Shaun Rogers: Large and In Charge?

by Hans Petersen on Jul 10, 2011 11:00 AM CDT

The Saints signed Shaun Rogers waaaay back in March, just prior to the lockout, but we really haven't exploited, er, explored his profile or history yet on CSC.

Now that it's looking more and more like we'll have some kind of regular season (pleasepleaseplease - I HOPE!) this seems like the perfect time to take a closer look at the man and speculate as to what type of impact he will have on the Saints 2011 defense.

Make the jump to learn more about Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood...

So far on CSC, we've had Dave's announcement of the Rogers signing (linked to above), the Jason La Canfora tweet about him turning down more money in order to play for the Saints, and Andrew's juge story (or Andrew Juge's story, that's not actually so huge - nine paragraphs) on whether Rogers would actually be an upgrade over Remi Ayodele.

That's it. Other than a few fanposts/fanshots and some comments that mention him, we haven't looked into his history and stats to surmise and predict what we think he'll actually do for our defense.

That ends now.

Shaun "Big Baby" Rogers was originally a second-round draft choice (61st overall) of the Detroit Lions in 2001. (FunFact: Coming out of the U of Texas, Rogers played alongside Casey Hampton.) Rogers was with Detroit until getting traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2008. He spent three seasons in Cleveland, and following a mostly forgettable 2010 season, he was released in February of 2011, and then signed with the Saints in early March.

Here is a story from Dawgs By Nature when he signed with the Saints (includes some DBN member comments on Rogers). And here's a DBN bit on a radio interview he did after being released in February.

The asterisks below indicate that Rogers made the Pro Bowl in the 2004, 2005, and 2008 seasons. He made second team All-Pro in 2004. source

Here are his career stats (from pro-football reference.com):

								Def Interceptions					Fumbles					Tackles
Year	Age	Tm	Pos	No.	G	GS	Sk	Int	Yds	TD	Lng	PD	FF	Fmb	FR	Yds	TD	Tkl	Ast	Sfty	AV
2001	22	DET	LDT	92	16	16	3.0	0	0	0	0	4	2	0	0	0	0	63	19		6
2002	23	DET	LDT	92	14	12	2.5	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	2	0	0	27	21		5
2003	24	DET	RDT	92	16	16	4.0	0	0	0	0	5	2	0	0	0	0	42	17		7
2004*	25	DET	RDT	92	16	16	4.0	0	0	0	0	5	0	0	1	0	0	49	19		12
2005*	26	DET	LDT	92	14	14	5.5	0	0	0	0	2	2	0	1	21	1	30	11		9
2006	27	DET	rdt	92	6	6	3.0						0	0	1	0	0	19	1		3
2007	28	DET	LDT	92	16	16	7.0	1	66	1	66	3	0	1	4	10	0	26	13		6
2008*	29	CLE	NT	92	16	16	4.5	0	0	0	0	2						61	15		11
2009	30	CLE	NT	92	11	11	2.0	0	0	0	0	1						27	9		5
2010	31	CLE		92	15	1	2.0											14	3		2
Career					140	124	37.5	1	66	1	66	24	6	1	9	31	1	358	128		66
7 yrs		DET			98	96	29.0	1	66	1	66	21	6	1	9	31	1	256	101		48
3 yrs		CLE			42	28	8.5	0	0	0	0	3						102	27		18

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/9/2011.

Recent injury history shows that he broke his leg and went on IR on November 30, 2009, and then missed 2010 training camp while on the PUP list with a leg injury. source

Fantasy Sports Services provided this scouting report on his sbnation profile page:

Assets:

Simply massive. A powerhouse in the middle: handles double-teams well, stuffs the run, and excels at shedding blockers. Collapses the pocket with a quick first step despite his size, can slice into the backfield, and will get a few sacks. Possesses some leadership qualities.

Flaws:

Tends to get heavy and must keep his weight down. Occasionally depends too heavily on his talent & size, and loses leverage. Durability is an increasing issue with age.

Additionally, his wikipedia page cites a mixed bag of off-field situations:

In June 2007, Rogers was accused of sexually assaulting an exotic dancer. Charges were never filed due to lack of evidence.

On April 1, 2010, Rogers was arrested at Cleveland Hopkins Airport for having a loaded gun in his carry on luggage.

