Tag: Linebackers

Chiefs’ Brendan Daly explains his move to linebackers coach

Brendan Daly’s move to #Chiefs linebackers coach is not so different from Greg Lewis’ move to running backs coach a year ago.

When former linebackers coach Matt House left the Kansas City Chiefs to become defensive coordinator at LSU, the team opted for an in-house replacement in Brendan Daly.

Daly had coached the defensive line in Kansas City for the past three seasons and was also named the defensive run game coordinator a season ago. Why the sudden change in heart with Daly deciding to switch coaching positions? Speaking to the media at OTAs last week, Daly revealed the factors that went into his decision.

“You know, there were a number of things,” Daly explained. “We lost a really good coach in Matt House. I was kind of interested in evolving a little bit, challenging myself in doing something that was a little bit out of my comfort zone. I think that’s how you get better. I think that’s how you grow and improve. That was a big part of it from my perspective. I felt like there were some things that I could add to the group and some continuity that we can maintain with that transition as opposed to having someone from the outside coming in. We were fortunate enough to bring Joe Cullen onto the staff who you just met with I think, and it all worked out really well. I’m excited about it.”

Daly has been coaching in the NFL since 2006 and defensive line coach is the extent of his coaching experience. It’s clear that he sought out a new challenge, actually approaching Andy Reid about making the switch himself.

“Brendan wanted to move on and try something new and he came to me with that,” Reid said. “I think that’s good. I did kind of the same thing with Greg Lewis on the offensive side. I think for these guys growing in their profession I think it’s important if you can do it, if you have that flexibility.”

Reid evoked Greg Lewis making the switch to running backs coach last season. This move is similar in the sense that it won’t only go a long way toward impacting Daly’s career in the future, but it should provide the coaching staff some flexibility should there be any unexpected absences on the staff.

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An updated look at Texas’ LB depth chart

Texas can feel more comfortable with its linebacker depth after the addition of Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey.

Texas made another big splash in the transfer portal with the addition of James Madison linebacker Diamontae Tucker-Dorsey.

Tucker-Dorsey chose the Longhorns after picking up transfer offers from the likes of Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Auburn and UCF. Texas was able to get him to campus for a visit earlier this week and closed the deal on Friday.

The FCS All-American fills a major need in the Texas linebacker room that struggled much of the 2021 season. Tucker-Dorsey has a knack for being around the football. He racked up 116 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and four takeaways for the Dukes last season.

Expect Tucker-Dorsey to push for playing time as soon as he steps foot on campus. DeMarvion Overshown returns with hopes to end his collegiate career with a bang. Jaylan Ford and David Gbenda showed some flashes last season, but need to figure out more consistency.

Here is an updated look at Texas’ linebacker depth chart with Tucker-Dorsey included.

Texas Football: Three position groups that could underwhelm in 2022

The Longhorns need these three groups to step up this season.

With the 2022 season getting closer and closer, many Texas fans are hoping that their beloved team will be much improved after a dreadful 5-7 record in 2021. Continue reading “Texas Football: Three position groups that could underwhelm in 2022”

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Linebackers who land squarely on Raiders draft radar

Linebackers in this draft who are Raiders are looking for and could be available for them

Linebacker was a position in flux last season for the Raiders. As of training camp the starting linebackers were Cory Littleton, Nick Kwiatkoski, and Nicholas Morrow. By the end of last season, none of them were starters, and now all three of them are now gone.

What the replaced them with were Denzel Perryman and Divine Deablo. Perryman was acquired in trade just prior the start of the season and the rookie Deablo would take over starting duties late in season.

While Perryman has coverage limitations, he is a stellar middle linebacker and tackling machine. Deablo appeared to be an upgrade over Littleton, but whether he is worthy of continuing as the full time starter remains to be seen.

So, what the Raiders need is a linebacker who can cover and compete to either take over the starting duties for Deablo, or be the third linebacker in those instances when the Raiders field one.

The linebackers could be just what they need and may be on the board when they pick.

Chiefs hired former special teams assistant Rod Wilson as a defensive assistant

Former special teams assistant Rod Wilson is back on the #Chiefs coaching staff, this time coaching the defensive side of the ball.

The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back a familiar coach, but to serve in a different capacity this time around.

The Chiefs hired Coastal Carolina inside linebackers coach Rod Wilson back in March as a defensive assistant. This marks Wilson’s second stint with the team after leaving following the Super Bowl LIV win to coach linebackers at his alma mater in South Carolina. He spent just a season with the Gamecocks before moving on to coach the Chanticleers.

The Chiefs previously hired Wilson back in 2017 to replace Brock Olivo as an assistant special teams coach. When he was an NFL player with the Chicago from 2005 to 2008 and in 2010, Wilson was a big special teams contributor under then-Bears special teams coordinator and current Chiefs special teams coordinator, Dave Toub. Wilson was part of an elite return unit that helped Devin Hester reach career heights.

In his three prior seasons with Kansas City, he helped some special teamers for the Chiefs to career heights as well. He helped Harrison Butker during his record-setting rookie season. In 2018 and 2019, he helped the kick and punt return units, which each time ranked in the top 10 in both returns and coverage.

