Rookie Depth Chart Battles: Sam Acho

by Jon Dove on Jul 20, 2011 10:27 AM EDT

More and more NFL rookies are expected to contribute early in their careers. However, for them to make an impact they need to beat out a veteran player. We are going to analyze the situation of specific rookies and determine the likely hood of them winning a position battle.

Player: Sam Acho

Team: Arizona Cardinals

Position: Outside Linebacker

Competition: Clark Haggans, O'Brien Schofield

Chance of winning the battle: 55 percent

Thoughts:The Cardinals used the draft to continue improving the defensive side of the ball. One of the priorities for Arizona was to find someone that could create pressure. Arizona has to replace Joey Porter arguably their best pass rusher and may lean on rookie Sam Acho to fill that void.

Acho played defensive end at Texas but has the athletic ability to make the adjustment to outside linebacker. He does a good job using his speed and quickness to attack the edge. His wide array of pass rush moves makes it difficult for offensive lineman to hold him at bay. Acho not only rushes the quarterback but also does a nice job making plays in the running game. His hand usage and technique allows him to stack, shed, and purse the football. Obviously, Acho will need to work on his pass coverage as he transitions to the linebacker position.

The Cardinals linebacking corps is lacking good depth and great talent. Acho will be battling Clark Haggans and O'Brien Schofield for playing time. Haggans and Schofield combined for 6 sacks last season meaning neither is guaranteed a starting gig. Acho will have a good opportunity to come in and contribute early and possibly earn a starting role.

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sam acho will be starter by the end of the season and will have at least 5 sacks

he’s good, he’s gonna be a good player for years

by ratware on Jul 20, 2011 7:24 PM EDT reply actions

Confused about your take on Porter.

Are you suggesting that the Cardinals need to eventually replace Porter or do you think he is going to be cut? Eventually I would agree with. Immediately seems unlikely. He is intimately familiar with the defense new coordinator Ray Horton will be installing. The loss of the off season makes keeping Porter around an easy decision even at 5.75 mil this year. Unfortunately Porter didn’t perform to expectations last season but I haven’t heard anything to make me think they are dying to rid themselves of him already.

Schofield hardly played at all last season due to the knee injury he suffered at a senior bowl practice last year. It was anticipated that he would not play even one down. Spent the first half of the season on the non football injury list (apparently college football doesn’t qualify as football in the eyes of the nfl). Toward the end of the season when he was given more playing time he showed well, getting his two sacks in those last two games.

Haggans didn’t perform so well last year but he provides the same benefit as Porter in knowing what Horton will be wanting. He’s under contract only through this season which likely will be his last, at least in Arizona.

Will Davis is the guy you failed to mention. He is also in the mix to replace Haggans. Lost some time last season to injury. Going into his third season and last under contract. Pretty much a make or break year for him.

Acho will have a good opportunity to compete but it’s extremely unlikely he wins a starting spot.

by hadrarius on Jul 20, 2011 11:50 PM EDT reply actions

All very good points

I think there’s a pretty decent chance that Porter returns, as long as he’s willing to accept a somewhat reduced role, and that leaves a four way battle for playing time (not counting Acho). That plus the difficulty in the college DE to NFL OLB transition makes it pretty unlikely that Acho see significant playing time, much less a starting job. Rookie 3-4 OLB’s rarely make big contributions especially 4th round picks.

Acho will probably spend most of his time this season on special teams.

by Steamin' Beamin' on Jul 21, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions