Jump to content

How do you feel about 'versatile' players?


Hunter2_1

Recommended Posts

18 hours ago, LinebackerGod said:

 

Versatility is great when injuries hit, but I look at Isaiah Simmons last year. He could do a little of everything, but he wasn't really great at anything. I think you screw players up asking them to learn how to do several things. I'd rather have a guy that gets good at playing (1) role within a scheme. Position versatility isn't necessary IMO.

 

Yeah this is the exact counter argument. With such a specialized sport with defined roles, it's probably wise to get a player really good at his one craft. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There's also nuance to this. Take a Tight End - I'm not sure you can say a Tight End who blocks as well as he receives is a 'versatile' player (maybe that's exactly what he is) or rather just he's good at his job. He's an all-round TE. The TE job description is blocking and receiving, but you do find they usually specialise in the one aspect.

With a TE who blocks and receives well, it opens up so much. If he's on the line, the opposition don't know whether to cover him or whether he's staying in to block. I think that's why Gronk was so deadly in the RZ (as well as his sheer size) - defenses don't know whether to crap or go blind.

If THAT is versatility, I think I want it in that position at least

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Versatility is always a bonus. But if a pass rusher that also can play off the ball if you need him to is a significantly worse pass rusher than another player on the board, and my need is for an edge, I’m probably taking the better edge player first.

If they’re roughly equal in Edge ability, then you obviously take the guy who can also slide over to ILB.

All that said, if a player has no versatility at all, like if it’s an Edge who’s gonna be a liability against the run and can only rush the passer, that becomes a knock.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Versatile can mean a couple of different things imo.

1. The player excels at multiple positions, can make an impact from multiple areas on the field.

2. The player has the ability to play where you need him to. 

 

Those statements, to me, while very similar are very different. The former is someone like Aaron Donald who can move around the Dline and do whatever you need him to. 

The latter is pretty much any journeyman defensive player (or offensive player) who is a jack of all trades and master of none.

I'd much rather have 1 of the former than 10 of the latter.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, wwhickok said:

Versatile can mean a couple of different things imo.

1. The player excels at multiple positions, can make an impact from multiple areas on the field.

2. The player has the ability to play where you need him to. 

 

Those statements, to me, while very similar are very different. The former is someone like Aaron Donald who can move around the Dline and do whatever you need him to. 

The latter is pretty much any journeyman defensive player (or offensive player) who is a jack of all trades and master of none.

I'd much rather have 1 of the former than 10 of the latter.

I think this for me comes down to are you a starter or are you depth? 

Starters? I want guys who for the most part are specialized (See OL and QB on offense. Defense outside of maybe 1-2 guys). 

Depth? Give me all the guys who can play all the spots. If someone goes down at guard, but I have a guy who can play guard or tackle? Let me plug him in. HAve a guy who goes down at MLB, but I have a backup that can play WLB, MLB or SLB? Plug and play. Depth needs to be versatile to see the field and impact. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...