2014 Depth Chart Predictions

[rocket66]

I also found some of BK's post game comments interesting. It's clear that he wants to infuse his young talent more and earlier going forward. It leads me to believe a lot of the under performing older guys/veterans were supported by the coordinators and BK quickly made that change once they left.

 

[jojoblack]

I've always enjoyed these. Baseless speculation on something we know nothing about is an IrishEnvy tradition, and these threads are some of the best. I know we don't know the futures of guys like Tuitt and Atkinson in the pros, our 5th year guys, transfers, and new commits, but that's what makes this fun.

QB: Golson/Zaire
RB: Folston/McDaniel/Bryant
WR: Daniels/Robinson
WR: Fuller/Hunter
WR: Brown/Prosise
TE: Niklas/Koyack
LT: Elmer/Bivin
LG: Hanratty/McGovern
C: Martin/Hegarty
RG: Lombard/Harrell
RT: Stanley/McGlinchey

DE: Tuitt/Rochelle (If Tuitt goes pro, then Hayes moves to backup)
NT: Jones/Springmann
DE: Day/Hounshell
DOG: Smith/Councell
ILB: Grace/Schmidt
ILB: Moore/Yeargin
CAT: Ishaq/Okwara
CB: Russell/Butler
CB: Luke/Kinlaw
S: Redfield/Hardy
S: Shumate/Baratti

KS: Brindza/Newsome
LS: Daly
KR: Carlisle/McDaniel
PR: Carlisle/Prosise

Moore and Lombard are the only 5th year guys I projected. I do not think any commit we could get right now would break into the 2-deep to start the year regardless.

It sounds good except Zaire will start and golson will come off bench

 

[woolybug25]

haha... jojo sighting!

 

[STLDomer]

 

[irishog77]

Wud up, jojo?!

 

[Buster Bluth]

I like this, Buster. You can tell you put a lot of thought into it. I tend to agree with you almost universally.

In terms of getting our best personnel onto the field, do you think we are stronger with Romeo at Will and Ishaq at DE in a 4-3 base, or Moore in with Romeo/Ishaq on the bench in a 3-4 base?

I have doubts about any of the CATs being able to play OLB in a 4-3. I think someone like Councell becomes a crucial back up.

OLB: Grace | Councell/Schmidt
MLB: Moore | Schmidt/Morgan
OLB: Smith | Councell

This development along with the offensive line battles are the two most interesting things to watch for me.

Well I think it comes down to McGlinchey vs Elmer for LT. If McGlinchey looks like he's going to reach that studly potential, then you put him out there and Elmer does another year at OG. I think Elmer is a future All-American and NFL draft pick, so it's win-win. I'm praying that McGlinchey does win the LT spot, because that just means Heistand created another stud...this time with 6'9 height and unreal length.

Do you think Martin gets beat out at center, or just not fully recovered?

If he's not back 100% for spring, I think I'd be worried about a guy like Hegarty--one of the best OL recruits nationally in his HS class--keeping that spot. Martin doesn't seem to be an NFL player, but a fine OC. Hegarty has a higher ceiling and may use this injury to supplant Martin. It could remind us all of Lo Wood losing his spot to KeiVarae Russell.

 

[dublinirish]

It sounds good except Zaire will start and golson will come off bench

Jojo where ya been bruh???

 

[woolybug25]

I have doubts about any of the CATs being able to play OLB in a 4-3. I think someone like Councell becomes a crucial back up.

OLB: Grace | Councell/Schmidt
MLB: Moore | Schmidt/Morgan
OLB: Smith | Councell

I think guys like Randolph, Yeargin and Martini may be able to fill the depth for OLB too. Don't forget about Deeb in the middle as well.

 

[dublinirish]

i think Schmidt will only be a package (nickel/dime?) guy, i dont think he ever is really in the depth chart

 

[Booslum31]

I think guys like Randolph, Yeargin and Martini may be able to fill the depth for OLB too. Don't forget about Deeb in the middle as well.

I also think Deeb is going to play a significant role. Grace concerned me when he was healthy...hope he comes back stronger.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

Starters

QB: Golson
RB: Folston *Tough one that any could win, but I think Folston gets it.
WR: Daniels
WR: Fuller * battle here
WR: Brown * battle here
TE: Koyack
OL: Elmer, Stanley, Lombard, Hanratty, Martin *See some others who could win out here

On D it depends what we run but I see these as potential starters

DL: Rochell, Jones, Day, Ishaq, Okwara
OLB: Smith, Okwara
ILB: Grace
ILB: Deeb, Moore and Morgan battle for this spot
CB: Russell & Luke
S: Redfield, Hardy, Shumate, Baratti, Farley etc battle it out

 

[Booslum31]

