Asante Samuel, Jr, CB FSU - Discussion

[CivilBolt]

He has all the signs of being a great CB. But looking at the pictures of him, Palmer and Slater, he looks smaller than I thought. Unless Palmer is huge or something.

TG

He is 5’10”, Palmer is 6’1” and Slater is 6’4” so it looks about right. He can be our own version of honey badger but 1” taller. Small but feisty.

[like54ninjas]

He has all the signs of being a great CB. But looking at the pictures of him, Palmer and Slater, he looks smaller than I thought. Unless Palmer is huge or something.

TG

#5 is about 3” taller and 30# heavier than #26

[Bolt Dude]

Seems like the media consensus is that Chris Harris Jr. will be playing on the outside in base packages. It’s a good thing Staley doesn’t use that package too often.

On the other hand, Staley’s never had high quality ILBs, and we have 3 very capable ones, which might prompt more base packages, especially if we struggle in run defense. A real possibility.

That being said, how long will it take for Asante to supplant CHJr as the outside corner (opposite Vato) in base packages??

Honestly, I’d like to see it happen sooner than later.

[Formula 21]

I worry about Chris Harris’ play. Just saying. Father Time always wins.

With his salary, I have to put him on the surprise cut list.

[Bolt Dude]

I worry about Chris Harris’ play. Just saying. Father Time always wins.

With his salary, I have to put him on the surprise cut list.

I largely agree. I think we’re trying to squeeze that last bit of juice this year, especially since CHJr. is so familiar with the defense. A coach on the field if you will.

That being said, I don’t want him playing on the outside at all. He hasn’t played well there for the last 3-4 years when given the opportunity.

[wu-dai clan]

I like ASJ.
As much as Slater or Palmer.
If not more.
CHJ, with good health, will be a perfect mentor.
We can bring Samuel along gradually.
I still see Asante as a Boundary Corner.

[Steve]

On the other hand, Staley’s never had high quality ILBs, and we have 3 very capable ones, which might prompt more base packages, especially if we struggle in run defense. A real possibility.

I'm not sure how you figure that. I would say we have 3 PROMISING ILB, but when I look at the roster, I don't see any that have done anything yet. I'm not against who we have or anything, just saying they haven't accomplished anything yet.

Part of it is it is very difficult for ILB to make impact plays, they are not in a position to make many plays. BUt the guys we have are all average to below average players over their careers so far (except Nieman who has no career so far).

NFL teams play many more DB because LB simply cannot match up against the speed and change of direction that today's WR, TE and RB have. LB cannot run with them. They may have the straightline speed, but that only helps when they are dropping against go routes. LB lose too much speed in transition and cannot cut fast enough.

IF we struggle in run D, it will likely be that our DL are not very good, which is also a very real possibility. They also have not been asked to 2 gap recently, so that may be a problem as well, if it takes time to develop that skill.

[wu-dai clan]

"...have not been asked to two gap recently."

Why I predict Goldwire makes the team.

[Bolt Dude]

I'm not sure how you figure that. I would say we have 3 PROMISING ILB, but when I look at the roster, I don't see any that have done anything yet. I'm not against who we have or anything, just saying they haven't accomplished anything yet.

Part of it is it is very difficult for ILB to make impact plays, they are not in a position to make many plays. BUt the guys we have are all average to below average players over their careers so far (except Nieman who has no career so far).

NFL teams play many more DB because LB simply cannot match up against the speed and change of direction that today's WR, TE and RB have. LB cannot run with them. They may have the straightline speed, but that only helps when they are dropping against go routes. LB lose too much speed in transition and cannot cut fast enough.

IF we struggle in run D, it will likely be that our DL are not very good, which is also a very real possibility. They also have not been asked to 2 gap recently, so that may be a problem as well, if it takes time to develop that skill.

If our opponents’ strategy is to exploit our run D, they will likely use more heavier sets/power formations. This forces us to use base packages (ie 2 ILBs) more often.

I’ll acquiesce to your verbiage in defining our ILB group. They are closer to ‘promising’ than ‘high quality’. But as far as K9 is concerned, Staley will utilize his natural strengths more directly this year—letting him play downhill. I’m guessing that means run blitzing, gap penetration, QB/RB spy, etc.

Tranq’s speed is underrated, and if he can stay healthy, I’m expecting big things. 76 tackles in limited snaps as a rookie is indeed promising. And I think he’s gotta extra chip on his shoulder this year.

Overall, our LBs have the requisite traits and intelligence to thrive in Staley’s scheme, more so (in my opinion) than the ILBs he had to work with last year.

You’re right, they haven’t done much yet. But I do believe our ILBs are more promising than the ILB talent in Staley’s former squad. That’s all.

[dmac_bolt]

I worry about Chris Harris’ play. Just saying. Father Time always wins.

With his salary, I have to put him on the surprise cut list.

They don’t have the DB depth to cut a proven player that knows the NFL game. Jmo as of now - if he’s running like Biden in camp, i guess it could change.

[Heatmiser]

I worry about Chris Harris’ play. Just saying. Father Time always wins.

With his salary, I have to put him on the surprise cut list.

Harris being counted on to communicate and quarterback the secondary. That is pretty important this first year of the new defense. Maybe next year he is gone, but don't see it now.

TG

[Bolt Dude]

Harris being counted on to communicate and quarterback the secondary. That is pretty important this first year of the new defense. Maybe next year he is gone, but don't see it now.

TG

I think that’ll be necessary until about week 5 or so, when we start really clicking with the new D. After that, I’d like to see Asante supplant CHJ in base packages.

Thankfully, the 2022 draft is stacked with CBs. There’ll be good quality guys thru the 5th round.