Luke Kuechly???

[iceberg]

any thoughts on him?

[NeonDeion21]

I like him, but I hope he is drafted before #14.

[SDogo]

I would spend a whole 3 seconds writing down his name at 14.

Don't think Dallas feels the same and don't believe he will be there anyways.

[RS12]

Seen him betweeen 7-11 in most mocks. Wont be there at 14.

[iceberg]

I would spend a whole 3 seconds writing down his name at 14.

Don't think Dallas feels the same and don't believe he will be there anyways.

yea, i believe most think he'll be gone so that's why we don't talk much about him.

[SDogo]

yea, i believe most think he'll be gone so that's why we don't talk much about him.

It would be interesting if he was still on the board. I have no grasp on the Cowboys thoughts regarding him. I would imagine like every other team they would see the extreme value at 14.

[Zaxor]

any thoughts on him?

love him I think he is the player with the least amount of risk to him...

no injuries issues
played in a major program
looks great on tape
looked great at combine

he is my pet cat even though I doubt the cowboys take him...was hands down the best defense player I seen all last year in college...made play, after play, after play and could do it all...if he has a weakness is he is a little light I think..but only if he has to take on a OG play after play

[JohnsKey19]

Like the player. I think if Dallas made a surprise pick of a LB at #14, it would be Hightower before Kuechly...

[Duane]

love him I think he is the player with the least amount of risk to him...

no injuries issues
played in a major program
looks great on tape
looked great at combine

he is my pet cat even though I doubt the cowboys take him...was hands down the best defense player I seen all last year in college...made play, after play, after play and could do it all...if he has a weakness is he is a little light I think..but only if he has to take on a OG play after play
Same thoughts on him. I'd love for him to be a Cowboy but don't think he makes it to 14.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Love the kid. High motor, intelligent, no nonsense kind of guy who makes plays all day.

LOVE the kid.

However as others have said, I doubt he falls to us and even if he does I doubt they would take him.

[rags747]

Interesting, I think he will be there at 14 for us and we pass. Where would he play? Are we sitting Carter already? I do like the kid though.

[Hailmary]

I'm not giving up on carter yet, so even if he's there at 14, i think i look to upgrade somewhere else.

[Zimmy Lives]

I would spend a whole 3 seconds writing down his name at 14.

Don't think Dallas feels the same and don't believe he will be there anyways.

This.

And Dallas will try and fill some bigger holes at DE, o-line and/or safety.

[GloryDaysRBack]

Good player

[cobra]

Luke is my 3rd choice at 14.
A. DeCastro, B. Cox, C. Kuechly.

I don't think the is the team's choice, though. Dan Connor killed the prospect of drafting Luke. If we didn't sign Connor, I would think Luke would be at the top of the Cowboys list.

[Doomsday]

I just hope he doesnt fall to the Eagles.

[GloryDaysRBack]

Luke is my 3rd choice at 14.
A. DeCastro, B. Cox, C. Kuechly.

I don't think the is the team's choice, though. Dan Connor killed the prospect of drafting Luke. If we didn't sign Connor, I would think Luke would be at the top of the Cowboys list.

And play him where / do what with carter?

[SDogo]

And play him where / do what with carter?

Every time some one says that I'm lead to believe I fell into a coma and missed a pro bowl season by Carter.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Every time some one says that I'm lead to believe I fell into a coma and missed a pro bowl season by Carter.

He didn't understand gap responsibilities in a 3-4 alignment. You could see his range in coverage though. He would just attack the wrong gap. Hopefully he progresses this offseason.

[Risen Star]

I would spend a whole 3 seconds writing down his name at 14.

Don't think Dallas feels the same and don't believe he will be there anyways.

I'm for those kinds of BPA moves, but just for something to talk about - how would you work that situation with Lee, Carter, Connor and now Kuechly on the roster?

I say move Bruce to OLB. I refuse to believe he can't do it.

[Risen Star]

I just hope he doesnt fall to the Eagles.

