Players to target at #14

[RamziD]

These are players that we could be targeting at #14 or with a slight trade down (to around #20) to acquire a mid-round pick. There will undoubtedly be prospects who move up after the combine, but for now I think these are the main guys.

OG: David DeCastro (Stanford), Cordy Glenn (Georgia)
CB: Dre Kirkpatrick (Alabama), Alfonzo Dennard (Nebraska)
OLB: Courtney Upshaw (Alabama), Melvin Ingram (South Carolina)
ILB: Luke Kuechly (Boston College), Dont'a Hightower (Alabama)
DE: Devon Still (Penn State)

Out of that list, my top choices would be DeCastro, Kirkpatrick, and Ingram (in no particular order).

Interestingly, somebody on here (I think it was SDogo, maybe some others as well) mentioned the possibility of moving Bruce Carter to OLB to take advantage of his natural pass-rushing skills. I'm not much of a player evaluator to know how realistic that is, but that certainly opens up the possibility of drafting another tackling machine ala Luke Kuechly to pair with our other tackling machine, Sean Lee... and that could make a pretty dominant pairing.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Sounds like a pretty good list. There is good and bad about going into this draft. The bad news is we need so much help in so many areas. The good news is nose should have a very good player fall to us since we have so many needs in so many positions. So even if we miss out on someone like decastro we should still be able to get another good player who can help us.

[cds99]

These are players that we could be targeting at #14 or with a slight trade down (to around #20) to acquire a mid-round pick. There will undoubtedly be prospects who move up after the combine, but for now I think these are the main guys.

OG: David DeCastro (Stanford), Cordy Glenn (Georgia)
CB: Dre Kirkpatrick (Alabama), Alfonzo Dennard (Nebraska)
OLB: Courtney Upshaw (Alabama), Melvin Ingram (South Carolina)
ILB: Luke Kuechly (Boston College), Dont'a Hightower (Alabama)
DE: Devon Still (Penn State)

Out of that list, my top choices would be DeCastro, Kirkpatrick, and Ingram (in no particular order).

Interestingly, somebody on here (I think it was SDogo, maybe some others as well) mentioned the possibility of moving Bruce Carter to OLB to take advantage of his natural pass-rushing skills. I'm not much of a player evaluator to know how realistic that is, but that certainly opens up the possibility of drafting another tackling machine ala Luke Kuechly to pair with our other tackling machine, Sean Lee... and that could make a pretty dominant pairing.

I love the top choices you have picked. Thats my favorite three as well. In the order i would take is Kirkpatrick, decastro, Ingram. However would love to get any of them. I really like Kirkpatrick for his size. The guy is listed at 6'3". He would be a handful at corner i think. I think Morris Claiborne would be the better shutdown natural corner but kirkpatrick would be more of a solid well rounded guy. Could be wrong thats just my opinion.

[jblaze2004]

idk about cody glenn at 14. Maybe if we drop back but 14 is too high. And unless Hightower test out like a beast at the combine than he is way too high at 14.

[supercowboy8]

Keuchly would be a great add he is a great ILB, and I know we have bigger needs but he and lee would've set for 12 years, and I know we got Carter but I think if he can gain 15 pounds he could be a olb which is what he played in college

[TheSport78]

These are players that we could be targeting at #14 or with a slight trade down (to around #20) to acquire a mid-round pick. There will undoubtedly be prospects who move up after the combine, but for now I think these are the main guys.

OG: David DeCastro (Stanford), Cordy Glenn (Georgia)
CB: Dre Kirkpatrick (Alabama), Alfonzo Dennard (Nebraska)
OLB: Courtney Upshaw (Alabama), Melvin Ingram (South Carolina)
ILB: Luke Kuechly (Boston College), Dont'a Hightower (Alabama)
DE: Devon Still (Penn State)

Out of that list, my top choices would be DeCastro, Kirkpatrick, and Ingram (in no particular order).

Interestingly, somebody on here (I think it was SDogo, maybe some others as well) mentioned the possibility of moving Bruce Carter to OLB to take advantage of his natural pass-rushing skills. I'm not much of a player evaluator to know how realistic that is, but that certainly opens up the possibility of drafting another tackling machine ala Luke Kuechly to pair with our other tackling machine, Sean Lee... and that could make a pretty dominant pairing.

