All this talk about Merriman and DJ

[Dough Boy]

what about this guy.

Demarucs Ware. Showed well in the Sr. Bowl. A nice 3-4 OLB.

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 247 lbs.

Stats:
2001: 14 Tackles 2 Sacks 0 FF
2002: 72 Tackles 8 Sacks 1 FF
2003: 62 Tackles 6 Sacks 5 FF
2004: 50 Tackles 10.5 Sacks 4 FF


Demarcus Ware was a 190 pound defensive end when he came out of Auburn High School just four years ago. He had hoped to receive a scholarship to play for Auburn but he was too small for them. Now Ware is a 240 pound defensive end and one of the best pass rushers in the draft. He began his senior season strong, posting seven tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles in an upset victory over Marshall. He also finished the season strong, being named the Sun Belt Conference defensive player of the year and leading Troy to their first bowl game in school history. He broke school records with 27.5 sacks and 57 tackles for loss in his four year career at Troy. Demarcus has good speed and can make plays all over the field. He is undersized for a defensive end and although he could make a fine situational pass rusher in a 4-3, I think his skills would be better utilized as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Demarcus is not only a dominating pass rusher but he is also a very good run defender as well, although he could use some work on his tackling technique. He may be downgraded by some due to the level of competition he played against in the Sun Belt Conference. Despite racking up big stats in a fairly week conference, Demarcus has the talent to become an excellent player in the NFL. He could be a second round pick on draft day.

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Can we get this guy in the 2nd?

 

[Rack]

He seems like he'd be an excellent 3-4 OLB, but can also play DE in nickel/dime defenses.

11 Derrick Johnson or Merriman

20 Williamson or Hawthorne

2nd round Ware

That would be a good first three picks. Maybe we could even take a CB at #20 instead. The value will be there at that time. This is a good CB draft. Too bad the rules are making CBs not worth the money.

 

[Hostile]

He seems like he'd be an excellent 3-4 OLB, but can also play DE in nickel/dime defenses.

11 Derrick Johnson or Merriman

20 Williamson or Hawthorne

2nd round Ware

That would be a good first three picks. Maybe we could even take a CB at #20 instead. The value will be there at that time. This is a good CB draft. Too bad the rules are making CBs not worth the money.

Post of the day.

I'd love a defense with some playmakers like that. Wouldn't you?

 

[Rack]

Hell yes I would. That would be a lot of speed and athleticism on the field for us. Plus, we can go 3-4 or 4-3 with that group.

 

[jterrell]

I do like Ware but have only seen him against Missou. He certianly has the size and skill you want.

I Tivo'd the senior bowl so I'll watch it in sections to see who catches my eye beyond the highlight version.

 

[Dough Boy]

He seems like he'd be an excellent 3-4 OLB, but can also play DE in nickel/dime defenses.

11 Derrick Johnson or Merriman

20 Williamson or Hawthorne

2nd round Ware

That would be a good first three picks. Maybe we could even take a CB at #20 instead. The value will be there at that time. This is a good CB draft. Too bad the rules are making CBs not worth the money.

Turn the Cowboys into a power-house D. Take that draft and add a FA corner, saftey and NT. I like your thinking on this one. How about this name for a 2nd round pick if Ware is gone.


Jonathan Jackson
College: Oklahoma Height: 6-3
Position: Defensive End Weight: 250
Class: Senior 40-Yard: 4.50

Strengths: Good athletic ability...Very fast and quick with a burst...Productive and a force rushing the passer...Has shown some tools to make you think he can become a linebacker at the next level.

Weaknesses: Vastly undersized and will need to get bigger and stronger to make it as a defensive end in the pros...Has trouble maintaining his weight...Will get pushed around...Once the offensive lineman locks on the battle is over.

Notes: Pass rush ability will get him a look...Pro future will probably be as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

I want to have an elite D. There is nothing in sports more demoralizing than not being able to stop or intimidate another team. The 2003 had the statistical #1 D. I don't know how many teams, feared playing that D. I want a return to Doomsday. Rack, your draft scenario is a step in the right direction.

 

[Nors]

He seems like he'd be an excellent 3-4 OLB, but can also play DE in nickel/dime defenses.

11 Derrick Johnson or Merriman

20 Williamson or Hawthorne

2nd round Ware

That would be a good first three picks. Maybe we could even take a CB at #20 instead. The value will be there at that time. This is a good CB draft. Too bad the rules are making CBs not worth the money.

Ware and Merriman are the same player - not sure I want both.