I thought he was their prime target but after the Ryans trade I kind of doubt that's the direction they're looking anymore.

It wouldn't surprise me if Michael Brockers is an Eagle this year.

[Cowboy Junkie]

Every time some one says that I'm lead to believe I fell into a coma and missed a pro bowl season by Carter.

I agree with you 100% here and if he fell to Dallas I would grab him quick. I think he is the best MLB to come out in since Patrick Willis

[SDogo]

I'm for those kinds of BPA moves, but just for something to talk about - how would you work that situation with Lee, Carter, Connor and now Kuechly on the roster?

I say move Bruce to OLB. I refuse to believe he can't do it.

He can do it and that's exactly what I would do. He's not going to be a double digit sack guy, he can be as good or a little better then Spencer in that department. It will take some time for him to adjust.

You find a way to get him on the field in that situation. It's a good problem to have.

I understand we spent a draft choice on Carter, I understand he's young, athletic and people are excited to see him develop but he has not done anything. If you get a chance to draft a guy like Luke you don't pass on it.

[Risen Star]

He can do it and that's exactly what I would do. He's not going to be a double digit sack guy, he can be as good or a little better then Spencer in that department. It will take some time for him to adjust.

You find a way to get him on the field in that situation. It's a good problem to have.

I understand we spent a draft choice on Carter, I understand he's young, athletic and people are excited to see him develop but he has not done anything. If you get a chance to draft a guy like Luke you don't pass on it.

IMO, he's definitely one of the safest picks in this draft. I'd feel as confident in his instant impact and great future as I did Tyron Smith one year ago.

I think Carter fits better outside anyway.

[Cowboy Junkie]

I think if a player comes up in the draft that is better than any player at the position you take him because that will make the team better. now if there are 2 players that are equal at different positions the need then would break it but if Luke falls to 14 there is no way a player that is better would be there

[k19]

any thoughts on him?

I think he'll be long gone before we pick and make someone in the top 10 a great ILB

[SDogo]

IMO, he's definitely one of the safest picks in this draft. I'd feel as confident in his instant impact and great future as I did Tyron Smith one year ago.


With out a doubt, I have not put much thought into it. I don't think he will be there nor do I think Dallas would pull the trigger but I would have a big old sloppy smile on my face if they did.

[Risen Star]

I think if a player comes up in the draft that is better than any player at the position you take him because that will make the team better. now if there are 2 players that are equal at different positions the need then would break it but if Luke falls to 14 there is no way a player that is better would be there

Yeah, that's where the need freaks misunderstand the BPA backers. I would say it's pretty safe to assume that you don't often have one guy ranked above all others when you're on the clock. Instead you have a small group of similar ranked players there and need gets considered.

It's just those times when you do have that one player there that current team need has to go out the window. Take that BPA. Don't overrule your scouting department.

[Cowboy Junkie]

Yeah, that's where the need freaks misunderstand the BPA backers. I would say it's pretty safe to assume that you don't often have one guy ranked above all others when you're on the clock. Instead you have a small group of similar ranked players there and need gets considered.

It's just those times when you do have that one player there that current team need has to go out the window. Take that BPA. Don't overrule your scouting department.

exactly

[dantheman41]

Like Kuechly but feel he is almost same player as Lee.
Morgan and Carter are more then enough at the spot. We have WAY too many other needs to draft. Think Kuechly will be good not great. Not great in coverage and can't blitz or pressure qb

[cowboysooner]

If I drafted him I'd play a 4-3. Lee at Sam; Kuechly Mike; Carter Will

Lissmore, Hatcher and Rat as my DT rotation and Spencer and Ware at DE. It's better to keep Coleman and Spears off the field as much as possible. I'd occaisionally flip Carter and Lee and bring Lee's speed off the edge. Come back in the second and take Vinnie Curry for my DE rotation and roll into Met life with a better front 7 than last time.