Nice list. I believe if Jerry signs one of the top guards in free agency (Nicks or Grubbs), then DeCastro will be out of the running at #14. I just can't see a top FA guard and a #1 draft pick at guard coming to Big D. Here's my ideal offseason:

FA targets: OG Carl Nicks, S Michael Griffin and ILB Kirk Morrison
Round 1: OLB's Courtney Upshaw or Melvin Ingram
Round 2: Top CB on the board
Round 3: Top defensive lineman on the board

OL in 2012: LT Tyron Smith, LG Carl Nicks, C Kevin Kowalski, RG David Arkin or Bill Nagy, RT Doug Free

[windward]

These are players that we could be targeting at #14 or with a slight trade down (to around #20) to acquire a mid-round pick. There will undoubtedly be prospects who move up after the combine, but for now I think these are the main guys.

OG: David DeCastro (Stanford), Cordy Glenn (Georgia)
CB: Dre Kirkpatrick (Alabama), Alfonzo Dennard (Nebraska)
OLB: Courtney Upshaw (Alabama), Melvin Ingram (South Carolina)
ILB: Luke Kuechly (Boston College), Dont'a Hightower (Alabama)
DE: Devon Still (Penn State)

Out of that list, my top choices would be DeCastro, Kirkpatrick, and Ingram (in no particular order).

Interestingly, somebody on here (I think it was SDogo, maybe some others as well) mentioned the possibility of moving Bruce Carter to OLB to take advantage of his natural pass-rushing skills. I'm not much of a player evaluator to know how realistic that is, but that certainly opens up the possibility of drafting another tackling machine ala Luke Kuechly to pair with our other tackling machine, Sean Lee... and that could make a pretty dominant pairing.
In order of preference
1. DeCastro
2. Kirkpatrick
3. Ingram
4. Hightower
5. Kuechly
6. Glenn
7.. Upshaw
8. Still
9.. Dennard.

[Leadbelly]

These are players that we could be targeting at #14 or with a slight trade down (to around #20) to acquire a mid-round pick. There will undoubtedly be prospects who move up after the combine, but for now I think these are the main guys.

OG: David DeCastro (Stanford), Cordy Glenn (Georgia)
CB: Dre Kirkpatrick (Alabama), Alfonzo Dennard (Nebraska)
OLB: Courtney Upshaw (Alabama), Melvin Ingram (South Carolina)
ILB: Luke Kuechly (Boston College), Dont'a Hightower (Alabama)
DE: Devon Still (Penn State)

Out of that list, my top choices would be DeCastro, Kirkpatrick, and Ingram (in no particular order).

Interestingly, somebody on here (I think it was SDogo, maybe some others as well) mentioned the possibility of moving Bruce Carter to OLB to take advantage of his natural pass-rushing skills. I'm not much of a player evaluator to know how realistic that is, but that certainly opens up the possibility of drafting another tackling machine ala Luke Kuechly to pair with our other tackling machine, Sean Lee... and that could make a pretty dominant pairing.

Those seem like the guys we'll be picking through, but kind of underwhelmed outside of DeCastro. Not a fan of Dennard, Ingram, or Still, and kind of feel Upshaw may be no better than Spencer.

I wonder if Dontari Poe will get some consideration at DE, a la Haloti Ngata, and be on our radar. Maybe Garrett subscribes to George Young's planet theory. What could Ratliff and Ware do if offenses had to dedicate double teams at Poe just from a shear size/strength standpoint.

Could Alabama's Mark Barron be in the picture between 14-20? If Elam's gone, there's a gaping hole.

Demarco Murray and Bruce Carter were kind of outside the box picks. We say WR's is in good shape, but our 4 - 6 are poor. The Packers had Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones, plus Jermichael Finley at TE in 2010. What'd they draft in round 2? Another WR - Randall Cobb. Maybe Michael Floyd? NFL offenses are incorporating more spread elements.

[RamziD]

In order of preference
1. DeCastro
2. Kirkpatrick
3. Ingram
4. Hightower
5. Kuechly
6. Glenn
7.. Upshaw
8. Still
9.. Dennard.

I'm pretty much with you there. I don't like 6-9 that much either, but I figured they'd at least be in consideration. If Decastro and Kirkpatrick are gone by #14, then I would look for OG/CB in rounds 2-3. I'm not sold on what I've read about Still or Upshaw either. I'd rather look at Wolfe or Irvin in rounds 2-3 if Carter stays at ILB. I'd take any of numbers 1-5. Also, like I mentioned earlier, there's bound to be some other players we will consider that will shoot up into the mid first round after the Combine.

