LB Brian Rolle (Official Thread)

[Buckskin86]

Notes: Rookie, sixth-round LB Brian Rolle is seeing more action in the team?s nickel and dime packages. The coaches really like his coverage and his athleticism. His small size (5-9, 229 pounds) isn?t conducive to being a three-down linebacker but his quick first step and ability to stick running backs and tight ends makes him an ideal piece of the pass defenses. Rolle could be another contributor mined in the sixth round of the draft. The team?s other sixth-rounder, G/C Jason Kelce, is expected to start at center.

Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/sto...anny-watkins-trying-to-catch-up#ixzz1WePh0Zoq

 

[Buckskin86]

Undersized Rolle coming up big for Eagles
Sep. 2, 2011
Written by
KEVIN CALLAHAN
(South Jersey) Courier-Post

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Brian Rolle, an undersized, late-round draft pick, is pushing for a roster spot with the Eagles. But the rookie linebacker's impressive bloodlines won't help.

Although being cousins with Giants safety Antrel Rolle, former Ravens defensive back Samari Rolle and Titans defensive back Myron Rolle certainly makes for competitive family reunion touch football games, a spot on the Eagles won't be saved because of his last name.

But if the sixth-round pick out of Ohio State does not make the team, it won't be because of his size at 5-foot-10.

The 5-9 Sam Mills made three Pro Bowls in his 12-year NFL career at linebacker, while 5-11 Zach Thomas was a five-time Pro Bowl selection in 13 years.

So Rolle, who looks every bit as thick as his listed weight of 227 pounds, is battling hard to take one of the six likely linebacker spots.

"He's explosive. He can change direction, and we feel that he has the ability to be a shutdown linebacker, meaning that he can cover backs and do a good job covering backs," defensive coordinator Juan Castillo said earlier in the week.

Cont...

http://www.delawareonline.com/artic...big-Eagles?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Sports|s

Brian Rolle (left) sacks Jets quarterback Greg McElroy. (Bill Kostroun/AP)

While Matthews has been the subject of much scrutiny the last month, little has been said or written about a rookie linebacker who could end up being on the field as much, or even more, than Matthews - Brian Rolle.

Rolle, who was taken in the sixth round of the April draft just two picks after the Eagles grabbed their Week 1 starting center, Jason Kelce, appears to have won a job in the Eagles' two-linebacker nickel package alongside Jamar Chaney.

The 5-9, 225-pounder out of Ohio State figured to be a potential core special-teams player when the Eagles drafted him. But he has impressed the Eagles coaches with his play in training camp and the preseason, including last night's 24-14 win over the New York Jets.

Rolle registered his first sack of the preseason on the Jets' third offensive play, blitzing cleanly and dropping quarterback Greg McElroy for a 6-yard loss. He split a 12-yard sack with linebacker Keenan Clayton later in the first period when both came in clean on blitzes off the edge.

In the second quarter, he blew up a run by the Jets' Bilal Powell, enabling defensive end Chris Wilson and linebacker Akeem Jordan to tackle Powell for a 6-yard loss.

"That's the way I play," Rolle said. "I'm a down-and-dirty type guy. I love to stick my nose in there. I don't think people give me enough credit for the way I play the run. They say I'm a good cover guy, but I feel like I'm good against the run as well and am going to stick my nose in there and create havoc."

Rolle is getting the nickel 'backer nod over Clayton, a 2010 fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma. Clayton, an undersized 'backer like just about every other Eagles 'backer, played well late last season in limited reps in Sean McDermott's nickel and dime packages, and was expected to contend for the starting weakside linebacker job this season.

But Juan Castillo, who replaced McDermott, moved Moise Fokou from the strongside to the weakside. And Clayton has lost the nickel job to Rolle.

"[Rolle] is an undersized, explosive guy that a lot of people overlooked because of his size," said the NFL Network's Mike Mayock. "But he covers well. He moves well. He's an ideal nickel linebacker in addition to a valuable special-teams guy.

"The other thing I like about him is he's smart and he's instinctive. At the linebacker position, that's huge. I like him. He'll play hard. You get a little nervous when you look at that whole linebacker group and look at how young they are.

"They're going to start Matthews. They're going to play Rolle in nickel. You look around and say, 'Damn, as smart as they are, they're still rookies.' Teams are going to try to take advantage of them."

Rolle clearly arrived at Lehigh in late July with a chip on his shoulder. He knows a lot of people look at his small stature and think he can't play. That includes the NFL teams that snubbed him.

