5 players who could start by end of season

[thunderpimp91]

Lawrence and Hitchens are obvious candidates.

Gardner i think is a 7th round steal. Hes a fan favorite who i think a lot will turn on simply because he wont show up on the stat sheet that much. I think he turns out to be a great rotational player who can play both inside or outside in this defense. Let him be primarily a run stuffing DE, then i also think he has the strength and enough burst off the ball to play inside on passing downs.

Patmon I really dont know. My gut tells me no, but i'm terrible at projecting CBs. I thought Carr/Claiborne put this defense over the top a few years ago.

Street I have faith in. I don't think he over takes Williams, but i think we see a lot more of him this season. I think it was well known when he was drafted he would be a little bit of a project type player. Good size, good hands, and fits well lined up both outside or in the slot. It seems like he just needs to get stronger. Without plus quickness he needs to be able to be physical with CBs who try and jam him.

 

[Future]

I think Street may very possibly be in danger of being replaced by a drafted WR, assuming we get one.

His inability to gain separation could easily confound his chances of sticking around.

Coaching staff loves him...last I read he could challenge Williams for PT. he's not going anywhere.

 

[Kaiser]

1. DeMarcus Lawrence - yes
2. Ben Gardner - possible
3. Tyler Patmon - no
4. Devin Street - no
5. Anthony Hitchens - yes (he's a gem)

Totally agree but I would put an asterisk next to Street because I think he will end up as a player that could start on a lot of teams but will be the 3rd WR here (one day).

 

[Bullflop]

Coaching staff loves him...last I read he could challenge Williams for PT. he's not going anywhere.

Right . . . they love him so much they don't use him. I'll believe that hype when the evidence tells me to.

 

[KingintheNorth]

Why? I thought he looked pretty good in his limited role especially coming from a small program. I like his skills.

The small program that is Oklahoma State? I think he's a pretty decent 4th or 5th CB. A good UDFA find that beat out draft picks B.W. Webb and Terrance Mitchell. If he's starting next year, something went horribly wrong.

 

[BAT]

This list is based on necessity and talent. With flood of FAs for Dallas this offseason.....they can't sign em all. Here are my top 5 players who will challenge a starting position by seasons end.

1. DeMarcus Lawrence - He is still listed as backing up Mincey ar RDE on depth chart. What I like other than his obvious athleticism was how he utilized his time off during injury to rebuild his body. He is raw but explosive, dedicated and appears to learn from his mistakes. I have hunch we are looking at 10+ sack guy for several years.

2. Ben Gardner - he is probably my biggest reach but we are getting reports that like (D. Lawrence) he has rebuilt his body. Broddius was commenting on how he has never seen a player in weight room this much. Stanford ask their DL to rotate often so I think Gardner could play more than one position on DL and Marinelli loves flexibility from his DL guys.

3. Tyler Patmon - he is player that I think if thrown into starting role could hold his own. We hear the coaching staff really likes this player and he is cheap. His salary for 2015 is around 500k. Its time to bring fresh legs into CB position instead of being held hostage by Claiborne injuries and Carr inflated contract. My only concern with Patmon is Marinelli prefers bigger, physical CB and Patmon is only 5'10" 185.

4. Devin Street - if Derek Dooley likes Street than so do I. I think Dooley is on verge of being hot commodity as coaching candidate in this league. I really think Street could push Terrence Williams for time in 2015. Street has better natural receiving skills than T. Williams. I still like Williams but have concerns over how he catches the ball and his disappearance for 2 months of season. Before anyone discounts Street metrics take look at this:

Street - 6'3" height, 4.55 (40 sec time), 37" (vertical jump), 9 1/4" hands
Williams - 6'2" height, 4.52 (40 sec time), 32.5" (vertical jump), 8 3/4" hands

5. Anthony Hitchens - one of Dallas best 4th round selection in years. Hitchens is your proof that Will McClay knows what he is doing on draft day. McClain scares heck out of me as starter with his concussions. Lee has proven he breaks down as "mike" LB. Hitchens is another 500k (also see Patmon) player who could be your starter in 2015.

Ronde Barber played for Marinelli & Kiffen and had a very long and successful career. Ronde was also 5-10 185.

 

[LatinMind]

My sentiments exactly.

