Kind of relieved...

[Rack Bauer]

that we aren't gonna get Howard. I just had a bad feeling about him, a kind of "Marcellus Wiley" feeling if you know what I mean.

Plus we get to keep our picks and won't be throwing a ton of cash at a player that simply isn't worth it.

This is a deep draft for DEs anyway (4-3 DEs). There's no apparant "Superstar" DEs, but one or more of them could still possibly turn into a force. If James stays healthy he could very easily be a better DE then Howard. Merriman has all the physical tools (and is actually about as big as Greg Ellis). I just fear Merriman is a workout warrior instead of a football player.

Anyway, let's just hope we get a starter with that second round pick like we have in the past two drafts (with Rogers being the only exception).

[InmanRoshi]

I'm not really get relieved we have to draft for need at a position with about a 40% success rate in the 1st round.

If Darren Howard played in the northeast or a perennial contender, he'd be regarded as one of the best DE's in the league.

[Mike 1967]

that we aren't gonna get Howard. I just had a bad feeling about him, a kind of "Marcellus Wiley" feeling if you know what I mean.

Plus we get to keep our picks and won't be throwing a ton of cash at a player that simply isn't worth it.

This is a deep draft for DEs anyway (4-3 DEs). There's no apparant "Superstar" DEs, but one or more of them could still possibly turn into a force. If James stays healthy he could very easily be a better DE then Howard. Merriman has all the physical tools (and is actually about as big as Greg Ellis). I just fear Merriman is a workout warrior instead of a football player.

Anyway, let's just hope we get a starter with that second round pick like we have in the past two drafts (with Rogers being the only exception).

Don't mean to screw up your stress free zone.....but I think the cutoff is Wed.

[Champsheart]

Rack, do you know something the rest of us don't?

We are not getting Howard?

[Rack Bauer]

I don't really get relieved having to draft for need at a position with about a 40% success rate in the 1st round.

If Darren Howard played in the northeast or a perennial contender, he'd be regarded as one of the best DE's in the league.
Now that's funny.


Don't mean to screw up your stress free zone.....but I think the cutoff is Wed.


Doesn't matter. I still don't think we're getting him.


Rack, do you know something the rest of us don't?

We are not getting Howard?


Just my own assumption. If something were to get done it would of got done by now IMO.

I'd rather take a chance on the injury prone Erasmus James (who could possibly play OLB in a 3-4) then to pay huge $$$ for the slightly injury prone Darren Howard.

[conner01]

it's not over yet,he has to sign his offer sheet today and then they have till wednesday to work it out.i still think it will get done.i don't care for this years de's all that much in a 4-3.there are lots of tweeners who fit well in the 3-4 but 4-3 de's are'nt that loaded.a bird in the hand comes to mind here.i did'nt like the deal for dat and a second.but if it's just the 2nd and we can work out a reasonable contract i say take the known over the unknown

[InmanRoshi]

Now that's funny.

How many defensive ends drafted in the 1st round in the last 5-6 years have met or exceeded expectations? Give me a list.

Because for guys who have either not met expectations or been complete busts I can list Jamal Reynold, Lamar King, Erik Flowers, Justin Smith, Andre Carter, Jerome McDougal, Ebeneezer Ekuban, Courtney Brown, Michael Haynes, Calvin Pace, Tyler Brayton, Vonnie Holliday and Andre Wadsworth just off the top of my head.

I have the feeling you'll soon have your sense of relief replaced with the sheer joy and exhiliration of hearing Dan Cody's name mentioned at the podium with the #11 pick in about 5 weeks. What a rush !!!

[Mike 1967]

Doesn't matter. I still don't think we're getting him.




Then your stress free zone is safe. Stress is impacted by perception...not reality.

[dbair1967]

Don't mean to screw up your stress free zone.....but I think the cutoff is Wed.

and we could still acquire him after that...just because we dont get him this week doesnt mean we wont get him at all

David

[dstew60105]

How many defensive ends drafted in the 1st round in the last 5-6 years have met or exceeded expectations? Give me a list.

Because for guys who have either not met expectations or been complete busts I can list Jamal Reynold, Lamar King, Erik Flowers, Justin Smith, Andre Carter, Jerome McDougal, Ebeneezer Ekuban, Courtney Brown, Michael Haynes, Calvin Pace, Tyler Brayton, Vonnie Holliday and Andre Wadsworth just off the top of my head.

