Niemann to MLB?

[NikeHawk21]

This is something I thought about even before the start of last season.

Anyway given the fact that we are employing a decent amount of the 4-2-5 wouldn’t it make sense to work Niemann inside where he would be a full time player? He’s got a ton of experience and as far as I can tell has enough size to handle the position. If I’m Niemann I’d definitely be for this move to get more play time.

This would allow a guy like Jestin Jacobs if he’s ready to get his feet wet at the Leo while rotating with whoever plays cash in the 4-2-5.

Campbell and Doyle could probably use an additional year of development and would be in line to take over the spot the following year.

This is a possible position change that I think makes a ton of sense.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

For a split second the way I read this I thought you meant baseball. I was like what in the hell.... Ha. But yeah I like Nieman a ton dude is obviously a chip off his brothers block and he's just an athletic LB. I'd love to see Jacobs get in there. He's kinda of the same long athletic mold. I'd rather see him be at the cash spot then Belton. He got beat a lot and isn't a physical tackler. Watchin Jacobs HS tape he is one fast quick dude. You can blitz him or have him cover guys. He seems like just the X factor kind of athlete we need to have on D. Especially if AJE goes pro and our pass rush will need a boost

 

[NikeHawk21]

For a split second the way I read this I thought you meant baseball. I was like what in the hell.... Ha. But yeah I like Nieman a ton dude is obviously a chip off his brothers block and he's just an athletic LB. I'd love to see Jacobs get in there. He's kinda of the same long athletic mold. I'd rather see him be at the cash spot then Belton. He got beat a lot and isn't a physical tackler. Watchin Jacobs HS tape he is one fast quick dude. You can blitz him or have him cover guys. He seems like just the X factor kind of athlete we need to have on D. Especially if AJE goes pro and our pass rush will need a boost

If Jacobs did get run at Leo it’s not really a 4-2-5, but his athleticism would allow us to stay in a 4-3 look more often, as he can cover more ground. Still I don’t think we want him running with any receivers so that’s when the 4-2-5 or cash come more in handy.

 

[ChosenChildren]

I think Iowa has all kinds of options for next year, particularly if Stone comes back.

You definitely identified one of the options.

2020 could be another exciting year

 

[Hawkfnntn]

If Jacobs did get run at Leo it’s not really a 4-2-5, but his athleticism would allow us to stay in a 4-3 look more often, as he can cover more ground. Still I don’t think we want him running with any receivers so that’s when the 4-2-5 or cash come more in handy.

Yeah I'm not so big on labels and numbers so much as putting the guys out there that can be effective against all the different formations and personels that offenses do. I'm not a fan of Colbert tryin to chase slot guys or RBs in the open field if we can help it. I'd just like to see some other things tried now that Belton has shown he's not that great in that role.

 

[uihawk82]

This could be a good idea but Neimann also has coverage skills that might not be used as much if he is at mlb.

There are a few heavy run teams next year that the 4-3-4 will probably be used most times. I also depends on down and distance and whether the opposing offense is subbing so that we can sub also.

Best players need to play. There will be a need for Brents, Moss, DJ Johnson to help at corner.

But if you can find that 220 lb, rangy, speedy guy to play CASH that would really help

 

[ChosenChildren]

For a split second the way I read this I thought you meant baseball. I was like what in the hell.... Ha. But yeah I like Nieman a ton dude is obviously a chip off his brothers block and he's just an athletic LB. I'd love to see Jacobs get in there. He's kinda of the same long athletic mold. I'd rather see him be at the cash spot then Belton. He got beat a lot and isn't a physical tackler. Watchin Jacobs HS tape he is one fast quick dude. You can blitz him or have him cover guys. He seems like just the X factor kind of athlete we need to have on D. Especially if AJE goes pro and our pass rush will need a boost

Iowa is doing a good job recruiting ATHLETES. It leads to more and more options with players.

One small but important example: Devonte Young was recruited as a receiver, I believe. He turned out to be an important leader on special teams. His athletic block sprung ISM in the Holiday Bowl. His speed down the field led to the key fumble recovery against the Clowns. It all adds up.

 

[dirtwrap]

I think Iowa has all kinds of options for next year, particularly if Stone comes back.

You definitely identified one of the options.

