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Transition game Players can cash in after changing positionsPosted: Tuesday November 27, 2001 2:07 PM
The first step a player takes upon entering the NFL is often toward the ball. Big safeties become linebackers, cornerbacks move into safety spots, tight ends move to tackle, tackles move to guard, and so on. The idea to is to upgrade speed and athleticism at every position, even if it compromises size. Let's take a look at how some of these transitions have worked out. A few years ago, the Broncos wanted a more athletic offensive right tackle. They took a free agent tight end, Matt Lepsis, built him up physically, and sent him to NFL Europe to learn the position. Now they have a right tackle with quick feet who can handle a speed-rushing end on third-and-10 by himself. Green Bay has always looked to convert "big" wide receivers into tight ends for their West Coast system, which requires a more elusive tight end than most offenses. The Packers started developing rookie receiver David Martin to replace Tyrone Davis who was lost for the season with a hamstring injury. Martin caught his first touchdown reception this past week. Hard to believe, but Bears defensive tackle Keith Traylor came into the NFL as a linebacker. Personnel folks recommended that Traylor take his athleticism -- average for a linebacker -- to tackle, where he'd be considered very athletic, even after he put on some weight. The best example of the changing times is Brian Urlacher, a college safety converted to middle linebacker. Urlacher can tackle like Dick Butkus in a short area but also has the ability to cover a receiver down the field or chase down the mobile quarterbacks lining up in the league today. It may be premature, but I could see the Giants eventually moving Jason Sehorn to safety. They drafted cornerbacks Will Allen and Will Petrerson last spring, and Sehorn could be effective at safety if he continues to defend the run like he did here, crossing the field to take on Charlie Garner. When I ask people at the Giants about the possibility of that happening, they respond with a smile and a nod and the concession, "That might really help us." Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.
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