RI: Orakpo Starts Out at Linebacker

[Superman13732]

Here's a thought about the LB situation. I would personally like to see Orakpo develop as a DE, he has the power and speed to be elite at that position. Now onto my thought for the LB's, according to ESPN's free agent tracker (which isn't worth two shits and is probably wrong) Roy Williams, who has been a safety for the cowboys since 2002 is available. I don't know why he didn't play much in 2008, but he has been an excellent run stopper for the Cowboys, and has always been week for a safety in the coverage area. Why not pick him up cheap, throw him at the weak side, he will have above average speed at the position, can make tackles and will have amazing hands for a LB, he would be somewhat undersized for LB (ESPN has him listed at 6' 221). Which could pose problems since the OL would overpower him. But, I propose to you the Jury, that the OL will be occupied with our MASSIVE (Haynesworth is up to 340 according to the Skins) DL. Williams has proven he is excellent against the rush. Can we pick him up and Move Rocky to the strong side. Is he even available?

[CRedskinsRule]

well one he was a cowboy, and two he had some terrible play over the past two years, in any capacity.

[The Goat]

Just curious if anyone watched Blache's brief interview after practice today (on Redskins.com)? When asked about Orakpo he gave a very sober answer, something to the effect the kid is very athletic, can rush the passer and he's bright. Nothing over the top or leading into unrealistic expectations. I like Blache very much...realizing he's not perfect in his calls, like continuing to blitz in certain games last year when it just led to giving up big plays, i think Blache has done admirably w/ what he had to work with. I think he's a smart, sober guy who should 1) turn this defense into an elite unit this season 2) be sensible about Orakpo's development.

[Schneed10]

Can Rak run with the better TEs he'll have to cover from the SLB position? That's what I'd worry about. I think stopping the run from the LB spot will come naturally to him because he's strong and sheds blocks really well. But can he cover Witten?

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

Can Rak run with the better TEs he'll have to cover from the SLB position? That's what I'd worry about. I think stopping the run from the LB spot will come naturally to him because he's strong and sheds blocks really well. But can he cover Witten?

He'll never be asked to do that anyway. If he's in the game at all at LB, I would assume it's some sort of 2 back set from the offense, in which case, if there even is a tight end, Horton would be right over him.

Now whether Horton can cover is a totally seperate question.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

He'll never be asked to do that anyway. If he's in the game at all at LB, I would assume it's some sort of 2 back set from the offense, in which case, if there even is a tight end, Horton would be right over him.

Now whether Horton can cover is a totally seperate question.

So you're thinking he'd be on the field as a linebacker for a very limited number of packages, correct?

So then in most circumstances when he's not facing those packages, where does he play? Phillip Daniels rides the bench?

[an23dy]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

So you're thinking he'd be on the field as a linebacker for a very limited number of packages, correct?

So then in most circumstances when he's not facing those packages, where does he play? Phillip Daniels rides the bench?

I think run formations Orakpo will be at linebacker and Daniels at LDE. Orakpo won't have to cover a TE because Horton will cover the TE and Orakpo's responsibility would be to run blitz or maybe cover the fullback or the slower TE, or zone maybe. And when they're not in those packages it's likely a passing situation/formation and he can play LDE. Initially when I saw Orakpo at LB I didn't like it, but the more I think about it the more I like it. We will be very solid against the run with AH, Daniels, and Orakpo. We can run blitz Orakpo which would also get real good QB pressure if they choose to throw. Stopping the run...forcing the other team into passing situations...QB pressure...their offense becomes uncomfortable...turnovers and punts...short field...Redskins score...Redskins win

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

So you're thinking he'd be on the field as a linebacker for a very limited number of packages, correct?

So then in most circumstances when he's not facing those packages, where does he play? Phillip Daniels rides the bench?

