Will Kampman succeed at linebacker?

[mission]

Kampman had a down year in 2008 because the whole defense was down.

You can't ask for much more from a DE than what Kampman delivers. He's very good against the run, they usually don't run at him. He's not a dominant pass rusher, but he's very good.

Either way, like I said.

Partial actually makes good points in this thread. He's going to be facing all sorts of different matchups that he should be favored even better against.

[BallHawk]

I think Kampman will be a very good 3-4 OLB. I think Julius Peppers was born to play our other 3-4 OLB spot. I also think we're a top 10 defense next year as a result!

Dude, you're pimping him more than his goddamn agent is. Chill, we're not going to get him.

[Joemailman]

I like Kampman's chances. His entire career he's been proving wrong those who said he lacks the athletic ability to be a standout. I sure didn't think he'd become one of the top DE's in the league when he first came out of Iowa. He looked like a high effort/average ability guy. Some guys just have the ability to make the adjustments that are needed.

[pack4to84]

I think he will have 15 sacks next year. With him lineup wide if the OT swings out to block him it opens the door for another rusher to fill the gap he left. So most OLB would be blocked by RB or FB. I like Kampton chances vs RB/FB's.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I like Kampman's chances. His entire career he's been proving wrong those who said he lacks the athletic ability to be a standout.

Tauscher is another guy who came from nowhere and became a good starting right tackle. That doesn't mean he would be just as good at left tackle.

Cullen Jenkins made himself into an excellent defensive end and tackle. He would just be OK as a nose guard.

[Partial]

I like Kampman's chances. His entire career he's been proving wrong those who said he lacks the athletic ability to be a standout.

Tauscher is another guy who came from nowhere and became a good starting right tackle. That doesn't mean he would be just as good at left tackle.

Cullen Jenkins made himself into an excellent defensive end and tackle. He would just be OK as a nose guard.

But that is because of physical limitations. Kampman's workout numbers support his ability to play the position as they fall in line with many of the great OLBs.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

Of course he can. He lettered 3 times in bball and 4 times in track in high school.

[Lurker64]

I think the fact that "Kampman has played Linebacker before" points more to his ability to play a hybrid OLB/DE position than do his workout numbers, as impressive as they are.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

I think the fact that "Kampman has played Linebacker before" points more to his ability to play a hybrid OLB/DE position than do his workout numbers, as impressive as they are.

I acknowledge that point, however the last time he played LB was soph year at Iowa...in a conference and team not known for their speedy LBs.

You, me, or anybody else knows/remembers how he covered backs/TEs or how he operated in space.

That isn't to say he can't do it.

[Guiness]

I think the fact that "Kampman has played Linebacker before" points more to his ability to play a hybrid OLB/DE position than do his workout numbers, as impressive as they are.

Agreed, but I think at least some of the point here is that he has the necessary tools to succeed.

While I'll be the first to say that having the tools does not guarantee anything, not having the tools does guarantees you can't succeed - they act as a gatekeeper, so to speak.

Yes, I know some guys 'play fast' and certainly instincts and such matter, but there's a point at which you just can't compete.

And of course I know there are always those individuals who defy all explanation - Theoren Fleury, the 5'5" 155lb NHL center, Spud Webb, who won the NBA slam dunk contest at 5'6". But the Justin Beaver's of the world are a lot more common.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I acknowledge that point, however the last time he played LB was soph year at Iowa...in a conference and team not known for their speedy LBs. .

when I was a sophomore is high school, i wrestled in the 138 pound class. I floated like a butterfly, stung like a bee.

People change, people change.

[rbaloha1]

Kampy is older, bigger and stiffer. Playing olb is going to be tough at this stage of his career.

[Patler]

Some of you seem to think Kampman will have to cover like a safety, or like a 4-3 LBer. He won't be asked to do that. Basically, on occasion he will be asked to cover a limited area and pick up a TE who is probably no faster that he is. He will not be expected to run the field with the better TEs of the league. His best coverage tool might be the contact he can make in the first five yards. Does anyone think that Kampman won't be able to throw off their timing with a good solid hit on the TE early in a play?

[mission]

The only coverage he'll have to do is situations where he plays the 5-7 yard hook to curl zone or flats... something with another backer coming and him dropping back. He's not gonna line up head on with a guy and have to turn his hips and run lol

[Joemailman]

Kampy is older, bigger and stiffer. Playing olb is going to be tough at this stage of his career.

Actually, he's about 10-15 pounds lighter than he was when he was younger. Only his wife knows if he's stiffer.