Almost exactly a year ago, Rob Ryan was announced with great fanfare as the Cowboys new defensive coordinator. Two weeks later, the Cowboys brought in Brian Baker as defensive line coach, Matt Eberflus was announced as the linebacker coach, and Ray Horton narrowly declined the Cowboys secondary job in favor of a position as DC in Arizona.
With these sweeping changes to the defensive coaching staff came the expectation that the Cowboys would also upgrade some of their defensive player personnel. Yet by the time the Cowboys had made their eight picks in the April draft, they had only picked two defensive players. Second-rounder Bruce Carter was just coming off an ACL injury and didn't see any meaningful playing time this season and fifth-round pick Josh Thomas didn't make it out of camp.
Rob Ryan took it in stride and soldiered on, after all, Jerry Jones himself said they'd get Ryan some help in free agency. Apparently, Jones called Ryan during the draft and asked him about selecting some defensive players.
"I said, 'Let's talk about this guy,'" Jones said. "He knew the ones he was interested in went early and what that does is put pressure on us to get the free agents."
Well, that may not have turned out quite as Ryan wanted.
The Cowboys did get some help in free agency, but perhaps not quite the caliber of players Cowboys fans expected, especially after the public flirtation with Nnamdi Asomugha.
But Ryan kept quiet after that as well, which is a surprise for the usually boisterous Ryan, but is a quality that appears to have kept him in good graces with Stephen Jones, who said:
"Rob's the best when it comes to that. He's just tells me, 'Who I'm coaching, I'll have them ready.'"
When other teams advance in the playoffs in January, the Cowboys have made it a tradition to begin their self-scouting. Last year was no different.
Unfortunately, that self-scouting led the Cowboys to the conclusion that their defensive woes were more about scheme than personnel:
"We probably should give Rob Ryan some due here," Jerry Jones said. "I do feel our defense personnel will play better than last year and we did underachieve last year, and I want to be able to say that without throwing [Wade Phillips] under the bus."
Let's hope that their self-scouting this year will lead to that minor misunderstanding being cleared up.
One thing that's pretty sure though is that Rob Ryan will not stand idly by for a third time waiting for some help on defense. Rob has been waiting for his presents for quite a while now.
This time, he'll be ready to collect.
3 recs | 169 comments
Yep, I clearly remember after last years draft
Rob was approached about getting some defensive players and he went on and on about how the talent was already here to be a great defense. Boy was he ever wrong. I don’t knock him for saying it though. What else was he supposed to say?
TARHEEL PAUL - January 13, 2012
i remember him saying something like “we didnt have guys like terrence newman in cleveland!”, boasting about the teams talent. at the time i thought it was just PR speak and now i know for sure it was lol.
DavidLaFleur - January 13, 2012
Maybe he was being sarcastic
as in, “We didnt have guys like Terrence Newman in Cleveland! No, we had better!”
Grimlock83 - January 13, 2012
We just have to look at Houston this year.
Wade may not have been the defensive coordinator when he was here, but he surely must have had some kind of say how things were done. Then he goes to Houston and makes them the top defense in the league? He had the reputation for that when we hired him and then proved it again after he left. Then Ryan comes in with kind of the same reputation of being a good defensive coordinator and even though we improved statistically, we still played poorly. So I think that it is the personnel. We need at least 4 more playmakers on defense before we become one of the elite teams.
Mikellie - January 14, 2012
Wade did a great job when he first got here
But toward the end, they seemed to simply quit on him—the whole damned team, but especially the defense. I would really like to know what happened behind the scenes to this team.
RenoCowboy - January 14, 2012
I think a lot of the stuff he said was him being the good soldier
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
Bradie and Newman will do that to you...
Alpha - January 13, 2012
I know defense is the main issue here
But my ideal draft would be to take DeCastro in the first and then devote the rest of the draft to defense (unless some other OL fall and are just too good to pass up). As far as Free Agency goes, sign Laurent, figure out TE2 (Marty B or someone else?), and then spend the rest of your resources on defense.
As much as defense is a problem, OL is a problem too. And I’ll take my chances with a marginally-improved defense and a healthy Romo over a noticeably-improved defense and an injured Romo. Fix the OL when you have a fantastic opportunity to do so, and things will be so much easier for the rest of Romo’s career (and beyond).
Key19 - January 13, 2012
DeCastro
To me, DeCastro is the only offensive player I can see the Cowboys going for in the first. The top OTs, QBs and WRs will be gone. No TEs or RBs will be drafted that high. So DeCastro or defense in first.
