Cowboys’ Environment Shining Through As Perfect Fit For Randy Gregory

[Doomsday101]

OXNARD, Calif. – Take a cursory look around the Cowboys’ practice fields, and it’s hard not to feel optimistic about Randy Gregory’s future in the NFL.
Watch the rookie defensive end during practice, and he’s being coached by Rod Marinelli – a pass rush guru who Gregory himself said he was star struck to meet this past spring. The linemen he’s working with include nine-year veterans like Jeremy Mincey and Pro Bowlers like Greg Hardy.
If that weren’t enough, consider Gregory’s pre-practice routine this past Friday, when he took pass rush tips from not one, but two key members of the Cowboys’ championship defenses of the 90’s – Leon Lett and Charles Haley.
Factor all of that together, and Gregory isn’t worried one bit that he “fell” all the way into the Cowboys’ hands at pick No. 60 in May.
“The first thing people talk about is the loss of the money. I don’t play this sport for the money, I play it because I enjoy the game, I love the game – that’s really it,” he said. “Other than that, I believe I’m with a good organization, so whether I was the first pick or the 60th pick, it doesn’t matter. I’m with a good organization now.”

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2...ent-shining-through-perfect-fit-randy-gregory

 

[Doomsday101]

I had a lot of doubts about Gregory heading into the draft and after the Cowboys made the selection. Still have concerns about his size as a DE in a 4-3 but thus far have been happy with the work he has put in.

 

[Fletch]

Cannot wait to see Gregory in the preseason. I just want to see and hear improvement day in and day out. I'm pretty sure I will.

 

[perrykemp]

It's early, however, the Cowboys strategy for bringing Gregory along seems to be progressing nicely.

 

[DallasEast]

If Gregory’s own determination isn’t enough, then that aforementioned support is certainly impressive. On Friday, just before practice picked up, Haley ran out into the defensive huddle and smacked the rookie upside the head. “Just to keep my head up, ask me if I’m doing ok – bopped me in the head pretty good,” Gregory said.

I love Charles Haley. It's deep and profound but not x-rated.

Haley's tutorlage and zero injuries may result in a front four pass rush that will shock the rest of the league from Week One.

 

[erod]

Gregory didn't even know who Charles Haley was until he got here.

I mean, I know he's young, but what's with these young guys?

I guarantee you, Charles Haley knew who Deacon Jones was when he was drafted.

 

[tyke1doe]

“The first thing people talk about is the loss of the money. I don’t play this sport for the money, I play it because I enjoy the game, I love the game – that’s really it,” he (Gregory) said.

Jerry/Stephen Jones will remind him of this at his next contract negotiation.

 

[erod]

Jerry/Stephen Jones will remind him of this at his next contract negotiation.

Yeah, what a load of bull that was. But that's the right thing to say, so good on him.

 

[Stash]

I have measured expectations for Gregory this year, most rookie DE's don't put up big numbers their first year. That was one of the reasons I was a fan who campaigned so vigorously for the team to sign Greg Hardy. I just hope Gregory continues to learn and improve and keeps his head on straight.

There was a comment on one of the talk shows the other day and someone made a great point. They said that the Cowboys are so stocked with talent that although they were fortunate enough to acquire 3 first round talents in this year's draft, none of those players may be starting when they face the Giants in week one.

Not that they won't contribute, but that the players in place are so good that these talents might not be able to replace them. For me, it's a great thing to hear, and a great 'problem' for this team to have.

 

[erod]

Stasheroo is right. Pass rushers and wide receivers typically take 2-3 years before they are impactful players.

Gregory will be a situational pass rusher this year most likely. Hopefully, his speed will allow him to make some plays.

 

[waving monkey]

I am expecting a fast learning curve for Randy. After the second half ,look out.

 

[Apollo Creed]

I have measured expectations for Gregory this year, most rookie DE's don't put up big numbers their first year. That was one of the reasons I was a fan who campaigned so vigorously for the team to sign Greg Hardy. I just hope Gregory continues to learn and improve and keeps his head on straight.

There was a comment on one of the talk shows the other day and someone made a great point. They said that the Cowboys are so stocked with talent that although they were fortunate enough to acquire 3 first round talents in this year's draft, none of those players may be starting when they face the Giants in week one.

Not that they won't contribute, but that the players in place are so good that these talents might not be able to replace them. For me, it's a great thing to hear, and a great 'problem' for this team to have.

What do you think our 'Nascar' or pass rush package will look like?

Gregory - Hardy - Crawford - Lawrence

 

[Stash]

What do you think our 'Nascar' or pass rush package will look like?

Gregory - Hardy - Crawford - Lawrence

A nightmare for opposing quarterbacks!

 

[dfense]

I had a lot of doubts about Gregory heading into the draft and after the Cowboys made the selection. Still have concerns about his size as a DE in a 4-3 but thus far have been happy with the work he has put in.

How big was Dwight Freeney coming out of college?

 

[erod]

How big was Dwight Freeney coming out of college?

He's built like Jason Taylor.

 

[Stash]

He's built like Jason Taylor.

Or Haley himself. Long and lean.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

Gregory didn't even know who Charles Haley was until he got here.

I mean, I know he's young, but what's with these young guys?

I guarantee you, Charles Haley knew who Deacon Jones was when he was drafted.

Why would he be researching older guys? There are a generation and more of players between the two for a young pass rusher to idolize/follow. You know...like Demarcus Ware for instance.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

Stasheroo is right. Pass rushers and wide receivers typically take 2-3 years before they are impactful players.

Gregory will be a situational pass rusher this year most likely. Hopefully, his speed will allow him to make some plays.

Have you paid attention to what WRs have done the past 3 drafts or so? Once is fluke, two is a coincidence but 3 is a trend.

The game is changing erod. Don't be left behind.

 

[erod]

Have you paid attention to what WRs have done the past 3 drafts or so? Once is fluke, two is a coincidence but 3 is a trend.

The game is changing erod. Don't be left behind.

I've paid perfect attention.

Most are pretty quiet for a good while, then they arrive. They're just so limited early on because playing college receiver requires no route adjustments at all, and defensive schemes in college are barely more complicated than high school.

Then, in the pros, everything changes. They have to read defenses and adjust routes, and it blows their minds for a while. That doesn't mean they can't design predetermined plays for them, but it's not like they can dominate a game like they can when they figure it out. Sure, they make some big plays along the way because they're elite athletes, but not within a constant context of the offense at first.

Not a single elite receiver in the Super Bowl. That was telling.

 

[Doomsday101]

How big was Dwight Freeney coming out of college?

You can find exception with all things, Yes guys like Freeney and Jason Taylor had great success how many failed in the NFL. no one talks about players who fail. My hope is Gregory is one of the exceptions. I like the fact he is putting in the work, I like the fact he knows he has to bulk up. It just seem funny that exceptions are always thrown out there. It is like saying guys who are 5'03" can make it in the NBA since Muggsy Bogues did it.