I have the feeling you'll soon have your sense of relief replaced with the sheer joy and exhiliration of hearing Dan Cody's name mentioned at the podium with the #11 pick in about 5 weeks. What a rush !!!

I fear that as well. Give the 2nd for a proven DE. 8 1/2 sacks a year is better then anyone on our roster. Not sure why anyone would not think Howard is one of the better DE's in the league.

[junk]

The only thing that would scare me off about Howard is if he wanted some astronomical sum. I think he is better than any DE you are going to get in the draft and he is proven.

Everyone is so concerned about keeping draft picks, but eoesn't anyone remember Shante Carver and Ekuban? Massive first round busts.

The beauty of the Losman trade was that it gave Dallas the option of trading a pick for a player, which Jerry had mentioned doing earlier in the offseason and still having two early picks.

Howard is a very, very solid DE, that when paired with Ferguson, Glover and Ellis would have been downright great.

I don't know why anyone would be worried about giving up a second. The team doesn't really need another Jacob Rogers sitting on the bench, but rather a productive starter.

[JackMagist]

I'm not going to write off the deal until Jerry comes out ands says the deal is dead...or Howard signs with someone else.

I'm luke warm on the deal for Howard. I like getting the player but the injury concerns are a bother for me as is giving up too much to get him. If the deal is right then I'm for it but I do not want ot give up our future for him. Luckily Jerry seems to be having the same attitude; otherwise we would have the deal done already.

[Rack Bauer]

I have the feeling you'll soon have your sense of relief replaced with the sheer joy and exhiliration of hearing Dan Cody's name mentioned at the podium with the #11 pick in about 5 weeks. What a rush !!!


We won't be drafting Mr. Steroid Boy/Bi-Polar Boy.


And here's a list of DEs drafted in the last 5 drafts (first round), excluding last years (since it's still too early too tell with that draft, plus 1 of those DEs has been moved to OLB - Jason Babin).

2003:

Michael Haynes: Bust, but I could of told you that he'd suck before he was drafted.

Jerome McDougle: Thought he was overated at the time. He's been "ok". Better then I expected, but still nothing spectacular.

Calvin Pace: The Cards drafted him. Nuff said. This guy was rated as a 2nd or 3rd round pick and the Cards took him in the first. They also drafted that WR (Johnson) in the first that year, another guy that should of been a 2nd rounder.

Tyler Brayton: Last pick of the first round that year. Another guy I could of told you would never be anything special.

2002:

Julius Peppers: Well worth the pick, and then some.

Dwight Freeney: Ditto.

Bryan Thomas: Hasn't had much of a chance in NY playign behind Ellis and Abraham. Has been solid, but could probably be more if he had more PT.

Charles Grant: Well worth the pick. I'd rather have him then Darren HOward.

2001:

Justin Smith: Solid, but not spectacular. Not playing like the 4th pick in the draft, that's for sure.

Andre Carter: Started off great, but has regressed since. Don't know what happened to him.

Jamal Reynolds: Another DE that should of never been drafted in the first.

2000:

Courtney Brown: A helluva lot better player then his stats indicate. His only problem is injuries. Oh, and playing for the Browns. It's no coincidence they had 3 #1 picks in a row turn into "Busts". Their coaching was horrible during that time.

Shaun Ellis: Great pick.

Erik Flowers: Shouldn't of been drafted in the first.

1999:

Ebenezer Ekuban: We all know he shouldn't of been a first rounder.

Lamar King: Bust

Patrick Kerney: Great pick (if only we'd taken him instead of Ekubust).



There's been some good ones, and some bad ones. But most of us could of predicted that bad ones cuz most of them shouldn't of been first round picks anyway.

I'd still rather take a chance on a David Pollack, Erasmus James, Shawne Merriman or Marcus Spears.

Or, if we got to a 3-4, a Demarcus Ware or Justin Tuck in the second round.

[InmanRoshi]

There's been some good ones, and some bad ones.

Looks to me like the good one vs. bad one ratio is running at about 3:7.

