Twitter: Rod Marinelli is the reason we have Taco instead of TJ Watt

xwalker · Mar 26, 2019

JBell said:
McClay really liked TJ that year. The coaches (Rod) thought Taco would be a better fit because he played with his hand in the dirt in college, whereas Watt was more of a projection since he mostly rushed the passer while standing.

Imagine where this defense would be if we had Watt at RE. Rod gotta go.

They had a similar grade on the draft board.

Marinelli didn't cause them to draft a player that McClay had rated way lower than Watt.

They failed to evaluate Taco's mental makeup correctly.

Watt was drafted by a 3-4 team which makes is hard to know how he would look in a 4-3.

Stephen Jones comments after that draft did seem to indicate they almost drafted Watt.

Toruk_Makto · Mar 26, 2019

I wanted Watt. Pounded the table for him. But not like TAco was a reach based on his projected 1st round selection.

It's also too early to be making "did we make a mistake" thread.

People never learn.

America's Cowboy · Mar 26, 2019

JBell said:
McClay really liked TJ that year. The coaches (Rod) thought Taco would be a better fit because he played with his hand in the dirt in college, whereas Watt was more of a projection since he mostly rushed the passer while standing.

Imagine where this defense would be if we had Watt at RE. Rod gotta go.

Ooooh, this just boils my blood!!!! Wanted Watt. Jerry should have listened to McClay. Marinelli needs to go!

OmerV · Mar 26, 2019

JBell said:

The problem with what DiVencenzo said is that the production his talking about is at the pro level - after the fact. There wasn't a notable difference in college production between Watt and Taco. 11.5 sacks to 10, and 15.5 tackles for loss to 13.5. Watt has 23 more tackles than Taco, but LBs always have more tackles than down linemen.

erod · Mar 26, 2019

Fletch said:
Taco will have 12 sacks this coming season.

Is he going grocery shopping or something?

Fletch · Mar 26, 2019

erod said:
Is he going grocery shopping or something?

I know. It’s a bold statement. Let us all lament.

Rockport · Mar 26, 2019

JBell said:
McClay really liked TJ that year. The coaches (Rod) thought Taco would be a better fit because he played with his hand in the dirt in college, whereas Watt was more of a projection since he mostly rushed the passer while standing.

Imagine where this defense would be if we had Watt at RE. Rod gotta go.

If this is true it’s really upsetting.

CWR · Mar 26, 2019

stasheroo said:
It's always retreads and late round picks. "Orphans", so the old man can keep his reputation as some "miracle worker".

Did anyone see any "miracles" during that Rams playoff game?

I didn't...

When you dont invest premium picks or premium cap on FAs its easy to have low expectations. Not that we haven't put resources into our defense but Id love to hear of Rod pounding on the table for his guys. Stick your damn neck out already.....Perhaps he did with Taco though lol.

OmerV · Mar 26, 2019

Rockport said:
If this is true it’s really upsetting.

I hate we didn't get a better player, but it doesn't bother me that there was a difference of opinion on which direction to go. I imagine with every draft pick there is discussion and not everyone has the same viewpoint on who to take.

ItzKelz · Mar 26, 2019

JBell said:
McClay really liked TJ that year. The coaches (Rod) thought Taco would be a better fit because he played with his hand in the dirt in college, whereas Watt was more of a projection since he mostly rushed the passer while standing.

Imagine where this defense would be if we had Watt at RE. Rod gotta go.

Sounds like both have been proven accurate.

ConceptCoop · Mar 26, 2019

SeanLee50 said:
Legit question ... is Watt the beast he is, if he plays RE here?

He's at least an 8 sack/yr situational guy, imo. I'd take that over Taco.

Rockport · Mar 26, 2019

OmerV said:
I hate we didn't get a better player, but it doesn't bother me that there was a difference of opinion on which direction to go. I imagine with every draft pick there is discussion and not everyone has the same viewpoint on who to take.

That’s a great point. It wasn’t long ago that Jerry wanted Manziel. Ugh.

buybuydandavis · Mar 26, 2019

jrumann59 said:
Some will say without a doubt. He is listed at 6'4" 252 lbs. How much weight would he have to put on to be an every down player and then learn to play with his hand in the dirt.

Even Lawrence wasn't close to an every down player. Only 72% of snaps.

Gregory was listed as 6-5, 255.

JayFord · Mar 26, 2019

I mean hindsight is 20/20

Taco is regarded as the kinda guy that may take 2 years to develop but after initial development his ceiling is 8 to 13 sacks a season

Right now Taco ceiling looks to be about 2-5 sacks a season but let’s just hold on a minute

buybuydandavis · Mar 26, 2019

JBell said:
McClay really liked TJ that year. The coaches (Rod) thought Taco would be a better fit because he played with his hand in the dirt in college, whereas Watt was more of a projection since he mostly rushed the passer while standing.

Imagine where this defense would be if we had Watt at RE. Rod gotta go.

Another point for McClay.

The funny thing about Taco was that the initial party line was that they took Taco because he could "contribute immediately". Once he hit camp, that changed to "fantastic athleticism, but he's still raw".

I would have bet on the genes. And McClay.

buybuydandavis · Mar 26, 2019

JayFord said:
Taco is regarded as the kinda guy that may take 2 years to develop but after initial development his ceiling is 8 to 13 sacks a season

They said they took Taco over Watt because he could "contribute immediately".

joseephuss · Mar 26, 2019

The Steelers got a Superbowl championship thanks to having players in Watt and Switzer, whom the Cowboys didn't want.

JayFord · Mar 26, 2019

buybuydandavis said:
They said they took Taco over Watt because he could "contribute immediately".

I never expected taco to contribute immediately

I still like the pick but this dude needs time I think this season he might show us his beef

Johnny23 · Mar 26, 2019

Idgit said:
Cowboys blew the Taco/Watt decision.

And leave it to Cowboys fans to want the DC fired after putting the defense he put on the field last season. Absolutely no sense of proportion whatsoever.

Yep which produced the same results it always has the last decade plus which is vastly overrated because of regular season success. And mince meat in the playoffs.

buybuydandavis · Mar 26, 2019

JayFord said:
I never expected taco to contribute immediately

I still like the pick but this dude needs time I think this season he might show us his beef

I think Taco can be better, but apparently has attitude issues. You don't healthy scratch a first round pick you want to develop except as a disciplinary move.

Twitter: Rod Marinelli is the reason we have Taco instead of TJ Watt

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