ESPN: Ronald Leary loses weight, gets ready for camp

[CCBoy]

Ronald Leary loses weight, gets ready for camp

By Calvin Watkins



http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4694196/ronald-leary-loses-weight-and-gets-ready-for-camp




...Leary hasn't endured any problems with his left knee, which suffers from a condition known as osteochondritis dissecans -- also referred to as OCD. It's a joint condition in which a piece of cartilage, along with a thin layer of the bone beneath it, comes loose from the end of a bone.

If anything, Leary appears to be moving quite well. Between the offseason workouts and the three-day rookie training camp, Leary said he's lost weight and is currently at 319 pounds. Instead of heading home to Baton Rouge, Leary stayed in Dallas to workout at Valley Ranch.

"I'm nowhere near where I want to be," Leary said. "It's just about a transition in the NFL because it's a different game. I'm trying to get all the techniques from my coach and just talk to the vets and pick up little tips and play my game."

[Biggems]

He is nowhere near where he wants to be? the NFL defensive linemen better watch out...this guy is on a mission. He went from a fat lard to a streamlined beast in the offseason and has added lots of technique to his game. Now he will have lots of issues this year, but most rookie OL do. Still, he will continue to learn and improve. If he can remain healthy throughout his career, we may have stolen our future starter for the next decade plus.

BTW, I would love for him to be #61.

[TheCount]

I know a lot of people are high on Leary, but I'd consider his becoming a long term backup a win. I really don't see what's so special about him that some think he can start, and play well, as a rookie.

[RS12]

Welp, cant fault him on his work ethic so far. Big part of being an NFL player is wanting it, which it sounds like he does.

[big dog cowboy]

It won't surprise me if he ends up starting at some point this season.

[EGG]

He is nowhere near where he wants to be? the NFL defensive linemen better watch out...this guy is on a mission. He went from a fat lard to a streamlined beast in the offseason and has added lots of technique to his game. Now he will have lots of issues this year, but most rookie OL do. Still, he will continue to learn and improve. If he can remain healthy throughout his career, we may have stolen our future starter for the next decade plus.

BTW, I would love for him to be #61.

I think his degenerative condition precludes any chance of a decade + career, but I'd settle for 6 solid years,,, heck, at this point I'd settle for two solid years from any interior lineman!

[Eskimo]

I have treated some people with OCD and it is a very tricky condition.

I still remain hopeful that in the near future regenerative medicine will help out guys like him but I do think he is playing with borrowed time given the amount of strain he has to put up with on an ongoing basis.

I wouldn't be surpised if he needs regular cleanup of debris from his joint although only itme will tell.

[Risen Star]

I know a lot of people are high on Leary, but I'd consider his becoming a long term backup a win. I really don't see what's so special about him that some think he can start, and play well, as a rookie.

Well, you are always going to see new Cowboys praised. If I mentoned Matt Johnson's name here in March as a possible answer at S I'd have been laughed off the forum. But now he's this super secret gem we unearthed at the expense of the rest of the league. It's just what most fans do.

Having said that, I do think Leary has a chance.

[CCBoy]

Well, you are always going to see new Cowboys praised. If I mentoned Matt Johnson's name here in March as a possible answer at S I'd have been laughed off the forum. But now he's this super secret gem we unearthed at the expense of the rest of the league. It's just what most fans do.

Having said that, I do think Leary has a chance.

Risen, sorry for the beefs you endure for stating your own views.

Although I don't always agree with your perspectives, I would would die to ensure your rights to them...and ability to voice them.

[big dog cowboy]

Well, you are always going to see new Cowboys praised. If I mentoned Matt Johnson's name here in March as a possible answer at S I'd have been laughed off the forum. But now he's this super secret gem we unearthed at the expense of the rest of the league. It's just what most fans do.


That's true with any player not in the mainstream of college football. A few years ago you could have made the same point about a no name QB from Eastern Illinois.

[Risen Star]

That's true with any player not in the mainstream of college football. A few years ago you could have made the same point about a no name QB from Eastern Illinois.

True. But the reason why the Romos and Austins get such attention is because they beat the odds. They weren't supposed to amount to anything. Far more times than not, they wouldn't amount to anything. That's what makes their story so great. Particularly Romo's.

The odds of Matt Johnson becoming a great starting S here are long. Yet he's been treated as if he was a consensus top 100 player in the draft with years of top production against elite competition.

That is only because he's now a Cowboy. If he was drafted by the Giants you wouldn't think much of his pro potential.