Boy, I sure am glad we're drafting for need at this position. I don't see how this could possibly go wrong. :rolleyes:

[Rack Bauer]

I don't know why anyone would be worried about giving up a second. The team doesn't really need another Jacob Rogers sitting on the bench, but rather a productive starter.


Funny you mention Rogers but "Forget" about Julius Jones and Al Johnson. :rolleyes:

[Dale]

I don't agree that he has "Marcellus Wiley" written on him. Wiley is a guy that hadn't had a truly productive season since 2001. Meanwhile, Howard is coming off one of his top seasons.

If anything, this more has "Bertrand Berry" written all over it in my mind. If we don't get him, I think we'll be sitting here a year from now wondering what could have been.

The success rate for defensive ends simply is not that high, and it's no guarantee we'll even have a shot at either James or Merriman in the draft.

Howard has been one of the more productive defensive ends the last several years, and I certainly think it'll be a shame if we miss out on him when the cost was only (supposedly) a second-round pick.

[Dale]

We won't be drafting Mr. Steroid Boy/Bi-Polar Boy.


And here's a list of DEs drafted in the last 5 drafts (first round), excluding last years (since it's still too early too tell with that draft, plus 1 of those DEs has been moved to OLB - Jason Babin).

2003:

Michael Haynes: Bust, but I could of told you that he'd suck before he was drafted.

Jerome McDougle: Thought he was overated at the time. He's been "ok". Better then I expected, but still nothing spectacular.

Calvin Pace: The Cards drafted him. Nuff said. This guy was rated as a 2nd or 3rd round pick and the Cards took him in the first. They also drafted that WR (Johnson) in the first that year, another guy that should of been a 2nd rounder.

Tyler Brayton: Last pick of the first round that year. Another guy I could of told you would never be anything special.

2002:

Julius Peppers: Well worth the pick, and then some.

Dwight Freeney: Ditto.

Bryan Thomas: Hasn't had much of a chance in NY playign behind Ellis and Abraham. Has been solid, but could probably be more if he had more PT.

Charles Grant: Well worth the pick. I'd rather have him then Darren HOward.

2001:

Justin Smith: Solid, but not spectacular. Not playing like the 4th pick in the draft, that's for sure.

Andre Carter: Started off great, but has regressed since. Don't know what happened to him.

Jamal Reynolds: Another DE that should of never been drafted in the first.

2000:

Courtney Brown: A helluva lot better player then his stats indicate. His only problem is injuries. Oh, and playing for the Browns. It's no coincidence they had 3 #1 picks in a row turn into "Busts". Their coaching was horrible during that time.

Shaun Ellis: Great pick.

Erik Flowers: Shouldn't of been drafted in the first.

1999:

Ebenezer Ekuban: We all know he shouldn't of been a first rounder.

Lamar King: Bust

Patrick Kerney: Great pick (if only we'd taken him instead of Ekubust).



There's been some good ones, and some bad ones. But most of us could of predicted that bad ones cuz most of them shouldn't of been first round picks anyway.

I'd still rather take a chance on a David Pollack, Erasmus James, Shawne Merriman or Marcus Spears.

Or, if we got to a 3-4, a Demarcus Ware or Justin Tuck in the second round.

Has Jerome McDougle really been "OK"? He's played in 19 games, and has registered 2 career sacks.

[Pooz]

You are all wrong!:)

[Woods]

I don't agree that he has "Marcellus Wiley" written on him. Wiley is a guy that hadn't had a truly productive season since 2001. Meanwhile, Howard is coming off one of his top seasons.

If anything, this more has "Bertrand Berry" written all over it in my mind. If we don't get him, I think we'll be sitting here a year from now wondering what could have been.

The success rate for defensive ends simply is not that high, and it's no guarantee we'll even have a shot at either James or Merriman in the draft.

Howard has been one of the more productive defensive ends the last several years, and I certainly think it'll be a shame if we miss out on him when the cost was only (supposedly) a second-round pick.

I'm o.k. with giving up a 2nd rounder for Howard. I think the problem is with the contract size and SB. I suppose we have to weigh that versus the injuries (neck, etc.).

[St. Richard]

If Darren Howard played in the northeast or a perennial contender, he'd be regarded as one of the best DE's in the league.

