(06-17-2023, 12:42 PM)TheDuke007 Wrote: I won't quote the message because it is so long, so I'll just repeat the question and give my answer.
Question: Does anyone along the DL develop into a Pro Bowl caliber player?
My answer: I hope I'm wrong, but my honest answer is no. I don't see any of them as having Pro Bowl potential.
3. Linebackers
Question: What do you expect out of the LB corps this year?
My answer: It's a good question. I expect improvement. How much improvement will be one of the biggest questions going into this season.
Question: Which of last year's rookie LBs will make the biggest leap in performance?
My answer: Travon Walker. His competition is Lloyd who has the potential to take a big leap, but I'm not sure that he will. I feel more confident that Walker will take a step forward and has the potential to take a big step forward.
Sub question: What do you think of Abdullah so far?
My answer: I've learned to be skeptical of the speed pass rushers who lack size. They always look great on college tape, but it often doesn't translate well to the NFL. I also don't put much into mini camp performance. There's generally a speed versus size trade-off with players. When practicing without pads, I think it gives the advantage to speed players. It's not until the pads are worn that the small speedy player's weaknesses get exposed. It's the off-season, so I like to be optimistic. Some small speedy guys do make an impact so hopefully Abdullah is one of them. I see him as a "boom or bust" prospect.
Sub question: Who will be the surprise contributor in the secondary?
My answer: Cisco. He played minimally his rookie year, so in some ways last year was effectively a rookie year to him. I think he can take a step forward. That being said, I think having Williams full time on the outside will be a major plus for the secondary. I know it may be unconventional with his size, but he just plays better there. I saw one rankings that had him as the 9th best cornerback. While I think that's high, I do think he played well on the outside. I'm also hoping one of our rookies surprises, but that's more wishful thinking than a prediction.
Regarding the DLine, I had high hopes for Hamilton, but he never developed into the dominator I hoped. I do like how RRH has developed and hope he makes another step, but I share your assessment.
LB- I wish I had your optimism regarding Travon Walker. I hope I am wrong, but Walker seemed like just a guy to me. Lloyd at least had that good first month where he flashed before his play fell off. But I didn't see that same potential in Walker, even if you accept the narrative that Walker improved down the stretch late.
I am with you on the undersized edge rusher. I remember Jorge Cordova. He supposedly had this huge game against Khalif Barnes in college, and Barnes was taken in the 2nd round in the same draft. But Cordova did nothing. I remember seeing him in training camp. I am, what. 5-8...5-9 tops and stood next to Cordova. I don't believe he was 6-0. He didn't look big at all. In Abdullah's defense, in the clips I saw of him, he looked like more than a one dimensional edge rusher. He looked more like a good all around LB.
Not sure why Cisco would be a surprise.
Worst to 1st. Curse Reversed!