Let's see him stay healthy and get through a full offseason and through training camp before we entertain the thought that he can start for us.

Anybody that seen him play in college would know there is reason to have these thoughts about him. I know alot of people not on the west coast have no clue about him. Its not hype. the guy is a beast. Ill even go further and say if he wouldve played this yr he wouldve started at some point at LDE

 

[Fredd]

Right . . . they love him so much they don't use him. I'll believe that hype when the evidence tells me to.

much like they use the 12 package with 2 TEs....not enough balls to go around...that is a good problem to have

 

[Bullflop]

much like they use the 12 package with 2 TEs....not enough balls to go around...that is a good problem to have

Pretty sure they'd be using him more if he were actually productive. He simply hasn't been.

 

[CrownCowboy]

Anybody that seen him play in college would know there is reason to have these thoughts about him. I know alot of people not on the west coast have no clue about him. Its not hype. the guy is a beast. Ill even go further and say if he wouldve played this yr he wouldve started at some point at LDE

Beast?

What round was he drafted in again? If he is as good as some of you here proclaim that he is, he wouldn't of been drafted in the 7th round. Yeah, the 7th round.

Look, even though I say this I really don't mean to bash the guy. He could be everything you all are saying about him and more. All I am saying is that I am reserving my judgement and expectations on him until I actually see him play amongst professional football players.

 

[Stash]

Anything other than Lawrence and Hitchens is a real reach. If 2-4 end up starting, we have talent problems.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking too.

If this many of these guys are starting, I consider it a bad thing, not a good one.

 

[tyke1doe]

4. Devin Street - if Derek Dooley likes Street than so do I. I think Dooley is on verge of being hot commodity as coaching candidate in this league. I really think Street could push Terrence Williams for time in 2015. Street has better natural receiving skills than T. Williams. I still like Williams but have concerns over how he catches the ball and his disappearance for 2 months of season. Before anyone discounts Street metrics take look at this:

Is this the Derek Dooley who used to coach the Tennessee Vols? If so, he's not where near being a hot coaching candidate. He has to at least step up to a coordinator's position before he even sniffs a coaching job in the NFL. He stunk as coach of UT.

 

[xwalker]

This list is based on necessity and talent. With flood of FAs for Dallas this offseason.....they can't sign em all. Here are my top 5 players who will challenge a starting position by seasons end.

1. DeMarcus Lawrence - He is still listed as backing up Mincey ar RDE on depth chart. What I like other than his obvious athleticism was how he utilized his time off during injury to rebuild his body. He is raw but explosive, dedicated and appears to learn from his mistakes. I have hunch we are looking at 10+ sack guy for several years.

2. Ben Gardner - he is probably my biggest reach but we are getting reports that like (D. Lawrence) he has rebuilt his body. Broddius was commenting on how he has never seen a player in weight room this much. Stanford ask their DL to rotate often so I think Gardner could play more than one position on DL and Marinelli loves flexibility from his DL guys.

3. Tyler Patmon - he is player that I think if thrown into starting role could hold his own. We hear the coaching staff really likes this player and he is cheap. His salary for 2015 is around 500k. Its time to bring fresh legs into CB position instead of being held hostage by Claiborne injuries and Carr inflated contract. My only concern with Patmon is Marinelli prefers bigger, physical CB and Patmon is only 5'10" 185.

4. Devin Street - if Derek Dooley likes Street than so do I. I think Dooley is on verge of being hot commodity as coaching candidate in this league. I really think Street could push Terrence Williams for time in 2015. Street has better natural receiving skills than T. Williams. I still like Williams but have concerns over how he catches the ball and his disappearance for 2 months of season. Before anyone discounts Street metrics take look at this:

Street - 6'3" height, 4.55 (40 sec time), 37" (vertical jump), 9 1/4" hands
Williams - 6'2" height, 4.52 (40 sec time), 32.5" (vertical jump), 8 3/4" hands

5. Anthony Hitchens - one of Dallas best 4th round selection in years. Hitchens is your proof that Will McClay knows what he is doing on draft day. McClain scares heck out of me as starter with his concussions. Lee has proven he breaks down as "mike" LB. Hitchens is another 500k (also see Patmon) player who could be your starter in 2015.

Hitchens and Lawrence could be starting game 1.