Exactly. I know this has been hashed and re-hashed, but how many of the top ten or top 15 DE's are considered equally good against the run? To me Howard is worth MORE than a guy that can just rush the passer. Sure a player like Simeon Rice is going to look faster and flashier and beat his chest and stomp around. Whoopee! Howard makes tackles in the run game at the line, while players like Rice, KGB, Freeney make plays 5-10 yards downfield.

It's funny that people have been ragging on the Cowboys' ability to draft first round defensive ends, yet they'd rather take a flyer on a high risk-high reward player like Erasmus James than grab a sure thing producer like Howard.

I still hold out hope that Howard will be in Dallas before this thing is over.

[junk]

Exactly. I know this has been hashed and re-hashed, but how many of the top ten or top 15 DE's are considered equally good against the run? To me Howard is worth MORE than a guy that can just rush the passer. Sure a player like Simeon Rice is going to look faster and flashier and beat his chest and stomp around. Whoopee! Howard makes tackles in the run game at the line, while players like Rice, KGB, Freeney make plays 5-10 yards downfield.

It's funny that people have been ragging on the Cowboys' ability to draft first round defensive ends, yet they'd rather take a flyer on a high risk-high reward player like Erasmus James than grab a sure thing producer like Howard.

I still hold out hope that Howard will be in Dallas before this thing is over.

Exactly. People are deathly afraid to give up draft picks, but they seem to forget about the Carvers and Ekubans of the past. I like James a lot actually, but he is a very risky pick.

[junk]

We won't be drafting Mr. Steroid Boy/Bi-Polar Boy.


And here's a list of DEs drafted in the last 5 drafts (first round), excluding last years (since it's still too early too tell with that draft, plus 1 of those DEs has been moved to OLB - Jason Babin).

2003:

Michael Haynes: Bust, but I could of told you that he'd suck before he was drafted.

Jerome McDougle: Thought he was overated at the time. He's been "ok". Better then I expected, but still nothing spectacular.

Calvin Pace: The Cards drafted him. Nuff said. This guy was rated as a 2nd or 3rd round pick and the Cards took him in the first. They also drafted that WR (Johnson) in the first that year, another guy that should of been a 2nd rounder.

Tyler Brayton: Last pick of the first round that year. Another guy I could of told you would never be anything special.

2002:

Julius Peppers: Well worth the pick, and then some.

Dwight Freeney: Ditto.

Bryan Thomas: Hasn't had much of a chance in NY playign behind Ellis and Abraham. Has been solid, but could probably be more if he had more PT.

Charles Grant: Well worth the pick. I'd rather have him then Darren HOward.

2001:

Justin Smith: Solid, but not spectacular. Not playing like the 4th pick in the draft, that's for sure.

Andre Carter: Started off great, but has regressed since. Don't know what happened to him.

Jamal Reynolds: Another DE that should of never been drafted in the first.

2000:

Courtney Brown: A helluva lot better player then his stats indicate. His only problem is injuries. Oh, and playing for the Browns. It's no coincidence they had 3 #1 picks in a row turn into "Busts". Their coaching was horrible during that time.

Shaun Ellis: Great pick.

Erik Flowers: Shouldn't of been drafted in the first.

1999:

Ebenezer Ekuban: We all know he shouldn't of been a first rounder.

Lamar King: Bust

Patrick Kerney: Great pick (if only we'd taken him instead of Ekubust).



There's been some good ones, and some bad ones. But most of us could of predicted that bad ones cuz most of them shouldn't of been first round picks anyway.

I'd still rather take a chance on a David Pollack, Erasmus James, Shawne Merriman or Marcus Spears.

Or, if we got to a 3-4, a Demarcus Ware or Justin Tuck in the second round.

Man, if only you had been working the front office for those teams. Hindsight is 20/20 I guess.

I think your list doesn't really help your case, it just shows what a crap shoot the draft is. Howard is a proven commodity and we supposedly aren't even talking a first rounder, but rather a second. Considering the extra first the team has this year, it makes it a great time to do it.

Draft a OLB type at 11. Trade back at 20 and pick up some extra picks and go get a FS and a backup RB and this team is starting to round out nicely.

[Dale]

Man, if only you had been working the front office for those teams. Hindsight is 20/20 I guess.

