Can Dekoda Watson play OLB in 3-4?

TheMikeIsHot · 03-19-2010, 04:16 PM

He's obviously undersized at 6'1 240. And we generally see smallish DEs make the transition to OLB, but can a guy like Watson make that switch?

Much better in coverage than a converted DE and has shown the ability to get after the QB and make plays behind the LOS. Solidly build, strong and fast as hell.

Maybe he's strictly a 4-3 guy. But he can play. I wouldn't mind seeing him in Green and White.

SenorGato · 03-19-2010, 09:04 PM

I could see him bulking up to 245-250 in the pros. He is going to be working in the NFL.

He'd probably play inside, but if he's a better pass rusher than predicted he could definitely play OLB. I think he's a good mid-late round pick for any system.

TheMikeIsHot · 03-19-2010, 11:07 PM

I do think that he'll add 10 pounds also, which would put him right in that ideal 3-4 OLB range. And he's a little different than most because he can actually cover a little bit.

As for pass-rush technique, I'm not really sure how polished that part of his game is. 6.5 sacks and 16 TFL are both very solid for a 4-3 OLB. So maybe he's a little better in that area than we know of.

I really wish I knew what Rex thought of his game.

SenorGato · 03-19-2010, 11:11 PM

[QUOTE=TheMikeIsHot;3532330]I do think that he'll add 10 pounds also, which would put him right in that ideal 3-4 OLB range. And he's a little different than most because he can actually cover a little bit.

As for pass-rush technique, I'm not really sure how polished that part of his game is. 6.5 sacks and 16 TFL are both very solid for a 4-3 OLB. So maybe he's a little better in that area than we know of.

I really wish I knew what Rex thought of his game.[/QUOTE]

He's like a watered down Clint Sintim, because he's not as big. He's a better natural athlete.

TheMikeIsHot · 03-19-2010, 11:15 PM

[QUOTE=SenorGato;3532332]He's like a watered down Clint Sintim, because he's not as big. He's a better natural athlete.[/QUOTE]

Except Sintim played in a 3-4 and was probably better suited to take on that role at the next level.

Watson is a MUCH better natural athlete. It's not even close.

I don't really know who to compare Watson to in the NFL right now. He's sort of a rare player. Not that he's special, but I just can't think of anyone else who to compare him to... maybe you've got something in mind.

SenorGato · 03-19-2010, 11:29 PM

[QUOTE=TheMikeIsHot;3532338]Except Sintim played in a 3-4 and was probably better suited to take on that role at the next level.

Watson is a MUCH better natural athlete. It's not even close.

I don't really know who to compare Watson to in the NFL right now. He's sort of a rare player. Not that he's special, but I just can't think of anyone else who to compare him to... maybe you've got something in mind.[/QUOTE]

Meh...Virginia's college 3-4 doesn't really factor into anything for me. Sintim was a good 4-3 OLB prospect too.

Watson's just a good athlete who can develop if he's coached up. I just like his chances better than most guys his size to try out with Rex's D, and because his size stands out he stands out. Plus, 3-4 teams have been taking developmental guys like him and finding uses for them.

Woody56 · 03-20-2010, 09:53 AM

Watson weighed 226 at FSU pro day a few days ago

TheMikeIsHot · 03-20-2010, 11:50 AM

[QUOTE=Woody56;3532421]Watson weighed 226 at FSU pro day a few days ago[/QUOTE]

Ohh I didn't know he dropped that much weight from the combine.

SenorGato · 03-20-2010, 12:01 PM

So there goes that.

Come Back to NY · 03-21-2010, 01:45 PM

[QUOTE=Woody56;3532421]Watson weighed 226 at FSU pro day a few days ago[/QUOTE]

I'll take your word on the 226lbs, did not hear that but he ran in the mid 4.4's....

Watson's game has been going south since his junior season- straight south...physically he runs a 4.5 but mentally he plays a 4.9...too bad- he looked like such a terrific prospect in '07...

