Blogging The Boys

Pretty much any 4-3 linebacker translates to the 3-4

As a middle linebacker. Don’t have the size our strength to play outside in a 3-4. Carter is about 20 pounds smaller than Spencer and Ware.

CotySaxman - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Carter will not play OLB in a 3-4, its an awful idea

to that end

Carter is 6-2/6-3 ~240….I could see him putting on 10-15 lbs without losing his athleticism and @ 240 would be big enough to “hold up” at SOLBand a reported sub 4.5 40(Spencer runs a 4.7) would be alot better Pass rusher….

Remember that Shot that Anthony had at Vick when Spencer Came unblocked? Yeah Carter makes that tackle 9 times out of ten….

should be @ 250 here:

and @ 240 would be big enough to "hold up" at SOLB

no he is 233 pounds

he has never been a pass rusher in his high school or college career

its just a bad idea to move a guy there, he isn’t built for it

While were at it lets put Ratliff at corner...

It’s about as good of an idea.

I wont go there

but I understand where Ironman is coming from, thats his thing, he likes to look at numbers and combine numbers to get a feel for where a guy could play, but I just totally disagree with it this time

Ironman's the man

But even a broken clock’s right twice a day, so the converse is also true. Everyone’s wrong from time to time and this is one of those times where Ironman’s off. He’s too small and he’s never done it in his career. If it were either a size or an experience issue, it’d be one thing but there’s two strikes against him at the position. Let him play ILB and blitz the a-gap if you want him to be a pass rusher…just not the SLB.

it's not just that Chia

as I understand it..Our SOLB tends to be the “cover” OLB, meaning that most of the time He will drop into coverage and Defend the Pass and run… and every once in a while will rush the passer…

Which for the most part is what Carter did as a 4-3 OLB….Now I am not saying that right now(even I know that 233 is too light to play the position) but IF Carter were to put on 10-15 Lbs while retaining his athleticism, that would put him @ 240-250 lbs which would be big enough with His Athleticism to play the position IMO…

but I understand where everyone is coming from though…..

its just asking a lot from a guy who missed a ton of time to switch positions

bulking up from 233 to 250 isn’t a light task either

I want to keep Carter in the middle, thats what he does best
sideline to sideline player

To be fair to Ironman

Carter is still learning the system, he’s not used to playing ILB in Ryan’s system. Him moving from ILB to SLB isn’t as dramatic of a change as Rat moving off of NT to DE. He’s not used to any role or responsibility in the system. If there’s a time to switch a player, now is it.

I still think it’s a bad idea, his body’s used to playing at 235 or so, let him play where his body’s comfortable. I’m also for playing player’s closest to where they played at in college. So at the ILB position seems to be closet to where Carter played at in college. Let him use his athleticism in coverage and use him to blitz the a-gap from time to time.

hahahhahahahaaaa

rec— just for the audacity of it hahahahaaa

Funny you should mention that

As I wrote in my training camp reviews, They had Rat lined up at corner once.

Birddog26 - January 18, 2012 reply

Weren't they also talking about Ware @ Safety?

If I remeber right, Ware and Rat lined up at evey defensive position

Birddog26 - January 18, 2012 reply

Raf asked Wes Bunting about the same thing

he said it was an awful idea

Raf said the Cowboys are pretty honest about their height and weight numbers
they list Carter at 233

In my book

If Wes Bunting says it is an awful idea, then, by definition, it is something Rob Ryan should try (sarcasm intended). Obviously, my opinion, of Wes’s opinion, isn’t very high.

RenoCowboy - January 18, 2012 reply

yeah I was glad they brought it up actually

My only say about this

Look at what Lee was doing one handed. He wasn’t rushing the passer but he was disrupting everything that was trying to get into the middle. Not perfect but capable. When he had two good arms he was snagging INT’s.

My question goes out to those regulars who normally do a breakdown on a player. The projection of us possibly taking an ILB makes sense to me in some degree but not overall priority with our other needs that are showing. If the boys did pick up an ILB high in the draft does it look like there is anyone in our ILB’s that could be shifted to outside?

Vontaez Burfict

He’s 6’3 250 which is ideal 3-4 OLB body type. He’s fast and is a violent tackler.

He reminds a little of Joey Porter/James Harrison in style of play. Passionate about the game, but needs to control his emotions.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

its just a bad fit here

if we had someone who could lead him and mentor him I would be all for it
I would say Ware would be that guy but idk if it would work

I think Rob, Ware, Lee, And Ratliff could keep him in line.

Another problem. Dennis Erickson never knows how to handle emotional players.

Once he became coach at The U after Johnson went to Dallas, the players started doing even more outlandish and crazy stuff. He’s not a disciplinarian, he’s a push over coach. Hence he wasn’t able to keep Burfict in line at ASU.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Under Dennis Erickson

I think Miami set the NCAA record for penalty yardage in a season, and bowl game.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Well thats hard to say fhey could

Ware is a silent warrior its well know he isn’t vocal. Ratliff is about 3 weeks from being in a nut house. Lee might stand to be a leader but that would go along way special with his production on the team.

Sado44 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Off topic

But when Ware is done being a player in the NFL I could see him coaching or heading his own organization for causes he cares about. The guy is just one of the most upstanding people I’ve seen.

You would rather have him fall to the eagles? His attitude is everything this defense needs. Im very surprised that you dont want burfict considering the fact that you dont want spencer on the team next year either

DavidLaFleur - January 18, 2012 reply

Thank you

I worry that Burfict finds his way on the Eagles

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Burfict is an ILB

not an OLB – there’s a distinct difference. Some players can make that jump and others cant. Overall, you’re better off just drafting a guy for the position he’s cut out for…

Burfict has a 4.67 40 time

And if you watch his highlights, he’s got the closing speed to make sacks. I would definitely try it.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

4.67?

Carter once ran a 4.3 averages sub 4.4

Musiccitynorm - January 18, 2012 reply

Terrell Suggs

I recall fell due to a slow 40 time…

BWAREofDWARE94 - January 18, 2012 reply

We don't want anyone that compares to any Steelers.

Mikellie - January 18, 2012 reply

To beat your enemies you must have guys who play like them

The common identity of our chief rivals’ defenses
1) The hit people in the mouth on defense
2) The all have intimidating players
3) They have speed and quickness

Burfict meets all these criteria

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

You have to match up with them...

Not clone them.

If u have to include Carter

Wouldnt this combo be even more fearsome? Ware, Lee, Carter and Ingram????

Cuban Cowboy - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

What if you don't have a good trading partner

or you’re not getting value?

Trade with the Pats for one of their firsts and a 2nd rd

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I highly doubt the Pats will EVER trade up like that

They do trade up, occasionally.

Check OCC’s draft value post further down the front page. It lists the Pats trading up with the Bears.

Easy to say

Probably nearly impossible to do. They amass picks, not trade up.

But... they have been amassing picks for years now and look at what it has gotten them!

They have a no name and nobody defense. Their offense has 2 TEs and a WR and a QB but nobody else and they ALWAYS have a ton of picks….so maybe, just maybe Jerry says to them, “don’t ya think just once you should maybe spend some of those picks and go get the guy you think can get it done instead of holding the picks and getting left overs?”

worth a try, and like fishing -you don’t catch a fish unless you put the bait in the water!

It's like Ryan Reynolds said in The Change Up

“It never hurts to ask. You’d be surprised by what I get these girls to do. That catholic girl who says no, is really saying yes, you just have to ask.”

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Oh I think Jerry will ask

I’m not worried about Jerry finding trading partners. But here are two things:

1) I’m afraid of Jerry getting FLEECED that’s different. Plenty of teams want the #14 pick, but a team like the Pats won’t give up much to get it.

2) Since we’re talking about hypotheticals, might as well talk about multiple ones. Chances are we’ll want to stay put and just take the highest player on the board. Too easy to just keep saying “Trade down!”

I think it depends

On how they loss or win this year on how they choose to use there picks.

Sado44 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

exactly .. if it was me....

if i didnt see any1 worth drafting at 14 that was a need on this team id trade down pick up extra picks , incase of a trade up scenario in the 2nd round.

Barron is ranked 18th by Kiper

not sure you can trade down and get him if he is the player they covet.

ziggy19 - January 18, 2012 reply

Who cares about Kiper?

He’s just an idiot with an opinion. We can all create a mock draft that looks pretty similar to his. And probably would be just as accurate.

Mikellie - January 18, 2012 reply

He's got insane inside dope.

He’s been doing this for forever and he has better sources than anyone.

Isn't that true of every mock draft?

I don’t even follow college football, and I can probably assemble a mock draft for this year with a hit rate within 10% of anyone out there’s average.

That's exactly what I mean.

I can’t believe people get paid for this stuff. Especially fantasy football “experts”.

Mikellie - January 19, 2012 reply

There is still possiblitly they trade

Down and get Barron and Poe wouldn’t that make alot of people happy around here then I’d like to see Poe and a corner with more height than 5’10" on him though.

Sado44 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

barron is going to disappoint people

The safeties who disappoint people

1) the ones who are afraid to tackle
2) the ones who can’t make plays on the football
3) the ones who can’t run
4) the ones who can’t jump

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

and the ones who can't cover

Don't we have enough guys on this team that fit those descriptions??? ex: Sensabaugh

dcsince77 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Mark Barron is better than both Sensabaugh and Elam

I don't see how he could be. There are at least 14 other players in the draft better than him.

I see the eagles taking him which kind of sucks.

Dynamicduo - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I meant at the time that the #14 pick rolls around.

hopefullysombody jumps philly to take him....

Your assumimg the reid has wisend up

The way I think its gonna go is a wr in first cause Jackson and smith aren’t working out for them. Then a lb with one of the 2s they have.

Sado44 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

The Eagles rarely take a WR in the first rd

Under Andy Reid they’ve only drafted Freddie Mitchell and Jeremy Maclin.

The usually draft defensive linemen, and offensive linemen in the first round. Their MO is to take skill position guys later on.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Kuechly is great, but starting ILB is very low on the list for this team. My God, we drafted Carter

to start. The guy who picked Kuechly must not be up on our roster. The Iggles will pick Kuechly at #15, so I like the idea of screwing them by trading down a bit if our targetted player(s) will be there.

I would rather see Kuechly in an iggle uniform than Vontaze Burfict

That guy is going to be scary good, I don’t care how his season went this year

If we traded down in the 1st Rd I wouldn't mind Burfict

could you imagine putting him at OLB opposite Ware. He and Ware would be the answer to Mike Vick.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

we wont draft Burfict

people dont want Kirkpatrick or Jenkins, but they want Burfict
that amazes me

Burfict has to go to a team with good veteran leadership

it would be a disaster here

I don't want the Cowboys to get him

Just saying he s going to be a steal. Ravems would be licking their chops if he is still there. Perfect fit.

he is a Ravens type of draft pick

I think Burfict is a beast, but I have him rated so low now because of his negative character

right team, he will be very good

I think "strong locker room" is code for Ray Lewis.

recall the Ray Lewis to Cowboys rumor a few yrs ago

at the time I thought Ray was washed up and hated the thought but in retrospect…

ziggy19 - January 18, 2012 reply

this^

I think he was just trying to use Dallas for leverage, but that is just what this team needs, a mean SOB or two, I mean I love DWare, but he just slings guys to the ground, nobody hits anybody.

My biggest draft regret was taking Newman over Suggs, just close your eyes and imagine Suggs on one side and Ware on the other…………

Our biggest need on defense is an upgraded pass rush, that can make a poor secondary look good (see the Giants)

stephen1 - January 18, 2012 reply

His only flaw is he needs to channel his aggression on the field

He’s not a criminal or bad guy per se. Every defense needs a crazy guy. Whose our crazy guy? Rob Ryan? He doesn’t even play, LOL!

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I agree, we need that type of element

Garrett comes from the 1990s Cowboys

We KNOW those guys were not choir boys. Charles Haley was our crazy guy.

Garrett watched Jimmy, who allowed his guys to be fools and act crazy as long as they played with passion, showed up to work every day, and did their jobs.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

haha lol

yeah with some psychological tips pointing out to direct his anger just to ball carriers and on time he would be awesome. Maybe asking to much though

Personally speaking

I’d be extatic eith Burfict, Jenkins, or Kirkpatrick.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Agree Chai, we won't draft Burfict in the first. He's better off with a team like the Ravens, where Ray Lewis can mentor him.

His Character issues are that he plays too aggressive

That’s a damn good problem to have.

Character issue is that*

Yes, but who needs a bunh of PFs. The guys a loose canon.

bunch of PFs

It is a really good problem

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Just don't want to chance pick #14 on a guy like him.

Would you rather the Eagles take him and watch him wreck havoc against us?

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Eagles will likey go for Kuechly the safer bet.

