What If Quinn Doesn't Think We Need A Leo?

[Lornoth]

Before you jump in with the 'Then we're screwed' comments, think about it like this;

Yes, we're all assuming Quinn is going to run the 4-3 Under/Over, because that's what he's run in the past. And ideally, I think he would love to run that scheme, complete with dominant LEO and all, he's certainly noted the fact he's looking at LEO's in the draft this year.

But Quinn has said something else, even more often than he's talked about specific positions, and that is fitting our scheme to our players, not the other way around. People look at our roster and see a hole at LEO, and say we need to draft (Beasley, Ray, Gregory, Dupree) to fill it, because normal DE's won't work... but what if the guys Quinn likes are gone when we pick? Will he reach for a LEO just because we need one to run the 4-3 U/O?

Maybe not. What if he decided to eliminate the LEO totally from the scheme, at least for this year, and roll with a more traditional 2-DE set? It may allow us to take better players instead of reaching for a LEO, and let us wait until next year to address that position. Quinn has preached flexibility in scheme since the very beginning, he could keep the other staples of the 4-3 O/U that seem to work so well with our personnel, but hold off a year from introducing the LEO. We certainly have better current-depth at DE than we would have for a LEO.

Not saying this will happen, but it's something nobody seems to consider. How would you feel if we picked a different position at 8? There are more traditional DE's in this draft than LEO's, imo. We could get a good one in a round outside the 1'st.

[Tuggle'2]

Whatever floats his boat. Im all in on the guy. I am also not expecting a Superbowl win this year so I understand patience.

[Tony Diesel]

I hear what you're saying but I think Quinn has definitely been building this defense for the 4/3 U.

A good example would be Brooks Reed. He's already been told he was brought in to play SAM and as you know, SAM plays up near the line and is a run stopper in the 4/3 U. I think Reed would project more as an ILB in most other schemes.

[FalconFanSince1970]

Before you jump in with the 'Then we're screwed' comments, think about it like this;

Yes, we're all assuming Quinn is going to run the 4-3 Under/Over, because that's what he's run in the past. And ideally, I think he would love to run that scheme, complete with dominant LEO and all, he's certainly noted the fact he's looking at LEO's in the draft this year.

But Quinn has said something else, even more often than he's talked about specific positions, and that is fitting our scheme to our players, not the other way around. People look at our roster and see a hole at LEO, and say we need to draft (Beasley, Ray, Gregory, Dupree) to fill it, because normal DE's won't work... but what if the guys Quinn likes are gone when we pick? Will he reach for a LEO just because we need one to run the 4-3 U/O?

Maybe not. What if he decided to eliminate the LEO totally from the scheme, at least for this year, and roll with a more traditional 2-DE set? It may allow us to take better players instead of reaching for a LEO, and let us wait until next year to address that position. Quinn has preached flexibility in scheme since the very beginning, he could keep the other staples of the 4-3 O/U that seem to work so well with our personnel, but hold off a year from introducing the LEO. We certainly have better current-depth at DE than we would have for a LEO.

Not saying this will happen, but it's something nobody seems to consider. How would you feel if we picked a different position at 8? There are more traditional DE's in this draft than LEO's, imo. We could get a good one in a round outside the 1'st.

Excellent post. He also said that Beer, Schofield, Maponga and JSmith are his current LEOs. What if he coaches one or two of em up? Or what if he takes someone in the second or third like Diggy, Orchard, Kikaha, Mauldin, ZSmith or Golden? Beasley and Fowler will likely be gone. He may not want to reach for Bud, Gregory or Ray at eight because they all have serious question marks. He could opt for Scherff, Waynes, Gurley or Collins instead. Most of the TATFers think it's one of the five edge rushers or nothing. That would be Dimi need based reach drafting at its finest.

[Lornoth]

I hear what you're saying but I think Quinn has definitely been building this defense for the 4/3 U.

A good example would be Brooks Reed. He's already been told he was brought in to play SAM and as you know, SAM plays up near the line and is a run stopper in the 4/3 U. I think Reed would project more as an ILB in most other schemes.

That's kind of my point though, does it have to be one or the other? If we have a good SAM for the 4-3 under like Reed, then why can't we still play him like that, just without the specialized LEO beside him?

Let's say we trade up and draft Williams, but don't like the LEO's past round 1... We wouldn't have a lot of LEO's on the roster, but we could put Williams into a more common RE role and go like that, we already have the LE's.

[Moist Words]

That's kind of my point though, does it have to be one or the other? If we have a good SAM for the 4-3 under like Reed, then why can't we still play him like that, just without the specialized LEO beside him?

Let's say we trade up and draft Williams, but don't like the LEO's past round 1... We wouldn't have a lot of LEO's on the roster, but we could put Williams into a more common RE role and go like that, we already have the LE's.

Williams doesn't fit at RE at all though.

