Post-draft team analysis: LB

[gimmesix]

Starters: Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, Sean Lee
Contenders: Joe Thomas, Chris Covington, Justin March-Lillard, Kyle Quiero, Luke Gifford, Justin Phillips, Andrew Dowell, Nate Hall

I admit that I was irked that when Sean Lee returned, he was not inserted into the lineup alongside Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. (I also admit that for some reason I got confused and thought for several reasons that Vander Esch was playing middle linebacker when he was the weakside linebacker.)

Fortunately, it appears the Cowboys are going to try to fix that this year by moving Lee to strongside linebacker. If he can stay healthy, we probably have the strongest three-man linebacker corps in the league, and one of the strongest in the history of this franchise. Lee didn't really look like himself, though, when he came back from injury, so I'm not sure what exactly we'll get from him, but I don't know if Lee at his worst isn't still better than Damien Wilson at his best.

The two young studs are obviously the key for the corps and possibly for the defense. Their ability to run, hit and cover makes it tough to beat them. I do think Lee should be used to give both Vander Esch and Smith a breather every now and then. I also think we should have three linebackers on the field more than we have in the past because Smith can run like a safety and all three of our starters here should be better than anything we put on the field at safety.

Last year, Wilson played 29.73 percent of the snaps as the SAM linebacker. Let's say we see an increase to 40 percent because we keep three linebackers on the field more. Last year, Jaylon Smith and LVE each played close to 100 percent of the snaps in quite a few games, with Smith playing 95 percent for the season. If 10 percent of their snaps are taken by Lee to give them a little rest, then that keeps them at about 90 percent of the defensive snaps, which will keep them fresher while putting Lee at about 60 percent. So we keep Lee's snaps at a reasonable range and keep LVE and Smith going strong.

We don't have much depth after the top three, although Joe Thomas gives us one player who can step in and start if needed. Thomas got a few plays at linebacker during the regular season and is a core speciall-teammer.

After Thomas, there's a bunch of unknown. Chris Covington is one of those project players with traits Dallas likes to take who probably won't get to the point where he's a truly competent NFL backup until he leaves as a free agent. Justin March-Lillard is a special-teammer who at least understands how to play on this level. It won't surprise me if Kyle Quiero or a couple of the UDFAs knock them off the roster,

ROSTER PREDICTION: I think we'll keep six, but which six is hard to say. Four (Smith, Vander Esch, Lee and Thomas) are absolutes. The other two are sort of a grab bag. I think March-Lillard's understanding of how to play in the NFL gives him a leg up. I liked some of what I saw from Quiero last year, so I'm going to predict that either he or Nate Hall takes the final spot, with the loser along with Covington going on the practice squad.

 

[jazzcat22]

I was hoping they would have drafted a LB in the 4th or 5th rounds. I still think they should have, over one of the 2 DE's they took.
But that is a moot point now.

We had 6 on the roster and a 7th if you count Quiero, as he was also listed as a SS at times. Which is why I wanted them to draft a LB instead of all UDFA's.

They carried 7 last year, but health and a few unknowns were the main reason. I can see only 6 this year.
Covington and March-Lillard the 5th and 6th spots unless one of the rookies can beat one of them out. I can't see them them keeping 2 rookies unless they keep 7 if one beats out Covington or March-Lillard. If not then they may keep 7 just to keep a rookie.

I hope they only carry 6 though, as DL & DB can then carry one extra. As if anyone goes down at LB, what difference does it make if you have to call up a PS player as to having him sitting inactive each week.

 

[reddyuta]

i have no idea if some of these backups can play,maybe somebody will surprise us in camp because i have no faith in Lee.

 

[gimmesix]

I was hoping they would have drafted a LB in the 4th or 5th rounds. I still think they should have, over one of the 2 DE's they took.
But that is a moot point now.

We had 6 on the roster and a 7th if you count Quiero, as he was also listed as a SS at times. Which is why I wanted them to draft a LB instead of all UDFA's.

They carried 7 last year, but health and a few unknowns were the main reason. I can see only 6 this year.
Covington and March-Lillard the 5th and 6th spots unless one of the rookies can beat one of them out. I can't see them them keeping 2 rookies unless they keep 7 if one beats out Covington or March-Lillard. If not then they may keep 7 just to keep a rookie.

