Ever since last year’s decision to switch from a 4-3 base defense to a 3-4, the Redskins have had to catch a number of players who primarily played in a 4-3 up to speed. Whether it’s been rookies or veterans, the Redskins defensive coaching staff has had a lot of teaching to do. And as we’ve seen so far, some students have been more successful learning the scheme than others (see Haynesworth, Albert).
This year, the team highest profile 3-4 pupil will be first round draft pick Ryan Kerrigan, as the dominant defensive end from Purdue will look to start opposite of the Redskin’ best pass rusher, Brian Orakpo. But it’s been another rookie who’s shown well so far in his transition from end to outside linebacker.
Seventh rounder Markus White out of Florida State has emerged as one of the first year players who has started camp off well. Through the first week of camp, White is working primarily with the second team, but is already showing the motor that helped him have his best season with the Seminoles last year. He finished his senior season with a career high in sacks and tackles for loss with 8.5 and 12.5, respectively.
However one of the struggles for White, much like his first round counterpart in Kerrigan, is that he has to simultaneously learn the speed of the NFL game while also learning a position that’s completely foreign to him.
“It’s a faster game, [and] I’m playing a different position,” White said. “I’ve got a lot of learning to do.”
White has especially stood out so far during one-on-one drills, showcasing his power, speed and relentless motor when going against opposing offensive lineman. He has mostly relied so far on his speed rush, being able to beat those trying to block him to the edge and getting good leverage to find his way past them and get in the backfield.
He’s the type of player the Redskins would love to have pan out: A will over skill guy that can come in during nickel downs and create an additional problem for opposing offensive lines, similar the Chris Wilson’s role over the past few seasons. But according to White, the coaches could wind playing him at a few different spots.
“We’re doing a little of everything” White said. “I’m playing the Sam (strong-side) and the Will (weak-side), so we do both. It’s the best of both worlds in my opinion.”
White is another example of the young, hungry and most importantly, open minded type of player that the team has sought after this entire offseason. Many have criticized Mike Shanahan’s decision to essentially force a 3-4 defense down a 4-3 team’s throat, as most believed the defense in Washington was not the problem. If Shanahan is to be vindicated in year two of this scheme, he’ll need players like White to catch on quickly to help establish depth among the team’s linebacker corps.
Luckily for Shanahan, White just might have the right combination of athletic ability and eagerness to learn to give him a chance to not only make the roster, but contribute in 2011.
That is, of course, when White doesn’t have to think as much when he’s on the field.
“To be a player in the NFL you’ve got to use your mind.”, White said. “[It’s] 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical.”
And if learning is a bigger obstacle for White this preseason than the lineman that will be opposite of him, then the Redskins might have found themselves a diamond in the rough in what could be a very deep draft class.
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