On July 15, 2010, Rogers was commended for nabbing a drunk driver in the Cleveland area.

Rogers did not attend the Saints unofficial team workouts this offseason, and we really haven't heard much from him since he was signed, but here's a short video that surfaced this week of him working out at something called plex:

The latest rotoworld info on Rogers (March 22):

Coach Sean Payton envisions Shaun Rogers as more of a nose tackle than a three-technique tackle.
Rogers would seem more suited to the three-technique considering his ability to collapse the pocket, but the Saints will keep Sedrick Ellis in that role. Rogers will eat into Remi Ayodele's snaps instead.

So, he's had some good years, some not-so-good years, and he's not really been in the news lately. (Well, there was this recently warmed over re-hash of a re-hash of who offered him $6 million in March.) He's a 6' 4", 350-lb 32-year old DL with some attitude issues in the past, whose nickname is "Big Baby".

What do you think we have in Shaun Rogers?

Maybe a 2006/2007 Hollis Thomas? Another Alex Brown 2010? But really, can you actually tell the difference between Thomas and Brown?

Maybe he'll be total stinker, like Johnathan Sullivan. Maybe he's an Albert Haynesworth "wanna-be" bad-a**.

Lots of questions, much room for speculation. Let's hear from you...see you in the comment section!

HansDat would like to thank Stujo4 for the inspiration for this story...

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Comments

Maybe a 2006/2007 Hollis Thomas? Another Alex Brown 2010? But really, can you actually tell the difference between Thomas and Brown?
I think he’ll be like more like Thomas, he won’t be great but will be an assett to our DL

Maybe he’ll be total stinker, like Johnathan Sullivan. Maybe he’s an Albert Haynesworth “wanna-be” bad-a**.
Niether, I think he’ll be somewhere in the middle

Will he be motivated to work hard all the time and be a major disruptive force in the opposing backfield for GW? Will he be able to get by with part-time effort? Will he stay healthy enough to play much for us?
Should be motivated, it’s his first time being on a winning team (I’m guessing since college or HS)

"I have something no one else has: my brain. Which I use to my advantage, when advantageous."

by GRlZZ on Jul 10, 2011 11:13 AM CDT reply actions

should be good for Vilma

if ellis can play as effective as he has the past couple seasons, even a 3/4 effort Rogers will take a lot of pressure off of Vilma. one would hope that we can do a little better against the run, and maybe Rogers can help keep the OL off our LBs

by NYSaint on Jul 10, 2011 11:27 AM CDT reply actions

If that Rotoworld report is correct

…(and I doubt that it is) then Sean Payton is finally suffering from megalomania—as in, “I’m a Super Bowl coach and therefore can bend the laws of physics.”

Shaun Rogers is a prototypical nose tackle. Sedrick Ellis is a prototypical three-technique. They are virtually an ideal tandem, if used in their proper positions. Trading them out makes no sense, and I can’t see what anyone hopes to gain by it. I can see I have to give Gregg another call.

It was good while it lasted.

by MtnExile on Jul 10, 2011 11:53 AM CDT reply actions

Never mind

Read it completely backwards. I’m out of practice, obviously.

It was good while it lasted.

by MtnExile on Jul 10, 2011 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

still, it’s good to hear from you, ME.

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Jul 10, 2011 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions

boom rec'd it

You have until camp to get it squared away, not so young man.

by stujo4 on Jul 10, 2011 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Where you been?

We need more of your level headed-ness around here.

Canal Street Chronicles-A place of great Saints news and information. Oh and the stuff I write!
"I rejected those answers. Instead, I chose something different. I chose the impossible. I chose...Rapture!"

by Jon Banks on Jul 10, 2011 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions

There’s no such thing as a prototypical nose tackle or three-tech. It’s an assignment based on BOTH the size and skills set of BOTH the player and his interior DL counterpart at the time. Rogers played BOTH positions extensively in Detroit. Usually at three-tech, but he WAS the NT (one-tech) two years (2003-04) opposite Dan Wilkinson, with whom he flip-flopped positions in 2005 based on BOTH his own exceptional play and Big Daddy’s declining motor. Regardless, Rogers made the Pro Bowl at both positions, playing opposite the same player. Granted, his own skills set has diminished greatly since then. Sedrick Ellis is a better penetrator NOW than Luther Elliss and Cory Redding ever were. You’re right, in that it would make little sense to flip-flop them based on those factors, NOT what position each player was “meant” to play. If Rogers was playing next to some 500 pound garden slug, there is no doubt in my mind he would be the better three-tech. If Ellis was paired with Randy Starks, for example, odds are he’d be lined up over the center, as the less effective pass rusher.

