Agree or disagree: Of 3 big potential LBs, Wimbley seems the best w/linemen?

[whcarm]

The Cowboys need a OLB opposite Ware who can rush the passer, stop the run AND cover in the passing game.

We know that Carpenter is very good at all those things. We aren't as sure about Lawson and Wimbley. Of the two of them, I think Lawson (who has much better speed) would be better at covering. I think Wimbley would be the weakest of the three at dropping back into coverage.

Wimbley may be most like Ware. But do we need a carbon-copy of Ware playing opposite him? I think it would be smarter to get a more complete LB opposite Ware who could come in immediately without much of a learning curve.

Carpenter, Lawson, Greenway and then Wimbley would be my choices for OLB with our first round pick.

[theogt]

Originally Posted by whcarm

The Cowboys need a OLB opposite Ware who can rush the passer, stop the run AND cover in the passing game.

We know that Carpenter is very good at all those things. We aren't as sure about Lawson and Wimbley. Of the two of them, I think Lawson (who has much better speed) would be better at covering. I think Wimbley would be the weakest of the three at dropping back into coverage.

Wimbley may be most like Ware. But do we need a carbon-copy of Ware playing opposite him? I think it would be smarter to get a more complete LB opposite Ware who could come in immediately without much of a learning curve.

Carpenter, Lawson, Greenway and then Wimbley would be my choices for OLB with our first round pick.

In the Lawson interview thread I posted a quote from an interview in which he states that he was often started at LB particularly for his ability to cover.

[Funxva]

Originally Posted by theogt

In the Lawson interview thread I posted a quote from an interview in which he states that he was often started at LB particularly for his ability to cover.

Which linebacker position? Left or right?

[Sasquatch]

What I would like to know is whether the Big 3 are that much better now and potentially than players that could be had in later rounds?

If so, what positions of need are there where the drop off between what will be available in the first and after will be the greatest?

[theogt]

Originally Posted by Funxva

Which linebacker position? Left or right?

Funny you should ask.

Do you know which side you will be playing for linebacker?

ML: Actually, I don't think it matters because pretty much in all 3-4 schemes, both linebackers have the same responsibilities. From what I've been looking at anywhere from left to right, because I'm capable of playing both.

[theogt]

Originally Posted by The_Jackal

What I would like to know is whether the Big 3 are that much better now and potentially than players that could be had in later rounds?

If so, what positions of need are there where the drop off between what will be available in the first and after will be the greatest?

I think there is a significant drop off, yes.

[Bob Sacamano]

Originally Posted by TruBlueCowboy

Maybe some of you folks who watch a lot of college football can help me out but I've been watching a lot of highlight reels of Wimbley, Carpenter and Lawson. It's really hard to tell what kind of players they are when you're only watching 10-15 highlights of multiple seasons, but one thing becomes apparent:

1) Bobby Carpenter usually gets to the QB because of the blitzes and linemen not protecting their gaps. It always looks like his highlight sacks are because he has a clean hole to the QB.

2) Manny Lawson usually gets to the QB because of pressure from the other side. It always looks like his highlight sacks are because the pocket is just straight up collapsing on all sides. (Not to take anything away from him. It's his blinding speed that allows him to get there first.)

[View Full Quote]3) Kimerion Wimbley seems to get pressure because he just manhandles the linemen in his way. He does have a damn good nose tackle on that team but the highlights I watch always seem to have him taking on linemen one-on-one and winning the battle.

Now I know this is a broad generalization, and if Lawson or Carpenter are playing the linebacker spot in college they may not even be asked to fulfill this role, but from what I've seen, Wimbley really does seem like the guy who would most likely be able to take on linemen in our 3-4.

Am I completely off or do you think Wimbley would be the best candidate for matching up with NFL offensive tackles? If so, if he has the speed to cover (which he claims he does in his interview, says he's even covered receivers before http://dallascowboyszone.com/forums/...d.php?t=54181), I don't see why he shouldn't be the first choice. Decisions, decisions, decisions.....

I think you may be right about WImbley, there was a post on here where someone, I think Mike Mayock, said that WImbley would make for a cover-2 DE

[Bob Sacamano]

Originally Posted by jazzcat22

Could be just the highlights that are shown of Carpenter, because it looks better in some editor's opinion. I can't go by anything other than highlights of Wimbley and Lawson. But being an Ohio State fan, watch just about all of Carpenter's games. There were many times he fought through blocks, threw guys to the ground, chased down and sacked the QB. Using strength, speed and athleticism to get to his target, QB, RB, TE, WR. Not saying he would be any better than the others, but all his sacks did not come from holes opened by blitzes.

you have a point, one of Carpenter's strength is taking on and disengaging blocks using his size and strength

[Bob Sacamano]

Originally Posted by whcarm

Carpenter, Lawson, Greenway and then Wimbley would be my choices for OLB with our first round pick.

Greenway can't rush the passer effectively, can't take on blocks, ankle tackles, don't know why you have him rated above WImbley considering our scheme

[adbutcher]

Originally Posted by summerisfunner

you have a point, one of Carpenter's strength is taking on and disengaging blocks using his size and strength

Yet in the highlights you saw very little of his so-called strengths. The clips I saw he was shooting gaps and running free.

[stasheroo]

Wimbley scares me. For all of his talent and measurables, where's the production?

Why did he only start one year at Florida Stae if he's that talented?

Why didn't he have better on-the-field numbers than he did?

Comparing his numbers to Carpenter's or Lawson's, Wimbley's look a lot less impressive.

And I don't want to use a first round draft pick on potential but rather on productivity.

Potential gets people fired.