Wes Bunting now rates Alameda Ta'amu as the #11 best player in this draft. For those unfamiliar, Ta'amu is a big muscular physical 335lb player with a motor that doesn't quit. He is not a fat blob, he's thick and strong. This sounds exactly like what you want out of a nose tackle, does it not?
But Dallas already has a pretty good nose tackle in Jay Ratiff, why would they want to change something that's been working? There's so many things that aren't working why would such a change be a prime candidate for a valuable 2nd round pick?
Dallas has a defensive line problem. Successful 3-4 defenses like San Francisco and Baltimore got a lot of pressure out of their defensive ends in 2012. San Francisco, for example, got 13 sacks out of their two starting defensive ends. Dallas' two starting DEs (Kenyon Coleman and Jason Hatcher) only combined for 5.5 sacks.
Dallas fans also noticed that interior pocket-collapsing pressure was absent again in 2011 just as it had been in 2010. Ware had a career year but what's amazing is that he missed a number of sacks because the QB was able to step up in the pocket. The Eli Manning games in particular stand out as Ware was frequently in Manning's 5-step and 7-step drop point BEFORE Eli got there. So if you beat a QB to his drop point how is it even possible not to get the sack? Ware didn't get those sacks because Eli would just stop his drop and step up away from the pressure. His guards and centers (which Giants fans will tell you were not that good, by the way) stonewalled the Cowboys d-line at the line of scrimmage, providing Eli all the room he needed to waltz around in the pocket. Had there been more pocket-collapsing pressure, who knows how many QBs Ware would have bagged in 2011!
So we've established that the defensive line play both individually (sacks) and as a component of a team (pressures and pocket-collapsing) was an issue in 2011. Why would moving Ratliff help?
The Baltimore Ravens know a thing or two about running a 3-4 defense. They have arguably been the best 3-4 defense in the league the past decade. After their nose tackle Haloti Ngata's breakout 5.5 sack season in 2010 the Ravens did something curious. Instead of keeping him at nose where he was effective, they moved him to right defensive end. There Ngata was even more effective in 2011, adding 2 forced fumbles to his 5 sacks and 5 passes defended. Ngata was replaced at nose by a wide-bodied 350lb 2nd round pick named Terrence Cody.
Moving a strong nose to end where he will see more single-teams can create success. But is Ta'amu the player to play nose for the Cowboys? Here is the scouting report from Wes Bunting.
A massive presence inside, possesses elite natural width and girth through his lower half, but doesn't look soft at all, as he carries his weight very well. Displays the ability to sit into his stance, keeps his base under him and generates a snap off the football. At times gets a bit upright doubles over at the waste into blocks in order to stay low, but he can gain natural leverage bending at the knees. Doesn't have the initial quickness to threaten gaps off the football and penetrate. However, for his size displays a good initial burst, gets into blockers quickly and does a nice job getting under the pad level of opposing blockers and using his hands to gain leverage and fight his way through contact. Displays very good anchor strength inside. Has the ability to eat up the double, sit into his base and is tough to get a push on off the football. Is also very coordinated when asked to play off slide blocks down the line, using his combination of short area quickness, balance and power he routinely can fend off blocks and works extremely hard for a guy his size in pursuit. Lacks ideal range closing from the backside, but the work rate is most definitely there. Now, is tight in the hips and isn't a guy who can quickly re-direct, shed and work his way back toward the football. However, initially there is some short area quickness in order to keep himself clean -especially in quick set situations- and uses his power to fight through blocks once he gains any kind of step. Possesses only average ball awareness at this time and will take himself out of some plays, but seemed to improve as the season went on.
Isn't going to be a consistent pass rushing threat at the next level. However, has the ability to come off the ball quickly, keep his base down and push the pocket on his bull rush. Works his hands well through contact, is a bit slippery for a big guy and has the motor to fend off blocks and work his way toward the quarterback. Doesn't have great closing speed, but is a tireless worker who has a motor that doesn't stop. Struggles to breakdown consistently on ball carriers and can be side stepped even in a phone booth when in position to create a negative play.
