xwalker
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While I'm on the train of needing the guy in the middle who cannot be moved, it's not a big fatty that's needed, and size is not the most important aspect. It's build.
Out of all the teams/guys being presented, the majority had at least one guy who shored up the middle and didn't let anyone pass, often requiring a double team.
Here's the objective data on the other side of this argument, Walks. Super bowl participants pretty much always have a middle stuffer on staff, and I can't think of a recent winner that didn't employ one. It's not size, and it's not even always build. Barry Cofield filled this job admirably for the Gnats super bowl winner, and he was like 6-4/320.
So, it all depends on what you're arguing. Size? Doesn't matter. Having two slashers at DT? Matters a ton. Because while this strategy may work against bad/mediocre teams during the season, when it comes to the big show, it mostly does not. Teams who have tried the two 3 tech types at DT that I know of offhand that didn't work out: DEN, MINN, OAK. DEN and MINN in the past, and they always got run over in the playoffs. OAK tried it w/ two stud in Seymour/Kelly, and it just doesn't work.
IMO, Walks, this strategy leads to inconsistent play, which is a huge factor in teams getting bounced from the playoffs.
I agree. That was my point on this statement:
"I could understand wanting a top talent at DT added but the obsession with getting a mega heavy weight DT is getting absurd."
Woods (6-0, 318) is a legit 1-tech.
Covington is a better backup 1-tech than they've had in recent years. They really didn't have one last year.
The Cowboys were too small at DT back in 2014 with Crawford and Nick Hayden. Both were under 300 (Hayden might have been right at 300).
This year:
- Collins 311
- Woods 318
- Covington 310 to 320 range
They drafted Hill in part because they wanted size without sacrificing quickness.
His was 6-3, 308 at the combine but reportedly played at over 320 at some points in college.