ajmac Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Ok, I know I will get roasted here, but Darby really was drafted as a man cover corner. Not really sure he fits the cover 3 zone prototype at all. With Seymour and White seemingly better fits, is there any possibility in your opinion that Darby, if not fitting through camp, could get traded, be a backup, or move inside? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhitewalkerInPhilly Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 I wouldn't say roasted. But I seem to recall that Darby played rather well in his first outing vs the Colts when he had a safety rolling to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kemp2Warlick Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Isn't it easier to play zone than man coverage? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r00tabaga Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 He doesn't appear to have the McD measurables either. He's still a good young player...you need as many good players as possible, let alone young corners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Over 29 years of fanhood Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 It's a valid question, one never knows how players adapt to different systems. He's one helluva athlete though so I'm betting he'll manage. Maybe they let him press and drop if that's what he's best at. Looked back at scouting and the one liability mentioned was toughness in run support. Since McD has come out and said that's a must, we will see how it works out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincec Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Ok, I know I will get roasted here, but Darby really was drafted as a man cover corner. Not really sure he fits the cover 3 zone prototype at all. With Seymour and White seemingly better fits, is there any possibility in your opinion that Darby, if not fitting through camp, could get traded, be a backup, or move inside? Darby, Ragland, Shaq, Washington, ... pretty much everyone drafted while Rex was here is now a square peg in a round hole. Part of the fun of switching defenses every two years. That being said, Darby is probably the least affected. If you can cover then you can cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Ok, I know I will get roasted here, but Darby really was drafted as a man cover corner. Not really sure he fits the cover 3 zone prototype at all. With Seymour and White seemingly better fits, is there any possibility in your opinion that Darby, if not fitting through camp, could get traded, be a backup, or move inside? Think it is absolutely a fair question. We saw a couple of times last year when in situations where he was having to make decisions Darby struggled. I don't think he is a great read and react defender. I would like to see McDermott keep the amount of on field thinking to a minimum for Darby. As for trading him? Can't see it. He is cheap and has shown he can play in the league though in a different system. I suspect he is unlikely to see a 2nd contract here though - which will mean another highly drafted DB walking away after 1 contract. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 I think that it is a fair question but I don't worry about Darby. Rex's system is set up to destroy cornerbacks. They aren't protected at all. If Darby regains some of his confidence I expect him to become a good corner again in McDermott's scheme. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Isn't it easier to play zone than man coverage? I think you could say more guys have what it takes to play zone? The skill set is a bit less rare than the guy that can go out on an island. But there are some differences beyond "easier" vs "harder" as far as whether a guy is a fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan17 Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 In his pre draft scouting report, there was a small blurb that he has shown the ability to do well in a zone. I honestly wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Seymour and White were the starters on the edges and Darby got moved to slot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndirish1978 Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 We'll have to wait and see when the season gets underway, but I would caution against judging guys based on broad-sweeping classifications. I catch myself doing it sometimes - so and so is "not great in space" - then you watch them play and they're good players in space. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malazan Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 ..and the newest entry on inventing things to worry about is... The team has enough actual issues to be concerned about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndirish1978 Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 ..and the newest entry on inventing things to worry about is... The team has enough actual issues to be concerned about. I'm usually quick to point out the bad topics, but i think this is a legitimate question and falls under the football discussion. Compare this topic to other threads, which, rather than asking for input, simply posit an idea and then proceed to criticize everyone who disagrees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo_Stampede Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Darby is made for the scheme. He is a great tackler. He wont have to worry about being beat deep. Gilmore was the poor fit, more of a man CB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Darby has that closing speed if you have that....you can play any system Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndirish1978 Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Darby has that closing speed if you have that....you can play any system Agreed. His technique isn't bad either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nucci Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Darby, Ragland, Shaq, Washington, ... pretty much everyone drafted while Rex was here is now a square peg in a round hole. Part of the fun of switching defenses every two years. That being said, Darby is probably the least affected. If you can cover then you can cover. People try to make football so complicated. It is as simple as this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmotionallyUnstable Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Darby, Ragland, Shaq, Washington, ... pretty much everyone drafted while Rex was here is now a square peg in a round hole. Part of the fun of switching defenses every two years. That being said, Darby is probably the least affected. If you can cover then you can cover. Wrong. You have an argument with Ragland. But you can't simply group them all as being unable to adapt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndirish1978 Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Wrong. You have an argument with Ragland. But you can't simply group them all as being unable to adapt. Agreed. Shaq in particular is absolutely more suited to playing end in a 4-3 and Washington is absolutely better off with more people next to him, which frees him up to pass rush. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