[RamziD]

Those seem like the guys we'll be picking through, but kind of underwhelmed outside of DeCastro. Not a fan of Dennard, Ingram, or Still, and kind of feel Upshaw may be no better than Spencer.

I wonder if Dontari Poe will get some consideration at DE, a la Haloti Ngata, and be on our radar. Maybe Garrett subscribes to George Young's planet theory. What could Ratliff and Ware do if offenses had to dedicate double teams at Poe just from a shear size/strength standpoint.

Could Alabama's Mark Barron be in the picture between 14-20? If Elam's gone, there's a gaping hole.

Demarco Murray and Bruce Carter were kind of outside the box picks. We say WR's is in good shape, but our 4 - 6 are poor. The Packers had Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones, plus Jermichael Finley at TE in 2010. What'd they draft in round 2? Another WR - Randall Cobb. Maybe Michael Floyd? NFL offenses are incorporating more spread elements.

Possibly, yes. Especially if we don't sign either Elam or Griffin. A lot will depend, obviously, on how we go about free agency. I hope we do not get tempted to draft another skill player in the early rounds..

[Ntegrase96]

Nice list. I believe if Jerry signs one of the top guards in free agency (Nicks or Grubbs), then DeCastro will be out of the running at #14. I just can't see a top FA guard and a #1 draft pick at guard coming to Big D. Here's my ideal offseason:

FA targets: OG Carl Nicks, S Michael Griffin and ILB Kirk Morrison
Round 1: OLB's Courtney Upshaw or Melvin Ingram
Round 2: Top CB on the board
Round 3: Top defensive lineman on the board

OL in 2012: LT Tyron Smith, LG Carl Nicks, C Kevin Kowalski, RG David Arkin or Bill Nagy, RT Doug Free

Right with you, only I had Cortland Finnegan instead of Griffin and the ball hawk safety in the draft, Mark Barron

However your setup is more error proof. There are quality corners in this draft and only one safety that I like, thus going after Michael Griffin would be better than Finnegan. I think Upshaw or Ingram (I'm leaning more toward Upshaw for his pass rushing ability) would be the safer bet as well and it would be nice to have another potential stud at OLB.

[TheSport78]

Right with you, only I had Cortland Finnegan instead of Griffin and the ball hawk safety in the draft, Mark Barron

However your setup is more error proof. There are quality corners in this draft and only one safety that I like, thus going after Michael Griffin would be better than Finnegan. I think Upshaw or Ingram (I'm leaning more toward Upshaw for his pass rushing ability) would be the safer bet as well and it would be nice to have another potential stud at OLB.

:hammer: The only reason I would take Griffin over Finnegan is because usually you have to pay a steep price for free agent corners. They RARELY come cheap, and I'd rather have two veteran safeties back there. I think Sensabaugh would benefit from having a true ballhawk in Michael Griffin next to him.

Also, in my opinion, safety is more of a GLARING need because Elam most likely won't be re-signed, so I would try to address it in FA. Jenkins and Scandrick will probably be the starters at CB next year, with the rookie draft pick coming in to play in the nickel. If we get Nicks and Griffin, I'd be ecstatic!

[Zaxor]

I really like kuechly I seen three games of his and this guy was beasten each and every time

[tm1119]

I honestly don't want anybody besides Ingram or Decastro. And 1 of them should be there at 14. There are too many cb's that can be drafted in the 2nd/3rd round that won't grade out too far behind the likes of Kirkpatrick, and Bruce Carter needs a shot at ILB before we draft another.

[casmith07]

This is one draft that if Jerry were going to trade a future first rounder to get back in the first round, he should go ahead and do it.

[MichaelWinicki]

I think the OP's list is far to wide... Several players there I don't think merit the consideration of the 14th pick like Still & Glenn.

DeCastro & Kirkpatrick. Those are it for me.

I don't see any of the OLBers being a big improvement over Spencer quite frankly when you look at both pass rush and run defense.

[RamziD]

I think the OP's list is far to wide... Several players there I don't think merit the consideration of the 14th pick like Still & Glenn.

DeCastro & Kirkpatrick. Those are it for me.

I don't see any of the OLBers being a big improvement over Spencer quite frankly when you look at both pass rush and run defense.

