Comments on: All Things Outside Linebackers

By: Funky Munkey

Funky Munkey — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:51:42 +0000

Ruud is still a top 10 MLB in the game. that being said, if Bruce Carter is there in the 2nd round when we pick. Draft him and if they are that big on LB’s. Draft Quan Sturdivant in the 3rd to be our Will. Carter and Sturdivant will instantly upgrade our LB core. Especially in coverage plays, they both have tremendous football speed!

By: HIRE GREG OLSON!

HIRE GREG OLSON! — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:18:22 +0000

We play 5 of the 6 top rushers from 2010 this upcoming season.

By: gitarlvr

gitarlvr — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 19:54:09 +0000

Mason Foster would definitely fit in with the type of backer the Bucs have now and probably be a slight upgrade. However I am sick of the Tampa 2 prototype linebacker that we have on this team. Im ready for an Akeem Ayers type backer that can hit and pass rush more like a 3-4 backer. The great thing about him is that despite having the look of a 3-4 guy, he will be able to handle the coverage responsibilities on the occasions that the Bucs still call the Tampa2 defense. Now I wouldn’t take him at #20 if Aldon Smith, Ryan Kerrigan, or Cameron Jordan are still on the board but, at this point, I would probably take him ahead of Justin Houston or any of the remaining DE’s if the aforementioned trio are already off the board. The fact is he would be the most versatile player the Bucs can possibly draft for their scheme. He will be able to play 4-3 SAM, 3-4 rush linebacker AND defensive end on passing downs. No other player in the draft will be able to do all those things within the Bucs scheme with the exception of maybe Martez Wilson but he is not nearly as refined in pass coverage at this point as Ayers.(Although he probably has the greater ultimate potential with his superior speed). My only real fear with Ayers at this point is that he could possibly end up a jack of all trades\master of none.

By: Chris FWC :)

Chris FWC :) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:33:36 +0000

I agree Meh. Sometimes the ugly girl needs to dance too.

By: Meh

Meh — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:20:23 +0000

Ruud is a serviceable starter. Is he great? No. Does he deserve the amount of heat he takes? No. I hope we’re able to keep him because that’s one less starter spot we need to fill. We still have more holes than picks. I don’t see a good reason to add more holes if we can retain Ruud. Let’s fill our true holes first, then we can start being picky about places that could handle some upgrading.

By: Chris FWC :)

Chris FWC :) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:15:32 +0000

I know people slam Ruud but it’s no all his fault. Usually, he’s asked to do a lot of things. Having a lack of talent around him makes him appear bad on some types of plays. Geeting dragged for extra yards or missing a tackle here and there won’t lose the game. He covers A LOT more area than the other 2 Lbs.
He doesn’t quit or take plays off. He’s a leader. He doesn’t get hurt or plays through it. Can cover the TE. Yes, he get caught in the wash and has a hard time shedding blocks. MLB IMOH isn’t the worst spot on D.
The OLB position is what needs upgrading. I’d even take a tweener/hybrid OLB/DE. Draft an LT type and turn him loose!

By: captain shane-O

captain shane-O — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:45:19 +0000

It hurts me to say this cause I was a fan of his but Middle Linebacker is our real problem… I cant watch Barrett Ruudd get trucked over in the run game again this year! How can a MLB be so good in pass coverage but cant stop the run or shed a lead blocker? We need a big Stud in the middle…. Oh and I have to say that Adam Hayward deserves another look before we dismiss this big guy too! Go Bucs!

By: Weneeddefense

Weneeddefense — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:38:27 +0000

Draft best LB available in the first four rounds.

Man, that sure would solidify our depth at LB for years to come.