On third downs, he's strictly a pass rusher. On rushing downs, I think he's going to be asked to split time with Carter at right end. I think it all depends on who we play. A pass heavy team, and one week, he could line up at end 100% of his snaps. Against a run heavy team, maybe 60-40%.

Inevitably, he's eventually going to be our RE. I just think the quickest way onto the field is SLB, and generally, that player doesn't often get man coverage responsibilities with Horton up near the line.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

On third downs, he's strictly a pass rusher. On rushing downs, I think he's going to be asked to split time with Carter at right end. I think it all depends on who we play. A pass heavy team, and one week, he could line up at end 100% of his snaps. Against a run heavy team, maybe 60-40%.

Inevitably, he's eventually going to be our RE. I just think the quickest way onto the field is SLB, and generally, that player doesn't often get man coverage responsibilities with Horton up near the line.

GT why are you dead set at seeing Rak RDE long term? Based on his skill set? Team needs? I just strikes me that w/ his strength and power (and given a little time to add mass the way Daniels did initially) Rak would be a beast @ LDE...able to stop the run and pressure/sack the QB w/ equal dominance.

[53Fan]

I think they're just trying to find out what the guy can do first hand. Better to find out now than during a game.

[FRPLG]

It comes down to this. Orakpo = Jason Taylor. All the info coming out of Redskins Park was that they were gonna stand Taylor up more and utilize him in a more hybrid mode. When Taylor flaked we got lucky and drafted Taylor 2.0. Insert Orakpo for said position description and continue on. The plan all along has been to maintain contain with our ends as much as possible and rush off the edges with speed from the LBs. Where Blades fits in that is questionable but I'd rather have Daniels and Orakpo on the field and Blades for depth at this point. It's a better base mix for us it seems to me.

Blades might be a decent linebacker but he doesn't do anything great. Phillip Daniels has no real pass rushing ability but he is as good a run stopping end as there is. With AH moving the middle backwards and freeing Griffin up a bit to make some magic we don't need continual pressure from LDE. Back him with a rushing LB to keep some balanced pressure and it works for me as our base. Plus the beauty is that we can change looks all over the place. Hell we could drop to a 3-4 and execute it pretty damn well in a gimmicky sort of way. With Haynesworth and Orakpo we have so much flexibility now. Of course this all depends on Orakpo actually being any good.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

It comes down to this. Orakpo = Jason Taylor. All the info coming out of Redskins Park was that they were gonna stand Taylor up more and utilize him in a more hybrid mode. When Taylor flaked we got lucky and drafted Taylor 2.0. Insert Orakpo for said position description and continue on. The plan all along has been to maintain contain with our ends as much as possible and rush off the edges with speed from the LBs. Where Blades fits in that is questionable but I'd rather have Daniels and Orakpo on the field and Blades for depth at this point. It's a better base mix for us it seems to me.

Blades might be a decent linebacker but he doesn't do anything great. Phillip Daniels has no real pass rushing ability but he is as good a run stopping end as there is. With AH moving the middle backwards and freeing Griffin up a bit to make some magic we don't need continual pressure from LDE. Back him with a rushing LB to keep some balanced pressure and it works for me as our base. Plus the beauty is that we can change looks all over the place. Hell we could drop to a 3-4 and execute it pretty damn well in a gimmicky sort of way. With Haynesworth and Orakpo we have so much flexibility now. Of course this all depends on Orakpo actually being any good.

Wasn't too long ago (maybe 2005?) Daniels posted 8 sacks in one season from the LDE position...sure he's aged but a healthy Daniels can really surprise you, in part cuz he's so damn serious about his fitness.

[GTripp0012]

It's important to remember that Orakpo isn't the only good end we have on this team. He's just the only one who is 23.

[53Fan]

You are correct sir. Marcus played DE and had 7 sacks his senior year. Turned out to be a pretty good 4-3 LB I'd say.

[Superman13732]

Let Orakpo stay at DE, Merriman will be a free agent next year. All 270+ pounds of him. how fun would that be?