NFList

This group gets better with age

By Joel Buchsbaum, Contributing editor
As published in print Nov. 13, 2000

Dolphins DE Trace Armstrong (93)

Although speed, quickness and overall movement skills are considered key factors in rushing the passer, and everyone wants defensive ends who run a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash and defensive tackles with great quickness over the first 15 yards, many older players are rushing the passer better than ever before. What follows are scouts’ comments on some of these players.

1. Trace Armstrong / Dolphins — "Supersmart and savvy with great moves and techniques. Could write a book on how to rush. Just playing on passing downs has really helped him. He always was an undersized, small-to-medium-framed guy, and now he does not have to worry so much about keeping his weight up for playing the run."

2. Marco Coleman / Redskins — "Great pass rusher in college because he played with such intensity, leverage and hand use, but as a pro right end, was just an average rusher because of average speed. However, he seems to have been reborn after moving to left end this fall. Has great savvy and plays with superb leverage and technique."

3. Marcus Jones / Buccaneers — "Was out of position his first four years and is now starting to adjust to end. Just too strong for a lot of left tackles to handle since they are used to facing so many speed-finesse players."

4. Rob Burnett / Ravens — "Finally seems to have regained what he lost to knee surgery much earlier in his career and is a lot healthier than he has been in a long time. Also has become a top technician who plays with better hand use and leverage than he did in his younger days."

5. John Thierry / Packers — "For the first time in his career, he seemed comfortable at defensive end last year. When he came out, he was a superior athlete with a limited football background, not much experience at any position, no technique and not much feel for the game. In short, a workout wonder. Now he is finally starting to learn how to play football."

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