(03-04-2023, 02:16 PM)flgatorsandjags Wrote:

(03-04-2023, 02:07 PM)NYC4jags Wrote: It's actually very simple to explain to you why arm length matters to DTs.

Think of a reach advantage in boxing. Longer arms are a big advantage, right?

Well, a guard or tackle vs a DT has a great advantage if his reach is longer in the same way.
If that OT or OG gets his longer arms inside and grabs some pad and jersey, a DT with shorter arms is now at a disadvantage trying to shed the block and make a tackle or move past the offensive lineman.

Simple.

Conversely - a DT with longer arms than a guard or tackle has an advantage shedding or rejecting a block.

Pat Kirwin explained it in his book like this:

Not if you have the quickness technique, and hand strength like Kancey has.  How was he so affective in college?  Are the NFL lineman s arms that much longer than the guys he faced in college?  I'm not betting on the guy with the longest arms, that's one of the last things for me.  There a number of things that can makeup for arm length on a DT

Look-

The debate here is whether or not scouts/GMs/front office decisions factor arm length for DTs into the equation. 

They do.

100% they do. 

Period. Zero argument to be had. 

Now, if you want to make a case that this particular player's outlier ability despite less than ideal length will make him an exception for SOME front offices?  Sure, you could make that case. 

But don't try to tell me that a defensive tackles arm length won't move him up or down anyone's boards.
That's just insane. Because it absolutely will. GMs have types and measurements are a big part of that.

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