SB Nation - Orion Martin

3 Up and 3 Down

Matty I — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:15:10 -0000

Like I said last week, our new offseason Thursday feature will be "3 Up and 3 Down" - where I look at some topic and give three positives and three negatives. With today's organized team activity being open to the media, meaning we'll get another chance to hear about the players, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about how the 53 man roster might shape up.

Last year, the Dolphins got big contributions from two undrafted free agents - Davone Bess and Dan Carpenter. So let's focus on which undrafted free agents could make the biggest splash in 2009. And that will be followed by three players who were on the 53 man roster last season but whose days might be numbered in Miami.

THREE UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS WHO COULD MAKE AN IMPACT

1. Louis Ellis, NT - Measuring in at 6'2, 320 pounds, Ellis has the physical build and the necessary strength to play the nose in Miami's 3-4 defense. Undrafted out of Shaw University, a Division II school, Ellis is strong but also has the agility needed to play the position. However, he's very raw and will need technique work as well as improved conditioning if he wants to become Jason Ferguson's future replacement - a job the Dolphins desperately want to fill by 2010. Click here to check out a scouting report on Ellis from SI.com.

2. Orion Martin, OLB - Martin was a defensive end at Virginia Tech, but at 6'2, 260 pounds, he's the perfect "DE to OLB" conversion player. He's strong and has decent speed. While he tallied 14 sacks and 23.5 tackles for a loss over the past 2 seasons at VT, Martin fits more as a strongside outside linebacker (a la Matt Roth) rather than as a pass rusher. He's a smart player as well, with a good football IQ. The key stat with Martin is how unsuccessful teams were in college at throwing in the direction of Martin when Martin was asked to drop back into coverage - completing just 19% of their passes thrown into Martin's area with a 1.15 yards per attempt.

3. J.D. Quinn, G - Quinn is a guy who has a lot of talent but carries some baggage with him into the NFL. It's been well documented since the Dolphins signed him that Quinn was dismissed from Oklahoma, despite having early success as a Sooner, for accepting money that he didn't earn from a car dealership. He transferred to Montana to finish his college career. But it's pretty clear that Quinn has a less than likeable personality (see this video) and has had problems with alcohol. But you can't deny Quinn's ability to play football and, following the injury to Donald Thomas, Quinn instantly has a chance to make an impression on a new coaching staff. He'll be a player to watch as this offseason progresses.

THREE VETERANS WHOSE DAYS COULD BE NUMBERED

1. Quentin Moses, OLB - Moses will be entering his third season in the NFL and he has yet to show any kind of reason as to why he should remain in the NFL. Last season, Moses was active for 12 games - mostly as a special teamer - and recorded three tackles. With the return of Jason Taylor, the successful conversion to OLB by Matt Roth, and the additions Orion Martin and Tearrius George, there isn't really much room on the roster for a guy like Moses.

2. Jason Allen, CB - Allen is entering his fourth season in the NFL and it's getting very close to the time (if it isn't the time already) to being able to call Jason a 100% bust. This is definitely Allen's final chance to prove himself to Miami's coaching staff. With the free agent signing of Eric Green and the drafting of Vontae Davis and Sean Smith, it's clear that Allen's role in 2009 will be limited even if he remains on the roster. He'll likely be battling with guys like Nate Jones and Joey Thomas for the 5th corner spot. The Dolphins could potentially keep six corners - especially if they can made contributions on special teams. But one thing is certain about Allen right now - he's clearly on the roster bubble as training camp approaches.

3. Rodrique Wright, DE - Wright is entering his fourth season with the Dolphins and will be a free agent following the season. He missed all of the '06 season recovering form a shoulder injury he suffered in college. Last year, Wright was inactive for all 16 games, but was active for the playoff game against Baltimore. Whatever happens to Randy Starks could play a role in Wright's future in Miami, but this Dolphins regime has brought in a number of defensive ends over the past two offseasons - including Kendall Langford, Phillip Merling, Lionel Dotson, and Tony McDaniel - which could make it tough for Wright to keep his roster spot.

