News: BTB: Cowboys Rookie Expectations: Second-Round Pick Randy Gregory

[NewsBot]

Earlier this month, we took a look at first-round pick Byron Jones and tried to gauge just what kind of role he would have in 2015. Now, we turn our attention to Randy Gregory. The Cowboys second-round pick was one of the big sliders during the draft, falling all the way out of the top of the first round down to Dallas late in the second. This was linked to his failed drug tests and less-than-dependable behavior such as being late or missing meetings. Since then Gregory has come clean about his mental issues and the Cowboys are working hard to provide the kind of support he needs to thrive. But, there is always the danger of a backslide.

This alone makes Gregory a little bit of a risky proposition. In his case, he's also dealing with a couple of other factors that could affect his playing time. One, how long Greg Hardy is suspended should correlate somewhat to Gregory's playing time. Hardy is likely to spend some time at right defensive end, the same spot Gregory is slated to play. Of course, we've been dreaming about the Cowboys "Nascar" package where Hardy moves inside, that could allow Gregory more time.

Two, Gregory has to get his weight up or the Cowboys might be reluctant to play him except in very obvious passing situations. The good news is Gregory is reportedly adding the weight he needs.

So pegging Gregory's playing time options is not so easy. For this exercise, we'll assume the Cowboys will start DeMarcus Lawrence on the left side. I'll break it down like this:

1. Greg Hardy's suspension stands, Gregory becomes the starter at RDE until Hardy comes back.

2. Hardy's suspension stands, but the Cowboys decide to go with Jeremy Mincey as the starter and Gregory plays a reserve role.

3. Hardy's suspension is reduced significantly, Gregory serves as the backup in the rotation.

4. Gregory is too light and too much of a rookie, doesn't get much playing time this season.

5. Something goes wrong, an off-the-field issue limits his availability.

Hit the poll and the comments and let us know what you think will happen.

Poll
Randy Gregory's rookie year?

• With Hardy suspended 10 games, Gregory starts at RDE.
• With Hardy suspended 10 games, Gregory backs up Mincey.
• Hardy's suspension shortened, Gregory serves as backup most of the year.
• Gregory's weight or just being a rookie limits his playing time.
• An off-the-field issue wrecks his rookie year.

74 votes | Results

Continue reading...

 

[xwalker]

Earlier this month, we took a look at first-round pick Byron Jones and tried to gauge just what kind of role he would have in 2015. Now, we turn our attention to Randy Gregory. The Cowboys second-round pick was one of the big sliders during the draft, falling all the way out of the top of the first round down to Dallas late in the second. This was linked to his failed drug tests and less-than-dependable behavior such as being late or missing meetings. Since then Gregory has come clean about his mental issues and the Cowboys are working hard to provide the kind of support he needs to thrive. But, there is always the danger of a backslide.

This alone makes Gregory a little bit of a risky proposition. In his case, he's also dealing with a couple of other factors that could affect his playing time. One, how long Greg Hardy is suspended should correlate somewhat to Gregory's playing time. Hardy is likely to spend some time at right defensive end, the same spot Gregory is slated to play. Of course, we've been dreaming about the Cowboys "Nascar" package where Hardy moves inside, that could allow Gregory more time.

Two, Gregory has to get his weight up or the Cowboys might be reluctant to play him except in very obvious passing situations. The good news is Gregory is reportedly adding the weight he needs.

So pegging Gregory's playing time options is not so easy. For this exercise, we'll assume the Cowboys will start DeMarcus Lawrence on the left side. I'll break it down like this:

1. Greg Hardy's suspension stands, Gregory becomes the starter at RDE until Hardy comes back.

2. Hardy's suspension stands, but the Cowboys decide to go with Jeremy Mincey as the starter and Gregory plays a reserve role.

3. Hardy's suspension is reduced significantly, Gregory serves as the backup in the rotation.

4. Gregory is too light and too much of a rookie, doesn't get much playing time this season.

5. Something goes wrong, an off-the-field issue limits his availability.

Hit the poll and the comments and let us know what you think will happen.

