I don't want to take away from the stimulating "I think playing defense would make the defense better" discussion but one thing strikes me about how successful teams build. They aren't enamored by shiny stat lines and numbers.
For instance, CB speed. I look at guys like Tramon Williams and the picks like House and Heyward and they aren't speed demons. You hear adjectives like "quick", "instinctive" or "fluid". While you obviously don't want a complete lead foot in the backfield it is these type of guys you see showing up on successful teams. I think fluidity is a more attractive feature than true speed (Rouse, literally a stiff).
I would also say you see it on the other side of the ball. Guys like Jennings in particular. While I believe speed is definitely more of an asset for a WR than a DB, again you see "instinct", "physical off the jam" and "precise route running" as bigger upsides.
Yes, you can't teach speed but is the lack of overall speed make for a more sound technician and generally a better overall player? Is the lack of burner speed the equivalent of having sharpened senses to adjust for a diminished sense?
Highway 28, perfect example. The only reason he gets drafted as high as he did (outside of Sherman sucking as a GM) is speed. Guys like Carroll seem to try and coast on speed. It's more of a rarity to find a solid technical DB coupled with burner speed.
Personally, I think good front offices just know what players will stick in their system vs. being enamored with hyped stats, but those numbers must mean something to someone as it drives up a players stock even though it may not translate to production on the field.
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