"I look at myself as 6-1, 240, even though it might not say that's what I am," Rolle said. "I've just tried to work hard and focus on [learning] each [linebacker] position rather than one. I feel that enabled me to go out there and make plays.

"Once I got in camp, I dedicated myself to doing great regardless of what people outside the organization think.''

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/column...ay_vital_Rolle_with_Eagles.html#ixzz1WnQFZn72

 

[Buckskin86]

That rookie linebacker Brian Rolle is an emerging force on their defense and might even wind up on the field on every defensive snap instead of just obvious passing situations.

"I think I did surprise a lot of people," Rolle said. "In the draft, people had me rated pretty low, this guy can't play in the NFL, he's too small, all those things."

Still, Rolle will sweat the final cuts with all the other non starters.

"Nothing is for sure in this league, nothing," he said after the game. "Even some of the guys that are with the ones are still kind of edgy about how the next couple days are going to play out. But like I said, I felt I've done enough and I know God is going to bless me any way he sees fit."

http://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-column-fierro-0902-20110902,0,3592818.column

Brian Rolle was a lock to make the Eagles 53-man roster before the team ever boarded the bus to North Jersey for Thursday?s game against the Jets. He had an outstanding camp, the coaches loved him, he had it made.

Yet Rolle still went out and played like his job was on the line. He was all over the field as a starting linebacker and he stayed on the field as part of the nickel package. Chances are you will be seeing a lot more of him during the regular season.

Rolle was effective on the blitz, shooting the B gap once for a sack and using his speed to come around the corner and assist on another sack. He demonstrated his strength when he took on a blocker who outweighed him by 60 pounds and drove him backwards on an end run. Rolle?s penetration forced the ball carrier deeper and allowed defensive end Chris Wilson to make the tackle for a big loss.

Rolle was an outstanding linebacker at Ohio State, but he slipped in the draft because the scouts felt he was too small. He is a shade under 5-10 and weighs about 230 pounds, but he plays much bigger. Pound for pound, he was one of the strongest players in his class at the Scouting Combine. He did 28 reps in the bench press (225 pounds).

The Eagles got themselves a steal in the sixth round. Rolle will backup Moise Fokou on the weakside and he will continue to play in the nickel package as well as all the special teams.

http://www.csnphilly.com/09/02/11/b...sider_didinger.html?blockID=558274&feedID=704

Eagles Are Looking For Ways To Put Rookie Brian Rolle On The Field
Posted by GarryCobb
Friday, September 2nd, 2011

Andy Reid was gushing about safety-sized rookie linebacker Brian Rolle after the game last night. He talked about how Rolle has shined every time they?ve let him play.

Personally, I love the way he explodes when the ball is thrown. He?s also shown he can beat blocks when coming off the corner on the blitz and he?s a good tackler.

The rookie has proven to be effective at MIKE when they?ve let him take Casey Matthews? place on pass downs. The former Buckeye has made plays when they?ve let him play WILL, plus he?s very confident in his abilities.

Rolle has proven he can cover the fastest of running backs, as well as step into a hole and attack the running game, but he stands only 5?10″, and weighs about 235 pounds.

The young linebacker from Ohio State seems to be carving a role for himself in the Eagles defense. Although Matthews is starting at middle linebacker, the Birds seem to be trying to get Rolle on the field for as many plays as they can.

In addition, he?s taken over as the number one coverage linebacker in place of 2010 draft pick, Keenan Clayton, who had that role a year ago.

?He?s explosive?, said Eagles defensive coordinator Juan Castilo. ?He can change direction, and we feel that he has the ability to be a shutdown linebacker, meaning that he can cover backs and do a good job covering backs.?

?I?m a down-and-dirty type guy?, Rolle said. ?I love to stick my nose in there. I don?t think people give me enough credit for the way I play the run. They say I?m a good cover guy, but I feel like I?m good against the run as well and am going to stick my nose in there and create havoc.?

Cont..

http://gcobb.com/2011/09/02/eagles-are-looking-for-ways-to-put-rookie-brian-rolle-on-the-field/

Rolle's Role Secured In Finale
By Chris McPherson

For the second straight year, it appears a late-round pick from Ohio State is going to provide immediate impact on defense.

Linebacker Brian Rolle closed out an impressive preseason with 1.5 sacks among his three total tackles in the 24-14 win over the Jets. For the entire exhibition slate, Rolle finished with 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks. After no mini-camps or OTAs, the sixth-round pick quickly accelerated up the depth chart and is now working in the first-team nickel package. Rolle started Thursday night's game at the weakside linebacker spot.

