Smoke and Mirrors or Science?

Harry

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Evan Weaver nearly broke Luke Kuechley’s record for most tackles in a season. So how did Weaver do it without superior speed or core strength? Answering this question seems to be the key to understanding why the Cards think Weaver can make an NFL roster. I did some deep diving into his style as well as asking for help from some colleagues. If Weaver can make this work it could change draft evaluations of ILBs.

The first clue was Weaver’s ability to quickly, accurately diagnose plays. Responding rapidly and avoiding a false step in the direction of a fake allowed Weaver to position himself better than the average would-be tackler. Like a skilled QB keeping his eyes locked downfield, Weaver keeps his focus on the ball rather than getting distracted by blockers.

The next problem was getting by those blockers to the target. Weaver also has a superior ability to diagnose blocking schemes. Those quick twitch first steps permit him to avoid back-side cutoff blocks. He uses his hands effectively to rip aside blockers trying to redirect him or tie him up. Similarly his solid, well-timed punch knocks blockers off balance. He has an intuitive understanding of leverage.

When stepping up inside he invariably picks the correct gap. Though not fast, he has a great motor and never quits on a play. Consequently if a ball carrier using another gap gets delayed or cutbacks Weaver is often there to make the play. He typically takes the most efficient line to ball carriers off to his side.

He has outstanding tackling technique. When he contacts a ball carrier that player rarely escapes. Yards after a Weaver contact are few.

There are concerns. He’s not an effective blitzer, though he can surprise with a bull rush and collapse a pocket from time-to-time. With regard to pass defense, he can get a shallow drop and be moderately effective in zone coverage. He is not effective in man coverage. He be seen as a 2 down linebacker and a special teams ace.

BTW, it should be noted Bear’s Coach Wilcox uses a defense that focuses on the linebackers controlling plays. This does somewhat exaggerate LB tackle totals.
 

Card'em

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Well this is certainly reassuring. Now do a similar deep dive on Fotu please(with the same positive results of course):clapping:
 

Goldfield

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For a 6 round pick it’s interesting.
 

b8rtm8nn

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Why the comparison to Scooby? Scooby played like his hair was on fire, and his limited athleticism was apparent, he just seemed to will his way beyond it.

This Weaver kid is calm at the snap and takes long strides, good angles, keeps clean in the trash.

They don't look similar on tape.
 
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Harry

Harry

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Well this is certainly reassuring. Now do a similar deep dive on Fotu please(with the same positive results of course):clapping:
Sorry I already did one on the initial pick thread. I was not in favor of the pick.
 

BACH

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2020 version of Scooby Wright?
Heard this comparison in a podcast. Wright tested at the very buttom in all tests (3 cone, 20 yard shuffle etc.)

Weaver tests average or just above average in the same tests. With Weavers passion and football smarts, I think it translated into A worst case scenario of Weaver as a 5-8 years in the league as #1 back-up at ILB that can provide a stable but not flashy production when forced into the starting job
 

speedy

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Football intelligence is one of the most underrated measurable’s of players. Anquan Boldin had it, ray lewis had it, Peyton Manning had it, the badger to a large degree. I can’t help think this kid has just as much of a chance as burfict. He strikes me as someone who will end up being a great coach at some level.
 

MadCardDisease

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The first clue was Weaver’s ability to quickly, accurately diagnose plays. Responding rapidly and avoiding a false step in the direction of a fake allowed Weaver to position himself better than the average would-be tackler. Like a skilled QB keeping his eyes locked downfield, Weaver keeps his focus on the ball rather than getting distracted by blockers.

The next problem was getting by those blockers to the target. Weaver also has a superior ability to diagnose blocking schemes. Those quick twitch first steps permit him to avoid back-side cutoff blocks. He uses his hands effectively to rip aside blockers trying to redirect him or tie him up. Similarly his solid, well-timed punch knocks blockers off balance. He has an intuitive understanding of leverage.

When stepping up inside he invariably picks the correct gap. Though not fast, he has a great motor and never quits on a play. Consequently if a ball carrier using another gap gets delayed or cutbacks Weaver is often there to make the play. He typically takes the most efficient line to ball carriers off to his side.

So basically Weaver is the anti Haason Redddick.

Weaver understands how to play LB and where he needs to be while Reddick looked completely lost on the field. However Weaver lacks the athleticism of Reddick.

Too bad we couldn't stick Weavers head on Reddicks body.


Or Maybe we can???

Meet Frankenbacker:

You must be registered for see images attach
 
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WildBB

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So basically Weaver is the anti Haason Redddick.

Weaver understands how to play LB and where he needs to be while Reddick looked completely lost on the field. However Weaver lacks the athleticism of Reddick.

Too bad we couldn't stick Weavers head on Reddicks body.


Or Maybe we can???

Meet Frankenbacker:

You must be registered for see images attach
Maybe watching Weaver will help the light to go on for Reddick. He's got all the talent but needs to be able to use it to the max of that ability.
 

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