Ezra Butler

[koryb55]

I'm sure there was a post on him because we've signed him, but what do you guys think about him? Do you think with his above average pass rush abilities he should compete for OLB spot, or because of his build and cover skills he should compete for TED linebacker?

[Mac9er]

I think he is versatile enough to do all three (TED, WILL WOLB) from a back up position right now...

He's the best UDFA pick up so far, I'd still like to see a NT picked up though, C. Clark or K. Robertson to compete with Fields and allow Balmer to play LDE until he gets mor lower body strength..

[beasley for pres]

I think he is versatile enough to do all three (TED, WILL WOLB) from a back up position right now...

He's the best UDFA pick up so far, I'd still like to see a NT picked up though, C. Clark or K. Robertson to compete with Fields and allow Balmer to play LDE until he gets mor lower body strength..

yeah... I'd be stoked if Butler steps up and makes the team

[Gof the Gij]

He and Colvin are my favorite pickups. I think he makes the team.

[ASmith4ever]

I'm sure there was a post on him because we've signed him, but what do you guys think about him? Do you think with his above average pass rush abilities he should compete for OLB spot, or because of his build and cover skills he should compete for TED linebacker?

I live in Reno, go to the University of Nevada, and haven't missed a home game in 6 years.

I can tell you that Butler should, and likely will, make the team. As far as where he plays, he is extremely versatile.

At Nevada, he played what is called the "bandit" position, which had him use a mixture of shills between rushing the passer and drop back into coverage.

He never really amassed a lot of sacks, but he certainly has the ability to get to the passer. He is also really quick (ran a 4.5 at Nevada's Pro-Day)!

I can't make an exact comparison to Willis, but the first thing noticed about P-Wil was that he was around EVERY play and I can assure you that Butler won't disappoint in that department. He is ALWAYS near the ball.

[firekid0669]

I'm also from Reno. I watched him for 2 full seasons at UNR and he is very a instinctual and athletic player that should be able to be coached into the mold of Patrick Willis. He isn't PW obviously but the potential is there! Ezra Butler was projected as a 3rd/4th and we nabbed him undrafted! The only reason he made it that far is because of a drug charge that he owned up to.

[JaketheSnake]

I'm also from Reno. I watched him for 2 full seasons at UNR and he is very a instinctual and athletic player that should be able to be coached into the mold of Patrick Willis. He isn't PW obviously but the potential is there! Ezra Butler was projected as a 3rd/4th and we nabbed him undrafted! The only reason he made it that far is because of a drug charge that he owned up to.

Haha. Cool. Not for him, but for us. Because I don't give two craps about weed charges in college. It's college, it shouldn't ruin their career.

[firekid0669]

Agreed. Any player that takes responsibility for their actions deserves a second chance. I also have to admire a player that has something to play for(like our 2nd rounder) and Butler is playing to make enough $$ to bring his family to the USA from South Africa. Call me a sucker but those things tell you something about a guys character.

[JaketheSnake]

Agreed. Any player that takes responsibility for their actions deserves a second chance. I also have to admire a player that has something to play for(like our 2nd rounder) and Butler is playing to make enough $$ to bring his family to the USA from South Africa. Call me a sucker but those things tell you something about a guys character.

Man, I love that kind of stuff too. Gives you another reason to root for them. I hope he makes it on the 53. Sucks how he went undrafted though, probably a big blow to his funds for his family.

[Tom Cat]

I hope they give him a good opportunity at the TED position. He is a hitter and understands how to handle blocks that you know who never mastered. I think we have just lucked out for a change. His problem was he was always trying to do to much but next to Willis he can relax and take care of business.
I hope Lawson, Willis, Butler and Thomas.

[nikkayeah]

was he the same guy that said weed was part of his diet?

[ASmith4ever]

was he the same guy that said weed was part of his diet?

No, that was not Butler

[flemingtime]

My SR. season he was only a redshirt freshmen, but even at that point he was causing us fits as a practice squad player. I hope he gets a chance at our rush backer spot. If not he can be a special teams guy and backup mutiple spots.