"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on Jul 10, 2011 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions

I’ll have to answer this question after I see what he does in practice, I hope he can do more than just slap a bag like in the video. He is 32 and I would rather see a younger player at that position, but who knows, he may be pro bowl material.

by tommy v on Jul 10, 2011 12:19 PM CDT reply actions

I think he’ll have a great impact. It will be hard to run on our interior, the pocket will be pushed back in the QB’ s face. Shaun Rogers has everything he needs to be a top 5 DT in the NFL, even NOW. The only question with him as always been motivation and work ethic.

Taking two million less to play for the Saints seems like motivation to me. Never being on a team that is dysfunctional for 10 years and never having a winning record, I’d probably stop giving my best too. I think Rogers will make a bigger difference than Hollis Thomas did, and I think Thomas did a fairly decent job his first year here.

Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.

by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Jul 10, 2011 12:28 PM CDT reply actions

isn't dysfunctioinal

FIFY

INGRAMANIA equals LOMBARDI 2012

by cajuncommando58 on Jul 10, 2011 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions

I concur.

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Jul 10, 2011 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions

I think he'll be a huge asset (no pun intended, honestly) to our defense...

especially since we have a coach who likes to use people where they are most effective and not the kind of coach who tries to force people into a role they are not suited for.

"It's more than a handful. It's a handsful."

by Dan Kelly on Jul 10, 2011 1:38 PM CDT reply actions

PUT THIS GUY AT TIGHT END!!!

"I have something no one else has: my brain. Which I use to my advantage, when advantageous."

by GRlZZ on Jul 10, 2011 1:52 PM CDT reply actions

Shaun Rogers will probably perform well and will probably make a lot of players better. If you notice, his last year in Detroit was his best, which makes it clear that he can be motivated. The fact he signed for less to be here means that winning is enough motivation for him for now. Also, as long as he’s eating up blocks and getting penetration, then Sedrick Ellis (who got the 3rd most sacks for DT’s last year and most for the Saints), Vilma, Roman Harper (3rd most sacks for a SS), Cameron Jordan (hopefully), Will Smith (for 12 games at least), and other people rushing.
That being said, I don’t think Ayodele will disappear. The big difference between Roger’s stats and Ayodele’s is that he has more sacks and more passes defensed. http://www.nfl.com/player/remiayodele/2506796/profile I remember watching a Browns game where Rogers had to keep coming out because he was winded. All that together makes me think it’s possible that Rogers is there for passing downs or key downs and drives and that we’re going to see plenty of Ayodele anyway.

by GnomeChumpsky on Jul 10, 2011 1:54 PM CDT reply actions

Here's what I found interesting

Stat-wise, I expected Alex Brown and Hollis Thomas to be far apart, but they were about the same:

Brown (2010 at age 31): 32 tackles, 6 assists, 2 sacks, 3 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery

Hollis (2006 at age 32): 35 tackles, 8 assists, 3.5 sacks, 2 passes defensed, 1 fum recovery.
and in 2007 (at age 33): 38 tackles, 12 assists, 3 sacks

I know that they played different positions (DT vs. DE) and stats don’t tell the whole story, but in my mind, I’ve thought of Hollis in 2006 as much better than Brown of 2010.

Source and source.

Almost forgot – Hollis sat out 4 2006 games b/c of his asthma steroids, so my comparison is even more inaccurate now – so now my comment is more a statement of the elasticity of memory and how perceptions can often be skewed…

Thumbs up, everybody...
For rock and roll!!!!

by Hans Petersen on Jul 10, 2011 2:35 PM CDT reply actions

Wake me up when Rogers makes a play this big from either DT position. It’s 2011, folks. Hurry back, Remi.

"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on Jul 10, 2011 3:06 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

He reminds/looks like Biz Markie

Some hits, disappeared for while, makes a comeback. He spent 10 yrs. with 2 bad teams, that’s motivation enough, or not, if he’s got his head on right. Pressures gotta come from the DL , non existent last season.