I like this with a twist

DJ Johnson - LB
Thomas Davis - FS
Ware - DE/LB

 

[wick]

Turn the Cowboys into a power-house D. Take that draft and add a FA corner, saftey and NT. I like your thinking on this one. How about this name for a 2nd round pick if Ware is gone.


Jonathan Jackson
College: Oklahoma Height: 6-3
Position: Defensive End Weight: 250
Class: Senior 40-Yard: 4.50

Strengths: Good athletic ability...Very fast and quick with a burst...Productive and a force rushing the passer...Has shown some tools to make you think he can become a linebacker at the next level.

Weaknesses: Vastly undersized and will need to get bigger and stronger to make it as a defensive end in the pros...Has trouble maintaining his weight...Will get pushed around...Once the offensive lineman locks on the battle is over.

Notes: Pass rush ability will get him a look...Pro future will probably be as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

I want to have an elite D. There is nothing in sports more demoralizing than not being able to stop or intimidate another team. The 2003 had the statistical #1 D. I don't know how many teams, feared playing that D. I want a return to Doomsday. Rack, your draft scenario is a step in the right direction.

Jonathan Jackson is a good call. This is why the 3-4 is so great. Every year there are dozens of these types of guys who cannot play DE in the NFL but who lack the experience and coverage skills to play OLB in a 4-3. They often turn into really good 3-4 LBs, though, like Mike Vrabel or Teddy Bruschi. Since only a handful of teams run a 3-4, these teams get to stock up on these types of guys every year. Pittsburgh is a good example.

 

[ghettogandhi]

Ive been posting this scenario for a week- thanks for noticing

I like Canty in the second-

He seems like he'd be an excellent 3-4 OLB, but can also play DE in nickel/dime defenses.

11 Derrick Johnson or Merriman

20 Williamson or Hawthorne

2nd round Ware

That would be a good first three picks. Maybe we could even take a CB at #20 instead. The value will be there at that time. This is a good CB draft. Too bad the rules are making CBs not worth the money.

 

[Dough Boy]

Jonathan Jackson is a good call. This is why the 3-4 is so great. Every year there are dozens of these types of guys who cannot play DE in the NFL but who lack the experience and coverage skills to play OLB in a 4-3. They often turn into really good 3-4 LBs, though, like Mike Vrabel or Teddy Bruschi. Since only a handful of teams run a 3-4, these teams get to stock up on these types of guys every year. Pittsburgh is a good example.

why Pitts and NE seem to draft so well. They have their choice of playmakers each year. At least in the form of OLB, Pitt has the market cornered. Think back, Kevin Greene, Greg Lloyd, Chad Brown, Jason Gildon and now Joey Porter. Heck, Pitt was so stacked at OLB, Vrabel could not get onto the field.

I think this is the most telling sign that a move to the 3-4 is needed. The ability to get some of the best AA in each draft. It's running water. Every year there will be small DE that would make great 3-4 OLB.

 

[Hollywood Henderson]

IT does make good sense...(The 3-4) for these very reasons...

I still like WR Williams or Edwards #1, because were going to need to score more points and early so we can force teams into a passing situations... (catchup)

Then, we have our defense designed to go kill QB's...

Obviously, a vet FS is a must in FA...As well as one in the draft from rounds 4 on...

I think most people under estimate how quickly our D could be turned around and the teams fortunes by doing so...

We as a team must stay out of "Must pass situations" Then our QB, whoever it may be can be effective and players like Flo can once again dominate!

 

[Dough Boy]

IT does make good sense...(The 3-4) for these very reasons...

I still like WR Williams or Edwards #1, because were going to need to score more points and early so we can force teams into a passing situation... (catchup)

Very good Defenses create turnovers and more importantly they create a short field. That's were Special teams come into play. By getting the short field, it is a lot easier to get points on the board. I like both WR you mentioned. The truth is (IMO) is that we have a soft, easy to move the ball on, QB friendly D. I just think we need so much help on D, that WR can wait. If we grab Williams or Edwars at #1 one and pass on the best defensive player available, have we really upgraded this team.

We need help on D in the worst way...

 

[Hollywood Henderson]

I can't argue with your take on our past year(s) D at all...It makes a TON of sense!

I just want the best impact AA...Whoever that may be, I am happy with it.

I do think we will take one of these "tweener types" 3-4 OLB QB killers within our first 3 picks...

I just think it might be eaiser to find these guys 3-4 (OLB's) later in the draft then a Mike Irvin Type game changing WR that can help make us outstanding on offense for the next 10 years...

 

[Rack]

Ware and Merriman are the same player - not sure I want both.

I like this with a twist

DJ Johnson - LB
Thomas Davis - FS
Ware - DE/LB

Why not both? You need more then one good pass rushing OLB if you run a 3-4.