TexasGarcia37 - January 13, 2012
Thats a no brainer
Terry - January 13, 2012
Where is DeCastro projected to go?
Would we have to move up the board in order to get him?
Mikellie - January 14, 2012
13 or 14
Joey2zs - January 14, 2012
I'm starting to come around to this
Line of thinking. Should be another interesting off-season.
dunkman - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Highest I have seen is #9.
Rena - January 14, 2012
What if Richardson is there and DeCastro, Ingram, Upshaw, the top 2 CBs are picked?
As unlikely as that sounds now, pass-rushers often rise as the draft gets closer. If Richardson is ranked much higher than anyone else, do you take him? Remember Felix is entering the last year of his contract, Tanner is not a sure thing, and Murray probably can’t maintain a 20 touch per game pace an entire season. I wouldn’t discard Richardson for sure. Konz will likely be available and is more likely than Richardson.
I wouldn’t resign Felix unless very cheap. He already admitted that watching Murray made him realize he needed to run harder. He seems like a RKG, but I doubt he will run harder after getting a big signing bonus. RB production is very much tied to effort, not only on the field but even moreso effort during offseason workouts. Thats why I think signing veteran RBs is usually fool’s gold.
HarrisburgCowboyFan - January 13, 2012
You don't need a top nfl back to win in the nfl
committees work the best.
Rat-Pack - January 13, 2012
if Trent Richardson is there
I think you have to take him
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
Agreed
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Totally disagree.
Trent Richardson doesn’t keep your starting QB upright. Running backs are not what they used to be in today’s NFL.
Nickthegrip - January 13, 2012
for me its the value of getting a great player
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
In this case I agree with you Chia!!!
HA! only to a point… he did say DeCastro was gone. Richardson is one of those players that is tough, strong, and fast…. makes good cuts and can run people over if he wants. He’s a 25 touch per game back… with excellent vision. Trent does keep Romo upright too….. because like Murray … Richardson will force defenses to wait until they know it’s not handed off before they go full force to get the sack… giving Romo another second or more to pass the ball to an open receiver.
Rex Pfister - January 13, 2012
I mean its not a need obviously
but DeMarco got hurt, Felix is always hurt
it wouldnt hurt lol to have a premier RB like Richardson, it would be insane and I would be very happy if we got a player like that at 14
i am not saying we should draft Richardson, I just think if he was there I would take him because he is a great player
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
Yeah, I think that's really tough
to do having just drafted Murray, and still having Felix. I think if Richardson is still there at 14, some teams might be interested in trading up to snag him. THAT could potentially be a nice little draw.
Cowboys Dominance - January 15, 2012
Then you trade the pick and collect the value of that player in that way
Joey2zs - January 14, 2012
Amen brother
Anyone that says taking a skill position in the 1st round is just wrong.
oregoncowboy - January 14, 2012 via mobile
couldn't agree more
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Regardless of what we do in FA, we must go BPA in the draft. If Decastro is there we must draft him, even if we sign Grubbs or Nicks in FA.
We really need 2 guards. The only reason I wouldn’t draft DeCastro is if we signed both Nicks and Grubbs in FA. DeCastro is arguably the 2nd best player behind Luck and may slide only because of his position. The rest of the draft shoul be D. I could live with trading down and picking up another 2nd round pick, but only if Grubbs and Nicks are both signed. That’s how highly I think of DeCastro. If we trade down we should target Poe in the first, then get 2CBs inthe second.Jenkins if he slides, or Minnifield, Hosley, Banks, etc. There are plenty of corners in round #2. Move Rat to DE and use the rest of the draft on BPA heavily weighing D.
How’s that for an awesome O and a much improved D.
pfloyd1 - January 13, 2012
I like DeCastro as well, but I would not count on him being there......
Remember that the main reason that guards were not drafted high in the first was the amount of money that you would have to pay them.
With the new CBA, that money should be a lot lower….which could allow teams to take guards and safeties higher than they would in the past.
If he shows well at the combine, I could see him sneak into the top 10.
death of the cool - January 13, 2012
That's what I'm afraid of as well.
pfloyd1 - January 13, 2012
I would look into drafting Coby Fleener from Stanford for the #2 spot
He is a good pass catcher and that is what I want in a tight end, especially a #2 tight end. If you NEED a blocking tight end, then obviously you don’t have much confidence in your offensive line (rightly so lately). If he turns out to be a really good player then hey, you can try to resign him after his contract is up, trade him for some draft picks or you trade Witten 4 years down the road.
