LB with 0 zone coverage??

[noahmac]

I have a fantastic LB (100 play diag, 75+ man, run D, and pass rush stats, young and on a mid-round rookie contract, around 245), but the man literally has 0 zone D and 0 zone D potential. I guess he's never heard of it and goes "lalalalalala" when it gets brought up. Is he playable? Can I only realistically play man if he's on the field? Not sure how the sim treats a literal 0 stat.

[QuikSand]

I'd look to play him on the edge as a DE if he's at least 250 lbs or so

Otherwise, you can play him, but you'll likely suffer a meaningful leak against the passing game...

[noahmac]

Yeah, I was thinking that might be a good idea, but I'm already kind of stacked at edge, and I run a 43 under so he might be a bit small (he's 243 right now). I'm not at training camp at the minute so IDK if I can bulk him up. Very much a conundrum but that's why I love this game.

[Dawgfan19]

You may be able to game plan around his limitations. Some obvious ideas include:

1. Slot him in the depth chart in the short yardage and goal line formations.

2. Review the film room report. When an opponent has a higher run tendency from a certain formation (212 and 122 as an example), play him in that depth chart.

3. Slot him at an OLB position on 3rd and long and blitz more (be sure to review your blitz plan).