Tag: position change

Cowboys DC Dan Quinn nixes talk of full-time position change for Micah Parsons

From @ToddBrock24f7: Despite the LB’s announcement that he’d be moving to DE full-time, Quinn plans to keep using Parsons in multiple spots from play to play.

Not so fast, young lion.

Despite making a pretty public statement earlier this month that he’s gearing up for a full-time positional change to defensive end in 2023, Micah Parsons is still considered a linebacker.

That’s not just according to the official team website… but also to the man actually running the defense in Dallas.

“Yeah, 100 percent. He is a pass-rushing linebacker, okay?” Quinn told reporters on Saturday at the club’s rookie minicamp. “So if you ever need position changes, come to me. Not through any of the guys. I think what he was probably trying to say is, ‘I’m really emphasizing some pass-rush into my offseason.'”

The former first-round draft pick explained that he had been training away from the team, specifically working to add bulk and weight in preparation for a permanent shift to the defensive line. Parsons played the majority of his 2022 snaps there anyway (859 on the line; 195 as an off-the-ball linebacker), but recently suggested that the team would no longer have him move around on defense.

Quinn confirmed, though, that having his most athletic players serve multiple functions will continue to be a staple of his defensive philosophy, not only for Parsons, but for several other guys, too.

“I’ve really tried to spend as much as I could on that, to make things for us where people could play dual roles,” Quinn said. “When we can get to that spot where you’re interchangeable pieces, it seems more complex. But really, I would say, the package can be easier; we’re just featuring people in different spots.”

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Just as on the offense, it’s all about putting the best players on the field, regardless of what position they’re technically listed at in the program.

“A receiver that can be a runner, a runner that can be a receiver, a tight end that can be a receiver, a D-end that can play ‘backer, a safety that can play nickel, those perimeter-type people, I think, is changing that way,” Quinn continued. “A lot of players are coming in: this guy’s fast, he’s athletic; get him on the field. And sometimes you’re seeing a guy who might traditionally have been a linebacker in the past, but he’s using his speed and his athleticism to go play, so I just want to try to incorporate that as often as we can.”

Quinn has stocked his unit with versatile playmakers who can multitask: Jayron Kearse. Malik Hooker. Donovan Wilson. DaRon Bland. Israel Mukuamu. He’s already hinted that rookie linebacker DeMarvion Overshown has similar shapeshifting potential.

And Parsons is the best of them all.

So he may be bulkier this season. He may have more muscle on his frame. He may once again be the most effective defensive end the Cowboys have.

But Parsons will also still be a linebacker.

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Report: Cowboys’ Micah Parsons to bulk up, move to DE full-time

From @ToddBrock24f7: The LB has played on the edge plenty in his first two seasons; he’s currently adding weight and muscle and plans to join the team for OTAs.

He was drafted as a linebacker, then moved to defensive end to start just his second game ever as a pro, then split his time between the positions for two seasons. In the process, he won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned Defensive Player of the Year talk in both years.

Now Micah Parsons is set to make an official full-time move to defensive end for the Cowboys for 2023.

The news was announced in a tweet from Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Wednesday.

Parsons says he has been training in Austin, Tex., adding bulk and weight in preparation for the change. He plans to re-join the team in time for OTAs, which begin May 22.

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Parsons is listed at 245 pounds; he confirmed on social media that the plan is for him to not surpass 255, and that his goal is “putting on more muscle to carry the load.”

“I just want to increase my explosiveness,” he added via ESPN’s Todd Archer, “add on weight the right way, sharpen it up, eating right and just doing anything possible that I can do the right way to be the best player I can be.”

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Brandon Staley on Jamaree Salyer’s move to guard in 2023: ‘That’s his natural position’

Brandon Staley said that Jamaree Salyer’s move to guard should better suit his skill set.

For the Chargers, offensive line play has never been more important as the team looks to maximize the contributions of quarterback Justin Herbert in 2023. In their pursuit of keeping their signal caller upright and operating in a clean pocket, the team is looking to reshuffle their front five next season to give themselves an edge over opposing pass rushers.

Brandon Staley spoke to the media on Monday about Jamaree Salyer, who will transition from the tackle position to guard. Staley told reporters Salyer is built to play the interior spots up front, and the third-year coach expects positive results from this latest shake-up to the team’s line.

“I think that’s his natural position,” Staley explained. “But as he proved last year, we know that Jamaree can play outside, but we kind of feel like he’s best suited to play inside. A lot of strengths as a player fit better inside.

To have him, Zion [Johnson] and Corey [Linsley] in the middle of your pocket, that’s certainly what you want to design from an offensive line standpoint. When you have that type of anchor in the middle, athleticism and then when your tackles are athletic like Trey and Rashawn [Slater] are, they have the range and the athleticism to kick to these rushers.”

Tom Telesco said the intention is to put Salyer at right guard and move second-year Zion Johnson to the left side.

Salyer started 15 games at left tackle in place of Rashawn Slater, who suffered a biceps injury in Week 3 that required surgery. Salyer entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick in the 2022 draft and found himself with more responsibilities than expected. Despite some struggles, he played reasonably well, especially given the circumstance he found himself in.

Whether this move will bear fruit for the Chargers or Salyer will remain to be seen until the 2023 season gets underway. Still, Staley’s conviction in changing the 22-year-old lineman’s position can’t be understated.

If Staley’s assessment of his game is accurate, Los Angeles may have converted a serviceable tackle into a Pro Bowl-caliber guard with this relatively minor offseason decision.

Report: Texas sophomore Savion Red moving to running back

Savion Red is making a position change this offseason.

Texas wide receiver Savion Red is making a position change this offseason. Inside Texas reports Red is moving from wideout to running back ahead of spring practice.

Red saw the field sparingly as a true freshman in 2022, hauling in six catches for 34 yards. The move to running back potentially opens the door for Red to create a role next season.

Texas’ wide receiver room got much more crowded this offseason with the additions of Georgia transfer AD Mitchell and three blue-chip incoming freshmen. Snaps at running back are up for grabs as Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson are off to the NFL.

Red brings a similar style of play as Roschon Johnson. Two physical athletes who did not start their careers at running back. Red can help fill Johnson’s short-yardage role with his strong, stocky frame.

Red is no stranger to running the football. He thrived as a wildcat quarterback in high school, running for nearly 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns his senior season at Grand Prairie.

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Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions.

Michigan State football’s Davion Primm moving from RB to CB

An MSU running back has moved to the defensive backfield

Davion Primm has found himself in the midst of a position change this camp, moving from running back to cornerback.

The change was likely made to better serve Primm, due to the crowded nature of the running backs room right now, that features 5 or 6 guys who are capable of playing.

The struggles in the MSU defensive backfield were no secret to anyone last season, and this is a move that could help solidify that position while not letting any of Primm’s talent go to waste.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on Twitter @Cory_Linsner.

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Michigan State football QB Hamp Fay switching positions

QB Hamp Fay is getting a look at a different position

Hamp Fay is getting worked out at a new position for Michigan State. After falling behind Noah Kim and Katin Houser for the backup QB position, Fay is getting a look at playing safety for Michigan State.

Fay was a member of the 2021 recruiting class for Michigan State, a 3-star QB from Texas. In his high school days, Fay was a wide receiver and defensive back until his junior season, so the position change isn’t totally out of place.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on Twitter @Cory_Linsner.

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Jaguars veteran Dawuane Smoot acclimating well to DE position in preseason

Fan favorite Dawuane Smoot has been leaning on teammates to help him adjust to playing on #Jaguars defensive line.

With the only constant to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2022 calendar year being change, expectations are low for the coming regular season. From coaches to players, and even some front office staff, the team is looking to change their identity in a hurry to distance themselves from the disastrous 2020 and 2021 campaigns they put together.

One player who has been with the Jaguars through it all is veteran defensive end Dawuane Smoot, who has been in Jacksonville since 2017 when they drafted him in the third round out of Illinois. He was a linebacker back then, but had his position changed to defensive end this offseason when the new coaching staff took over.

In his comments to the media after Saturday’s loss, Smoot made it clear that he is still acclimating to his new spot up front, and is leaning on his teammates for help as he continues to learn the ins and outs of playing on the defensive line.

“It’s been completely different,” Smoot explained of the role change. “I’m playing a position I’ve never played. I’m playing a position that 300-pounders play, but I’m getting it done. I’m trying to figure it out. You know, every day I’m working with Roy [Robertson-Harris] and working with Foley [Folorunso Fatukasi] every day to try and get better.”

It will likely take several weeks of full-paced regular season games to accurately assess how well Smoot will be able to perform at his new position, but the effort to adjust and fit in has certainly been there from him in training camp. He is listed as a backup on the current official depth chart, but with a few stand-out plays in Atlanta on Thursday, the coaching staff may decide he is worth a shot as a starter once the pressure is on and the games start to count.

Bears are trying Teven Jenkins at right guard

Chicago Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins could be on the verge of a position change after taking reps at right guard on Monday.

Chicago Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins could be on the verge of a position change. The team returned to the practice field at Halas Hall on Monday morning following their 19-14 preseason victory against the Kansas City Chiefs and are already making changes to their lineup based on what they saw during the game.

One of the more notable changes was moving Jenkins inside from right tackle to right guard, the first time he’s taken reps at that position since being drafted in the second round last year. Jenkins was still working with the reserves, however, just as he has since coming back to practice following his injury over a week ago.

After practice, Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy met with the media and shared why he believes Jenkins could be a good fit at guard, even though they’re still trying him out at the position. “The guards get stressed mentally more than the tackles in this system…that’s the strength of his game…we want to try that and see what it looks like.” Getsy told reporters.

