Jachai Polite, EDGE, Florida

Originally posted by mayo49:

Yeah, but Freeney is the exception. Not too many 6'1" ends in the league.

Tell me what advantages you think a 6'5" DE has over one that is 6'1"? Lets assume they both have a fairly similar frame.

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:

Originally posted by mayo49:
Yeah, but Freeney is the exception. Not too many 6'1" ends in the league.

Tell me what advantages you think a 6'5" DE has over one that is 6'1"? Lets assume they both have a fairly similar frame.

I think a 6'5" DEs are more apt not to get eatin up by OTs. I just think 6'1" dudes have to use finesse most of the time as apposed to bigger DEs who can use both finesse and power moves.

One of the most powerful edge rushers of this decade was 6 feet tall on a good day.

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:
Tell me what advantages you think a 6'5" DE has over one that is 6'1"? Lets assume they both have a fairly similar frame.

Reach advantage and weight.

Originally posted by Bitplayer:
Reach advantage and weight.

Taller athletes presumably have both advantages, but it's not always the case. There are a lot of tall athletes out there with diminutive frames and short arms.

I would say the only true absolute advantage a taller athlete at edge has over a shorter one is vision. They get a better view of the field. That's it.

Originally posted by mayo49:

I think a 6'5" DEs are more apt not to get eatin up by OTs. I just think 6'1" dudes have to use finesse most of the time as apposed to bigger DEs who can use both finesse and power moves.

Why do you believe that shorter pass rushers can't use power?


Say you have one guy that is 6'1" and 265 and another that is 6'5" and 235. You still think the shorter guy is more apt to be eaten up?

Originally posted by Heroism:
I would say the only true absolute advantage a taller athlete at edge has over a shorter one is vision. They get a better view of the field. That's it.

I agree with vision.

Other thoughts:

IMO a shorter guy likely relies more on his lower half than a taller guy. Either he needs more leg drive for power or to bend around the tackle. This could be a factor in inclement weather or if he's got a nagging leg injury. (This may not be as true for an inside guy, since he doesn't have to worry about protecting an edge. Also, it may not be true for Aaron Donald because he seems to have the perfect shape so that all his power drives into the blocker's chest pad.)

Also, the shorter guy may have a higher learning curve in the NFL. At the college and pro level, a taller guy can kind of get away with locking arms and winning with more effort. The shorter guy needs to be more precise. He might've gotten away with speed in college. But, there's less margin for error in the pro's. Some of his moves might need to be reworked because a pro OT is too quick and strong.

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:

Originally posted by mayo49:
I think a 6'5" DEs are more apt not to get eatin up by OTs. I just think 6'1" dudes have to use finesse most of the time as apposed to bigger DEs who can use both finesse and power moves.

Why do you believe that shorter pass rushers can't use power?

Say you have one guy that is 6'1" and 265 and another that is 6'5" and 235. You still think the shorter guy is more apt to be eaten up?

Goddamn it, Phoenix - your hard to argue against. I don't mind a 6'1"guy as long as he gets pressure on the Qb.

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:

Originally posted by mayo49:

I think a 6'5" DEs are more apt not to get eatin up by OTs. I just think 6'1" dudes have to use finesse most of the time as apposed to bigger DEs who can use both finesse and power moves.

Why do you believe that shorter pass rushers can't use power?


Say you have one guy that is 6'1" and 265 and another that is 6'5" and 235. You still think the shorter guy is more apt to be eaten up?

The NFL is obsessed with length, the theory is that the player who can get hands on frame first is more likely to win, easiest way to do that is legnth.

Obviously technique, quickness, power and leverage can play a big part, but length is the easiest one to measure.

Look I'm a big believer that the best football player will win, regardless of H/W/S or length (why I hate the combine) but we have to acknowledge what most teams covet.

I don't care if we are trotting out verne troyer, just get to the QB.

Originally posted by rathman4481:

I don't care if we are trotting out verne troyer, just get to the QB.

Yup, thing is he doesn't even have to get to the QB, just be so disruptive that someone gets there.

Originally posted by rathman4481:
I don't care if we are trotting out verne troyer, just get to the QB.

well, he's dead. But i guess he'd still be more effective than AA.

This d is designed for the undersized guy. It's wide 9 rushing so you want the guy who can bend and zip by the tackle.

Avril, Beasley, Irvin, Ngakae, Fowler. None of them are over 6-3. You have to look at everyone because you want the best prospect, d's can change but Polite's height shouldn't scare anyone off.

Originally posted by tjd808185:

This d is designed for the undersized guy. It's wide 9 rushing so you want the guy who can bend and zip by the tackle.

Avril, Beasley, Irvin, Ngakae, Fowler. None of them are over 6-3. You have to look at everyone because you want the best prospect, d's can change but Polite's height shouldn't scare anyone off.

Yup I think if you had a to pick a prototypical LEO from this draft it's Polite. Wish he had longer arms...imo him or Burns in a trade down and I'm a happy man.

Shorter guys in general are a little quicker since they have shorter legs. Taller guys usually have longer arms which can help knock down passes and maybe reach the QB easier. As far as power I don't see any real advantage for a taller guy over a shorter guy. Bottom line is can the guy play.