I hope they only carry 6 though, as DL & DB can then carry one extra. As if anyone goes down at LB, what difference does it make if you have to call up a PS player as to having him sitting inactive each week.

I thought we would bring in one in the draft to try to increase the depth. Instead, they went after several UDFAs, so I'm not sure that's much different than using a sixth or a seventh.

One of the main reasons I limited us to six linebackers is I do think we'll go a little deeper in the secondary and the defensive line this year.

 

[gimmesix]

i have no idea if some of these backups can play,maybe somebody will surprise us in camp because i have no faith in Lee.

I think healthwise there are reasons to question him. I hope that the reduced snaps will allow him to stay healthy, though.

 

[eromeopolk]

One of the UDFA LBs will make the roster and the Cowboys will stash another on the practice squad.

 

[cowboyec]

this might be our best trio since Coach Landry's 3...Chuck Howley and Dave Edwards on the outside...Lee Roy in the middle.

hope Chris Covington makes some strides...he intrigues.
Justin March-Lillard is a solid s teams player and depth piece...one of my favorite players.
I like Joe Thomas...solid player...our 4th best LB right now.

I liked Hall at NWestern....dont know much about the Nebraska kid....Querio is also intriguing.

I think we keep 6...LvE,Jaylon,Gen Lee,Thomas,March-Lillard and Covington.

 

[slick325]

I too was surprised that the team didn't see a LB they liked at either of the 4th round picks or even later. The depth at the position is a huge question mark. But, I suspect they can add someone during TC by trading away a player at a position of depth. Or claim someone that gets released.

This position group bears watching despite how talented the young starters are and how good Lee is as the third piece.

 

[conner01]

You need six for ST and who ever does the best there will get those last couple of spots

 

[northerncowboynation]

I'm not much for predicting who makes it or who doesn't. 4 are a lock. Then there is the injury thing and someone gets a shot that we didn't expect

 

[DanA]

You need six for ST and who ever does the best there will get those last couple of spots

Six is probably right but I do look at our big safeties (Fraizer, Iloka, Wilson) and wonder if we can get by without the 6th LB.

 

[conner01]

Six is probably right but I do look at our big safeties (Fraizer, Iloka, Wilson) and wonder if we can get by without the 6th LB.

That’s one advantage of big safeties and does give us that option

 

[Stash]

Starters: Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, Sean Lee
Contenders: Joe Thomas, Chris Covington, Justin March-Lillard, Kyle Quiero, Luke Gifford, Justin Phillips, Andrew Dowell, Nate Hall

I admit that I was irked that when Sean Lee returned, he was not inserted into the lineup alongside Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. (I also admit that for some reason I got confused and thought for several reasons that Vander Esch was playing middle linebacker when he was the weakside linebacker.)

Fortunately, it appears the Cowboys are going to try to fix that this year by moving Lee to strongside linebacker. If he can stay healthy, we probably have the strongest three-man linebacker corps in the league, and one of the strongest in the history of this franchise. Lee didn't really look like himself, though, when he came back from injury, so I'm not sure what exactly we'll get from him, but I don't know if Lee at his worst isn't still better than Damien Wilson at his best.

The two young studs are obviously the key for the corps and possibly for the defense. Their ability to run, hit and cover makes it tough to beat them. I do think Lee should be used to give both Vander Esch and Smith a breather every now and then. I also think we should have three linebackers on the field more than we have in the past because Smith can run like a safety and all three of our starters here should be better than anything we put on the field at safety.

Last year, Wilson played 29.73 percent of the snaps as the SAM linebacker. Let's say we see an increase to 40 percent because we keep three linebackers on the field more. Last year, Jaylon Smith and LVE each played close to 100 percent of the snaps in quite a few games, with Smith playing 95 percent for the season. If 10 percent of their snaps are taken by Lee to give them a little rest, then that keeps them at about 90 percent of the defensive snaps, which will keep them fresher while putting Lee at about 60 percent. So we keep Lee's snaps at a reasonable range and keep LVE and Smith going strong.