I’m also not going to base my draft strategy on what the Eagles might do. Makes no sense to draft a guy because the Eagles might draft him.

http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-07-28/the-meanest-man-in-college-football-vontaze-burfict

Burfict is a first round talent

If you don’t think the Eagles go for guys who like to rip your head off, you’re sorely mistaken. If the Eagles don’t, either the Steelers or Ravens will.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Here's an example of his character and work ethic

“Burfict was a sophomore in high school when he decided he had to leave home and stay for weeks at a time with the family of Tia Magee, an academic counselor and mother of his Centennial High School—and current Arizona State—teammate Brandon Magee. Burfict was ineligible for nearly his entire sophomore season, and he had to make up a year and a half of coursework with summer school, night classes and independent courses over the next two years.”

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

continued

“From near academic casualty to a player former USC coach Pete Carroll whined about upon losing the recruiting battle to Arizona State, Burfict now is arguably the most gifted—and complicated—player in the game.”

http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-07-28/the-meanest-man-in-college-football-vontaze-burfict

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

combined with your next comment and if tia magee was sick or something you portrayed at the sime time

the dream of a football fan girl

http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-07-28/the-meanest-man-in-college-football-vontaze-burfict

I for one think we need to get us some Nasty of the defensive side of the ball

You saw how the Barbarian woke up the offense, well that should always be happening on the defensive side of the ball !!! Attitude and Defense are twin siblings that should not be separated! IMO

We need a guy like this.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I love this quote

“An NFL scout calls [Burfict] "what you get after you kick Ray Lewis’ dog."”

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Burfict would be great

if he fell to us in the second round. His nastiness paired with someone like Cortland Finnegan in the secondary would give our defense some intimidation factor

cmttx - January 18, 2012 reply

and lots of 15 yard penalties

Yeah but would you rather have our defense surrender games like this year?

I mean, did they play a whole 60 minutes in any game?
=And neither Packers nor the Saints could muster a defensive performance meager enough to give their high powered offenses the ability to win the game for them (granted the Pack had a tone of drops and both had turn overs…but defenses cause turn overs)

So Burfict would make our defense play 60 mins?

You can make our defense better without adding a guy that’ll prolly spend his career paying the NFL for late hits. Not to mention how it could affect the game, it could extend an offensive drive and deflate the defense. You’ve watched this team this year, multiple times we get a stop on third only to have a hold or some stupid penalty extend the drive and a few mins later… TD. We need smart football players that help the team not ones that are undisciplined and stupid.

The guy is actually a smart football player

Vontaez Burfict has to passions in life, football, and his mother, taking care of her.

The guy loves the game, and is actually an instinctual player. Hez’s the type of guy who’d rather take a penalty that watch his defense give up a big play.

Perfect example:

One year ASU was playing Georgia, the Bulldogs were near the goal line about to score a TD; as soon as the official spot the ball at the LOS, Burfict saw that his team had lined up in the wrong formation which could have resulted in a TD. Burfict took either a defensive delay of game penalty or an offsides penalty (I forget) and on the very next play leaped over the offensive line and disrupted a fb dive play at the goalli e, preventing a TD. if I remember correctly, Georgia didn’t score a TD on that drive.

For a smart player

He takes a lot of stupid unnecessary penalties. We’ve all seen how penalties can turn a game this year, a defensive holding call, roughing the passer, pass interference on 3rd down. We have enough of those without Burfict and I guarantee you that he would add to our total.

i doubt you'd need to worry about many holding calls on Burfict

the OL might be holding Burfict but he’s not a lazy holder

DCNation73 - January 19, 2012 reply

The penalties that kill us

Pass Interference, Illegal Contact, Illegal shift, Offensive Holding, False Start, 12 men in the huddle.

Burfict would have 0 influence on those penalties.

Rohpuri - January 19, 2012 via mobile reply

He'd add roughing the passer to that list

with the way the NFL is officiating and his reputation he’s gonna get flagged.

Did the defense surrender games, or did the offense not score in the second half?

I mean by all measures the defense was about average, it just seems like the defense was terrible because of the raw numbers that they allowed. However, 4K yards might not even get you in the top ten of passing yards these days.

Peyton Manning is going to retire.....I think he has a reasonable chance of being a first ballot hall of famer.

Yes, and there's a reasonable chance that bears poop in the woods.

I'll be shocked if he isn't 1st ballot

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Ro the first ballot thing was a joke.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7467078/mel-kiper-first-mock-draft-year

sorry, been a long day. you got me

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Some people just like to mock Jerry Jones

and thus have him making dumb picks. Oh well.

In other news, Mel Kiper’s Mock 1.0 has Dallas taking DeCastro.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

DeCastro is being associated with the Cowboys

much the same way Tyron was last year which is a good sign. We get him and a FA interior linemen, our offense will simply explode for the next several years.

I'd love it if we siged Nicks and drafted DeCastro

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I'd rather sign one of the FA centers than Nicks

For one, they will be less expensive and second, you can have 4 all-pro linemen at guard and tackle, but if your center sucks so will your entire OL.

If you’re going to have a weak spot on the OL, it can’t be at center which we have witnessed this season.

Would't mind a C either.

Agree...

I’d like a JAG or an adequate center and a Finnegan or a better corner. If you draft DeCastro and get an adequate Center some permutation of Lumpy/Koiser/Akrin/Nagy ought to be able to start as the other guard.

The FA C class is fairly weak outside of the Chargers players who are both FAs this yr

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

not true, the FA center class has some good prospects

I like Myers from the Texans myself.

Yes, a FA C will be cheaper

than Nicks. And probably more valuable too.

I think we'll draft a Center

I could be wrong, but I don’t see us signing one.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I think the Texans bring him back

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

myers is 30, too old, he will start to decline very very soon

The bar's better than Kowalski or Costa...

Not very high. Just an adequate guy is what I’m looking for…middle of the pack center.

crazy but true

we had one of the worst centers last year, I would be happy with a middle of the pack type guy myself

I mean really the Spencer of Centers would be worlds better.

Put DeCastro on one side of an average center and maybe like a Lumpy on rush downs and Akrin/Nagy on pass downs on the other side all of the sudden an average Center might look above average.

DeCastro will be good

but dont’ think he can step in and start compensating for poor C play.

Not poor...adequate.

I’m saying you need a better center, some guy that’s about average…that’s way better than Costa.

Ok, you want average?

Tell me, what was Costa’s grade at C for the last 1/2 of this season?

Hint, It was a hair above average.

Yes, but he was DEPLORABLE throughout the first half.

So if he was average throughout the whole season that’s still a pretty big upgrade. There’s sample size issues too, and besides an average first half doesn’t overtake a godawful first half. I think Costa CAN be the long term center, but he has to get a lot better. I’m not anywhere near as down on Costa as the rest of the board, but I think he needs some serious work.

Oh, I agree he needs to improve.

I am just trying to get threw a few heads that he improved quite a bit as the season went on and the last 1/2 he was actually average.

I don’t really care who is the starting C next year, as long as they are better than what we had this year.

Yeah, a lot of people get down on a guy and don't give up...

Look some players are THAT bad, Colombo, MBIII. RW, etc. However, most of the players that everyone’s down on are more of the average to slightly above average variety, some guys are slightly below average or mediocre…but very few are as bad as everyone portrays them. Ideally I’d like for them to monitor Costa and Kowalski very closely for the next two months and see what they think, if they think that they don’t have the high enough ceiling to start they have to look at Centers in the draft (and the class is a pretty good one to look at centers). Either way, I’d like a stop gap center to be an adequate center while they develop one for the future.

Yeah, all the young OL guys need to be watched closely.

After all, they normally need several years to reach top potential. Make sure they are improving and learning.

Parnell is the only one close to my cut list. It is his 4th year. If he can’t be a able backup in year 4 I would be ready to cut him lose.

Yeah...

TBH, I wonder which ones are practice squad fodder, you only have 53 spots open some of these developmental guys gottta go. Kowalski or Costa practice squad candidates? It’d be hard to justify keeping both of them on the 53 man with another center, let alone Akrin, Nagy, and Lumpy. I’m sure the folks at Valley Ranch are spending countless hours watching Costa/Kowalski.

Tyrone the reams has a lot of holes. They won't all be fixed in one draft.

The team....

I completely agree

That’s why w/ the 14th pick, you take the guy who has the highest upside. DeCastro. You can try and fix the pass rush and/or secondary w/ the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Using later picks on CB and DE makes sense because Claiborne will most assuredly be gone by 14, DreKirk is a pothead and there’s really no pass-rushing DE worthy of 1st round.

Chase Minnefield or Markelle Martin woudl be great 2nd round picks.

Tyrone Jenkins - January 19, 2012 reply

DeCastro might be able to play Center

I think he’s that gifted. Just saying, it’s always a possibility.

The line could look like:
LT: Smith
LG: Nicks/Grubs
C DeCastro
RG: Lumpy/Kosier/Arkin/Nagy
LT: Free

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

IMHO,Decastro at #14.Sign Meyers in FA.Bring back Holland on a 2 year deal.

That would give the young guys another year preparing for the big show and our o-line would still be very,very good. That would leave $$$ to sign in house FAs and maybe the best available def FA,DB or pass-rush.This is my wish list.

NVCowboy4Life - January 18, 2012 reply

Yeah

Agreed…get a few stop gap type players. Someone that will allow Costa, Kowalski, or someone else to develop at Center and then sign a guard that’ll allow Akrin/Nagy to develop to take over as starter.

getting myers would require a big contract on a 30 yo player, that would be a mistake

Getting Meyers and drafting Decastro then resign Holland would all three cost less than signing Nicks or Grubbs!!

Yes Meyers is thirty but he at worst is a stop-gap for Kowalski or Nagy. Giving Nagy,Kowalski,and Arkin another year with Woicik and Callahan would only improve them.2013 let the best players start and have real depth with all these guys who play multiple positions. Not to mention that our o-line could very easily be the best in the league. Going this route would also cost half what Nicks is going to cost and the $$$ saved could be used to sign in-house FAs and a quality defensive FA(CB,Safety,or pass rush). JMHO.

Me too.

Raf wrote a great article on this recently and I completely concur.

jazzbo251 - January 18, 2012 reply

Yeah, Grab Houston's Center

He’s 30 which is prime real estate for a Center… and they have had a great offense for running the ball since he’s been there.

Don't you think Houston will try to keep their C?

Rohpuri - January 19, 2012 via mobile reply

DeCastro is a no brainer if he's there at #14.

What an OL we’d have if we were able to sign Grubbs or Nicks as well.

so if fixing the offense doesnt change things where does the finger point then?

if Dallas goes 8-8/9-7 again next season then you can expect big changes

DCNation73 - January 19, 2012 reply

assuming we can sign Carl Nicks

I’d like Upshaw or Ingram. Think Dre might fall due to his drug arrest? I think we’ll be able to draft him or Janoris Jenkins after the first round. I’d be happy with that.

Nets2410 - January 18, 2012 via Android app reply

I'd rather draft Jenkins in round # 2. I really don't think Dre will fall too much but who knows.

I just think that he’s got to be the dumbest guy on the planet to get busted right before the draft.

Agreed floyd,I am leaning more towards Jenkins.

NVCowboy4Life - January 18, 2012 reply

I agree with both of you guys, I'd rather have Jenkins than Kirkpatrick.

Go after DeCastro, Upshaw, or Ingram in the 1st round and draft Jenkins in the 2nd round.

Nets2410 - January 18, 2012 reply

Ain't no way Dre falls past the early 20s even if he lights up at the Combine

Jenkins is a really good CB

DCNation73 - January 19, 2012 reply

From what Bryan Broaddus has to say

they are more interestd in a center right now than a guard. That doesn’t mean they are talking draft. They could be talking about free agency. If they are thinking draft then I would think they would trade down and take Peter Konz the center from wisconsin.

TARHEEL PAUL - January 18, 2012 reply

I would sign Nicks...

then I would trade down and take the BPA, and then with those extra picks, trade back up into the first to take Konz. The rest of the picks would be for the D.

TheCowboyFan - January 18, 2012 reply

Nicks is going to be crazy expensive, do we have the money for that?

And it’ll be moot if the Saints franchise him.

niceville56 - January 18, 2012 reply

What about DeCastro and Konz?

It wouldn’t be crazy to see Konz drop to us in the second round. if he does do you take these two guys and hope Arkin or Nagy work out at LG? Assuming we get defensive help in FA

absolutely no way Knoz drops to the seond rd, absolutely no way

Who is going to pick him in the late 20's?

Doesn’t seem like center is a need for any team drafting that late.

You don't draft need in first rd, you draft BPA

And Kontz will definitely be BPA at some point in the middle to end of the first rd.

doomsdayreturns - January 18, 2012 reply

Konz to Detroit

I have seen a lot of mocks with Konz going to Detroit with the 23rd pick. I would like to see the Cowboys to trade down 4 or 5 spots and take Konz, plus pick up a 3rd round pick.