I think your list doesn't really help your case, it just shows what a crap shoot the draft is. Howard is a proven commodity and we supposedly aren't even talking a first rounder, but rather a second. Considering the extra first the team has this year, it makes it a great time to do it.

Draft a OLB type at 11. Trade back at 20 and pick up some extra picks and go get a FS and a backup RB and this team is starting to round out nicely.

Great post(s), junk. Your sentiments echo mine entirely. I understand we can't throw away all our money at this guy, and his injury history is a concern, but I think we'll ultimately be sorry if we don't land him. The odds of finding a superior player aren't very high.

[Cbz40]

Which has the most potential of helping us get to the playoffs?

A. The 42 pick in the draft

B. A proven Vet. DE

Too me the answer is obvious.

[Dale]

Which has the most potential of helping us get to the playoffs?

A. The 42 pick in the draft

B. A proven Vet. DE

Too me the answer is obvious.

Provided the 42nd pick is spent on a valuable backup, then clearly choice A. is better. ;)

[Mike 1967]

Which has the most potential of helping us get to the playoffs?

A. The 42 pick in the draft

B. A proven Vet. DE

Too me the answer is obvious.


The second one.

[Cbz40]

Provided the 42nd pick is spent on a valuable backup, then clearly choice A. is better. ;)


True......Who am I to argue with a modulator........ :rolleyes:

[MichaelWinicki]

I'm not really get relieved we have to draft for need at a position with about a 40% success rate in the 1st round.

If Darren Howard played in the northeast or a perennial contender, he'd be regarded as one of the best DE's in the league.


"If If was a fifth we'd all be drunk"-- Michael Jordan.

[Rack Bauer]

I don't agree that he has "Marcellus Wiley" written on him.

I didn't say he did. I said I get a "marcellus wiley" Feeling about Howard. I have no doubt he'd be better then Wiley, but he'd also cost a lot more then Wiley. A helluva lot more then Wiley. For the money we'd be paying him (reportedly) he better put up 12+ sacks for the next three seasons at least.

The success rate for defensive ends simply is not that high, and it's no guarantee we'll even have a shot at either James or Merriman in the draft.


The success rate for DEs in Zimmer's defense isn't that high either. At least we'd be paying the rookie A LOT less money.


Has Jerome McDougle really been "OK"? He's played in 19 games, and has registered 2 career sacks


From the times I've watched him play, yes he has been "Ok". He's done a lot better then his sack numbers indicate. Still not playing worthy of a first round pick, especially considering the Eagirls traded up for him, but he's been solid.


I'm o.k. with giving up a 2nd rounder for Howard. I think the problem is with the contract size and SB. I suppose we have to weigh that versus the injuries (neck, etc.).


That's exactly my point. I have no problem giving up a second rounder. It's giving up the second rounder and paying him a fortune that bothers me.

Plus, the subject title says I'm "Kind of" relieved. Which means I was never totally against or for bringing Howard in. If we traded for him a part of me would be "Kind of" relieved that we got ourselves a good DE. I'm more worried about how he'd do in Zimmer's scheme then anything else. If he's not gonna allow his DEs to be aggressive (at least at times) then it's a waste of millions of dollars IMO.


but how many of the top ten or top 15 DE's are considered equally good against the run?


The Saints finished near the bottom of the NFL vs the run (in fact I think they were last). The Saints have all these "great" DL but they can't seem to stop the run. I'm not saying it's all Howard's fault, but I don't see how anyone can spot a DE on the worst run defense in the league and say "He's good against the run".


Exactly. People are deathly afraid to give up draft picks, but they seem to forget about the Carvers and Ekubans of the past. I like James a lot actually, but he is a very risky pick.


Well Carver and Ekuban should of never been first round picks. If we hadn't drafted them there's no doubt in my mind they would of dropped to the second round.

I like James a lot too, but yeah his injury risk is high. Definitely a high rish/high reward type of player.

[InmanRoshi]

"If If was a fifth we'd all be drunk"-- Michael Jordan.

There really are no "ifs" about his production. I've posted numerous times where he stands up among other DE's under 30 in the league. Dallas East did a very nice breakdown in sacks/game for first five years of the top defensive ends under 30, where Howard stands up.

The only "ifs" we are talking about is his fan and media notoriety, for whatever that's worth.

[Rack Bauer]

Which has the most potential of helping us get to the playoffs?

A. The 42 pick in the draft

B. A proven Vet. DE

Too me the answer is obvious.


If you oversimplify it like that then yes, it is obvious.

How about...

Which has the most potential of helping us get to the playoffs?

A. A julius jones

B. A slightly injury prone DE that will cost a ton of money


I can oversimplify it just as much as you did but to defend it the other way. Fact is it's somewhere in the middle.


Provided the 42nd pick is spent on a valuable backup, then clearly choice A. is better.


Sorry for having and voicing my opinion. I guess I'll just keep my "mouth" shut from now on.

GO DARREN HOWARD! THE GREATEST DE IN THE HISTORY OF FOOTBALL!!!




The only "ifs" we are talking about is his fan and media notoriety, for whatever that's worth.... not much, IMHO.


Ladies and Gentlemen, we have our very first Darren Howard Apologist.

[ravidubey]

HOWARD PROS:
Proven Sack artist; helps solve pass rush anemic since mid-90's; excellent playmaker in general; no chance of getting the next Tony Dixon.

HOWARD CONS:
29 in November makes DL "aging"; too much cap space dedicated to DL means we blow it up in 2006; no chance of getting the next Julius Jones.

[Sandman52]

But most of us could of predicted that bad ones cuz most of them shouldn't of been first round picks anyway.

Rack, please tell me which of the DEs in this draft will be a bust a couple years down the line. It's easy now to label the DEs from previous drafts as busts after watching them for the past few seasons. I'll tell you what, IMO, none of these 4-3 DEs have a chance to be any better than McDougle, Burgess, or even Ellis. I'd like a sack master, not a run stopper at 4-3 DE.

[royhitshard]

[QUOTE=Rack]We won't be drafting Mr. Steroid Boy/Bi-Polar Boy.
Where did you come up with the theory that he is Mr. Steroids? Link?

[jobberone]

Then your stress free zone is safe. Stress is impacted by perception...not reality.

Unless you're knee deep in the swamp surrounding by alligators.

Of course you might be Steve Irwin and think it's the greatest moment of your life. :)

So you might be right at times.

[Mike 1967]

Unless you're knee deep in the swamp surrounding by alligators.

Of course you might be Steve Irwin and think it's the greatest moment of your life. :)

So you might be right at times.

Hmmmm......in order for perception to be off kilter in that scenario you would either have to be completely off your rocker, completely drunk, completely stoned....or unconscious. :)

[Cbz40]

Too be old and cranky, obnoxious, and a pain in the rearend to Rack

A. We already have Julious Jones

B. We do not have a 11 sack a year DE and not likely to find one in the draft.

C. With a team compiled of 75% backups
1+1+1=5 I take Howard

[Rack Bauer]

HOWARD PROS:
Proven Sack artist; helps solve pass rush anemic since mid-90's; excellent playmaker in general; no chance of getting the next Tony Dixon.

HOWARD CONS:
29 in November makes DL "aging"; too much cap space dedicated to DL means we blow it up in 2006; no chance of getting the next Julius Jones.
Excellent post. On both the Pros and Cons.


Rack, please tell me which of the DEs in this draft will be a bust a couple years down the line.


I'll list the possible first rounders.

Matt Roth (shouldn't be a first rounder, but could end up there just like Ekuban and Carver did)

Erasmus James (high risk/high reward. I think he can be probowl DE, but the only thing that will hold him back is injuries. He could go either way)

Shawne Merriman (if he plays DE. If he plays OLB - especially in a 3-4 - I think he'll be at least solid)

Dan Cody (just don't see where all the hype is with him)

Justin Tuck (I'm a Notre Dame fan and I don't see where all teh excitement comes from with him. I like him as a second round pick, but not in the first)



Also, it depends on how high a player gets drafted in the first. Take the DE from Cincinatti. I think he's played like a solid first rounder... if he were drafted after #20. But for a #4 pick in the draft, he's a bust. I don't think any of the DEs in this draft are worth a top 10 pick. But there's several in the "Next group" that could turn into great players. I like Pollack, but I don't think he'll ever be a "Dwight Freeney" type. He'll be a solid pass rusher and a solid run stopper, but nothign spectacular, IMO. I'd take him at #20, but I don't think he'll drop that far.

[Rack Bauer]

[QUOTE=Rack]We won't be drafting Mr. Steroid Boy/Bi-Polar Boy.
Where did you come up with the theory that he is Mr. Steroids? Link?
Sorry, I was getting him mixed up with Richie Incognito. I think so anyway. I know I heard Cody was Bi-Polar though. And we've had enough Bi-Polar failures around here for my lifetime (QC, Underwood, Spellman).


Too be old and cranky, obnoxious, and a pain in the rearend to Rack

A. We already have Julious Jones

B. We do not have a 11 sack a year DE and not likely to find one in the draft.

C. With a team compiled of 75% backups
1+1+1=5 I take Howard


Dang it! Do I have to explain everythign in detail to you old people? :p

[ddh33]

For the last time, Dan Cody is not bi-polar, and I have heard no steroid rumors except on message boards.

Cody was diagnosed with mild clinical depression while at OU. He was treated and returned to be a solid citizen and team leader.

[LoneStar22]

Darren Howard or the 43rd overall pick isn't going to make or break this season.

[silver]

that we aren't gonna get Howard. I just had a bad feeling about him, a kind of "Marcellus Wiley" feeling if you know what I mean.

In addition it prevents us to switch to the 3-4. most teams using the 3-4 only have 6 D-linemen. Why would we be interested in one more 4-3 DE when what we need is an OLB who can both blitz and drop into coverage? what i like about the 3-4 is the guessing the QB has to make not knowing who's coming and who's dropping off. the 4-3 (especially the one we run) has been figured out long ago.

[Rack Bauer]

To be fair, I've hread that Howard could play DE in a 3-4. If I understand correctly, he played some DT last year as well.


Not the ideal size for a 3-4 DE, but not terribly undersized either.

[jobberone]

Hmmmm......in order for perception to be off kilter in that scenario you would either have to be completely off your rocker, completely drunk, completely stoned....or unconscious. :)

Or Croc Steve :) Or more likely dead.

[Mike 1967]

Or Croc Steve :) Or more likely dead.

Oh yeah...forgot about the Croc man. That would actually be his dream come true.

[Sandman52]

He'll be a solid pass rusher and a solid run stopper, but nothign spectacular, IMO. I'd take him at #20, but I don't think he'll drop that far.

This is exactly what I don't want to hear. I want a DE who can rack up the sacks. Ellis is a nice DE, but I really don't want another DE like him. I used to believe that DEs could almost always average double-digit sacks. Please give me someone who can provide that.

[Eskimo]

This is exactly what I don't want to hear. I want a DE who can rack up the sacks. Ellis is a nice DE, but I really don't want another DE like him. I used to believe that DEs could almost always average double-digit sacks. Please give me someone who can provide that.

Pollack had 36 sacks in his career and 108 QB pressures playing in a big-time conference - that is consistency and production.

Watching him play against Auburn I noticed that he was small but quick and had decent agility but lack long-range speed and explosiveness. I thought he might not have the physical tools to succeed at the next level. The combine really changed my mind - this guy helped himself out a lot. His agility drill scores were through the roof for a DL. I really think he is going to surprise people with that combination of quickness and motor. The only thing is he needs to play in an attacking style of D to take advantage of his gifts and that means no more "Zimmy wuss" to quote HH.

If we don't get Merriman or a DE at #11 and Pollack is on the board at #20, I think this pick is a no-brainer (assuming the Howard deal doesn't go down).

[Rack Bauer]

If we don't get Merriman or a DE at #11 and Pollack is on the board at #20, I think this pick is a no-brainer (assuming the Howard deal doesn't go down).


If Pollack is on the board at #20 I'd probably take him whether we got Howard or not.

[Qwickdraw]

What about Tuck. How come noone really likes this guy?

[zagnut]

What about Tuck. How come noone really likes this guy?

I keep wondering the same thing. I never hear his name mentioned. He has good size for a RDE, good speed, good athleticism, good quickness, long arms, productive, works hard from what I've read, seems like all class...you'd think he would have bigger buzz than he has. Guys like Tuck were once classic 4-3 RDE. He has a little bit of an injury background. I guess that's making some cool to him.

I don't remember if he worked out at the combine. If not, he may pop up more after his pro day.