Linebackers and how the stack up

[49ertime]

Ok i am looking to get a little bit of information from some of you guys who know a little bit more about the LB's than i do. Before we traded our picks i figured we were going to be stuck w/ whom ever would fall to us in the 2nd round.... now w/ the 22nd pick we could possibly have a choice between them and i don't know a lot about the differences in all of them.

If i could get an anylysis and maybe a rankings of the different LB's, i would appreciate it. The ones that most ppl talk about are Lawson, Wimbley, Carpenter, Greenway, Sims, Ryans, and McIntosh. I am NOT interested in any discussion about hawk b/c he won't be there at 22. But there is a possibility that Any of the above listed players could fall to us at 22 so how do you guys feel each one rates? Which will fit best in the 3-4 system we run, and be able to contribute the most from day 1 as a starter? Hoping to find out strengths/weaknesses, and why you believe they will work well on the 49er team.

[Vinny]

I need a link for all cut n paste materials please.

[49ertime]

Well from what you have posted there sounds like Sims / Carpenter/ Lawson in that order wouold be the best fit for our team. Thnx for the info. Was that the order that you had em in as well?

[49ersCatch]

I like Lawson the most, we need a pass rusher and he can do it. Who else do we have even that gets many sacks? Bryant Young?

[49ertime]

Why do you rate lawson hire than carpenter? from what you posted it says lawson has trouble w/ the big linemen, and gets engulfed by them... where as for boby carpenter says he only has a little trouble w/ shedding the blocks, not getting engulfed... and boby's positives sounded better.

I guess i did overlook the projected spot for sims which does say 4-3 OLB but what i read underneath that about him did sound pretty good... Ok so if sims isn't a true OLB... then from those blubrs you posted sounded like Carpenter/Lawson/ and then i still think sims sounds much better than wimbly... who sounds like he has real problems espcially against the run. Although i am not sure how much of a position problem it would be for him to be a 3-4 OLB vs a 4-3.

[hawaii49fan]

The problem with Sims as noted is his size, especially if the Niners are playing a 3-4, his off the field stuff, his lack of discipline on the field and probably more than one concussion in his past. With his style of play he could be prone toward future concussions. Jamie Winborn, in some ways deja vu all over again, as the great Yogi said!

I like Carpenter at 22 since most likely Lawson and Wimbley will be gone and then one or two of the DE to LB linebacker(s) in later rounds.

By the way some of us are not guys!:rolleyes2:

Sadie

[PsychoZombie]

Lawson is being heralded as a Bang or Bust pick at OLB in the 3-4 wheras Greenway is being heralded as a OLB on the 3-4 for years to come.

Greenway tops this list IMO.

[PsychoZombie]

it depends what your looking for, Greenway is more of a coverage LB whereas Wimbley and Lawson are pass rushers. Carpenter is the best all-around of the bunch.

Yes he's not a CONSTANT pass rusher but "get's to the QB when he blitzes" (NFL.com Draft Prospects). Whereas Wimbley?Lawson are considered situational pass rushers, bring them in on obvios passing plays.

I think at #22 we should be grabbing an ALL AROUND player then a situational player. That's Greenway.

Carpenter has no instinct, great ability but doesn't use it. He wasn't a GREAT OLB at Ohio and he isn't going to be even a decent backup in the NFL. He's a MAJOR reach at #22 and IMO isn't worth a 4th round selection.

Greenway gives us a blitzing OLB, a coverage OLB and a motor that nevers quits till the whistle. He IS the BEST all around OLB that should be available at #22 and blows his competition that will still be available away in more ways then one.

[SBbound49ers]

~ you do realize that the Scouting Reports for Lawson and Wimbley are judged on their play as 4-3 DE's which is why they say situational pass rushers. if the Scouting Report was strictly on 3-4 OLB then the Report would be much different.

~ saying Carpenter is a 4th rounder is so comical you should stop now because you have clearly never seen him play. Carpenter was the highest rated LB out of h.s and has maintained a high level of play to be considered a 1st rounder this year. Carpenter at times was more dominant and consistent that Hawk. Carpenter is a playmaker and has tremendous instincts. Carpenter is the most ideal and best all-around LB of this bunch. Carpenter won't be a decent back-up, seriously this kid is a serious player.

~ Greenway was consistent over his career but isn't very stout at the point of attack and isn't very athletic which is why he isn't a good blitzer. Greenway is more of a read and react player but isn't an impact player that plays on instincts. Greenway's best attribute is pass coverage, not rushing the passer especially with his stiff hips.

This is why I really like Carpenter, he doesnt have the question marks Greenway, Lawson and Wimbley have. Only bad thing is he just seems like a Patriot who pick at number, you guessed it, 21. :madgal:

[49ertime]

Well it seems that I merely have more questions.... since the info given seems to be only for the players strengths as it pertains to their colledge positions which they wouldn't necessarily be retaining if we drafted them. You have any sources that detail how all these players might fit in as an OLB? Particularly in a 3-4 scheme? I am thinking particularly about the info given about the DE's we would be converting.

Still from what i can piece together carpenter sounds like the best all around linebacker who is capable of providing a good pass rush. I admit the ability to provide a pass rush is an essential function that we must look at when trying to pick our OLB's. Pass rush wasn't one of the things JP was great at, and i think it really hurt us last year because QB's had all day to throw in the pocket. Thus the knock on greenway that he isn't good at getting up the field to the QB is in my opinion a rather disasterous indictment. I was also not terribly impressed by greenway in the short clip i saw of him at the combine. Thus i would rate him lower than some of the others, mentioned.

So i think i will stick w/ carpenter as my top choice but i am still unclear on what seperates lawson / wimbly/ sims. All 3 seem equally good choices for conversion to OLB in a 3-4 scheme. Perhaps sims and lawson more than wimbly.