Props to our friend Richard Hill for bringing up one of the guys we’re most excited to see after a year of experience and training in the Patriots system, Dane Fletcher.
Some things I’d like to add…
Fletcher’s role this year really began as a spy covering running backs in passing situations, and occasionally blitzing. This was his role for the majority of the year, though he actually did see some time in the 3-4 base defense at outside linebacker against the Jets in the 45-3 game. That will be something we’ll definitely go back and take a look at to see how he did.
Fletcher’s speed and long arms are definitely intriguing, though at 6’2" 244 he’s really not the ideal height for an OLB, but Richard is right, with some added weight he very well could be up to the task. The biggest thing for him would just gaining the strength necessary to “stack and shed” offensive tackles.
Rob Ninkovich is 6’2" as well but 255 and he’s able to do it, so height isn’t necessarily a deal breaker.
However what is lost in discussing a move for Fletcher to OLB is that first and foremost he looks like, at the very least, he will definitely challenge Gary Guyton as the top passing down linebacker next to Jerod Mayo.
Guyton had some big plays this year, but he also had some rough outings. Going into his fourth year he’ll really need to develop some consistency if he wants to keep his spot.
So even if Fletcher does not come back ready to stop the run at OLB, there should definitely be a role for him. Let’s remember he saw some significant snaps in the playoff game and that shows BB trusts him. He also had a tackle on third down that forced a punt in that game.
Fletcher as an OLB is certainly intriguing, but regardless of where he projects he looks like a solid football player that BB likes so there’s plenty of reasons to be excited about him.
And let’s not forget, he spits hot fire!