Mailbag question: Switching players positions

So … All this "lack of depth in defense" talk has lead me to a question. I have never coached and have no idea if this is a dumb question - btw.

Why can't we do a little shuffling around of the players we do have. Can't we take some of the positions in which we are over stocked and train them in case of an unfortunate injury on defense? Would an unused WR make a good safety, considering their knowledge of the receiver?

Thanks -

Anthony

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Thanks for the question.

Switching players position is trickier than you might think.

Players need the desire to change and the skills. Just because an athlete is a good wide receiver does not mean they can tackle well enough to be solid defensive back. The skills necessary to be a great left tackle do not necessarily work at defensive tackle.

We had this debate a few years ago when many people brought up that Kevin Koger should play defensive end. We saw Koger several times his junior year and at least five times his senior year along with talking with him and his father. They both said that tight end was the position that was best for Kevin and Kevin stated several times to me that he wanted to play tight end and had no interest on the defensive side of the ball.

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