03-19-2010, 04:16 PM	#1
TheMikeIsHot All Pro Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 7,043	Can Dekoda Watson play OLB in 3-4? He's obviously undersized at 6'1 240. And we generally see smallish DEs make the transition to OLB, but can a guy like Watson make that switch? Much better in coverage than a converted DE and has shown the ability to get after the QB and make plays behind the LOS. Solidly build, strong and fast as hell. Maybe he's strictly a 4-3 guy. But he can play. I wouldn't mind seeing him in Green and White.

03-19-2010, 09:04 PM	#2
SenorGato still a little buzzed. Hall Of Fame Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 8,281	I could see him bulking up to 245-250 in the pros. He is going to be working in the NFL. He'd probably play inside, but if he's a better pass rusher than predicted he could definitely play OLB. I think he's a good mid-late round pick for any system.

03-19-2010, 11:07 PM	#3
TheMikeIsHot All Pro Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 7,043	I do think that he'll add 10 pounds also, which would put him right in that ideal 3-4 OLB range. And he's a little different than most because he can actually cover a little bit. As for pass-rush technique, I'm not really sure how polished that part of his game is. 6.5 sacks and 16 TFL are both very solid for a 4-3 OLB. So maybe he's a little better in that area than we know of. I really wish I knew what Rex thought of his game.

03-19-2010, 11:11 PM	#4
SenorGato still a little buzzed. Hall Of Fame Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 8,281	[QUOTE=TheMikeIsHot;3532330]I do think that he'll add 10 pounds also, which would put him right in that ideal 3-4 OLB range. And he's a little different than most because he can actually cover a little bit. As for pass-rush technique, I'm not really sure how polished that part of his game is. 6.5 sacks and 16 TFL are both very solid for a 4-3 OLB. So maybe he's a little better in that area than we know of. I really wish I knew what Rex thought of his game.[/QUOTE] He's like a watered down Clint Sintim, because he's not as big. He's a better natural athlete.

03-19-2010, 11:15 PM	#5
TheMikeIsHot All Pro Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 7,043	[QUOTE=SenorGato;3532332]He's like a watered down Clint Sintim, because he's not as big. He's a better natural athlete.[/QUOTE] Except Sintim played in a 3-4 and was probably better suited to take on that role at the next level. Watson is a MUCH better natural athlete. It's not even close. I don't really know who to compare Watson to in the NFL right now. He's sort of a rare player. Not that he's special, but I just can't think of anyone else who to compare him to... maybe you've got something in mind.

03-19-2010, 11:29 PM	#6
SenorGato still a little buzzed. Hall Of Fame Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 8,281	[QUOTE=TheMikeIsHot;3532338]Except Sintim played in a 3-4 and was probably better suited to take on that role at the next level. Watson is a MUCH better natural athlete. It's not even close. I don't really know who to compare Watson to in the NFL right now. He's sort of a rare player. Not that he's special, but I just can't think of anyone else who to compare him to... maybe you've got something in mind.[/QUOTE] Meh...Virginia's college 3-4 doesn't really factor into anything for me. Sintim was a good 4-3 OLB prospect too. Watson's just a good athlete who can develop if he's coached up. I just like his chances better than most guys his size to try out with Rex's D, and because his size stands out he stands out. Plus, 3-4 teams have been taking developmental guys like him and finding uses for them.

03-20-2010, 09:53 AM	#7
Woody56 Purifying myself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka All League Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Long Island Posts: 3,067	Watson weighed 226 at FSU pro day a few days ago

03-20-2010, 11:50 AM	#8
TheMikeIsHot All Pro Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 7,043	[QUOTE=Woody56;3532421]Watson weighed 226 at FSU pro day a few days ago[/QUOTE] Ohh I didn't know he dropped that much weight from the combine.

03-20-2010, 12:01 PM	#9
SenorGato still a little buzzed. Hall Of Fame Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 8,281	So there goes that.

03-21-2010, 01:45 PM	#10
Come Back to NY Making lotsa $$$ off obama's stupidity... Jets Insider VIP JetsInsider.com Legend Charter JI Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 31,407	[QUOTE=Woody56;3532421]Watson weighed 226 at FSU pro day a few days ago[/QUOTE] I'll take your word on the 226lbs, did not hear that but he ran in the mid 4.4's.... Watson's game has been going south since his junior season- straight south...physically he runs a 4.5 but mentally he plays a 4.9...too bad- he looked like such a terrific prospect in '07...