Former NY Jets HC Robert Saleh

I posted a link in the "How many of you think it would be beneficial to move back to the 4-3 Defense?" thread to a video with Bill Cowher (former coach of the Steelers) going over the 4-3 defense and how there are ways it can be morphed into a formation that is much like a 3-4. The video is about six and a half minutes long with Cowher drawing on a "glass board" as he goes through his explanation:

http://realfootballnetwork.com/breaking-4-3-defense/

Originally posted by mayo49:

I don't think we have the personnel to run a 4-3 system. It's going to take a couple of drafts to get the players we need, IMO.

If you've been reading the thread the needs are the same in either scheme. In fact, our LBs have been a liability against the pass as Baalke apparently forgot that this was a passing league. If we move to this 4-3 the LEO has minimal coverage responsibilities.

This a better scheme for guys like Lynch, Harold, Tank (last shot) so we'll see how it goes. On paper Brooks would be a decent SAM but he'll need to be replaced soon.

Originally posted by thl408:
The OTTO linebacker?

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2015/3/26/8294983/dallas-cowboys-2015-offseason-dallas-to-experiment-with-new-hybrid-linebacker-sean-lee
Initially, the OTTO linebacker's assignments sound like those for a traditional SAM 'backer: help in run support; provide pass rush assistance when needed; play in coverage. The key difference is that, because the OTTO candidate has some defensive end traits, he allows a defense to be more multiple in its looks without radically changing the personnel.

Jaguars linebackers coach Robert Saleh calls the OTTO, "a pretty cool position," largely because it allows a defensive staff to "line him up in a bunch of different places, and it's a unique position because of the things we'll ask him to do." To gain the clearest understanding of what those myriad things might be, its important to understand that the OTTO functions much like the JACK linebacker in the old Buddy Ryan 46 defense.

Blair?

Originally posted by Bali-Niner:

Originally posted by SanFranFanfrmVa:
As of right now if we stay at #2 and Myles Garrett is gone I'm taking Malik Hooker or Jonathan Allen. Allen is also intriguing for me because I believe he can play the Michael Bennett role on this team. He can play DT and really push the pocket from the inside. Hooker provides a skill that's very hard to duplicate in the NFL. A lot will depend on which direction we go in free agency but as of now I'd rather sign a good interior defensive linemen and draft Hooker.

Quarter.. BACK! We have none! No damn defense pick out the gate..

Think i'm in the minority here where i'd prefer a solid defense over a solid QB.

Originally posted by judodono:

Originally posted by Bali-Niner:

Originally posted by SanFranFanfrmVa:

As of right now if we stay at #2 and Myles Garrett is gone I'm taking Malik Hooker or Jonathan Allen. Allen is also intriguing for me because I believe he can play the Michael Bennett role on this team. He can play DT and really push the pocket from the inside. Hooker provides a skill that's very hard to duplicate in the NFL. A lot will depend on which direction we go in free agency but as of now I'd rather sign a good interior defensive linemen and draft Hooker.

Quarter.. BACK! We have none! No damn defense pick out the gate..

Think i'm in the minority here where i'd prefer a solid defense over a solid QB.

We definitely need a solid qb (obviously) but if Shanahan doesnt like the QB at 2 (and no trades happen) then I wouldn't mind going defense and grabbing a qb later. If we are switching our scheme I think it'd be a good idea to get a blue chip defender who we can build the D around.

Originally posted by JBrack:

Originally posted by thl408:

Originally posted by JBrack:
Its just his terminology. I prefer to call it the elephant because its the same thing and a part of our history.

Different positions. Otto is their variation of the strongside LB. Elephant/Leo is the weakside DE.

I guess I read it wrong. But when you talk about using them in different positions that says elephant to me. The Bruce Irvin of the defense right? Never heard of a system that has two such positions that move around at LB. Please help me understand if you can.

From what I've read, and I just heard of it yesterday, it just seems like a Sam backer that will occasionally be used to rush the passer. The Elephant is solely a pass rusher that will not be dropping back in coverage. There was another article I read where Saleh was not in charge of coaching the Otto. I'll link that when I find it again.

Originally posted by DonnieDarko:

Originally posted by ChaunceyGardner:
The time to switch to a 4/3 was 3 years ago when no one wanted to run it anymore and good value for players that fit the system were cheap and easy to find in FA and the draft. Now it is trendy and the players that fit this system will be over valued. Once again the reactionary Yorks are late on the scene. Nice try though. Won't be cheap to run this defense now.

This. I'm like so the Yorks dictate defensive schemes now?

