Knotamus
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Now that our Boys have knocked the draft out the park and added some real talent to this team, I’m sure most of us are feeling a lil better than a few months ago..atleast I am.
We have to trust McCarthy has a plan at this point. I’m feeling better about the talent they’ve acquired at needed positions like CB, DT, WR, OL, back up QB, and even safety.
That said, the RDE position left vacant by Robert Quinn seems to have been pieced together with multiple long shot players, all with question marks. Hence the constant speculation to sign high priced FA’s like Clowney or Griffin. (Which I’m not against at the right price.. never can have too many, right?!)
Nonetheless, if any one of the current guys we have on the roster capitalize, then it has to be deemed a success. I personally believe 2-3 of them will shine and surprise even die hard fans. For what is worth, I’ve listed the guys and my opinion. Hopefully this brings optimism.. feel free to berate me.
LOCKS
Demarcus Lawrence- (6’3” 265lbs) obvious lock. Really don't have to mention him here, but I hope the added DTs will bring about production he had a couple years ago. There’s a lot of nothing being said about Lawrence(good or bad), hopefully he’ll live up to his contract now that he has help to relieve double teams. (fingers crossed) Hopefully we won’t see another “down year”.
Aldon Smith- (6’5” 270lbs) IF reinstated, obvious lock. Brian Broaddus stated recently he heard Smith had a better chance to be reinstated than Gregory. Take that for what it’s worth. I know folks have their apprehensions, but everything I’ve read is that he’s turned his life around. I have no worries about his play. He’s a freak of nature similar to David Irving. The time off is of minimal consequence.. if he’s active, he will produce. Will he dominate like years ago? prob not. But if he’s anywhere close, Cowboy fans will rejoice and RDE will be covered.
Bradlee Anae- (6’3” 265lbs) Dal isn’t going to give up on such a talent, so he’ll be giving more than enough opportunities. Supposedly had a higher draft grade and I for one, was surprised he was still there in the 5th Rd. I love his tenacity, attitude, and will to get after the QB. All eyes will be square on this late round pick to be our future RDE.
Tyrone Crawford- (6’4” 290) I’ve watch YouTube interviews w/Crawford and he states he’s healthy and ready to return. I truely hope so. Say what you want about the guy, he still has valuable position flex, a run stuffer, and capable DE. Yes, I’d prefer someone like Aldon Smith breakthrough, but Crawford has been a reliable DL and that resonates with all coaches.
Dorance Armstrong- (6’4” 260lbs) I’ll admit, I’ve been waiting for his breakout year. He’s a beast and has the tools to excel. He reminds me a lot of Lawrence, but needed a lil more refinement. I truly believe, this is Armstrong’s year to prove it and I have faith he will. He only played in 24% def snaps last year, yet still snagged 2 sacks. Going into his 3rd year, the position is his if he wants it. It’s time to prove it. (Active roster pet cat)
The Rest
Randy Gregory- (6’5” 255lbs) The only reason he’s in ‘The Rest’ category bc of the doubt of reinstatement. IF he returns, he’s easily a lock. Like Smith, he can roll out of bed and sack QBs. There’s not much more I could say ab his potential that most don’t already know. He’s stronger than his frame suggests, he bends like a true pass rusher, and is good against the run. He’s a prototypical RDE, but his past haunts him. It would be amazing to have him as an option.
Joe Jackson- (6’5” 275lbs)- I can only holdout hope he can show something after a year under his belt. At best, he reminds me of a Markus Golden type player. Someone that’s not technically sound, yet produces sacks and stops the run. He has natural strength that some have stated he’s “strong as hell”. He might be more of the Crawford mold w/position flex at DT, but it would be amazing to see him excel and become the nasty lunchpail “pain-in-the-***” player that opponents just don’t look forward to seeing.
Jalen Jelks- (6’5” 260lbs)- I’ll admit.. he’s a long shot, but the last regime seen enough from him to stash him on IR. Maybe that won’t mean much, but Jelks has the measurables, attitude, and motor to succeed. His scouting report noted he need to get stronger. He’s a true wild card. Maybe Jim Tomsula can work his magic and get the most out of this guy. This would be def a delighted surprise
Ron’Dell Carter- (6’3” 270lbs)-as a UDFA, he has a steep climb. Although this consensus All American showed enough that 24 teams offered him a contract. He was very productive in college. He chose Dallas and knows what he’s up against. His attitude and tenacity is what RDEs are made of. An obvious ‘pet cat’ candidate, I hope his play allows him to make the team and contribute. May the force be with him.
Ladarius Hamilton- (6’2” 260)- more of an OLB, he’s a project at DE. He has traits, but still super long shot to make the practice squad..much less the roster. I personally believe he’d be better suited at LB. Knowing the hybrid defense they plan to run.. who knows where he’ll end up. If he makes the team.. I’d be shocked. Then again, I’ve been wrong before.
To conclude: I think we’re in better shape than it may appear. If I’m wrong, we’ll be average at worst. Not to mention, there will be veterans available after salary dumps, cuts, etc.. I’m greedy like most here and would love to add a proven veteran now, but I don’t blame McCarthy for wanting to see what he has first. We may actually have what we need now.