[Mac9er]

Truthfully, I think he'd be a better OLB than Haralson...

[9errealist]

I think he is versatile enough to do all three (TED, WILL WOLB) from a back up position right now...

He's the best UDFA pick up so far, I'd still like to see a NT picked up though, C. Clark or K. Robertson to compete with Fields and allow Balmer to play LDE until he gets mor lower body strength..

I agree, we got a steal signing him, he can play all 3 LB positions. He also used to be a DT/DE speed rusher, plus the guy can flatout hit. If he can get his technique together he'll def make the team and contribute.

Truthfully, I think he'd be a better OLB than Haralson...

I think he's better right now then both TBC and Haralson because of his ability to play all three spot and his speed and pass rush ability.

[OsBoogie]

it's pretty promising too that the other UDFA we were gonna sign backed out because he didn't think he could compete with Ezra

[pw52]

think he would rather start at ilb or olb?

[DenverNiner]

Here is a link to an interview / draft preview with Ezra.
http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/olb/ezrabutler.html

[9errealist]

it's pretty promising too that the other UDFA we were gonna sign backed out because he didn't think he could compete with Ezra
who?

[757niner]

Arguably one of the better TED prospects in the entire draft. I was extremely excited when I saw that we signed him. I will go on record now and say that he not only makes the team, but will see some time on the field certain packages. Very versatile, good speed for a guy his size. Was a former DE. Should be fun to watch this guy develop.

[nikkayeah]

No, that was not Butler

League insiders have told us that a number of teams have removed Nevada linebacker Ezra Butler from their draft boards after the senior admitted that marijuana was part of his diet. We will continue to follow the story.http://tfydraft.com/news.php?newsID=108

[RenoNinerFan]

think he would rather start at ilb or olb?

In my opinion Olb...He has defensive end instinct so he would be good to blitz from the outside....

[chinmusic851]

It's exciting to think about that he still has a lot of learning to do having not been in the U.S.A. until he was around 14. He has a lot of room to improve with god coaching. I think we got that covered.

[ninersgold]

This kid is huge! He has the perfect size for the TED LB.

6'2" 255 pounds

:thisbig:

He seems to perfect for the TED, it's to good to be true!

Have Grant be a special team stud, and let Butler play TED!

Also D. Thomas is pretty big, he is 6'2" 244, but 255 makes a difference, also I herd he was a stud special team player!

We have a good defense, a stud special teams, and an offense that could go anywhere from terrible to playoff potential offense.

I think our odds of doing good this season are great IMO :whistling:

[OsBoogie]

who?

Gary Guyton (GT)
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2195440&mode=

don't know what happened with Guyton, who played for the 49ers-coached South squad at the Senior Bowl. My guess is that he did not believe he was Better Than Ezra, and did not have much of a chance to make the team. That's Ezra Butler, the player from Nevada who plays the same position. He has reportedly agreed to sign with the 49ers.

[SBbound49ers]

Gary Guyton (GT)
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2195440&mode=

:backtoglory49:

I was looking at Guyton as a solid 7th round pick. I was excited when we signed him as an UDFA.

[BigMar]

Butler = potential beast!:flex:

[757niner]

:backtoglory49:

I was looking at Guyton as a solid 7th round pick. I was excited when we signed him as an UDFA.

We didn't. He agreed in principle, then turned around and signed with New England the next day.

[9errealist]

League insiders have told us that a number of teams have removed Nevada linebacker Ezra Butler from their draft boards after the senior admitted that marijuana was part of his diet. We will continue to follow the story. What a dumbazz, this guy ruined his draft status. He could have had a great deal with a nice signing bonus. Anyonw know what he got from us , oh and thank you Ezra.

[BigMar]

and the 9ers signed him as an undrafted F/A linebacker. Everything I have read indicates Ezra is a nasty, big, strong, physical player....so how come nobody used a draft pick on this dude?

Ezra may end up being the Man playing next to our warrior Willis.