You're right...I wanted to thin down the list, but didn't want to leave out anyone from a position of need. Some of those guys I would be disappointed if we drafted without a trade down to about #20. If we stay at #14, I only really like 4...DeCastro, Kirkpatrick, Ingram, and Kuechly.

[burmafrd]

the single greatest need is a second pass rusher. We need to identify how to get that player and concentrate on that. As much as we need to get a CB and some help in the inside of the O line that is PRIORITY ONE.

We MUST have someone the O has to account for besides Ware

[MichaelWinicki]

the single greatest need is a second pass rusher. We need to identify how to get that player and concentrate on that. As much as we need to get a CB and some help in the inside of the O line that is PRIORITY ONE.

We MUST have someone the O has to account for besides Ware

The challenge is that it's not a good year for 3-4 OLBer pass-rusher types... At least those that can step right in and give this team say double-digit sacks. I don't see any of them that are are "gimmees". Most seem rather "Spencer-like" in that they'll give you a solid half-dozen sacks, but then I question their ability to stop the run.

I think the best potential for generating more pass rush is grab one of the guys like Winn or Wolfe who seems to have some potential for creating some pass rush as a 3-4 DE.

If you want more pass rush here are the numbers to chew on...

Coleman 1 sack
Spears 1 sack
Ratliff 2 sacks

[jnday]

the single greatest need is a second pass rusher. We need to identify how to get that player and concentrate on that. As much as we need to get a CB and some help in the inside of the O line that is PRIORITY ONE.

We MUST have someone the O has to account for besides Ware

I agree with you but this draft is OG/CB strong draft and I rather not reach for a need position .

[MichaelWinicki]

I agree with you but this draft is OG/CB strong draft and I rather not reach for a need position .

Agreed.

Not in the first couple of rounds anyway.

[burmafrd]

The challenge is that it's not a good year for 3-4 OLBer pass-rusher types... At least those that can step right in and give this team say double-digit sacks. I don't see any of them that are are "gimmees". Most seem rather "Spencer-like" in that they'll give you a solid half-dozen sacks, but then I question their ability to stop the run.

I think the best potential for generating more pass rush is grab one of the guys like Winn or Wolfe who seems to have some potential for creating some pass rush as a 3-4 DE.

If you want more pass rush here are the numbers to chew on...

Coleman 1 sack
Spears 1 sack
Ratliff 2 sacks

yeah hard to chew that. I would love a Seymour type at DE but they are very rare. easier to get a OLB that can rush the passer. We need someone that can give us Ellis type numbers; 8-10 a year

[burmafrd]

I agree with you but this draft is OG/CB strong draft and I rather not reach for a need position .

frankly this reach stuff is all too often BS. If the guy will do what you need him to do then where he is picked is meaningless. We need a guy who can rush the passer seriously on a steady basis. FA, Draft, trade whatever.

[Ntegrase96]

I agree with you but this draft is OG/CB strong draft and I rather not reach for a need position .


I think the reasoning for this is that most, including me, assume we can beef up the OL and secondary in FA. To me, that's the more surefire way to know what you're getting.

Sadly, for OLBs, there aren't any better FA OLBs on the market than Spencer. Both Melvin Ingram and Courtney Upshaw wouldn't be bad. Ingram is an instinctive play maker, and Upshaw is Alabama's best pass rusher. Either would be fine with me, and then take the best available CB in the second.

If it were up to me I'd take a run at Michael Griffin and Ben Grubbs/Carl Nicks in FA, get an OLB to replace Spencer and the money he really doesn't deserve, and take the 350 lb NT Dontari Poe, allowing Ratliff to move over to DE and also help with the pass rush. Jenkins and Scandrick on the outside with good safety help are a much improved secondary over what we have, might as well give the QB even less time to throw the ball.

Of course, I wouldn't mind the reverse approach. Depends on who is available when it's our turn up. I just think the best 2 CBs will be gone by the time we're up.

[Doomsday101]

Sounds like a pretty good list. There is good and bad about going into this draft. The bad news is we need so much help in so many areas. The good news is nose should have a very good player fall to us since we have so many needs in so many positions. So even if we miss out on someone like decastro we should still be able to get another good player who can help us.

If the Cowboys do not go G with the 1st pick I think OG Kevin Zeitler would be a nice addition in the 3rd if he last that long.

[MichaelWinicki]

I don't see this team being that far off...