Starters

QB: Golson
RB: Folston *Tough one that any could win, but I think Folston gets it.
WR: Daniels
WR: Fuller * battle here
WR: Brown * battle here
TE: Koyack
OL: Elmer, Stanley, Lombard, Hanratty, Martin *See some others who could win out here

On D it depends what we run but I see these as potential starters

DL: Rochell, Jones, Day, Ishaq, Okwara
OLB: Smith, Okwara
ILB: Grace
ILB: Deeb, Moore and Morgan battle for this spot
CB: Russell & Luke
S: Redfield, Hardy, Shumate, Baratti, Farley etc battle it out

I think our weakest spot based on what you laid out here is ILB. I hope Grace comes back strong and makes a solid contribution...but if he wins that starting position again next year we are going to be in rough shape against both the run and the pass. It's a tretch to think Morgan will be ready to step into that role but I'll be anxious to see how fast he progresses...with BK's history with Freshman it's not very likely. I wouldn't even mind if it turned out to be Deeb and Moore. The ILB needs to:

- Good instincts
- able get off a block
- take good angles
- look for the recievers in their drops
- Sure tackler
- hit the gap quickly when called on to blitz (ILB has the shortest distance to get the QB)
- and occasionally knock someones mouthpiece out

I know his season was cut short but I didn't see all too much of this from Grace last year and I got the sense that other teams were starting to attack him. I pray he comes back stronger and with a chip on his shoulder next year.

 

[STLDomer]

I think our weakest spot based on what you laid out here is ILB. I hope Grace comes back strong and makes a solid contribution...but if he wins that starting position again next year we are going to be in rough shape against both the run and the pass. It's a tretch to think Morgan will be ready to step into that role but I'll be anxious to see how fast he progresses...with BK's history with Freshman it's not very likely. I wouldn't even mind if it turned out to be Deeb and Moore. The ILB needs to:

- Good instincts
- able get off a block
- take good angles
- look for the recievers in their drops
- Sure tackler
- hit the gap quickly when called on to blitz (ILB has the shortest distance to get the QB)
- and occasionally knock someones mouthpiece out

I know his season was cut short but I didn't see all too much of this from Grace last year and I got the sense that other teams were starting to attack him. I pray he comes back stronger and with a chip on his shoulder next year.

We've had a freshman come in and be considered a Freshman All American on defense by some media outlets 3 straight years

2013: Jaylon Smith
2012: Keivarae Russell
2011: Aaron Lynch

 

[fightingirish26]

I think our weakest spot based on what you laid out here is ILB. I hope Grace comes back strong and makes a solid contribution...but if he wins that starting position again next year we are going to be in rough shape against both the run and the pass. It's a tretch to think Morgan will be ready to step into that role but I'll be anxious to see how fast he progresses...with BK's history with Freshman it's not very likely. I wouldn't even mind if it turned out to be Deeb and Moore. The ILB needs to:

- Good instincts
- able get off a block
- take good angles
- look for the recievers in their drops
- Sure tackler
- hit the gap quickly when called on to blitz (ILB has the shortest distance to get the QB)
- and occasionally knock someones mouthpiece out

I know his season was cut short but I didn't see all too much of this from Grace last year and I got the sense that other teams were starting to attack him. I pray he comes back stronger and with a chip on his shoulder next year.

I thought grace was pretty good last year

 

[Irish YJ]

My thoughts. Caveat, I know nothing, just having fun.


Start of Year By end of Year
QB: Golson------- Same
RB: Folston/McD------ Folston/Bryant
WR: Daniels/Fuller ----- Daniels/Brent
WR: Brown/Hunter ------ Brown/Fuller
WR: Carlisle/Onwualu ------ Onwualu/McKenzie/Hunter
TE: Koyack/Smythe ----- Smythe/Heuerman
OL: Stanley/McGlinchey/Bivin/Watt/Elmer/Hanratty/Martin/Hegarty
OL EOY: Throw Nelson and Mustipher or Bars in the mix

34 Front 7
DE: Day / Utopo ------- Day/Utopo
DE: Rochell / Blankenship ----- - Rochell/Blankenship
NT: Jones/Utopo ------- Jones/Mokwuah
OLB: Smith/Randolf ------- Smith/Randolf
OLB: Okwara/Williams ------- Okwara/Williams
ILB: Grace/Moore ------- Morgan/Grace
ILB: Deeb/Morgan ------- Deeb/Moore

43 Front 7
DE Okwara/Blankenship ---- Same
DE Williams/Rabasa ---- Same
DT Day/Utopo ---- Same
DT Rochell/Jones ---- Same
OLB Smith/Moore ---- Same
OLB Randolf/Baratti ---- Same
MLB Grace/Deeb ---- Deeb/Morgan


CB Luke/Kinlaw ---- Same
CB Russell/Butler ---- Butler/Russell
S Shumate/Farley ---- Same
S Redfield/Hardy ---- Same

 

[rocket66]

I thought grace was pretty good last year

He was the leading tackler on the team before his injury. Was just coming into his own. Weakness was defending the pass but he was even getting better at that with experience. He'll be very solid if healthy next year. Definitely not a weak link.

