The Cowboys will host DE Igor Olshansky for a free agent visit on Friday
Free-agent scouting report Chargers DE Igor Olshansky (UFA)
By ProFootball.com
Feb 15 2009
This is the sixth in a series of scouting reports on high-profile free agents, in which we summarize each player's status, analyze his strengths and weaknesses, assess whether or not his team is likely to re-sign him, and determine the risk factor for the team that signs him. These scouting reports will be posted daily through Feb. 27, the start of the free-agent signing period.
News: After spending five seasons in San Diego, Olshansky will opt out of his contract with one year remaining and become a free agent. With the Chargers extending DE Luis Castillo’s deal last offseason and with Ryon Bingham waiting in the wings, they’re not expected to retain Olshansky, meaning he’ll hit the open market. Teams in need of a 3-4 end or possibly a 4-3 tackle may look to bring him in to bolster their line. Following a lackluster 2008 campaign, the Oregon product should benefit from a change of scenery.
Notes: Since Olshansky joined the Chargers in 2004, their defense has been in the top half of the league in points allowed each season, and they never have had a losing record. He switched from right end to left end prior to the ’07 campaign and proceeded to have his best season. That year he racked up 49 tackles, 3½ sacks, one interception and three passes defended. He has been a starter in San Diego since Day One. With so many stars on the team’s defense, Olshansky was often overlooked, but he always was a quiet contributor who didn’t crave the limelight.
Strengths: Playing the difficult DE spot in the 3-4 formation, Olshansky has helped give the Chargers one of the league’s more formidable D-lines since entering the NFL in 2004. At 6-6, 309 pounds, he has a large frame and is very difficult to block coming off the line. He’s extremely athletic for his size and has tremendous strength, giving him the ability to easily shed blockers. His powerful lower body makes him stout against the run. He can create double-teams, freeing up his linebackers to get clear shots at opposing quarterbacks. He has the versatility to line up at either end or tackle, depending on the system in which he’s playing.
Weaknesses: Olshansky can be very streaky. He makes some big plays but then disappears for long stretches. He doesn’t react all that well and isn’t an instinctive player. For a D-end, he doesn’t have much in terms of pass-rushing moves, totaling just 11 sacks in five seasons. He sometimes allows his emotions to get the best of him, resulting in unnecessary penalties. He has never reached 50 tackles in a season.
Risk factor: Moderate. Olshansky, who turns 27 in early May, will give a team a solid defensive lineman with many good years still ahead of him. However, his production in the pros never has been stunning, so there’s not a whole lot of upside here.
By ProFootball.com
Feb 15 2009
This is the sixth in a series of scouting reports on high-profile free agents, in which we summarize each player's status, analyze his strengths and weaknesses, assess whether or not his team is likely to re-sign him, and determine the risk factor for the team that signs him. These scouting reports will be posted daily through Feb. 27, the start of the free-agent signing period.
News: After spending five seasons in San Diego, Olshansky will opt out of his contract with one year remaining and become a free agent. With the Chargers extending DE Luis Castillo’s deal last offseason and with Ryon Bingham waiting in the wings, they’re not expected to retain Olshansky, meaning he’ll hit the open market. Teams in need of a 3-4 end or possibly a 4-3 tackle may look to bring him in to bolster their line. Following a lackluster 2008 campaign, the Oregon product should benefit from a change of scenery.
Notes: Since Olshansky joined the Chargers in 2004, their defense has been in the top half of the league in points allowed each season, and they never have had a losing record. He switched from right end to left end prior to the ’07 campaign and proceeded to have his best season. That year he racked up 49 tackles, 3½ sacks, one interception and three passes defended. He has been a starter in San Diego since Day One. With so many stars on the team’s defense, Olshansky was often overlooked, but he always was a quiet contributor who didn’t crave the limelight.
Strengths: Playing the difficult DE spot in the 3-4 formation, Olshansky has helped give the Chargers one of the league’s more formidable D-lines since entering the NFL in 2004. At 6-6, 309 pounds, he has a large frame and is very difficult to block coming off the line. He’s extremely athletic for his size and has tremendous strength, giving him the ability to easily shed blockers. His powerful lower body makes him stout against the run. He can create double-teams, freeing up his linebackers to get clear shots at opposing quarterbacks. He has the versatility to line up at either end or tackle, depending on the system in which he’s playing.
Weaknesses: Olshansky can be very streaky. He makes some big plays but then disappears for long stretches. He doesn’t react all that well and isn’t an instinctive player. For a D-end, he doesn’t have much in terms of pass-rushing moves, totaling just 11 sacks in five seasons. He sometimes allows his emotions to get the best of him, resulting in unnecessary penalties. He has never reached 50 tackles in a season.
Risk factor: Moderate. Olshansky, who turns 27 in early May, will give a team a solid defensive lineman with many good years still ahead of him. However, his production in the pros never has been stunning, so there’s not a whole lot of upside here.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:31 PM
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