2078 Pre-training camp report: linebackers
I love Battle and Brewer. They could be the best linebacker duo in the league. Let's take a look at the scouting report:
| cur/fut | name | age | run D | pass defense | other notes
|
| 76/76 | Antonio Battle | 29 | +++ | +++++ | complete LB
|
| 56/66 | Glenn Brewer | 23 | = | + | complete LB
|
| 49/49 | Roosevelt Dees | 26 | + | + | tackler
|
| 40/40 | Stan Foster | 23 | - | ++ | zone defender
|
| 24/37 | Abel Gonzalez | 22 | -- | --- | run stuffer
|
| 23/23 | Chance Nason | 27 | -- | ---- | special teamer
|
| 1/1 | Alexis Turner | 29 | ----- | ----- | gunner
|
Yes, Battle and Brewer. They stepped into a long tradition of top-notch linebackers playing on the Merchantmen defense: Cody Cluff, Mike Kershner, Bernie Surry, R.J. Knight, Oliver Drake, Fred McCorkle, Wesley Devine, Daniel "Double D" Duncan, Jeremiah Collier, Edward Lyons, Gage Hamilton and Edward Ross. What some of those names missed, and Battle and Brewer do have, is being a complete linebacker, capable of anchoring the run defense, covering opposing receivers and quick enough to blitz he quarterback.
Foster and Dees have been in supporting roles last season, Foster has a slight edge on passing downs, while Dees is a much better option on run oriented formations. Gonzalez was a rookie free agent, longshot to make the team. Nason and Turner are special teamers.