Can Mario Williams transition to OLB in a 3-4?

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georgemc80

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983 posts
May 6, 2011 2:12 PM
The Texans have announced that Mario Williams will play OLB in a 3-4. This ends some speculation, however, without the guarantee of a preseason, I am against this type of move. He is a freak of nature with size and speed, but will this be a good move for him?
May 6, 2011 2:12pm
OneBuckeye's avatar

OneBuckeye

Senior Member

5,888 posts
May 6, 2011 2:14 PM
No, they should trade him to the Browns ASAP.
May 6, 2011 2:14pm
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BR1986FB

Senior Member

24,104 posts
May 6, 2011 2:30 PM
georgemc80;761450 wrote:The Texans have announced that Mario Williams will play OLB in a 3-4. This ends some speculation, however, without the guarantee of a preseason, I am against this type of move. He is a freak of nature with size and speed, but will this be a good move for him?

If he does he'll be the first "a biscuit shy of 300 lbs 4-3 defensive end" to do so. Normally you make this move with a light in the pants (255-270) 4-3 DE, not a 295 lber. Unless he's going to be strictly a situational rusher I have my doubts he's going to be effective in coverage. He's a freak but I'm skeptical on this.

EDIT: Let me add that these comments can be, somewhat, thrown out the window if Williams drops 25-30 lbs. If he's playing at 295, I don't see it.
May 6, 2011 2:30pm
Commander of Awesome's avatar

Commander of Awesome

Senior Pwner

23,151 posts
May 6, 2011 2:40 PM
If Kenard Lang can't do it, I dont see Mario being able to do it.
May 6, 2011 2:40pm
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september63

Senior Member

5,789 posts
May 6, 2011 2:44 PM
Yes. He will succeed at OLB. He played OLB at NC State. He also ran a 4.66 (40) coming out of college. Id guess he might be asked to shed about 20 lbs though.
May 6, 2011 2:44pm
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TigerNation10

Senior Member

483 posts
May 7, 2011 2:54 PM
I don't see why Wade doesn't leave Williams at DE with J.J. Watt opposite, and put newly drafted Brooks Reed at OLB.
May 7, 2011 2:54pm
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BR1986FB

Senior Member

24,104 posts
May 7, 2011 4:41 PM
TigerNation10;761937 wrote:I don't see why Wade doesn't leave Williams at DE with J.J. Watt opposite, and put newly drafted Brooks Reed at OLB.

This would be the smart move. That would be an intimidating pass rush.
May 7, 2011 4:41pm