Cory Littleton primarily played special teams his first few years in the league, but he’s grown into a legitimate beast at the linebacker position and had a whopping 134 tackles in 2019 along with two INTs, 2 forced fumbles, nine passes defended and 3.5 sacks. While the Rams defense left a lot to be desired this year, none of that can be put on Littleton, who had a career year.
He provides a great middle of the field presence and recorded the lowest missed tackle percentage – at 3.6% – along with recording the ninth-best coverage grade by a linebacker via PFF. The Rams linebacker likely will be highly coveted this offseason so the Giants will have to cough up some cash for his services, but it should be well worth it given Littleton is just hitting the prime of his career at age 26.
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But he's a smallish cover ILB as well. I like both players. Simmons has more upside I feel.
But he's a smallish cover ILB as well. I like both players. Simmons has more upside I feel.
The question would be is that upside delta (or existing margin of difference) greater than the impact difference we could get by drafting to another position?
Good point. If we sign Littleton, we don't have to worry about the Lions taking Simmons - and if they do Okudah s/b there. Getting Littleton and Okudah will do wonders for our pass defense.
Joe Schoebert is also out there and I believe the Browns have said they aren't going to resign him, he's also been very good in coverage.
But Littleton seems like he'd be a really nice fit here and the Rams have a lot of money committed elsewhere too.
I think it's highly likely they add multiple guys to the back 7 on defense who fit the scheme and are good in coverage.
Simmons lining up all over the place as a matchup piece, including using his 4.4 speed as an edge rusher. Hopefully having the instant impact other rangy LB's like Leonard, KVE, Devin White, and Devin Bush have had recently.
Carter/Ximines/Golden (or another UFA/draft pick if Golden doesn't resign) rotating on the edges in pass rush situations with a coaching staff that nows how to let each play to their strengths and create match up advantages.
Would still need some more guys in the secondary who can cover too, but that's the type of personnel upgrade that can really turn things around - especially if they take to the defensive scheme.
I can see him being a good fit since Giants figure to be stout up the middle with all the DL. He is good in pass coverage and sniffing out screens. But not a complete player. Team that gives him a mega contract will regret it.
But Nick Kwiatkoski subbed a bunch and looked good to me and I don't know that Da Bears will bring him back. He plays similar to Ryan Connelly imo - maybe a bit more physical but he can cover too
Kevin Pierre-Louis was a backup ST ace that got pushed into the lineup given all the injuries and his speed on the field just really stood out. Very aggressive maybe over aggressive but I can live with that. Worth a flyer imo. Can never have too much speed or aggression on D imo
I agree. Martinez could wind up being a good bang for your buck signing.
if you sign
littleton
an edge like judon
you go a long way in turning around the defense right away
Simmons lining up all over the place as a matchup piece, including using his 4.4 speed as an edge rusher. Hopefully having the instant impact other rangy LB's like Leonard, KVE, Devin White, and Devin Bush have had recently.
Carter/Ximines/Golden (or another UFA/draft pick if Golden doesn't resign) rotating on the edges in pass rush situations with a coaching staff that nows how to let each play to their strengths and create match up advantages.
Would still need some more guys in the secondary who can cover too, but that's the type of personnel upgrade that can really turn things around - especially if they take to the defensive scheme.
My fear with Simmons is that he would be wasted in a 3-4 scheme. I think he would be an elite playmaker at WLB in a 4-3. I love Simmons upside but I have to agree with JonC on this one. I think the Giants should look elsewhere unless they trade down. I think they have to go Okudah or LT at 4. It wouldn't surprise me if Gettleman took Jeudy either.
You think Littleton is still going to be on the market by the time the draft rolls around?
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taking Simmons at #3, or the Giants trade down, then he'd be a nice add for us. We really need a tackling machine with speed at the second level. We have so many run stuffers and thin depth elsewhere that we're extremely vulnerable to screens and short passes over the middle.
You think Littleton is still going to be on the market by the time the draft rolls around?
You never know. He and Justin Simmons both need new deals, although they could always get tagged.
I saw quite a bit of Nick Kwiatkoski when he was at WVU. Played Safety, all three LB spots. Not the most athletic kid, but smart and instinctive, and when he hits you, you stay hit. He hasn't made as much of an impact in the pros as I thought he would, but I still think he'd be worth taking a chance on if the price is right.
More like a 4-2-5 or 4-1-6 with three DTs and an OLB up front to keep the inside gaps closed up, force things wide.
To allow for pass D lbs on the inside
Zero ""
'six' (six that can pass defend in some way regardless of stated # or 'position', could include lbs)
Zero ""
'six' (six that can pass defend in some way regardless of stated # or 'position', could include lbs)
5-0-6 defense and an offense like "Shanny" - got it, thanks. It's only been a few years now of the same thing on every thread. Mix it up a little, IS.