They have Dominic Raoila at C

Who is a captain. I don’t see him going to the Lions, they need a CB in a draft that is CB heavy.

Colts in rd 2 is as far as I see him falling

maybe Lions in rd 1.

ziggy19 - January 18, 2012 reply

Yeah

Isn’t Jeff Saturday contemplating retirement?

silverblue5 - January 18, 2012 reply

Ehhh...wouldn't be so sure

He has health concerns, not sure how serious they are but most importantly the teams drafting in the 20s have other concerns, I can see him falling to the late first early second where they can trade up and get him.

it would be crazy, i don't know what disease he has

but until confirmed, there’s no way he falls to the second round

Of course Center's a higher priority

Wish in one hand, sh*t in the other…

You get the point, I think they’ll go for the biggest upgrade available. Probably look to free agency to find their center for the next year or two, and later in the draft like a Jones or Brewster to find the guy they’ll roll with long term.

The best picks these guys made are DeCastro and Ingram

Antonio S - January 18, 2012 reply

I might jump off a bridge if we draft Kuechly

ILB that high would drive me insane

why draft Bruce Carter then?

Special Teams baby! LOL

I might join you if we take that BC ILB

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

If Bruce Carter is a bust we need another ILB

It takes two ILBs to play a 3-4

Blue Eyed Devil - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I don't think Carter will be a bust

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Yes and if Romo dies in a bus crash they need a new QB.

Lets stick to situation that were currently dealing with..

if we didnt take Carter I would totally get it man

we passed on some good DL and CB’s for Carter

Kuechly is a great player man, he could be the BPA on the board

if he is BPA?

I take him…. Dallas needs the depth at LB

he might be the BPA

but I could not live with that pick at all
it would drive me insane, why draft Carter over DE’s and CB’s we needed and then take another ILB that high

I really hope that doesn’t happen, and Kuechly is great but it would seriously piss me off

We do need depth at ILB

If James and Brooking leave, we have nobody to back up Lee and carter

yeah we need depth

but if we draft a ILB in the first round it will drive me insane

Don't draft "depth" or complimentary players in the first...ever.

Of course there’s exceptions, the exception being if Andrew Luck falls to the team, then draft some depth at QB in the first.

What about the second?

If it's a position where depth gets used a lot like CB, RB, or something like that sure.

if we draft Kulechy

I really might stop following this team

I would still be a Cowboys fan but I would totally stop covering and following the team like I do

I'd barricade the doors at Valley Ranch during a meeting and start an oil fire.

hahahahahahaaaaa

Do you think Luck could fall? ;)

jazzbo251 - January 18, 2012 reply

No, Colts already said that he was their pick.

We have Orie Lemon on the PS that we just signed to a futures contract.

I would think they are looking to him for depth,he played some descent football in pre-season last year.

NVCowboy4Life - January 18, 2012 reply

Drafting an ILB in the first round isn't adding depth that's adding a beast starter and giving up on your other guys.

Your top 15 picks better be studs and start every game from day 1.

Dynamicduo - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

A M E N to that lol

Shift to a 4-3?

That's not happening

Antonio S - January 18, 2012 reply

Just a thought

at least not this year

Antonio S - January 18, 2012 reply

Brooks or Breer

I’d be happy with either. I don’t know how serious of a hit Kirkpatrick will take after his recent weed bust, but if we can get him or Jenkins in the late first with a trade back for maybe Konz and then trade back up into the first/early second for Jenkins/Kirkpatrick then I’d be ecstatic.

Static - January 18, 2012 reply

Mallet was rumored to have done drugs at Ar last year, no positive test and he fell to the 3rd as a QB.

I really don't trust the "Spencer Clone" argument

This time last year, the meme was that Marcell Dareus was a “Marcus Spears clone”.

How did that hold up again?

great point

We are in desperate need of another outside pass rusher. Ware simply can’t continue to do it all himself—he isn’t getting any younger. Spencer, for all ho’s athleticism, seems to lack any natural pass rush instincts and still gets beat in coverage regularly. Time for an UPGRADE.

BRANDtheSKY - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Ho’s athleticism. Hilarious. His. *

BRANDtheSKY - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Athletic ho's?

Pricey…

sirjason22 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

lol ......ya had it right the first time.......

dont let spell check change your perception of spencer … hahahaaaa

Someone said that?

Anyone who said that Dareus was a “Spears clone” should have their hands cut off, their computer thrown in a river, and their vocal chords removed so that society isn’t at risk of being exposed to their stupidity. That’s just not within the realm of reality. Maybe a “Spears that can get to the QB” I can see that from Dareus, but he was always viewed as a high floor, maybe not the ceiling of Fairley, but definitely a player who would start his rookie year and have a productive season with the ability to make a few pro-bowls, at the very worst.

I promise

it was all over mtd, and BTB. It’s just something we tend to forget. Trust me.

If we take Upshaw, I will be thrilled because he’s the real deal. Garrett isn’t gonna draft a Bama player without picking Saban’s brain first (remember, they are close friends)

The way Upshaw played in the title game wanted me to see him with a star on his helmet, badly.

Find the people who said that and kick them in the balls so they don't breed anymore idiots.

That’s just insane…Spears clone? He might be a Spears, but just because he was good in college, could play the 34 end, and played for Nick Saban = Spears clone? Please. Vontaze Burficit played LB at Arizona State and he’s insane I guess that means he’s T-Sizzle, right? Please, people who make those comparisons are basically admitting that they’re complete idiots. Each player is different and should be treated as such.

no way Dareus was Spears clone....

I hear that s**t first time, Spears was nothing near the Dareus….

but about Upshaw, I really dont like this guy much…. I have feeling that he can be better rusher than Spencer, but I dont see him to be special…. just solid

see my above post

Last Jan no one on CN or BTB wanted Dareus, they saw him as another Spears guy (an SEC played with ballooned production from a good scheme)

I remember so clearly because of how crazy I thought that logic was. Even Chia agrees and remembers that this was certainly the consensus. My point is time will tell which of these players is truly a first rounder. April is a longggg ways away.

just so I am clear

We are talking about Marcell Dareus right? the guy that went #3 in the draft? who plays NT for the Bills?

That Dareus?

Yes...

Anyone who thinks that should club themselves in the balls with a mace.

who was this?

I know that I compared Aldon Smith To Anthony Spencer…but Dareus?

they aren’t even in the same weight class!!!!

I don't recall reading anything that stupid

If I did read something like that I would hope my eyes would purposefully misinterpret it to protect my brain. Aldon Smith and Spencer at least made some sense, honestly Smith rose faster than any of us could have seen. Were not NFL insiders, were all amateurs. Some of us are better at it than others, but even still…the worst NFL scout/exec has a thousand times more info than the most connected and knowledgable person here. That at least made sense though, because Spencer is still, y’know, a good player. Definitely deserving of starting on most teams. Spears, however, is a part time player…that comparison is absolutely absurd.

I don't remember ever reading that either.

yeah i also remember some people said that

Yeah I definitely remember that

It started from CN and Wes who said he had doubts about Dareus as a pass rusher

somebodyquiet - January 19, 2012 reply

yeah but actually upshaw is a spencer clone, dareus never was

upshaw is a little better but if spencer was called a bust i don’t want to know how people will call upshaw if he’s picked with the 14th draft pick

I read this last night, but what the hell analysis is this Charles Davis?

“The back end of the defense continues to need attention, and this cover guy from Nebraska is someone the Cowboys need to help defend the NFL’s new-age passing attacks.”

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Denard is good, really tough but has to play bump and run. He's too short to effectively cover big WRs

without Jamming the hell out of them. You saw what Jeffreys did to him when he didn’t jam him, didn’t you?

Jeffreys torched him right?

I didn’t see the game.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

What makes me mad about the Charles Davis mock

Is just the whole thing with us taking Dennard. The “my take” section is pretty much the exact way that I feel about the whole situation with him. I wouldn’t say Claiborne and Kirkpatrick are the only 1st round corners, but close to it.

"The back end of the defense continues to need attention, and this cover guy from Nebraska is someone the Cowboys need to help defend the NFL’s new-age passing attacks."

Yeah, that has us taking a corner in the first round because we need a corner, not because he is the best player on the board for us. I don’t care how badly we NEED a corner, if he isn’t worth the spot you DON’T TAKE HIM. Dumb analysis and seems to be the consistent analysis with everyone that I have see mocking Dennard to us in the first round, which is exactly why I disregard their mocks entirely…

completely agree

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

If Dennard is the best guy on the board by then (and I seriously doubt that)

Then you have to trade down. Because that means that Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Justin Blackmon, Morris Claiborne, Dre Kirkpatrick, David Decastro, Peter Konz, Mark Barron, Trent Richardson, Michael Brockers, Melvin Ingram, Dontari Poe, Devon Still, Courtney Upshaw and Quinton Coples are all gone in the first 13.

By the way, those are 15 players I just listed, so not possible all of them are gone in the first 13 and each of them rates higher than Dennard on my board along with other players (like WRs and OTs) that I would not have us taking because we are set there. I wouldn’t even take all of the players I listed at 14 either. So no thanks to Alfonso Dennard…

If Dennard or the BC ILB are the BPAs damn

I will trade down and hope I can still land Mark Barron

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

trade down and take Konz

or a D Line prospect, use the extra 2 you get to take a CB or even ammo to trade back up and grab a falling first rounder (there’s always a few)

At least he knows we need a CB, not like the guy wanting us to take a ILB.

LOL NFL Network

My Top 6 guys for the Dallas First Rd pick:
1) DeCastro G
2) Ingram OLB
3) Mark Barron Safety
4) Janoris Jenkins/Kirkpatrick DB (go BPA)
5) Dontari Poe DT
6) Nick Perry OLB

I thought about including Michael Floyd WR, but I think Rob Ryan and Bill Callahan might quit their jobs if Garrett or Jerry takes Floyd in the first. I love how NFL Network’s guys all include Floyd on their list of potential Cowboys picks.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I'd throw Brockers in there now that he's declared.

T

O

Tell me when Mike Mayock posts his top 32 big board

That will be worth reading. These mocks are strictly to get visits and hits on the site…

I think Mayock puts his mock drafts put a few days before said draft

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

His mock yes

but he does have a top 32 big board. Not a mock draft, just the best 32 players in the draft in order.

Which I believe he releases shortly before the combine

because he does it all off of game tape

Mayock

is one of the game’s biggest film gurus. Back in 08 he wasn’t scared to put Brandon Flowers as a top CB of the class. Of course, he also thought Matt Ryan was gonna be Peyton Manning…it could just have been a BC thing though.

Mayock never said that

He was one of the few analysts who thought he was going to be a top qb, but he never said he was in Manning’s class, that simply isn’t true.

Apologies

he compared his pre-snap reads to Peyton, not his over all game…my bad I misspoke

Agreed. I also trust Mayock a lot

somebodyquiet - January 19, 2012 reply

mocks are different then big boards

I dont even try to do a first round mock draft, if I did i would wait until the night before the draft like Mayock does

I will probably do some Cowboys mocks, just because I get bored

lol

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

yeah, mocks change like the wind

They’re fun to look at, but really have no merit until mid April.

I'd say after the Combine is when they start getting serious.

They’re worth paying attention too because guys like Kiper (who may be dumb, but has insane inside info) can connect teams with a certain player. If you see a team connected to a certain player time and time again, that may be worth noting. Last year it was Tron and the Cowboys and this year hopefully it’ll be DeCastro and Dallas.

Mock have no merit period. What gm goes online and looks at mock drafts ?

Why would a GM look at a mock draft?

What would he have to gain?

or until never

but yeah good to pass the time

Ive put together a few mock drafts

But I feel like free agency pick ups and drop offs tell alot about who a team might possible pick but since I didn’t pay much attention to atleast 12 teams this year its gonna be almost impossible for me to even speculate at this point and I’m sure most mocks right now are so premature most woman don’t even know the sex.

Sado44 - January 19, 2012 via mobile reply

ILB

I’m thinking the Cowboys could shock us again and draft one high maybe in the first or second round. We know if the highest player on their board ILB they will take him.

wouldnt shock me at all

TE in the 2nd round wont shock me either

I'd hate to draft an ILB

at pick 14 we should have a lot of good players on board that can actually fill a need.

the only ILB i would give consideration is burflict

I'd consider him in the 4th

no way in hell i want him in the first.

i do

late first early second, i’ll trade up to get him

undisciplined football player

15 yard penalty machine, no thanks.

i'll take it if he knocks out eli and vick of a game

That's definitely a win there

I'm going on a limb, Vontaez Burfict in the 2nd round

Rohpuri - January 19, 2012 via mobile reply

Skip Pete is coming back, per Mickey

good, he is a great coach

Good one

On the long list of Cowboys draft priorities, a first-round ILB first appears in a footnote on page 374

That was funny … and totally correct. We need last year’s 2nd round pick to step it up and be a starter. It is way to early to give up on him … so much for an “analyst” giving us good analysis.

