As Dan Pompeii of National Football Post points out today, some NFL teams may struggle figuring out where to play rookies due to the ongoing lockout.
With teams not being allowed to be in contact with players, rookies may have trouble if they're asked to make a position switch.
As Pompeii points out, the San Francisco 49ers may have the hardest task with pass rusher Aldon Smith. Taken seventh overall, Pompeii reports that Smith will be used as right and left outside linebacker and at end on obvious pass plays.
49ers, Cowboys could struggle finding best position for top rookies
For the 49ers, there will be no way of finding out where Smith can play best in the pros. Even if they move him from left to right, he’ll still have a better spot where he should see the majority of his time.
The plus side for the 49ers is that Smith moved around at Missouri, even lining up (and excelling) at defensive tackle.
The
may not have it as easy with ninth overall pick Tyron Smith. The Southern California product only played right offensive tackle in 2010. Pompeii suggest that Dallas may want to use Smith on the left side, but only if he can transition.
Although most expect Smith’s athleticism and quickness would help a move, there’s no way of knowing its success for sure.
Read Pompeii’s full story here. His Sunday Blitz columns are a must read. Unlike a lot of NFL writing during the lockout, Pompeii rarely uses puff.
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