"I know I work hard and when you work hard you get put in the right situations," Rolle said. "I feel like the coaches saw that. I was a guy that came in regardless of what my situation was I was going work hard."

Just like starting free safety and fellow Buckeye alum Kurt Coleman, a seventh-round pick in 2010, the perceived knock on Rolle was size. Listed at 5-10, 227 pounds, Rolle tumbled on draft day despite being a team captain and earning All Big-Ten honors in college. Rolle's toughness, instincts and speed more than make up for anything lost in the measureables. Rolle's speed was on display when coordinator Juan Castillo called for a double edge blitz late in the first quarter Thursday night. Rolle and strongside linebacker Keenan Clayton attacked and Rolle thought he was in the clear for the sack.

"I saw the quarterback's eyes get big and next thing you know I'm thinking I'm going to get the sack and Keenan got it," Rolle said as the sack was split between the pair. "Being out there with Keenan is like having my brother next to me. It was a lot of fun getting out there and playing a lot."

Rolle said that he blitzed very little at Ohio State, but thinks he fits what the Eagles want from the linebacker spot.

"I feel that I'm one of the quickest guys here at linebacker as far as blitzing and getting around linemen," Rolle said. "I just love to play the game. I love to be on the field. I know what I'm capable of."

And Rolle had no problem showcasing that ability against the opposing teams this preseason.

"The first three teams we played I bet they wished they had me now. I'm out there making plays and having fun," Rolle said. "You watch the Jets on ?Hard Knocks? and say, 'Man, what would it be like?' Now you play against them and I bet they're going to watch film and say, 'Man, I wish I had got that guy.' It lets them know they missed out on a great thing."

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/n...n-Finale/91d8dc35-529c-441e-a44b-4169eaf9535f

Rookie to play vital Rolle with Eagles
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By PAUL DOMOWITCH
Philadelphia Daily News
Published: Friday, Sep. 2, 2011

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- If you've been listening closely, or even if you haven't and have been residing on a mountaintop in Tibet the last month, you've probably heard that the Eagles are - drum roll, please - "all in."

They attacked the post-lockout free-agent market with Shawn Andrews-at-Five Guys fervor. Signed about 120 Pro Bowlers, or so it seemed.

But "all in" in the salary-capped world of the National Football League doesn't quite mean the same thing as it does in, say, baseball, where an owner can pretty much fill out checks until he gets writer's cramp.

Yes, the Eagles have three really, really good cornerbacks. Yes, they've got a lot of really, really good pass-rushers. And yes, they've got a bunch of really, really good skill-position players.

That said, this still is a team with a lot of question marks. This still is a team that, despite the "dream team" hype, is going to have at least 10 rookies on the payroll when it finally is finished shaping its 53-man roster this weekend, including six who either are going to be Week 1 starters or play in one of their sub-packages.

Cont..

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/09/02/3879516/rookie-to-play-vital-rolle-with.html#ixzz1WtHl3HnV

 

[Buckskin86]

B Rolle at the game....

http://photo.the-ozone.net/details....umber=18&ReturnRowCount=12&ReturnPageNumber=2

 

[Buckskin86]

Immokalee's Rolle shows Eagles he belongs in NFL
Written by
KEVIN CALLAHAN
Special to news-press.com

Immoklee's Brian Rolle (59) is at the bottom of the pile as the Philadelphia Eagles recover a Cleveland Browns fumble during a preseason game on Aug. 25. / the associated press

Brian Rolle, an undersized late-round draft pick and Immokalee High graduate, is pushing for a roster spot with the Philadelphia Eagles not because of the rookie linebacker's impressive bloodlines.

Although being cousins with Antrel Rolle, a safety with the New York Giants, Samari Rolle, a former Baltimore Ravens defensive back, and Myron Rolle, a defensive back released Friday by the Tennessee Titans, certainly makes for competitive family reunion touch football games, a roster spot won't be saved because of his last name.

Conversely, if the sixth-round pick and 193rd overall selection out of Ohio State does not make the team for the Sept. 11 in St. Louis, it won't be because of his size at 5-foot-10.

The 5-9 Sam Mills made three Pro Bowls in his 12-year NFL career, and the 5-11 Zach Thomas was a five-time Pro Bowler in his 13 years, proving that small linebackers can play big in this league of giants.

For Rolle, who looks every bit as thick as his listed weight of 227 pounds, to take one of the six likely linebacker spots, he is going to do it not because of his name or lack of size, but due to what he did in the preseason.

"He's explosive, he can change direction and we feel that he has the ability to be a shutdown linebacker, meaning that he can cover backs and do a good job covering backs," said defensive coordinator Juan Castillo.

Cont...

http://www.news-press.com/article/2...gs-in-NFL?odyssey=tab|mostpopular|text|SPORTS

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtegp1Z_gHI"]Brian Rolle Interview 8/24/11 - YouTube[/ame]

 

[buchtelgrad04]

Myron Rolle isn't related to any of them. Lazy journalism.

 

[Buckskin86]

Brian Rolle - He played more in the nickel than Matthews and was on the field for 14 snaps. At one point, he replaced Fokou at the WILL in the base defense, but I think that was because of injury. Rolle blitzed twice, something I expect to see him do quite a bit. He had one extremely impressive play. He literally knocked the Rams? center over with a two-handed shove and tackled Williams after a 7-yard gain in the third. He gets knocked for his size, but Rolle is clearly a powerful and physical linebacker.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/...-Eagles-D-.html?ref=twitter.com#ixzz1XlVDdg5Q

 

[Buckskin86]

Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Matthews Stays in Middle; Role for Rolle Outside?

Eagles coach Andy Reid said rookie Casey Matthews remains the team's starting middle linebacker, as the Birds prepare to visit Atlanta.

The Eagles' inexperienced linebacking corps was one of the focal points for fans watching an impressive but inconsistent 31-13 season-opening victory at St. Louis. The Birds have made no move to add a linebacker; the only adjustment on the horizon is that nickel linebacker Brian Rolle, also a rookie, seems to think he will get more snaps this week.

The Eagles stayed in their base defense most of the St. Louis game, with the Rams keeping two tight ends in to block. Rolle said he expects more nickel this week, but he also indicated he could be rotating with Moise Fokou at the WIL spot in the base defense.

'The thing I look at is progress, especially with the young players. I felt that was what I saw with all of our young guys," Reid said.

"As a defensive unit, it was a little slow to start; you can expect that, especially the first game of the year, but once we made the adjustments, we felt the second half we came together and shut down what they had for us," Matthews said. "We can always play better. There's always stuff you can learn from."

Rolle said: "I'll probably work into the rotation a little more with the base ... Atlanta has a great quarterback in Matt Ryan; they'll be looking to throw the ball probably 40, 45 times a game, as well, so I'll be out there (in nickel) on those downs."

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/dneagles/DRC-misses-practice-with-ankle-sprain.html#ixzz1XywuvzyQ

 

[Buckskin86]

Pure Butter

Giants safety Antrel Rolle wasn't shy about running his mouth in the run up to the game this week but as it turns out he wasn't even the best Rolle on the field. Eagles rookie linebacker Brian Rolle, Antrel's cousin, took that those honors. Playing mostly in nickel packages, the rookie broke up a pass and helped force an Eli Manning sack on a blitz. Give the Eagles' Rolle a quiet ... *** three (3) stars

http://www.phillyburbs.com/sports/e...cle_36731d78-a612-5f23-bc17-1ae97d31f823.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Q: Will Brian Rolle replace Casey Matthews in the starting lineup?

Castillo: ?Today is Monday. We?ll see on Wednesday. B-Rolle has been playing well. Casey, really, he gave up that [one big] play, you know, but he had a solid game in the run game. You saw him make some tackles. He?s getting better and better. Those young guys, that?s what happens with those young guys. They?ll get better and better and better and better.?

http://www.csnphilly.com/football-p...s-DC-Juan-Castillo?blockID=567842&feedID=2229

 

[Buckskin86]

Congrats B. Rolle....

Posted: Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Rolle, Allen to start

Changes have arrived on defense.

Brian Rolle said he has been elevated to first team weak side linebacker and Nate Allen will be starting at safety in place of Kurt Coleman. Linebacker and safety have been glaring weaknesses early in the season.

Rolle, a sixth round pick, has looked more instinctive and aggressive than Casey Matthews, the fourth round selection he'll replace in the starting line up. Rolle said he will continue to play in some nickel packages as well.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/130713563.html#ixzz1ZGfcy5Gl

 

[Buckeneye]

Awesome news.

Just like to point out. That makes 4 players from the 09' defense either seeing starting time or solid contributions to their respective NFL teams. (Cam, Chimdi, Rolle, Coleman)

Also like to point out that aside from Heyward, where the other 3 fell in the draft. Take note GM's. Talent goes beyond measurables.

