Not to Be Overlooked: A Pass-Rusher’s Natural Advantage to Being Short

December 9, 2016   ·   Brent Sobleski   ·   Jump to comments

Prizefighter Jack Dempsey stood 6'1", but he said it best about facing taller opponents: "Tall men come down to my height when I hit 'em in the body."
Pass-rushers don't need prototypical size to pack a punch. 
From the moment the pads are strapped on for the first time, a simple truth is taught to everyone who ever plays football: low man wins. Pad level and leverage are crucial to success. Offensive and defensive linemen exhaustively practice to hone their technique while coaches bellow, "Stay low!" 
Yet a disconnect exists between this simple concept and how defensive linemen are evaluated. 
The NFL prefers its pass-rushers to be long and tall, even though a natural advantage exists for shorter defenders. 
The average professional offensive tackle stands 6'5" with arms over 33 inches long. Size is needed at the position to counteract a lack of athleticism. For example, San Diego Chargers left tackle King Dunlap stands 6'8" and w...

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