Impression: This is the kind of guy who has the ability to anchor the middle of an NFL defense in either a 3-4 or 4-3 front. Needs to do a better job finding the football, but overall he looks like a starter who you eventually will be able to win with in the NFL.
Elite natural strength, the ability to eat up double-teams and collapse the pocket, and a tireless motor to wear down O-linemen. He sounds like the kind of guy that can upgrade 3 positions. A huge NT to collapse the pocket upgrades nose tackle in a way Ratliff hasn't been able to do the last 2 years. Ratliff moving to defensive end definitely upgrades a defensive end position. When you have a nose tackle that demands double-teams and a monster DE in-between that NT and Ware that makes DeMarcus Ware's job all the easier, helping upgrade that position.
Is this a realistic possibility? The mock drafts right now have Ta'amu as a 2nd round talent due to his lack of pass-rush ability. Should he escape the first round as expected there are only three 3-4 teams drafting before the Cowboys in the 2nd round: Washington, Kansas City and Arizona. The Redskins are locked into Barry Cofield for the foreseeable future. KC and Arizona could use an upgrade but do have nose tackles under contract so it is not a need. Furthermore, both have bigger fish to fry in terms of team needs.
Is Ta'amu the massive, powerful, endless-motor nose tackle the Cowboys have needed that could upgrade multiple defensive line spots with one draft pick? I think there's a pretty good chance he is.
Alameda Ta'amu vs Utah (via MetaDraft)
Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.
8 recs | 88 comments
YES!
I would love for him to be our 2nd round pick, I just picked him for the Cowboys in the MTD live mock draft.
CaliCowboysFan92 - February 19, 2012
Very good mock draft by the way!
I loved those picks. We need to tie up Jerry Jones and get you into the War Room on April 30th wearing a Jerry mask.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 19, 2012
lol thanks
If the Cowboys want Ta’amu they need to get him in the 2nd, there’s no chance he gets to us in the 3rd with the Steelers and Texans needing a NT. I’m officially on the Ta’amu bandwagon as our 2nd round pick.
CaliCowboysFan92 - February 19, 2012
I agree. I would love Poe
But I think ta’amu has a higher motor and is a better value in the 2nd. Unless Poe has an incredible Combine and pro day that pushes into the top 10-15 range. At that Case Poe in the first would be ok IF all of my preferences are taken; DeCastro, Jenkins, Kirkpatrick, etc.
mho - February 19, 2012 via iPhone app
agreed on all the above
CaliCowboysFan92 - February 19, 2012
That was a really good draft. Well done Sir.
oldboysfan - February 19, 2012
Yeah you did a fantastic job with that draft
I loved it
DerUbermensch - February 19, 2012
thank you thank you
CaliCowboysFan92 - February 19, 2012
There's no doubt Ta'amu would be a major upgrade in our line.
Dominoes begin to fall when you plug Ta’amu in. Ratliff playing end. Lissemore playing end. This, in itself, strengthens your DE rotation. Brent is a very good inside rotation player. DeMarcus benefits from a smaller pocket to target. The secondary suddenly has to cover a smaller area, because the ball comes out quicker. Next, the middle of your defense gains strength. Double teams melt away from others. Your four man front becomes unblockable. Your goal line defense becomes impenetrable.
When considering all of these benefits it makes sense to take him in the second round…if he’s there. No single position we draft could have more benefits above just playing his position. When considering the nature of the changes it brings about, you could argue that drafting him even in the first round reaps better value than a guard. But make no mistake, if you take him, you’re committing to the 3-4 base defense for another 10 years.
White Wolf - February 19, 2012
I've heard that Ta'amu would fit in 4-3 too
anyway I don’t know why there’s talk about moving to a 4-3 in the first place. Supposedly because we have better personnel for the 4-3. But the Cowboys have one truly great player in DeMarcus Ware that is on record saying he like coming off the edge standing up rather than with his hand on the ground. I’d not saying Ware wouldn’t be great as a 4-3 end because he has the talent to do anything he wants but if he’s more comfortable in a 3-4 and he’s a hall of fame type player in a 3-4 the Cowboys shouldn’t change a thing.