 

[WoodyWorshiper]

Awesome news.

Just like to point out. That makes 4 players from the 09' defense either seeing starting time or solid contributions to their respective NFL teams. (Cam, Chimdi, Rolle, Coleman)

Also like to point out that aside from Heyward, where the other 3 fell in the draft. Take note GM's. Talent goes beyond measurables.

"Talent Goes Beyond Measurables"

Spot-On, my Buckeye brother. When exactly in Hell did being able to actually play football become secondary to how big or fast you are?

Well said.

Peace

 

[DaveyBoy]

I chalk it up to the immense spotlight and pressure on the NFL draft process. General Managers are under such intense scrutiny for the studs that got away that they bet with the odds. The odds are in the NFL a great physcial specimen will have less downside than a great on-field players with significantly less impressive physical attributes.

so, in short, it's a safer bet to go with physique over playing ability

"Talent Goes Beyond Measurables"

Spot-On, my Buckeye brother. When exactly in Hell did being able to actually play football become secondary to how big or fast you are?

Well said.

Peace

 

[Buckskin86]

Posted: Thu, Sep. 29, 2011
Eagles' new starting linebacker Rolle not short on confidence
Rich Hofmann, Daily News Sports Columnist

AND SO, the Eagles' Brian Rolle arrives at weakside linebacker with 5 feet, 10 inches of body and 6 feet, 5 inches of confidence. Casey Matthews is out and Rolle is in, and it is fair to say that the team has now picked the right guy out of those two. Whether it makes a difference is another issue entirely.

"I feel like I'm a guy that is athletic," Rolle said yesterday. "I'm physical, a guy that knows the game very well and plays hard. I'm not saying that Casey didn't - Casey's a great player, as well. I guess the coaches just felt the need for a new body in there, somebody that may bring a little more excitement, maybe."

Oh, and get this: Mr. Excitement says he wants to "hopefully get matched up with" 49ers tight end Vernon Davis on his maiden voyage as a starter. Davis is 6-3 and 250 pounds and as fast as a human being that big can possibly be.

To which Rolle replied: "Being fast isn't everything. It's all about technique in this league, as well."

This will be interesting, if nothing else. A rookie sixth-round draft choice out of Ohio State, Rolle had a better summer than Matthews, the fourth-rounder out of Oregon. But somebody in the Eagles' hierarchy loved the idea of Matthews in the middle of that defense, wearing the radio helmet, relaying the defensive calls, all of that. And if it was a disaster from the beginning, well, Matthews obviously had a sponsor or sponsors in the building and the thing probably lasted a week or 2 longer than it should have as he was moved from middle linebacker to the weak side.

Now it is Rolle's job full time, rather than just as a nickel fill-in.

"I just showed that I'm willing to go out there and step up and make plays when they need to be made," Rolle said. "I was talking to my dad last night and told him every time I was in there, you heard my name, so the coaches must have seen that light and thought I needed to be on the field more."

cont...

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/rich_hofmann/20110929_Rich_Hofmann_.html#ixzz1ZLOsqpGQ

Eagles to Rolle with the changes
Sep. 29, 2011
Written by GEOFF MOSHER | For the Courier-Post

PHILADELPHIA ? The Eagles have new starters on defense ? again. What else is new?

Rookie sixth-rounder Brian Rolle is in at weak-side linebacker, rookie fourth-rounder Casey Matthews is out and second-year safety Nate Allen is back in the starting lineup after supplanting Kurt Coleman.

This is the Eagles? seemingly weekly attempt to rectify a defense that has already allowed eight passing touchdowns and blown fourth-quarter leads in each of the past two games, both losses.

Rolle?s usurping of Matthews is the fourth linebacker move after just three games, following last week?s shuffle that moved Matthews from middle to weak, Chaney from strong to middle and Moise Fokou from weak to strong.

The 5-foot-9, 227-pound Rolle, picked 193 overall in April?s draft out of Ohio State, said his athleticism and smarts would make the difference on the defense. The former Ohio State standout also said he?s tougher than his size suggests.

?I?m physical,? he said. ?I don?t think I get enough credit for it. But if you watch some of the preseason games and last week, you can tell I?m physical.?

cont..

http://www.courierpostonline.com/ar...le-changes?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Sports|s

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T5OL8wol3o"]BOB Brian Rolle Promoted - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJu7ERGKwTM"]Brian Rolle - YouTube[/ame]