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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Raheem Morris and Jeff Ulbrich put their heads together a few years ago when both were coaching with the Atlanta Falcons. They did an offseason study on which physical traits were most effective for NFL defenders.
The attribute that kept popping up? It wasn't speed or height or anything having to do with bench-press reps.
It was length. Or, more simply, how long a player's arms are -- his wingspan. That seems like a more advantageous characteristic for basketball. But it can be a gamechanger in football, too, especially on the defensive side of the ball, Morris said.