Replacement For Nassib?
April 20th, 2020
Quiet Alabama sleeper?
When the Bucs drafted Anthony Nelson out of Iowa last year, Joe figured the Bucs had him pegged to someday replace Carl Nassib.
Nelson just comes across as a guy who can be effecting in a rotation and might get a half-dozen or eight sacks a year. Not unlike Nassib.
Well, Nassib left to go play for Chucky so there’s a hole in the roster on defense. Nelson flashed talent when he wasn’t injured. So who fills that hole on the roster, Nelson or a rookie
Andy Staples of The Athletic, formerly of the late Tampa Tribune, believes that hole could be filled by a 34 linebacker from Alabama, Anfernee Jennings.
Jennings, per Staples, would be a Bucs third-round pick after they selected offensive tackle Mekhi Becton and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
… If you want to see why Jennings is a tantalizing option, go back and watch the Alabama-Oklahoma Orange Bowl that followed the 2018 season. Watch Jennings yanking down Kyler Murray from behind and watch the look on all the Oklahoma players’ faces that screams: Nobody’s supposed to be able to do that. Why isn’t Jennings in a position to go higher? His production is better than his athletic traits, leaving NFL teams to wonder if he can perform at the same level against better competition. At this point in the draft, that’s a gamble worth taking.
Staples’ colleague at The Athletic, Dane Brugler, seems to think Jennings will develop as more of a run-stuffer in a 34 defense on the NFL level than a pass rusher.
SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Alabama, Jennings lined up as the Jack outside linebacker in Nick Saban’s 3-4 base scheme, standing up and playing on both sides of the formation. He posted double-digit tackles for loss the last two seasons and will be valued higher by NFL teams looking for a rugged, aggressive edge defender who doesn’t shy from the dirty work. Jennings rushes with short-area acceleration and strong hands to keep blockers busy, but lacks the first step explosion to scare them, showing better motor than athletic range. He is a stout run defender with his ability to stay square at the point of attack, dropping his weight and quickly locating the football. Overall, Jennings lacks athletic twitch and his tool box isn’t very deep as a pass rusher, but he sets a physical edge and is a natural ball hunter, projecting best as a run-defending inside or outside backer in a 3-4 scheme.
Then there is Emory Hunt, the Czar of the Playbook. Here is Hunt’s breakdown of Jennings from his 2020 Football Gameplan Draft Guide (only $10!):
Strengths:
– Jennings is a strong POA player that is able to use his length and functional strength to maintain the LOS.
– Can push the pocket at times and put heat on the passer.
– Shows good football awareness in the passing gameAreas of Improvement:
– Plays a bit too heavy IMO. He’s not overly fluid as you’d like.
– Seems a bit one-dimensional in his abilities. Right now the discussion is what he ‘can’t do’ vs what he’s being ‘asked to do’; you hope for the latter.
– Not overly quick or sudden as far as COD goes.
Joe would have no issue whatsoever if Jennings was the third pick of the Bucs this weekend, if they already had Becton and CEH already on board.
April 20th, 2020 at 9:28 am
If they were able to get those 3 picks ?
Thats close to a homerun in bottom of the 9th to win the game
April 20th, 2020 at 9:48 am
Haven’t looked at him before, but his tape is pretty good. I love that it’s against top flight competition for most of it. Dude ran through Isaiah Wilson.
April 20th, 2020 at 9:57 am
Roll tide!
Watch a ton of bama ball.
Dude is really solid. He is super stout.
So what he lacks in twitchy speed he makes up for mentally and with great instincts
I would take him over Nassib
April 20th, 2020 at 10:32 am
I remember when he got to Kyler Murray, and pulled him down.
