Scouting Report: Chuck Darby

Another one of those former Tampa Bay/Tampa Two players who once played for Rod Marinelli, Darby should bring some consistency to the defensive tackle position. No, he’s not going to make the eye-popping plays that Shaun Rogers did, but Darby will bring two things that Rogers didn’t - a non-stop motor and mistake-free discipline in the system.

While Rogers could be a hugely disruptive force, there were also too many times when he’d freelance and leave his one-gap responsibility - leaving his teammates vulnerable.

Darby is very strong against the run and uses his knowledge of the system to get the most out of his ability. He’s not productive as a pass rusher, though, and will likely be replaced on passing downs. While Darby is light on his feet when it comes to executing stunts and twists, he simply hasn’t been able to master pass-rushing counter moves to improve his effectiveness.

Darby suffered a torn patella tendon last season and missed the last half of the year, but he was durable before that. Darby has been taking part in all of the off-season workouts so there’s no lingering issue with the knee injury.

Tomlin Shares Advice

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was a huge hit when he hosted the All Pro Dad Father & Kids Experience will be held at Heinz Field.

Founded by Family First, the All Pro Dad fatherhood program helps to educate fathers on the best ways to become an “All Pro Dad.” Fathers brought their children to the event, where they learned fatherhood tips and participated in special activities with their kids, while rotating through football-themed learning stations which will be located in the Coca-Cola Great Hall.

“Thousands of men in Pittsburgh and around the world are becoming better husbands and fathers by joining our All Pro Dad team,” said Tomlin. “To become an All Pro Dad, we encourage men to spend one minute a day reading our free daily email, The Play of the Day, one hour a month participating in an All Pro Dad’s Day breakfast, and one day a year taking part in our All Pro Dad Father and Kids Experience.”

Full Story: TOMLIN SHARES ADVICE AT ALL-PRO DAD

Hawkins to Linebacker

This time, Brent Hawkins isn’t nervous about switching positions for the Jaguars from defensive end to linebacker.

“Actually, things are going way better than when I first got here,” Hawkins said after Tuesday’s organized team activity session. “When I first came out as a rookie playing linebacker, it was kind of rough jumping in at minicamp and trying to learn defensive end and all the little things with it, not to mention all the little things with linebacker, too. Being isolated at linebacker right now, it’s coming pretty well, I think.”

Entering his third season after being selected by the Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2006 draft, Hawkins started his NFL career at linebacker before coaches switched him to defensive end toward the end of training camp. Back at linebacker again, Hawkins seems ready to finally make the transition successfully.

“When you’re a rookie, you’re nervous,” Hawkins said. “So I think that’s what made it tough for me at linebacker. Now that I’ve been able to get through a whole season last year, I think that’s helped. Also, I’ve been coming out here and not taking life and everything else so seriously.”

In 14 games last season, Hawkins notched 13 tackles and 31/2 sacks while playing defensive end. When Hawkins first joined the team in 2006, the Jaguars envisioned him assuming more of a hybrid role - which, by the way, still might be in the cards.

“Coming out of college, he had 17 sacks his senior year,” said Gene Smith, the Jaguars’ executive director of college and pro personnel. “So we thought based on his spring workout, when [linebackers coach] Mark Duffner worked him out at linebacker drills, that he had the physical movement skills to play linebacker. We thought that on first and second downs, he could play Sam [strong-side linebacker] and on third down, he could be a DPR [designated pass-rusher] in our sub packages.

“I think now you’re seeing a guy where the game has slowed down for him mentally,” Smith added. “He’s processing things better with his eyes and his mind. So he’s starting to resemble a linebacker who still has the capability to bring some rush snaps for us.”

Source: Jacksonville.com

Hawkins Back to Linebacker

This time, Brent Hawkins isn’t nervous about switching positions for the Jaguars from defensive end to linebacker.

“Actually, things are going way better than when I first got here,” Hawkins said after Tuesday’s organized team activity session. “When I first came out as a rookie playing linebacker, it was kind of rough jumping in at minicamp and trying to learn defensive end and all the little things with it, not to mention all the little things with linebacker, too. Being isolated at linebacker right now, it’s coming pretty well, I think.”

Entering his third season after being selected by the Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2006 draft, Hawkins started his NFL career at linebacker before coaches switched him to defensive end toward the end of training camp. Back at linebacker again, Hawkins seems ready to finally make the transition successfully.

“When you’re a rookie, you’re nervous,” Hawkins said. “So I think that’s what made it tough for me at linebacker. Now that I’ve been able to get through a whole season last year, I think that’s helped. Also, I’ve been coming out here and not taking life and everything else so seriously.”

In 14 games last season, Hawkins notched 13 tackles and 31/2 sacks while playing defensive end. When Hawkins first joined the team in 2006, the Jaguars envisioned him assuming more of a hybrid role - which, by the way, still might be in the cards.

“Coming out of college, he had 17 sacks his senior year,” said Gene Smith, the Jaguars’ executive director of college and pro personnel. “So we thought based on his spring workout, when [linebackers coach] Mark Duffner worked him out at linebacker drills, that he had the physical movement skills to play linebacker. We thought that on first and second downs, he could play Sam [strong-side linebacker] and on third down, he could be a DPR [designated pass-rusher] in our sub packages.

“I think now you’re seeing a guy where the game has slowed down for him mentally,” Smith added. “He’s processing things better with his eyes and his mind. So he’s starting to resemble a linebacker who still has the capability to bring some rush snaps for us.”

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