Tips for scouting linebackers in CFM?

[Torgo]

I've had good luck scouting most positions in the draft, but finding quality OLBs and MLBs consistently has been tricky for me. Do any of you have any key attributes that you look for first to find the best LBs? And what different attributes do you look for in 3-4 linebackers vs 4-3 linebackers?

[WingedLion14]

Re: Tips for scouting linebackers in CFM?

I've only drafted a MLB in a 4-3 scheme so far (although I've scouted much more, and the MLB I drafted is currently playing OLB due to need), so my experience is rather limited. My approach was slightly different if I needed an instant starter or a development project:

starter: in no particular order, strength, speed, block shedding, hit power, tackling, and play recognition
development project: strength, speed, hit power.

Hope this helps.

[EarthboundMysfit]

Re: Tips for scouting linebackers in CFM?

Look for "A" speed and "A" hit power when scouting.. Those guys are most likely "Prototype" player types, whether they're an OLB or MLB.

If you are lucky, they could be as high as 91 speed and have 93 hit power(rare, but I've seen it), straight out of the draft. Even though their OVR may be low, they usually play amazing on the field(non-sim), especially if they are a 3-4 OLB!

The things to upgrade first(that are keeping their OVR low) are block shedding, awareness and play recognition, which coincidentally are the easiest to raise, XP-wise. Beats drafting a game-ready, "B" intangible, but 80 speed guy and trying his whole career to bring him to 85-88 speed. Stay away from low potential guys at LB..

Give me two seasons and I can turn a young,(prefer them to be 20 or 21 at draft) mid-60's OVR prototype linebacker into a mid-90's OVR linebacker, still with plenty of room for improvement. I know, I've done it plenty of times before(at both MLB and OLB).

[Godgers12]

Re: Tips for scouting linebackers in CFM?

Scout speed 1st, if it's not an 'A' forget him and move on. Especially if we're talking online here. There are about 10 'A' speed LB's per draft, so don't put your self at a disadvantage by drafting a 'B' speed bum. From there scout the things that are important to you like; hit, zcv, prc, bsh, str, pmv/fmv, ect. I have found that LB is by far the easiest position to find studs at. I drafted a 34 OLB who was a projected 6th round pick, who came in with 91 spd 88 str, 85 bsh, 90 hit, 81 ovr and quick development. I drafted him 10th overall after trading up in my online franchise, and he is simply amazing. I have him and Cornelius Washington (91 str 99 bsh 86 spd) at OLB and they each had 20+ sacks, I also have JJ Watt at DE who recorded 12 sacks him self. Need less to say, people hate playing me, because they will likely have to invest in a backup QB after the game.

[Richie71]

Re: Tips for scouting linebackers in CFM?

I've got a very different approach from the above. Speed is almost irrelevant for players who will be making most tackles within 10 yards of their starting point.
Key attributes are:
Play recognition: to have some clue what's happening in front of them.
Pursuit: This is key for chasing down plays. It's the players with these two ratings that will chase down plays, not the speed guy who didn't react.
Block shedding to get off the blocks.
Speed has a place, and you need at least one fast LB as your dime linebacker.
After the above, then: acceleration, agility, man and zone coverage. Strength, but only to a point. Your linkebackers shouldn't be holding up the point of attack. Better to get off the block and make a tackle.

If you're looking for 3-4 OLBs, then the criteria are more like DEs. Pass rush moves ahead of coverage ratings, acceleration ahead of pursuit.

[Hiro1]

Re: Tips for scouting linebackers in CFM?

I've got a very different approach from the above. Speed is almost irrelevant for players who will be making most tackles within 10 yards of their starting point.
Key attributes are:
Play recognition: to have some clue what's happening in front of them.
Pursuit: This is key for chasing down plays. It's the players with these two ratings that will chase down plays, not the speed guy who didn't react.
Block shedding to get off the blocks.
Speed has a place, and you need at least one fast LB as your dime linebacker.
After the above, then: acceleration, agility, man and zone coverage. Strength, but only to a point. Your linkebackers shouldn't be holding up the point of attack. Better to get off the block and make a tackle.

If you're looking for 3-4 OLBs, then the criteria are more like DEs. Pass rush moves ahead of coverage ratings, acceleration ahead of pursuit.

I run a 3-4 and couldn't have said it better. I don't need my Mlbs to run a 100 mph, I need them to diagnose and react as quick as possible. There for Play recognition and pursuit ARE a priority.

[TheDominator273]

Re: Tips for scouting linebackers in CFM?

I run a 3-4 and couldn't have said it better. I don't need my Mlbs to run a 100 mph, I need them to diagnose and react as quick as possible. There for Play recognition and pursuit ARE a priority.

Both of which are cheap upgrades. I'll take the fast linebacker with lower play recognition any day. Speed kills especially in online leagues where everyone is building fast offenses, having fast linebackers let's you play base defense more because your linebackers can keep up with the receivers better.

[BreakingBad2013]

Re: Tips for scouting linebackers in CFM?

I've had good luck scouting most positions in the draft, but finding quality OLBs and MLBs consistently has been tricky for me. Do any of you have any key attributes that you look for first to find the best LBs? And what different attributes do you look for in 3-4 linebackers vs 4-3 linebackers?

Check my sig, its a blog on OS, has great scouting tips.

[WingedLion14]

Re: Tips for scouting linebackers in CFM?

I've noticed everyone's been talking about 3-4 LBs for the most part, so I'll ask - what do you guys do differently for 4-3 LBs? I really only run a 4-3 defense, so having LBs that can stop the run and cover the pass are equally important, rushing the passer not so much (assuming you have a solid front 4 for rushing the passer). I tend to play the Giants and, well, to say they have a not-so-good LB situation might be an understatement (out of all the guys on their team, I think only Devon Kennard has a future as 3-down LB).

Also, do you guys have a special LB for nickel and dime formation? Like a coverage guy who can stop the run adequately too (although he's not as good as most other LBers perhaps)?

[Richie71]

Re: Tips for scouting linebackers in CFM?

I've noticed everyone's been talking about 3-4 LBs for the most part, so I'll ask - what do you guys do differently for 4-3 LBs? I really only run a 4-3 defense, so having LBs that can stop the run and cover the pass are equally important, rushing the passer not so much (assuming you have a solid front 4 for rushing the passer). I tend to play the Giants and, well, to say they have a not-so-good LB situation might be an understatement (out of all the guys on their team, I think only Devon Kennard has a future as 3-down LB).

Also, do you guys have a special LB for nickel and dime formation? Like a coverage guy who can stop the run adequately too (although he's not as good as most other LBers perhaps)?

I run a 4-3. There isn't much differentiation between the three. Perhaps more of a run stopper in the middle, and more ZCV less MCV for the MLB too, as I run a lot with him in spy or middle zone coverage. I put the best 2 of the 3 in Nickle and best LB in Dime, but also keep an eye on their fatigue and may put the freshest players in late in the game. It's easy to change around.
One advantage to having your best LBs as MLB and ROLB is it's easy to sub the "4 DE" package. At the moment though, mine are ordered, best to worst: LOLB, ROLB, MLB.

[timhere1970]

Re: Tips for scouting linebackers in CFM?

Acceleration, speed, agility, and age is what i look for. Get them at 20 or 21 with those attributes and you can make them into whatever you want.