Quote:Does anyone know, is there a size limitation to playing the LEO?


As in, is Clowney actually too big for the position?


Obviously he is explosive enough but the LEO always seems to be a good deal smaller... 6'2" 250-ish.

The way I understand it, the LEO position is a OLB/DE hybrid. He needs to be big enough to line up with his hand on the ground, as well as being long and quick enough to rush standing up. They also need to be able to drop into coverage if asked. They may line up on the right side with their hand in the dirt one play. The next play he may be standing up on the left side, but could drop into coverage. 3rd down they may be back on the right side, rushing the passer this time in a standing position. Just 3 quick examples obviously, but the point is to move them all around and create mismatches.

 

Barr is the ideal LEO position player (If Barr is gone at our pick, I would take Khalil Mack in a heartbeat as well). He's a 3 down player who can do everything. He's stout against the run, good at rushing the passer and has the athletic ability to drop into coverage. He played the Buck LB position last year at UCLA. Another name for it is the Elephant position. Obviously different schemes may call those different things, but they're very similar to what I believe Gus and them are looking for at the "LEO" position.

 

Clowney is the ideal 4-3 DE. He can play any position on the DL. Clowney is best at putting his hand in the dirt and going forward. He shouldn't be asked to drop into coverage, because that's not who he is. He needs to have his hand in the dirt every play and needs to go forward.

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