A move to guard might be exactly what both Jenkins and the Bears need. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy was demoted earlier in the offseason in favor of rookie Braxton Jones and fellow second-year tackle Larry Borom, then saw his chances at regaining a starting tackle spot dwindle even more when the Bears brought in veteran Riley Reiff as additional competition. Injuries and trade rumors followed shortly after and now Jenkins has been working primarily with the reserves at tackle until Monday. According to fans in attendance, he performed well after making the switch.

From the team’s perspective, they’ve struggled to solve the right guard position ever since the offseason began. General manager Ryan Poles missed out on restricted free agent Ryan Bates after the Buffalo Bills matched his offer sheet, then free agent acquisition Dakota Dozier was lost for the season during minicamp.

The Bears did wind up signing veteran Michael Schofield just as camp was beginning, but he hasn’t impressed in camp or the preseason yet. If Jenkins can acclimate to guard quickly, he might be their best option and could win the starting spot. His versatility was a selling point during the draft and like Getsy said, his strengths fit in with what they want to do on offense.

Jenkins moving to guard could mean his career gets revived in Chicago and would help solve the team’s woes at the position. It’s only been one practice but this could be a win-win for all parties involved.

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Packers speedster ditching wide receiver and heading back to defense

Rico Gafford, who signed with the Packers in January, is transitioning from wide receiver back to cornerback, his original position.

Green Bay Packers’ speedster Rico Gafford is making the switch back to defense after trying his hand at offense. Gafford had been listed on the team’s official website as a wide receiver but is now listed at cornerback. The Packers signed Gafford to a reserve/future contract for the 2022 season.   

Cornerback will be a pretty easy transition for Gafford, who played the position for two seasons at the University of Wyoming. Gafford appeared in 27 games, totaling 103 tackles, 17 pass breakups, and six interceptions.  

Standing at 5-9.5, Gafford is a tad undersized, but his speed helps make up for it. At Wyoming’s Pro Day, he ran a blazing 4.22, which is a hair faster than first-rounder Eric Stokes, who ran a 4.25 at Georgia’s 2021 pro day. John Ross ran a 4.22 in 2017, which is still the fastest 40 in NFL Scouting Combine history.   

“I love running. That’s one thing about me. I just love running. I’m a track guy,” Gafford said via Matt Schneidman.  

Gafford went undrafted in 2018 before getting picked up by the Tennessee Titans, where he worked with Matt LaFleur, who was the offensive coordinator. At the time, Gafford was still trying to make it as a corner. He actually appeared in a preseason game against the Packers as a cornerback. 

It wasn’t until arriving at the Las Vegas Raiders the following year that he made the change to offense.  

From 2018 to 2020, Gafford alternated between the Raiders’ practice squad and active roster, appearing in eight games. His first career reception was a 49-yard touchdown from Derek Carr against the Titans in Week 13 of the 2019 season.   

In 2021, Gafford had stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, and, most recently, the Denver Broncos. After spending most of the year on the practice squad, Gafford was promoted to the Broncos’ active roster in week 17 but was a healthy scratch.  

So far, it has been a roller coaster of a journey for Gafford as he is now going to try and switch back to corner after focusing on wide receiver. Fortunately, the switch should give him a better chance of making Green Bay’s roster.  

The Packers are loaded with young talent at wide receiver, whereas they are far thinner at corner. The No. 4 spot behind Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Rasul Douglas is practically wide open. Gafford should also get the chance to put his speed to use on special teams as a return man or gunner.  

Spending three years in the Raiders organization should mean there’s a strong familiarity between Gafford and new Packers special teams coach Rich Bisaccia.

Appropriately, Gafford will wear number 37, or the same number worn by Pro Bowler Sam Shields, who successfully made the switch from receiver to corner out of the University of Miami.   

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Texas DB Kitan Crawford reportedly moving to safety in 2022

The athletic cornerback will now try his luck at safety to help Texas sure up one of their weaker positions on defense.

There have already been modifications to the Texas secondary in efforts to get the best players on the field.

Third-year defensive back and former four-star prospect, Kitan Crawford, will be making the switch from corner to safety this upcoming season. This was first reported by Inside Texas’ Bobby Burton and Justin Wells during their most recent episode of “On Texas Football.”

Not only does this get Crawford on the field, but it helps solidify the safety position which was viewed as a major issue after the departures of both B.J. Foster (transfer) and Brenden Schooler. This also clears up one more person from the position battle that will be had at the cornerback positions, as there are now about five contenders vying for two spots.

The Longhorns will still have D’Shawn Jamison, Ryan Watts, Jahdae Barron, Terrance Brooks, and Jaylon Guilbeau duking it out for the starting corner spots.

Crawford’s top tier athleticism will certainly help him thrive in his new role, and helps Texas at a position of need.