why the hell don't we try a few of our massive O-lineman out on the defensive line? We have a literal ton of them. I always hear about the "physicality" of Stanford and UW, but what exactly does that mean? To me that means big physical guys in the trenches. We have them but they are all on offense! We are never going to be physical on defense with tiny D-linemen who can run fast. I just don't get it. Seems like we're wasting what could be untapped potential. Help me understand Cougar brothers and sisters, help me understand.
Help me understand...
- Thread starter Cougarmatt90
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Quickness is still important. They're reacting, not acting. Mauigoa is really the only one that I could see making the transition, and I think we like him at center.
I started a thread about this a couple of months ago. Especially freshman with the new RS rules.
The skill set for DT is different from that of an offensive lineman.
While long arms , side to side lateral movement is valued for an offensive lineman
A defensive lineman is about strength and agility.
An offensive lineman who can shuffle and push back keeping someone at bay is a different physical tool set from someone who can overpower and react exploding to grab someone.
We currently are maxing on agility but suffer on strength. The reason we do this is the speed in which Pac 12 offenses operate. We can get big guys but they are slow and if that is the case they will suffer getting on counters, edges, and off tackle runs.
But if we we are fast we can handle those. Which is what we do currently. Ideally we want size to go with our speed, but if we have to choose one, we are going for the latter.
While long arms , side to side lateral movement is valued for an offensive lineman
A defensive lineman is about strength and agility.
An offensive lineman who can shuffle and push back keeping someone at bay is a different physical tool set from someone who can overpower and react exploding to grab someone.
We currently are maxing on agility but suffer on strength. The reason we do this is the speed in which Pac 12 offenses operate. We can get big guys but they are slow and if that is the case they will suffer getting on counters, edges, and off tackle runs.
But if we we are fast we can handle those. Which is what we do currently. Ideally we want size to go with our speed, but if we have to choose one, we are going for the latter.
OL and DL are not the same position. The speed D is exactly that. Putting bigger, slower players into the position group changes the fabric of your scheme.
WSU needs to get bigger on the DL with defensive players. There might be some value in a mud or snow game. That’s a special scenario.
WSU needs to get bigger on the DL with defensive players. There might be some value in a mud or snow game. That’s a special scenario.
Biggs..... question for you about D Lineman. Regarding pad level... some are of the opinion a shorter, wider DL would be more effective due to lower pad level. From some of your previous posts it appears you favor taller DL's with long arms and quickness.
I haven't followed close enough to know whether the position has evolved over the years. Interested to hear your take as you appear to have some good insight/opinions of those performing the dirty work in the trenches.
These are interesting reads in terms of what the averages are for wt/ht, and what are considered prototypical body types for d-linemen
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-prototypes-best-fits-for-each-position-now-and-in-the-future/
https://www.reference.com/sports-active-lifestyle/average-size-defensive-tackle-7c8017eecc205c2c
That’s quite interesting.
I actually think that the ideal size is
6’4 290 lbs.
How I came to this was looking at what Nick Saban had for his DTs and consistently they averaged 6’4 290 lbs
So if it works for him with the consistency he’s had 6’4 290 is that sweet spot.
Yeah well JJ Watt is an end and is actually a BIG end. At 6’5 290.
Ideally... you want the ends to be slightly taller and rangey quicker.
So like the ideal Defensive end would be 6-5-6-6 and 265.
Watt is the freakish exception because he has an extra 25lbs but moves like he’s 265. That is a freak DE.
Football is a DNA game. Height matters. There is a thing as too tall though.
Different schemes require different DNA. It all depends on what the defense is and what is asked of the DL.
In the scheme WSU is using now, I’d like to see them go 6’3” or 6’4” or taller. If they wanted a wider body on the inside you can go a little shorter.
Remember, the higher you go in sports the more little things matter. I promise you 6’3” 285 standing next to 6’5” 285 is not similar. It is ligjt years away in person than on paper.