 

[dbair1967]

Ware and Merriman are the same player - not sure I want both.

I like this with a twist

DJ Johnson - LB
Thomas Davis - FS
Ware - DE/LB

Thomas Davis isnt a true FS, and if he plays a true FS position in the NFL he wont have much impact...kinda like the Roy Williams thing with us, but Davis is nowhere near as good as RW was at OU

Davis needs to be a SS

David

 

[dbair1967]

Why not both? You need more then one good pass rushing OLB if you run a 3-4.

I agree with Rack...if we are really making the switch to the 3-4 we need playmaking LB's...I see nothing wrong with adding a Derrick Johnson and Shawn Merriman or Darryl Blackstock

the Giants defense in the 80's and until 1990 was great because of their LB corp ...the Saints defense was outstanding in the late 80's early 90's because of outstanding LB's...the Broncos of the late 70's had a great LB corp

if they make the switch to the 3-4 we need good LB's...right now we dont have any explosive playmaking LB's

personally I think we'll add one starting LB via free agency (maybe Bell or Hartwell) and at least one via the draft...we'd then probably try to make do with the other guys we have

David

 

[btcutter]

what about this guy.

Demarucs Ware. Showed well in the Sr. Bowl. A nice 3-4 OLB.

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 247 lbs.

Stats:
2001: 14 Tackles 2 Sacks 0 FF
2002: 72 Tackles 8 Sacks 1 FF
2003: 62 Tackles 6 Sacks 5 FF
2004: 50 Tackles 10.5 Sacks 4 FF


Demarcus Ware was a 190 pound defensive end when he came out of Auburn High School just four years ago. He had hoped to receive a scholarship to play for Auburn but he was too small for them. Now Ware is a 240 pound defensive end and one of the best pass rushers in the draft. He began his senior season strong, posting seven tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles in an upset victory over Marshall. He also finished the season strong, being named the Sun Belt Conference defensive player of the year and leading Troy to their first bowl game in school history. He broke school records with 27.5 sacks and 57 tackles for loss in his four year career at Troy. Demarcus has good speed and can make plays all over the field. He is undersized for a defensive end and although he could make a fine situational pass rusher in a 4-3, I think his skills would be better utilized as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Demarcus is not only a dominating pass rusher but he is also a very good run defender as well, although he could use some work on his tackling technique. He may be downgraded by some due to the level of competition he played against in the Sun Belt Conference. Despite racking up big stats in a fairly week conference, Demarcus has the talent to become an excellent player in the NFL. He could be a second round pick on draft day.

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Can we get this guy in the 2nd?

Gosh, if this guy can follow the steps of one Charles Haley, I'll pick him with the 20th pick and not look back. Of course, that's some shoes to fill. With the draft so middle heavy. I wouldnt' be surprised to see us trade out of the 20th spot to get more picks in the 2nd and 3rd. We simply have too many holes on the team. Hopefully, JJ will sign some FAs that can actually contribute.

 

[Hostile]

Hell yes I would. That would be a lot of speed and athleticism on the field for us. Plus, we can go 3-4 or 4-3 with that group.

My biggest problem with our defense is that we really only have 2 playmakers. We have some decent players, but I want more difference makers. I liked that post. Got my blood pumping to think of the possibilities.

 

[Nors]

My biggest problem with our defense is that we really only have 2 playmakers. We have some decent players, but I want more difference makers. I liked that post. Got my blood pumping to think of the possibilities.

We know Roy can kill players - major difference make vut at SS, and or LB in certain situations IE 3rd down or change of pace.

Draft

Spears DE can also play 4-3 DE
Thomas Davis - 225 Pound FS that hits like a truck yet can cover with the best
Ware - LB and a Haley like LB/DE can play 3-4 and 4-3

Plug in a NT and another bigger ILB in free agency and we are younger and Bigger and better adapted to play a 3-4 and a 4-3.

 

[dbair1967]

We know Roy can kill players - major difference make vut at SS, and or LB in certain situations IE 3rd down or change of pace.

Draft

Spears DE can also play 4-3 DE
Thomas Davis - 225 Pound FS that hits like a truck yet can cover with the best
Ware - LB and a Haley like LB/DE can play 3-4 and 4-3

Plug in a NT and another bigger ILB in free agency and we are younger and Bigger and better adapted to play a 3-4 and a 4-3.

apparently you havent seen Thomas Davis much, he can not cover with the best...he isnt a FS either, and if he plays there in the pros he'll be exposed bigtime

and comparing Ware to Haley is just silly

David