| Two very intriguing players in this
year's draft are New Mexico's Brian Urlacher and Virginia Tech's Corey Moore. They are
intriguing because their physical tools have NFL teams trying to figure out what position
to play them at. Moore was an All-America defensive end in college, but because he is
only 5-11, 222 pounds, with superb quickness, there is a good chance he might have to play
elsewhere on defense in the NFL.
Urlacher moved from linebacker to strong safety in 1998 and also dabbled at wide
receiver. In a game of specialization, he really has never been locked into a position.
The Pro Football Weekly Internet Edition asked contributing editor Joel Buchsbaum to
weigh in on the subject.
Q: Both Urlacher and Moore might change positions because of their physical makeup
— is that correct?
Buchsbaum: Yes.
Q: What are your thoughts about these two players in that regard?
Buchsbaum: Urlacher will have an easier time of it because he's playing a
semi-linebacker in college, and he is a tremendous, versatile, all-around athlete. Whereas
it may be a little more difficult for Moore, because his greatest strength in college is
coming off the edge and rushing the passer.
Q: What is the position you think Moore is going to play in the pros?
Buchsbaum: Probably outside linebacker. Conceivably strong safety. And some club may
even try him as a nickel rush guy.
Q: If you were a head coach, where would you put him?
Buchsbaum: I might experiment with him as an outside ’backer and a nickel rusher.
Q: And if you were a head coach, where would you put Urlacher?
Buchsbaum: I'd try him at weak-side linebacker first.
Q: If the draft were today, what round do you think Moore would go in?
Buchsbaum: Third or fourth round.
Q: And Urlacher is probably looking at going as a top-10 overall pick?
Buchsbaum: Yes. |
