Mailbag question: Why not B. Graham?

Mailbag question: Why not B. Graham?

IMHO, Brandon Graham is the perfect quick/olb/de for the new scheme. He has played with his hand down and as a lb. He should have decent pass drop skills. He can hold up against TE's and is a fierce pass rusher.

What keeps this staff from moving Graham there, and letting Patterson, Banks, LaLota, etc battle it out at the RDE position?

------------------------------

Thanks for the question.

When we first heard that Michigan was going to use a hybrid defensive end/defensive end/outside linebacker, B. Graham was the very first name that came to mind.

After watching practice and assessing all the potential defensive ends this spring, it became obvious that only B. Graham has the ability to be even an average edge rusher.

None of the players you listed have either the speed or the other skills necessary to be a threat off of the edge. Also, at quick/hybrid, B. Graham would not be in an advantageous position to be a dominant edge rusher.

Banks and Patterson are good depth players, but currently are not going to strike you as great players, and although early, questions remain on where Lalota should actually be playing. He, of all the incoming freshmen this spring, showed that he needs to red-shirt and spend time with Coach Barwis.

In some schemes from the quick/hybrid position, Michigan's best/ only true threat this spring would not even be rushing the passer.

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine