Best fit in the draft for Sam LB?

Originally posted by 49erInTheMidwest:

Do we really need a SAM that can pass rush though? Don't we have guys who are supposed to be pass rushers such as Eli Harold? I think more than anything we need the SAM for the stack look, which is why I like Connor Harris... later than the guys like Bowser and Willis. He reminds me a lot of Zach Thomas, tackling machines. He can come out for those pass rushing downs, and potentially be Bowman's future replacement!

Originally posted by Heroism:

Originally posted by 49erInTheMidwest:
Do we really need a SAM that can pass rush though? Don't we have guys who are supposed to be pass rushers such as Eli Harold? I think more than anything we need the SAM for the stack look, which is why I like Connor Harris... later than the guys like Bowser and Willis. He reminds me a lot of Zach Thomas, tackling machines. He can come out for those pass rushing downs, and potentially be Bowman's future replacement!

Imagine Conor Harris on the line of scrimmage against Vance McDonald trying to anchor down and play contain...lol dude would get steamrolled.

SAM has to be able to anchor down against a tackle, tight end, fullback, etc. he needs to have decent size and length to do so.

Originally posted by 49erInTheMidwest:

People worried about Zach Thomas's 5'11" height coming out of Texas Tech, but look how he turned out 633 career tackles, yes at lower level, but I don't really see him getting steam rolled by anyone... dude can play ball! 33" vert isn't bad either = to Raekwon's..
How about a guy like Vince Beigel?

Originally posted by Heroism:
Zach thomas played an entirely different role...

Originally posted by 49erInTheMidwest:

Middle, but still rushed, filled run, dropped into coverage.. in a typical 4-3 I think Thomas could play either of the 3 backer spots..

Originally posted by Heroism:

Originally posted by 49erInTheMidwest:
Middle, but still rushed, filled run, dropped into coverage.. in a typical 4-3 I think Thomas could play either of the 3 backer spots..

Okay, but we're talking a vey specific role that entails primarily setting the edge, covering the flat, and rushing the passer as an edge rusher, none of which constitutes Zach Thomas' role as a middle linebacker.

Originally posted by 49erInTheMidwest:

Originally posted by Heroism:

Originally posted by 49erInTheMidwest:
Middle, but still rushed, filled run, dropped into coverage.. in a typical 4-3 I think Thomas could play either of the 3 backer spots..

Okay, but we're talking a vey specific role that entails primarily setting the edge, covering the flat, and rushing the passer as an edge rusher, none of which constitutes Zach Thomas' role as a middle linebacker.

Out of the nickel yes, but i'm saying base 4-3, harris could cover and give run support, when pass rush is needed he can sub out.

back to my question though -- What about a guy such as Vince Biegel?

Originally posted by WRATHman44:
No. In the 4-3 under defense, the SAM is on the LOS, covering the TE or wing.

I think Biegel could potentially do it in a couple years, after he gains 10-20 pounds and some strength.

Originally posted by 49erInTheMidwest:

Originally posted by WRATHman44:
No. In the 4-3 under defense, the SAM is on the LOS, covering the TE or wing.

I think Biegel could potentially do it in a couple years, after he gains 10-20 pounds and some strength.

So how often would we even run a 4-3 stack? So do you see Harris as a potential Will or Mike in the league in 4-3 or ILB in 3-4?

Originally posted by Lobo49er:
Man I can't wait to hear something about how the competitions went, who stands out where in the scheme, etc. So many questions regarding "where do they see him playing?" still remain, even after Saleh talked a lot about this. The box safety competition is going to be a lot of fun.

Our LB depth was so deplorable last year. Seeing Brooks go/cut/traded, would imho, be a big mistake. He can excel at Base SAM, and come in and rush end if needed in sub. He's a vet, a pro, dependable, knows his job, does it, and he's consistent, and reliable. We know what we're going to get from him, and he brings it. I'm not saying he's a stud , just that teams needs guys like Brooks - I wish we had more of him. Instead, we have a lot of guys with questions about what they can do, where they will be, and how well they are going to contribute. (but that also makes this off season interesting and full of hope).

Originally posted by SofaKing:
TJ Watt or Tyus Bowser seem like perfect fits.

Originally posted by 49erInTheMidwest:

He's listed as a safety, but this guy is an animal.. he plays the line of scrimmage, sets the edge on rush, and can cover...
Honestly can't believe I haven't found this guy til now.. with some work, he could be SAM maybe with some work... nothing else, he could be our Bam Bam Kam, if Tartt doesn't pan out and we decide to go away from Reid, maybe even a WILL, idk..Not even sure when he'd get drafted or at all, he's intriguing though!
what do you guys think?