[Risen Star]

One thing about Leary, he was viewed as a draftable player. Most had him in the mid rounds based strictly off talent. It was the knee that caused him to go undrafted.

Now Matt Johnson was a consensus undrafted grade. Nobody I've read him thought enough of him to even include him as a 7th round possibility.

The Cowboys did the same thing with Lissemore, only at the end of the draft. They've got more invested in Johnson. We shall see how it turns out.

[Idgit]

Risen, sorry for the beefs you endure for stating your own views.

Although I don't always agree with your perspectives, I would would die to ensure your rights to them...and ability to voice them.

For someone who believes (or pretends to believe) some crazy stuff, Risen Star does a better job than most defending his positions. If you're going to try to make the point that coverage players in today's NFL are overrated, you gotta have pretty thick skin, because you know what's coming.

...Now Matt Johnson was a consensus undrafted grade. Nobody I've read him thought enough of him to even include him as a 7th round possibility...

IIRC, draft-day scuttlebut had Baltimore interested in taking Johnson just a few picks after our, and considered him a potential gem. That's admittedly hearsay, though. Still, I think it's safe to say there's a gulf between what NFL teams knew and what was reported in commercial draft prep content.

[Bluestang]

One thing about Leary, he was viewed as a draftable player. Most had him in the mid rounds based strictly off talent. It was the knee that caused him to go undrafted.

Now Matt Johnson was a consensus undrafted grade. Nobody I've read him thought enough of him to even include him as a 7th round possibility.

The Cowboys did the same thing with Lissemore, only at the end of the draft. They've got more invested in Johnson. We shall see how it turns out.


IIRC Matt Johnson started gaining interest from other teams so we decided to pull the trigger on him early.

We also used our comp pick to get him which was the last pick in the 4th round.

[Bluestang]

IIRC, draft-day scuttlebut had Baltimore interested in taking Johnson just a few picks after our, and considered him a potential gem. That's admittedly hearsay, though. Still, I think it's safe to say there's a gulf between what NFL teams knew and what was reported in commercial draft prep content.


I don't know what team it was but juding by the draft order and the comp pick we used on Matt Johnson I don't think it was the Ravens. The hearsay is true though, we did indeed fear some other team picking him before us.

[Idgit]

I don't know what team it was but juding by the draft order and the comp pick we used on Matt Johnson I don't think it was the Ravens. The hearsay is true though, we did indeed fear some other team picking him before us.

I don't recall what made me think it was the Ravens; I remember us scrambling to figure out who it might be based off the the context clue of it being within a few picks of us. But I'm pretty sure somebody afterward came out a week or so after the draft and indicated it was them. I just can't recall who it was, and I couldn't find it in a quick search just now. Either way, it was another decent team with a good reputation for quality drafting. It wasn't Cincinatti or the Raiders. :)

[FuzzyLumpkins]

IIRC Matt Johnson started gaining interest from other teams so we decided to pull the trigger on him early.

We also used our comp pick to get him which was the last pick in the 4th round.

NFLDS leading up the the draft had a 6-7 grade on him and rising.

[CCBoy]

For someone who believes (or pretends to believe) some crazy stuff, Risen Star does a better job than most defending his positions. If you're going to try to make the point that coverage players in today's NFL are overrated, you gotta have pretty thick skin, because you know what's coming.



IIRC, draft-day scuttlebut had Baltimore interested in taking Johnson just a few picks after our, and considered him a potential gem. That's admittedly hearsay, though. Still, I think it's safe to say there's a gulf between what NFL teams knew and what was reported in commercial draft prep content.

Your comment to me was something of a dull tack in the pack...I supported him as a person, and you come back with slander. As to merit, he takes some journeys for effect alone. That is another issue, but if you can handle value, then just carry right along...as your value is attracted by popularity more than analysis to begin with.

I haven't yet, presented a vantage of what my actual values are, for starters, and my comments are upon points of application to the sport, or about voicing insult by another...first.

I was a Veteran, and I state that because my reactions are weathered through that perception first. With institutional types of responses, first...and not a smorgesborg of sensation and enjoyments selected.

TwoDeep and I are very similar in that, as is casmith07 and quite a few others on site...that doesn't mean our view is all the same.

But at least I can differentiate between core elements of issue and personality, instead.

I don't care an iota about compliance to style, and stereotyped communications. Here is why I appreciate Gimme as I do. I take the message, and not just how it's delivered. The end result is the same. You know, the concept in your own mind's eye.