CaliCowboysFan92 - February 19, 2012
Regarding the situational 4-3
I’m thinking of Minnesota and those massive tackles. You couldn’t run on them. I think we’d definitely have a use for a 4-3 with Brent/Ta’amu manning the middle. I wouldn’t really want to get away from the 3-4 base, but we still need a SOLB.
If we could get Ta’amu, and a pass rushing OLB or DE, and at least one top flight corner, and Carter becomes the sideline to sideline menace I think he’s going to be, man, what great fun that would be. Sign…me…up.
White Wolf - February 19, 2012
+1
It would benefit Spencer (if kept) more than Ware. Ware would probably break the season record for sacks but Spencer would probably double his sack total!
mho - February 19, 2012 via iPhone app
I'd pull the trigger in the 2nd
Ta’amu would be a great pick in the 2nd round. But, no one seems to be able to agree on how good he is. I’ve seen him placed anywhere from the first to the fourth rounds. He’s a guy who will be good in a rotation as a rookie and then dominant for years after that. A big, powerful NT who can anchor against the run and push the pocket back against the pass. He’s exactly the type of NT I’d want for a 34.
inwittenitrust - February 19, 2012
I would love for him to fall to us in round 2...
…but I don’t see this happening. I’ve got a feeling he’s going to rise up the draft boards soon. Last year at this time, people were talking about getting Taylor from Baylor in round two. He obviously did not make it to round two. I think the same will happen wiht Ta’amu. I think he’ll go to a team in the mid to late 20s. Still a long time between now and the draft. I hope we can get him or a guy like him though. I really think that our d-line is just missing one player. Hatcher was actually pretty good when healthy, and I like Lissemore a lot. Think about this rotation. RDE- Ratliff and Spear NT- Ta’amu and Brent LDE- Hatcher and Lissemore. Also, I like what Geathers has shown so far. We need to be able to generate pressure from the middle.
Hank Hill - February 19, 2012
There's more NT competition this year then last
Ta’amu is not going to be the first NT off the board and he may not even be the 2nd. Poe is most likely going to get the top NT spot somewhere in the 20s. Brandon Thompson is likely to be the 2nd guy off the board sometime in the early 2nd. I see it as very likely/plausible that Ta’amu is still there in the mid 2nd. Even if he’s not, there’s still other good prospects like Josh Chapman, Nick Jean-Baptiste, and Akiem Hicks who will all be around in the 3rd and later.
inwittenitrust - February 19, 2012
I think it's a legitimate concern
I think that Ta’amu is great and could see him going in the first like Phil Taylor.
What’s likely to keep him down, tough, is his lower college production and likely slower 40-times. Ta’amu is a big strong ox but he’s no pass rusher, the lack of pass-rush-ability could keep him out of the 1st round. There’s also the issue of last year where 16 DEs/DTs where taken in the first 2 rounds. There’s some hope that the gorging of defensive linemen last year will result in fewer teams being hungry at that position this year.
All that said, I relaly like Ta’amu, that’s why I wrote an article about him, and wouldn’t be surprised if he rose because he’s a good one.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 19, 2012
Yeah I can't see Ta'amu running a 4.77 40 like Phil Taylor did.
I think he will be attainable in the second unless some team really reaches on him big time based on his position (the draft is kind of unpredictable like that).
Creasy729 - February 20, 2012
I hope you are right, but in the copy kat league
Im afraid that the Gmen’s SB win, will have more going DLine….looking for the way to pressure with only sending 4
BigBad Joe - February 20, 2012
PS
nice post. Well written. Rec’d
Hank Hill - February 19, 2012
wow
Wes bumped him up to 11?