We don't have much depth after the top three, although Joe Thomas gives us one player who can step in and start if needed. Thomas got a few plays at linebacker during the regular season and is a core speciall-teammer.

After Thomas, there's a bunch of unknown. Chris Covington is one of those project players with traits Dallas likes to take who probably won't get to the point where he's a truly competent NFL backup until he leaves as a free agent. Justin March-Lillard is a special-teammer who at least understands how to play on this level. It won't surprise me if Kyle Quiero or a couple of the UDFAs knock them off the roster,

ROSTER PREDICTION: I think we'll keep six, but which six is hard to say. Four (Smith, Vander Esch, Lee and Thomas) are absolutes. The other two are sort of a grab bag. I think March-Lillard's understanding of how to play in the NFL gives him a leg up. I liked some of what I saw from Quiero last year, so I'm going to predict that either he or Nate Hall takes the final spot, with the loser along with Covington going on the practice squad.

Although our opinions and conclusions may differ in some cases, I very much enjoy this series that you're putting together and appreciate the time and effort involved. Great work!

 

[gimmesix]

Although our opinions and conclusions may differ in some cases, I very much enjoy this series that you're putting together and appreciate the time and effort involved. Great work!

Thanks. It kind of helps me process who we've got and what the possibilities are. I freely admit that I could be wrong in some of my thought processes because some things are just a guessing game at this point. However, I like trying to think things through reasonably.

 

[Stash]

Thanks. It kind of helps me process who we've got and what the possibilities are. I freely admit that I could be wrong in some of my thought processes because some things are just a guessing game at this point. However, I like trying to think things through reasonably.

And your work provides great subject matter for conversation and debate.

 

[TwentyOne]

Starters: Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, Sean Lee
Contenders: Joe Thomas, Chris Covington, Justin March-Lillard, Kyle Quiero, Luke Gifford, Justin Phillips, Andrew Dowell, Nate Hall

I admit that I was irked that when Sean Lee returned, he was not inserted into the lineup alongside Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. (I also admit that for some reason I got confused and thought for several reasons that Vander Esch was playing middle linebacker when he was the weakside linebacker.)

Fortunately, it appears the Cowboys are going to try to fix that this year by moving Lee to strongside linebacker. If he can stay healthy, we probably have the strongest three-man linebacker corps in the league, and one of the strongest in the history of this franchise. Lee didn't really look like himself, though, when he came back from injury, so I'm not sure what exactly we'll get from him, but I don't know if Lee at his worst isn't still better than Damien Wilson at his best.

The two young studs are obviously the key for the corps and possibly for the defense. Their ability to run, hit and cover makes it tough to beat them. I do think Lee should be used to give both Vander Esch and Smith a breather every now and then. I also think we should have three linebackers on the field more than we have in the past because Smith can run like a safety and all three of our starters here should be better than anything we put on the field at safety.

Last year, Wilson played 29.73 percent of the snaps as the SAM linebacker. Let's say we see an increase to 40 percent because we keep three linebackers on the field more. Last year, Jaylon Smith and LVE each played close to 100 percent of the snaps in quite a few games, with Smith playing 95 percent for the season. If 10 percent of their snaps are taken by Lee to give them a little rest, then that keeps them at about 90 percent of the defensive snaps, which will keep them fresher while putting Lee at about 60 percent. So we keep Lee's snaps at a reasonable range and keep LVE and Smith going strong.

We don't have much depth after the top three, although Joe Thomas gives us one player who can step in and start if needed. Thomas got a few plays at linebacker during the regular season and is a core speciall-teammer.

After Thomas, there's a bunch of unknown. Chris Covington is one of those project players with traits Dallas likes to take who probably won't get to the point where he's a truly competent NFL backup until he leaves as a free agent. Justin March-Lillard is a special-teammer who at least understands how to play on this level. It won't surprise me if Kyle Quiero or a couple of the UDFAs knock them off the roster,

ROSTER PREDICTION: I think we'll keep six, but which six is hard to say. Four (Smith, Vander Esch, Lee and Thomas) are absolutes. The other two are sort of a grab bag. I think March-Lillard's understanding of how to play in the NFL gives him a leg up. I liked some of what I saw from Quiero last year, so I'm going to predict that either he or Nate Hall takes the final spot, with the loser along with Covington going on the practice squad.

