Position Series: Middle Linebacker
I think this is going to be the last one for tonight, but I would be remised if I didn?t cover MLB. With so much talent in this year?s draft a number of teams will be looking at the middle linebacker position. I compared the top MLBs that led in tackles in 2004 with MLBs from NAFL
Overall Impression:
Looking at the data compared to NAFL, the MLB position saw decline in most stat categories, but surprisingly the catch stat has improved quite significantly.
The Details
Height: 6?1? (-2? from NAFL Avg.)
The height of the avg top MLB dropped 2 inches. Part of the blame goes to 5.11? Zach Thomas who led in tackles in 2004. But the trend is that most top MLBs are that 6.1? size.
Weight: 241lbs (-3 Lbs. from NAFL Avg.)
241 lbs. is awful close to the NAFL avg. Not too much of a shift here.
Speed (SPD): Avg: 81 (-3 from NAFL Avg.)
I am seeing a drop in speed. Top MLBs ranged from 73 to 85. I would feel happy with an 80 SPD MLB. The trend appears to be sacrificing speed with strength. I think if you can find the goal of an 80 speed/ 80 strength MLB you?ve found something special.
Acceleration (ACC): Avg. 84 (-4 from NAFL Avg.)
Acceleration dropped 4 points compared to NAFL. I do think this is the trend of a slow league. Top MLBs ranged from 74 to 88.
Tackling (TAK): Avg. 88 (-6 from NAFL Avg.)
Tackling was one of the larger declines compare to NAFL. I think this might be evidence of a younger league and with more progression points this average will grow.
Catch (CTH) Avg: 55 (+7 from NAFL Avg.)
This was a surprise to me. Seeing an increase of 7 points to catch vs NAFL. I am curious if this trend will continue with new rookies and their stats. Might be a result to help result in more defensive turnovers? And help the league become more competitive.
Awareness (AWR) Avg. 85 (-8 from NAFL Avg.)
Awareness dropped 8 points. This was the largest contrast from NAFL to SFL. I do blame this on a younger class of MLBs, but curious if this might be the standard or mid-80s AWR linebackers.
Strength (STR) Avg. 78 (No change from NAFL Avg.)
Finally, it should be noted that I saw no change from NAFL to SFL regarding STR. MLB remains at an average of 78.
In summary, the average elite MLB looks like:
Height: 6?1?
Weight: 241lbs
SPD: 81
ACC: 84
TAK: 88
CTH: 55
AWR: 85
STR: 78
I would love to hear your opinion on what stats make a MLB elite. What stats do you pay most attention to? All opinions are welcome.
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