Mike Smith was serviceable as a back up, but never made a significant impact at LB like I posted.
I don't mean to disrespect any of these players, more so the staff for trying to force these guys into positions they never played before just b/c they were a certain size and speed.
I have played both DE and MLB, and know the learning curve that takes place when making the transition from rushing the passer to having to read and react, shed blocks and locate the ball in a split second.
A lot more goes into playing LB than most realize.
For example, when the ball is snapped, the LBs first read is the OL, to see if they are run blocking or pass blocking. Then you read into the backfield, locate the ball then shed a block and make a tackle if its a run, if its a pass, you drop into your zone or pick up your man or blitz.
All of that is a lot more instinct and thinking than just beating the guy in front of you on your way to the backfield.
All that thinking and not being able to read and react in a split second gets those guys caught in the mess and they never make a play.
MRob was never able to figure it out, so we just used him as a third down rush end like Javon Nanton.