If you believe the pass rush is at the root of the Cowboys’ defensive ills, Ingram is your man.

I do not. Cowboys had the 7th most sacks in the league while a playing a new defense they never had a pre-season to learn. The defensive line (albeit not dominating) is not the problem.

Meh. If Claiborne or Kirkpatrick are off the board, I’m not sure I’d take a corner in the first.

I agree. Unless you are getting one of the elite CBs, then you go elsewhere with the pick. I’ve written this before, and I’ll write it again, with exception of a few teams in the league, everybody has CBs that get beat all the time. This is a passing league, so everybody’s corners are going to get beat. Let’s see what the new coach can do with Jenkins and Scandrick and fix the safety position — and you aren’t drafting the safety position unless you are getting a surefire Pro-Bowler.

This guy’s production ratio has been through the roof the last two years, but Reuter describing him as basically a Spencer clone is not reassuring

You draft a Spencer clone in the bottom of the 1st round/top of the 2nd round. The Cowboys need to get an impact player where they are drafting.

The safe pick, the popular pick, but I’m not convinved the Cowboys take a guard that high.

I’ve been following the Cowboy’s draft for a long time, and I’ve never thought a guard was the place to go with their 1st pick. However, if DeCastro is as good as people are making him out to be, and there are no suprises where somebody really good falls to us, then picking him is probably the right move. Guard is one of our weakest positions, and getting a good guard will go a long way in helping the Cowboys become a dominating offensive team.

This about sums up my sentiments.

Guys I don’t want in the 1st:
-Upshaw, BC ILB, Dennard, any WR

Guys I’m not sure how I’d react if we took -them in the first:
-Coples, Mercilus, Brockers, DT from Mich St, Still, Richardson (I’m a sucker for RBs, and hold out hope we find another Emmitt or Tony)

The Guys that will make do a dance on draft day:
-DeCastro, Ingram, Barron, Poe, Jenkins,
Kirkpatrick, Perry.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

"find another Emmitt or Tony"

You don’t think we might already have one?

Jace M - January 18, 2012 reply

I like Murray and want him to be that guy

But I’m not going to lie, if I’m sitting in the draft room and my name is Jerry Jones, and Trent Richardson falls to me, I might wet pants with excitement. I really like RBs, and seeing Richardson in Dallas would be awesome.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

If the Cowboys did that

I’d punch myself right in the babymaker. No way.

Nickthegrip - January 18, 2012 reply

Roph......

I tend to agree with Nick on this one. Not that I would punch myself in the babymaker mind you, but we have way more pressing needs on this team right now. If we were sitting with a team close to contention and could just take BPA regardless of position, I’d be all for it though.

Jace M - January 19, 2012 reply

then again, if the idea of moving rat to DE becomes real...

does that change anyones mind about the 14th pick in said draft? the questionable d-line gets younger and the pass rush gets a little more dominating. i think with that move using the 14th pick on one of the top 3 corners becomes much more realistic.

is there a NT worth taking that high in this draft?

or a FA worthy of the role?

there are a couple

Dontari Poe is the best
but there are guys like Josh Chapman who you can get in the 2nd and 3rd

Chia, I'd jump on Chapman in the third.

it would be a good smart football pick

Chapman played the last couple games of this season with a torn acl

That says a lot about his toughness

matt575 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

this is my counter to that

Ware had like 20 sacks, which is almost what? half our sacks?
do you count on Ware getting around 20 sacks a year? if not, when Ware drops off, we drop very far from 7th in sacks

pressure is a problem, DL is a problem, secondary is a problem

agreed

but putting rat opposite him does counteract any drop off by ware, no?

they are both old

at some point, its gonna happen

Spencer is clearly not the next Ware, you take a guy like Ingram, you have a centerpiece to build a defense around if Ware falls off

agreed again

but this time without a valid response, good points all around :)

hahaha thanks bud

So you feel comfortable with Scandrick being our 2nd CB

Because I sure as sh*t don’t

no

but there are corners in the 2nd round and 3rd round

Not one's I would feel comfortable starting right away though

I just hope they grab somebody in FA. Seems to be a good class of CB’s.

Yes I do

You need to watch more football games than just the Cowboys. When you do, you’ll realize that most corners look bad in today’s passing-happy league.

The Cowboys didn’t sign Scandrick to the contract they did if they thought they could get better for the money they paid.

To win in this league, you don’t need a roster full of Pro-Bowlers. You need Pro-Bowlers at key positions and solid players in the rest of the positions.

I would take Aaron Ross or Tracy Porter

they look bad sometimes but they are better than what he have after Jenkins and Scandrick

Aaron Ross is injury prone, I think.

I like Tracy Porter better.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I like Porter better too

but I would take Ross in a heartbeat that is how desperate we are for corner help

Ditto!

those are two guys who could go after possibly

I'd settle for Ross too. Just listing preferences.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Still praying for Brandon Carr or Finnegan.

I think they would be worth the cash

Those are my plan As in free agency

Porter or Ross are the plan Bs

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Porter is injury prone and he's slightly below average. The Saints pass defense wasn't much better than ours. I'd rather have Brandon Carr

The Saints don't have much of a pass rush. They have talented players in the secondary

In 2009 when all those blitzes were catching the league by storm,and when their pass rush was able to be effective, the Saints DBs were damn good at causing turnovers.

You'll like them until they get burned like every other corner in the league

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence …..

Apparently we should resign Alan Ball and cut Mike Jenkins since corners don't matter in this eague

I live in Wisconsin

Trust me, I watch much more football than the Cowboys. Scandrick is good in the nickel, but will get abused outside as he proved in the Giants game. And the Secondary was the main reason we lost the division this year. Get someone who can press cover across from Jenkins and this is a different defense.

We need another young corner

This is true. But we can get one in the first three rounds somewhere. Additionally, the secondary would look a lot better if we had a good safety, instead of just space-fillers.

and my counter to you is

pressure is a problem, DL is a problem, secondary is a problem

No … pressure isn’t a problem We don’t get pressure on every play, but nobody does. Again, we were playing in a defense that nobody knew going into the season. Let’s see what happens when the players get an offseason to learn the nuances of Ryan’s defense before we throw the defensive line under the bus.

Defensive line may be a sexy pick, but it is not the area of greatest needs for the Cowboys.

I hate that "not enough time" argument

They had 4 months to learn the damn defense, and they looked the worst at the end of the season.

i agree that the pick shouldn’t be a pass rusher, though.

It's not that

we should be getting pressure every play, however. We don’t get pressure on KEY downs. We can’t seem to generate enough pressure when needed. Better defenses have a better baseline pressure, so that when they bring a second or third rusher, they get home faster. We get pressure, but it’s great individual effort from only a couple guys.

thats it

you hit it
we dont get pressure or sacks in key situations, teams were abusing us on 3rd down

You can say that about the rest of the league

In fact, the rest of the league (on average) very likey does a worse job of getting pressure than we do “in key situations.”

They had 4 months to learn the damn defense, and they looked the worst at the end of the season.

Really? You think that they can learn every intricate detail in four months … while they are preparing to game plan for the other team every week?

There is a reason why most rookie players don’t do well their first year — they play slow because they don’t understand the offense/defense. You also have to realize that in a normal situation, the coaches have to teach only the new guys their offense/defense. In this situation, Ryan not only had to teach everybody the new offense, he had to teach many of his coaches as well.

If it was that easy, then there wouldn’t be a need for off-season activities and rookie camps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMxhOjSAFeM

Well....

“You think that they can learn every intricate detail in four months … while they are preparing to game plan for the other team every week?”

Don’t you think game planning and practices should improve a group over time?

Jace M - January 18, 2012 reply

Am I the only one that really likes Dennard?

I’ve watched this among others and think he fits better in our defense than Kirkpatrick. Kirk, who is a beast, is still a zone guy. Dennard has better man skills, plays bigger than his 5’10" frame, and is physical with receivers off the line. That’s what Rob Ryan will ask him to do. 14 might be a slight reach, but he will be better than Prince in the league.

That being said I still think DeCastro should be the pick if he is there. CB hopefully will be filled through FA, and hopefully with Cortland Finnegan.

I still like Dennard a lot man

I like him but hate his height.

yeah

I am getting that a lot about Dennard too

man if he was 6’1, he would be perfect

Darrelle Revis is 5'11

Just saying

Revis isnt a good comparison

Revis has lockdown skills and is one of the best CB’s of all time

if I am gonna take a smaller corner, I look at Jenkins because of his skill set

I like Dennard a lot, but I just doubt the Cowboys are high on him, it will be interesting to see how much they like him

Talent wise

there is no comparison of Jenkins and Dennard. Jenkins is by FAR more talented.

But, he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed. Unless he’s found religion, guys who have MULTIPLE issues/run in w/ the law wrt drugs usually don’t “change their ways”. They just get better at hiding them.

Jenkins has the best skill set of any corner this year

I agree, if he didn't have the issues I think he would go befor Claiborne

He’s rising in my book. He got caught with pot twice over a year ago. He’s stayed straight since then. I honestly think he’s the only cb worth taking at 14 besides claiborne which def won’t be available. I’m anxious to see how his player interviews go.

Dynamicduo - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Jenkins is a legit 5'10", and has the best skill set of any CB in the draft.

We have to wait for the combine, but Denard is listed at 5'10" and I've heard he's more like 5'8".

He’d almost have to be switched to safety and play like Sanders.

now you are reading my mind

I think Dennard would be a great safety, great

If he's 5'8" I agree he's not a top 20 guy

But if he’s 5’10" I would feel a lot better. We will see at the combine.

That's exactly what scares me. When Jeffrey's got by him it was all over. He couldn't cover him worth a damn.

I thought at the time he picked the fight with Jeffrey’s just so both would be ejected from the game and he wouldn’t be embarassed if he couln’t jam him the rest of the game. LOL

Size is his biggest weakness no doubt

It would be hard for him to guard a Hakeem Nicks. But he would shut down a Desean Jackson like player.

That's what she said.

Nicely played

Is he fast enough to cover DeSean?

somebodyquiet - January 19, 2012 reply

You think he's coming back?

Lots of great players at 14 just as long as we don't reach for need

I still think Melvin Ingram is my favorite. A 270lb monster that has edge-rush speed is rare. Last guy I remember like that was houston’s Mario. A poor man’s Mario isn’t a bad chess piece at all.

Blue Eyed Devil - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Ingram reminds me of Tuck, I love him

It's all about fit

And I don’t think he is a good fit. He’s a 4-3 DE

who Ingram?

Ingram can do anything he wants, play anywhere he wants

your gonna tell me Justin Tuck couldnt be a 3-4 OLB? baloney

Ingram is my choice after DeCastro.

I see Ingram more in the Dwight Freeney mold

Freeney is 6’1" 268

Ingram is 6’0" 270

Contrast Mario Williams whose 6’6" 283

I’d settle and say that a poor man’s Dwight Freeney isn’t a bad chess piece, and quite frankly, is a nice option to have.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I think he is bigger than 6'0, he is listed at 6'2

we'll know for sure at the combine

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

yup

I would say he is 6’1 at least

agreed

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I'm undecided

Only seen two game tapes from this season so far. Hes certainly athletic, but seems quite raw as a pass rusher based on the games I’ve seen. The Auburn game he made a good number of plays early on but he looked exhausted late and got zero push. I just watched the Georgia game, and Ingram did absolutely squat, I don’t know if he got within 2 feet of the qb as a pass rusher. Hes not that special in the run game either, and I feel confident we will miss Anthony Spencer at least in 2012 if we draft and start him.

I see the potential though.

foyesboys - January 18, 2012 reply

Yeah well, we've missed anthoney spencer for two years now.

This was the best laugh I have gotten all night. Thank you.

We already have a rushing OLB

We need one that can be dropped back in coverage. I don’t want to see DeMarcus be next year’s Clay Matthews, because he is going into coverage too much.

so you want a OLB that can cover?

I wouldn't feel comfortable dropping a Justin Tuck in coverage

so you are looking at OLB's that can cover?

good luck with that

Yes, I do.

If we already have 3 DLinemen and Ware rushing, then we’re going to need our remaining front seven to be able to cover the runningbacks, tight ends and slot receivers.

Next year we play Ray Rice, Jimmy Graham, Health Miller, Matt Forte(?), Zach Miller, Darren Sproles, Tony Gonzalez, MJD, Greg Olsen, Brent Celek, Fred Davis, and LeSean McCoy.