[Zaxor]

Like Kuechly but feel he is almost same player as Lee.
Morgan and Carter are more then enough at the spot. We have WAY too many other needs to draft. Think Kuechly will be good not great. Not great in coverage and can't blitz or pressure qb

Dan I don't ever recall seeing a better zone read mlb... ever... now having said that how he would function in man to man I don't know I only seen him do it once and it wasn't great but it wasn't bad either if I had to say what it was it looked between solid and good but he was rarely called on to do it so with practice he may improve it. as Far as Blitz the guy when he came on a blitz up the middle from the games I saw almost always got a shot on the QB...not sure which games you watched Dan let me know and I will see if I can find them...the 3 games I watched I had to come on here and talk to ole Hos about the kid he was playing out of his mind. Like I said the best defensive player I seen all year hands down, bar none

[Zaxor]

If I drafted him I'd play a 4-3. Lee at Sam; Kuechly Mike; Carter Will

Lissmore, Hatcher and Rat as my DT rotation and Spencer and Ware at DE. It's better to keep Coleman and Spears off the field as much as possible. I'd occaisionally flip Carter and Lee and bring Lee's speed off the edge. Come back in the second and take Vinnie Curry for my DE rotation and roll into Met life with a better front 7 than last time.


the problem with this is there is no one behind theses guys no one that could even step in except maybe conner but I don't think he has the range for a 4-3 so you would be one tweaked ankle away from being up stinky creek without a paddle

[dantheman41]

Dan I don't ever recall seeing a better zone read mlb... ever... now having said that how he would function in man to man I don't know I only seen him do it once and it wasn't great but it wasn't bad either if I had to say what it was it looked between solid and good but he was rarely called on to do it so with practice he may improve it. as Far as Blitz the guy when he came on a blitz up the middle from the games I saw almost always got a shot on the QB...not sure which games you watched Dan let me know and I will see if I can find them...the 3 games I watched I had to come on here and talk to ole Hos about the kid he was playing out of his mind. Like I said the best defensive player I seen all year hands down, bar none

To draft a player that is not even close to a need in the first round, he has to be bar none the best player by far. And he's not. He will be a good player, thats a fact. But don't see nothing special in him. And if he not a pass rusher, whats the point? Read this scouting report from a scout who works with an NFC West team:

"Really struggles to set edge point at times, late getting there and won't work over. I don't see special/critical factors that make LB in top 15 worth it. Not outstanding in coverage, - pass rush ability, good athlete, less aggressive angles, not as punishing on contact vs blockers as he should be. Reliable starter from day 1, but not special in terms of total roster."

[dantheman41]

And btw I have seen and read other scouts that have said very similar things. Very solid, but nothing special

[Fredd]

I just tested this out and it took me 4 seconds to write his name down...thus, if he were there, I try to improve on my 4 seconds and get his name down in 3...

...now, seeing how he is not likely going to be there, I still like Coples (I know a lot of people are down on him)..my top 5 reasonable list would be

1. Coples, 2. DeCastro, 3. Kuechly, 4. Ingram, 5. Upshaw

[Zaxor]

here Dan take a look at this (http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7797075/2012-nfl-draft-linebacker-luke-kuechly-tackles-every-challenge)

[Tobal]

I think if he was there you'd field some calls, and hopefully find something interesting enough to make something off him. I'd take him if no one else was there I had an interest in, but I'd have a hard time taking him if Decastro was there or if Barron, Gilmore, Kirkpatrick, Konz, Mercilus, C Jones, McClellin, Upshaw,Zietler and Hightower were still available and someone was offering a drop step down and a 2nd rounder.

I think if we didn't have so many other issues you take him if he's BPA, but if you've got options to eliminate a deficiency or even make it a strength while still gathering resources you sometimes have to pass on BPA in an area your above average.

Ray Lewis looks below avg when the Olinemen get to him untouched, when Newman is playing 10 yrds off the ball there is no way to pressure a QB.

