Jeff Backus has been a stalwart for the Lions at left tackle, where he has started 160 consecutive games at the most demanding position on the offensive line. However, he will be 34 by the start of the 2011 NFL season and will only become more overmatched by the new generation of athletic blind side pass rushers like Robert Quinn, Clay Matthews and Brian Orakpo.
Therefore, the recent statement by former Detroit guard Lomas Brown, reported on Detroit Free Press is very interesting: "I've always said that I thought if Jeff played the inside position, played the guard position, I feel that the guy's an All-Pro guy," Brown told the Free Press.
This statement got me thinking, and I wholeheartedly agree with Brown's analysis. His body shape and dimensions, athleticism and personal strengths make this seem a no-brainer as long as a suitable replacement can be found at left tackle.
Firstly, his general body shape is more prototypical of a guard than a tackle. Unlike most top left tackles who have long and rangy bodies, Backus is much stockier and squat. Unlike the current NFL prototype for incoming left tackles which seems to be more than 6'6" and 315 lbs, Backus is 6'5" and 305 lbs.
However, in the flesh he seems to carry this weight lower in his frame than most left tackles. This gives him a powerful lower half, but this is not so helpful when trying to keep up with speed rushers off the edge
A squat body type is ideal for a guard though. Because they play on the interior of the line, they need far less lateral agility and more solidity in their stance to counter the extra bulk of defensive tackles. In this regard his frame suggests that a move to guard would benefit Backus.
Backus, who would no longer need to keep as trim as possible to keep pace with speed rushers, would also have the opportunity to gain more bulk. He could possibly still play guard at 315 to 320 lbs. This would allow him to control large nose tackles with ease.
Another important aspect of playing at left tackle which has gained publicity since the 2001 Draft is arm length. In the pre-draft process a lot of emphasis is placed on potential left tackles having arms of at least 34", and a significantly shorter measurement could go as far as to convert a young man into a right tackle prospect.
Backus' arms are just 32.5", the second shortest among starting left tackles in the NFL, and this puts him at a serious disadvantage against long armed pass rushers like DeMarcus Ware and Jason Pierre-Paul.
The reason why long arms are so important is it allows the tackle to keep defenders away from his body where the pass rusher is most dangerous. While in their youth at the peak of their athleticism a tackle can compensate for a weakness like this, but as they age a big wingspan becomes more essential to compete. Backus cannot claim this leveler.
The bright side is that if he moved to guard his arms would not be such a disadvantage. With less space for defenders to use it is easier to keep them at bay and also interior defenders traditionally have shorter arms than edge rushers. Again, it seems that a move would minimize Backus' weaknesses as his 32.5" arms are prototypical for guards.
Thirdly, Backus was never an elite athlete when he was a rookie, and has fallen off even more now that he is well past 30. This translates to a slower kick step and less lateral agility to match pass rush moves. This has historically always been what Backus has struggled with in protection, mainly against freaks of nature like Julius Peppers who thrive at defensive end.
Conversely, defensive tackles are generally less amazing athletes and have less space around them. He would also not be able to be beaten by the outside speed rush at all.
Also, at guard, Backus would have the advantage of being assisted by the center or right tackle if they can. This would also make things easier for him.
Next, a move to offensive guard would highlight his strengths. To make up for his mediocre athletic ability and short arms, Backus has always had very polished technique. He has a controlled kick step, good hand placement, great poise and positioning. What's more, this has only improved now that he is a seasoned NFL veteran.
Backus is also a great run blocker and has a strong anchor. This is a huge part of playing guard, especially right guard. They are a big part of the running game, and Backus is a proven performer. Also, his good anchor would serve him well against the power pass rush moves that defensive tackles favor. All in all, Backus is well served to play guard, and his best attributes would be emphasized playing in the interior.
The final consequence that must be analyzed is the effect that a move would have on the team. The most beneficial consequence of moving Backus to right guard (because left guard is set with Rob Sims) is the improvement in pass protection up the middle.
As a former left tackle Backus is experienced dealing with elite pass rushers, and the role of right guard is the rough interior equivalent. Often, right guards go one on one against a three technique defensive tackle like Ndamukong Suh or Nick Fairley, so need to be able to hold up in pass protection. After a trial by fire at left tackle, I am convinced that Backus would be able to be dominant against elite pass rushing defensive tackles.
The second advantage is that the Lions would improve the balance of run blocking. Last season the run blocking on the left side of the line, the work of Jeff Backus and Rob Sims, was very good. However, the middle and right side was poor.
However, by moving Backus to right guard it would improve the run blocking on the right side and especially up the middle. The left side should still be solid too because of the continued presence of Rob Sims at left guard. He still had a role in the great run blocking on the left of the line in 2010.
Finally, moving Backus from left tackle to right guard would both replace the often injured Stephen Peterman who is a liability in pass protection and also allow Jason Fox to start at left tackle and accelerate his learning. While it may lead to slightly worse play at left tackle in 2011, the entire offensive line should be better and Fox should develop into a better tackle than Backus come 2012. Fox was drafted to replace Backus eventually, and after a year of learning the position and gaining strength, now seems as good a time as any to throw him onto the field.
The only issue lying in the way of this conversion is the depth of talent at left tackle. Only the Lions staff know if this is sufficient to move Backus, who is fine at left tackle, to right guard. Left tackle is the most important position on the offensive line, so it is key to have the best player possible there. Stealing from that position to bolster the interior is not a wise move unless a viable alternative can be found for the blind side.
However, if one can be found, I see no real reason in my mind not to shift Backus. Let's be honest—we would all love to see another All-Pro on the Lions roster.
