE? This is the 11th pick so we should expect to get a 3 down player not a situational guy. Does this mean we look at guys like Shaughnessy, Kruger, Johnson, Barwin, or Ayers in the second? It seems like such a small difference, but I couldnt think of many successful three down ends that play at that height.
Glass To The Arson Posted February 22, 2009 Posted February 22, 2009 I never really like to use measurables as a reason not to draft someone. I figured if they could get it done on the field the rest was iceing on the cake. But Everette Brown is only 6'2''. Just how short is too short to be effective as a DE? This is the 11th pick so we should expect to get a 3 down player not a situational guy. Does this mean we look at guys like Shaughnessy, Kruger, Johnson, Barwin, or Ayers in the second? It seems like such a small difference, but I couldnt think of many successful three down ends that play at that height. I think being a short DE could be an advantage more leverage
BuckyFillUps Posted February 22, 2009 Posted February 22, 2009 He might be the next Dwight fREENY. MOST LIKELY NOT. A 4-3 DE imho, needs to be at least 6'5. With the exception of Micheal Johnson and Tyson Jackson, the rest of this DE class are nothing but OLBs in my mind. PASS ON ALLL OF THEM IN ROUND 1!!!!
San Jose Bills Fan Posted February 22, 2009 Posted February 22, 2009 Good question. What does he weigh? Dwight Freeney is a shade over 6'1" and his play speaks for itself. But he's built pretty thickly, 265-270 and has leverage/low center of gravity to make the turn. I saw where Everette Brown was shorter than expected but I didn't see what his weight was. I think the weight has more to do with if he can play DE than the height. The counterargument is the Colts' other end, Robert Mathis is only 6'2" and about 245 and he's had two double sack seasons and is one of the better pass rushing DEs in the league. Elvis Dumervil has played in 45 NFL games and has started 31 of those. He has 26 career sacks and is an excellent pass rusher. He is listed at 5'11" but weights 260 pounds. Like Freeney, Dumervil is short but quite powerful. So in answer to your question, IMO height (or lack of it) does not immediately determine how effective a player might be.
jester43 Posted February 22, 2009 Posted February 22, 2009 I never really like to use measurables as a reason not to draft someone. I figured if they could get it done on the field the rest was iceing on the cake. But Everette Brown is only 6'2''. Just how short is too short to be effective as a DE? This is the 11th pick so we should expect to get a 3 down player not a situational guy. Does this mean we look at guys like Shaughnessy, Kruger, Johnson, Barwin, or Ayers in the second? It seems like such a small difference, but I couldnt think of many successful three down ends that play at that height. a 6'2" de? only if he is proportioned like a young mike tyson. and as physically dominant.
San Jose Bills Fan Posted February 22, 2009 Posted February 22, 2009 Here's the links to heights/weights, and results of all the drills. Everette Brown weighed in at 256 pounds, 14 pounds heavier than Aaron Schobel. Schobel's official height has always been listed at 6'4". Have to disagree with you Bucky, height is not an important consideration IMO. I would say that if you have two players rated equally, then you take the taller one. So for me, height is only a tie-breaker.
High Mark Posted February 22, 2009 Author Posted February 22, 2009 I did not know Freeney was that short. Brown plays a lot like Freeney, is very quick and powerful. I think he can play at that height without a problem if Freeney can.
ChasBB Posted February 22, 2009 Posted February 22, 2009 I think the answer is "it depends". If his 6'2" stature is combined with an absolute bull rush that makes him capable of tossing aside tackles, then maybe, but height is very important for a DE, so it would have to be a very strong player to overcome lack of height.
Tcali Posted February 22, 2009 Posted February 22, 2009 Robert Mathis is only 6'2" and about 245 and he's had two double sack seasons and is one of the better pass rushing DEs in the league. But he's not a high motor white guy
Tcali Posted February 22, 2009 Posted February 22, 2009 I think the answer is "it depends". If his 6'2" stature is combined with an absolute bull rush that makes him capable of tossing aside tackles, then maybe, but height is very important for a DE, so it would have to be a very strong player to overcome lack of height. or extremely athletic
San Jose Bills Fan Posted February 22, 2009 Posted February 22, 2009 Here's the link I forgot to post upstream from here: http://www.nfl.com/combine/players
Steely Dan Posted February 22, 2009 Posted February 22, 2009 I think being a short DE could be an advantage more leverage It also makes it harder for an O lineman to get under his pads. My feeling about small DE's is that if they're very good or great at pass rushing that's a great skill to have on your team but I think a lot of them are one trick ponies. IMO, they are at a great disadvantage against the run. I think 6'4" to 6'6" is optimum for a DE. The taller they are the better it is as long as it doesn't interfere with their ability to handle shorter OL and make them too slow. I like big DE's because if he doesn't get the sack he can force the QB to throw away from his side or to lob the pass over his head which leads to more ints. JMO
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