I leave you your own mind's eye..but when you enter the arena for confrontation, that's another issue. Here, if one retains a detachment for another's personal insult first, then it remains in a discussion, rather than conflict.

But the message still is, Jerry is not an idiot, and someone saying such isn't a jerk or idiot as well.

And that is a pretty simple message, if one is looking for it.

[Bluestang]

I don't recall what made me think it was the Ravens; I remember us scrambling to figure out who it might be based off the the context clue of it being within a few picks of us. But I'm pretty sure somebody afterward came out a week or so after the draft and indicated it was them. I just can't recall who it was, and I couldn't find it in a quick search just now. Either way, it was another decent team with a good reputation for quality drafting. It wasn't Cincinatti or the Raiders. :)


Now that I recall it, I believe you are confusing Kyle Wilber and Matt Johnson. Wilber was the one that the Ravens were after which we selected in the 4th round before Johnson.

On the other hand though I could have sworn remembering that the Eagles were interested in Johnson in the 5th so we decided to get Johnson at the end of the 4th with the comp pick.

[CCBoy]

I really like the context that Leary has come onto this team. He is a dedicated football player. He has good size, works hard, and is attempting to strongly adapt to the demands and periles of the NFL.

He was given good grades on his base level of technique, aggressiveness, and abilities. He is a student of the game, and that will provide dividends with a shorter learning curve than less motivated and even more talented players.

If his knees hold on, he may prove a very workable piece in an injury marred sport. He is the type of player, at what ever level attained, one looks for.

He is a good addition to a defineable Jason Garrett type of guidelines for his team...not Jerry's.

Merit is now on the shoulders of Jason Garrett, as all the war dancing is over now.

And when players walk onto the carpet, merit is then on their shoulders, not just Jason's.

[Aven8]

I don't know why anybody here would dismiss Leary from starting this year. Last year we had 2 guys start that hadn't played a lick.

[CCBoy]

I don't know why anybody here would dismiss Leary from starting this year. Last year we had 2 guys start that hadn't played a lick.

That view definitely has relevance. Opportunity often depends upon another's injury in professional sports.

[jnday]

Risen, sorry for the beefs you endure for stating your own views.

Although I don't always agree with your perspectives, I would would die to ensure your rights to them...and ability to voice them.

Classy post. This is one reason that I have always respected you even if our views on the Cowboys differ. We agree on the important stuff, outside of foorball.

[burmafrd]

I don't know why anybody here would dismiss Leary from starting this year. Last year we had 2 guys start that hadn't played a lick.

and one of them stank the place up as well. So starting and being any good are not the same thing.

[Risen Star]

IIRC, draft-day scuttlebut had Baltimore interested in taking Johnson just a few picks after our, and considered him a potential gem. That's admittedly hearsay, though. Still, I think it's safe to say there's a gulf between what NFL teams knew and what was reported in commercial draft prep content.

The team floated that out there after the pick. Believe it at your own risk.

Obviously I'm not privy to an NFL war room and what the scouts are saying. I'm talking Kiper, Ourlads, Coyle, Lande, Scouts Inc., Nawrocki. Not a one had a draftable grade on Johnson.

I also didn't read a single mention of Matt here in the months leading up to the draft. And we have some knowledgeable draftniks here.

That tempers my enthusiasm for his pro potential. For every success story you can recite, I'll match it with 10 similar pedigreed players who failed.

But the about face on Johnson since we drafted him has been comical to me. Proof that we as a fan base will accept absolutely anything the team does with a draft pick. At least initially.

[CCBoy]

Classy post. This is one reason that I have always respected you even if our views on the Cowboys differ. We agree on the important stuff, outside of foorball.

Thank you, Sir....:starspin

[jnday]

The team floated that out there after the pick. Believe it at your own risk.

Obviously I'm not privy to an NFL war room and what the scouts are saying. I'm talking Kiper, Ourlads, Coyle, Lande, Scouts Inc., Nawrocki. Not a one had a draftable grade on Johnson.

I also didn't read a single mention of Matt here in the months leading up to the draft. And we have some knowledgeable draftniks here.

That tempers my enthusiasm for his pro potential. For every success story you can recite, I'll match it with 10 similar pedigreed players who failed. -

But the about face on Johnson since we drafted him has been comical to me. Proof that we as a fan base will accept absolutely anything the team does with a draft pick. At least initially.

