Broaddus: Finding Depth Was Defense's Key At OTA's

[RS12]

Here’s a quick breakdown of the Cowboys’ defense following OTAs and the June minicamp, complete with the prospects for training camp.

• Defensive Line:

There was no Henry Melton, George Selvie and until the last four practices, no Jeremy Minceyor Nick Hayden, but there was still plenty to observe with the players that were added through free agency and the draft.

What is clear about this position is that the front office was interested in adding as many bodies as possible to the mix in order to attempt to build a solid rotation going into the 2014 season. It was good to see guys like Tyrone Crawford and Ben Bass, who had their seasons cut short by injury, once again on the field and moving well.

Rookies that stood out were DeMarcus Lawrence, Davon Coleman, Ken Bishop andBen Gardner, who were getting productive snaps with the first and second lines. Lawrence has that look of a player that might be starting more sooner than later for this defense. The real standout for this group in my opinion was Terrell McClain, who took the majority of his snaps at the three-technique but has real possibility of starting at the one because of his disruptive style.

Martez Wilson might not like his current assignment

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[big dog cowboy]

This is a really good write up. Thanks for posting.

 

[waving monkey]

It is a good write-up thanks RS.
I wonder how people feel about what stage of completion the defensive line is at.
Lawrence appears to be a starter in waiting.
Melton if healthy can give us four years?
Spencer is only a stop gap now in his career.
McClain is looking good but has never done that much.

So i think we have a lot of bodies that we'll find four or five back ups.
We have two starters in Lawrence and Crawford for the future maybe three [Melton].
But we'll have to get by with a couple of good back ups for starters till next draft.
The rotation of rush man is what will be our salvation this year.
We may luck out and find some diamonds in training camp.

 

[Proximo]

Very nice write up indeed. One of Broaddus's better pieces for sure. Things that stood out to me:

I really like the way that they're going about building this defensive line. I think an active rotation filled with depth and disruptive players is going to be more effective in the long run than trying to rely on 1 or 2 stars to be the difference makers. I know this revamped defensive line is in it's infancy right now, but so was the offensive line not that long ago, and look how that's turned out. I think we're going down the right path with the way the D line is forming...I just hope they're good enough in 2014 to help us get over that playoff hump.

I liked what was said about Claiborne as well, and I'm hoping this cat finally turns the corner and becomes that CB that everyone thought he could be coming out if college.

The tidbits about the linebackers were interesting as well. It goes without saying that seeing Lee go down for the year was absolutely gut wrenching. But I do like the way they're trying different combos out and I think we can find a competent starting 3. Carter stepping his game up could be huge....and the early reports are comforting. I'll reserve judgement at this point, but if this guy turns the corner in this scheme, and we get good to better than good performances out of the other 2 spots, we're gonna be pleasantly surprised.

That was longer than I wanted, but again it was a good write up by Broaddus.

Oh, and before I forget, I was intrigued by the last line of the article about Matt Johnson...and he's definitely one of my pet cats this training camp. We'll see what happens...

 

[Fredd]

For people (like me) that can't always review everything going on, this is a very nice re-cap....I am very interested to see what the DL can do once everyone is practicing...PLEASE stay healthy!!!!

 

[Bcrav4]

Maybe this had been discussed, but what is Wilson's problem with his position?

 

[Proximo]

Maybe this had been discussed, but what is Wilson's problem with his position?

I didn't get that either. What was he drafted as?

He seems to be an under the radar type of guy. Wonder if he'll be one of the odd men out once cut time arrives.

 

[Ken]

I feel good about the DL and Secondary...but the LBs may be the worst unit in the league. Would any of these guys start on a decent team?

Would the majority of the backups even make a decent team?

This will be our undoing this year.....need to try and bring in a vet or two at some point.

 

[burmafrd]

one of the myths about Jimmy was how good a drafter he was; he was not as good as many claim or think. The difference was he had so many that the law of averages will get you some players.

That is what the club is doing on the DL. You trot out 30 guys and you are going to find 2-3 that can play; unless you are really unlucky and lousy at evaluation.

If they can come up with three to team up with Melton, Sylvie, Crawford and hopefully Lawrence then we are good.

 

[DFWJC]

I've been saying it and will keep saying it; this defense will be better, and maybe even much better.

 

[Stash]

I think the numbers game is definitely the way to go, especially given 2013's historically-bad defense. Create competition at all spots and have players fighting for snaps and opportunities to prove themselves. Keeps them hungry and motivated and gives you their best effort consistently. And then continue the process of building your trenches for the next several years.

 

[Stash]

I've been saying it and will keep saying it; this defense will be better, and maybe even much better.

I hope you're right, but hope springs eternal this time of year. Every fan thinks their team will be much improved.

 

[jobberone]

Unless we have an historical loss of defensive personal then there is little chance the defense won't be better.

 

[Bullflop]

Easy enough to see why depth is the primary goal of our OTAs -- one glance at our plight in 2013 is all it takes to get the picture.

 

[Teague31]

If we can hit on bishop, Coleman, and Gardner, I would be stoked

 

[AmishCowboy]

If we can hit on bishop, Coleman, and Gardner, I would be stoked

So would I, it would go along ways to make up for those other bad drafts

 

[big dog cowboy]

I've been saying it and will keep saying it; this defense will be better, and maybe even much better.

It's impossible to believe the front 4 that plays SF won't be better than the one the finished last year. The 2ndary will be better also. However I'm concerned about the LB's I'll be honest. Collectively, as a group, I have no doubt SF will face a better unit than we fielded in several games.

 

[Stash]

Unless we have an historical loss of defensive personal then there is little chance the defense won't be better.

I'm not sure that fact can be assumed.

This is now a defense one year removed from franchise lows for futility that is now without its' three best players - Ware, Hatcher, and Lee - for 2014.

 

[jazzcat22]

Maybe this had been discussed, but what is Wilson's problem with his position?

I am not 100% sure, but at one time last year I think they had him at LB, then to DE, and back and forth.

 

[daveferr33]

Of course it was key.

Once again, we are rooting through the bargain bin to fine a decent rotation on the D-Line. It is what it is and I hope for the best.

This is what happens when you devote a single 7th round draft pick (Ben Gardner) to the interior D-line position in the last few drafts--drafts that were considered deep at this position.

Here are some Defensive Tackles the Cowboys were in position to draft the last few years:

2012

Dontari Poe
Fletcher Cox
Michael Brockers
Kendall Reyes


2013

Sharrif Floyd
Sylvester Williams
Johnathan Hankins
Jonathan Jenkins
Jordan Hill


2014

Timmy Jernigan
Ego Ferguson
Will Sutton
Louis Nix
DaQuan Jones


There are 1 techniques on this list because I don't buy the meme that it is not an important position in this scheme. Tampa Bay drafted Booger McFarland in the first round to play that position.

For me, the 2012 draft is the one that really hurts. If we trade up, we could have had Poe. If we stay put, we could have had both Brockers and Reyes.