Who’s covering those guys if not our inside and outside linebackers? You certainly aren’t going to put a corner in there to try and defend Fred Davis so the Redskins run all over us, are you?

niceville56 - January 18, 2012 reply

We need better coverage from

Our safeties and ILBs, that’s what they are in there for. That’s why we’ve been gouged by teams like the Eagles, because currently we only have one player out of the four in those spots who’s above average in coverage for their position: Lee. If we had decent coverage from the other ILB spot and at least one good to very good safety, this is a totally different defense.

Ware drops into coverage about as frequently as James Harrison does.

Which isn’t much. Harrison probably drops back more than Ware.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

That's because if we drop Ware we will seriously never get to the QB.

Exactly

We need another ILB

And safety that can cover. Not an OLB. That’s a waste.

you need 2

if you dont have 2, your DL better be DAMN good

Fair enough

Which is why I think an opposite side DE of Ware or a NT (Like Poe) to move Ratliff over is a bigger need than OLB.

it is

but I am done with Spencer, he is not good enough, 5 year player that isnt going to get better

I wouldn't overpay for him in FA that's for sure

But he’s adequate. I would feel more comfortable with him at OLB than with Scandrick or Sensabaugh inevitably starting on this defense. Our DBs are awful, we need an overhaul immediately. I never watched a game this year and thought it was the front 7 that was the issue.

you never thought the front 7 was the issue?

man idk where to begin

secondary and the front are a problem, both of them

They had a pretty average defense last year...

Both need improvements but aside from Baltimore and Pittsburgh, what defenses don’t need improvements? If you improve one or the other I think you’ll see them move into the top ten defenses.

Your saying the whole defense is a problem then, besides ILB

well the defense is a major problem

we have like 3 playmakers on the entire defense
Ware, Lee, Ratliff

we have a good cover corner in Jenkins, we have no playmakers in the secondary
we have holes on the DL
we have a 5.5 sacks a year player in Spencer

defense is a huge problem talent wise, huge

Huge is an overstatement.

Newman was beyond terrible the last few games of the season, he’s an easy player to upgrade over. I think the patchwork DL is probably the biggest problem, get a consistent DL and you’ll likely see improvement elsewhere. I honestly think with a good DL Spencer would be the perfect fit for the team at the SLB.

its a problem man

Not disagreeing that it doesn't need to be fixed, I just think it's an easier fix than what most people are making it out to be.

They definitely need to add a playmaker, I think they’ll get one in Bruce Carter and after that I think they’ll need like a Poe or someone else on the DL. Carter, Finnegan, a marginal upgrade on the DL and I think you’ll see a defense you need to go to war with.

I think everyone would be surprised

pleseantly, if the pass rush from the D line only (not Ware, not whoever is the LOLB) got better. By default, Jenkins and Scandrick would appear better – much like the Giants secondary looks w/ Umenyiora, Kiwanuka, Tuck, Canty, etc.

right now

I look at the Giants and I would try to emulate what they do
it sucks saying that but they are a good model for success right now

On the defense side

Thats hard to argue with. they went through injuries galore this year too.

They allowed more points than they scored this year

Not exactly the model I’d like to follow. They’re finding success with a great pass rush, not exactly groundbreaking stuff…

They were hurt a lot though. Now they're healthy and a different team.

Oh the joys of confirmation bias.

Facts are facts Omar.

You're not familiar with confirmation bias are you?

I’d recommend learning about that and the post hoc ergo proprter hoc fallacy.

theirs is a 4-3 success tho

Fair enough

DL though was an issue once Brent was kept out of games due to whatever injury he had. Ratliff can’t play all snaps anymore and Lissy can back up NT but in very short stints. Guys got heart but not build.

What's Brent's status?

Is he healthy?

Not sure currently

I’ve done some looking and can’t seem to find an update.

Look..

Is pressure sometimes an issue? Yes. But we still have one of the best pass rushers in the game. No one gauged us running the ball this year. We have our starting ILB’s on the team in Carter and Lee (as long as Carter isn’t a bust), and a pro bowl starting DL in Rat. Our best player in the secondary is an injury prone Jenkins, and our other starter Sensabaugh is playing SS but he hasn’t tackled someone without getting run over.

Secondary is the biggest need in this pass happy league. I can’t see how it isn’t.

this is my thing

I want to enhance the talent I have

if I have DeMarcus Ware, I am going to pair him with someone that enhances his talent and makes him better

JPP enhanced Tuck and Osi, that entire front 4 is better because of JPP

imagine Ware with a good partner? scary

Well stated.

I get where for coming from

But who cares if the QB only gets 5 seconds to throw when receivers get open in 3.

where you're*

the problem is

towards the end of the year, we got no sacks and pressure
nobody can cover for that long

secondary and pass rush, my major items for upgrading this year

I still think it's Tuck that enhanced JPP

Think about that Chia.

imagine Ware with a good partner?

i mean really think about that. Jerry hasn’t even come close to getting someone to pair him up with.

Jerry's love affair with wr's......oh what could have been

Dude...

He drafted ONE wide receiver in the first round…Dez Bryant, one of the best players on the team. He had a first invested in Spencer, and Spencer DID have upside for sometime. Not to mention that and they had Ellis…they did try to get someone to pair him up with, it didn’t work out. Please, sometimes good ideas end up not working.

DUDE he traded a first a third and a sixth for another wr that blew chunks...

4 picks and one wr to show for it. Draft Bowe like he should have than we have Woodley. Ya I know that would’ve been smart and I know. it’s too much to expect.

Yeah the Roy Williams trade sucked...

He’s been throughly crucified for making that trade. There’s no need to bring it up and blame every hole on the team on that trade. You also forget that if the trade hadn’t been made and they had a good draft no Tron, maybe no Lee, and you’re losing other players too.

Or maybe if he drafted Bowe and we already had Woodley maybe this d isn't so putrid.

Maybe with the first rounder he traded away we get an ot. Like the one Baltimore selected in the first after what would have been the Cowboys pick. Maybe just Maybe we even add another cb or another olineman. Then last years mostly o line draft wouldn’t have been out of desperation.

Which Woodley are you talking about?

You can only play revisionist history for so long. Drafted Bowe? They didn’t have a chance to draft Dwayne Bowe…what are you even talking about? Maybe if Jerry got Peterson and Tron in the draft along with Earl Thomas and Joe Hayden along with Dez in 2010 they might still be in the playoffs!!! Your posts are like a clinic in logical fallacies.

Dude you are a cartoon. They could have drafted Bowe.

You draft Bowe then take Woodley in the second round. Then you wouldn’t be throwing away picks for Roy. You don’t get it. You never will.

Not to mention throwing away picks for Spencer.

Throwing away picks for Spencer?

Look he started for what? Three years? he was an adequate starter throughout his time here, he played at a pro-bowl level one year and had very solid campaigns during the rest of his tenure here. That’s a waste of picks? What the hell is AJ Hawk then? Or Vernon Gholston? Or Kyle Boller?

Yea all that said he was worth a 4th rounder.

Bowe was taken two picks before Spencer, and after the Cowboys made a pretty good trade...

Yes, if they drafted Bowe they wouldn’t have needed to trade for Roy. If TO wasn’t an asshole they wouldn’t have needed to do that anyways. If my aunt had balls she’d be my uncle. Yeah, yeah, yeah, we get it…Spencer wasn’t the best player that came out of the 2007 draft, that doesn’t mean that he was a bad pick.

The Quinn trade the Cowboys got an extra first, and more picks in the 2007 draft. You make that trade all day everyday. Did you grow up near powerlines?

The point was Jerry's lovefest for wr's has strangled this team...

and it has. Do the right thing by taking Bowe and Woodley in the same draft look at all the picks he saves.

Yayy he got a first for the Cleveland trade. So what. he blew it by trading back up to get Spencer.

They didn’t have a chance to draft Dwayne Bowe

LMAO. How many times can you be wrong in one day ?

...

Really? He took a good trade from Cleveland, that wasn’t a good move? If he didn’t make that trade he doesn’t get Spencer, who was well regarded at the time, and he doesn’t get an extra first. At the time he was still committed to TO and Crayton, who were better options than RW, so while they had a chance to get Dwayne Bowe (forgot about the Cleveland trade at the time) there was a huge opportunity cost. He didn’t “blow” a pick to get Spencer, he was worth the trade up to get him and he was worth a late first. You can do far worse with a late first round pick.

Besides, I love that you’re bashing Jerry’s “love fest for WRs” when two years ago it was “Jerry won’t draft a WR in the first.” Jesus haters, get it straight. If you want to say the RW trade was an ill-advised debacle, I’m with you. However, don’t blame it on Jerry’s love for “WRs” or “shiny toys.” When the team was in cap trouble because of the Bigg contract no one blamed it on Jerry’s love for OLmen. Bad trades can happen at any position.

So add all that up and it's a pretty big mess huh ? LOL

Cap problems, shiny toys. botched drafts. inept coaching hires. Hmmm , yea I can see why you defend him so adamantly . LMAO

football mensa - January 19, 2012 reply

...

It’s like you always read the bad things I saw about Jerry and think my posts conclude with <3 Jerry <3. The team WAS in cap hell a while back, and in 2010 chose to try to follow up their first playoff win in a while with another playoff appearance, rather than deciding to make all the cuts you need to avoid the cap hit. I can’t blame him for that.

Shiny Toys? Please, that meme is beyond false. It’s been untrue for a while. He does pick up a few shiny toys, but not at a rate higher than anyone else. Inept coaching hires? Ehh, yeah, he has hired too many shitty coaches. He seems to be getting it right now. Botched drafts? Everyone has a crappy draft every now and then.

nope, I think about it all the time

Yeah but don't act like hasn't tried...

Ellis, and trading up with a division rival to try and find the next guy.

That's not completely true. Greg Ellis and Ware in 2007 were pretty beastly.

Ellis had 12.5 sacks that season

loil... i can just hear your exasperated tone there , complete with a sigh ... hahahahaa

agreed. need a stout DL if you don't have two stud pass rushers

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

yup

think they will draft a qb this year?

just to be a third stringer?

Hopefully, a 5th or 6th rounder

Kellen Moore maybe

i for one would love to have whats his name from ok state

You want to draft a 28 year old?

point noted, suppose he could farve it though

+1

just about to type that. Brandon Weeden is his name. He has a high grade but is knocked because he is slightly older than I am at 28 years old I believe. So he is smarter than the average QB coming in and pretty good to boot. Plus, I think we need to replace McGee, we need a guy that isn’t afraid to throw the ball downfield. Every time I watch McGee play I swear I just get mad because he just checks down all the time. I appreciate the ball security, but eventually you need to threaten to throw downfield or people will just stack the box and then play man outside…

Bad idea...

drafting a 28 year old QB in the early rounds when the starting QB was the 4th rated passer in the NFL. Lots of other areas that need to be addressed first.

PacmanJones - January 18, 2012 reply

I never said early rounds

Besides he won’t go in the early rounds. You draft this guy at 5th I think at earliest.

we have no backup

McGee is just not it

I dont want to run into another Aikman scenario and its starting to look that way because we havent prepared anyone behind Romo

Well were about five years or a freak injury away from that...

I think next year they have to start a serious search for a back up. The back up QB, or developmental QB prospect of the future isn’t in this class. Ryan Mallett would have been their best bet, but I don’t see that guy in this year’s class. Next year they need to start scouring the ranks of the NCAA looking for the back up/heir.

I would take BJ Coleman in this draft and let him compete vs McGee.

I'm on the Kellen Moore bandwagon!

give me a WCO guy any day of the week over a gunslinger.

Wheeden is name

TexasGarcia37 - January 18, 2012 reply

he was a Yankee prospect, thats why he didnt play college football

I would take a flyer on him in the 4th or 5th

Ehh

Career back up, if you want a Flynn or a Cassell type situation he’s not the guy. If you want him as the back up, sure, but anything more than a rich man’s Kitna is a drug induced opinion.

Nick Perry

Didn’t see his name mentioned above, but I’m really warming up to the idea of this guy. “Natural pass-rusher” according to most of the draft guys.

PacmanJones - January 18, 2012 reply

i like him

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

reminds me of Terrell Suggs, same type of game and body type

I would like to see his combine. But yeah, I like him right now.

DeCastro is the guy

I want, and it aint even close! Garrett knows what it means to have a solid Oline from his days as a player. We have our 2 bookends in Smith and Free, but we really lack youth, strength and talent in the middle of the line. I have a strong feeling that Garrett and our new Oline coach is going to fix that problem. Championships are won in the trenches! Our trench warfare sucks! Time to get that fixed Jerry!!

textaz03 - January 18, 2012 reply

Exactly

Would anybody like to join me on the Bruce Irvin pass rush express?

The train is leaving soon, and if you’re name’s not down, you’re not going to be allowed on board.

I'll join

in the 2nd round…

word

matt575 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

At 14?