[Romfal]

it wouldnt shock me, but I would have to see the whole draft before I go crazy on thursday night.

[Tony Diesel]

That's kind of my point though, does it have to be one or the other? If we have a good SAM for the 4-3 under like Reed, then why can't we still play him like that, just without the specialized LEO beside him?

Let's say we trade up and draft Williams, but don't like the LEO's past round 1... We wouldn't have a lot of LEO's on the roster, but we could put Williams into a more common RE role and go like that, we already have the LE's.

Oh ok, yes, I agree.

Say we move up and get Williams... why not have your best talent all out on the field.

Clayborn | Soliai | Hageman | Williams <------ Would certainly generate a pass rush.

[Bill Brasky]

I'm a Leo...

[Herr Doktor]

I have a feeling our young LEO will be taken in the third round or later. That's how Seattle found its players.

[Moist Words]

I have a feeling our young LEO will be taken in the third round or later. That's how Seattle found its players.

Which one did they draft?The only ones I can think of were free agents or were acquired through trades if I remember correctly.

[xiv_T_E_C_O_]

At this point it's all speculation, once we get the draft past us we'll be able to get a better grasp on everything. I like what we did in free agency, it answered a few question but posed many others... I'm looking forward to Monday.

[TeamPlayer1]

Gurley with his injury history does not belong in the top 10 draft picks. Think.

[Tuggle'2]

I'm a Leo...

Thanks Bill. Keeping us informed.

[Moist Words]

Gurley with his injury history does not belong in the top 10 draft picks. Think.

Huh?Where did that come from?

[Lornoth]

Gurley with his injury history does not belong in the top 10 draft picks. Think.

This wasn't really a Gurley thread. Just a unique perspective to think about. We could go O-Line, DT, DE, S, WR... anything else with 8. People get focused in on a few players easily around her. Even Fowler may fit as a DE better than a LEO.

[krammmit]

We don't need one, we have Kroy! Minimum 7 sacks. If not, I will not post for like a month after the Superbowl.

[WOR]

I'm a Leo...

But is marquise Goodwin?

[Hometownfan]

Maybe wrong, but I've heard we'll run a 3-4 base.

[Sidecar Falcon]

Gurley with his injury history does not belong in the top 10 draft picks. Think.

This is not a Gurley thread. Please learn to read and comprehend before posting nonsense/drama to an intelligently written post.

[TeamPlayer1]

Huh?Where did that come from?

In response to the topic "If Quinn does not think we need a LEO". Any one at 8 other than Gurley!!! Got it?

[Sidecar Falcon]

Before you jump in with the 'Then we're screwed' comments, think about it like this;

Yes, we're all assuming Quinn is going to run the 4-3 Under/Over, because that's what he's run in the past. And ideally, I think he would love to run that scheme, complete with dominant LEO and all, he's certainly noted the fact he's looking at LEO's in the draft this year.

But Quinn has said something else, even more often than he's talked about specific positions, and that is fitting our scheme to our players, not the other way around. People look at our roster and see a hole at LEO, and say we need to draft (Beasley, Ray, Gregory, Dupree) to fill it, because normal DE's won't work... but what if the guys Quinn likes are gone when we pick? Will he reach for a LEO just because we need one to run the 4-3 U/O?

Maybe not. What if he decided to eliminate the LEO totally from the scheme, at least for this year, and roll with a more traditional 2-DE set? It may allow us to take better players instead of reaching for a LEO, and let us wait until next year to address that position. Quinn has preached flexibility in scheme since the very beginning, he could keep the other staples of the 4-3 O/U that seem to work so well with our personnel, but hold off a year from introducing the LEO. We certainly have better current-depth at DE than we would have for a LEO.

Not saying this will happen, but it's something nobody seems to consider. How would you feel if we picked a different position at 8? There are more traditional DE's in this draft than LEO's, imo. We could get a good one in a round outside the 1'st.

Excellent post. I posted something a bit ago about our defense being a system style of Defense where a top player is not needed to be successful. I think Quinn has his Leo's set.

[Moist Words]

In response to the topic "If Quinn does not think we need a LEO". Any one at 8 other than Gurley!!! Got it?

Literally only one person in kind of a passing manner brought him up before you did man.You came in and acted like this was a Gurley thread with your post which struck me as kind of odd.

I don't want to derail the thread any further though so...

[Bill Brasky]

But is marquise Goodwin?

Nope.

But we should be about to enter the age of Aquarius...

[TeamPlayer1]

Literally only one person in kind of a passing manner brought him up before you did man.You came in and acted like this was a Gurley thread with your post which struck me as kind of odd.

I don't want to derail the thread any further though so...

Well gee, if Quinn does not want a LEO then what does the fan base think the next choice should be? WR, OL DB? Well, what is left but a UGA homer's dream love? An injury prone RB.