Terell Suggs vs Brian Orakpo

[diehard]

Obviously Orakpo doesn't have any NFL stats, but it seems as the team is going to toy with his athleticism as BAL 'did'. They are listed at the same height and weight, 6'3'' 260lbs. Bottom line, if T-Sizzle can be productive as a stand up OLB (3-4) and a hand in the dirt 4-3 DE, why can't Orakpo? I hope Orakpo isn't listening to all the doubters and using Suggs' success as motivation.

[dan_snyder69]

good point. what is suggs's 40 time?

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by dan_snyder69

good point. what is suggs's 40 time?

I can't decide how serious this was.

[diehard]

4.61 vs Orakpo's 4.7 on a bad hammy

SI.com - 2003 NFL Draft - Terrell Suggs

[30gut]

Originally Posted by diehard

4.61 vs Orakpo's 4.7 on a bad hammy

SI.com - 2003 NFL Draft - Terrell Suggs

That wasn't his actual 40 time that was what they thought he would run.
Its well documented that Suggs ran a 'slow' 40.

That same year, the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, Terrell Suggs, didn’t run fast for scouts, either. At Arizona State in the fall of 2002, Suggs collected an NCAA-record 24 sacks. But at 6-3, 262 pounds, Suggs was considered too small to be a three-down defensive end. And because he ran a disappointing 4.8 in the 40-yard dash during a private workout that March, Suggs was considered too slow to drop back in coverage as an outside linebacker in the 4-3. Suggs was a “tweaner,” a guy who didn’t belong at any particular position; at least that’s how his measurable qualities sized him up.
Draft Stock - How important are 40 times?

Although i would rather see Orakpo start at RDE, i think that he could be good at SAM in fact i think he could be very good.

I don't think Blache intends to use 'Rak like a typical 4-3 SAM/OLB.
Towards then end of the season Blache began playing JT at SAM and put him close to the line of scimmage and the plan was to move him to SAM fulltime in 2009, now i think that Orakpo will fill that role.
Also Blache had success w/ Rosevelt Colvin at OLB w/2 10 sacks seasons.

[diehard]

Originally Posted by 30gut

That wasn't his actual 40 time that was what they thought he would run.
Its well documented that Suggs ran a 'slow' 40.

That same year, the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, Terrell Suggs, didn’t run fast for scouts, either. At Arizona State in the fall of 2002, Suggs collected an NCAA-record 24 sacks. But at 6-3, 262 pounds, Suggs was considered too small to be a three-down defensive end. And because he ran a disappointing 4.8 in the 40-yard dash during a private workout that March, Suggs was considered too slow to drop back in coverage as an outside linebacker in the 4-3. Suggs was a “tweaner,” a guy who didn’t belong at any particular position; at least that’s how his measurable qualities sized him up.

Draft Stock - How important are 40 times?

Although i would rather see Orakpo start at RDE, i think that he could be good at SAM in fact i think he could be very good.

I don't think Blache intends to use 'Rak like a typical 4-3 SAM/OLB.
Towards then end of the season Blache began playing JT at SAM and put him close to the line of scimmage and the plan was to move him to SAM fulltime in 2009, now i think that Orakpo will fill that role.
Also Blache had success w/ Rosevelt Colvin at OLB w/2 10 sacks seasons.

Great point 'gut.

[Daseal]

4-3 and 3-4 makes a big difference. I still hate using Orakpo at SLB. Toss him in next to AH and let him focus on DE.

[Redskin Jim]

Originally Posted by Daseal

4-3 and 3-4 makes a big difference. I still hate using Orakpo at SLB. Toss him in next to AH and let him focus on DE.

I have been mulling over this situation for a while.. I think, (and hope), that if the SAM experiment doesn't bear fruit within the first 5-6 games, that the coaching staff rethinks Orakpo at LB, or swallows their pride enough to realize that this young man has too much talent not to be maximizing on their investment. What I really mean is this: Orakpo is an animal, it is the job of the coaching staff to recognize where he is most effective AND where he can help positionally on the field. I don't want to see Orakpo turn into this years Vernon Gholston...

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Redskin Jim

I have been mulling over this situation for a while.. I think, (and hope), that if the SAM experiment doesn't bear fruit within the first 5-6 games, that the coaching staff rethinks Orakpo at LB, or swallows their pride enough to realize that this young man has too much talent not to be maximizing on their investment. What I really mean is this: Orakpo is an animal, it is the job of the coaching staff to recognize where he is most effective AND where he can help positionally on the field. I don't want to see Orakpo turn into this years Vernon Gholston...

I don't there's anyway that happens if he's healthy. One of the knocks on Gholston coming out of college is that he would disappear for games at a time. It seemed he would play hard whenever he felt like it, and then take plays, or even games off. And that lack of worth ethic, or whatever, showed big time in his rookie year. He was so bad he was actually inactive a few times.

Orakpo was perhaps the highest motor player taken in the top half of the 1st round. I think it's very realistic for him to end up in the range of 7-10 sacks. That is if Blache doesn't wet the bed with the way we use him.

[2BIG2BSKINNY]

Originally Posted by Daseal

4-3 and 3-4 makes a big difference. I still hate using Orakpo at SLB. Toss him in next to AH and let him focus on DE.

Now you are comparing apples with apples!!! It is tough to compare players in different systems. Even more tough when you have never seen Orakpo Standing!

I hope he works out!

[Nflnick11]

Next year, if/when suggs becomes an FA, would you get him and cut Andre carter, or flip him and orakpo around between LB and DE or move suggs to SLB and orakpo to DE? Just curious...

[GridIron26]

Originally Posted by Nflnick11

Next year, if/when suggs becomes an FA, would you get him and cut Andre carter, or flip him and orakpo around between LB and DE or move suggs to SLB and orakpo to DE? Just curious...

I would be absolutely shocked if Ravens actually let him walk; I'm sure Suggs would want to be Ravens for rest of his career.. Unless Rex Ryan convinces him that Jets would be better place..

To answer the thread question; it is way too early to start the comparison.. Suggs have proved himself as an elite player and Orakpo haven't.. Yes, we expect him to be good player or in elite category.. But it would not be fair to compare Orakpo with someone or even Suggs too..

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Nflnick11

Next year, if/when suggs becomes an FA, would you get him and cut Andre carter, or flip him and orakpo around between LB and DE or move suggs to SLB and orakpo to DE? Just curious...

The Ravens already let Bart Scott get away. No way in hell Terrell Suggs gets out of Baltimore. Ozzie Newsome is too good of a GM to ever let that happen. I'm not even gonna entertain your scenario unless Suggs hits the market next year. Which isn't going to happen. He's a top tier defensive player in the league right now. There's a reason they didn't bat an eye when Adalius Thomas bolted for NE.

[NYCskinfan82]

To early.

[The Goat]

Well there can't be much said IMO regarding the thread title since Rak hasn't played a snap yet. Very curious about his development. I don't think the experiment @ SLB will last long...that said i hope it doesn't go badly just that Rak puts on size quickly enough he grows out of the position and into a lockstock DE (oh and Blache has to make the adjustment too).

Doesn't seem like we're gonna add any more talent at LB (would have really liked to see Marcus back again). Fincher was like a mini-Marcus in pre-season last year, if fact the kid always plays w/ a super high motor. I mean there were pre-season games where he seemed to lead the defense. If he continues to impress I would hope Blache gives Fincher a shot in the regular season. For one thing he plays w/ a real mean streak...something we could use.