This defense could be fixed rather quickly with a few more moves in FA and the Draft (and personnel changes)

Defensive 4-3 plan:





Top Draft Targets:

• Myles Garrett
• Jonathan Allen
• Marshon Lattimore
• Jamal Adams
• Malik Hooker
• Solomon Thomas
• Reuben Foster

Free Agency Targets: Some are far more realistic than others (several will be off the board soon)

• CB's: A.J. Bouye, Logan Ryan, Trumaine Johnson, Morris Claiborne, Stephon Gilmore & Prince Amukamara (ages 25-27)
• NT's: Brandon Williams, Dontari Poe, Alan Branch & Ian Williams/Glenn Dorsey/Chris Jones
• DE's: Jabaal Sheard, Jason Pierre-Paul, Calais Campbell & Melvin Ingram
• ILB's: Dont'a Hightower, Malcolm Smith, Sean Spence, Manti Te'o, Gerald Hodges & Mychal Kendricks
• S's: Eric Berry (Colin Jones & Michael Thomas for ST)

Originally posted by Antix:

Originally posted by judodono:

Originally posted by Bali-Niner:

Originally posted by SanFranFanfrmVa:
As of right now if we stay at #2 and Myles Garrett is gone I'm taking Malik Hooker or Jonathan Allen. Allen is also intriguing for me because I believe he can play the Michael Bennett role on this team. He can play DT and really push the pocket from the inside. Hooker provides a skill that's very hard to duplicate in the NFL. A lot will depend on which direction we go in free agency but as of now I'd rather sign a good interior defensive linemen and draft Hooker.

Quarter.. BACK! We have none! No damn defense pick out the gate..

Think i'm in the minority here where i'd prefer a solid defense over a solid QB.

We definitely need a solid qb (obviously) but if Shanahan doesnt like the QB at 2 (and no trades happen) then I wouldn't mind going defense and grabbing a qb later. If we are switching our scheme I think it'd be a good idea to get a blue chip defender who we can build the D around.

Totally agree.

The best QB out of a bunch of mediocre QB's is still mediocre.

Get a real difference maker and build a terrifying D.

Get an affordable transition QB and hunt for a franchise guy next draft.

Originally posted by NCommand:
This defense could be fixed rather quickly with a few more moves in FA and the Draft (and personnel changes)

Defensive 4-3 plan:

Arik Armstead --- DeForest Buckner --- Quinton Dial --- Aaron Lynch / Ronald Blair

Gerald Hodges --- NaVorro Bowman --- Ray-Ray Armstrong

Dontae Johnson ------- Will Redmond ------------------------------------------------- Rashard Robinson

Jimmie Ward (Single High) --------------------------- Jaquiski Tartt (Box) / Eric Reid

Top Draft Targets:

• Myles Garrett
• Jonathan Allen
• Marshon Lattimore
• Jamal Adams
• Malik Hooker
• Solomon Thomas
• Reuben Foster

Free Agency Targets: Some are far more realistic than others (several will be off the board soon)

• CB's: A.J. Bouye, Logan Ryan, Trumaine Johnson, Morris Claiborne, Stephon Gilmore & Prince Amukamara (ages 25-27)
• NT's: Brandon Williams, Dontari Poe, Alan Branch & Ian Williams/Glenn Dorsey/Chris Jones
• DE's: Jabaal Sheard, Jason Pierre-Paul, Calais Campbell & Melvin Ingram
• ILB's: Dont'a Hightower, Malcolm Smith, Sean Spence, Manti Te'o, Gerald Hodges & Mychal Kendricks
• S's: Eric Berry (Colin Jones & Michael Thomas for ST)

Good post!

The more I'm reading about it the more I get confused. It's a Sam backer to me. I couldn't find the article that stated that Saleh was not in charge of coaching the Otto. So who knows what he'll call the Sam in the 49ers defense. Like you said, JBrack, just terminology.

http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2016/8/5/12385658/jaguars-otto-room-meets-separately-from-the-linebackers
The role is so different from the rest of the linebacker group, that Jaguars defensive coordinator Todd Wash has separated the OTTO group into their own meeting room, apart from the rest of the linebackers.
"It's totally different," Wash told reporters when asked about separating the two groups. "When you look at our stack 'backers, they're behind the ball. They have all of these things we call hook issues and stuff like that, where our OTTOs never have any of that."