Did the 9ers uncover a forgotten gem in signing Ezra?

[-BayAreaJunkie-]

Butler = potential beast!:flex:

So, what separates him from every other person in the world?

[9errealist]

:backtoglory49:

I was looking at Guyton as a solid 7th round pick. I was excited when we signed him as an UDFA. Meh, Philip Wheeler was better....

[ASmith4ever]

http://tfydraft.com/news.php?newsID=108

That was taken completely out of context...

He was suspended the first game of the season because he was caught using it, he then admitted that he had used it, not that it was part of his diet.

Living in Reno and being a student I have read every article regarding Wolfpack football and at no point have I ever seen an exerpt quoting Butler as saying it was "part of his diet".

The man lived up to his mistake, he never said it was a consistent habbit or that it would continue.

[9errealist]

So, what separates him from every other person in the world?

Lets see.......

1. Played DT/DE
2. Has very good speed
3. Played in a 3-4 and 43 def and did it well.
4. Explosive and can lay wood.
5. Can play all three LB positions
6. Classic bandit backer.
7. BLITZER!!!!

[ASmith4ever]

So, what separates him from every other person in the world?

You'de have to see him play to know for sure. I can't find any good footage of him on the internet (other than a few clips here and there), but the guy is an S - T - U - D, STUD!

As I stated before, he is involved in every play and has great pass rushing abilities too! You can call me a homer if you want, but Butler is the only Nevada player (other than Colin Kapernick, who is only a sophomore) that I would talk so highly about.

[-BayAreaJunkie-]

Lets see.......

1. Played DT/DE
2. Has very good speed
3. Played in a 3-4 and 43 def and did it well.
4. Explosive and can lay wood.
5. Can play all three LB positions
6. Classic bandit backer.
7. BLITZER!!!!

I don't think you caught my drift...

The poster I replied to said Ezra was a potential bust. My question to him is: Who isn't a potential bust?

[ASmith4ever]

I don't think you caught my drift...

The poster I replied to said Ezra was a potential bust. My question to him is: Who isn't a potential bust?

He said potential BEAST

[-BayAreaJunkie-]

You'de have to see him play to know for sure. I can't find any good footage of him on the internet (other than a few clips here and there), but the guy is an S - T - U - D, STUD!

As I stated before, he is involved in every play and has great pass rushing abilities too! You can call me a homer if you want, but Butler is the only Nevada player (other than Colin Kapernick, who is only a sophomore) that I would talk so highly about.

:ahh: Wasn't what I was talking about.

[ASmith4ever]

and the 9ers signed him as an undrafted F/A linebacker. Everything I have read indicates Ezra is a nasty, big, strong, physical player....so how come nobody used a draft pick on this dude?

Ezra may end up being the Man playing next to our warrior Willis.

Did the 9ers uncover a forgotten gem in signing Ezra?

I got to the University of Nevada and he essentially fell off everyone draft boards for two reasons: (1) He was suspended the first game of the year for using marijuana, which he has also admitted and lived up to as a mistake, and (2) he was injured and could not take part in the combine, which was probably the biggest factor in him dropping off the boards

[ASmith4ever]

yeah all the other teams straight up forgot about him

I wouldn't count on an UDFA becoming a starter

That is because you have never actually seen him play...

Mark my words, you will know the name Ezra Butler by the time his career is finished

[9errealist]

There were only a few LBer's I wanted us to make a play for.
Groves
Bell
Lofton
Gooden
Butler
Avril

[-BayAreaJunkie-]

He said potential BEAST

:laugh:

Ahhh, I shouldn't do drugs. Anyways, I rephrase my question: Who isn't a potential beast?

[Cal_Bears]

ASmith4ever;[/B]1524288]That is because you have never actually seen him play...

Mark my words, you will know the name Ezra Butler by the time his career is finished

justt like alex smith

[ASmith4ever]

:laugh:

Ahhh, I shouldn't do drugs. Anyways, I rephrase my question: Who isn't a potential beast?

lol

umm.... people who aren't potential beasts?