Sorry so long, but I hope you enjoyed.
We have to trust McCarthy has a plan at this point. I’m feeling better about the talent they’ve acquired at needed positions like CB, DT, WR, OL, back up QB, and even safety.
That said, the RDE position left vacant by Robert Quinn seems to have been pieced together with multiple long shot players, all with question marks. Hence the constant speculation to sign high priced FA’s like Clowney or Griffin. (Which I’m not against at the right price.. never can have too many, right?!)
Nonetheless, if any one of the current guys we have on the roster capitalize, then it has to be deemed a success. I personally believe 2-3 of them will shine and surprise even die hard fans. For what is worth, I’ve listed the guys and my opinion. Hopefully this brings optimism.. feel free to berate me.
LOCKS
Demarcus Lawrence- (6’3” 265lbs) obvious lock. Really don't have to mention him here, but I hope the added DTs will bring about production he had a couple years ago. There’s a lot of nothing being said about Lawrence(good or bad), hopefully he’ll live up to his contract now that he has help to relieve double teams. (fingers crossed) Hopefully we won’t see another “down year”.
Aldon Smith- (6’5” 270lbs) IF reinstated, obvious lock. Brian Broaddus stated recently he heard Smith had a better chance to be reinstated than Gregory. Take that for what it’s worth. I know folks have their apprehensions, but everything I’ve read is that he’s turned his life around. I have no worries about his play. He’s a freak of nature similar to David Irving. The time off is of minimal consequence.. if he’s active, he will produce. Will he dominate like years ago? prob not. But if he’s anywhere close, Cowboy fans will rejoice and RDE will be covered.
Bradlee Anae- (6’3” 265lbs) Dal isn’t going to give up on such a talent, so he’ll be giving more than enough opportunities. Supposedly had a higher draft grade and I for one, was surprised he was still there in the 5th Rd. I love his tenacity, attitude, and will to get after the QB. All eyes will be square on this late round pick to be our future RDE.
Tyrone Crawford- (6’4” 290) I’ve watch YouTube interviews w/Crawford and he states he’s healthy and ready to return. I truely hope so. Say what you want about the guy, he still has valuable position flex, a run stuffer, and capable DE. Yes, I’d prefer someone like Aldon Smith breakthrough, but Crawford has been a reliable DL and that resonates with all coaches.
Dorance Armstrong- (6’4” 260lbs) I’ll admit, I’ve been waiting for his breakout year. He’s a beast and has the tools to excel. He reminds me a lot of Lawrence, but needed a lil more refinement. I truly believe, this is Armstrong’s year to prove it and I have faith he will. He only played in 24% def snaps last year, yet still snagged 2 sacks. Going into his 3rd year, the position is his if he wants it. It’s time to prove it. (Active roster pet cat)
The Rest
Randy Gregory- (6’5” 255lbs) The only reason he’s in ‘The Rest’ category bc of the doubt of reinstatement. IF he returns, he’s easily a lock. Like Smith, he can roll out of bed and sack QBs. There’s not much more I could say ab his potential that most don’t already know. He’s stronger than his frame suggests, he bends like a true pass rusher, and is good against the run. He’s a prototypical RDE, but his past haunts him. It would be amazing to have him as an option.
Joe Jackson- (6’5” 275lbs)- I can only holdout hope he can show something after a year under his belt. At best, he reminds me of a Markus Golden type player. Someone that’s not technically sound, yet produces sacks and stops the run. He has natural strength that some have stated he’s “strong as hell”. He might be more of the Crawford mold w/position flex at DT, but it would be amazing to see him excel and become the nasty lunchpail “pain-in-the-***” player that opponents just don’t look forward to seeing.
Jalen Jelks- (6’5” 260lbs)- I’ll admit.. he’s a long shot, but the last regime seen enough from him to stash him on IR. Maybe that won’t mean much, but Jelks has the measurables, attitude, and motor to succeed. His scouting report noted he need to get stronger. He’s a true wild card. Maybe Jim Tomsula can work his magic and get the most out of this guy. This would be def a delighted surprise
Ron’Dell Carter- (6’3” 270lbs)-as a UDFA, he has a steep climb. Although this consensus All American showed enough that 24 teams offered him a contract. He was very productive in college. He chose Dallas and knows what he’s up against. His attitude and tenacity is what RDEs are made of. An obvious ‘pet cat’ candidate, I hope his play allows him to make the team and contribute. May the force be with him.
Ladarius Hamilton- (6’2” 260)- more of an OLB, he’s a project at DE. He has traits, but still super long shot to make the practice squad..much less the roster. I personally believe he’d be better suited at LB. Knowing the hybrid defense they plan to run.. who knows where he’ll end up. If he makes the team.. I’d be shocked. Then again, I’ve been wrong before.
To conclude: I think we’re in better shape than it may appear. If I’m wrong, we’ll be average at worst. Not to mention, there will be veterans available after salary dumps, cuts, etc.. I’m greedy like most here and would love to add a proven veteran now, but I don’t blame McCarthy for wanting to see what he has first. We may actually have what we need now.
Sorry so long, but I hope you enjoyed.
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