I think that since we’ve brought Spielman on board we’re better at recognizing LBer talent.
Nowaske is a football player who has some good athletic traits.
He’s the perfect type to be developing.
He is a football player with very good speed. With the new kick off rules it is nice to have a guy with sub 4.5 speed out there to chase down anyone who breaks through.
They’ve definitely built the roster to have a competitive advantage on special teams.
“Well, special teams,” Holmes responded. “it’s just as important as offense and defense for us.”
Not to be that guy but if he is such an asset to have… how did he not make Arizona’s crappy team and how on earth did he go unclaimed by 28 other teams?
Arizona runs a 3-4 base with a 5-1 sub package. So they’re looking for LBers with size. Guys who can play up on the LOS and in traffic. Most of their LBers are 250-260lbs as a result. Nowaske is only in the 230’s so he’s light for their scheme to start with. He’s really not a good fit on defense.
With that in mind he’s a project who’s best position is Special teams. Some teams like the Lions have designated ST players while other teams do not. It’s not a priority for them.
For the Lions he fits in size wise and scheme wise for what we’re doing. He’s raw so he has to earn his stripes on ST teams first. The Lions are ok with that while Arizona clearly is not.
Personally I like him as a project and ST player.
Thats why he’s a good fit here and not in Arizona.
Not to mention, Brad and Dan seem to have some different parameters for player that fiit Lions criteria. They see something in him they like.
The Cards new model is Jahlani Tavai.