Offord at Nickel LB?

**muchluv4smoot** · 08-05-2004, 04:10 PM

Just read that Offord has passed Raonall smith as a nickel LB. What do you guys think about using offord at nickel LB? I like the idea. He is a talented kid, who we need to find away to get on the field. He is about the same size as nattiel and is quick as well. I am interested to see how he does in preseason as a nickel LB. I know nattiel, DT, and claiborne all want to be out there on nickel downs, but only 2 guys can. I would bet on nattiel and DT, but who knows.

**Chicago Mike** · 08-05-2004, 09:22 PM

He's ALWAYS been a player, looking for the right position.

Maybe this is it. Safety just didn't seem to fit, although he looks
the part.

We'll see.

**SKOL** · 08-06-2004, 01:49 AM

I just hate to see guys switching positions to fit the needs of the team. Be honest, when was the last time that worked? Tackles to ends, ends to tackles, weekside LB to strong side and vice versa. Chavous to Safety was a good move, but he's more of a leader of the defense, and was well suited to the position. Maybe I'm wrong..., and I would like to see Offord work out. I'm just a skeptic.

**casper** · 08-06-2004, 02:05 AM

great question but I think the coaches know what they are doing, they won't know untill the helmets hit the gridiron, and hopefully have a back-up inplace if it doesn't time will tell

**AngloVike** · 08-06-2004, 02:23 AM

"SKOL" wrote:

I just hate to see guys switching positions to fit the needs of the team. Be honest, when was the last time that worked? Tackles to ends, ends to tackles, weekside LB to strong side and vice versa. Chavous to Safety was a good move, but he's more of a leader of the defense, and was well suited to the position. Maybe I'm wrong..., and I would like to see Offord work out. I'm just a skeptic.

Have to agree with you on that, unless its a position that a guy's played before then I'm dubious as as how well it can really work. I'd rather see them stick at their old position and work/fight harder for a spot

**whackthepack** · 08-06-2004, 10:38 AM

Chris Doleman was drafted as a linebacker and was switched to end during his first year (about half way through the season if I am remembering right), that worked OK.

**VKG4LFE** · 08-06-2004, 11:28 AM

How big is Offord? Does he have the size to play linebacker? I know it would be a linebacker in nickel situations, but still, I thought he was a smaller guy!

**purplepat** · 08-06-2004, 11:38 AM

I think Offord goes somewhere around 221 lbs. He can lay the licks on. You wouldn't want him out there as a regular LB because he is too small. But if you're looking for someone who would be fairly quick in pass coverage, covering RBs, TEs, and slot WRs, as well as deal with the occasional draw, etc., then Offord would probably do well.

**SKOL** · 08-06-2004, 12:24 PM

Exactly my point whackthepack. It's been what - 20 years?

**muchluv4smoot** · 08-06-2004, 03:18 PM

"purplepat" wrote:

I think Offord goes somewhere around 221 lbs. He can lay the licks on. You wouldn't want him out there as a regular LB because he is too small. But if you're looking for someone who would be fairly quick in pass coverage, covering RBs, TEs, and slot WRs, as well as deal with the occasional draw, etc., then Offord would probably do well.

Yeah, offord is really only a few lbs lighter than nattiel. Since he has played safety already, he should fit in really well as a nickel LB, playing coverages, maybe better than any LB we have. I still see nattiel and dontarrious as our nickel LB's, and claiborne has been telling tice he wants to be out there on nickel as well. Personally I would rather have nattiel and DT's speed out there, than have claiborne's experience. It does seem like offord has a long way to go before we see him starting in our nickel D, but I like the idea of trying to find a way to get him on the field.