I'm intrigued by the italicized text in the story below. Has DD been practicing a lot as a 4-3 OLB???? http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-1/Demario-Davis-Tackles-Playmaking-Leadership/d04ed642-56a8-49a5-b18d-cc4e48214d1e Demario Davis Tackles Playmaking, Leadership Posted 1 hour ago Charlie Frankel Reporter This season, the departure of veteran LB Bart Scott has given Davis the opportunity to take on a larger role in the Jets defense. Rex publicly named Davis the starting Will LB back in March, and it appears that nothing’s changed since then as Davis has been running with the ones. “I’ve been working on a lot of things to better do my job,” he said. “If it’s film studies, if it’s better execution on the field, I’m doing it.” During the offseason, defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman challenged Davis to understand the coverage assignments at the outside linebacker position. He showed a glimpse of what he has learned on one play in particular when his alertness to his responsibilities led to a tackle of RB Joe McKnight for a loss on a pitch play in 11-on-11 drills. “I have the outside edge on that play,” Demario explained, “so if it’s a pass I have a pass rush, but if it’s a run to the outside, I have to turn it back in. The ball was pitched outside and I was able to get back there and make the tackle.” While the execution of plays is no doubt a necessity, filling the leadership role that Scott and others had filled will be another responsibility for Davis. Early signs from camp indicate that Davis should have little trouble stepping up as one of the leaders of the defense. Monday morning, for example, he was the first to run up and congratulate CB Kyle Wilson for batting down a ball for an incompletion. “I know guys are looking at me as a leader,” he said. “I know Coach is looking at me as a leader. You have to be a great guy both on and off the field. That’s what a great leader does.” Davis recognizes the abundance of talent on this Jets roster and enters this season full of hope and optimism about the team’s chances. “I have very high expectations for this team,” he said. “We have the athletes. We have the talent. We’re going to be good this year.”
I don't see anything about "a lot" or "4-3 OLB", but I'm not surprised that they want him to be flexible enough in Ryan's defense to be able to shift to the outside since he has valuable speed. He could be utilized in both 4-3 and 3-4 at OLB depending on the playcall, but I doubt he's going to be used there more or even near as much as ILB.
I made the jump to 4-3 OLB cuz he seems kind of small for a 3-4 OLB at 6'2" 236 lbs. But if he's out there for coverage I guess I could see it.
I think you made the right jump, because it's too easy to shift from 3-4 alignment to 4-3 when your 3-4 WOLB is able to put his hand on the ground and your 3-4 WILB can shift to WOLB in 3-4. Your take makes more sense, it's just not reported in the article.
If he's gonna be the ILB then he should learn as much of the defense as possible. I like him and I think he'll be solid this year.
That's why I said him learning other positions is key since he's the ILB. Nice effort trying to be a douche.