I know when I release my next big board (after the combine) I am moving him up too, but 11 is crazy high
I think Ta’amu is a really good player, I was big on him in 2010, then I tapered off on him this year so I ranked him low in my first and 2nd big board, but then I saw him at the Senior Bowl and he was fantastic
he will be pretty high on my next board without his combine performance
Archie Barberio - February 19, 2012
Chia
Your thoughts on LaDarius Green? Any plans to write a piece on him? If not, I might have to write the LaDarius Green fanpost. Big fan of that guy. I would love to land him in round three.
Hank Hill - February 19, 2012
yeah
I have been talking about him for months
I got so many articles planned but I am just waiting to put them out, soon enough my friend soon enough, I am just waiting for the right time to put out some new material
but go ahead and write one, just because I am planning on writing about him doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write one, plus it gives us different perspectives on that player
Archie Barberio - February 19, 2012
Kool-aid
I’m glad some other people are drinking the Ta’amu kool-aid. I like this kid so much….adding him will do wonders to our front 7!! Looks like someone beat you to the article, Chia. However, i do want to read your next big board when it comes out
Stickyfeet24 - February 20, 2012
after the combine
I was going to publish volume 3 after the combine, I intended on doing on prior to the combine but I decided against it
Archie Barberio - February 20, 2012
Ta'amu could be for a 3-4 what Ndamukung Suh is for a 4-3
If he’s still there at 37 (Cleveland) or 38 (Jacksonville) I package my second and fourth-round picks and move up to get him.
One.Cool.Customer - February 19, 2012
I think Ta'amu could rise into the 1st round
Phil Taylor was a similar guy we were talking about as a 2nd rounder this time last year and he went #21. I hope that the lower college production of Ta’amu and probably slower 40-time keeps him out of the 1st round, tough.
So I’m with you. I think he’s a comparable talent to a guy that went #21 last year so I would trade a 2nd and a 4th to get him if he falls to 37 to keep the other 3-4 teams from nabbing him. Especially if we get that extra 4th round compensatory pick for losing Stephen Bowen.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 19, 2012
What if I told you
you could save your picks and select a player in the 3rd or 4th round with the same body type and skill? Nice write up but I think you should check out Hebron Fangupo out of BYU. I too believe a rotation of Josh Brent and another solid NT would do wonders for this defense and allow Rat to play weak-side DE, therefore killing two birds with one stone.
Star_Scream - February 20, 2012
I would tell you really good nose tackles are hard to find
That’s why Soali in Miami got the franchise tag last year.
You can’t just put any big blob in the middle, you need a big powerful man who has the technique to use his weight and the motor to outwork the opposition.
Sometimes you can find guys like that late but it’s rare and it’s not every year for sure.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 20, 2012 via mobile
I think you guys have Ta'amu pegged a little higher than I do.
The guy definitely has a place in the NFL, but the guy was honorable mention in the Pac-12. Phil Taylor, for all his questions, was an All-American. In addition, Taylor ran a 4.77 40 at 334 lbs. It cannot be overstated how much of a physical freak that makes him.
That guy went #21. I don’t think Ta’amu is really in range for the first round.
Creasy729 - February 20, 2012
i'm all for Ta'amu pick but could Poe or the kid from UConn do the same if Ta'amu is gone?
DCNation73 - February 20, 2012
I would be all for trading up actually to get him there
Archie Barberio - February 19, 2012
nice post if you want a nose tackle the right place to get him is draft and not FA
i would like him but i would consider also an edge rusher like nick perry or bruce irvin, i wouldn’t mind having two second draft picks, if there’s no top player in dallas board at 14 i’ll trade down to select mid 20’s, and then i would select either konz or jenkins, then trade up in the second with the ammo gotten in the trade
how does it look?
