With so many big name free agents switching teams, some of the more "Under The Radar" moves have gone unnoticed. NFL Draft Bible's Senior Writer Ralph Mancini takes a look at some old faces in new places, who look to make an impact and play a key role with their new teams in 2008.
Antwan Odom, DE, Cincinnati: While last year’s starting right end, Justin Smith, was a high-effort performer who did an outstanding job against the run, Odom provides a much-needed pass-rushing presence off the corner to a team ranked last in league sacks with 22. Blessed with good raw ability, Odom has developed a variety of inside and outside moves to gain backfield penetration.
Chuck Darby, DT, Seattle: The 6’0” 297-pound Darby may be a bit undersized for an interior lineman, but he makes up for it by utilizing top-notch instincts to anticipate plays and shoot the gaps in penetration. The 32-year-old plays with a non-stop motor and is quick enough to effectively pursue running plays by running laterally. He’s not much of a pass rusher, but that’s not his job.
Jimmy Kennedy, DT, Jacksonville: Miscast as a nose tackle in St. Louis, Kennedy was never able to provide the Rams with what they were looking for in their two-gap scheme. The huge tackle is still a physical force with enough power and interior quickness to become a penetrating one-gap lineman. In Jacksonville’s classic 4-3 defense he’ll probably be asked to attack rather than sit back and diagnose a play. This may be the Nittany Lion’s last shot at earning a starting job.
Bobby McCray, DE, New Orleans: The physically-imposing 6’6” 261-pound McCray is a tremendous edge rusher whose speed and non-stop motor allowed him to post 10 sacks in 2006. The young tackle didn’t experience the same type of production a year later due to injuries. This move allows end Charles Grant to move to tackle allowing the Saints to reinforce their pass rush.
Landon Johnson, OLB, Carolina: The former Bengal may not be the most athletic of linebackers, but his instincts and range enable him to do solid work against the run. The 26-year-old is also versatile enough to cover backs and tight ends. Look for this text-book tackler to fit in quite nicely with Carolina’s attacking defense.
Derek Smith, ILB, San Diego: The 12-year veteran comes to San Diego to be more of a role player on an extremely talented defense with a standout linebacker corps featuring Shawne Merriman, Shaun Phillips, Steven Cooper and Matt Wilhelm. The well-traveled run stuffer will be asked to add his intensity and physical play in a San Diego scheme which focuses on clogging up running lanes on early downs in hopes of forcing the opposition into third and long. The 33-year-old Smith still has good range when reading the offensive line and attacking the hole.
Brandon Chillar, OLB, Green Bay: The recently-acquired Chillar is just what the doctor ordered at strong-side linebacker, where Brady Poppinga isn’t well suited to cover tight ends. The former Ram not only has the ability to jam tight ends, but is also adept at staying with them in pass coverage. Although limited in terms of lateral movement, Chillar should prove useful at utilizing his straight-line speed when attacking the line of scrimmage.
Randall Gay, CB, New Orleans: The versatile Gay will probably be a significant upgrade over last year’s starting corner, Jason David. The former LSU product is a gifted athlete who’s uncanny instincts often allow him to successfully read route progressions and make plays on the ball. While he may vulnerable to a receiver’s double move at times, he has good enough speed to play in both man and zone coverage, along with chipping in by defending the run.
Dwight Smith, SS, Detroit: The Detroit native comes back home to add a dose of toughness and intimidation to a porous defense. Having played with Lions head coach Rod Marinelli in Tampa Bay, Smith is well versed in the “Tampa-two” scheme, which asks defensive backs to redirect receivers off their routes and provide good run support. In addition, Smith is a playmaker who has a knack of getting his hands on a lot of balls.
Marlon McCree, FS, Denver: McCree is an underrated athlete who fills a big hole for Denver, which is in serious need of a safety with range that can play the two-deep zone. The former Charger is a sound defender that can hit, as well as read quarterbacks.
Drayton Florence, CB, Jacksonville: Another ex-Charger to hit the free agent market was Florence, who despite being prone to the occasional error in coverage, is an agile corner with superior change-of-direction and anticipation skills. The Jaguars may ask Florence to blitz and attack the line of scrimmage a little more than he has in the past.
|