Poll
Randy Gregory's rookie year?

• With Hardy suspended 10 games, Gregory starts at RDE.
• With Hardy suspended 10 games, Gregory backs up Mincey.
• Hardy's suspension shortened, Gregory serves as backup most of the year.
• Gregory's weight or just being a rookie limits his playing time.
• An off-the-field issue wrecks his rookie year.

74 votes | Results

Continue reading...

I don't think Hardy will be suspended for 10 games, but I do think Gregory is the backup to Mincey and then to Hardy when he returns.

 

[jobberone]

I think they will find ways to put him in on passing downs. I agree he's likely not ready in the run game but he'll get some snaps.

 

[iceberg]

ok, i've not been keeping up cause i can only take so much phaux panic in an off-season, what mental issues?

 

[jobberone]

He's alleged to be bipolar but he denies it. People do throw that word around a lot.

 

[BAZ]

ok, i've not been keeping up cause i can only take so much phaux panic in an off-season, what mental issues?

That's faux.

 

[iceberg]

That's faux.

my phaux was faux.

 

[Bullflop]

It's always tough for any rookie to break into the NFL and tear it up, right from the get-go. Gregory is better than the average rookie DE to enter the league but it's still difficult to get double-digit sacks in year one. His weight is reportedly up to 243 at this time and he's intent upon gaining more, into the 250's. If he gets about seven or eight sacks, I think that might very well be something to take plenty of pride in for year one.

 

[BAZ]

my phaux was faux.

It was a load of phaullox.

 

[xwalker]

It was a load of phaullox.

Better than a phallic symbol.

 

[iceberg]

Better than a phallic symbol.

exp if the phallic symbox was faux...

 

[xwalker]

exp if the phallic symbox was faux...

That's phat.

 

[darthseinfeld]

exp if the phallic symbox was faux...

Phaux fallics conphuse me

 

[iceberg]

anyone got anything else? I'm out.

 

[JDSmith]

I figured they really picked him up for next year. They only have Hardy for a season, he's likely going to want huge money if he performs, and Gregory is more of a long term solution for the team. If he gets 4 or 5 sacks this year in rotation I figure he'll be in great shape for 2016.

The guy I'm expecting a lot from this year is Lawrence.

 

[DallasDW00ds0n]

How do we already know he's not ready for certain aspects of the game? Like the run defense? By judging his weight?

 

[xwalker]

How do we already know he's not ready for certain aspects of the game? Like the run defense? By judging his weight?

I think he can play decent run defense at his weight. He did it in college against the big OT that was drafted #9 overall (Ereck Flowers). I see the weight issue as more about endurance and staying healthy. He will have to work extra hard being underweight and being smallish could make him more prone to injury.

I think the key is not to overuse him. I see Mincey as the starting RDE with Hardy out and Gregory playing some of the Nickel snaps. When Hardy returns he will replace Mincey with Mincey moving to backup LDE and playing some snaps at DT.

 

[iceman117]

It's always tough for any rookie to break into the NFL and tear it up, right from the get-go. Gregory is better than the average rookie DE to enter the league but it's still difficult to get double-digit sacks in year one. His weight is reportedly up to 243 at this time and he's intent upon gaining more, into the 250's. If he gets about seven or eight sacks, I think that might very well be something to take plenty of pride in for year one.

7 or 8 as a rookie?? I'd be happy with 4 or 5 because I see him getting limited snaps. Mostly 3rd and long.

 

[windjc]

Everyone assumes he will never play against the run. Look at his college tape - he was one of the best rushing ends at run containment in the nation.

Don't assume he's coming off the field on all running downs.

 

[Bullflop]

7 or 8 as a rookie?? I'd be happy with 4 or 5 because I see him getting limited snaps. Mostly 3rd and long.

That's cool. I'll take whateve he gets and not complain -- after all, he's still a rookie. ( At least I didn't say 10 or 12 like a few others around here have predicted.) Anyhow, it's all academic -- we'll see how many reps he gets.