Arizona Cardinals Post Draft Coverage: Best Undrafted Free Agents

Hawkwind — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:19:30 -0000

Well the fire from the NFL draft weekend is still smoldering but today, and possibly the next couple of days, will center around the guys who did not get drafted. The Arizona Cardinals signed thirteen undrafted free agents and four of those guys are on the team right now including Ali Highsmith who was a prominent special teams player before hurting his knee midway through the season. The Cardinals could find some very useful pieces on this scrap heap but they'll have to work quickly because they're bidding against every other team in the league. We'll take a look at some of the notable names as well as update when any signings happen:

Here are some names that might ring a bell and will certainly be on the top of quite a few teams' wish list:

Linebackers: The Cardinals didn't draft an ILB for the second consecutive year but there are some notable names still available and with any luck, these guys might turn out even better than Ali Highsmith did last year. There are couple of outside backers at the bottom who might interest the Cardinals considering that they probably stash them on the practice squad and see how they look in a year once they learn the position.

Darry Beckwith (6'0, 234), LSU: Beckwith was thought be a third or fourth round pick at worse but his injury history and lack of great size or athleticism must have hurt him more than scouts thought.
Dannell Ellerbe (6'1 236) Georgia: Teams obviously thought that Ellerbe's breakout season in 2007 was overshadowed by three mediocre seasons. He'll have an uphill battle to make any team but he's got some athleticism and could be a factor on special teams.
Antonio Appleby (6'3 245) Virginia: He's nothing special in terms of production or athletic ability but a 3-4 team will pick him up for depth and his potential as a two down thumper.
Worrell Williams (5'11, 240) California: Williams is undersized but he's got experience in a 3-4 and the athleticism to be an NFL player.
Orion Martin (6'3, 262) Virginia Tech: Another former college DE who is probably best served switching to OLB, he's totaled 14 sacks over the past two seasons but ran a disappointing 4.89 at the combine.

Defensive Line: The Cardinals completely ignored the defensive line in the draft despite some concerns about the depth at defensive end and nose tackle. I'd be surprised if a couple of UDFA's aren't some wide bodied defenders.

Chris Baker (6'2 326) Hampton: Off the field problems forced him to leave Penn State and most likely are the biggest reason that's he field phone calls today instead of packing for an NFL team already. He's got the talent (16.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks) to play in this league but will need soem guidance.
Mitch King (6'1, 280) Iowa: King played defensive end, tackle and even linebacker while at Iowa and could project at either end or linebacker in the NFL. His tweener status probably kept him from being drafted by he's a versatile defender who carried a mid-round grade from some scouts.
Everette Pedescleaux (6'5, 305) Northern Iowa: The Cardinals were rumored to have brought Pedescleaux in for a visit before the draft and he'd offer some depth and athleticism at the defensive end spot.

Offensive skill positions: While the Cardinals might be stacked at running back after the selections of Wells and LSH, it wouldn't hurt to add another body to man the practice squad. Any receiver with some return potential might also be intriguing as should any balanced tight end.

Jeremiah Johnson (5'9 209) Oregon: He was never really a featured runner but he totalled over 2,000 yards at Oregon and averaged over six yards per carry. He's also got experience returning kicks.
Ian Johnson (5'11, 212) Boise State: Johnson ran surprisingly fast at the combine (4.46) but his long list of injury is concerning.
Devin Moore (5'9, 191) Wyoming: Moore's size hurts his stock but his athleticism is amazing and he could help a team as a third down back and kick returner.
Kory Sheets (5'11, 208) Purdue: Another smallish back with outstanding speed (4.47) who doubles as a back and return man.
Marlon Lucky and Arian Foster (5'11, 216 & 6'1, 215): Both Lucky and Foster were starting backs who ran disappointing 40's and failed to establish themselves as NFL material but seven rounds of waiting might just be the motivation that they needed.
Quan Cosby (5'9, 196) Texas: He's small and old for an NFL rookie (26) but he is faster than he timed (4.57) and was a successful punt and kick returner at Texas.
Jeremy Gilchrist (5'9 176) Hampton: Gilchrist is tiny and was neutralized by double teams after totaling over a 1,000 yards in 2007 but his six punt return touchdowns in the past two years is hard to ignore.
Ryan Purvis (6'3, 254) Boston College: A physically limited tight end whose senior production drastically dropped off with Matt Ryan gone, but he's physical, willing blocker who had over 50 reception in 2007.
Jared Bronson (6'4, 254) Central Washington: Bronson's a decent in-line blocker who has also shown the ability to stretch the field (17.9 yards per catch in 2008).