With Wilson returning to coach on the defensive side of the ball, expect him to help with the inside linebackers as Brendan Daly transitions to a new role as inside linebackers coach and run game coordinator.

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Report Card: Grading Nebraska’ Defense

A deep dive into the Nebraska Cornhusker’s defense during their annual spring game on Saturday.

Another Nebraska Spring Game has come and gone. This year’s edition saw the defense defeat the offense 43-39 in a modified game format. All spring camp questions remained the same for the Nebraska defense, “who will replace the production of Cam Taylor-Britt and Jojo Domann?” Defensive end Garrett Wilson raised his hand and answered the call on Saturday but more on that later. Last year’s unit was better from a statistical perspective than what you would expect from a 3-9 team. Erik Chinander’s defenses have been some of the few bright spots in the Scott Frost era, and he’s hoping to recreate some of that magic in 2022.

7 inside linebackers the Rams should target in free agency

The Rams could look at these seven inside linebackers in free agency to pair with Ernest Jones

Inside linebacker has hardly ever been prioritized for the Rams, but they added Ernest Jones in the third round last year to help bolster the position. They don’t have a clear-cut No. 2 to play next to him, though, and free agency offers some quality options.

Here are seven players the Rams should target at inside linebacker, with two veterans who were recently released being among them.

13 prospects to watch for Chiefs on Day 3 of combine workouts

Day 3 of the on-field drills at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine features defensive linemen and linebackers. Here are some prospects to watch for the #Chiefs:

The 2022 NFL Scouting Combine continues on Saturday with more on-field drills and workouts. You can watch the defensive linemen and linebackers work out from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. CT on NFL Network.

The Kansas City Chiefs have the unique task of adding some young contributors who can help this team get back to the Super Bowl after falling short in 2021. They managed to snag three key contributors (Nick Bolton, Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith) across the 2021 NFL draft just a season ago. Can they add more instant impact players through the 2022 NFL draft?

Keep an eye on the following players from the three positions groups working out on Friday. A standout performance could put any number of those players squarely on the radar for Brett Veach and company.

What condition Raiders position is in heading into free agency: Linebacker

Assessing Raiders level of need at linebacker heading into free agency

With free agency under a month away, it’s time to check in on the Raiders’ linebacker position to give it a condition of either Strong, Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical.

Returning starters: Denzel Perryman, Divine Deablo
Backups: Cory Littleton, Nick Kwiatkoski, Marquel Lee, Patrick Onwuasor, Kyle Wilber, Justin March-Lillard
Free agents: Nicholas Morrow, KJ Wright

Denzel Perryman had his best season as a pro in 2021 and was one of the better linebackers in the NFL. He racked up tackles by the bunches, finishing tied for third with 102 solo tackles and sixth with 154 combined tackles. And that was despite missing two games. Those numbers earned him his first Pro Bowl nod.

Cory Littleton started alongside Perryman to begin the year. By the end of the season, he had been relegated to special teams in favor of rookie Divine Deablo. And Deablo’s play seemed to justify the move.

The Nicks (Morrow and Kwitkoski) were supposed to make great contributions and even start some games, but injuries cancelled those plans. Morrow suffered his in the preseason, prompting the addition of KJ Wright. Kwiatkoski would play eight games, mostly on special teams.

All others were late fill-ins and special teams players.

Condition: Unstable

Perryman will be back next year for the second year of his two-year contract. He was at home in Gus Bradley’s scheme where he spent the first six years of his career. Now Bradley is out and Patrick Graham is in. Perryman catches a lot of criticism for his work in coverage, but otherwise is a fantastic and instinctive tackler.

Deablo is a former college safety who oddly also does his best work versus the run. Though his sample size was somewhat small, only seeing extensive time on defense in the final six games of the season.

Littleton and Kwiatkoski are very likely going to be cut, while Morrow and Wright could hit free agency. Morrow had tested free agency last year and ultimately re-signed. But, again, new coaching staff, so it’s hard to say what they’ll do. One way or the other, a lot of moves are coming to this unit. Some big cuts and some additions, both as upgraded competition and depth.

Alabama officially announces three new coaching hires

Check out the three new coaches joining the Crimson Tide staff!

Alabama football is led by Nick Saban, but the man can only do so much on his own. Working under Saban is a resumé boost for all who have the opportunity, which typically leads to assistant coaches getting hired and promoted elsewhere.

Heading into 2022, the Crimson Tide welcome in three new coaches: Coleman Hutzler, who will coordinate special teams and work with outside linebackers; Travaris Robinson, who will coach the cornerbacks; Eric Wolford, who will coach the offensive line.

The three new coaches were officially introduced through a public release.

“We are pleased and happy to be able to add Coleman Hutzler, Travaris Robinson and Eric Wolford to our coaching staff,” Saban said. “They are all talented coaches who are well respected across the country for their knowledge of the game, ability to recruit and aptitude for teaching and developing young men both on the field and in life.”

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