Unless we trade Felix, any and all offensive picks (and there shouldn’t be many) should be focused on the offensive line, and I would include Tight Ends in that mix.
ProBowlFactory - January 13, 2012
I was thinking about something like that in my head
because Witten is getting older and the NFL is transitioning to these hybrid TE’s with great athletic ability
it would be nice to get an Aaron Hernandez
but Martellus Bennett was supposed to be that guy, huge bust
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
4 years down the road we aren't trading Witten
He will retire a Cowboy! He’s not the type of guy that wants to go play for another team.
Rex Pfister - January 13, 2012
+1
Cowboys_Attack - January 14, 2012
Free Agency will be the key....
If we can get some major problems solved in free agency on the defense, it will allow us the flexibility to take BPA in the draft.
I think we resign Spencer, and then I see us adding a FS (Micheal Griffin?) just because there is very little to offer in the draft at that position…
I think that Dallas will then have to decide if they want to add a FA corner or fill that need in the draft. I have heard that this is a deep draft for corners so that may be the plan.
Then we also need to look at NT if they are serious about moving RAT, and this seems to be a deep FA class of NT.
Regardless, Dallas has never been scared of drafting the BPA even if it doesn’t fill a need.
death of the cool - January 13, 2012
Who are the FA NT's that you are thinking about?
5Blings - January 13, 2012
Somebody says NT, Blings shows up. I sense a pattern.
One.Cool.Customer - January 13, 2012
For someone so statistically minded as yourself...
you’re awfully slow on the draw.
I was expecting at least ONE multi-color graph.
5Blings - January 13, 2012
Shoot so do mine I would love to have a brute up the middle!
Cowboys_Attack - January 14, 2012
Simply inappropriate...
dunkman - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Paul Soliai
He’s young and a pretty good talent and a free agent. Also, who knows if Miami keeps the 3-4 with the new coach they get. Switching to a 4-3 from a 3-4 is much easier than the other way because any of your current linemen can play DT and your OLB’s just move to DE (or possibly stay at LB) and your inside guys, well you decide who is the best MLB and the others go to outside.
I say go grab Paul Soliai if you’re serious about moving Jay to DE, don’t resign Kenyon Coleman, Keep everyone else and you have a starting lineup of Paul Soliai, Jay Ratliff and Jason Hatcher, with Sean Lissemore, Josh Brent, Marcus Spears and Robert Callaway to back them up. And any of those guys could play any spot on the line except maybe Hatcher and Spears being DEs only.
ProBowlFactory - January 13, 2012
Free Agency Is Key: See Houston Texans
Rember the Texans once maligned secondary? Remember when Cowboy fans everywhere laughed themselves silly when a Dallas secondary player left to sign with Houston? Well, laugh no more; last year the Texans added two FAs that turned out to be the Texans’ most important players: safety Danieal Manning and cornerback Johnathan Joseph.
Previously, the Texans’ secondary was one of the worst in the NFL. Today it is one of the best. Much of the credit goes to these two free-agent signees . The two veterans set the tone for the secondary and they are playmakers. Manning and Joseph each had an interception in the Texans’ playoff win over the Bengals, and they were second and third (behind Cushing) in tackles in the game.
Manning quarterbacks the defense and is its surest tackler. He finished fourth on the team in stops despite missing three games with a broken leg. Joseph, who led the team with 15 pass breakups and four interceptions, locks in on the opponent’s best receiver. A first-time Pro Bowl selection, he is among the best cornerbacks in the league and improving.
Iowacowboy - January 13, 2012
I'm still angry about not signing Joseph last year. Big mistake on our part. If we were seriously entertaining signing Nnambdi,
we could easily have afforded Joseph.
pfloyd1 - January 13, 2012
Face palm
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
+1
Key19 - January 13, 2012
major mistake
i dont know what they were thinking.
cmttx - January 13, 2012
They also have a strong front seven. That helps a secondary tremendously.
jazzbo251 - January 13, 2012
I'm confused
You lament the fact that Houston signed Jacques Reeves away from us?
I’ve been sending them Christmas cards for nothing????
5Blings - January 13, 2012
Who?
Rena - January 13, 2012
AKA "Eli's Little Helper"
dunkman - January 14, 2012 via mobile
I was joking.