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There are countless other guys we could mention but that's a small taste. Who else would you like to see the Cardinals take a look at? What positions still need the most help?

Dolphins signing undrafted free agents

Matty I — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 04:27:12 -0000

You'll remember that by this time last year, the Dolphins had signed an undrafted free agent by the name of Davone Bess - a receiver out of Hawaii. And all he did was have the 2nd best rookie season ever for an undrafted free agent receiver.

Well the Dolphins, like many NFL teams, are already back at it - signing numerous undrafted players. Jeff Ireland said on Sunday he expects to add 8 to 10 players as undrafted free agents.

Here are the ones I've come across so far:

TE Jared Bronson, Central Washington
6'4, 255
A pass-catching TE who is athletic and can separate from defenders down the field.
Source: Sun-Sentinel

OL Mark Lewis, Oregon
6'4, 308
Was told by coaches he'd be a center/guard for the Dolphins.
Source: Sun-Sentinel

DE/OLB Orion Martin, Virginia Tech
6'2, 262
A high motor player who might not have the speed needed to successfully convert to OLB (ran a 4.89 40 at Combine).
Source: Palm Beach Post

DE Ryan Baker, Purdue
6'4, 295
Projects as a defensive end in Miami's 3-4.
Source: Miami Herald

WR Chris Williams, New Mexico State
5'8, 163
Led team with 86 catches for 1,271 and 9 touchdowns in 2008 and was 4th in the nation in receiving yards per game.
Source: NMStateSports.com

WR Brennan Marion, Tulsa
6'1, 185
Speedy big-play receiver who had 43 catches for 1,112 yards (25.9 ypc) in 2008. He was a JUCO transfer and in his first year at Tulsa, 2007, he averaged 31.9 yards per catch - leading the nation.
Source: TulsaWorld.com

RB Anthony Kimble, Stanford
6'0, 216
A back who doesn't have great burst or speed, but is powerful, can block, and has good hands.
Source: Mercury News

More will be added as I hear them. If you know of one, please post the link below...

Note: Those looking for my longer daily post - it will be posted early Monday morning.

Outside Linebackers: Long look back, brief look forward

Fooch — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:34:09 -0000

Earlier in the week we took a look at the 49ers wide receivers in 2008 and what that meant for 2009. Today we'll take a look at the 49ers outside linebackers. I originally planned on combining all the linebackers together, but in the 3-4 I feel it's more beneficial to consider the OLBs separately.

As with our wide receivers (and actually most of the positions), this felt like a tale of two seasons: The Nolan half and the Singletary half. The Nolan half involved a convoluted system of switching back and forth between the 3-4 and 4-3, virtually on a whim. Had that system continued, we probably would have to review Justin Smith's performance both as a defensive end AND as an outside linebacker. This was the system that led to Manny Lawson actually playing one game entirely on special teams.

Once Coach Singletary took, that all changed as the defense became a straight 3-4 squad. This change resulted in significantly more playing time for Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson. The problem created by Nolan's initial decisions was reducing the body of work we have to look at in regards to the OLBs, with Haralson and Lawson being the two primary examples.

Parys Haralson: Haralson finished the season with more sacks than any 49er since Bryant Young also had 8 in 2005. While he has made contributions in other areas, his primary ability rests in his pass-rushing skills. This was his third season with the team and there had always been talk of "potential" with Haralson. After a virtually non-existent rookie season, he 2.5 sacks in 2007 before busting out this season.

