Does Size Matter?

HAHAH. HESS liiiikes CHOADS! LOL

Seriously, to not hijack this thread. I agree with the above. I think as long as someone can hold the point of attack, that's all that matters. Just because an offensive lineman is four hundred pounds doesn't make them any more effective at BLOCKING someone.

I've been thinking about this lately; Does it really make that much of difference in the grand scheme of things?

Take for instance our defensive line. We currently have one, by NFL standards, small defensive end and could possibly end up with another in the draft - Gaines Adams.

I know we've discussed ad nauseum the merrits of drafting one DL as opposed to another, that's not what I'm getting at here.

Is it proven or possible that you can't have a formidable front four with two average size DEs?

Please discuss.

Is Earthquake rubbing off on you? What if I don't wanna discuss? Just kidding.

Gaines Adams had a productive college career. He is the best pass rusher in the draft. He is a better player than the guy at Ark. Does anyone remember Charles Haley? I don't think he weighed 260lb. Some guys can play well at that weight. We can have a good line with two small ends. But we had better have some guys holding down the fort in the middle.

HAHAH. HESS liiiikes CHOADS! LOL

Seriously, to not hijack this thread. I agree with the above. I think as long as someone can hold the point of attack, that's all that matters. Just because an offensive lineman is four hundred pounds doesn't make them any more effective at BLOCKING someone.

Dude, I really thought you were going somewhere when you said, "as long as someone can hold"....then I kept reading!

Size is not what ultimately makes the difference. If a 280 lb DT is among the leagues' best run stoppers, it's not like you should not play him because he's small.

However, being small in a big man's game usually puts you at a disadvantage. If you gave me a 260 lb DE and a 285 lb DE and told me nothing else about them, I would be 95% sure that the 285 lb guy would be better against the run.

One of the good things about scouting is that when a relatively small guy does an exceptionally good job holding his ground, it really stands out. These kind of things usually don't tend to go unoticed.

So of course size matters. But its not inconceivable for a good player to overcome his size.

Dwight Freeney is only 6'1 268

HAHAH. HESS liiiikes CHOADS! LOL

Seriously, to not hijack this thread. I agree with the above. I think as long as someone can hold the point of attack, that's all that matters. Just because an offensive lineman is four hundred pounds doesn't make them any more effective at BLOCKING someone.

hahaaaa

Dwight Freeney is only 6'1 268Dwight Freeney also is especially bad at defending the run. He usually takes himself completely out of the play by rushing too far upfield.

If a smaller pass rusher still has the strength to go through a guy, as opposed to going around every time, he can be an effective pass rusher in this league.

If a guy doesn't have the strength to ever go through someone, even the most effective speed rushers can be negated by a smart QB who steps up in the pocket.

I would think it all depends on the kind of defense you're running. For us, I think we need a bigger line that can clog running lanes so the linebackers are more free to move around.
Exactly!

I would think it all depends on the kind of defense you're running. For us, I think we need a bigger line that can clog running lanes so the linebackers are more free to move around.I think getting the best players always outweighs getting the biggest players, but a player can't be the best if he gets blown off the ball every play.

Size matters not when talking about DE. There are exceptions of course. If a DE is 5'8" and 230lbs it most certainly does. I do think that a DE has to be at least 6ft/250lbs and quick. Pass rush is all about speed and stamina. In the trenches the first man out of his stance generally wins. As for run stopping abilities, you don't pay DE to be run stoppers. You pay them to rush the passer, slow down the rush and cover against sweeps and reverses.

If Adams is a baller we should by all mean draft him irrespective of his size.