DL David Patterson (official thread)

bucknut11 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-02-2004, 09:23 PM

i've been seeing several references that David Patterson is probably going to be moved to DE for this year. this really surprises me. i thought he showed flashes of brilliance during his somewhat limited playing time this past season at DT. he's listed at 6'3" and 285 lb, which seems to be good size for a DT (i'm sure with a little work, he could get up to 300). despite the size, he can still get to the QB, as evidenced by his 17 sacks as a HS senior along with 98 tackles and 25 TFLs.

what do you guys think of this move? good, bad, or not gonna happen?

BuckBackHome · #2 (**permalink**) 03-02-2004, 09:27 PM

It may happen if they are trying to get the best players on the field, but it seems like he was a perfect fit at DT. He had enough talent to get some playing time as a true freshman on a line full of studs and that says a lot about his ability.

Who knows. Maybe he will be lined up on the end in a 3-4 defense with D'Andrea playing the true DE from his LB position. It's all conjecture at this point of the year, which is what gives us the right to imagine these configurations.

FKAGobucks877 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-2004, 08:34 AM

From my understanding, he is extemely fast for his size, and speed (among other things) is what you want out of a defensive end. I'm sure he could play both, but if the added weight takes away from his speed, then DE is a better fit for him. A lot of it also comes down to pass-rushing ability, as the interior lineman are usually better run-stoppers than DE, while the DE are better pass-rushers. Obviously, both positions need both skills, but if Patterson is a better pass-rusher, then why not make the move?

BuckNutty · #4 (**permalink**) 03-03-2004, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FKAGobucks877

A lot of it also comes down to pass-rushing ability, as the interior lineman are usually better run-stoppers than DE, while the DE are better pass-rushers. Obviously, both positions need both skills, but if Patterson is a better pass-rusher, then why not make the move?

I think that's it. Patterson is a great pass rusher and there might be too much traffic in the middle for him to utilize his talent on a consistent basis. We also seem to be more set at DT than we do at DE with Pitcock, Green, Cotton, Maupin and Abdallah on the way. I was very impressed with Patterson this summer. I won't mention the O-linemen, to protect the names of the innocent, but Patterson dominated in one on one drills against the second string. Swim moves, spin moves, bull rush....the kid had it all working. Not sure he would have had the success against guys like Mangold, Step or Olivea but you could see his immense talent. If the reports of him slimming down a bit are true I like the idea of moving him outside. He will probably play a little bit of both, much like Darrion Scott. Coach Heacock is going to get the best 4 on the field and Patterson having the ability to play inside and out is a big plus.

Sloopy45 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-03-2004, 10:24 AM

Well, we have to move one of the interior guys to DE, so it might as well be Patterson, if he can prove that he can rush on the outside.

We're loaded with DTs, have a spot to fill at DE, and I don't really see the D'Andrea speculation happening, IMO.

7 45 33 48 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-03-2004, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckinMichigan

It may happen if they are trying to get the best players on the field, but it seems like he was a perfect fit at DT. He had enough talent to get some playing time as a true freshman on a line full of studs and that says a lot about his ability.

Who knows. Maybe he will be lined up on the end in a 3-4 defense with D'Andrea playing the true DE from his LB position. It's all conjecture at this point of the year, which is what gives us the right to imagine these configurations.

I don't think Patterson fits into playing end in the 3-4 defense. Patterson is more like a one gap player, while 3-4 defensive ends are two gap players (like Tim Anderson was). If he is cutting weight to move to 4-3 defensive end then he will not have the size to play 3-4 defensive end.

FKAGobucks877 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-03-2004, 02:31 PM

tOSU plays a 4-3 defense, and I really don't see that changing. Some people would like to see a 3-4 this year because of our strength at LB, but it ain't gonna happen. The majority of NFL teams also play a 4-3 D, so he doesn't really have anything to lose by making the move, especially if he excels at it.

7 45 33 48 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-03-2004, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FKAGobucks877

tOSU plays a 4-3 defense, and I really don't see that changing. Some people would like to see a 3-4 this year because of our strength at LB, but it ain't gonna happen. The majority of NFL teams also play a 4-3 D, so he doesn't really have anything to lose by making the move, especially if he excels at it.

I agree, there are a lot of players on Ohio State's roster that would not fit into the 3-4 defense.