April 20th, 2020 at 10:42 am
Huge Bama fan, and I’m all for using our Rnd 3 pick for DLine or OLB as long as we’ve already filled the Tackle & RB squares in Rnds 1 & 2. BUT … I wouldn’t take Jennings in the 3rd Rnd (maybe Rnd 4 or 5 if he slips). From what I’ve seen, he’s good but doesn’t really stand out. Not all that fast for a OLB or ILB (if used inside). Walter Football’s analysis of him looks similar to what I’ve seen in watching the Bama games, quote …
o Anfernee Jennings, OLB/ILB, Alabama
Height: 6-1. Weight: 252. Arm: 32.75. Hand: 9.38.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round (2020): 3-4.
3/21/20: Jennings recorded 83 tackles, eight sacks, five passes defended, one interception and a forced fumble in 2019. He is a dangerous blitzer who is a solid run defender in the middle of the field. Jennings has some limitations for the next level, but he could be a solid rotational backup.
6/29/19: In 2018, Jennings totaled 50 tackles with 5.5 sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, one interception and 11 passes broken up. He had a slow start to the season and did not look like the same player, but he improved and was playing better to close out his junior year. Jennings then made the wise decision to return for his senior year.
Jennings was coming on strong in 2017 and looking like a potential dominant force before a knee injury ended his season early in Alabama’s win over Clemson in the semi-final. For the year, Jennings totaled 41 tackles with six for a loss, one sack, two passes batted and two forced fumbles.”
April 20th, 2020 at 11:39 am
Looks like he has an EXCELLENT jump off the line! Anticipating the snap count!! … But boy he sure does play really heavy doesn’t he!!! Wonder how he’d be in the bucs system with his hand in the dirt on the edge!!?? Seems like a good run stuffer type of guy!!
April 20th, 2020 at 12:00 pm
Bird is correct- Those top 3 would be incredible. This guy is an absolute disruptor. Nassib was very underappreciated by a lot of these fans. He collapsed the pocket and made QBs step up into pressure, his motor was unparalleled on this team and he was a leader. This guy looks very similar, he would be a steal in the 3rd.
April 20th, 2020 at 12:09 pm
All these know it alls pontificate and contradict each other. If they really knew something they’d be working for a real team.
April 20th, 2020 at 12:30 pm
The question becomes which do you need more after OT, RB and S (assuming you get an extra day 2 pick) – DT or Edge? I believe the answer is DT because you need a Beau Allen replacement and I don”t believe Suh will be here in 2021. Edge will have to wait until the 2021 draft because we have Nelson and can afford to give him a year to prove his ability.
April 20th, 2020 at 1:32 pm
Zuniga would be perfect….
look him up….
GO BUCS!!!!!
April 20th, 2020 at 2:02 pm
Pretty sweet film.A lot of people do not realize how important it is that we need to strike while the iron is hot drafting good defensive players high. Players like JPP, Suh, LVD and Bowels are coaching these guys but certainly not forever. That sounds like a hell of a lot better chance of not being a total bust. Good defensive teams win championships.
Wish list:
1. Kinlaw at #14
2. Thomas at #14
3. Trade back in the first for Delpit.
4. RT and DT with 2 picks after Delpit.
5. Trade back up into the the third for a RB and OLB.
April 20th, 2020 at 2:18 pm
I’ve been praying to steal Zack Baun (Wisconsin) in the third. Would be so sick in Bowles scheme. Tape looks like Shaq Baun. Lol, yes I know how bad that was.
2019:
-6’3″ 235 lbs.
-75 tackles
-19.5 TFL
-12.5 sacks
April 20th, 2020 at 2:20 pm
This kid can play. Stout at the point of attack and never seemed to hit his ceiling at Alabama. Also a guy to watch out for is Darrell Taylor.
April 20th, 2020 at 7:37 pm
I’m good with getting this guy and I’ll pretty much never complain about us getting a defensive player unless it’s another damn corner in the first 3 rounds this year.
April 20th, 2020 at 11:06 pm
We have havent had much luck with ‘Bama players.
Guess try, Try again.
April 21st, 2020 at 11:27 am
Like Baun more, but don’t think he’ll last til the 3rd. Would definitely not trade back into the first fpr Delpit. Don’t need a safety that high.