Rena - January 14, 2012
I know
dunkman - January 15, 2012 via mobile
+1
LOL hated that punk.
Cowboys_Attack - January 14, 2012
I would like to point out...
that up to this point I have not read one post anticipating the drafting of a tight end in the first three rounds of the draft. Because, when we inevitably do so, I do not want to hear about what a great pick it is because it fills a need.
Beuerleincouldhavebeenbetterthentroy - January 13, 2012
We'll probably take that kid from Temple in the 5th Rd
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
The one with the bad attitude who thinks everyone should kiss his feet?
Rena - January 13, 2012
"then" is a different word
than “than.” Just sayin’.
(English prof)
Tennessee_Jed - January 13, 2012
Thanks...
try researching how to change a username on here and let me know how it works out.
Beuerleincouldhavebeenbetterthentroy - January 13, 2012
email sbnation
thebigham - January 13, 2012
Coby Fleener
Could be a good pick if Marty B leaves as expected. Seems similar to Witten.
HarrisburgCowboyFan - January 13, 2012
Tere is a chance Kirkpatrick falls to us, if he does that is the pick
Nardfather - January 13, 2012
One of four should be there at #14, DeCastro, Kirkpatrick, Ingram, or Upshaw.
pfloyd1 - January 13, 2012
Upshaw probably will, but you forget one
Devon Still from Penn State. He would be a good pickup for the D-line, although I think the front office is feeling pretty comfortable there since they just signed Robert Callaway to a 3-year off of the practice squad. That means they don’t just like something about him, they LOVE something about that kid.
ProBowlFactory - January 13, 2012
I am torn
on DeCastro as I like the idea of another stud Olineman, Upshaw and Ingram two big athletes that would create a lot of havoc on the otherside of DWare…..who is going to make the biggest impact from day one and who will be a game changer….I keep going back and forth….I like Upshaw as he was QB in HS and is a freak athlete, but did all the talent around him make him better than he actually was? I am glad I am not a scout…seems like a tough decision to make.
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 13, 2012
WB is saying Upshaw is just a sidegrade. That he will probably only get 6 sacks a year and stuff the run also.
Rena - January 14, 2012
Three year deals off of the practice squad doesn't mean much.
It keeps another team from taking him, but allows the team to cut the player with virtually no penalty to the cap.
Nickthegrip - January 13, 2012
Hightower?
Raf and WB discuss Hightower today, he just declared for the draft. WB thinks Hightower is better than Upshaw at rushing.
http://www.cowboysnation.com/2012/01/bunting-part-i-can-bama-backer-answer.html
I really like instinctive players.
Rena - January 13, 2012
aupshaw doesn't worth the 14th pick
ratware - January 13, 2012
All I ask
Is if this team is going to take a pass rusher, that it please not give up a 2nd rd pick, a 3rd rd pick, and a 5th rd pick like they did in 2007 to draft Anthony Spencer #26 overall, when they could have taken him or LaMarr Woodley at # 36 in the 2nd rd.
Spencer’s career:
1) It cost the Cowboys 3 picks in the 2007 draft: the 2nd rd pick sent to the Eagles has morphed into Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and the Cardinals 2012 2nd Rd pick.
2) Spencer has put up 250 tackles, 21.5 sacks, 1 INT, 9 FFs for his career.
Now compare with LaMarr Woodley who the Steelers took with the 46th pick (2nd Rd) in 2007.
1) All it cost was a 2nd pick
2) 220+ tackles, 48 sacks, 4 INTs, 7 FFs
Note: Woodley plays the same position Spencer plays. Both came out of the Big10 and Woodley was the more decorated player.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
The Move Up to Draft Spencer
. . . was an unmitigated disaster.
Iowacowboy - January 13, 2012
yup
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
yeah
Blue Eyed Devil - January 13, 2012
God I forgot we gave up that much
So between Anthony Spencer and Roy Williams we spent
1 – 1st
1 – 2nd
2 – 3rds
2 – 5ths
We gave up 6 draft picks for a complete bust and a JAG.