todzilla Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 ..and the newest entry on inventing things to worry about is... The team has enough actual issues to be concerned about. And the winner of the : I have nothing to add so I'm just going to be a douche award goes to... I think Darby and Shaq will find their way in this defense. They are both too talented not too. Hopefully a strong camp can get Darby his confidence up high going into the season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommonCents Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Darby is about halfway down on the list of concerns. He can play. Good luck to anyone playing infront of Poyer though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mead107 Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 It will work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 (edited) Darby, Ragland, Shaq, Washington, ... pretty much everyone drafted while Rex was here is now a square peg in a round hole. Part of the fun of switching defenses every two years. That being said, Darby is probably the least affected. If you can cover then you can cover. Adolphus Washington? He's actually a better fit in a 4-3 by far. Why would you say he's not? Edited May 15, 2017 by YoloinOhio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rc2catch Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Darby has talent, I can see maybe an adjustment period as he learns maybe some new techniques. I can't see him losing his job or nothing. He's the #1 corner on this team and I expect him to make the jump to a possible top 15-20 corner in the league. As for the others, I agree with Lawson much better suited as a 4-3 end, and I think we may see Adolphus Washington be a real beast as a rotational guy coming in fresh to spell other guys. While he may not be amazing Washington just has that knack for first step explosion. I like our young guys under this new system. If the pass rush is there this defense can be very good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndirish1978 Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Of all the Rex guys Ragland is the only one who would APPEAR to be out of position. BUT, we haven't seen him play a single down as a pro. I dislike relying on draft buzz to classify a player. I liked watching him in college but admit I never focused on how he played in coverage, I just liked watching him bash the crap out of people. I really hope he pans out, because if he does he's likely to be a fan favorite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Yeah, not sure from where the "Darby, Lawson, Ragland, and Washington are square pegs" idea came? Lawson played in a 4-3 in college, Ragland more often played in a 4-3, Washington at 6'4" and 295# isn't a NT, and Darby is a CB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logic Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 I had this thought as well, but I read a tweet from Andy Benoit today stating that he expects Darby to be BETTER in McDermott's defense. Certainly interesting, since I think of Darby more as a man-to-man specialist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincec Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 (edited) Adolphus Washington? He's actually a better fit in a 4-3 by far. Why would you say he's not? Because he's not a strong interior run defender as a DT, or at least wasn't in college and in his limited time in the NFL, and not a great edge rusher. Edited May 15, 2017 by vincec Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 I had this thought as well, but I read a tweet from Andy Benoit today stating that he expects Darby to be BETTER in McDermott's defense. Certainly interesting, since I think of Darby more as a man-to-man specialist.Rex's stupid system doesn't do any corners favors. They are just left to fend for themselves. McDermott and company will have that defense much more prepared. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincec Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 (edited) Yeah, not sure from where the "Darby, Lawson, Ragland, and Washington are square pegs" idea came? Lawson played in a 4-3 in college, Ragland more often played in a 4-3, Washington at 6'4" and 295# isn't a NT, and Darby is a CB. Ragland doesn't have the classic range required to play MLB or WLB in a 4-3 at the pro level. Lawson is a small 4-3 DE or a slow 4-3 SLB. Not saying these guys can't make the transition. If they turn out to be elite players then they can play in any system. But they were drafted as "fits" for a completely different system than the one they are now being asked to play in. Edited May 15, 2017 by vincec Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wppete Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 He can play zone , he is fast and he is a great tackler. He fits great in the defense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ndirish1978 Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Ragland doesn't have the classic range required to play MLB or WLB in a 4-3 at the pro level. Lawson is a small 4-3 DE or a slow 4-3 SLB. Not saying these guys can't make the transition. If they turn out to be elite players then they can play in any system. But they were drafted as "fits" for a completely different system than the one they are now being asked to play in. Yeah, this is simply wrong. Shaq is 6'4 269. That is not undersized for a 4-3 DE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Because he's not a strong interior run defender as a DT, or at least wasn't in college and in his limited time in the NFL, and not a great edge rusher.he's a 4-3 DT and athletic, technically sound interior pass rusher. He needs to continue to improve against the run but that's not system specific. He will be excellent in this scheme imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommonCents Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 Yeah, this is simply wrong. Shaq is 6'4 269. That is not undersized for a 4-3 DE. Shaq's size isn't the question his ability to rush off the edge is. I think that is a legit concern, I heard some Suggs mentions when Shaq was drafted around here. People need to go see how a guy like Suggs bends around the corner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted May 15, 2017 Share Posted May 15, 2017 I think what you see are guys drafted for a certain system when in fact they fit into more than system and perhaps some better into this system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincec Posted May 16, 2017 Share Posted May 16, 2017 I think what you see are guys drafted for a certain system when in fact they fit into more than system and perhaps some better into this system. Could be. I hope so. All will be revealed in time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baskingridgebillsfan Posted May 16, 2017 Share Posted May 16, 2017 thinking Lawson and Washington are better fits. Ragland Ragland Ragland . lets see Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted May 16, 2017 Share Posted May 16, 2017 Darby has that closing speed if you have that....you can play any system Agree to a point. You can't teach speed but playing zone is about so much more than that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QB Bills Posted May 16, 2017 Share Posted May 16, 2017 Why is it always "player doesn't fit the system" and not "system doesn't fit the player"? A good coach gets the most out of his players, whether that means he has to adjust his system or not. Isn't that what everyone was on Rex for? Darby has shown talent and work ethic. He never quits on a play and looked fantastic in 2015. If he doesn't look good this year, I'd say it says more about McDermott than him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted May 16, 2017 Share Posted May 16, 2017 One reason he fits @pff Best run defense grades among CBs Xavier Rhodes, MIN, 86.4 Ronald Darby, BUF, 86.3 Brent Grimes, TB, 83.5 Aqib Talib, DEN, 83.2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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