Hitchens started 11 games in 2014

Mincey could move to the other side an Lawrence could start in Mincey's place. More likely the sign a free agent DE and Lawrence, Mincey and the new guy are the primary 3 in the rotation for both sides.

It's highly likely that they add a pass rusher in free agency, the draft or both. Gardner would have to beat out Mincey, Lawrence or the new guy to be a starter. I don't see that happening. The goal for him is just to make the team and be active on game day.

Patmon is really small (5-10, 179) to become a starter on the outside. He really struggled with penalties when the snaps he played in 2014. I don't see him being a starter. At the very best he might become the 3rd CB that plays when they are in Nickel.

Williams is bigger (weight wise) and faster. Street is a little taller and in theory better at contested catches.

Terrance Williams
Height: 6020
Weight: 208
40 Yrd Dash: 4.48
20 Yrd Dash: 2.53
10 Yrd Dash: 1.57
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 11
Vertical Jump: 32 1/2
Broad Jump: 09'11"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.32
3-Cone Drill: 7.01

Devin Street
Height: 6027
Weight: 198
40 Yrd Dash: 4.52
20 Yrd Dash: 2.58
10 Yrd Dash: 1.58
225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump: 37
Broad Jump: 10'04"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.01
3-Cone Drill: 6.89

 

[JeffInDC]

Lawrence will be starting from the get go this yr. Dont expect the game thing from Mincey again.

Gardner with the news they let out on his workout habbits this yr and the transformation of his body Think Gardner will turn some heads. He was already a talent that was alot higher than a 7th round pick. Think Dallas new he would have setbacks too.

Tyler Patmon IMO will have to show alot this yr to even make the team IMO. Especially if they draft some CBs.

Street will not take over TW.

Hitchens will have a hard time beating out Carter or Durant. He's probably better then Durant but this team trusts Durant. If Carter stays then Hitchens will be the 4th LBer

ME thinks that Mincey will be the starter at LDE this year, while Lawrence takes over at RDE. In all honesty, I've ALWAYS viewed Mincey as more a LDE anyway - his game is more about power (more of the LDE trait) versus the speed and agility of the really good RDE in this league.

 

[jrumann59]

I like street but he looked slow on the field, I mean Jason Witten slow. It always looked like he was jogging.

 

[xwalker]

I think we're all hyping up Gardner way too much, and setting ourselves up for disappointment. At this point, I'd be surprised and delighted if he made the team and was a contributor.

I don't even know what position he will play. Based on his game footage he was better when lined up inside in college but I don't know if he is big enough to be considered at the 3tech spot. Based on his pre-draft weight he not even big enough to play SDE, but I assume that he is getting bigger. He is definitely not a Weak Side DE.

 

[LatinMind]

ME thinks that Mincey will be the starter at LDE this year, while Lawrence takes over at RDE. In all honesty, I've ALWAYS viewed Mincey as more a LDE anyway - his game is more about power (more of the LDE trait) versus the speed and agility of the really good RDE in this league.

Selvie looked like something on the up and coming. This yr was more about what he is. below avg. Mincey is not a starter, he overacheived this yr. He started the same reason Hayden started. They didnt have any other options. Expect Minceys reps to drop to what Lawrence was getting this yr. People were crying about the passrush, but want to start Lawrence and Mincey? lol

 

[Zimmy Lives]

I think we're all hyping up Gardner way too much, and setting ourselves up for disappointment. At this point, I'd be surprised and delighted if he made the team and was a contributor.

Ben Bass Part Deux

 

[revospeed]

Why? I thought he looked pretty good in his limited role especially coming from a small program. I like his skills.

Oklahoma State isn't a small program.

 

[JeffInDC]

Selvie looked like something on the up and coming. This yr was more about what he is. below avg. Mincey is not a starter, he overacheived this yr. He started the same reason Hayden started. They didnt have any other options. Expect Minceys reps to drop to what Lawrence was getting this yr. People were crying about the passrush, but want to start Lawrence and Mincey? lol

So, Gardner, who I like because of what he showed at Stanford, could've started at LE this year in your opinion. But, Mincey, who's been a starter in this league multiple years, was only a starter by default. And, for him to overachieve, wouldn't he have to surpass his career-high in sacks for a season (8)? Selvie did his thing for 1 year. Mincey has AT LEAST had multiple quality years.