More linebacker help
Posted by Rick on April 27, 2008
The Patriots seemingly are serious about getting younger at linebacker, adding OLB Shawn Crable from Michigan with the 15th pick of the third round.
While think this kid may be a real steal for the Pats, I don’t like the fact that his weaknesses appear to be his work ethic and intelligence. Both are prerequisites to play in the Patriots’ 3-4 scheme. None the less, he looks to be a potential outside pass rusher.
Shawn Crable
Height: 6-47/8 | Weight: 245 | 40-Time: 4.64
Strengths:
Has excellent size and a big frame with long arms…Very athletic…Fantastic timed speed…Nice quickness and agility…Strong and powerful…Terrific pass rusher and blitzer…Makes a lot of plays behind the line…Offers some versatility…He does an adequate job in coverage…Still improving and has upside…Had a big senior year.
Weaknesses:
Does not have a great motor…Work ethic has been questioned…Intelligence may be a concern…Slow to read and react…Needs to play with better leverage…Was only a starter for two seasons…Sub par ball skills…Pass rush repertoire is limited.
Notes:
Was a highly-regarded recruit coming out of the prep ranks…He could project to a 4-3 (SAM) or 3-4 scheme…A real interesting prospect with a unique set of physical tools…Presents a rare combination of production and triangle numbers…Talented but may need to be pushed in order to fulfill his potential…May have played out of position in college…His best fit might be a pass rushing outside linebacker in a 34.
Career Statistics
Year GP TKL TFL SACK PBU INT
2003 DNP - - - - -
2004 5 6 1.0 1.0 2 0
2005 6 14 3.0 3.0 3 0
2006 13 37 11.0 6.0 3 0
2007 13 90 28.5 7.5 1 0
Totals 37 147 43.5 17.5 9 0