The OTTO is kind of like a combo position, where the team would like the player to also operate like a defensive end at times, which is why players like Dan Skuta, Ryan Davis and even potentially Tyrone Holmes will get looks there. The three have the ability to do the linebacker duties asked of it, as well as the ability to come off the edge and get into the backfield.

http://www.bigcatcountry.com/2016/6/28/12050916/what-is-the-jaguars-otto-linebacker-position
What is a strongside linebacker?
Before we look at what the OTTO is, we should look at what an SLB is in a 4-3 front, because the OTTO is a spin off of that position. The SLB is often referred to as the "SAM" in football jargon lines up on the strongside of the offensive line. The strongside of the offensive line is typically the side the tight end lines up, because it's stronger since it has an additional blocker/body on the line. It's really that simple. Typically the SAM backer will be responsible for tackling the runningback, shedding and withstanding blocks against tight ends, fullbacks and sometimes offensive lineman. Their responsibility in coverage is typically the flats (line of scrimmage area) and short zones under 10 yards. At times, they'll also be called to bring pressure on the quarterback.

What is the OTTO linebacker?
The OTTO linebacker is an extension of the SAM linebacker role, but the Jaguars like to place that player on the line of scrimmage with the defensive line, standing up. The OTTO is not going to be limited to the strongside, however, as when it was introduced Gus Bradley said the OTTO will line up on both the strongside and the weakside. The OTTO will also have some "LEO" qualities in rushing the passer in certain situations. It's more similar to an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme than a traditional 4-3 SAM linebacker. That's why you're seeing guys who are kind of DE/LB tweeners like Dan Skuta, Tyrone Holmes and Ryan Davis playing that position. They need to be able to hold the point of attack and beat offensive lineman in the pass rush when necessary.

Then Wash (Jags DC) says this:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/sports/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/jaguars-news-and-notes-the-otto-position-todd-wash-houston-texans-defense-nathaniel-hackett-injury/370826584
"To be honest with you, it's the SAM position with an OTTO name," defensive coordinator Todd Wash said. "That's all it is, to be honest with you. We have a SAM backer, it's called the OTTO. It's the same thing. We called it the SAM in Seattle. We just named it the OTTO here. When they get into the little people, we're going nickel. You just get really good matchups on the field. It doesn't matter if you want to call it the SAM or the OTTO. They're going to play the same amount of reps."

Originally posted by NCommand:
This defense could be fixed rather quickly with a few more moves in FA and the Draft (and personnel changes)

Defensive 4-3 plan:

Arik Armstead --- DeForest Buckner --- Quinton Dial --- Aaron Lynch / Ronald Blair

Gerald Hodges --- NaVorro Bowman --- Ray-Ray Armstrong

Dontae Johnson ------- Will Redmond ------------------------------------------------- Rashard Robinson

Jimmie Ward (Single High) --------------------------- Jaquiski Tartt (Box) / Eric Reid

Top Draft Targets:

• Myles Garrett
• Jonathan Allen
• Marshon Lattimore
• Jamal Adams
• Malik Hooker
• Solomon Thomas
• Reuben Foster

Free Agency Targets: Some are far more realistic than others (several will be off the board soon)

• CB's: A.J. Bouye, Logan Ryan, Trumaine Johnson, Morris Claiborne, Stephon Gilmore & Prince Amukamara (ages 25-27)
• NT's: Brandon Williams, Dontari Poe, Alan Branch & Ian Williams/Glenn Dorsey/Chris Jones
• DE's: Jabaal Sheard, Jason Pierre-Paul, Calais Campbell & Melvin Ingram
• ILB's: Dont'a Hightower, Malcolm Smith, Sean Spence, Manti Te'o, Gerald Hodges & Mychal Kendricks
• S's: Eric Berry (Colin Jones & Michael Thomas for ST)

I don't think Hodges fits the "Otto" position described earlier in the thread. Signing Melvin Ingram would put him as the top candidate for that position or allow Lynch to move into the "Otto" and have Ingram the" Leo". Everything else looks good to me.

