Upon Further Review

[Stash]

The best one was picked 3 picks before us. Should have gotten that one.

Apparently they had a different opinion. We’ll see who was right.

 

[Qcard]

Regarding this year's draft, I was one of many who weren't overly thrilled with the draft decisions that were made. But after looking into things more closely, I have changed my mind quite a bit. Hearing Dan Quinn's press conference, I realized that I was under the mistaken impression that the team was drafting for a 4-3 defense when this was not the case.

Initially, I was not a fan of drafting Micah Parsons, given what the team had already put into Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, and the signing of Keanu Neal. But looking at things through that '3-4 lens', the decisions look much smarter.

I also felt that Odighizuwa and Golston were poor choices for 4-3 defensive tackle and defensive end respectively. It turns out that I now think I was wrong, and that both in fact were drafted to be 3-4 defensive ends, a position with far different athletic requirements.

Looking deeper, it looks like the Carlos Watkins and Brent Urban signings were to play 3-4 end as well. The signs were there, but I didn't see them until now. And I actually credit the team for not formally announcing the scheme prior to the draft. They kept that news quiet and did not give opponents the opportunity to assume what players they were looking for. I think that was a smart move, as well as the talk of downgrading players who opted out in 2020. Given who they drafted, that was clearly not the case. I'm giving Jerry credit for throwing that chum in the water as well. I criticize when I feel he gives out to much information, so I give credit where I feel it's due when he slips in some disinformation.

My initial draft grade was a C if I recall correctly. Given what I know now, I will gladly readjust my grade to an A-. Other than the off-the-wall pick of Nahshon Wright, the haul looks much better today.

Dan Quinn was a calming effect. It caused many Cowboys fans to take a step back and reflect.

Great post @stasheroo!

 

[Stash]

Dan Quinn was a calming effect. It caused many Cowboys fans to take a step back and reflect.

Great post @stasheroo!

I’ve also heard that Quinn hit the road with McClay and the scouts since he arrived in Dallas and that they were in close and constant contact throughout the buildup to the draft. To me that’s another good sign for coaching and scouting being better aligned and on the same page.

 

[buybuydandavis]

Dallas had a defensive philosophy ever since they fired Ryan as defensive coordinator and brought in Kiffen. Since then, they’ve been a Tampa 43 defense and have drafted for that. It is a little outdated these days, so they’re wisely switching to a more modern, multiple defense and, like any other team switching, they’ll have to draft guys who fit it.

To say they never have a defensive philosophy is disingenuous and because of some tweet the other day it is being parroted around this forum. It isn’t true.

Dallas needs to get modern on that side of the ball and this draft is a big step in that direction.

I said what I said based on observations of Jerry for decades.

Generalizing from the beginning of the Kiffinelli period leaves you ignoring the wide variation of defensive schemes Dallas has used in the Jerry Era, and treating last year as just a sprucing up of the Kiffinelli defense puts you at odds with my eyeballs and reports from the players themselves.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Apparently they had a different opinion. We’ll see who was right.

The more likely scenario is they hoped he would drop and got caught snoozing.

Its like you have a benefit of the doubt excuse for everything. Does it pain you to think about the fact that EVERY pick wasnt some master plan?

Is it a even a remote possibility in your mind that the guy they wanted went a few picks in front of them? Milton was linked to them for weeks. He went right after McNeil two picks in front of them. Two picks later they took a DT. So they were clearly targeting DT there. Clues are there if you open your eyes.

 

[Stash]

The more likely scenario is they hoped he would drop and got caught snoozing.

No evidence to support that. Whereas there’s is evidence that they in fact met with the guy they drafted while attending his pro day. But you’re free to believe whatever you want. I’ll go with the evidence.

Its like you have a benefit of the doubt excuse for everything. Does it pain you to think about the fact that EVERY pick wasnt some master plan?

It’s an opinion, not an excuse. Don’t let your feelings get in the way. And I never claimed that “EVERY pick was part of some master plan” so don’t attribute that to me.

Is it a even a remote possibility in your mind that the guy they wanted went a few picks in front of them? Milton was linked to them for weeks. He went right after McNeil two picks in front of them. Two picks later they took a DT. So they were clearly targeting DT there. Clues are there if you open your eyes.

Practice what you preach and also open your own. Maybe they did hope for Williams in round 3? You’re all over the place with your claims by the way. But he wasn’t there when their turn came up. But it’s also possible that they felt Odighizuwa was the better scheme for as well. Whether they’re right or wrong is yet to be seen. And for sure all “DT’s” are not the same.

 

[CowboyRoy]

No evidence to support that. Whereas there’s is evidence that they in fact met with the guy they drafted while attending his pro day. But you’re free to believe whatever you want. I’ll go with the evidence.



It’s an opinion, not an excuse. Don’t let your feelings get in the way. And I never claimed that “EVERY pick was part of some master plan” so don’t attribute that to me.



Practice what you preach and also open your own. Maybe they did hope for Williams in round 3? You’re all over the place with your claims by the way. But he wasn’t there when their turn came up. But it’s also possible that they felt Odighizuwa was the better scheme for as well. Whether they’re right or wrong is yet to be seen. And for sure all “DT’s” are not the same.