Good writeup. I appreciate your work.

I see Lee more as depth then Sam. We dont play alot of 3 LB sets.

Remember: LBs are used for specials teams also. So we need those backups not only for the defense.

 

[bodi]

Justin Phillips like his tape

 

[gimmesix]

Good writeup. I appreciate your work.

I see Lee more as depth then Sam. We dont play alot of 3 LB sets.

Remember: LBs are used for specials teams also. So we need those backups not only for the defense.

I think with the linebackers we have, we need to play more three-linebacker sets. Put it this way, who would you rather have on the field a healthy Sean Lee or Jeff Heath/George Iloka?

I know they have different responsibilities, but I don't know if Jaylon Smith isn't just in good in short-zone coverage as Iloka and the linebackers are better run defenders than both of the safety candidates. I would try to get this linebacker strength on the field as much as reasonable knowing that it still would limit Lee to around 60 percent of the snaps.

 

[xwalker]

Starters: Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, Sean Lee
Contenders: Joe Thomas, Chris Covington, Justin March-Lillard, Kyle Quiero, Luke Gifford, Justin Phillips, Andrew Dowell, Nate Hall

I admit that I was irked that when Sean Lee returned, he was not inserted into the lineup alongside Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. (I also admit that for some reason I got confused and thought for several reasons that Vander Esch was playing middle linebacker when he was the weakside linebacker.)

Fortunately, it appears the Cowboys are going to try to fix that this year by moving Lee to strongside linebacker. If he can stay healthy, we probably have the strongest three-man linebacker corps in the league, and one of the strongest in the history of this franchise. Lee didn't really look like himself, though, when he came back from injury, so I'm not sure what exactly we'll get from him, but I don't know if Lee at his worst isn't still better than Damien Wilson at his best.

The two young studs are obviously the key for the corps and possibly for the defense. Their ability to run, hit and cover makes it tough to beat them. I do think Lee should be used to give both Vander Esch and Smith a breather every now and then. I also think we should have three linebackers on the field more than we have in the past because Smith can run like a safety and all three of our starters here should be better than anything we put on the field at safety.

Last year, Wilson played 29.73 percent of the snaps as the SAM linebacker. Let's say we see an increase to 40 percent because we keep three linebackers on the field more. Last year, Jaylon Smith and LVE each played close to 100 percent of the snaps in quite a few games, with Smith playing 95 percent for the season. If 10 percent of their snaps are taken by Lee to give them a little rest, then that keeps them at about 90 percent of the defensive snaps, which will keep them fresher while putting Lee at about 60 percent. So we keep Lee's snaps at a reasonable range and keep LVE and Smith going strong.

We don't have much depth after the top three, although Joe Thomas gives us one player who can step in and start if needed. Thomas got a few plays at linebacker during the regular season and is a core speciall-teammer.

After Thomas, there's a bunch of unknown. Chris Covington is one of those project players with traits Dallas likes to take who probably won't get to the point where he's a truly competent NFL backup until he leaves as a free agent. Justin March-Lillard is a special-teammer who at least understands how to play on this level. It won't surprise me if Kyle Quiero or a couple of the UDFAs knock them off the roster,

ROSTER PREDICTION: I think we'll keep six, but which six is hard to say. Four (Smith, Vander Esch, Lee and Thomas) are absolutes. The other two are sort of a grab bag. I think March-Lillard's understanding of how to play in the NFL gives him a leg up. I liked some of what I saw from Quiero last year, so I'm going to predict that either he or Nate Hall takes the final spot, with the loser along with Covington going on the practice squad.

They carried 7 last season.

 

[Mr_437]

The LBs seem to be one of the easiest projections, but it'd be cool if an UDFA or Quiero steps up cause Lillard is on a 1yr deal, but he can play tho.

I got Predator, Wolf Hunter, Thomas, Lee, Convington and Lillard.

Personally (my 2 cents): my primary backup to LVE n Jaylon in the nickel would be Thomas, Lillard might be next. Why? Cause Sean Lee was slow n toasty last year. I have to see him run before I put him past guys the move really well. Covington at 245 has SAM written all over him, so things could get interesting.