Haralson is shorter and stouter than Manny Lawson and there has been some question about his speed. It seems like he figured something out this year, although part of that probably had to do with coming in behind a guy like Justin Smith sometimes. Since this is only one year of big production one might argue it could very well be a flash in the pan. While that is certainly possible, I also think it says something a bout Haralson that given the clear lack of a pass rush elsewhere, he was still able to make things happen and get his numbers.

Manny Lawson: After missing almost all of 2007, Lawson's 2008 campaign could probably best be described as inconsistent. He had some big performances, and then would disappear the next week. This is probably primarily due to his continued recovery from knee surgery and so somewhat expected. Throw in Mike Nolan's sometimes bizarre use of him and it was hard for him to get going at times.

Lawson is not a pass rushing OLB in the traditional sense. He certainly can use his athleticism to get to the QB, but his real talent lies in run stopping and dropping back in coverage, along the lines of Julian Peterson. Singletary has done a better job of utilizing Lawson and I think next season could be big for Lawson considering it usually takes a full season before a player is completely recovered from knee surgery.

Roderick Green: Green is a pass rushing specialist and while he certainly made some big sacks for the 49ers, he was not as consistent a threat as I would have liked. I'd imagine part of the reason he ended up in San Francisco was because of his connection to Nolan in Baltimore. Green is an unrestricted free agent and I'd be pretty surprised if the 49ers brought him back. I think you know what you're getting with Green and resources would be better spent on bringing in someone new, whether it be through the draft or free agency.

Tully Banta-Cain: TBC has more or less become an outside linebacker in name only. He spends a majority of his time on special teams, although he seems to do a fairly solid job in his role. Depending on which resource you consider, TBC is scheduled to hit the cap for around $3.5 million, including a base salary of $2,475,000 (the NFLPA reports a base salary of $1,275,000). Since he's a free agent following next season, I'd imagine the 49ers might just keep him around, even if it's mostly as a special teams player. We'll see how Singletary/McCloughan handles it.

One area considered a big need for the 49ers is in the pass rush department. The general idea is that the 49ers need defensive or outside linebacker help in the form of a big-time pass rusher. In looking at the 49ers depth chart, I really wonder if that need has to be filled at outside linebacker. We know what Parys Haralson did when he got playing time this season. And while Manny Lawson isn't a traditional pass rusher, he brings plenty of skills to the OLB position.

One interesting point is that Parys Haralson is entering the final season of his rookie contract. In early 2008 the 49ers approached his agent about working on an extension but it did not go much further than that. I'd say that was well-played by Haralson given his 2008 production. If he has another impressive year without getting a new deal, he could very well be gone. If you're the 49ers, do you start looking for a replacement now? Free agency doesn't provide a lot of linebacker options, so that leaves the draft. If the team can't work out a deal with Haralson before the draft, maybe it's worth spending a high pick on the position. Thoughts?

I've got a list of potential 3-4 outside linebackers after the jump. The one problem is that many college players that become NFL OLBs are currently listed as defensive ends. So this is probably not the most complete list (that and it's only 8 guys right now).

And as for the poll, consider it in terms of the entire season. If you think the 49ers will bring in a free agent or a high draft pick to work in to become a starter, clarify your vote in the comments.

EDITOR'S NOTE 10:55PM: If you vote note, feel free to let us know what you think will actually happen at the OLB position in 2009.

I took this list from Draft Tek's positional rankings. Normally I'd use ESPN, but their list of outside linebackers does not differentiate between 3-4 and 4-3 so it's not 100% useful yet.

1. Brian Orakpo, Texas
2. Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech
3. Everette Brown, Florida State
4. Clint Sintim, Virginia
5. Clay Matthews, USC
6. Cody Brown, Connecticut
7. Orion Martin, Virginia Tech
8. Tim Jamison, Michigan

Poll

Assuming the defense runs strictly a 3-4 will Parys Haralson and Manny Lawson be the primary starting outside linebackers?

Yes

99 votes

No

26 votes

125 votes | Poll has closed