Plenty of evidence!

1. Jane Slater linked them over and over again to liking Milton as did other beat writers
2. Cowboys wound up taking a DT 2 pick later, they were obviously targeting one there
3. Mcneil went 3 picks before
4. Milton went two picks before

Just going on that, its very likely. They wanted one or both guys and thought one or both would drop.

Or are you suggesting that they had Osi ranked higher on their board than both McNeil and Milton?

WHERE IS YOUR EVIDENCE FOR THAT?

 

[CowboyRoy]

No evidence to support that. Whereas there’s is evidence that they in fact met with the guy they drafted while attending his pro day. But you’re free to believe whatever you want. I’ll go with the evidence.



It’s an opinion, not an excuse. Don’t let your feelings get in the way. And I never claimed that “EVERY pick was part of some master plan” so don’t attribute that to me.



Practice what you preach and also open your own. Maybe they did hope for Williams in round 3? You’re all over the place with your claims by the way. But he wasn’t there when their turn came up. But it’s also possible that they felt Odighizuwa was the better scheme for as well. Whether they’re right or wrong is yet to be seen. And for sure all “DT’s” are not the same.

I also openly understand there is a very minute possibility that they had Osi ranked higher than Mcneil AND Milton. AGain, very very unlikely. Milton was the same smallish size as Osi and then Mcniel is the classic bigger 1T.

 

[Stash]

Plenty of evidence!

1. Jane Slater linked them over and over again to liking Milton as did other beat writers
2. Cowboys wound up taking a DT 2 pick later, they were obviously targeting one there
3. Mcneil went 3 picks before
4. Milton went two picks before

Just going on that, its very likely. They wanted one or both guys and thought one or both would drop.

Or are you suggesting that they had Osi ranked higher on their board than both McNeil and Milton?

WHERE IS YOUR EVIDENCE FOR THAT?

The evidence I’m referring to was proof of the visit with Bohanna. It seems we’re talking about two different subjects.

 

[Stash]

I also openly understand there is a very minute possibility that they had Osi ranked higher than Mcneil AND Milton. AGain, very very unlikely. Milton was the same smallish size as Osi and then Mcniel is the classic bigger 1T.

Which guys played in a 3-4 defense and which didn’t? That’s the question I would be asking.

 

[kskboys]

Regarding this year's draft, I was one of many who weren't overly thrilled with the draft decisions that were made. But after looking into things more closely, I have changed my mind quite a bit. Hearing Dan Quinn's press conference, I realized that I was under the mistaken impression that the team was drafting for a 4-3 defense when this was not the case.

Initially, I was not a fan of drafting Micah Parsons, given what the team had already put into Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, and the signing of Keanu Neal. But looking at things through that '3-4 lens', the decisions look much smarter.

I also felt that Odighizuwa and Golston were poor choices for 4-3 defensive tackle and defensive end respectively. It turns out that I now think I was wrong, and that both in fact were drafted to be 3-4 defensive ends, a position with far different athletic requirements.

Looking deeper, it looks like the Carlos Watkins and Brent Urban signings were to play 3-4 end as well. The signs were there, but I didn't see them until now. And I actually credit the team for not formally announcing the scheme prior to the draft. They kept that news quiet and did not give opponents the opportunity to assume what players they were looking for. I think that was a smart move, as well as the talk of downgrading players who opted out in 2020. Given who they drafted, that was clearly not the case. I'm giving Jerry credit for throwing that chum in the water as well. I criticize when I feel he gives out to much information, so I give credit where I feel it's due when he slips in some disinformation.

My initial draft grade was a C if I recall correctly. Given what I know now, I will gladly readjust my grade to an A-. Other than the off-the-wall pick of Nahshon Wright, the haul looks much better today.

Good stuff!!!

Like you, I was completely bamboozled at the Diggy/Golston picks. Looked like 2 more Crawfords. However, if they were picked to be 3/4 DE's, that makes perfect sense. Especially Diggy, who seems to fit the profile of the disruptive DE.

 

[Stash]

Good stuff!!!

Like you, I was completely bamboozled at the Diggy/Golston picks. Looked like 2 more Crawfords. However, if they were picked to be 3/4 DE's, that makes perfect sense. Especially Diggy, who seems to fit the profile of the disruptive DE.

That’s exactly my thinking after everything I’ve seen and heard. That’s the intent. Whether it ultimately works or not is yet to be seen. But I better understand the ‘why’.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Regarding this year's draft, I was one of many who weren't overly thrilled with the draft decisions that were made. But after looking into things more closely, I have changed my mind quite a bit. Hearing Dan Quinn's press conference, I realized that I was under the mistaken impression that the team was drafting for a 4-3 defense when this was not the case.

Initially, I was not a fan of drafting Micah Parsons, given what the team had already put into Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, and the signing of Keanu Neal. But looking at things through that '3-4 lens', the decisions look much smarter.

I also felt that Odighizuwa and Golston were poor choices for 4-3 defensive tackle and defensive end respectively. It turns out that I now think I was wrong, and that both in fact were drafted to be 3-4 defensive ends, a position with far different athletic requirements.

