Shawn Merriman Arrested

[Daseal]

Merriman at SLB in a 4-3? Really? He's a 3-4 LB through and through. He is schemed around and is excellent at getting to the QB. If put at LB in a 4-3 or DE in a 4-3 I think he would be far less successful than he has been in the past.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by Daseal

Merriman at SLB in a 4-3? Really? He's a 3-4 LB through and through. He is schemed around and is excellent at getting to the QB. If put at LB in a 4-3 or DE in a 4-3 I think he would be far less successful than he has been in the past.

I agree. Both Merriman and Ware are good players and I do not want to diminish them. But both thrive because of the systems they are in. They are like defensive versions of a "system quarterback."

[T.O.Killa]

Originally Posted by Daseal

Merriman at SLB in a 4-3? Really? He's a 3-4 LB through and through. He is schemed around and is excellent at getting to the QB. If put at LB in a 4-3 or DE in a 4-3 I think he would be far less successful than he has been in the past.

Well I think he could play SLB, maybe I am wrong. For some reason I thought he played MLB in a 4-3. They always said we would have drafted him if we had not lost Champ. I still would love to see him try.

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by Daseal

Merriman at SLB in a 4-3? Really? He's a 3-4 LB through and through. He is schemed around and is excellent at getting to the QB. If put at LB in a 4-3 or DE in a 4-3 I think he would be far less successful than he has been in the past.

Most of the time an OLB in a 3-4 becomes a DE when he switches to a 4-3. Of course it can go either way. Joey Porter for example played OLB when he played in a 4-3 of course that didn't work out for him and when the team switched to a 3-4 he went absolutely nuts in opposing teams backfield.

I'd imagine though that Ware and Merriman go to a DE spot if they ever switch to a 4-3. Merriman though was touted as one of the most versitle players in a long time when he came out in the 2005 draft. So versitle in fact that he spent time at each position in the front 7 of Marylands defense during 2004 (though I don't remember if thats true or not). I think if he had to Merriman could succeed as a 4-3 OLB of course his biggest asset is his ability to get after the passer.

2005 Draft Profile

POSITIVES: Athletic defender who displays great suddenness to his game. Explosive up the field, redirects to ballcarriers and fast moving laterally. Pursues to the flanks with speed, displays outstanding range and the ability to defeat blocks. Breaks down well, tough to knock off his feet and strong at the point of attack. Possesses a closing burst of speed and flashes on the scene. Disciplined in pass coverage, effective in space and fast off the edge when lined up in a three-point stance.