And we wonder why we have no one to play guard, center, or safety. All the players who should be occupying those positions never had a chance to get drafted because we gave away those picks.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 13, 2012
lol when you break it down it looks so much worse
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
This makes me drink
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 13, 2012
OMG!
that is a complete failure
cmttx - January 13, 2012
I'm about sick of the hindsight to Lamar Woodley
I’m pissed about it too, but hey, can we drop it. It makes about as much sense to talk about as T.O. being a Cowboy…
ProBowlFactory - January 13, 2012
I honestly forgot we gave up that many picks
ouch
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
So we gave up 6 picks for 2 players who have been average or worse ? Brilliant !!
football mensa - January 13, 2012
pretty much
Jerry would have gotten fired three different times now anywhere else
1-Spencer
2-Roy Williams trade
3-2009 draft
I like some of the recent moves the last two years, but those 3 events would get you fired
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
The hole Jerry has put this team in will take more than the last two drafts to make up for.
Chia you and I could have done better as blind men.
football mensa - January 13, 2012
I think my cat Winston could have done a better job in 2009
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
I bet my cat could have done a better job than your cat
LOL.
Chia, I love your posts/comments!
RenoCowboy - January 14, 2012
don't forget about the decade of draft disasters after Jimmy and before Parcells...
dcsince77 - January 13, 2012 via mobile
you know what is alarming?
Spencer has 21.5 career sacks in 5 seasons, Ware has 20 in 2011
Spencer has 6 sacks in 2011, Butler had 3 in 2011
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
And it nothing has changed. Jerry is a stubborn man. He is an arrogant man.....
and he is a fool. He believes this team is stacked.
football mensa - January 13, 2012
Jerry is a smart man. He knows there is going to be a huge increase with football.
While we are the 2nd most profitable sports franchise in the world, imagine what he could make if we won a Superbowl or 2 with Romo. He knows it, and is doing whatever it takes to make it happen, now. And if that means listening to JG or SJ then so be it.
thebigham - January 13, 2012
LMAO. This isn't a business blog. On a business blog Jerry would be considered smart.
However since this is football blog
Jerry is arrogant, stubborn and miles from smart.
football mensa - January 13, 2012
I think Jerry is very business smart but is arrogant and stubborn
look how long it took to can Roy Williams
he hates admitting to failure
I think Jerry really lacks football smarts, considering he is the GM
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
No question why Dallas is in the shape they are in.
football mensa - January 13, 2012
That's always been the problem with JJ. He is simply not a football man and IMO is not qualified to be the GM.
He doesn’t know schemes, personnel, etc. If after Jimmy left and after 16 years with 1 playoff win, how many GMs would not have been fired had they not owned the team? We can only hope that he is GM in name only and JG and Stephen call the shots. I have a feeling that is the case and also have a feeling that Stephen’s ego is nothing compared to his father.
pfloyd1 - January 13, 2012
I have big faith in Stephen actually
for starters, he isnt Jerry Jones, he doesnt have an ego like that and is wired differently
Jerry is just unique, all powerful rich men are
Stephen knows the business side, but he appears to know the football side too
I really like Stephen Jones and will applaud the day he takes over
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
To be honest, though, Tex wasn't much of a "football guy" either.
As GM, he simple knew to hire the right people (Landry and Brandt) and get out of their way while he worked his marketing genius. If Jerry can learn to do that, it makes no difference if he formally surrenders the title of GM or not.
TheBlueBaron - January 14, 2012
Jerry is on record saying he will never do that
But I suppose we can all still dream, can’t we.
RenoCowboy - January 14, 2012
this is my problem with Jerry Jones
I think he has an eye for talent at skill positions, but I don’t think he knows how to build a football team
offensive line, defensive line, defense
stuff like that
especially in this 3-4 defense, we haven’t built a solid football team
I mean we have talent, really good talent but its spread out at the skill positions
I think he lacks the knowledge and understanding to build a football team as a whole
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
Yup Chia. Jerry has no clue on building a team.
The 3-4 has confused this team since it began the process of switching.
football mensa - January 13, 2012
I think Parcells had a good grasp on it but after that, idk
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
Bill only had one good draft though.
football mensa - January 13, 2012
Well with the soon to be very large increase in football revenue
Jerry wants a bigger piece of the pie and the only way to do that is win a superbowl with Romo. So he is doing whatever it takes, and that means giving up control to JG/SJ which we have been seeing signs of for the past year and they appear to be continuing.
thebigham - January 13, 2012
Charging 75 bucks to park is a greedy piece of the pie.
football mensa - January 13, 2012
I never been.
Are you sure Jerry owns the parking lot? You know how Kraft got to be the owner of the Patriots? He first owned the parking lot of the old stadium.
thebigham - January 13, 2012
Kraft owns Kraft Mac and Cheese, thats how he is balling
what now? kraft owned our parking lot?
