WF: Cowboys Targeting Multiple Linebackers (Tip Sheet) - Dallas Cowboys Forum

cowboyjoe · 02-16-2012

http://www.walterfootball.com/nfldraftrumormill.php
Published Feb. 15, 2012
By Charlie Campbell - @draftcampbell

The Cowboys have had an obvious need at the cornerback position since the beginning of the 2011 season. It would not be surprising to see them make a run at some free agent corners and/or potentially use their first-round draft pick on the position. Aside from corner, the Cowboys need help at safety and on the interior of their offensive line, but interestingly, sources have told WalterFootball.com that the Cowboys are putting immense effort into scouting the linebacker position.

Dallas has two impending free agents in Bradie James and Anthony Spencer. Some reports have stated that Spencer could be slapped with the franchise tag despite being inconsistent since entering the league out of Purdue. The former first-rounder would carry an expensive price tag of $8.8 million for the 2012 season, and that doesn't equate to his production of six sacks last season. Dallas may look to the second day of the draft to add an edge rushing linebacker. Some candidates include Marshall's Vinny Curry, Oklahoma's Ronnell Lewis and Troy's Jonathan Massaquoi. The Cowboys could keep Spencer around for another season and develop a draft pick to replace him.

Behind James, the Cowboys have 2011 second-round pick Bruce Carter. Aside from Carter and Sean Lee, Dallas could use more depth at inside linebacker. Sources have said they are showing a lot of interest in mid-round inside linebacker prospects. Some players who might be fits include North Carolina State's Audie Cole, TCU's Tank Carder and Nevada's James-Michael Johnson.

Doomsday101 · 02-16-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowboyjoe

http://www.walterfootball.com/nfldraftrumormill.php
Published Feb. 15, 2012
By Charlie Campbell - @draftcampbell

The Cowboys have had an obvious need at the cornerback position since the beginning of the 2011 season. It would not be surprising to see them make a run at some free agent corners and/or potentially use their first-round draft pick on the position. Aside from corner, the Cowboys need help at safety and on the interior of their offensive line, but interestingly, sources have told WalterFootball.com that the Cowboys are putting immense effort into scouting the linebacker position.

[View Full Quote]

Given that Brooking, James and maybe Spencer will be gone Dallas better look to FA or draft to get players in at LB. Going with just Lee and Carter gives Dallas little to no depth

cowboyjoe · 02-16-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doomsday101

Given that Brooking, James and maybe Spencer will be gone Dallas better look to FA or draft to get players in at LB. Going with just Lee and Carter gives Dallas little to no depth

Agree buddy, thats why cowboys are strongly hinting at franchising spencer, maybe after they have looked at current OLB's in draft, they have decided not any good quality OLBs to help right away. So, thats why in reality the rumors have come out about cowboys looking at keeping spencer,.

Now, look at this though.
Spencer Prefers To Stay, But Talks Slow
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/ne...A1FB0A5F80011E
Josh Ellis
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Spencer turned 28 last month.

IRVING, Texas - In an otherwise slow week, the Cowboys' acknowledgement that they are at least considering the franchise tag for outside linebacker Anthony Spencer constitutes big news.

It shouldn't have come as a surprise, however. Yet even the subject of the story was caught a bit off guard.

"Actually, yeah, I heard about it for the first time yesterday," Spencer said Wednesday. "I had to call my agent up and just see what all that really meant. People were texting me, calling me and asking about it, and I'm like 'Uhhh' ... I do the football part on the field and they handle the other stuff."

Doomsday101 · 02-16-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowboyjoe

Agree buddy, thats why cowboys are strongly hinting at franchising spencer, maybe after they have looked at current OLB's in draft, they have decided not any good quality OLBs to help right away. So, thats why in reality the rumors have come out about cowboys looking at keeping spencer,.

Now, look at this though.
Spencer Prefers To Stay, But Talks Slow
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/ne...A1FB0A5F80011E
Josh Ellis
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Spencer turned 28 last month.

IRVING, Texas - In an otherwise slow week, the Cowboys' acknowledgement that they are at least considering the franchise tag for outside linebacker Anthony Spencer constitutes big news.

It shouldn't have come as a surprise, however. Yet even the subject of the story was caught a bit off guard.

[View Full Quote]

Can't say that I would be thrilled with franchising him. As for the prospect in the draft no doubt they have question marks so did Jared Allen which is why he was not selected until the 4th rd. I'm sure the experts did not see or expect what Allen would do. I admit I have mixed feeling handing over a big contract to Spencer even on a 1 year deal

Gaede · 02-16-2012

Doesn't actually tell us anything we don't know.

Was hoping there were some actual rumours in there.

Going off what Jerry said a few weeks back, I'm guessing we'll draft a 'thumper' ILB somewhere in this draft. Carter will most likely be the starter, but I'm guessing the team hedges their bets and picks up a true ILB and possibly has Carter as a jack of all trades type LB (rush, play OLB, ILB, cover TEs)...

realtick · 02-16-2012

I'm crossing my fingers that Vinny Curry is one of those 'backers.

jnday · 02-16-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by realtick

I'm crossing my fingers that Vinny Curry is one of those 'backers.

I'm with you . I like him .

silverbear · 02-17-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by realtick

I'm crossing my fingers that Vinny Curry is one of those 'backers.

You and me both, pal... you and me both...

Just look at his numbers this year-- 72 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss (second best in the nation), 11 sacks, 8 quarterback hurries, 6 forced fumbles (you read that correctly) and 3 blocked kicks...

Last year, he had 94 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 3 passes broken up and 2 more forced fumbles... for his career, he has 48 tackles for loss and 26.5 sacks... the guy's just a playmaker...

**BrAinPaiNt** · 02-17-2012

Never heard of this Vinny Curry.

Is he any good?

silverbear · 02-17-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrAinPaiNt

Never heard of this Vinny Curry.

Is he any good?

He's one of them there corn-fed hillbillies with a 'tude... what do you think??

SDogo · 02-17-2012

I'll be the unpopular guy in this thread regarding Curry but you know what they say opinions are like...............everyone has one.

jnday · 02-17-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDogo

I'll be the unpopular guy in this thread regarding Curry but you know what they say opinions are like...............everyone has one.

What is your take on Curry ?

SDogo · 02-17-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnday

What is your take on Curry ?

I think he's not athletic enough to play at a NFL level at OLB and is more suited for a 4-3 DE.

When asked to turn his hips in coverage he really struggled and he also displayed those same stiff hips and lack of bend when rushing in a stand up position.

I just don't see the quick twitch and athletic ability the great pass rushers have.

I love the player, just don't love him in the 3-4 at OLB. I was once heavily on his bandwagon, I just saw too much on tape to keep me on it.

cowboy_ron · 02-17-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverbear

He's one of them there corn-fed hillbillies with a 'tude... what do you think??

We need a lot of players with some "tude"in them

TheCoolFan · 02-18-2012

I like James Michael Johnson...he'd be worth a 5th round pick. He's very good at stopping the run, which would complement Lee and Carter. Let him and Orie Lemon compete for a spot in that ILB rotation.