George Iloka

[derekshank]

I just read PFF's recent article on Tyvon Branch vs. Rob Gronkowski.

The line in the article that most caught my interest was:

In a league where players like Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham are becoming unstoppable forces as teams struggle to match up with them, everybody is looking for a safety with the kind of coverage skills to be matched up one-on-one and win.

The problem is an obvious one. Very few safeties are big and strong enough to play press against a TE, and even fewer are skilled enough in man coverage to stay with him. You need a special player for this role... or maybe a specialized role player.

Enter George Iloka. A 6'4" 225lb safety - a converted CB whose best attribute is his press-man coverage.

He may not win the starting job, because he's not yet a complete player... but I really like the idea of using Iloka exactly the way the Raiders used Tyvon Branch against stud TEs. Perhaps the days of the Bengals getting killed by TEs are over.

[ArmyBengal]

I would hardly complain about being able to stop any TE, let alone the top rated ones.

That seems like an area that has been an issue for the Bengals for some time.

If Iloka is that guy, I certainly wouldn't complain in the least !!!

[volcom69]

I just read PFF's recent article on Tyvon Branch vs. Rob Gronkowski.

The line in the article that most caught my interest was:

In a league where players like Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham are becoming unstoppable forces as teams struggle to match up with them, everybody is looking for a safety with the kind of coverage skills to be matched up one-on-one and win.

The problem is an obvious one. Very few safeties are big and strong enough to play press against a TE, and even fewer are skilled enough in man coverage to stay with him. You need a special player for this role... or maybe a specialized role player.

Enter George Iloka. A 6'4" 225lb safety - a converted CB whose best attribute is his press-man coverage.

He may not win the starting job, because he's not yet a complete player... but I really like the idea of using Iloka exactly the way the Raiders used Tyvon Branch against stud TEs. Perhaps the days of the Bengals getting killed by TEs are over.

I could see them using 3 safetys at times, and they were raving about Iloka so far. Im excited to see him and hope he turns out great, and can see him playing this year.

[wpeldios]

Ive actually made the exact argument during the last 2 drafts that Iloka and Robert Sands have the ability to become that guy and that I thought taller/faster safeties would become more popular. Iloka is more pro ready than Sands was but they both have that kind of ability.

[HoosierCat]

Nothing wrong with a big safety who can cover; the challenge is actually finding one. Taylor Mays was supposed to be a big guy who could cover, but has yet to emerge. If Iloka can do it, it sure wouldn't hurt. But as regards the specific example derek passed along, I'd say that Oakland's containment of Gronkowski had more to do with them specifically scheming to take him out of the game, even at the cost of letting Wes Welker eat them alive. If you aggressively jam any receiver at the line -- and the Raiders set their defensive linemen to make sure he couldn't escape early contact -- you will limit their effectiveness. What has always surprised me in watching the Pats recently is how many teams allow Gronk a free release. It's taken a ridiculous amount of time for opposing DCs to wrap their heads around the fact that he's basically a big WR in TEs clothing and should be defended accordingly. The Raiders did, with solid results.

The takeaway for me is that coverage skills are increasing in importance everywhere, including in the "big safety" department, which isn't a surprise considering how heavily the rules now tilt in favor of the passing game.