Watching the LBs in person last weekend, I was looking more for "don't make a big mistake" scenarios
That's why Hager stood out. He was being the clean up guy, and
For the youngsters that I was watching, and Kiser was one of them, I didn't see the epic standout, nor am I hating on anyone.
The cut downs shouldn't be shocking
Ogletree's absence seems the largest factor to me. Dzrams other comment here about Quinn's part sings. Remember I watched a lot of Quinn dancing in the endzone in warm-ups not dressed for games. Alec was darn good in making up ground laterally. Can't imagine that any of the rookie LBs is that sort of athlete.
Albany's points are vivid. Trading LBs for safeties is kind of the Wade Way. Barron / Joyner to wit.
Also, LMU's question on Littleton holding up as an every down player is valid. He's got good height, but might be a touch light. I may never be a foreperson on 3-4 personnel, and all it leaves me with is more questions. Expecting our DL to stop the run is fool's gold, imo. The heart of that issue is LBs, and I don't want my safeties to lead the team in tackles.
As for Kiser? I like how rugged he is, and he's smart kid. Early this season might not be his virtue, but as the games wear on he could be a nice "throw back" kind of player.
Not too early to speculate now about some cut down "names."
I am not convinced that Easley makes the roster. I really enjoyed his rotations, but wow that's a lot of work on those knees.
And, also not locked on them keeping Howard and / or Scales over going heavy at DB. Sort of like having Shields, Hatfield, Hill, even this kid Holley. Laguda was ok, imo. Both he and Holley kept stuff in front of them.
Finally, I think it's Cook and Cooper playing the role of jet-sweep action, ghost reverses and orbit motion. Kupp is smart and will make plus yards, but Thomas and Reynolds don't exactly fit for me in that Tavon role. Like Cooper for his special teams elusiveness, but from 3 Wide sets this Benoit guy may be right. Kupp.