Originally posted by NCommand:
This defense could be fixed rather quickly with a few more moves in FA and the Draft (and personnel changes)

Defensive 4-3 plan:

Arik Armstead --- DeForest Buckner --- Quinton Dial --- Aaron Lynch / Ronald Blair

Gerald Hodges --- NaVorro Bowman --- Ray-Ray Armstrong

Dontae Johnson ------- Will Redmond ------------------------------------------------- Rashard Robinson

Jimmie Ward (Single High) --------------------------- Jaquiski Tartt (Box) / Eric Reid

Top Draft Targets:

• Myles Garrett
• Jonathan Allen
• Marshon Lattimore
• Jamal Adams
• Malik Hooker
• Solomon Thomas
• Reuben Foster

Free Agency Targets: Some are far more realistic than others (several will be off the board soon)

• CB's: A.J. Bouye, Logan Ryan, Trumaine Johnson, Morris Claiborne, Stephon Gilmore & Prince Amukamara (ages 25-27)
• NT's: Brandon Williams, Dontari Poe, Alan Branch & Ian Williams/Glenn Dorsey/Chris Jones
• DE's: Jabaal Sheard, Jason Pierre-Paul, Calais Campbell & Melvin Ingram
• ILB's: Dont'a Hightower, Malcolm Smith, Sean Spence, Manti Te'o, Gerald Hodges & Mychal Kendricks
• S's: Eric Berry (Colin Jones & Michael Thomas for ST)

Strong

Originally posted by NCommand:

This defense could be fixed rather quickly with a few more moves in FA and the Draft (and personnel changes)

Defensive 4-3 plan:

Arik Armstead --- DeForest Buckner --- Quinton Dial --- Aaron Lynch / Ronald Blair

Gerald Hodges --- NaVorro Bowman --- Ray-Ray Armstrong

Dontae Johnson ------- Will Redmond ------------------------------------------------- Rashard Robinson

Jimmie Ward (Single High) --------------------------- Jaquiski Tartt (Box) / Eric Reid

Top Draft Targets:

• Myles Garrett
• Jonathan Allen
• Marshon Lattimore
• Jamal Adams
• Malik Hooker
• Solomon Thomas
• Reuben Foster

Free Agency Targets: Some are far more realistic than others (several will be off the board soon)

• CB's: A.J. Bouye, Logan Ryan, Trumaine Johnson, Morris Claiborne, Stephon Gilmore & Prince Amukamara (ages 25-27)
• NT's: Brandon Williams, Dontari Poe, Alan Branch & Ian Williams/Glenn Dorsey/Chris Jones
• DE's: Jabaal Sheard, Jason Pierre-Paul, Calais Campbell & Melvin Ingram
• ILB's: Dont'a Hightower, Malcolm Smith, Sean Spence, Manti Te'o, Gerald Hodges & Mychal Kendricks
• S's: Eric Berry (Colin Jones & Michael Thomas for ST)

Good review overall. Curious as to why you have Buckner in the middle of the line though?

Originally posted by Antix:

Originally posted by judodono:

Originally posted by Bali-Niner:

Originally posted by SanFranFanfrmVa:

As of right now if we stay at #2 and Myles Garrett is gone I'm taking Malik Hooker or Jonathan Allen. Allen is also intriguing for me because I believe he can play the Michael Bennett role on this team. He can play DT and really push the pocket from the inside. Hooker provides a skill that's very hard to duplicate in the NFL. A lot will depend on which direction we go in free agency but as of now I'd rather sign a good interior defensive linemen and draft Hooker.

Quarter.. BACK! We have none! No damn defense pick out the gate..

Think i'm in the minority here where i'd prefer a solid defense over a solid QB.

We definitely need a solid qb (obviously) but if Shanahan doesnt like the QB at 2 (and no trades happen) then I wouldn't mind going defense and grabbing a qb later. If we are switching our scheme I think it'd be a good idea to get a blue chip defender who we can build the D around.

Spot on....the key here is WHO kyle thinks will be the best in his O....since with his 6 yr contract, unlike Cleve, Jets, Bills, and a couple others, they have to win now, or the entire F.O is gone. Kyle isn't in that situation, and our getting a bridge QB is slowly starting to look like he might not. If he sees a guy, say peterman or mahomes, that can run his O,(accurate, good reads, can go thru his progressions, can stand in pocket and find his man, smart, able to move but not necessarily faster than 4.6 in 40), then we may go for a rd 2 qb, and draft the best D we can at one of the IMPACT slots we need the most.(OLB, ILB, NT/DT now, CB). The FR QB ends up taken later. If he thinks Trubisk is the nuts, then that's what we do. But the thing we cannot know is which guy kyle thinks will run his O the best .QBs ranked 1-4 are not guys who have taken snaps under center. I bet we end up with a peterman at #34 or maybe move up a couple to #31 for him.

That would mean that kyle did NOT like any of the highly rated Qbs, altho nobody is saying they are well above average. We need and have to have an IMPACT player at #2. If there is not one there at OLB, ILB, CB, WR, FR QB, then we traded down. We can't go thru this draft tho, with the #2 pick and emerge without one IMPACT player. Figure on the best one, Garret being gone.