Didn't the Ravens want Crawford in the third round? Seems like the Ravens want all of the players that the Cowboys draft. I agree on Johnson. He was a nobody until Dallas picked him. Never read anything on him predraft. I think the safety position has been neglected for so long that fans are just happy that anybody was drafted for the position. If some of these guys don't pan out, it is going to tick me off due to Brandon Brooks being available in the third and the Eagles drafting Brandon Washington in the fifth or sixth round.

[Risen Star]

Didn't the Ravens want Crawford in the third round? Seems like the Ravens want all of the players that the Cowboys draft. I agree on Johnson. He was a nobody until Dallas picked him. Never read anything on him predraft. I think the safety position has been neglected for so long that fans are just happy that anybody was drafted for the position. If some of these guys don't pan out, it is going to tick me off due to Brandon Brooks being available in the third and the Eagles drafting Brandon Washington in the fifth or sixth round.

They can claim 5 teams were going to draft him right after our pick if they want. All I can go on is the rankings I see from respected sources as well as my own opinions of players I've watched that were still on the board.

I thought it was one of the worst picks in the draft from a value standpoint. Even if he pans out I believe he could have been drafted later.

We always do odd things like that. We were actually sweating it out that Johnson would last until the end of the 4th round when we made the decision to take Wilber first? It doesn't exactly instill me with confidence about the guys running the team and their feel for the draft.

[Eskimo]

The team floated that out there after the pick. Believe it at your own risk.

Obviously I'm not privy to an NFL war room and what the scouts are saying. I'm talking Kiper, Ourlads, Coyle, Lande, Scouts Inc., Nawrocki. Not a one had a draftable grade on Johnson.

I also didn't read a single mention of Matt here in the months leading up to the draft. And we have some knowledgeable draftniks here.

That tempers my enthusiasm for his pro potential. For every success story you can recite, I'll match it with 10 similar pedigreed players who failed.

But the about face on Johnson since we drafted him has been comical to me. Proof that we as a fan base will accept absolutely anything the team does with a draft pick. At least initially.

The thing about Matt Johnson is that he was really off of everyone's radar for two main reasons: he played at a small conference and he missed most of his senior year with a major injury that required surgery and then rehab.

Now many of the people on here will remain critical over a pick even years down the line. Heck, there are still people who will bring up Jerry drafting Quincy and Tony Dixon back in 2001.

The reason why people changed their minds on him was they saw his workout numbers which were actually very good and they saw his highlight films which showed a fully with great instincts, great physicality and the ability to make some plays on the ball. The thing you always worry about those who come from small schools is whether their productivity will translate into a higher level with better athletes but at least his numbers check out for an NFL pro safety. And while he did play lesser competition there is film of him dominating against good Div 1 schools unlike AOA.

Ultimately most 4th rounders are not quality starters in this league and we should temper our expectations for that reason but I am hopeful that Johnson will be successful - he just looks like a football player on film.

[SilverStarCowboy]

I know a lot of people are high on Leary, but I'd consider his becoming a long term backup a win. I really don't see what's so special about him that some think he can start, and play well, as a rookie.

He won't be a long term anything.

[jnday]

I don't know why anybody here would dismiss Leary from starting this year. Last year we had 2 guys start that hadn't played a lick.

This is a good point. The Cowboys hadvLeary with a third round grade. This should translate that he has much more talent than Costa, Nagy or Killer. It does concern me that most teams had Leary as a fifth or sixth round talent. I am hoping for the best. At least he has some size.

[big dog cowboy]

The thing about Matt Johnson is that he was really off of everyone's radar for two main reasons: he played at a small conference and he missed most of his senior year with a major injury that required surgery and then rehab.


Here is the thread with Gil Brant's comments regarding his injury and draft status.

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/dallascowboys.php?t=235758

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Leary

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=70605&draftyear=2012&genpos=OG

Projected Round: 5-6 Stock: UP High: 3 Low: 6-7

Johnson

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=88600&draftyear=2012&genpos=SS

Projected Round: Stock: UP High: 6-7 Low: PFA

[Idgit]

I'm not sure what the deal is with Leary, either. At least scouts seem to think he's showing well in limited OTA action. Maybe they're influenced by what they know the team thinks about him, too.

But he sure talks like a guy that's going to end up being a long-time pro player. He doesn't sound like a rookie to me. My gut tells me this guy is going to win the RG spot in training camp. That might not be all that much of an accomplishment with the pencilled-in starter out with an injury and a bare cupboard behind him, but he's a pretty good insurance policy to bring in as a college free agent, anyway.

[Risen Star]

I'm not sure what the deal is with Leary, either. At least scouts seem to think he's showing well in limited OTA action. Maybe they're influenced by what they know the team thinks about him, too.