[Gof the Gij]

Also, people who are already beasts.

[Gof the Gij]

That is because you have never actually seen him play...

Mark my words, you will know the name Ezra Butler by the time his career is finished

I already know the name Ezra Butler

[ASmith4ever]

I already know the name Ezra Butler

You've probably seen him play...

[BigMar]

I already know the name Ezra Butler

...and what can you tell us about him?

[goeagles99]

Ezra is probably best suited to play ILB in a 3-4. He is a talented player. He has some character questions that hurt him as much as anything.

He isn't a top athlete, but isn't stiff either. He plays the run well. Ezra led Nevada in tackles. He can be somewhat of a playmaker. He had 3 picks and 3.5 sacks this year. He played okay in coverage against Hawaii.

Interesting note...he came to school at about 280. The coaches wanted him at DT. Butler wanted to play LB and was told to lose weight. He now is in the 250 range and looks pretty good.

Good UDFA prospect, but don't put him in Canton quite yet.

[ASmith4ever]

Ezra is probably best suited to play ILB in a 3-4. He is a talented player. He has some character questions that hurt him as much as anything.

He isn't a top athlete, but isn't stiff either. He plays the run well. Ezra led Nevada in tackles. He can be somewhat of a playmaker. He had 3 picks and 3.5 sacks this year. He played okay in coverage against Hawaii.

Interesting note...he came to school at about 280. The coaches wanted him at DT. Butler wanted to play LB and was told to lose weight. He now is in the 250 range and looks pretty good.

Good UDFA prospect, but don't put him in Canton quite yet.

Not the greatest rundown of his abilities... In fact, you are pretty far off in most of your assessment

Butler's "character questions" are a one time incident in which he partook in the college life and smoked pot. After being suspended for the season opener against Nebraska, he lived up to his mistake and admitted he messed up and wouldn't do it again. Otherwise he is your model kid. The guy is an intelligent individual and a work horse in the weight room. He was one of about 15 players who would be up every morning at about 6:00 lifting weights (I know this because I am in ROTC and we worked out at the same time and I would see him almost every morning). We often worked out on the football field at the same time and seeing his explosiveness up close is a real eye opener.

He actually doesn't play the run that well, because he is really aggressive. Although if he isn't making the tackle, he is around the play and swarming the ball.

He has room to improive on coverage, but can use his speed (4.53 40 at Nevada's Pro Day) to his advantage. His hands and ball handling skills are not the greatest.

On the other hand, Butler is as explosive as they come. He is a big hitter who has a great ability to rush the passer (not reflected in his sack numbers) and lays hard hits just about everytime. He is solid at wrapping up and pursing a play with his sideline to sideline speed.

I think he'll be utilized in a number of positions, but with our weakness being at OLB opposite Lawson, I foresee him getting some snaps there. ILB is pretty crowded, although he can play well there too

[Gof the Gij]

You've probably seen him play...

Not really, but I know the name:hoppy:

[ASmith4ever]

If I'm not mistaken this is the 2nd or 3rd thread started about him...do people not uunderstand the work that has to go into a 6th or 7th rd pick making the team let alone an UDFA...yeah he has talent but talent is not the only reason UDFA do or don't make the team...its more about numbers and circumstances that guys don't make the final 53...if he makes it cool good for him if not we'll still be fine...

Do you even know why he wasn't drafted?

Let me fill you in...

Butler was ACTUALLY projected as a 3rd rounder, despite "character concerns", which was, in reality, a one time pot smoking incident. Not exactly a concern that screams THUG!.

Butler was injured and could not take part in the combine (which he was invited to). The only numbers NFL teams had to go off of were his Pro Day numbers, which were solid. He actually recieved calls from about 20 teams the next day.

Butler is a 3rd Round talent that we signed for peanuts, because he made a mistake in addition to being injured.

Now if I'm not mistaken, 3rd rounders have a pretty good chance on making the 53 man roster, so why can't Butler?

