With all the combine talk it got me thinking, if you were an nfl team looking for a 3-4 OLB who would you rather take, John Simon or Nathan Williams? I know Simon gets more hype and with Williams missing so much time from injury Simon might be the obvious choice, but before the injury I would've said I'll take Williams any day. I think we might have to wait until their pro day to see what kind of 40 times they put up, but as an nfl player I think Williams projects better.
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Williams may have significant upside but I am still picking Simon.
Simon's motor and work ethic are major pluses that will get him on the field for a team and make an impact.
I agree to a point. Simon has a lot of intangibles that teams look for. He'll be a leader and an example in the locker room. That said Williams is faster, and probably has better instincts at LB. Plus the poster of this topic has ED.
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Browns are going to a 3-4 this year. I could see them taking one of these so-called 'tweeners.
"It's just another case of there you are". ~ Doc (1918-2012)
Article in the PD said Simon has talked to the Browns several times over the past few weeks
Both have pros and cons
Simon- more of a natural D lineman- plays more disciplined, leader, weight room warrior, great technique, shoulder injury?
Williams - easier transition to OLB, faster, plays more undisciplined on the playaction and blitz, micro fracture injury?
I'd take Simon. Love the intangibles (motor, leadership).
The micro fracture surgery spooks me away from NW, but I think he is the better baller of the two. Hope he proves me wrong though.
"Success - it's what you do with what you got" - Woody Hayes
Yeah, isn't the Microfracture something that can always come back. That surgery isn't a permanent fix right? If it were strait ability I'd take Williams. Unfortunately, the injury has to be considered so to me they are about a push.
It depends. Sometimes it is, but usually there is a high risk or potential for future injury. In some cases the procedure just was not successful as the regrowth of the cartilage did not work as planned. Rehab is extremely important and it requires a LOT of it. It is one of the most rehab/therapy intensive procedures out there and it is a very slow process.
If I were strictly considering the two for OLB only, it'd be Williams. Simon is not a linebacker and i'm not sure he has the skill set/body type to ever be efficient in pass coverage.
If I were considering a hand on the ground/smallish DE (Jared Allen/Dwight Freeney-type), I'd probably take Simon. Williams has more physical talent, but I think Simon can be a decent pro due to his intangibles.
For an outside linebacker, Williams. Simon has a lot of great skills, but outside backer depends very much upon fluid hips. Simon just doesn't have the hip flexibility or short space agility to handle the passing defense duties of an outer linebacker. He'd be a liability at that position.
As an inside linebacker, it is a closer call. I still would take Williams on the basis of his being more explosive and fluid.
I love Simon, but it is difficult to find a good fit for him in the NFL. Maybe as a rush specialist from the linebacker position or in goal-line sets, but his overall agility is a limit.
I'm not sure which Senior Bowl thing Simon went to, but I remember reading that many observers thought he struggled with exactly that- hip fluidness and directional changes in pass coverage.
Hip flexibility is a very underrated component of a successful pass defender. It is absolutely crucial for a CB, FS, or coverage LB. If you can't get your hips turned quickly, any straight-line speed you might have is nullified in most situations.
I really, really hope Simon finds a home and a niche where he can be a major contributor. It is much easier for me to see a way to fit Williams into NFL defenses. That said, microfracture injuries are a big deal.