If that’s the case I’ll waive goodbye from the station and see you off, but in the 2nd, possible trade up in the first? I’m cool like a fool in a swimming pool.

he's awesome

I am looking forward to his combine
he got caught in an awful system at WV

Oh yeah

Didn’t he play like the five technique 34 end? Awful.

loll yeah

it was awful for a guy at 235 to play as a five tech
its like a 3-3-5 defense or something

stand him up and let him go

Why is Irvin a good idea at OLB at 235 lbs

but Bruce Carter at 233 is an awful idea? You said higher up that Carter is too small to do it, but with Irvin you say “stand him up and let him go”, and that you wouldn’t mind it if he was the pick at 14.

Not trying to start an argument, just wondering why 233 is too small and 235 isn’t.

Bruce Irvin's sole job was pass rusher. Bruce Carter was a coverage LB who occassionally blitzed.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Right

But guys change schemes and responsibilities all the time. The point was a conversation earlier said that Carter was too small, didn’t have the body for being a 3-4 OLB, but apparently a guy 2 lbs heavier does. If Irvin can do it, then Carter can do it IMO.

Carter's best suited for coverage and open field tackling.

Not pass rushing.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

question Roh, does this sound like Dallas' defense?

~~Bruce Irvin’s sole job was~~ Demarcus Ware’s role is primarily pass rusher. ~~Bruce Carter was~~ Anthony Spencer was a coverage LB who occassionally blitzed.

Shouldn't that be improved upon, though?

Maybe that’ll change when they get two ILBs that can cover a baby with a blanket, at the very least. Their DL clearly isn’t good enough to generate pressure with just them and Ware.

So if the d-line isn't good enough why don't we look at improving the d-line?

Look for something like the Smith/Smith combo in SF.

Grimlock83 - January 18, 2012 reply

Maybe...

I would like to improve the DL. I just don’t know what the biggest problem is and where the solution is. Ratliff is good, Lissemore shows some promise, Spears has his positives, and Hatcher has shown promise too. What do you do? Get a NT? Get another 34 end? The 34 is also hard to find DLman for. There’s more 34 rush end prospects coming out but not a whole lot of 34 DLmen.

As of right now, I like Poe as NT, but he is a stretch at 14, so, I'm not holding my breath.

But, get Poe and have the line of Hatcher/Poe/Ratliff/Ware. The biggest knock on Ratliff as DE is his arms are too small to go against a tackle. By putting him next to Ware, you solve that problem. The tackle will be focused on Ware, leaving Ratliff 1 on 1 with the guard. If Poe is as advertised, he has the potential to make most centers look like Costa. The right tackle will handle Hatcher, leaving Hatcher 1 on 1. That leaves the right guard to decide if he wants to double Ware or Poe, leaving the other in good position to beat their man.

Now, i get the whole BPA thing and the not trading down thing. And, come the 14th pick, if a OLB is the BPA and Dallas picks him, I won’t be upset. But, I won’t expect a huge change in the defense either. Look at the top 3-4 defenses, and very few rely on the strong side OLB to get pressure on the QB. Getting another SOLB as a pass rusher means Dallas is committing to sending 5 guys at the QB just about every play. I feel that will leave Dallas open against pass in the middle and screens. This will put a lot of pressure on our ILB (here’s hoping Carter is the next Lee). Further more, since our 3 down guys can’t collapse a pocket, the QB will be able to step up and avoid the OLB’s, at least for a few seconds. If we haven’t made serious improvements to the DB’s, WR will get open and QB’s will have record days throwing against Dallas.

The way I see things, the defense needs a better line and better DB’s. The LB group is ok, great if Carter can step up.

Grimlock83 - January 18, 2012 reply

I would love to have Poe as our NT

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Well...

I like Poe too, but I think we have a tendency to fall inlove with the flavor de jour NT, just because it’s such a glaring need and were so jealous of teams that get Ngata, Hampton, Raji, and Wilfork that we tend to fall in love with whoever can fill that role. I think that’s misguided. We, and the Cowboys FO, should evaluate each player individually regardless of the need. In all likelihood Poe would be a welcome addition to the DL, however, thinking he’s that elite NT, is IMO misguided at this point.

I would argue thinking any player in the draft as elite is a little misguided.

Some players have a higher chance of panning while others don’t, but there is a chance any player could bust. It is especially harder when dealing with 3-4 because we are drafting players that we think will work but because the players don’t play that position in college, we aren’t sure.

Grimlock83 - January 18, 2012 reply

That's true...

There is bust potential for all of these guys, but I don’t think Poe has that ability to be a Ngata-type player. I think he’d be a welcome addition to the DL, but for the Cowboys I don’t think he’s worth the 14th pick or trading back into the first, at this point.

Yeah that's Dallas' defense

But what are you getting at? I’m not advocating Bruce Carter take Spencer’s job. Carter was a 4-3 OLB (strong side) that makes him a 3-4 ILB opposite Sean Lee. I want a pass rusher at Spencer’s position, my guess is that Ryan does too.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

What am I getting At?

IF Carter is a “coverage guy” and the SOLB’s primary job is to drop in Coverage, wouldn’t make sense that Carter could replace Spencer?

and like I have said Carter’s athleticism should make up for the “lack of Bulk” at the position….

Carter will already have coverage duties as ILB opposite Lee

Why create a need at ILB#2 by experimenting at OLB#2? Kinda crazy in my opinion.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

The SOLB's primary job is not coverage.

That is absolute baloney. SOLBs still rush the passer on over 400 snaps a year and stop the run on the majority of the rest. If you think a SOLB’s primary job in the 3-4 is pass coverage, I guess I would just suggest you watch football more often.

ILBs in the 3-4 have the primary coverage responsibilities

If people want to have a better understanding of the 3-4 just watch the Steelers go to work. How often do you see James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons rush the passer from the ILB position? Answer, only on one of their many zone blitzes, in which case you might see Woodley and/or Harrison drop into coverage. Otherwise, the Steelers use Woodley, and Harrison as their primary pass rushers, Harrison playing Ware’s position, and Spencer playing Woodley’s position.

Irvin has tremendous speed while keeping his pad level low.

Problem is he might only be a situational pass rusher.

that's why he gets a 2nd rd grade

but he’d be a nice option to have on this team

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Exactly, I'd take him in round #2 not round #1.

Different skill sets...

Irvin has sick speed and quickness, he also did okay as a 34 end.

It isn't just the weight and height

An ILB prospect needs a body type, they’re squattier because they have to fight Guards in some situations.

OLBs have to be longer, with long arms and strong legs.

OLBs also need a lot of technique in them, to keep their shoulders down and keep a low center of gravity. Mechaniques.

ILBs need to be more instinctive than mechanical.

They’re just too different. Re: Akin Ayodele and Bobby Carpenter, they played both positions, ILB and OLB, and they were both “better” ILBs because they couldn’t fit in the outside.

Chandus - January 18, 2012 reply

He isn't. Period.

well because Irvin is a pass rusher for one

James Harrison is like 240

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Love Irvin but not at #14.

me either but I wouldnt mind it

If he were there in round #2 I'd jump all over him.

Wouldn't mind it.

But there are a number of guys I’d take before him.

If it’s in the 2nd round I’m ecstatic.

Sign me up

He’s on my list of potential 2nd Rd Picks
1) Bruce Irvin OLB
2) Chase Minnifield CB
3) Markelle Martin FS/SS
4) Jared Crick DE

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I'm just not sure of Crick that high. Want to see if he checks out medically at the combine. Love him in the 3rd.

Jared Crick, if he checks out, could be a steal

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I agree

Well yeah...

Chris Canty is probably the most comparable situation. His medicals are questionable and he has other warts too. I’d say he’s a low second to a high third.

poor man's JJ Watt

Ehhh...

I don’t see that comparison at all…like not even close.

Jared Crick had 20 sacks in his career at Nebraska

2009: 75 Tackles, 9 1/2 sacks
2010: 70 Tackles, 9 1/2 sacks
2011: 22 Tackles, 1 1/2 sacks (5 games)

Compared to Jj Watt
2009: 44 Tackles 15.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks
2010: 62 Tackles 21.0 TFL, 7.0 sacks

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I will wait for his combine to suggest whether that is true.

Stephon Gilmore

BrickTop - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I forgot to put him on my 2nd rd targets

Rohpuri - January 19, 2012 via mobile reply

I'm on board with Irvin

I said that in Chia’s post yesterday. Best pass rusher in the draft. Looking forward to seeing him at the combine.

houseofprime - January 18, 2012 reply

oh my god yes

just watched his orange bowl plays. Holy crap.

foyesboys - January 18, 2012 reply

I have been on the pass rush train since the year ended haha.

It does need to be improved

The picks in the 1st 3 rounds

are the most important (obviously).

DeCastro has the highest upside and is drawing comparison to Steve Hutchinson and Larry Allen. Elite players like that don’t come along very often. Even if he doesn’t quite live up to the hype, he’s still probably destined for a better career Kosier, Holland or Arkin/Nagy. He’s got the be the 1st round pick and is worth moving up a few slots to take.

2nd – Bruce Irvin if avail. Chase Minniefield if avail. Markelle Martin if avail. Vinny Curry is a possibility. Maybe even a true 3-4 DE or NT. Whomever it is, it needs to be defense.

3rd – Same as 2nd round: DEFENSE!

4-7 – pick up the best FB, WR/PR/KR, P and backup QB (like Kellen Moore in the 4th or 5th).

+7

i like that strategy, goes back to the rat to DE idea too, but i am assuming they get a legit CB in FA then.

Agree on Decastro

2nd round I agree that we take Minnifield if available or if Jenkins falls which is unlikely. The only way I go offnse in the second rd is is Konz falls to us, which I think is a possibility. We would have the best offensive line in the NFL for a long time with if we drafted Konz and Decastro, we would really have to address defense in FA though if that happened.

Roy c - January 18, 2012 reply

I like DeCastro but let's not get crazy with the Larry Allen comparisons

He will be really good, but he is a different breed of guard. He’s at his best when he is pulling.

Look around

many are comparing him that way…

He's the closest thing to Larry Allen in ages. Larry Allen was to me the best OL ever to play the game.

If he’s 90% of Larry Allen, he’d still be among the best in the game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8I56-rnbZ8

We are comparing him to one of the greatest OL to ever play the game

Let’s all take a deep breath there. Larry Allen benched 700 lbs. 700. He was a straight forward mauler, DeCastro is at his best when he is pulling.

He could also play LT....

at an All-Pro Level

Larry Allen= Orlando Pace+Steve Hutchison

I'm DeCastro's biggest fan, and I'm not saying he'll be Larry Allen

However, I’m saying that at his peak he can provide that type of value. Also, don’t sell DeCastro short, he’s one of the meanest OLmen around, he’s also just finishing his junior year at college. He can get quite a bit stronger than what he is right now. He’s smaller than Allen, but also quite a bit quicker and more athletic. Pure strength isn’t everything.

Agreed with everything you said

I love DeCastro. I said earlier I think he is a new breed of OG, athletic and can hurt people at the second level. We would arguably have 2 of the most athletic OL in the game if we pick him. They need to put him at RG and have him pull and lead the way with Fiammetta. Those off tackle plays would be unstoppable.

I seem to remember

A game many moons ago, where Aikman had a pass picked off by a linebacker. It looked like a pick six for sure. He blew by Aikman. Then out of no where comes Larry Allen, taking a great angle, and makes a great tackle. I called him “bullet” after that. Amazing how that guy coild move.

sirjason22 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

That was against the Saints

I was there sitting in the corner of the end zone where the play was happening. It was one of the most impressive athletic feats I’ve ever seen, seeing a man that size run like he did.

FB? PR? P?

Not down with that. We can target all the same positions in 4-7 that we targeted in 1-3. We need FS, SS, CB, ILB, OLB, DE, NT, TE….

Vinny Curry and Bruce Irvin - I like your thinking

Those two guys have me very, very excited right now.

Yep but not in the first.

true true.

I like their potential as 2nd and 3rd picks

I’d like to get one of them if the Boys go a different direction than pass rusher with first two picks.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

If Kuechly is the BPA (and that would require some serious bad luck in the first 13 picks, imo)...

Then I think they definitely trade down.

I’ve never been a fan of the “switch back the 4-3!” or associated “move Ratliff to DE!” memes, but if they did take him it’d have in the cards.

Imagine a DL of Ware-Hatcher-Brent-Ratliff (Lissemore and Brent on rotation) and a LB corps of Kuechly-Lee-Carter. Pretty sick.

*Lissemore and Spears on rotation

Simply will not happen!

As of right now, hell no.

If they did take him, it’s a “maybe”.

Kirkpatrick is at the top of my short list right now, since Claiborne ain’t gonna be there.

disagree

ANY player drafted in the 1st round is pretty much guaranteed to spend 2-3 years on the roster as cutting them just isn’t cost effective.