2020 could be another exciting year

I think Stone comes back. I think he will be a good pro, but unless we all are surprised, he wont win the underwear olympics.

As far as options, you are correct, there are a lot of them. And I do believe that Niemann needs to be on the field a lot. Jacobs is the real wild card here, because his athleticism at the LB spot is not something we see a whole lot and he could be a huge difference maker. No matter what though this defense will be solid with a whole bunch of returning experience and talent.

 

[ChosenChildren]

I think Stone comes back. I think he will be a good pro, but unless we all are surprised, he wont win the underwear olympics.

As far as options, you are correct, there are a lot of them. And I do believe that Niemann needs to be on the field a lot. Jacobs is the real wild card here, because his athleticism at the LB spot is not something we see a whole lot and he could be a huge difference maker. No matter what though this defense will be solid with a whole bunch of returning experience and talent.

I really like Evans on the edge (#13)

 

[Hawkfnntn]

This could be a good idea but Neimann also has coverage skills that might not be used as much if he is at mlb.

There are a few heavy run teams next year that the 4-3-4 will probably be used most times. I also depends on down and distance and whether the opposing offense is subbing so that we can sub also.

Best players need to play. There will be a need for Brents, Moss, DJ Johnson to help at corner.

But if you can find that 220 lb, rangy, speedy guy to play CASH that would really help

Yup and long. I think he's like 6'2 or 6'3. He's a guy you can walk up to the LOS and blitz or he can fade out to cover in the flat or do a multitude of things with. If he can mentally get that part of the game down which isn't the easiest thing to do for Parker he should be a guy that's tough to keep off the field in some way

 

[ChosenChildren]

I used to watch a lot of football with my Dad in the old days. He had a saying: The team with the best defensive ends almost always wins. There were years in the 60s and 70s when Iowa had less than stellar defensive ends.

Epenesa would be a shining example of a fabulous DE. This may be naïve, but we need more players like Eppy! What a fabulous player he was for us this year, particularly when Parker got a little more creative in using him.

Today's football is a lot more complex than it was in the 60s and 70s, but a good pass rush from your DEs is still invaluable!!

 

[CP87]

Yeah I'm not so big on labels and numbers so much as putting the guys out there that can be effective against all the different formations and personels that offenses do. I'm not a fan of Colbert tryin to chase slot guys or RBs in the open field if we can help it. I'd just like to see some other things tried now that Belton has shown he's not that great in that role.

Good gracious, the guy has been on campus for 4 months, and we have already decided he can't play that position? He earned the spot as a true freshman and held up admirably against a lot of different spread teams.

This is college, guys improve.

Josh Jackson red-shirted, then earned lots of nickel snaps in his 2nd year, then lost those snaps to Rugamba in his 3rd year, and then was the best CB in the nation his 4th year.

Hooker saw primarily special teams reps his first year, started his second year as a nickel guy (got beat by Lazard a few times in that shootout in Ames) before earning a starting S spot, and was B1G defensive back of the year in his 3rd year.

Maybe we at least give the guy one spring practice before we place limitations on him.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

Good gracious, the guy has been on campus for 4 months, and we have already decided he can't play that position? He earned the spot as a true freshman and held up admirably against a lot of different spread teams.

This is college, guys improve.

Josh Jackson red-shirted, then earned lots of nickel snaps in his 2nd year, then lost those snaps to Rugamba in his 3rd year, and then was the best CB in the nation his 4th year.

Hooker saw primarily special teams reps his first year, started his second year as a nickel guy (got beat by Lazard a few times in that shootout in Ames) before earning a starting S spot, and was B1G defensive back of the year in his 3rd year.

Maybe we at least give the guy one spring practice before we place limitations on him.

If you look at the roster I think we have other options... I'm not saying after next spring and summer camp he shouldn't ever play. I'm just saying I hope during that time they look at other options because he wasn't exactly a lockdown guy or a physical tackler. He missed some of those too. Yes I know he was a freshman and I'm not saying yank his scholly and force him to transfer or anything that crazy drastic. But if he's our BEST option and he doesn't improve I would say that's a weak link

 

[NikeHawk21]

Yeah I'm not so big on labels and numbers so much as putting the guys out there that can be effective against all the different formations and personels that offenses do. I'm not a fan of Colbert tryin to chase slot guys or RBs in the open field if we can help it. I'd just like to see some other things tried now that Belton has shown he's not that great in that role.

