Most Versatile Defenders

[D-Unit]

Which players can play multiple positions on defense and excel at them?

[CashmoneyDrew]

Malik Jackson from Tennessee could play both end spots in a 4-3 and even slide inside and be a force there on passing downs. Could also play end in a 30 front.

[jsagan77]

Brandon Boykin for me, PR, KR, CB, FS, WR...

[Master Exploder]

Quinton Coples.

[keylime_5]

Courtney Upshaw. Very versatile front seven defender - especially in a odd front.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by Master Exploder

Quinton Coples.

I like this mention. Please expand.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by keylime_5

Courtney Upshaw. Very versatile front seven defender - especially in a odd front.

Go on... Why? :)

[Dan_Steele]

Derek Wolfe. Can play in any defensive scheme and possibly any position in said scheme, excluding a 9-tech DE.

[Docta]

Definitely Melvin Ingram. I'd say he could play about 4 different positions.

[Prowler]

*what docta said^^^^

Should probably add Melvin Ingram to the list. Can get looks in multiple spots on the dline, rush in a 34, and starred in HS as a linebacker.

[SuperPacker]

Quinton Coples because he has the speed and athletic ability to play 4-3 defensive end, the power and strength to play DT and the agility to play OLB in a 3-4. Hes probably best suited for a 4-3 defensive end but he could definitely lose some weight and play outside linebacker or put on some weight and play DT in a 3-4 or 4-3.

[Master Exploder]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

I like this mention. Please expand.

He can play every position on the line for both 4-3 or 3-4 defenses, except for NT. He's also athletic enough to play OLB in a 3-4.

[keylime_5]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

Go on... Why? :)

he can play DE in a 4 man front, OLB in a 3-4, ILB in some 2 gap systems, and even LB in some 4-3 systems. One of those guys you can move all over the field to get a great matchup kinda like Adalius Thomas.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by keylime_5

he can play DE in a 4 man front, OLB in a 3-4, ILB in some 2 gap systems, and even LB in some 4-3 systems. One of those guys you can move all over the field to get a great matchup kinda like Adalius Thomas.

Never heard that player comparison before. Adalius Thomas eh? Cool.

[keylime_5]

d-unit is ********.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by keylime_5

d-unit is ********.

huh ?

[niel89]

Adalius Thomas is probably the most versatile player I've seen at the NFL level. He could play DE, all the LB spots, some DT in passing situations, and has been know to do a little S work on a couple plays. He was just all over the place with the Ravens when Rex was DC.

[Matthew Jones]

Upshaw is nothing like Adalius Thomas, who was a ridiculously athletic freak rumored to run in the 4.4s and capable of chasing receivers downfield stride for stride; I wouldn't even trust Upshaw in coverage on moderately athletic tight ends. Courtney can set the edge and rush the passer well, but he'd get eaten alive by any tight end worth his salt. Melvin Ingram is more similar to Thomas but still probably not someone you want in coverage on a regular basis. Ingram is versatile but nowhere near as athletic as Thomas and lacks the awareness, instincts, and consistency of Adalius.

[rawdawg]

Shea McClellin from Boise St looks like he could play pretty much anything he wants. I believe he got looks at all 7 LB spots (3-4, 4-3 defenses) at the Senior bowl. He could also play DE in the 4-3 on passing downs. May need about 10lbs, but looks like he could be a poor man's Mike Vrabel for a 3-4 team that likes to throw in some 40 fronts.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by Matthew Jones

Upshaw is nothing like Adalius Thomas, who was a ridiculously athletic freak rumored to run in the 4.4s and capable of chasing receivers downfield stride for stride; I wouldn't even trust Upshaw in coverage on moderately athletic tight ends. Courtney can set the edge and rush the passer, but he'd get eaten alive by any tight end worth his salt.

I wanna know what you think about this topic. Players who could play DL or LB. CB or S. Or all of the above. lol.

[rawdawg]

Janzen Jackson is also interestingly versatile. If he stays clean, he's a guy that can play a little bit in the box or deep half as a safety. He also has some solid coverage skills and can cover the slot in the nickel. Also should be able to play some special teams on coverage and maybe even as a returner.

[TACKLE]

Originally Posted by rawdawg

Shea McClellin from Boise St looks like he could play pretty much anything he wants. I believe he got looks at all 7 LB spots (3-4, 4-3 defenses) at the Senior bowl. He could also play DE in the 4-3 on passing downs. May need about 10lbs, but looks like he could be a poor man's Mike Vrabel for a 3-4 team that likes to throw in some 40 fronts.

Listen to this man.

[DeepThreat]

Easily Melvin Ingram. He can play defensive tackle, defensive end or linebacker.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by DeepThreat

Easily Melvin Ingram. He can play defensive tackle, defensive end or linebacker.

Do you think he'll be a good pass rusher?

[DeepThreat]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

Do you think he'll be a good pass rusher?

Good, yes. Great, no.

The simple fact that Ingram is versatile doesn't imply that he will excel in any one of those roles.