Off-Season Priority: Find A Nose Tackle

[rwalters31]

Originally Posted by AMERICAS_FAN

There's already a thread titled "Off-Season Priority #1: Find A Running Game". And I agree, in the NFL, you need to run the ball, but also stop the run. And we need a NT, in a bad way, to do that.

That's why - as equally as important as it is to find a running game - job-1 for this team this offseason is to find a NT who can command double teams, occupy space, stop the run and collapse the pocket.

Ratliff is gone, bet on it. He's a player in decline (strike-1), who had it out with Jerry Jones publically (strike-2), and was a no-show in the last game when other injured players made the trip to show their support (strike-3).

And Ratliff's replacement, Josh Brent will unfortunately have his life go down a different, unfortunate legal/punitive path. He's no longer a player the Cowboys can rely upon long term as a developing starter.

[View Full Quote]So in the draft - and I prefer that avenue to free agency - the Cowboys really need to look at NT. They'll be picking #18, and that's not a bad spot to be looking for a NT should a top flight player land there.

Are there any free agents who are available that might be options at NT - even though I do prefer they look for one in the draft over free agency?

The BOLD is a truth, but the number one pick IS (C, G, T). Romo can last a couple of years only if he can step up in the pocket (NOT able to do that this year). The running game was not a show stopper (see Deadskins) and there was not a lot of relief for Romo. This should have been addressed in the last draft but wasn't (see Romo hit the ground). Yes I agree with you but the number one draft pick should extend Romo's life I mean career for another two years. The second should be NT (if available) and the third and fourth picks OL. After that I would see if there is a QB (like Romo) that can be in training for two years to take over from a beat up Romo. After that pick then RB (big bad mean hole puncher), S, then defense.

[CATCH17]

I think Dline is the top priority and Oline is a close 2nd.


We need a lot of big guys brought in.

[Silverstar]

Originally Posted by MichaelWinicki

Silver, I don't see the Cowboys interested in a guy in the middle with his measurables. He's simply too big. I don't know his speed #'s, but he probably lacks mobility which is a Cowboy must at the NT position.

Up to this point the Cowboys simply don't seem to be interested in behemoth nose-tackles.

I wouldn't be too sure about that, since we have Rob Calloway on the roster and he's 6-4 333 and still growing. Geathers has proven he can get in the backfield against top competition and his size demands double teams. He also blocked a kick and that's one of the advantages of being 6-6, since he can get his hands up and knockdown passes too. He's got NFL bloodlines and he LIKES playing the NT position. I think he's a good 3rd round pick...if he declares.

[xwalker]

Originally Posted by AMERICAS_FAN

There's already a thread titled "Off-Season Priority #1: Find A Running Game". And I agree, in the NFL, you need to run the ball, but also stop the run. And we need a NT, in a bad way, to do that.

I think the Cowboys would only consider a DL at #18 if he is a really good pass-rusher. The only DL that I see like that at #18 is Sheldon Richardson and he would be a DE. Also, he may not be an option due to character issues.

IMO, you can find run-stopping NTs in Free Agency for a reasonable cost. As mentioned in other posts, Sammy Lee Hill or Terrance Knighton could do the job.

Knighton (6-3, 330) was phased out in Jacksonville because they wanted quicker DTs in their 4-3; however, he would be a better fit as a 3-4 NT. He was drafted when the Jags were trying to switch to more 3-4 looks but they have since discarded that plan.

With someone like Knighton as the primary run stopping NT, the Cowboys can use Ratliff and/or Lissemore when they use a true 3-4 front in probable passing situations.

The Cowboys use a 4-man line in the nickel defense over 1/3 of the time. It might be good to just play Ratliff as a DT in the 4-man line and let Knighton/Lissemore play all the snaps at NT in the 3-man line.

.

[xwalker]

Originally Posted by Silverstar

I wouldn't be too sure about that, since we have Rob Calloway on the roster and he's 6-4 333 and still growing. Geathers has proven he can get in the backfield against top competition and his size demands double teams. He also blocked a kick and that's one of the advantages of being 6-6, since he can get his hands up and knockdown passes too. He's got NFL bloodlines and he LIKES playing the NT position. I think he's a good 3rd round pick...if he declares.

Callaway is interesting.

In the very limited snaps that he got this season, he appeared to have the physical ability to play in the NFL; however, he is raw.

They could replace Spears, Coleman and Brent with Callaway, a Free Agent and a draft pick.