2nd and 3rd rounders can be cut after a yr or two, but it’s not the smartest move.

4-7th rounders are cut often in the 1st year. And given that the Cowboys have more needs than just OLB, CB/FS and OG – like punter, FB, etc. than it’s a waste to double up on pics and draft more than 1 CB or S. Scandrick and Sensy just signed extensions…only 1 CB and S is needed.

Who's the dark horse this year?

The guy nobody is talking about now, but after the combine his stock jumps through the roof. Any guesses?

this year's Aldon Smith?

That’s who I want.

Mercilus from Illinois could be that guy

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I think it's Vontaze Burfict

Burfict will be a beast

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

He will end up like Suh, suspended for being out of control.

So you don't want Suh on your defense then?

You must be a fan of the Saints D and Cottonelle tissue then

Lol

You do realize Suh had a huge drop off in production this year, right?

Rena - January 19, 2012 reply

He still played at a pro-bowl level.

The “Suh is the worst person ever” meme is a bit overblown too. He missed two games, also hurting his production, and there’s also a bit of a “sophomore slump” type thing going on.

If you're looking for more of an Aldon Smith type

Melvin Ingram is your guy. Here’s a really good write-up on him: http://www.cowboysnation.com/2011/12/new-greg-ellis-wes-bunting-breaks-down.html

I personally want him not only to replace Anthony Spencer but also to be used in multiple ways on Ryan’s defense. At 6’2, 276, the guy is big and athletic enough to play a situational 3-4 DE, nickel DE, and a base 3-4 SOLB. He can go all around the front seven and still retain effectiveness.

Scientia - January 18, 2012 reply

I like the Greg Ellis comparison

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

idk on defense yet

maybe Brockers or a guy like Bruce Irvin

on offense I would have to say a guy like Kendall Wright or the WR from UNC Jones

Brockers or Ingram. Don't think Irvin is as good as Aldon Smith. It is hard to judge Irvin though.

Bruce Irvin

Is he your brother from another mother?

The combine will see him skyrocket.

Mike's boy?

O line and D line

Solidify your O line with a guy like DeCastro. Become a dominant running team who can also pass. Your offense becomes the ally of your defense. Time of possession becomes another weapon.

Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Eli…none can score when they are sitting on the bench.

Solidify your D line with an inside rusher who can collapse or at least push the pocket back. Your dominant D line becomes the ally of your D backfield.

Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Eli…all can score when they are on the field, but it is much harder for them when rushers are in their face in the middle of the field. A strong rush can hide blemishes in the D backs.

It’s not exciting pouring the foundation for your house, but it’s a necessity.

Jim Vance - January 18, 2012 reply

i hate that eli is in your group of mentioned qbs

but sigh, he kinda earned it for this subject. still cant stand his “awe shucks” look

really like OCCs take on picks

Ingram, Perry is what I believe….

Rangers signed the Jap.

tweet?

radio, 6 year deal

agreed on, not signed yet.

Elliot Harrison is smoking crack

His name is Bruce Carter. You’ll know his name next year.

Lord Humungus - January 18, 2012 reply

David Snow, C/OG, Texas

Year ago, Wes bunting described him like late late round pick, not athleticaly gifted, but polished…

my take on him from this year is much same:

+ experience, can recognize defense well, line calls

+ good overall build, coordinated on move, solid pass blocker and run blocker, great technique – sticks to blocks

+ finishes blocks, blocks with fire, RKG, polished

- lacks elite agility and strength, cant move bigger tackles

and whats really interestring on this guy, that bunting believe in this guy if he can improve his strength ….now I know how woicik is overrated here, but who else should have better chance to get something from Snow then Woicik?

I m sold on drafting snow late

If Claiborne drops to the Bucs

Do we talk trade there to grab him?

#5 would cost too much, I think.

#7, go for it (I don’t think the Redskins will take him and it’s unlikely they’d agree to trade with us anyway).

No way they pass on Claiborne

Talib might be serving time during the next season

BigBad Joe - January 18, 2012 reply

I thought that, too

But I’m seeing that they might try to grab TRich. If Claiborne drops to skins I think they will sprint to the podium. Lost out on Carlos Rodgers and DeAngelo Hall is garbage.

Whoever we select I'll be happy.

There’s no way to mess this pick up on paper.

Then it’s just a luck thing with how that player fairs.

That's a pretty fair assessment.

It's how we should look at drafts.

At least this year. We have no idea how that player will do, but yet we think we do. It’s a guessing game.

Yep but fun to read about and discuss

BigBad Joe - January 18, 2012 reply

For sure.

ARe you insane?!

Why would you say that? I’m going to have to sacrifice a bucket of chicken now to make sure that you didn’t just jinx us.

oh crap. Jeterian just jinxed us

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

How?

I don’t believe in that superstition stuff.

Let me make sure I have this right...

Everyone is saying Andrew Luck is the next John Elway. And even though the Colts have a franchise QB in Manning, they’re drafting him w/ the 1st overal pick.

Is Upshaw drawing comparisons the Lawrence Taylor or Ware? No.

Is Claiborne look like the next Deion or Nnamdi or Revis? I haven’t heard or seen that.

Is Kuechly supposed to rival Urlacher or Willis for top ILB in the league? uh uh

Is DeCastro’s future compared to the some of the greatest OGs to ever play the game – well, yes actually.

And Cowboys fans are debating whether or not to draft him if available? Really? No wonder the team is full of solid to average players w/ one or two elite players doing all they can to compensate for the others…

People don’t recognize greatness when they see it – they’re too busy defending their pet cats or own opinions about the next guy who’s probably gonna be just good!!!!!

Hate to break the news, but the opinions on who to draft on here don't mean much to Jerry.

gasp

really ? I bet he seeks a look at Chia’s top 50 (he should at least, IMO)

BigBad Joe - January 18, 2012 reply

Nooooooooooo !!!

You’re kidding, right? Why are we writing all the posts like mad men?

If he's there, you don't pass on him

But what if he isn’t?

Is perception always right?

Ray Rice, Lesean McCoy weren’t the first RBs taken…heck not a lot of people trusted Chris Johnson and his flashy attitude despite his speed and great hands. Mike Williams went in the 4th round because he had a falling out with his team…Arian Foster, Romo, James Harrison undrafted. The list could go on and on.

The point is, even the FO and “inside scout knowledge” can be about as predicting as a bum off the street. That’s the beauty of the NFL draft.

For everybody that is touted as the next (insert Hall of Famer here)

Not many actually live up to it. I’d rather sign a young, proven FA (come on down Carl Nicks!), and use the entire drat on defense.

So...

You’d rather spend all the remaining cap on an older player that’s well over 300 pounds, and use the draft to try and fix every hole on the defense? Ehhh…

I said a YOUNG, proven FA

Nicks is 26. He’s just now entering the prime of his career. If shoring up the O-line is as important as everyone keeps saying, he is the better fix than a rookie who will (if you look at the history of the league), take a few years to develop. Defensive players don’t take as long to make a big impact as any offensive position players do (other than RBs).

The core group of stars on this team have a window that is closing. If the Cowboys are going to try to win with this group, going with a guy like Nicks at OG, and using the entire draft on defense is the way to go IMO. If the offseason will be based on building for the future, then they simply need to draft BPA, regardless of position.

He's younger than most FAs

That just means he’ll command more guaranteed money and a longer deal. Given the Cowboys’ cap situation, and their other needs I just don’t see it being a good idea. Also your defensive players don’t take as long to make an impact statement is just plain stupid. Tyron Smith didn’t make an impact? Neither did Bryan Bulaga, Matt Saffold, Russell Okung, Mike Iupati, Cam Newton, Sam Bradford, AJ Green, Dez Bryant, and others didn’t make an impact as a rookie? Please.

Wow.

Easy there chief. Stupid? For every guy you named, there are tons of guys who have taken a few years to develop into Pro Bowl level players. There was a post a couple of days ago that showed the years of service for all of the Pro Bowl O-linemen. Other than Pouncey, NONE had less than 4 years in the league.

Go find out how many O-lineman make Pro Bowls (I know it’s sometimes just a popularity contest), or even better, All-Pro before their 4th or 5th years. And then compare that to any position on defense. And check out the other recent post that shows the grades of all of the 1st round O-lineman from the past few years. There was only about 3 or 4 that have positive grades for each of their first few years. Or just cherry pick a few names to make yourself look right, and tell me I’m stupid. It makes no difference to me.

Yes, it's a dumb distinction to just throw around a blanket statement and say defenders contribute faster than offensive players and vice versa.

Elite talent is elite talent. If you’re good you can contribute, that’s all there is to it. Tyron Smith was the 3rd best tackle in the conference last season, Bryan Bulaga played at a pro-bowl level, as did Mike Iupati (I’m pretty sure both Bulaga and Iupati made the pro-bowl too anyways). Roger Saffold was also huge in his rookie year too, and we all know Cam Newton and AJ Green’s contributions.

Besides judging players by the pro-bowl is dumb, especially for OLmen. It’s largely a popularity contest, and the dinosaurs that vote for it use geriatric ways of evaluating talent. When I say “pro-bowler” or “all-star” I don’t actually mean a guy who plays in the pro-bowl or an ASG, I mean the type of production and talent you’d associate when you hear the term “all-star” go read any baseball game and see how far the ASG has fallen, and the Pro-Bowl is even worse.

They should leave pro bowl voting (for the oline) up to the players. Coaches, and gms.

Even those guys can get pretty dumb and let players live on their name for too long.

Maybe just the D-coordinators or DL coaches should vote. Otherwise we’ll still see the awful picks based on name alone.

sportsfanatic21 - January 19, 2012 reply

Well, to my original point

Unless all of the PFF grades on all of the highly drafted O-lineman and the stats posted showing WRs having modest numbers as rookies, and increasing in each of their 2nd and 3rd seasons are all wrong, then my point is valid.

In MY opinion, if the Cowboys are trying to win before the big stars on this teams windows close, the better option is to sign a guy like Nicks to bolster the O-line, and draft for defense, instead of taking Decastro and then seeing what happens. Yes, there are players that have been productive as rookies, but the VAST majority of rookie O-lineman are not elite in their first year(s). Carl Nicks is elite now. And no matter what anybody says, there is ZERO guarantee that David Decastro will be a great NFL player. There have been TONS of players labeled as “can’t miss” stars that have not lived up to their billing.

Again, judging by the history of this league, normally, rookie defenders are closer to their ceilings in their rookie years, than are offensive lineman. If you disagree with that, then fine. We can agree to disagree. And like I said, if the vision is for the future of the Dallas Cowboys (and not necessarily to try to win with Romo, Ware, Witten, etal), then I think that BPA should be the choice in every round.

And to your point about Nicks commanding more money and a longer deal

What’s the problem with that? He has proven he’s an elite player, and he’s 26 years old. If Decastro was the draft choice, and at the end of his rookie contract he has proven to be elite and around that same age, would you want to not pay him, and draft a rookie to take his place? If the guy was 30+, I’d agree with you wholeheartedly, but he’s 26, and just entering the prime years of his athletic life.

sportsfanatic21 - January 19, 2012 reply

Still man

Guards get PAAAAAAID…usually big free agent contracts in the NFL don’t turn out all that well, in this new era of the lowered salary cap and shorter rookie contract I dunno what to think. I still feel that trying to win with Romo, Ware, Witte, etc. means that the best move is to take DeCastro. Romo’s not that old and he’s only been starting for about five or six years. Keep him protected and he’ll be playing for longer. DeCastro, like Smith, is ready to step in and play his balls off.

You mentioned that the vast majority of rookie OLmen are not elite their rookie year…well duh. The vast majority of players period aren’t elite, let alone rookies.

Omar Little - January 20, 2012 reply

awesome

You forgot to add Michael Brockers is the next coming of Warren Sapp.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

The case for pass rush

go back and watch the NFC games from last week (aka, the competition) what jumps out to you?

For me, it was the Giants and the Niners only rushing 3 or 4 guys but STILL getting constant pressure on the QB. If you can upgrade the front enough to cause this to happen (for comparison’s sake, go look at Rob Ryan’s December play calling: he was often using 5-6 man blitz packages just to generate pressure on Manning in both games) the Cowboys defense WILL improve. It doesn’t matter if the guy out there is as slow as Newman, if they consistently have help over the top, the secondary will look better.

The Cowboys two best pass rushers are on the wrong side of 30. It is rare for good pass rushers to hit free agency and when they do, they cash in bigtime (Peppers, soon to be Super-rich Mario). The Cowboys need to draft one in either the first or second round, period.

Drafting ILB or G

Don’t forget. Dallas’s explination for drafting Dez, Smith, Lee, Carter, and DeMarco were BPA.

For this reason, Luke Kuechly or David DeCastro seem possible regardless of position and supposed first round value.