Looking deeper, it looks like the Carlos Watkins and Brent Urban signings were to play 3-4 end as well. The signs were there, but I didn't see them until now. And I actually credit the team for not formally announcing the scheme prior to the draft. They kept that news quiet and did not give opponents the opportunity to assume what players they were looking for. I think that was a smart move, as well as the talk of downgrading players who opted out in 2020. Given who they drafted, that was clearly not the case. I'm giving Jerry credit for throwing that chum in the water as well. I criticize when I feel he gives out to much information, so I give credit where I feel it's due when he slips in some disinformation.

My initial draft grade was a C if I recall correctly. Given what I know now, I will gladly readjust my grade to an A-. Other than the off-the-wall pick of Nahshon Wright, the haul looks much better today.

Great post stash!

 

[kskboys]

That’s exactly my thinking after everything I’ve seen and heard. That’s the intent. Whether it ultimately works or not is yet to be seen. But I better understand the ‘why’.

Then add in that Galley appears to be a great prospect for 3-4 DE, and it's starting to come together in my peabrain.

Also, add in that he bulked up to almost 330 and played NT at OKLA, and it makes even more sense.

 

[ThreeandOut]

Plenty of evidence!

1. Jane Slater linked them over and over again to liking Milton as did other beat writers
2. Cowboys wound up taking a DT 2 pick later, they were obviously targeting one there
3. Mcneil went 3 picks before
4. Milton went two picks before

Just going on that, its very likely. They wanted one or both guys and thought one or both would drop.

Or are you suggesting that they had Osi ranked higher on their board than both McNeil and Milton?

WHERE IS YOUR EVIDENCE FOR THAT?

Jerry mentioned that they targeted 6 players over day 2/day 3 and got 4 of them. I think Osa was one of the players they targeted that they got. It's possible Milton or McNeil (more likely Milton) was one of the targeted players they missed out on but it's unlikely both of them were.

 

[Stash]

Then add in that Galley appears to be a great prospect for 3-4 DE, and it's starting to come together in my peabrain.

Also, add in that he bulked up to almost 330 and played NT at OKLA, and it makes even more sense.

Gallimore played nose tackle at Oklahoma?

 

[Daillest88]

Bohana certainly looks to be the player that they're banking on. It's the other candidates in the rotation that are more intriguing to me.



Thanks.

As for Gregory, I think he's a pass rush specialist and many draft forecasts had him ticketed for a 3-4 role anyway. This may actually be his best fit.

Yup he was projected as a 3-4 defense end.. shoot I remember how talented they were saying this guy is during the 2015 draft. He fits in either role but with his speed off the line this scheme might be best for him.

 

[CouchCoach]

stash's response is like a lot of other posters here once the reaction wore off. We react to almost everything, including each other too much, and then with a little thought and time, we respond. I did the same exact thing

It would have helped if they'd shared with us the plan they were following and the pieces necessary to complete that plan.

It's Quinn's job to get the D just up to average, the offense should be good enough that an average D can get the team into the playoffs and give them something to build on to get to a top 8 D and a true contender.

It's not about solving this D's problems in one offseason and a DC change. It's about progress and they made that last year with talent and this year with talent and a coaching change.

I am as critical of this FO as anyone but when they do it right, they deserve credit for that. They addressed the elephant in the room. Could they have done better by moving up for Barmore and/or Mohring? Time will tell but I am satisfied they attacked the problem.

And in fairness, if either one of those players does turn out to be special and better than what the Cowboys got, posters need to factor is what the Cowboys would have had to give up in not only the draft pick position but the player they picked there as well.

I didn't agree with everything Parcells said but I 100% agreed with his take on the draft. Too many make it about individual players and where they're picked and it's about the whole being greater than the sum of it's parts.

Just with the first pick alone, the Cowboys elevated the talent level on the D.

 

[Stash]

stash's response is like a lot of other posters here once the reaction wore off. We react to almost everything, including each other too much, and then with a little thought and time, we respond. I did the same exact thing

It would have helped if they'd shared with us the plan they were following and the pieces necessary to complete that plan.

True, but I think it also would have “helped” rival teams know who they valued. If they needed to fool me to fool the competition? I’m OK with that.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

They will primarily play with 4 down linemen. Quinn said 70% of the time. If Lawrence is out some when they’re trying to shut down the run, that doesn’t lower his value. They want him for when they’re in a 4 man line and pinning their ears to get to the QB… which will be the same amount of time as previous seasons (70%) because they’ll be in nickel/dime about the same.

Dallas had a defensive philosophy ever since they fired Ryan as defensive coordinator and brought in Kiffen. Since then, they’ve been a Tampa 43 defense and have drafted for that. It is a little outdated these days, so they’re wisely switching to a more modern, multiple defense and, like any other team switching, they’ll have to draft guys who fit it.

To say they never have a defensive philosophy is disingenuous and because of some tweet the other day it is being parroted around this forum. It isn’t true.

Dallas needs to get modern on that side of the ball and this draft is a big step in that direction.

+1 ....