 

[arrowryan]

My thoughts. Caveat, I know nothing, just having fun.


Start of Year By end of Year
QB: Golson------- Same
RB: Folston/McD------ Folston/Bryant
WR: Daniels/Fuller ----- Daniels/Brent
WR: Brown/Hunter ------ Brown/Fuller
WR: Carlisle/Onwualu ------ Onwualu/McKenzie/Hunter
TE: Koyack/Smythe ----- Smythe/Heuerman
OL: Stanley/McGlinchey/Bivin/Watt/Elmer/Hanratty/Martin/Hegarty
OL EOY: Throw Nelson and Mustipher or Bars in the mix

34 Front 7
DE: Day / Schwenke ------- Day/Schwenke
DE: Rochell / Utopo ----- - Rochell/Blankenship
NT: Jones/Schwenke ------- Jones/Mokwuah
OLB: Smith/Randolf ------- Smith/Randolf
OLB: Okwara/Williams ------- Okwara/Williams
ILB: Grace/Moore ------- Morgan/Grace
ILB: Deeb/Morgan ------- Deeb/Moore

43 Front 7
DE Okwara/Blankenship ---- Same
DE Williams/Rabasa ---- Same
DT Day/Schwenke ---- Same
DT Rochell/Jones ---- Same
OLB Smith/Moore ---- Same
OLB Randolf/Baratti ---- Same
MLB Grace/Deeb ---- Deeb/Morgan


CB Luke/Kinlaw ---- Same
CB Russell/Butler ---- Butler/Russell
S Shumate/Farley ---- Same
S Redfield/Hardy ---- Same

Schwenke is gone. And Russell would have to completely shit the bed for him to lose his spot. There's a reason why quarterbacks didn't throw his way very often

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

I think our weakest spot based on what you laid out here is ILB. I hope Grace comes back strong and makes a solid contribution...but if he wins that starting position again next year we are going to be in rough shape against both the run and the pass. It's a tretch to think Morgan will be ready to step into that role but I'll be anxious to see how fast he progresses...with BK's history with Freshman it's not very likely. I wouldn't even mind if it turned out to be Deeb and Moore. The ILB needs to:

- Good instincts
- able get off a block
- take good angles
- look for the recievers in their drops
- Sure tackler
- hit the gap quickly when called on to blitz (ILB has the shortest distance to get the QB)
- and occasionally knock someones mouthpiece out

I know his season was cut short but I didn't see all too much of this from Grace last year and I got the sense that other teams were starting to attack him. I pray he comes back stronger and with a chip on his shoulder next year.

I would rate them like this

Good: Grace

Unknown, but potential: Deeb, Morgan

Haven't shown much: Moore, Schmidt

 

[Irish YJ]

Schwenke is gone. And Russell would have to completely shit the bed for him to lose his spot. There's a reason why quarterbacks didn't throw his way very often

doh... brain fart.... meant Utopo...

I agree Russell is very, very good, I think Butler, Kinlaw, and Luke however will be better by end of year. Again, I know nothing, just my gut feel.

 

[chicago51]

Perhaps this belongs in DC thread but any chance we could run a 4-3/3-4 hybrid scheme like the Seattle Seahawks run?

Great read on how it really mixes 3-4 and 4-3 personnel: Muth read: The Seahawks and multiple defensive fronts - SBNation.com

NT is a 1 gap player so it doesn't have to 300+ lb player.

Our D could look something like this:
NT: Jones
DT: Day
5 tech strong side DE (3/4 style DE): Roshell
Leo (4/3 DE 3/4.OLB stud pass rusher type): Ishaq / Okwara
Sam LB (usually plays up outside of TE but with responsibilities simular to the drop (Dog) LB in 3/4): Smith
Mike (ILB): Grace /Deeb / Moore if not OLB / Morgan
Will (ILB): Moore / Morgan / Randolf no clue really
CB: Russell
CB: Luke
S: Farely
S: Summate (battle for S spots)

Again no clue what BVG will run but this scheme really works well when you got parts for both the 3-4 and the 4-3.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

Perhaps this belongs in DC thread but any chance we could run a 4-3/3-4 hybrid scheme like the Seattle Seahawks run?

Great read on how it really mixes 3-4 and 4-3 personnel: Muth read: The Seahawks and multiple defensive fronts - SBNation.com

NT is a 1 gap player so it doesn't have to 300+ lb player.