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
Actually he isn't part of that Kraft family
and no he owned the Patriots parking lot. Its very interesting to hear how he came to owning the patriots. It almost didn’t happen and they were about to move them.
thebigham - January 13, 2012
interesting
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
yeah look him up one time
he’s a great story.
thebigham - January 13, 2012
They share parking with the Rangers, not sure who gets the $ and sets the rate.
Rena - January 13, 2012
I see.
Is it really 75$ to park ?
thebigham - January 13, 2012
yes
football mensa - January 13, 2012
I'd walk.
thebigham - January 13, 2012
I have heard the close lots are. The further lots are less.
http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/guests/parkingMap.cfm
The map breaks them down into Cowboys and Rangers lots. If my sister calls me back I will ask her. She used to be a accountant for the City of Arlington and now is the head of Accounting in a neighboring city. She knows a lot of the details of the stadium deal and how it is working out.
Rena - January 13, 2012
Ah okay.
Thanks
thebigham - January 13, 2012
I love Jerry the owner, the GM not so much
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
If Jerry was doing whatever it took to make a Super Bowl win happen, he would have $h!tcanned his GM for either the Riy Williams trade or the 2009 draft
Seanrude - January 13, 2012
Ware had 20 in 2008 and 19.5 in 2011
In Spencer’s career he has 21.5 sacks; in two of those seasons Ware totaled 39.5 sacks-nearly doubling Spencer’s career production.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Greg Ellis in his final 3 years in the NFL
2007 with Dal had 12.5 sacks
2008 with Dal had 8 sacks
2009 with Oak had 7.5 sacks
That’s 28 sacks. Just saying Spencer in his prime hasn’t put up those numbers as a fulltime starter since 2009.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
nope
he isnt that good
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
I know you're tired of Spencer talk
as am I. But these facts need to be made public so ppl know who we’re having to negotiate with in free agency.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
oh I totally agree bro
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
Spencer is going to get a big check that we won't be able to match is the reason we will lose him.
Not because of his production or play.
Rex Pfister - January 13, 2012
No one is disputing that
Dallas won’t match his big offer from another idiot operation because that would be overpaying for mediocre production.
Rohpuri - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Ok you guys going to post ... new fact ok...
Greg Ellis didn’t play OLB he played LDE or RDE most of his Career average 6 sacks per year during his career and started every game. from the 98 – 2002 season… starting 76 games he had a total of 27 sacks that’s .355 sacks per game. In the converse Spencer started 53 games and had 21.5 sacks which averages out to .405 sacks per game. Also Greg started all those games from LDE or RDE. He also played only one year at ROLB where he got only 4.5 sacks. His last two seasons 07 and 08 covered the first two years of Spencers career. So his playing time was greatly deminished and really only has 3 years as the Cowboys starter.
Rex Pfister - January 13, 2012
Ellis played OLB when Parcells switched to 3-4 beginning in 2005
Rohpuri - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Ellis was a 4-3 DE and hated playing the 3-4
He went to Oakland to go back to DE because he did not like playing OLB
Rex Pfister - January 13, 2012
I hate to be an a$$ but this irrelevant context
Ellis was also a pro, who despite playing out of position as an OLB, did his job, and did it admirably.
In his final 3 yrs in the NFL (2007-2009),when he was past his prime, he put up more sacks than Spencer did in his first 3 yrs as a full-time starter (2009-2011). That’s a relevanr fact that can’t be denied.
Rohpuri - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Yes and you can always find disasters if you keep going back
At the time Spencer was rated highly by all the draft boards. Nothing you can do… we traded away picks that we traded down for and it really did not cost us much as far as player count. We ended up with 8 picks that year 1x 1st, 1x 3rd 2x 4th 2x 6th, 2x 7th and I don’t think anyone was crying after his first year. The team went 13-3 and Spencer started in 6 games and had 3 sacks and 2 FF. It’s easy to look at something after the fact and say it was a bad move but when you look at it at that time… How do you know?
I would really love to see someone pick the players that are going to be all-pros 4 years from now out of this years draft. Go ahead try your luck pick 7 players from each of the rounds. Make sure that you select the round talent available.
