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Could DHB play DB?

SteelChip

SteelChip

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This idea was posted on BTSC on Thurs and I had to think about it for awhile. To me it would make sense to try, given our situation at DB but does this make sense to anyone else ?

I have to think someone has already thought or at least tried this.

But the man is 6'2" 210-sh. He's a good gunner, which tells me he can track a ball and carrier down and must have some tackling skills. He's also still got some speed, and can catch from time to time.

Everything I have read is that he's smart, a good teammate, and a hard worker. That's why he seems to stick around in the league even with having suspect hands. So what gives?

Is the skillset so much different from WR than for DB? Didn't an old Marshall guy do that in NE for a bit?

Just curious, what do the more X's and O's guys, or the coaches we have on the boards here think?

He's still only around 27 right? Would it be too late to give it a shot? The man seems to have a skillset. I would like to see it put to it's best use.
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2014/11/13/7217495/could-dhb-play-db
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Every now and again, we see players cross into other meeting rooms..cough..Deebo...but it's rare to swap from Off to Def or vice-versa.

Wonder why ?
 
how is he out of his backpeddle

besides speed/size nothing for me points to him being a good DB
 
Rather risky proposition. Covering WR's is a skill unto itself, can he do it?
 
He can catch as well as Ike does...
 
I am anything but an X and O guy. But to me it seems far fetched because of one thing, experience. Guys who have 4 years in college have been taught how to turn, how to move, how to see the ball, how to read the QB. All of which would have to be un learned by someone who has always been a WR. He certainly has the physical tools for the job, but we could probably draft someone next spring that would be a good ways ahead of HeyBey.
 
Maybe S on deep quarter package playing centerfield, don't think he'd pick up the technique quick enough to help right now. Could he rush the passer? That would be equally helpful.
 
In recent history there have been DB's that have played WR in certain packages. Maybe it's easier for that switch than the other way around.
 
ZonaBurgh said:
In recent history there have been DB's that have played WR in certain packages. Maybe it's easier for that switch than the other way around.
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I'd think it would have to be, but, mostly (i presume), because they are given a pretty short list of plays to run whereas switching to DB doesn't give you that luxury.
 
ark steel said:
I'd think it would have to be, but, mostly (i presume), because they are given a pretty short list of plays to run whereas switching to DB doesn't give you that luxury.
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DB's do have a history of learned skills acquired over the years that would indeed be hard to instill in a short time frame. My guess is that it would take an exceptional athlete with a quick learner check mark on his resume. Probably rare to non-existent in today's NFL and the way they specialize play design.

Not a lot of Troy Browns hangin' out anymore and the new rules allowing the wr's to run free have made the db's job even harder than it was back then.
 
Let's let DHB focus on polishing up his skills as a receiver.
 
I would try Dri Archer instead. /sarcasm
 
I would guess no based on the fact he's been around for awhile and has struggled with the dropsies. 3 teams and no one has moved him. I guess FS would be where i would try him if we thought he could help. How well does he tackle?
 
This isn't high school football. These are highly trained athletes playing specific positions for a reason. What makes anyone think DHB can even tackle? There's probably 1,000 street FAs who would be a better option.
 
thesteelcity said:
I'd rather see DHB attempt to return kicks than play a position he's not familiar with.
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someone would have to catch the ball and hand it to him for that to happen.
 
I don't know, could Blount play middle linebacker or Keisel play tackle. This **** is so ridiculous and I'd have to ask if someone who asks this question has played sports much less football. Its like asking if a failed pitcher could play right field. I don't know, but there is a pretty specific skill set there. The pitcher could certainly play right field better than a weekend softball shlub, but as a major leaguer Cmon. If DHB can't play receiver, cut him and find someone who can.
 
as Don Cherry would say "skate, shoot, pass, hit, fight....do something out there".
 
As long as it doesnt cut into his "hands team" time during onsides kicks

(Yes, that was sarcasm)
 
SteelerSask said:
I don't know, could Blount play middle linebacker or Keisel play tackle. This **** is so ridiculous and I'd have to ask if someone who asks this question has played sports much less football. Its like asking if a failed pitcher could play right field. I don't know, but there is a pretty specific skill set there. The pitcher could certainly play right field better than a weekend softball shlub, but as a major leaguer Cmon. If DHB can't play receiver, cut him and find someone who can.
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As a counter point I would offer a gent named C. Lake, linebacker in college, switched to safety in the pros and then played corner at a very high level. I believe there are other guys that have switched positions like JJ Watt. DHB seems to have a good attitude knows the route tree and has speed and size. He also plays special teams so he must have some understanding of the other side of the coin. At this point in his career I would see if he was interested in learning the drills and training to be a defensive back. He is not a very good wide out or he would have at least stuck on a team by now. Rookies typically need to learn a lot to play corner in the nfl he must know some of it from playing opposite them for so long. Might be worth a try, at the very least you would still have your 5th or 6th receiver and if turns out to be good enough to play in some situations it is a win for the team.
 
C. Lake moved from Safety to Corner in a pinch. The two are both defensive backs. They can back peddle really well, they have the correct hip flex, They understand shade and cushion. They've read the QB and maintained contact with their cover. A guy from the Pats played receiver and filled in as a DB. but I don't know, did he have previous experience in high school/ college. Does DHB? If DHB doesn't have heavy experience playing DB, what on earth would make you believe he would be better than one of the 30 or so guys who are on a practice roster right now. Or one of the 20 guys who are in the CFL who play the position. If DHB wants to spend an offseason working on those skills and try out for a team, fine. Otherwise he is a fast tall guy who can't catch a cold. Period.
 
Just hope all of the many critics who were on Gay for not handling Gronkowski a few years ago watched his session with Harrison last night. Harrison, who was one of the league's best safety's,said if I can get my hands on your chest I can control you. Gronk said maybe but you can't!
 
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