Our D could look something like this:
NT: Jones
DT: Day
5 tech strong side DE (3/4 style DE): Roshell
Leo (4/3 DE 3/4.OLB stud pass rusher type): Ishaq / Okwara
Sam LB (usually plays up outside of TE but with responsibilities simular to the drop (Dog) LB in 3/4): Smith
Mike (ILB): Grace /Deeb / Moore if not OLB / Morgan
Will (ILB): Moore / Morgan / Randolf no clue really
CB: Russell
CB: Luke
S: Farely
S: Summate (battle for S spots)

Again no clue what BVG will run but this scheme really works well when you got parts for both the 3-4 and the 4-3.

You murdered the names of the players lol

 

[IrishLax]

Here are some predictions...

-Bryant/Folston start year as co-starters. Carlisle is your 3rd down and change of pace back. McDaniel only plays sparingly baring injury. Outside of this prediction, I have no clue on offense. Really interested to see what happens on the OL and at TE and at WR.

-43 defense is just about a guarantee. Your front 4 is going to be Ishaq+Day+Jones+...? Rochelle? Okwara?

-At linebacker, I think Councell takes over at SAM at some point if healthy. If not healthy, I think Okwara might be the guy here. Or Randolph. Or Grace maybe if he's healthy. Nvm I have no clue.

-Grace does not start or play much at MIKE.

 

[NDPhilly]

Here are some predictions...

-Bryant/Folston start year as co-starters. Carlisle is your 3rd down and change of pace back. McDaniel only plays sparingly baring injury. Outside of this prediction, I have no clue on offense. Really interested to see what happens on the OL and at TE and at WR.

-43 defense is just about a guarantee. Your front 4 is going to be Ishaq+Day+Jones+...? Rochelle? Okwara?

-At linebacker, I think Councell takes over at SAM at some point if healthy. If not healthy, I think Okwara might be the guy here. Or Randolph. Or Grace maybe if he's healthy. Nvm I have no clue.

-Grace does not start or play much at MIKE.

You not high on Grace or think his injury is that bad?

Also Rochell looks more like a 4-3 DT than DE IMO.

 

[IrishLax]

You not high on Grace or think his injury is that bad?

Also Rochell looks more like a 4-3 DT than DE IMO.

I think Grace is a really good fit for 3-4 ILB. I think he is way too slow sideline to sideline to play MIKE in a 4-3, especially if the injury slowed him at all.

I think his future is at SAM if anywhere in a 4-3. But I'm not sure he's a better fit than Okwara or Councell or many others for that role.

On Rochelle, he's potentially a SDE in a 4-3. Don't think he's a DT. I don't know who you play in that SDE role right now, Ishaq is clearly the WDE. Someone unproven? Matuska? We'll have to wait and see.

 

[chicago51]

You murdered the names of the players lol

Not my best work. Not very focused right not.

Also Rochell looks more like a 4-3 DT than DE IMO.

Rochell to me is a DT/DE tweener and isn't a great fit for a 4-3 DT or DE hence one of the reasons I posted the Seattle article because their scheme is a 4-3 scheme with 3-4 personel with the exception of not having a two gap NT.

 

[NDinL.A.]

Not my best work. Not very focused right not.

I think you're still a little unfocused lol.

 

[STLDomer]

Here are some predictions...

-Bryant/Folston start year as co-starters. Carlisle is your 3rd down and change of pace back. McDaniel only plays sparingly baring injury. Outside of this prediction, I have no clue on offense. Really interested to see what happens on the OL and at TE and at WR.

-43 defense is just about a guarantee. Your front 4 is going to be Ishaq+Day+Jones+...? Rochelle? Okwara?

-At linebacker, I think Councell takes over at SAM at some point if healthy. If not healthy, I think Okwara might be the guy here. Or Randolph. Or Grace maybe if he's healthy. Nvm I have no clue.

-Grace does not start or play much at MIKE.

Ishaq - Day - Jones - Rochell

Councell - Moore/Grace - Smith

Luke - Shumate - Redfield - Russell

I could dig it.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

2014 Depth Chart Predictions

From these predictions I guess Collinsworth coming back is a waste.


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[irishog77]

From these predictions I guess Collinsworth coming back is a waste.


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Yep.

Also, with Diaco gone, is Grace still a werewolf...or did his werewolfness die when Diaco left town?

 

[chicago51]

Yep.

Also, with Diaco gone, is Grace still a werewolf...or did his werewolfness die when Diaco left town?

Can someone refresh me and those of us less read up on the subject of all the ways to kill a werewolf? I assume #1 is to have both the werewolf's coordinator and position coach (in this case the same guy) leave town; or does that only eliminate the werewolfness and the individual is still a werewolf despite not appearing to be one?