You think you know, and you don't know, and you never, ever, will.-Jim Mora Sr.
I understand ....nothing.-Michael Scott
The Future is Unwritten.-Joe Strummer
"I don't dance to DIdo dude"-Tommy Saxondale

by metryman on Jul 11, 2011 1:11 AM CDT reply actions

I have a feeling GW has been meditating on that the entire off-season.

I’m curious to see what he comes up with.

Fat, dumb, and happy. Hell, two out of three ain't bad!

I Want To Die In My Sleep Like My Grandpa – Not Screaming and Yelling Like His Passengers.

by Just 'Nother Day on Jul 11, 2011 2:33 AM CDT up reply actions

Would comparisons to Norman Hand or Grady Jackson be accurate at all?

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by Philinwood on Jul 11, 2011 7:52 AM CDT reply actions

It’s difficult to say. He’s been one of the best interior defensive linemen in the league, in terms of getting to the quarterback over his career. Those numbers are almost moot, however. He hasn’t played extensively in the 4-3 since 2007 with Detroit and he likely won’t be playing the position (3-tech) at which he excelled the most. If I had to guess, I’d say more like Norman Hand after he left the Saints and signed with the Seahawks. 2-3 sacks tops — I’m taking his niche into account; Hand managed just one that season — still fairly productive against the run.

"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on Jul 11, 2011 8:12 AM CDT up reply actions

Basically, you’re not going to hear his name called much, but he should pull his weight at the position, assuming he’s been keeping himself in condition over the lockout.

"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper

by coldpizza on Jul 11, 2011 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions

“2-3 sacks tops”

Stu, if you haven’t blocked me and can read this, I want this on the list.

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Jul 11, 2011 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions

I always declare my Do Not Read List additions and I don’t need software (which owes me royalties) to do it. Boom, added.

by stujo4 on Jul 11, 2011 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions

I predict Rogers will be a valuable asset

He is a huge load. If he accomplished nothing else beside standing his ground and clogging up the middle, he’s well worth the money. I’m betting in addition to that, he’ll pressure the QB a number of times and free up some space for the other rushers. He’s a longhorn too, so that’s an added bonus – hook ’em

"But tonight the Superbowl belongs to the City of New Orleans" - Roger Goodell 2/7/2010

by SaintBevo on Jul 11, 2011 6:27 PM CDT reply actions

Just vague enough to not make the List, well played.

by stujo4 on Jul 11, 2011 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions

He is a huge load. If he accomplished nothing else beside standing his ground and clogging up the middle, he’s well worth the money. I’m betting in addition to that, he’ll pressure the QB a number of times and free up some space for the other rushers

My point exactly. The Saints signed him to play nose, and I think he’ll do exactly as you say. I’m not excited about the guy because I think he’s going to have a Suh like season or personally get more than 6 sacks. I’m excited because the impact his presence will have on everyone around him. He’ll get more double teams than Remi, and I think Remi is a “work his butt off” underappreciated guy. He’ll stop the run better too. That’s what the doctor ordered.

What we NEED at NT, he’ll give. What we WANT at NT would only be found with 1) a high draft choice or 2) a Colston like surprise! that every other team missed on, or 3) a James Harrison – like story from a guy cut _ times before everything comes together with a bang.

Rogers will provide more one on one match-ups for other players on our defensive line, and he will keep a few LB’s clean while he’s at it. He’ll shut down the run and push the pocket if a team doesn’t account for him. You can’t ask for much more out of a NT.

Some players primary job is to occupy opposing players and force the flow of a play towards designated play-makers, who have the designation by design of the defense. Many times a defense excells because each player’s job and schematic responsibility perfectly fit his skills. Other times, the scheme is more critical than maximizing a player’s abilities, or the team just doesn’t have all the players (talent) needed to maximize the scheme, so they make do with what they have.

The point is that even if Rogers is meant to be a player in our scheme whose main job is to enable other players to be successful, he’s still going to have an enormous impact. Take a look at Pat William’s career stats and tell me he never had a huge impact. What he’s done in Minnesota and for their defense won’t be found in his statistics. http://www.nfl.com/player/patwilliams/2503712/careerstats

Stop wearing a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. Would you be convicted in court of being a Christian? Happiness is shared, and comes from sharing.

by Preston J. Gary, Jr. on Jul 11, 2011 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions