Football used to be played by big people, some of whom were fast. Those days seem to be over. In an NFL combine preview, the Philadelphia Inquirer notes that speed is what everybody is looking for, especially on defense.

Says Eagles GM Tom Heckert:

The days of the 250-pound linebacker, those are gone, because people want guys who can run... . Everybody wants the 280-pound guy that can rush the passer, but that guy doesn't exist. So you don't have much choice.

Later in the story: "With the exception of Southern Cal's LenDale White, running backs also are smaller. Most teams now are looking for speed over size - see Brian Westbrook, Warrick Dunn and, to some extent, LaDainian Tomlinson."

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