Coach Lindsey's thoughts on OLB

Redskin_fan · Post by **Redskin_fan** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 6:31 am

Clemons, Holdman, or Draft? Right now, I like Clemons.

http://www.examiner.com/Sports-a56945~W ... lling.html

Weakside hole needs filling
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John Keim, The Examiner
Mar 24, 2006 7:00 AM (1 hr 34 mins ago)

WASHINGTON - They could opt for the veteran who failed last year, or at least played to less-than-rave reviews. There’s also the draft, which is deep at this position of need. Or free agency, which contains mostly castoff veterans at this point.

The other option is already on the Redskins’ roster.

When voluntary offseason workouts begin Monday, the Redskins will have one starting position unfilled: weakside linebacker, the spot vacated by since-departed LaVar Arrington.

Among the options: re-sign Warrick Holdman, who started seven games at this spot last year and appears to be the No. 1 option; sign a veteran free agent such as Nate Wayne or Keith Adams, neither of whom were too impressive in Philadelphia; or promote Chris Clemons.

They’re trying to avoid moving middle linebacker Lemar Marshall back outside.

“If we don’t get a guy that can get it done,” Redskins linebackers coach Dale Lindsey said, “we’d be crazy to take a guy who’s pretty damn good and move him.”
But Lindsey sounded as if Holdman would be among his top choices.

“If he does come back, he has to be better than last year,” said Lindsey, who recently spoke to Holdman about returning. “I was disappointed because I know he’s better than that. ... I’m hoping he hasn’t lost his confidence. He has a couple good years in him if he wants to get after it.”

Holdman remains an option because he already knows, and understands, the defense. If the Redskins opt to draft someone, there’s no guarantee they’d play immediately.

Or Clemons, whose NFL experience has been as a rush end, could get the nod.

“Chris is intriguing because he’s tall,” Lindsey said. “He’s extremely fast and has really good quickness. This past spring and last offseason he picked up how to think as a linebacker, which he didn’t do initially. You still have to know how to play the position; sometimes that’s more important than having great talent.”

“I’ve got a lot of faith that I can do it,” Clemons said. “He’s trying to get Warrick back, but [Lindsey] has me listed as the starter. But it’s only March so I can’t get too happy right now. I have to prove myself.”

He has one fan in the departed Arrington.

“I groomed him,” Arrington said of Clemons the day he was released. “He’s great athletically and he figured out he could play physical, too. He was just finesse early on. With his body type and speed, he could almost steal the show if he gets that opportunity.”

Who’s the next Lavar?

- Chris Clemons played weakside linebacker for two years in college, but has not played it in the NFL. At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, he has good size for the position and is athletic.

- Clemons joined the Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2003.

- Warrick Holdman had his best season in 2001 under linebackers coach Dale Lindsey when both were in Chicago. He had a career-high 145 tackles. He has four career sacks and nine forced fumbles.

Examiner

Britskin · Post by **Britskin** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 6:58 am

Sounds like Clemons has the inside track at the moment. If Holdman comes back on the right deal things might work out better for him this year. I expected more of him last season as he was brought in as a strong option, I think at MLB and weakside LB - the coaches knew him and Williams doesn`t often get it wrong.
Its intriguing now to think where our 2nd rnd pick will go - LB is still most likely although there is also McCune waiting in the wings. Maybe CB or my outside bet another option at HB. Joe though may well be thinking TE.

Chris Luva Luva · Post by **Chris Luva Luva** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 7:42 am

I SOOOOO hope Chris can get this spot. This is what we need to do more often and thats give our young guys the chance to grow up and fill needs for us. This would save us soo much money and it would allow us to get someone via the draft who can take a year or so to learn under him and then be ready to fill a need for us down the road also.

Im rooting hard for Chris Clemons!

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 8:09 am

This guy may work on the weakside

Jashon Sykes

Born: September 25, 1979
Los Angeles, CA
Height: 6-2
Weight: 236 lbs. Age: 26
Pos: LB
Experience: 3 years
College: Colorado

2005 Scouting Report
Grade: 64

Comment:
His instincts seemed to improve with reps. Early on there were too many false steps and indecision. He is a good overall athlete - can run and chase. He is a physical take on player over the TE. Will sink and get into the TE with good initial pop. He is a box player - does not show solid COD in space. He is a physical hitter and tackler - knows how to finish. He needs to improve in coverage - lacks cover instincts. Will bite on play action and lose the TE off the line.

But he hasn't played in two years

JansenFan · Post by **JansenFan** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 12:14 pm

I said Clemons when LaVar was eleased, and I still say Clemons. I think he will flourish if given the opportunity, and he already knows the defense.

rick301 · Post by **rick301** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 12:29 pm

I wonder if this is really under serious consideration ...

Redskins | Team had some talks with N. Wayne
Wed, 22 Mar 2006 20:03:56 -0800

Howard Bryant, of the Washington Post, reports the Washington Redskins have had some talks with free agent LB Nate Wayne (Lions), but it is unclear if the team has continued the conversation.

Chris Luva Luva · Post by **Chris Luva Luva** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 12:34 pm

JansenFan wrote:I said Clemons when LaVar was eleased, and I still say Clemons. I think he will flourish if given the opportunity, and he already knows the defense.

Yes, yes and YES!!! I agree 100%. This way we can leave our DQB (defensive QB) alone. Lemar is not going to stagnate, he's going to get better at commanding the defense. Its better to leave him there so he can get whoever is at WLB in position. Again, Im all for promting our "lesser" guys up who are well groomed and ready for more responsibility. This will save us money and groom some else via the draft.

andyjens89 · Post by **andyjens89** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 2:54 pm

I'd say give chris a shot, i mean look at what we did with antonio pierce and lemar marshall.. they never played and when they did they ended up being really good, so i can see chris doing so also

Redskin in Canada · Post by **Redskin in Canada** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 3:46 pm

This is a coming draft -loaded- with very good LBs. I will not be surprised if we pick one there.

leatherhead 377 · Post by **leatherhead 377** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 8:53 pm

McCune, or trade-up to get one of the Ohio State boyz........

HEROHAMO · Post by **HEROHAMO** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 4:22 am

I also would like to see Mccune get a chance or Clemons. Trading up to get one of the Ohio State boys sounds nice but I dont see it happening. A.J. Hawk will go in the first round for sure top ten no doubt he is an absolute Stud.