Belton was a true freshman and won the role because he was better than other guys. They were confident enough in him to use a lot of the 4-2-5 down the stretch. I imagine he can and will improve. Eventually I do think he ends up at safety but I’d like to get Geno back for one year first.

 

[NikeHawk21]

I really like Evans on the edge (#13)

I see Evans as mostly a pass rushing specialist. I don’t think he has the size to hold up in the run game. That’s okay though becuase pass rushing is very important and Waggoner and VanValkenburg should be solid in the run game.

 

[NikeHawk21]

Yeah I'm not so big on labels and numbers so much as putting the guys out there that can be effective against all the different formations and personels that offenses do. I'm not a fan of Colbert tryin to chase slot guys or RBs in the open field if we can help it. I'd just like to see some other things tried now that Belton has shown he's not that great in that role.

The question is who do you think would have a better chance running against WRs, Belton or Jacobs? If you say Jacobs you are simply confused.

I like the idea of having Jacobs in the 4-3 for sure because of his versatility, but he’s not a cash or nickel corner, which is essentially what the cash is. It would allow Iowa to play more base 4-3, because he can run with TEs and RBs. But in passing situations we would still want the DB type player in the cash.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

The question is who do you think would have a better chance running against WRs, Belton or Jacobs? If you say Jacobs you are simply confused.

I like the idea of having Jacobs in the 4-3 for sure because of his versatility, but he’s not a cash or nickel corner, which is essentially what the cash is. It would allow Iowa to play more base 4-3, because he can run with TEs and RBs. But in passing situations we would still want the DB type player in the cash.

I doubt he's as strait line fast as Belton. I don't know that for sure but I would bet that's the case. So in a man to man situation no I'd probably rather have a Belton or Moss or pick your other Db in there then Jacobs. But in some instances depending on down and distance/situation I'd love to have Jacobs in there to rush the passer from it. I think he can cover in a zone situation some. Again I'm not big on the 4-3 or 4-2-5. labeling so much as I just want the most athletic players out there the most chasing ball carriers down be it the QB, RB whomever.

 

[NikeHawk21]

I doubt he's as strait line fast as Belton. I don't know that for sure but I would bet that's the case. So in a man to man situation no I'd probably rather have a Belton or Moss or pick your other Db in there then Jacobs. But in some instances depending on down and distance/situation I'd love to have Jacobs in there to rush the passer from it. I think he can cover in a zone situation some. Again I'm not big on the 4-3 or 4-2-5. labeling so much as I just want the most athletic players out there the most chasing ball carriers down be it the QB, RB whomever.

This is all hypothetical but I’ve mentioned in the past getting Jacobs in on the pass rushing package. He and Evans as stand up ends and then Nixon and Golston on the inside.

But yes the main point of this thread was Niemann on the inside and potentially Jacobs on the outside. I think that gets your best players on the field for more plays.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

This is all hypothetical but I’ve mentioned in the past getting Jacobs in on the pass rushing package. He and Evans as stand up ends and then Nixon and Golston on the inside.

But yes the main point of this thread was Niemann on the inside and potentially Jacobs on the outside. I think that gets your best players on the field for more plays.

Pretty safe to say we can pencil Niemann in there. I almost think we should play certain LBs situationally too. If it's an early down most likely running play maybe we have Colbert and Doyle in there. On more obvious passing plays Nieman and Jacobs. I dunno. Just spitballing.

 

[uihawk82]

Pretty safe to say we can pencil Niemann in there. I almost think we should play certain LBs situationally too. If it's an early down most likely running play maybe we have Colbert and Doyle in there. On more obvious passing plays Nieman and Jacobs. I dunno. Just spitballing.

This is what the coaches have to do because we saw Colbert get lost covering fast receivers. Colbert can handle a slightly slower receiver and he is really good in the run game, maybe he misses a tackling angle once in awhile but really he holds up.

Colbert could be a first down Lbkr and on shorter yardage but if an opponent subs in a third and 4th receiver and they have a fast back in there is your CASH situation if not Dime package.

I think there are 5 to 6 former hawk linebackers playing nfl right now and that says a lot.