3 question marks on offense G C G
5 question marks on defense DE, OLB, ILB, CB, S

Now you could say that 8 is a lot, but at least a couple of these are going to be solved by resigning guys like Spencer, Elam or by filling in with youngsters already on the club like Carter or one of the young offensive linemen.

That will leave 5 or 6 spots left.

If the Cowboys have a good draft 3 of those spots could be filled.

The rest will need to come from free agency.

Bottom line is that I do not think it's that dire.

[Doomsday101]

I think the OP's list is far to wide... Several players there I don't think merit the consideration of the 14th pick like Still & Glenn.

DeCastro & Kirkpatrick. Those are it for me.

I don't see any of the OLBers being a big improvement over Spencer quite frankly when you look at both pass rush and run defense.

Since Spencer is a FA though I would expect he will want to see what is out there. I have no problem having Spencer return but I would be leery on the size of the contract given to him.

[MichaelWinicki]

Since Spencer is a FA though I would expect he will want to see what is out there. I have no problem having Spencer return but I would be leery on the size of the contract given to him.

No doubt.

If the Cowboys thought he was worth big $$ he probably would have been resigned during the season. Obviously they're a little unsure of him also.

[gmoney112]

I don't see this team being that far off...

3 question marks on offense G C G
5 question marks on defense DE, OLB, ILB, CB, S

Now you could say that 8 is a lot, but at least a couple of these are going to be solved by resigning guys like Spencer, Elam or by filling in with youngsters already on the club like Carter or one of the young offensive linemen.

That will leave 5 or 6 spots left.

If the Cowboys have a good draft 3 of those spots could be filled.

The rest will need to come from free agency.

Bottom line is that I do not think it's that dire.


It certainly couldn't be any worse than this year.

[Primetime42]

This is one draft that if Jerry were going to trade a future first rounder to get back in the first round, he should go ahead and do it.
The corner crop this year sucks. I'd almost rather trade out then go all out next year for the Honey Badger.


Almost.

[This is Our Year]

As badly as we need a guard and we do, I have a hard time seeing us take one so high at #14. I'd go CB or DE/ OLB with the 1st pick.

[MichaelWinicki]

As badly as we need a guard and we do, I have a hard time seeing us take one so high at #14. I'd go CB or DE/ OLB with the 1st pick.

The trouble is the guys at DE/OLB aren't any better than Spencer IMO. And if that's the case, then you resign Spencer and look at another position at the 14th spot.

[TheSport78]

The trouble is the guys at DE/OLB aren't any better than Spencer IMO. And if that's the case, then you resign Spencer and look at another position at the 14th spot.

This is just an opinion. We have no idea whether or not Melvin Ingram or Courtney Upshaw will be better than Spencer. Spencer isn't that good at all so basically you're saying Ingram and Upshaw are JAG's that won't be successful in the NFL. How can we tell this before they even step on an NFL field?

[MichaelWinicki]

This is just an opinion. We have no idea whether or not Melvin Ingram or Courtney Upshaw will be better than Spencer. Spencer isn't that good at all so basically you're saying Ingram and Upshaw are JAG's that won't be successful in the NFL. How can we tell this before they even step on an NFL field?

As much as folks love to hate on Spencer he's not quite a JAG.

While I'd like to see more than the 6 sacks a season, he does a good job vs the run.

To gain a couple sacks a season with another guy, but lose traction vs the run doesn't knock my socks off.

[MichaelWinicki]

This is just an opinion. We have no idea whether or not Melvin Ingram or Courtney Upshaw will be better than Spencer. Spencer isn't that good at all so basically you're saying Ingram and Upshaw are JAG's that won't be successful in the NFL. How can we tell this before they even step on an NFL field?

The other thing is that DeCastro is a better prospect than Upshaw or Ingram IMO, so if DeCastro is there...

He must be taken.

[Dash28]

The other thing is that DeCastro is a better prospect than Upshaw or Ingram IMO, so if DeCastro is there...

He must be taken.
Agreed.

[TheSport78]

As much as folks love to hate on Spencer he's not quite a JAG.

While I'd like to see more than the 6 sacks a season, he does a good job vs the run.

To gain a couple sacks a season with another guy, but lose traction vs the run doesn't knock my socks off.

I think Spencer is a prime example of "dumb" players that we have on defense. It's not a coincidence that these players cannot grasp Wade's or Rob's defensive scheme. Dumb players do dumb players (Spencer going offsides at a crucial point or getting an unnecessary roughness penalty against Philly are examples). We need to weed out the dumb and get smarter football players IMO.
The other thing is that DeCastro is a better prospect than Upshaw or Ingram IMO, so if DeCastro is there...

He must be taken.
I think this depends on what we do in free agency. If we grab Ben Grubbs or Carl Nicks in FA, I wouldn't draft an interior lineman in the first round. That's just me though.

[Bigtommyb]

I think the OP's list is far to wide... Several players there I don't think merit the consideration of the 14th pick like Still & Glenn.

DeCastro & Kirkpatrick. Those are it for me.

I don't see any of the OLBers being a big improvement over Spencer quite frankly when you look at both pass rush and run defense.







Check out Whitney Mercilus from Illinois, 6'4 265 very long projrcted as olb in pro's . 8ff and 16 sacks nose for taking that ball away. Besides Upshaw who is a lil shorter who actually won't be there at 14. This guy is projected a lil lower teens,but i'd take a serious look, check him out and get back to me. I like him.

[Gaede]

Right now, I really like Kirkpatrick, DeCastro and Ingram at our pick.

DeCastro for obvious reasons, but the other two because they're football players, would bring some much needed physicality to this team.

I also like Dennard but not at 14, likewise for Upshaw

[MichaelWinicki]

Check out Whitney Mercilus from Illinois, 6'4 265 very long projrcted as olb in pro's . 8ff and 16 sacks nose for taking that ball away. Besides Upshaw who is a lil shorter who actually won't be there at 14. This guy is projected a lil lower teens,but i'd take a serious look, check him out and get back to me. I like him.

I think both of those guys have talent, but neither is a better player at their positions than what DeCastro is at his.

[MichaelWinicki]

I think Spencer is a prime example of "dumb" players that we have on defense. It's not a coincidence that these players cannot grasp Wade's or Rob's defensive scheme. Dumb players do dumb players (Spencer going offsides at a crucial point or getting an unnecessary roughness penalty against Philly are examples). We need to weed out the dumb and get smarter football players IMO.


Spencer may be a "dumb" player... But check out who lead the team in defensive penalties– do we get rid of him too?

Also Spencer was rated by one organization as the best... yeah the best, 3-4 OLB vs the run in 2011. He was in the top 5 in 2010.

Think about that... you may get another guy in Spencer's place who can get a couple more sacks a season but if the ability to stop the run isn't anywhere close to Spencer's what have you really gained?

[Joe Rod]

The other thing is that DeCastro is a better prospect than Upshaw or Ingram IMO, so if DeCastro is there...

He must be taken.

DeCastro would be the only player on the board at #14 that you would say will come in and be an elite player from day 1 right now. Considering that Dallas could only realistically expect to upgrade two of the three inside OL positions this offseason, an elite level player would really help mask whatever weaknesses remain.

My big concern about Upshaw is that he would be fine against the run and would probably be at least as good as Spencer rushing the QB, but he might be a touch slower than you would want in an OLB that would have coverage responsibilities in the NFL. He is not a monster and I worry that Dallas would simply get the same production.

I really like Melvin Ingram. I suspect he will shoot up the draft boards after the combine. He is a very versatile player and lined up all over the place this last season. He actually shows good backpedal for his size and man did he just take over a few games at SC. If Dallas drafts to replace Spencer, this guy would be a good replacement.

[burmafrd]

Spencer may be a "dumb" player... But check out who lead the team in defensive penalties– do we get rid of him too?

Also Spencer was rated by one organization as the best... yeah the best, 3-4 OLB vs the run in 2011. He was in the top 5 in 2010.

Think about that... you may get another guy in Spencer's place who can get a couple more sacks a season but if the ability to stop the run isn't anywhere close to Spencer's what have you really gained?


yeah that one organization wouldn't happen to be the bungles, now would it?
You seem to forget that the NFL is a passing league and getting pressure on the passer is now MORE important then stopping the run. So SPencers value is decreasing by the year

[Doomsday101]

Right now, I really like Kirkpatrick, DeCastro and Ingram at our pick.

DeCastro for obvious reasons, but the other two because they're football players, would bring some much needed physicality to this team.

I also like Dennard but not at 14, likewise for Upshaw

That is pretty much the camp I'm in. If by chance Kirkpatrick was still on the board at 14 I would take him. If he is gone then DeCastro would be my next pick. I will say I would not cry over Ingram should Dallas takes him. In the end I want Dallas taking the best players who also can help fill a need without reaching for that player. Kirkpatrick,DeCastro,Ingram I say yes to each one

[TheSport78]

Spencer may be a "dumb" player... But check out who lead the team in defensive penalties– do we get rid of him too?

Also Spencer was rated by one organization as the best... yeah the best, 3-4 OLB vs the run in 2011. He was in the top 5 in 2010.

Think about that... you may get another guy in Spencer's place who can get a couple more sacks a season but if the ability to stop the run isn't anywhere close to Spencer's what have you really gained?

It's a passing league in today's NFL. Ware leading the team is penalties is concerning, and I'm not trying to make excuses for him, but I believe it's a case of Ware trying to do too much, due to the teammates around him NOT making plays. Spencer is one of those players. Dallas didn't draft Spencer to be solid against the run. Lack of pressure is the main reason why Dallas is sitting home right now. We couldn't stop anyone when it mattered, and we couldn't pressure the QB in big situations.

Just a gut feeling, but "Almost Anthony" will be the player who cashes in his contract, and regresses year after year. Heck, he was just in a contract year and had a very average season.

[locked&loaded]

Spencer may be a "dumb" player... But check out who lead the team in defensive penalties– do we get rid of him too?

Also Spencer was rated by one organization as the best... yeah the best, 3-4 OLB vs the run in 2011. He was in the top 5 in 2010.

Think about that... you may get another guy in Spencer's place who can get a couple more sacks a season but if the ability to stop the run isn't anywhere close to Spencer's what have you really gained?

The best OLB against the run.... woah.

Come on man. Sacks. Its simple

[texbumthelife]

Think about that... you may get another guy in Spencer's place who can get a couple more sacks a season but if the ability to stop the run isn't anywhere close to Spencer's what have you really gained?

The ability to get to the quarterback more efficiently and regularly. Which in turn means you don't have to blitz other LB's as much who can stay home and stop the run and DB's don't have to cover as long.

[MichaelWinicki]

The ability to get to the quarterback more efficiently and regularly. Which in turn means you don't have to blitz other LB's as much who can stay home and stop the run and DB's don't have to cover as long.

That's all well and good...

It's not like Dallas didn't have any sacks this season.

They tied for 7th.

And where were they vs the pass?

23rd.

It ain't all about sacks.

[Doomsday101]

The best OLB against the run.... woah.

Come on man. Sacks. Its simple

Not that simple. I want to see more from the other side in terms of pressure and sacks but as an OLB in the 3-4 you have got to be able to play the run as well as the agility to drop back into coverage since the OLB will be asked to do this quite a bit.

[Bigtommyb]

Sounds like a pretty good list. There is good and bad about going into this draft. The bad news is we need so much help in so many areas. The good news is nose should have a very good player fall to us since we have so many needs in so many positions. So even if we miss out on someone like decastro we should still be able to get another good player who can help us.




Not Bad list but these areguys that won't be available. Possibly Decastro will be there. Maybe! Upshaw and Kilpatrick will be gone by 14. I'm lookig at either Ingram or Whitney Mercilus or Stephon Gilmore.

[Eskimo]

That's all well and good...

It's not like Dallas didn't have any sacks this season.

They tied for 7th.

And where were they vs the pass?

23rd.

It ain't all about sacks.


The big problem I have with Spencer is that he is a really bad pass rusher. I really think the 6 sacks vastly overrates him. He got most of those by chasing a QB that had been flushed out by someone else. I really don't think he got many by whipping a blocker and then taking down the QB.

If you have seen him pass rush his technique is a farce. He runs up fields and whips his arms around in pattycake style. He doesn't bullrush much. He doesn't have much of an inside counter. He doesn't have the ability to burst up the field and then go horizontal and turn the corner. He is totally inept in that department.

If we want to bring him back we have to bring in a vet pass rush specialist. By the time you get done paying Spencer and the other FA, you may well have just spent $10M and gotten yourself an elite player.

I would consider bringing Spencer back but only for around $4M/yr. If he takes such a deal then we still have cap space to try and fill other holes on the defense in FA. Otherwise, we should just look elsewhere to find the OLB needed to improve this defense via FA or the draft. I wouldn't mind Avril from the Lions or Ingram or Irvin in the draft.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

DeCastro!!!!!

[GloryDaysRBack]

DeCastro!!!!!

This

I don't care who else is available...this is the guy at the top of my list