[SingletaryforHC]

Well, he should get a pretty good assessment in training camp and if things go great he makes the roster, if not no biggie. I really liked the pickup myself, it's nice to see them actually getting some of the more intriguin UDFA's come in. For years it seemed we didn't use due diligence in looking for talent there and then getting it into camp.

[49ersCatch]

I already know the name Ezra Butler

Well then you've proven him right :nana:

[49ersCatch]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fozp-sJoHTw

Doesn't show any highlights but it's a little interview with him and then at the end there's a guy telling us how good he is.
I don't know anything about him really other than this video and what I've read on from everyone here because I don't follow college ball, but this kid sounds like he has the ability to start next to Willis.

[goeagles99]

@ ASmith4ever...

I respect your opinion and personal knowledge of Butler, but the player you described would have been a high pick.

You and I both agree that Butler can play. NFL teams passed on him for one of two reasons, medical concerns or character concerns.

NFL teams don't just check on guys in college. Seahawks RT Sean Locklear was shocked to find out scouts called a coach of his from when he was in the 6th grade. Butler may have had some issues in the past. That doesn't make him a bad kid. It just makes the NFL nervous.

Maybe he's a saint and has some medical issue that none of us are aware of.

Guys with talent don't go unpicked for a one-time pot incident. I speak to one scout on a semi-regular basis. He thought Butler could go as early as the 3rd round. I'll see if I can find out anything else about why Butler dropped. He's not a player we discussed much.

[the snowman]

dudes pretty big....he used to be a DT..but slimed down to become LB..so i guess pass rush wont be a prob aye

[ASmith4ever]

Butler as u say made one mistake and didn't workout @ the combine fell from the 3rd rd to UDFA...that is a pretty big fall for minor concerns don't u think?...

Not at all...

The combine is really one of the biggest opportunities for a player to make himself known. Obviously film helps, but when you play at a school like Nevada in the WAC, then film isn't always an indicator of how good someone is. At least it isn't the SEC...

All the big name school players can afford (to a point) to miss the combine based on injury, because the play in the national spotlight and are well known from the start.

Not being able to take part in the combine is the singe reason why Butler didn't get drafted. People may have differing opinions, but small school players really only get that one opportunity to match up with the rest of the field

[nolanlover]

practice squad

[ASmith4ever]

practice squad

Have you ever watched him play?

[ninerlvr4lyfe]

I think he is versatile enough to do all three (TED, WILL WOLB) from a back up position right now...

He's the best UDFA pick up so far, I'd still like to see a NT picked up though, C. Clark or K. Robertson to compete with Fields and allow Balmer to play LDE until he gets mor lower body strength..

it would be nice to see him on the team, either as a Ted or Will.. i think that he would be the guy to compete with TBC and Haralson and still have the oppertunity to play infront of Ulbrich and quite possibly start at the ILB position.. he can eat up lineman and definatly open things up for Willis.. i was actually surprised that he didnt get drafted.. even if it was Mr Irrelevent! lol

[blissfull]

Meh, Philip Wheeler was better....

During the draft weekend I was in a live chat room in another forum and was asking for Wheeler to get drafted. Obviously the team passed. After the draft ended I called for the team to sign Ezra Butler since he was one of the players I had in my mock/list of players that I wanted along with Groves that didn't get drafted in the 1st as I had hoped.

Butler played at 285# as a DE in college and dropped about 35 pounds to play OLB. He has a nasty demeanor and is a very fast player for his size. He hits like a truck and takes a very good angle when tackling. I have to say that I was extremely happy to see him get signed with us.

This kid if coached right and given a chance should be very very special.

Here is a little bio about him:

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/ezra-butler?id=204

[#42]

Seen him play a few games at Nevada live and in color. Plays hard and may be a gem. Seems to be extremely aggressive imo.

[Nevyn]

Seems to me Butler is physically talented, but a very raw prospect. Poor technique, relies on speed, wears down against the run. Not really surprising such a player would be passed over.