Kevin Templar - January 18, 2012 reply

if they draft an ILB, it will be Vontaez Burfict

Why? Because he’s a first round talent that could be had in the 2nd round due to incorrectly perceived character concerns because he plays with too much emotion.

The Cowboys will not burn #14 on some BC ILB. Trust me on this.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

incorrectly perceived character concerns?

the guy is a 15 yard penalty waiting to happen. He cost his team their last 2 games with his stupid penalties and got benched in their last game for it. I wouldn’t draft unless he got to the 4th round.

The guy can be reigned in by a legit coach.

Dennis Erickson, was the wrong coach to handle him. The mistake he made was not going to USC and playing for Pete Carroll, who is really good at dealing with various personalities.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

lol

I don’t see how the coach is to blame for how this guy behaves on the football field. Look at Dez, I’d say Burfict has more red flags than Dez did coming out and he still can’t stay out of the headlines. Maybe a good coach can handle him but why burn a 2nd round pick or trade up the first for a guy that you don’t know if you can handle or not? For my 2nd round pick i’d rather have a safe player that i think can help the football team, trust me there’s plenty of them other than Burfict.

You don't blame a coach for the way his players act on the field?

Am I missing something here?

Jim Schwartz is one of the reasons why Suh was getting all those penalties

Until the stomping incident, he was enabling/encouraging Suh’s antics.

Is the coach telling him to throw tantrums like a 5 year old?

is the coach telling him to do stupid penalties and cost his team games? No he didn’t, he was so sick of him and his antics that he benched him the bowl game. If that doesn’t tell you anything about Burfict then idk what will.

He'll learn from that Benching

he’s a good kid, not a bad guy. I think Suh would’ve probably learned something had he been benched in college.

Just cause a guy gets benched in college doesn’t mean they can’t learn from it and become better.

Would you have given up on Vernon Davis after Mike Singletary sent him to the showers during a game?

Rohpuri - January 19, 2012 via mobile reply

I honestly don't remember what happened with Vernon Davis

so idk. I’ll say this though Burfict is a loose cannon, if you can’t control him and his temper he might end up being cut. I wouldn’t want to take a chance on a guy like that in the 2nd round, obviously you would so lets just leave it at that.

You people are overreacting

Our oline was not as bad as our defense… Our defense just plain sucks at all 3 levels… Ware, lee, rat and mike Jenkins are the only players with NFL talent… We need 7 new players on defense… We should pick up 1 or 2 ol, and draft defense the next 2 yrs… And the fact that people wanna draft a guard when we have the worse defense in the NFL…

drobe86 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Is laughable at best

drobe86 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

if he’s the BPA @ #14 I want him…don’t care what his name is or what side of the ball/position he plays. There’s gonna be an awesome player there, we need awesome players. bout a half dozen as I see it.

StarloverinWNC - January 19, 2012 reply

not true, the interior of the OL was as bad as the defense

Ph yeah

The defense was about average in every statistical category. The OL was better than most people give it credit for, but the distance between this team’s offense and the elite offenses of the NFL is larger than the difference between the defense and the elite defenses of the NFL.

Word.

Do the kids still say that?

You don't draft strictly on need in the first rd

You draft the BPA in a position of need so if DeCastro, who is considered a top ten talent by many, drops to 14, you sprint to the podium to hand in the card with his name on it.

Exactly.

You get the best player that’s there in the first, except in very rare circumstances you take the best player that’s there. Given the nature of the NFL, chances are whoever is BPA will be filling a need soon enough anyways.

Easy to say if its DeCastro

G is also a need. but what about if ILB Luke Kuechly is the highest player on board? Do you draft him with Lee and an unproven Carter? I think you need to find a good combo of need and BPA to help your football team not just purely BPA.

What are my other choices besides Kuechly?

I don’t think he’s quite the player everyone makes him out to be. I don’t see a scenario where that happens. There needs to be 14 players in this draft better than Kuechly…the ones I can think of off the top of my head are:

Luck, RGIII, Kalil, Blackmon, Richardson, DeCastro, Bockers, Ingram, Reiff, Martin, Claiborne, and Kirkpatrick at the very least. Probably more if I think more about it…do you really think all those guys will be gone over Kuechly?

I think that you take him.

Lee hasn’t proven that he can stay healthy and Carter is an unknown quantity. If all 3 turn out to be studs, I’m sure Ryan can figure some way out to make use of all of them.

If Luke Kuechly is the BPA

Dallas WILL trade down, acquire an extra 2nd/3rd round pick, and try and draft both Mark Barron at Safety + ILB Vontaez Burfict.

Burfict is every bit as good as Mr BC ILB, but that’s just my opinion. Dallas got first round value with both Lee and Carter in the 2nd round. If they go ILB a 3rd year in a row, they’ll look to take Burfict in the 2nd round.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Ok so we should

Keep giving up 300 plus yard passing games? D ware will get his sack per game but we’ll just keep getting hit up for 300, 4 td and a 100 rating…. This defense sucks people. Upshaw,Barron,Kirkpatrick are all impact players that fill a need. You get decastro and that doesn’t change us giving up 35+ a game….

drobe86 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Upsahw is Spencer heavy. He is not an impact player. He will be good but not great

Dre will be there trust me.

If you draft DeCastro you have to sign at least one fs cb.

I want DeCastro/Finnegan.

How many games did we give up 35+?

The defense needs improvement, but so does the offense. Prolonging drives and increasing scoring improves the defense just as much as it does the offense.

You get my point

The giants, eagles, lions all got whatever they wanted against us…. We sucked vs. The run, the pass on special teams etc… Our offense was fIne, our defense sucked… No dline, 2 good lbs, and 1 avg player in the secondary… There are 11 players on d you know

drobe86 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

There were ten teams that threw for 4K yards

Giving up 35 isn’t as big of a deal as it used to be.

Agreed, and yet we only did it once.

I think there’s a lot of hyperbole on this board about how bad the D was, when they were actually just average.

There's a lot of hyperbole about everything here.

Football fans are pretty dumb by breed. 16 games is an extremely small sample size and there’s still a lot of that TFAG stuff going on, hell there’s probably still about 20% of football fans that think Favre could come back and still play. I mean think about all the fans that still watch NFL Live or NFLN and think that those idiots have a point? The incredibly small sample sizes lead fans to think that teams lose games for things like “lack of heart” or missing whatever the NFL fad de jour is, “we need a safety, fullback, nosetackle, etc.” Football fans seem to be about 20 years behind where the rules and state of the game is, and GMs seem to be about ten behind.

I think that you are the one that is overreacting.

The defense was 14th in yards and 17th in scoring. We lost 3 games where the offense scored at least 24 points, and two of those were NYJ and DET, which were the fault of the offense.

For all the talent on the offense, we were only 11th in yards and 15th in scoring. That’s only a little bit better than the defense.

Ok

Stats aren’t everything. They may have been ranked 14th and 17th but they played like they were ranked 30th… How many times did they get us a stop when we needed it? Rex , sanchez and Kevin kolb all looked like good qbs against us… Everyone else exposed them for the bums they are. I can take you back to 2010 when garrard and Vince young looked like hall of gamers against us. What’s garrard doing now? Out of football. What’s vy doing now? About to be out of football… Face it brother we need a new secondary. 2 new lbs, and at least 2-3 d lineman…. These guys can’t play dead in a western…

drobe86 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

Kevin Kolb racked up a whopping 13 points in regulation against us.

Rex lost to us. Sanchez should have lost, except for our offense and special teams. When Kolb looked like a hall of famer scoring 13 against us, it was more than our supposed high powered offense could overcome. The Redskins scored a combined 40 against us, or 20 per game. The Jets scored 27, but that included an ST score and turnovers by us in scoring position and turnovers for them in scoring position. We averaged 20.5 points per game in those 4 games offensively.

The defense gets all the blame, and they definitely need to improve, but the offense is the spot where people are not living up to their supposed talent level. The offense needs 1 or 2 guys to be among the best in the league, while the defense needs about 8 guys. Which is easier to solve first?

Had our offensive line been strong up the middle

I believe we’d have been able to put up more points and run out the clock on the Jets, Giants, Lions, Patriots, and Cardinals.

Baked Potato Soup - January 19, 2012 reply

I agree.

Indeed.

Yeah, if you took a really complete look at the team the problem was the running game and special teams. A lot of people say that the defense “blew” these games, but the way I see it against the Jets and Lions, the offense barely even scored in the second half of some of these games, and the special temas was absolutely terrible.

http://www.cowboysnation.com/2012/01/bunting-part-i-can-bama-backer-answer.html

Or maybe

When will we learn that offense means nothing if you can’t get a stop… The saints had offense, the pack have offense why aren’t they still playing… And Upshaw is 10x that of Spencer… Have u guys bothered to watch him play… Almost Anthony is a bum… He came from purdue how good did we really think he would be… If decastro can help us with the pass rush or defend passes I’m all for it. Otherwise take a player that will make a real impact…

drobe86 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

What about Upshaw's teammate Hightower? I am reading he is better than Upshaw and Kuechly both.

Upshaw is said to be Spencer 2.0.

WB: I’ve seen a lot more of Upshaw and I’m still trying to get a feel for this guy (Hightower). I just don’t see a real dynamic quality to Upshaw’s game. He wants to get in and pull.

I was looking at Anthony Spencer’s stats, and I think his high was 6.0 sacks in a season. Upshaw is going to be right in that range. Maybe he has a year where he gets 8-9 sacks, but 5-6-7 sacks a year is where we’re going to see Upshaw. He’s going to play the run really well.

I want no part of Alabama's linebacker core.

No upside with them, not impressed with how they project.

The best SEC pass rushing prospect is Melvin Ingram.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

What?

Alabama has the most pro ready players invent NFL… Saban has a very sophisticated 3-4 system… All of their defenders will be elite, and will be future pro bowlers… Upshaw, Kirkpatrick, Hightower, and Barron are all elite prospects….

drobe86 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

After watching Bama, I'm excited about Kirkpatrick and Barron

I’m unsure about Upshaw and Hightower.

Rohpuri - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

I would be happy with any of those guys.

The most important thing is getting a quality player, and it looks like there will be several available at that spot. Also, hopefully rounds 1-3 will all be guys that can actually play next year.

What I don't understand

Is you guys watched the same defense I watched the last 2 yrs. And yet all you guys are talking about is drafting a guard and an MLB…. When we have needs at 3 out of the 4 dline spots, and at every position in the secondary… Then when you look back on the draft there are 3-4 players at the position of need that ball out…. Its like you ignore the fact that our secondary is porous and don’t give up 300 plus yards and 2-4 Tds and 90+ ratings every week… Smh

drobe86 - January 18, 2012 via mobile reply

First off there's only 3 D Line spots

and Rat is one of them. We need immediate help in the secondary, which comes by FA. Did you watch Patrick Peterson play CB this year? It might be the 2nd toughest position to get accustomed to in the NFL. I agree we need another DE that can ball out, but there’s no guy like that in this draft. I’m not sold on Devon Still.

If healthy, Jared Crick could be 2nd Rd steal at 3-4 DE

while I agree about not drafting a MLB early, Guard is an area of need

Since the current line can’t seem to keep Romo healthy.

That being said, I’d rather sign a FA guard, and draft a center in the third round like the dude from Ohio State, or the dude from Georgia. (Konz falls into the late first round, to early for our 1st pick, to late for our second). That leaves the first two picks for DE and CB/safety

just4fun - January 19, 2012 reply

We all have our own opinions as to what this team needs.I hear your opinion and respect you for it.I just don't agree.

IMHO Romo is this team and if this o-line doesn’t protect him better than the best defense in the league won’t take us anywhere with McGee starting.Yes the defense needs help but,imo,we have to protect the franchise. JMHO.

OOPS,was replying to drobe86^.

Ok

But how long do you keep bringing this same group back and expect them to be good… Our defense has been horrible for 2 years now with 2 different coaches. How many seasons do we have to get torched for us to realize we need an entire new defense? Only 4 players are good on our defense, and 0 are good on the secondary….

drobe86 - January 19, 2012 via mobile reply

Guess I wasn't clear,defense absolutely needs help.But if a 1st rd blue chip OG or C is there,that's my pick.

Resign L Robinson,Spencer,and Holland.Everything else goes for defense.IMO the players mentioned earlier would solidify the o-line,wr,and olb corps.That would leave the rest of the draft and a large chunk of cap space to put in the defense.
Long story short,blue chip middle of the o-line in 1st rd,couple of in-house FAs,then all defense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc_j2b_7lPM

Defense Defense Defense

after DeCastro. Defense Defense Defense

Lil J Moore - January 19, 2012 reply

Todd McShay...

Just said Brock Osweiler is a first round pick. I hope people in the know find this as funny as I do. And if you don’t just watch this game tape.