1-konz/jenkins
2a-cordy glenn/ta’amu/nick perry
2b-bruce irvin/jared crick/minnifield/josh norman
ratware - February 19, 2012
if he's that good, he's gonna be a 1st rounder
guys like this are gonna rise and get snapped up so fast. Maybe we’ll get lucky and he’ll fall to us though
somebodyquiet - February 19, 2012
Boy Could Use a Force Up The Middle
I’m all for a bull rush NT…we desparately need some pressure up the middle. Hopefully he’s got better highlights that the Utah YouTube video. I didn’t see any domination….made one tackle.
Pasipple - February 19, 2012
Stunning at the amount of people who now want a real nt.
football mensa - February 19, 2012
Youre not the first guy ever to suggest a NT
BrickTop - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Long before you though.
football mensa - February 19, 2012
That's fine. That wasn't my point.
You give yourself too much credit man.
BrickTop - February 19, 2012 via mobile
I don't need credit. Nor do I want it.
Funny to watch a fan base change opinions so quickly. Suck it up.
football mensa - February 19, 2012
Than why do you post comments gloating?
As if you are so much smarter than everyone and the organization. At the end if the day youre just a fan. Thats it.
BrickTop - February 20, 2012 via mobile
Brick you're dumb dude. Sorry.
I have studied Jerry for so long and the fans who follow the Cowboys. I have always found it interesting how people can be lead into believeing most anything. The paradigm of this being a selfish society yet feeling the need to follow so as not to rock the boat is puzzling.
That’s where I was coming from. Wannabe’s like you who think you’re the fan police are even more gullible.
football mensa - February 20, 2012
Ha
I’m not the jackass thinking he’s so much effing better than Jerry or anyone else here. If you studied so much why the f*ck don’t you own part of the team? Why aren’t you a coach? Yeah, I admit I don’t know much about prospects so when people on here suggest talented guys. Of course I’m going for it. That’s why I like this blog. You learn shit. And you don’t know shit about me outside my comments on this blog asshole, so don’t insult me that way.
BrickTop - February 20, 2012 via mobile
Brick don't get to upset
Mensa seems to think that he needs to call people stupid or dumb to make.others think he is smart. Its apparent that he thinks he knows more than he does. Dont lower yourself to his level man. Just let it ride.
Sado44 - February 20, 2012 via Android app
Thanks man.
I should just ignore certain people on here.
BrickTop - February 20, 2012 via mobile
You took the first shot sport.
The psychology of a fan base has always been interesting study to me. That is what my post was about. At this time last year you couldn’t find 20 people who thought Dallas needed a big nt. Now the tide has turned.
football mensa - February 20, 2012
not true
i’ve known plenty of people screaming for a road block in the middle.
for the last 3 years . not sure what fan base you’ve been covering
ol nasty - February 23, 2012
You don't read this blog much.
football mensa - February 23, 2012
Ratliff is one of those "fake" NT that makes the All-Pro team.
BigDumbFace - February 20, 2012
How many short and goal or short and 1's did we stop up the middle ?
Stop Brady at the goal line and Dallas wins.
football mensa - February 20, 2012
I think Ratliff is done.
I think it’s something this team isn’t really prepared for, also. My point was just that we’ve had a very productive NT in Ratliff for the past few years. He was undersized, which is all you mean when you say “real”, you want a big fat guy and that isn’t Ratliff. He was a football playin’ dude, though.
The idea that we needed a bigger guy in the middle has been a much discussed topic on this blog since Ratliff took over at the nose. I think he proved that it isn’t exactly necessary for the NT to be 330lbs. You just need to be good at football. That being said, I’d like a guy thats 330lbs and can play football.
I don’t think we should make personnel decisions based on stopping the QB sneak.
BigDumbFace - February 20, 2012
WTF! He just got a new long term deal!
Better not be done.
StarloverinWNC - February 20, 2012
It's unfortunate.
Maybe he’ll surprise me this year, but his production has been trending downward.
Whenever the “Ratliff should be moved to DE / We need a mammoth NT” discussions would take place, people on either side of the argument would normally agree that keeping him at the nose would likely result in a shortened career for Ratliff.
Getting beat up in the middle like he has for the past however many years, it takes a toll. A move to DE may help a bit, which is why there has been an uptick in people suggesting we acquire a bigger body to play the nose.
BigDumbFace - February 20, 2012
I wouldn't say
I would say he is done but truth is he is also a product of a not very productive line. Oc can scheme there blocking so that they eliminate Ratliff up the middle without much fear or anyone but the 4th rusher (ware) . I would be willing to say that Ratliff has about 4 more solid years on him if he makes the move to de but then that is a moot point if we don’t replace him with someone who blocking schemes have to take into account for.
Sado44 - February 20, 2012 via Android app
Here's the thing Big. Stop that one play and Dallas would be in the playoffs.
It’s like Dallas not being able to convert. Remember the Lions game ? How important was that play ? That is the beauty of football. All the plays matter. Gotta make the best of them.
football mensa - February 20, 2012
It's the Talent
I think there’s every reason that Alameda Ta’amu will go in the 1st round like Phil Taylor last year.
But should he fall to the 2nd round where he’s currently projected I love him. I like Alameda Ta’amu better than the Stephen Paea, Phil Taylor, Kenrick Ellis players we were looking at last year. I wouldn’t want to move Ratliff for one of those guys. But I do really like Ta’amu and believe he could be a pocket-collapsing nose tackle in this league.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 19, 2012
it's not about a big body
it’s about getting top tier lineman talent
somebodyquiet - February 20, 2012
Great Post!!!
Why has the cowboys brass devalued the d-line over the years? They need to make this a priority, my hope is that Jerry was blowing smoke at the senior bowl.
juniorb - February 19, 2012
sooner or later
the cowboys will realize the 3-4 is based on a strong NT.
Ravens/steelers both play an excellent 3-4 and have excellent NT’s.
They keep the OL off the LB’s.
Take this kid or Poe in the 1st round and our run defense is instantly improved.
No longer giving up 3 – 4 yards on a first down run.
Want to beat the Giants stop their first down run!!
oneforthethumb - February 19, 2012
If Ratliff Wants to Stay at Nose....
then Ta’amu could still be drafted and play DE. Just like Ngata. Put him opposite Ware to collapse the pocket. Sacrificing some pursuit ability though.
Fall_Guy - February 19, 2012
He's not explosive enough to be a 5-tech
Our 3-4 has it backwards. What you want is a powerful space-eating nose tackle and explosive DEs. Instead we have an explosive NT in Ratliff and space-eating DEs in Coleman and Spears.
If you put Ta’amu at DE you’ll just have a bigger Spears. Ta’amu isn’t going to give guards the slip and get by them, he’s not going to get you sacks.
At DE you want guys that can slip past the blocker and get a sack (Ratliff). At NT you want a big powerful guy that pushes centers back into the face of the QB so that the QB can’t escape the Ratliff-type DE that is coming for him.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 19, 2012
Truth be told , Rat is a 4-3 dt.
For him to maximize his effectiveness he needs another competent dt . Add a decent de on Rat’s side and it would benefit the d line in a way we haven’t seen in Dallas for awhile. That is why I am for the switch to a 4-3. We already have Rat and resigned him, might as well make use of him that would help us most.
football mensa - February 20, 2012
The 4-3 would waste a lot of talent
Hatcher, Spears, and Lissemore would have no place overnight.
The team has no 1-technique on the roster, nor a strong-side defensive end. It has no middle or weak-side linebacker.
Yes Ratliff would be a fine 3-tech, yes Ware would be a fine RDE, yes Sean Lee makes a good strong-side linebacker but you’re missing more pieces of a 4-3 than you have.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 20, 2012
Disagree Blue.
Spears and Rat at dt. Liss and Ware at de. Lb’s are on the roster. Spears would be the space eater at dt. Rat the pressure dt. Much more beneficial to Dallas.
football mensa - February 21, 2012
the biggest issue I have with that
is Lissemore really isn’t a 4-3 DE
here is his proday Workout:
40 Yrd Dash: 4.91
20 Yrd Dash: 2.89
10 Yrd Dash: 1.70
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 36
Vertical Jump: 30
Broad Jump: 09’03"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.52
3-Cone Drill: 7.57
His 3-cone tine of 7.57 indicates he doesn’t have the flexibility to “turn the Corner” which is key in a 4-3 DE. And his SS time doesn’t inspire confidence either. What you need is a player that has a sub 4.5 SS time with a 3-cone drill of less than 7.5….if they weigh in @300 -310lbs, with a 1/10th of a second drop in 3 cone and another 1/10th of a sec in the SS time, drop for every ten lbs less they weigh….otherwise you are left with the same issue Dallas currently has, no outside pressure opposite Ware….
so it would work out like this:
300lbs=4.5 ss and 7.5 3-cone
290lbs=4.4 ss and 7.4 3 cone
280lbs=4.3 ss and 7.3 3cone
270lbs=4.2ss and 7.2 3 cone
260lbs=4.1 ss and 7.1 3 cone
250lbs=4.0ss and 7.0 3cone
while Lissemore almost matches the 300lbs numbers given that he was 298 at the time, he needed to post a sub 4.5 and a sub 7.5 time(a 4.42and a 7.47 would have been good)…which he did neither….compare that to say Adrian Clayborn (weighed 280) who posted a 4.13 SS time and a 7.3 at the Combine and a 7.08 at his proday….either one means that he is extremely athletic for his weight, as he posted numbers that a player up to 30lbs lighter should post. or Compare that to Ratliff: at 292 posted a 4.2 ss time and a 7.3 3-cone time….
so the ideal 4-3 lineup would be
RDE-Ware
RDT-Lissemore
LDE-Spears
LDE- Ratliff
Now Bear in mind that all this is simply JMO. but I have been looking at combine numbers vs weigh over the past year, which I admit isn’t long but I only recently really started delving into this stuff.
I am Ironman!!! - February 21, 2012
I don't CARE what Ratliff "wants"
Hey – here’s a bunch ( A BUNCH!) of money. Now go play where you’re told to.
Nickthegrip - February 19, 2012
Ratliff will play where he's asked to play.
That won’t be an issue. He’s an RKG.
White Wolf - February 19, 2012
Anyone know ryans preference in nt his brother likes the big nt
I got the feeling that Ryan likes his big nt but with no known on the team he used what he had. Brent got a lot more use than I felt like he should have until he got hurt maybe it was ryans way of seen what he had but resorting back to his known when the defense started wearing down. I do hope his use of Brent tells enough that he will draft us a big nt
Sado44 - February 20, 2012 via Android app
I like the player, but
If you go NT in the first two rounds then I really hope Dallas adds a legit starter at corner and in the interior O-Line in free agency. Expecting to solve one of those gaping holes with a third rounder is asking for trouble.
Alan Smithee - February 19, 2012
I think they need to do that anyway
I think they absolutely need to sign a center, a safety (possibly Elam), a veteran ILB, and a CB of at least nickle quality in free agency.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 19, 2012
The Faith I'm seeing being placed at the feet of Scandrick is downright scary.
The dude is not a starting LCB. He’s serviceable in the slot.
We NEED a starting CB in FA. Even if we take a CB with our #1pick, it would be better to give that guy a year to adjust to the game. Then next year we let Jenkins walk & plug in our 2012 #1 at RCB.
StarloverinWNC - February 20, 2012
that is the issue though
Scandrick really isn’t a “slot CB” . he really doesn’t have the “quickness” to matchup with smaller “Slot WR”
He actually is a Outside CB. Ideally the line up should be this:
Jenkins-RCB
Scandrick_LCB
Newman-“slot CB”
Butler-dime CB
this would allow Scandrick to play “Press Zone” which he is much better at than the slot.
I am Ironman!!! - February 21, 2012
On a side note, I continue to be underwhelmed by Alameda Ta'amu
boy I be pissed if we pick him in the 2nd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od2sdLUOtys&feature=player_embedded
cowboyzz11 - February 20, 2012
Where’s Gannaway projected? He looked good running and blocking.
StarloverinWNC - February 20, 2012
so whats the guy do to
impress you
bet you right now we are not even looking at this guy
cowboyzz11 - February 20, 2012
I never saw him
make a tackle and this againest college players ?
cowboyzz11 - February 20, 2012
Great post
Like this guy
dunkman - February 20, 2012
Great write up
unless we are going 4-3, we need the big NT
BigBad Joe - February 20, 2012
i really hope Rob values DL more then his brother Rex
there defense hasn’t been the same since Jenkins was injuried & they have
DCNation73 - February 20, 2012
Clarification
Are we talking guys that are purely looked at as 2nd rounders or are we including guys that are mocked by the big outlets as late 1sts that might fall? Are we including Jenkins, Barron, and Poe? Furthermore does Gilmore count too?
Omar Little - February 21, 2012
I've been on board for a mammoth NT since Parcells came here......
I’ve been bitchin at the Dallas Cowboys fan base for the past few weeks because I’m sick and tired of Jerrah ‘The Fool’ of trying to be a football man when everyone knows that he’s as dumb as Michael Jordan as a GM….LOL!!! I want Jerrah to sign NT (Pro-bowler) Paul Soliai who at 6’4" and 355lbs is a known quality. The NT’s in this draft appear to be pretty good on paper but it’s still a crap-shoot and they may not even be available when we pick at #45 in the 2nd Rd. By signing NT Paul Soliai, we can focus on our OL (draft best OT with pick #14 and then decide where to move Tyron and Doug Free and our stud OT draft pick in training camp). Draft best CB with pick#45 and best RB with our 3rd Rd pick (i.e. RB Terrance Ganaway who’s 6’1" & 241lbs and scored 21 TDs and rushed for 1,547 yds last year) to provide starting quality depth behind DeMarco Murray (in case he goes down again next year)!!
Pacerman - February 21, 2012
You want to draft a OT at 14 when we have Smith and Free, then draft a RB in the 3rd when we have major holes in so many other areas?
So, we are drafting a backup OT at 14, personally I would prefer DeCastro, a pass rusher or a DB. Then a CB in the 2nd, that is good if we don’t get one in the 1st. Then a RB in the 3rd? We have 2 good RB’s now and have major holes that I would much prefer to see filled there. Either a pass rusher, OLB to replace Spencer, double dip on a DB or a C. IMO a RB in the 3rd is a luxury pick we can’t afford to blow.
Rena - February 24, 2012
If Dallas doesn't get Ta'amu or Poe they have a chance to get Fengupo from BYU in the 3-4 round.
football mensa - February 22, 2012
I made this gif
After the Huskies beat Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl during Ta’amu’s Jr. season. He is lined up over Center. He has a ton of talent but for some reason he doesn’t always give 100%. During the bowl game this past season he was standing straight up right when the ball was snapped and had a terrible game.
He is so talented that someone will take a chance on him and if he is motivated he will be awesome. I wish him the best, I just wish we would have seen more of his best than a few glimpses.
bigtrain21 - February 23, 2012
wow
he takes on that entire OL hahahaha
Archie Barberio - February 23, 2012
Dude is a beast, I really like him
Blue Eyed Devil - February 23, 2012
He is Wilfork like when he wants to dominate.
Dontari Poe-tential along with the previously mentioned Fengupo and Ta’amu are the true nt’s of this draft.
Please Jerry get one.
football mensa - February 23, 2012
I think there's only two top-quality NTs in this draft: Poe and Ta'Amu.
Explosive 335+ human beings are pretty rare.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 23, 2012
Not sure about this Fengupo
kat n i really don’t like byu prospects (steve young being the exception) but i wouldn’t mind seeing poe or ta’amu sporting the star in 12.
DarkKnight88 - February 23, 2012
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