re: Kwon Alexander

quote:

---

We may have run a different defense but waouldnt it be better to have a Alexander at middle linebacker than what we had?? we got ripped up the middle at will vs auburn and moo st..debo was a much better olb than welter was a mlb..if beckwith wasn't ready then you put next best athlete capable of Manning most important spot on def.. Love DW becasue he is a tiger but he was not who we needed in middle...no matter what defense Tampa runs if kwon is the mlb under a lovie Smith defense that says something.

---

Actually, it does matter the type of defense a team runs.

Chavis' defense (a variant of the Miami 4-3 over)needed a true LB, made to stuff the run with some limited coverage assignments. One of his primary jobs was covering the middle gaps. The OLBs in his system are more hybrid positions, safety types, used for speed and aggression.

Smith's defense (firmly grounded in the Tampa 2 4-3) needs a MLB that is lighter with more coverage skills, as he is often dropping into zone coverage. Kwon, adding a few pounds but keeping his speed, appears to be really good fit for the Tampa 2...but he was also a very good fit as OLB for Chavis defense.