[dantheman41]

here Dan take a look at this (http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7797075/2012-nfl-draft-linebacker-luke-kuechly-tackles-every-challenge)

Ok what's your point? I never said he's not going to be good. He is. But we already have 3 very good middle backers on this team. Last time I checked we have WAY more issues. To draft another good inside linebacker will get this team to 8-8 if lucky. He's not a spectacular prospect. High floor, not super high ceiling

[dantheman41]

here Dan take a look at this (http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7797075/2012-nfl-draft-linebacker-luke-kuechly-tackles-every-challenge)

Ok what's your point? I never said he's not going to be good. He is. But we already have 3 very good middle backers on this team. Last time I checked we have WAY more issues. To draft another good inside linebacker will get this team to 8-8 if lucky. He's not a spectacular prospect. High floor, not super high ceiling. Is he going to cover receivers or sack qbs? Didn't think so. Then he's not worth it

[nathanlt]

I guess the question is, what would you want more than 2 Sean Lee's on this team??

Sean Lee was the best player on defense last year, and that is saying a LOT when you consider Demarcus Ware. If another one is available to us, why not?

[jobberone]

He can do it and that's exactly what I would do. He's not going to be a double digit sack guy, he can be as good or a little better then Spencer in that department. It will take some time for him to adjust.

You find a way to get him on the field in that situation. It's a good problem to have.

I understand we spent a draft choice on Carter, I understand he's young, athletic and people are excited to see him develop but he has not done anything. If you get a chance to draft a guy like Luke you don't pass on it.


I wont say he can't do it but the knock on him is he's not too physical.

[nathanlt]

I wont say he can't do it but the knock on him is he's not too physical.

He produces, and as the sports science piece on him showed, he hits harder than Dwight Freeney, with 15 percent more hitting force.

That's pretty physical, I think.

[nathanlt]

Another thing I just thought of...

When Sean Lee went down with his severe injury, wouldn't it have been nice to have a player with unparallelled instincts as the defense's signal caller?

Luke Kuechly is that player, for sure!

[fortdick]

If he is there, we hold him hostage for the best trade offer. Everyone will want him and teams that need the ILB help will give more than normal for him.

If they don't take him and enjoy the ride.

[jobberone]

Another thing I just thought of...

When Sean Lee went down with his severe injury, wouldn't it have been nice to have a player with unparallelled instincts as the defense's signal caller?

Luke Kuechly is that player, for sure!

I've seen him hit. No problem there. The problem is fighting off OL, setting the edge and covering. He's supposed to be able to cover. The knock on him in college was he went around people and didn't take on OL that well. I have no idea if that is true or not. Just reportage here.

[nathanlt]

I've seen him hit. No problem there. The problem is fighting off OL, setting the edge and covering. He's supposed to be able to cover. The knock on him in college was he went around people and didn't take on OL that well. I have no idea if that is true or not. Just reportage here.

Just reportage, got it. Hey, have you seen the movie moneyball? I really enjoyed that, not focusing on physical "looks the part" banter that goes on with athletes so much, but lasering in on production at all costs.

Take a look at that movie before the draft, it will have you thinking.

[jobberone]

Garden has me very busy but I'll look for it

[InmanRoshi]

I have to admit, I'm not that big of a fan of Kuechly. I think he's a soft finesse chase LB who doesn't make enough tackles on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage. I really don't see much difference between him and Mychal Kendricks, other than Kuechly played for Boston College and NFL front offices get tight in the shorts anytime a Boston College player displays any sort of NFL ability. Besides, look at the history of LBs taken in the high first round the last few years .... it's pretty abysmal. AJ Hawk, Ernie Simms, Keith Rivers, Ronaldo McClain. It took DJ Johnson about 5 years to finally meet his potential. The only LB I have any admiration for that's been drafted highly in the last 5-6 years is Mayo. For whatever reason it's easy to over-hype linebackers coming out of college, particularly finesse chase guys who just run around diving on piles and racking up tackle numbers.