Armondo Blount could break out this season

[Hstokes1447]

I've said before that I believe his long term position is defensive tackle, and I expect him to eventually make that transition. However, I also think he has the potential to be a highly productive starting field side defensive end. My biggest concern with him at defensive end is his lack of bend off the edge. That's what made Bain so special, his ability to pair elite power with outstanding bend. Blount unquestionably possesses elite power, but one aspect I've underrated is his relentless motor and how well that fits within Hetherman's defensive scheme. I can easily see Blount piling up 6 or 7 sacks this season through sheer effort, hustle, and pursuit. He's the type of player who is constantly around the football, making plays because he simply never stops working.

 

[OrangeBowlMagic]

Been saying he’s my biggest X-factor on the defense since January. Not backing off it now.

If he plays at an NFL level, with that size and versatility, good luck dealing with our defensive line this year.

 

[smack99]

Going to need him, Lightfoot, and Scott to reach that 5* status this year.

 

[Calinative]

If I had to pick someone that is best for the Defensive Unit as a whole to "Break out", it'd 10000% be Blount. I mean could say Lowe as well. Lowe would actually be even better, since we could at least already expect Blount to be solid against the run today and at least playable inside against the pass. BUT if we weren't picking Lowe due to him having off field issues (that are hopefully resolved!) Blount breaking out and being a good pass rush (ON THE EDGE) player with already being good against the run, would be a Massive Win for this defense. We NEED Blount or Lowe (or BOTH) to be dawgs this year.

 

[The U is back to work]

Good discussion he has a chance for sure. If Moten and Scott stay healthy people are sleeping on Lightfoot. Teams are going to have to pass to stay with our offense point for point. If the middle can get clogged Lightfoot is going to do WORK.

 

[LuCane]

I've said before that I believe his long term position is defensive tackle, and I expect him to eventually make that transition. However, I also think he has the potential to be a highly productive starting field side defensive end. My biggest concern with him at defensive end is his lack of bend off the edge. That's what made Bain so special, his ability to pair elite power with outstanding bend. Blount unquestionably possesses elite power, but one aspect I've underrated is his relentless motor and how well that fits within Hetherman's defensive scheme. I can easily see Blount piling up 6 or 7 sacks this season through sheer effort, hustle, and pursuit. He's the type of player who is constantly around the football, making plays because he simply never stops working.

The highlight tape is basically this kid hustling his *** off. He was overmatched inside a bunch and did get some wins off straight motor. Generally, you’d need to see some more technique or burst wins - whether at End or in the hybrid role. I realize his age and ceiling. I’m emphasizing the leap is very speculative and not based on the type of on-field wins we’ll need from him this year. I hope they happen, obviously.

I still believe the breakout has to come from Justin Scott, who has already shown glimpses of serious wins against serious competition in the precise role he’ll be asked to play next year. We’ll just need him to extend it to larger stretches or even take some games over.

 

[DMoney]

I'm bullish on Blount. He's already playing in national championship trenches at 19, and he brings a unique combo of size, straight-line speed, motor and IQ. But as @LuCane said, right now he’s winning off tenacity and chasing plays down.

I think his pass-rush future is inside. Most of his true wins were against guards and centers where he beat them off the snap (see VT clip below and 0:09, 0:46, 1:20 of the longer highlight reel below).



He has some stiffness that gets exposed more outside. Playing inside compromises some run defense (he graded way better against the pass than the run last year) but I think he will get stronger with weight, age and technique.

This year, we have more options at DT than we have size outside. Blount may get stuck outside because of roster issues. But I'd rather him push aggressively to add weight so he doesn't get stuck in the RayRay Armstrong/James Williams trap.

 

[E1k]

Doesn’t necessarily need bend if he improves his get off and learns how to leverage his power and use his hands better. If i had to tell him to watch players id say groot and Danielle hunter.

 

[RVACane]

Doesn’t necessarily need bend if he improves his get off and learns how to leverage his power and use his hands better.

@Confidence1000 does this look ok to you???

 

[E1k]

@Confidence1000 does this look ok to you???

I just re-read it

 

[DMoney]

If I were to throw a comp on Blount, it would be Allen Bailey. He wanted a chance at LB, grew into a DE, and eventually became a DT in the pros.

At the combine, Bailey measured 6'3, 285 lbs. running 4.77 in the forty. He was drafted 3rd round and played a decade in the pros. I think Blount could hit those numbers with another 10-12 pounds.

 

[grover]

He’s only 19. Blount is going to be special this year as a hybrid and then we need to keep him one more year as a DT. Don’t rush him inside let him grow into that frame of his. We need edge setters outside anyway.

 

[Bender]

If I were to throw a comp on Blount, it would be Allen Bailey. He wanted a chance at LB, grew into a DE, and eventually became a DT in the pros.

At the combine, Bailey measured 6'3, 285 lbs. running 4.77 in the forty. He was drafted 3rd round and played a decade in the pros. I think Blount could hit those numbers with another 10-12 pounds.

I think you said it correctly: He's 19.

I think he's playing ahead of his age imho. He didn't come in with the clearest position profile based on his size and weight (edge vs DT) and that sometimes takes time.

But he'll be a bull. He's surrounded by a player getting 1st-round shouts already in Moten and another in Scott who can get to that status with a consistent season. He doesn't have to be that guy yet.

 

[BeastMode]

Kid is so young. My question is would he jump after this year or stay one more year? I think he needs one more. Staying all 4 years and still be what 21yrs old when getting drafted is a great spot to be in

 

[U got This]

6-8 sacks is what I would expect for blount this yr.

 

[The U is back to work]

If I were to throw a comp on Blount, it would be Allen Bailey. He wanted a chance at LB, grew into a DE, and eventually became a DT in the pros.

At the combine, Bailey measured 6'3, 285 lbs. running 4.77 in the forty. He was drafted 3rd round and played a decade in the pros. I think Blount could hit those numbers with another 10-12 pounds.

Thought he was going to be a HOF coming out of HS

 

[canecrazy23]

Going to need him, Lightfoot, and Scott to reach that 5* status this year.

We need Lowe to be what he was in the spring last year before he got hurt. He was a monster.

 

[ST26]

Kid is so young. My question is would he jump after this year or stay one more year? I think he needs one more. Staying all 4 years and still be what 21yrs old when getting drafted is a great spot to be in

If we have the season we expect to have, him and Lightfoot are likely both going to be in a position to get drafted pretty high. Like you said, he's young so maybe he feels like he needs another year. However, the opportunity will likely be there

 

[DMoney]

 

[LuCane]

If you watch the progression of the clips, you see better hands as the season goes on. That's pretty much what we have to see this season. Better hands and setting a solid edge so the remainder of the defense can do its work. I'll repeat, we just don't need him to be "that guy" on a DL with Wilson, Lightfoot, Scott, and Moten. We need glue. If he exceeds that and the others do as I expect, we're a nightmare, again.