Originally posted by Schulzy:
Problem is that all the OLB and DE's are lumped together. He should have the 4-3 guys and the 3-4 guys separate.
But a good list overall.
This. Even more so, you have to break down 3-4 OLB's from 4-3 OLB's and then SAM positions vs. WILL positions. That said, Brooks IMHO is probably top 2 or 3 best SAM in the business, hence why we locked him up. Not a bad list overall though; I'd agree with a lot of it. That said, how many of us really care about other team's players? LOL.
We should do our own:
#3 Ahmad Brooks, San Francisco 49ers
Agility - 8. At 260 Brooks has solid, upper level hip flexibility and quickness in space. A very good athlete overall.
Bull Rush - 7 - Took on double-teams all year and kept QB's and RB's from getting outside and Aldon Smith and other's benefited from single coverage on the other side. Could benefit more from starting off the LOS (ala Merriman) rather than a stand-still position against large Tackles.
Speed Rush - 8 - Rare combination of speed and quickness/burst and hustle. Uses hands well and generally beats single blocking to apply at least pressure. When angry, explodes off the edge. He breaks QB's. 3rd on the team in sacks and tons of QB pressures/hits.
Read & React - 9 - Best part of his game. Lead the team in TFL and I didn't see one blown assignment all year. Was critical in run defense, screens and runs off tackle. Knocked down key passes that would have gone for TD's and rushed up the field forcing incompletions in the RZ. I would give him a 10 save for a few false starts last year.
Run Defense - 8 - Again, took on multiple blockers all year while getting up field, sealing the edge and funneling RB's inside to help
Shed Blocks - 7 - With no backup and this being his first year, there were moments he was tired, worn down and was typically targeted all year by the opposition for double teams. With a new contract and a full off season of conditioning and a coaching staff that clearly believes in him and a great attitude to boot now, he should continue to be a regular at the gym and continue to be an effective every down SAM.
Speed - 8 - Might be the best overall coverage LB we have. Had fantastic outside and underneath coverage all year; didn't benefit from over-the-top and inside coverage at times but he did his part. But at 260 pounds you probably won't find too many SAMs who can cover down the field. Great closing speed and explodes through RB's
Strength - 6 - Would like to see him work on leverage more and could benefit from strength training since he takes on so many double teams. Conditioning and strength go hand in hand (see also, Smith, Justin)
Tackle - 8 - Did he have a missed tackle last year? Text-book
Health - 10 - Can you believe this is his first year as a FT starter with no off-season? And he did so by being one of the team leaders in total plays from scrimmage. Impressive.
Overall - 79
[ Edited by NCommand on Apr 11, 2012 at 5:40 PM ]