(whoever falls)
1st David DeCastro OG Stanford or Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama
2nd Mark Barron SS Alabama or C Peter Konz Wisconsin
3rd Trumaine Johnson CB Montana or Stephon Gilmore CB South Carolina
4th Donte Paige-Moss OLB/DE North Carolina or Cordaro Law OLB/DE Southern Miss
5th Kellen Moore QB Boise State or Brock Osweiler QB Arizona State
6th Delano Howell S Stanford or DeAngelo Tyson DT Georgia
7th Coby Fleener TE Stanford or Blake Decristopher G Virginia Tech
Those are my 7 picks not sure how they are ranked who’s going to fall but I stayed out of any first round talent even though some of these guys had Melvin Ingram ranked as a 6th rounder … I looked at them like they were nuts.
Rex Pfister - January 13, 2012
Barron and Konz are likely 1st rounders.
Paige-Moss I wouldn’t touch at all. Major attitude issues on and off field and he just tore his ACL Christmas. 1st round talent, but the attitude and injury issues may see him not drafted at all.
Rena - January 14, 2012
I have a question for anyone who is willing to answer it
I am currently having some issues with my Position Outlook Series. I am Currently working on the OLB position, and have run into a problem…Dallas currently has only TWO OLBs under contract for the 2012 season near as I can Figure….Can anybody confirm this?… Roto World is giving me some contradictory Information, and I don’t know of any other site that would have up to date contract Info…..
IF anyone could help me out I would greatly appreciate it…..
I am Ironman!!! - January 13, 2012
spotrac.com
One.Cool.Customer - January 13, 2012
thanks OCC
I am Ironman!!! - January 13, 2012
Checked it out
and my fears are confirmed…Dallas has a Mere two OLB’s currently under Contract…..wow…
I am Ironman!!! - January 13, 2012
I think you overlooked the mighty Alex Albright as well as Baraka Atkins, who was signed to a futures contract last week.
One.Cool.Customer - January 13, 2012
Baraka Atkins is from the U too
but I don’t think he is the next big thing for us unfortunately
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
I couldn't find anything about Atkins on Spotrac
and Roto World was saying that He signed with the Steelers….They have him listed as signing with us, but on the player profile they have him signing with The Steelers on the 11th
and nothing on either site about Albright, either…..
I am Ironman!!! - January 13, 2012
Baraka Atkins is a nobody
purely a camp body that they are giving a shot to but he is nothing to get excited about
I would be more excited about Albright
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
true
basically a Spencer clone( and not even a good one at that)
I am Ironman!!! - January 13, 2012
yup
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
also Draft scout.com
has Atkins signing with the Steelers……
I am Ironman!!! - January 13, 2012
hes a Cowboy
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
part of the problem is we never added any
2009 was the only year since Spencer that I remember us drafting an OLB
they doubled down on Brandon Williams, a Wade guy that flamed out and hit on Victor Butler
that is why its real interesting to watch and see what happens with Anthony Spencer, that decision will have ripple effects
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
Ware, Spencer, Butler and Albright
Those were our OLBs last season. Albright I believe had a 1-year contract and Spencer we know. So yes, only two under contract, depending on if we bring back Albright. http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/
ProBowlFactory - January 13, 2012
yeah I looked there
I am tempted to hold off on the OLB outlook and move on…but man.. that would be a brutal ranking for the position with arguably Dallas’ best player (3 stars at most)
I am Ironman!!! - January 13, 2012
As a position group it would be one star. Because that's all they have. One star.
football mensa - January 13, 2012
try again Mensa
it would probably be 3 star because of D-Ware…..but yikes…..
I am Ironman!!! - January 13, 2012
Jerry, Garrett and Rob as well as.......
95% of the fans on BTB were the only ones who didn’t know Dallas didn’t have a defense. The rest of us knew. It ain’t hard.
football mensa - January 13, 2012
Rob can have any toy he wants.
Except pick #14.
thebigham - January 13, 2012
I would be real frustrated if I was Rob Ryan
ok Rob, here you go, you get the talent on the roster, Kenyon Coleman, Abe Elam and Bruce Carter, but Carter really wont be ready until next year
thats tough to take
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
Thats how the draft fell and how the team approached it.
But this year is all his, except for pick #14.
So do we make a play for Avirl, bring Adams over, and maybe get Grimes/Fin/ and/or Griffin? Then draft away possibly trading up to get Poe or some other D talent?
thebigham - January 13, 2012
I just want to see him in the war room about what players he likes and how reacts
imagine the first two picks or two of the first three picks are on offense?
he might walk out the door and quit
idk about Avril, I am not feeling that really, I would much rather pay for a G or Michael Griffin or a CB
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
True the point is
Even if we draft DeCastro and resign LRon, there is still more than enough for Ryan to fix some holes on defense and make it what he wants.
thebigham - January 13, 2012
I agree with the avril thing.