There is a little potential there, but this strikes me as a guy we'd have to practice squad for awhile while we teach him to be a player, so I wouldnt be expecting any immediate help.

[9errealist]

Dude u don't come across as biased @ all...:rolleyes:

There is a difference being "rated" as a 3rd rd and being drafted as a 3rd rd pick...Smith is a 3rd rd pick so the chances of him being cut are very slim to none...Butler is an UDFA that was signed for peanuts so he would be easier to cut(if it came down to him and someone else)...

Lets say he only had those minor concerns as u say...then why did no team take a flyer on this talented kid?...Groves, Connor, Merling, Balmer(for those on here), Kelly, and even Mario M all fell lower than expected for so called concerns...Mario who was taken off of multi boards for MAJOR red flags yet the NYG took a chance on him cuz he was obviously talented...Butler as u say made one mistake and didn't workout @ the combine fell from the 3rd rd to UDFA...that is a pretty big fall for minor concerns don't u think?...
He will make this team, he's to talented not to. Lets face it other then P.Will and MAYBE Lawson,theres no body else to right home about. I see it as we got lucky to land a very good talent for almost nothing. He'll come to camp, Singletary will own him and he'll beat out Rod Green or B.Moore for a roster spot. we need explosive players on def, this guy has all the tools.

[RenoNinerFan]

Seems to me Butler is physically talented, but a very raw prospect. Poor technique, relies on speed, wears down against the run. Not really surprising such a player would be passed over.

There is a little potential there, but this strikes me as a guy we'd have to practice squad for awhile while we teach him to be a player, so I wouldnt be expecting any immediate help.

Its very obvious that you havent personally watched Butler....He has raw talent which means he has great potential....he WILL become a starting NFL LB....Mark my words

[calbears925]

hopefully he can win the starting job in training camp, sounds like a beast!

[Body87SU]

hopefully he can win the starting job in training camp, sounds like a beast!

Why????

[Body87SU]

yeah... I'd be stoked if Butler steps up and makes the team

Why????

[ASmith4ever]

Why????

Because he is a good player...

What kind of question is that?

[NinerLifer]

Because he is a good player...

What kind of question is that?

Why didn't he get drafted?

I'd rather see our seventh rounder, the other guy everbody is high on get a shot at a spot. His profile looks good, and Ive heard that he was steadily improving pre-draft.

[ASmith4ever]

Why didn't he get drafted?

I'd rather see our seventh rounder, the other guy everbody is high on get a shot at a spot. His profile looks good, and Ive heard that he was steadily improving pre-draft.

How many times in this thread has that question been answered???

Read through the thread. Your answer is in every tenth post.

I'll make it easy. He didn't compete in the Combine and played for a small school

Any other questions?

[blissfull]

William Hayes, DE, Winston-Salem State(4th 103-TEN)

Reggie Corner, CB, Akron(4th 115-BUF)

Brandon Carr, CB, Grand Valley State(5th 140-KC)

Tim Hightower, RB, Richmond(5th 149-ARI)

Erik Walden, OLB, Middle Tennessee State(6th 167-DAL)

:whistling:

Just because they got drafted doesn't mean they will amount to anything special.

There have been way too many players that were not drafted throughout the NFL history that not only became pro bowlers some of which even made it as hall of famers. Don't get all caught up in the draft number.

[Nyc 9erz]

Quote:
Four teams – the 49ers, Raiders, Buccaneers and Chiefs – tried hard to get Butler following the draft. And two of those teams offered more money than the 49ers, according to his agent, C.J. LaBoy.

Quote:
But Butler ultimately decided that the opportunity of playing for position coach Mike Singletary was too good to pass up. It also didn’t hurt that defensive coordinator Greg Manusky called him personally in the hours after the draft.

Found this on another board thought I would throw it here

[eldoniner]

Why didn't he get drafted?

I'd rather see our seventh rounder, the other guy everbody is high on get a shot at a spot. His profile looks good, and Ive heard that he was steadily improving pre-draft.

I'd rather see the best player get the best shot...