Can we totally transform our D-line in this one draft?

[JoeyBoy718]

Not only does our D-line currently have a lot of question marks, but even if everything went according to plan, we'd still be an incredibly undersized D-line, probably the smallest in the league. Imagine this. WDE - Gregory, 3-tech - T. Craw, 1-tech - Hayden, SDE - Lawrence. Every one of these guys is undersized for their respective position.

Now image this. WDE - Lawrence, 3-tech - big bodied blue chip rookie, 1-tech big bodied blue chip rookie, SDE - T. Craw. This draft is historically deep at DT, both 3-tech and 1-tech. We can walk out with two 1st round caliber players in the first 2-3 rounds. We can grab our future 3-tech and 1-tech, transition from an undersized D-line to a big, strong, athletic D-line, and we can protect ourselves in the case of projects like Gregory not panning out.

That doesn't mean we should give up on Gregory. We can move him around as our situational pass rusher. But we won't set back the D-line if things don't work out. Besides, Lawrence was drafted to be our WDE, T. Craw was viewed as a SDE before moving to 3-tech. We didn't really have any other options at the time. You can argue that they're better off where they are now, but imagine them, with the experience they've gained, playing next to some blue chip big DTs.

Imagine Rankins next to Billings, or Nkemdiche next to Butler, or whatever combo you can conceive of. I don't see it happening. I don't even know if we'll draft one DT early. But it's something to think about. We have the ability to completely transform our D-line in one draft. Who knows?

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

You could transform the interior of this defensive line and I think do so in a way that will help this team for years even if it does not start out with DROY play from the rooks.

Also does this mean a good to great draft of interior Dlinemen turn a suspect edge rush into a respected unit because they QBs just can't step up in the pocket to avoid the edge...remains to be seen.

Now those scenarios might happen...we could go from improved to good to great or anywhere in the spectrum with the added interior Dlinemen available in this draft.

But there is something that needs to be considered....

Will we, and by we I mean Jerry and crew, take advantage of the good DTs available this draft even if we need them...because we did not take advantage of what some deemed a good RB class last year when we could have used it.... instead we completely ignored it in the draft.

 

[StarBoyz83]

Possibly if they threw enough picks at it but it would take 2-3 seasons before dallas would reap the benefits.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

But there is something that needs to be considered....

Will we, and by we I mean Jerry and crew, take advantage of the good DTs available this draft even if we need them...because we did not take advantage of what some deemed a good RB class last year when we could have used it.... instead we completely ignored it in the draft.

Yep. I agree. People usually argue every year to take the BPA. I don't disagree with that. More than just BPA, you have to consider entire positional groups. In a historically good year at position X, it would be a good idea to walk away with a few guys that play X (especially if it's a weakness). We didn't do that last year in a year when we really needed a RB. And who knows if we'll do that this year in a year when a pair of DTs could really transform our entire D-line.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

It won't matter if the Cowboys can't get 1st downs and are playing from behind in the 3rd quarter like 2015.


RB, WR and TE are as important to the 2016 Defense, as a backup QB is to the Offense.

 

[sureletsrace]

Can we? Yes.

Will we? No.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

YOu have to Draft for talent of the Draft and that's clearly DT. Which I've cried out loud for since Willie Blade soiled his britches in 2001.


So no ... it won't happen.

 

[Alexander]

Possibly if they threw enough picks at it but it would take 2-3 seasons before dallas would reap the benefits.

DL are not generally fresh out of the box producers, especially edge rushers. They have to be generational type talents, like Ware.

That said, this is a great interior DL draft so we would be stupid to pass because we to look for instant performers elsewhere.

 

[StarBoyz83]

DL are not generally fresh out of the box producers, especially edge rushers. They have to be generational type talents, like Ware.

That said, this is a great interior DL draft so we would be stupid to pass because we to look for instant performers elsewhere.

Im not suggesting we pass just saying they will not help the team next season. Draft is for the future.

 

[CCBoy]

You could transform the interior of this defensive line and I think do so in a way that will help this team for years even if it does not start out with DROY play from the rooks.

Also does this mean a good to great draft of interior Dlinemen turn a suspect edge rush into a respected unit because they QBs just can't step up in the pocket to avoid the edge...remains to be seen.

Now those scenarios might happen...we could go from improved to good to great or anywhere in the spectrum with the added interior Dlinemen available in this draft.

But there is something that needs to be considered....

Will we, and by we I mean Jerry and crew, take advantage of the good DTs available this draft even if we need them...because we did not take advantage of what some deemed a good RB class last year when we could have used it.... instead we completely ignored it in the draft.

Someone in the know, would have to talk to Jerry and remind him of the Parcells draft.

Otherwise, Jerry sets his heels to change...as he did with salaries for linebackers, and not using a top pick on offensive linemen in the past as well.

There was a time when enough cash could correct positional weakness, but not any more.

 

[CCBoy]

Im not suggesting we pass just saying they will not help the team next season. Draft is for the future.

That would remain to be seen, but rotationaly, they would earn keep from the start. But that would immediately upgrade in year two - forward.

 

[reddyuta]

Yes,a big Yes.you can have the best corners in the league but they cant cover for ever and right now our DT play sucks,could be the worst in the league and they make our DEs look bad sometimes even though we had 2 very good ones playing.1st step is to get a guy like Fairely so that we dont have to rely on a rookie too much.If we are not getting a Qb then the best thing we could do is drop down and try to get guys like Rankins and Billings with your top 3 picks.we can get by with average DEs with good DT play but you need a superstar if your DTs suck and even they they will struggle because the QB can just step up in the pocket.

 

[texbumthelife]

It won't matter if the Cowboys can't get 1st downs and are playing from behind in the 3rd quarter like 2015.


RB, WR and TE are as important to the 2016 Defense, as a backup QB is to the Offense.

We better go get a back-up for Dan Bailey too. That's just as important as a back-up QB or real playmakers on defense!

 

[Risen Star]

I would not rule out Wentz being able to be part of a rotation at DT too. You probably don't want to do that with your historic starting QB but the talent is there.

 

[Rogerthat12]

I would not rule out Wentz being able to be part of a rotation at DT too. You probably don't want to do that with your historic starting QB but the talent is there.

Mayock said so....he has true flex to DT, he can be a true dancing bear.

 

[waving monkey]

I bet you can find the talent needed in the second and lower rounds to cure the DT problems.
Wentz will help keep em of the field. Down the road.