I think he will be a good player but the immediate upgrade isn’t there I don’t feel like he will start and show an immediate upgrade over our ends now. Specially with the Ratliff move. Guard center and corneebacks will be an immediate upgrade even with a learning the NFL level in the first season. Would like to see another olb but the problem is the lack of talent in the draft at the position. And again the immediate upgrade at the position. Next draft it has to be addressed along with qb and te.
Sado44 - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Ok my bad avril from the lions.
OK well he might workout but a known 4-3 end doing well at the position doesn’t mean he is gonna excel at the 3-4 olb positions.
Sado44 - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Reason 8750985719871-98745-91845-918471- to return the 4-3.
It’s easier to draft for.
football mensa - January 13, 2012
I concur
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
not only
might he walk out and quit he might carry JJs severed head out with him. Like Ryan or not the man does need some talent to work with and he didnt have it this season
sexililkitti - January 13, 2012 via mobile
I am just glad he is getting another year
but if they don’t give him much again, I expect the same results, maybe even worse if that is possible
defense has to get talent, I truly wish I had extra picks this year and money to spend in free agency
Archie Barberio - January 13, 2012
"He's Just Makin' The Best Of A Bad Stuation...
Just tryin’ to get by can’t cha see?" (Said Roger Miller!) Well, here’s hoping that the REST of the “powers that be” (Jerry, his son and Garrett) having watched double digit leads go down the drain; will draft some DEFENSIVE personnel THIS YEAR! Hopefully, starting with another pass rusher and then better DB’s! After that they can look for depth. As they have MORE RB’s than they need; keeping Murray, Tanner and Morris and trading Felix for more picks, as well as cutting or trading Buehler (who is a sideline decoration at this point) would also help!
Howleyesque - January 13, 2012
Morris is too old
I think we pick up another RB in the first four rounds. And trade buehler? I’m sure there’s tons of teams clamoring for a kicker that can’t make a kick.
matt575 - January 13, 2012 via mobile
If Jerry owned 2 teams he would trade with himself to nab Buehler.
It would be interesting to what he would give up.
football mensa - January 13, 2012
Multiple 1st round picks?
5Blings - January 13, 2012
LOL Blings.
football mensa - January 13, 2012
BEUHLER STRONG BEUHLER FAST BEUHLER SMASH BALL BEUHLER SMASH OPPONENT
Seanrude - January 13, 2012
Puny Special Teamers!!!!
5Blings - January 13, 2012
I have a strong
Feeling that rob gets his nt that he has been asking for. He showed alot of intrest in the Brent which is good. Robs defense calls for a bigger nt than what he currently had. I understand not wanting to move Ratliff his talent and athleticism makes him very viable there but maybe we all get our wish next season. Trade down and get Poe and get two in CBS in round two and a guard or center in 3rd and I’d say we are on our way.
Sado44 - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Who would that be?
5Blings - January 13, 2012
I don't understand why a lot of people want to trade down
We have pick 15. There will be a very good prospect there. I’d rather have a quality prospect than quantity of draft picks.
BrickTop - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Morris Is Too Old
LONG TERM, but AT THIS TIME he is STILL a better option than using a draft pick you need to fill a hole on a defense that’s FULL of them! He played well, this year and has a couple more left in him, so I say USE HIM NOW and replace him LATER. As for trading Buehler, ya don’t KNOW until ya TRY. IF he can’t be traded THEN cut him, but TRY to get something out of him FIRST (even a seventh round pick is better than nothing!.
Howleyesque - January 13, 2012
I assume they are joking about trading Beuhler.
It is kinda unusual for a kicker to get drafted, almost all are UDFA’s. And with the new KO rules his strong leg is not as valuable.
Rena - January 14, 2012
" 'Who I'm coaching, I'll have them ready.'"
16 games in and guys were still running around while the ball was actually being snapped.
Crazy.
Good Luck with this guy as the DC. I just don’t see it. I think we’ll get the same results he had in Oakland and Cleveland. Mediocre.
Realist Larry - January 14, 2012
Hence OL!
Protect Romo, let him outscore the other team. Pound them with Murray and hope our defense gets lucky once or twice every game haha
thebigham - January 14, 2012
so we could end up with the #3 Defense?
OK Sign me up!
I am Ironman!!! - January 14, 2012
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