But he sure talks like a guy that's going to end up being a long-time pro player. He doesn't sound like a rookie to me. My gut tells me this guy is going to win the RG spot in training camp. That might not be all that much of an accomplishment with the pencilled-in starter out with an injury and a bare cupboard behind him, but he's a pretty good insurance policy to bring in as a college free agent, anyway.

Well you just nailed it. If he went to a team with any talent whatsoever at his position he wouldn't have a chance to start as a rookie.

So you really don't know what to think should he start. Maybe he's legit. Maybe he's simply the best of the worst.

[Risen Star]

This is a good point. The Cowboys hadvLeary with a third round grade. This should translate that he has much more talent than Costa, Nagy or Killer. It does concern me that most teams had Leary as a fifth or sixth round talent. I am hoping for the best. At least he has some size.

Kind of reminds me of the Robert Brewster situation.

Let's hope the similarities end there.

[Hoofbite]

I have treated some people with OCD and it is a very tricky condition.

I still remain hopeful that in the near future regenerative medicine will help out guys like him but I do think he is playing with borrowed time given the amount of strain he has to put up with on an ongoing basis.

I wouldn't be surpised if he needs regular cleanup of debris from his joint although only itme will tell.

Get in there with some small pieces of duct tape, problem solved.

[Idgit]

Well you just nailed it. If he went to a team with any talent whatsoever at his position he wouldn't have a chance to start as a rookie.

So you really don't know what to think should he start. Maybe he's legit. Maybe he's simply the best of the worst.

Yeah, I want to be clear that he hasn't had a chance to show anything of significance on the field yet. It's just that we've got very little in front of him and he talks the talk. Some guys just sound like vets from the moment they're drafted. I have no idea if that correlates to them actually making good football players, but it makes me pull for the guy.

Kind of reminds me of the Robert Brewster situation.

Let's hope the similarities end there.

Brewster was a pick where you liked the story, but he had disappointment written all over him from his first few practices. That guy never looked like a player. Arkin, unfortunately, is another one in that boat. I get the whole premature evaluation thing, and that he needed to add strength, but we've yet to hear that that guy has even been particularly competitive in practice. I don't think he makes it out of training camp this year, and I don't mind a bit that it would mean cutting bait early on a project player. Even project guys have to show something in order to stick from year to year.

[CCBoy]

Get in there with some small pieces of duct tape, problem solved.

Duct tape solves all problems...as soon as the wife finds the roll.:)

[CCBoy]

Yeah, I want to be clear that he hasn't had a chance to show anything of significance on the field yet. It's just that we've got very little in front of him and he talks the talk. Some guys just sound like vets from the moment they're drafted. I have no idea if that correlates to them actually making good football players, but it makes me pull for the guy.



Brewster was a pick where you liked the story, but he had disappointment written all over him from his first few practices. That guy never looked like a player. Arkin, unfortunately, is another one in that boat. I get the whole premature evaluation thing, and that he needed to add strength, but we've yet to hear that that guy has even been particularly competitive in practice. I don't think he makes it out of training camp this year, and I don't mind a bit that it would mean cutting bait early on a project player. Even project guys have to show something in order to stick from year to year.

Competition is a cruel task master, but it's the only fair way.

[CowboysYanksLakers]

I really like this guy... He plays with a real mean streak too.

[Bluestang]

Jeremiah Trotter had the same knee condition as Leary and he turned out to have a decent career. Trotter did have some medical procedures done though to help him with the knee but the specific condition will require medical help depending on the "wear-n-tear" after each full season.

Brewster's demise was of his own. He tried to cheat the system and the team discovered he used PEDs and subsequently released him. From his perspective though it was a choice between being a father or a football player and he did what he thought he had to do to make ends meet. Sad story for sure.

[CCBoy]

Does this sound yet like irrevocable knee lock?

• New offensive line coach Bill Callahan put his guys through several drills to work on recognition of what the defense is doing and lateral quickness. He had four offensive linemen line up with the other two standing in as mock defensive linemen (there were only six in the workouts). One of the “defenders” would stay put at the snap of the ball, while the other would shoot through, and an offensive lineman was charged with coming across behind his offensive teammates to pick up the would-be pass-rusher and keep him away from the mock quarterback. The quickest recognition and lateral movement belonged to rookie guard Ronald Leary, an undrafted free agent from Memphis.

*from a posting on site now

[DallasEast]

Okay. Let's get back to Ronald Leary. :)