Cowboys defense for 2015

[big dog cowboy]

And I'm not against trying to add talent in the secondary or spending to do it, I just hope the front with take precedence.

 

[Bluefin]

I guess we have different definitions of awesome. He's a one trick pony IMO and would easily move on from him. Of course, I would have never signed him in the first place.

It would seem so.

Jeremy Mincey was an inexpensive signing (2yrs, $3M) and has been our second best defensive lineman this season.

Maybe that isn't anything Herculean given the status of our DL, put it's still a big positive in my eyes.

Anthony Spencer and George Selvie are already going to be free agents. there just isn't any reason to get rid of Mincey at the start of the off-season.

Take him to camp and see how things shake out, someone could get lost to injury.

Yes, I realize that. The numbers are approximate.

There's a big difference in $3.07M and $1.54M.

All three players are cheap and should go to camp next year to compete for a spot.

Carr's $8M on June 1st is more than enough wiggle room to sign all of the draft picks who will most likely make up a lot of last few salaries of the 51.

Based on the moves I expect to be made when the team prepares for free agency, the cap space generated from Brandon Carr's release won't even be needed next year.

It's about cutting ties with an overpaid, under-performing player who will be due $27.1M over the final three years of his contract.

Most of the recent contracts the Cowboys have signed players to have been designed to be restructured. Melton's contract definitely has that same appearance.

That could be done if the Cowboys wished to retain Henry Melton.

But he also has $7.5M base salaries in 2016 and 2017, those would have to be adjusted as well.

Does Melton want to be Tyrone Crawford's caddy in Dallas or go somewhere else for the chance to start?

As far as Crawford, his size and versatility is valuable and I could see him teaming with Melton inside on passing downs.

Jeremy Mincey, Jack Crawford, Davon Coleman, Chris Whaley and other new additions can all compete to play beside Tyrone Crawford in the Nickel.

Sheard and Hughes are RDE's only IMO.

Jerry Hughes is primarily a RDE, but on passing downs any RDE can flip to the other side looking to get matched against a RT.

Jabaal Sheard's best play early in his career occurred when he was playing LDE in a 4-3.

JPP is around 280 lbs., has long arms, and I'm still a big believer in his athleticism and ability. I'd like to see what Marinelli could do with him as well.

Jason Pierre-Paul definitely has his moments.

Avril is lighter than I'd like. He's also 29 and my goal in free agency is that I want to get 5 years out of a player if I'm going to spend signing bonus money on. If Avril is willing to sign on the cheap and for 2 years, I'd consider it.

He's been a good player and fits the rotation system in place with this scheme.

It would have to be a short term deal that makes sense financially.

Not that they are the definitive source but CBSports.com (NFLDraft Scout.com) has them currently ranked as the 22nd and 40th best players in the draft. Even if that's close, I realize a lot can and will change between now and the draft, but for today's conversation neither of those players would be out of the realm of possibility for us.

We're throwing darts in the dark when looking at draft prospects at this point.

But Rod Marinelli doesn't prioritize drafting NTs in his scheme, he believes you can wait and find these players in the later rounds.

Exceptions can always be made, though. If Malcom Brown were to drop low enough in round two or even into round three it would present outstanding value.

 

[Szczepanik]

We need someone to set the edge. I'd take JPP . Not only does he bring less of a salary demand as of late, but he still is great against the run.

Also he is familiar with the division and would take revenge on NYG every game he gets.

I'd let Carr walk, bring in JPP, keep sterling and add another mid tier CB.

Won't be able to afford Suh, but we can draft another DL in the first 3 rounds.

Our LB depth will be just fine with Durant and Lee back.

 

[Bluefin]

Our LB depth will be just fine with Durant and Lee back.

Justin Durant has only played an entire season once in his 8 year career.

He's too injury prone, IMO, and I expect Sean Lee or Anthony Hitchens to start on the weakside next year depending on if Rolando McClain is re-signed.

Will Durant sign a minimum deal with playing time incentives and be content if he's a back-up?

Nothing against Durant, but I'd rather go in a different direction.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Nothing against Durant, but I'd rather go in a different direction.

Does that mean we might attempt to keep Carter?

 

[Bluefin]

Does that mean we might attempt to keep Carter?

I don't think so.

Bruce Carter has a ton of athletic ability, but he lacks instincts on the field and the team has questioned his effort at times (which is something I never want to read or hear about our players).

2015

MLB - Rolando McClain, WLB - Sean Lee, SLB - Anthony Hitchens

or

MLB - Sean Lee, WLB - Anthony Hitchens, SLB - open competition

 

[Oh_Canada]

I like Culliver and JPP would interest me if he came at a reasonable cost otherwise give me Sheard.

 

[Szczepanik]

Justin Durant has only played an entire season once in his 8 year career.

He's too injury prone, IMO, and I expect Sean Lee or Anthony Hitchens to start on the weakside next year depending on if Rolando McClain is re-signed.

Will Durant sign a minimum deal with playing time incentives and be content if he's a back-up?

Nothing against Durant, but I'd rather go in a different direction.

I don't think Durant signs with another team, I think Dallas will retain him because of his injury prone nature and age. He is a good rotational guy that I am sure we could get on a 2 year deal. He knows all of the LB positions and would be signed as a rotational player.

Now I do think he would sign that deal because I don't think he would get a deal elsewhere for a starting position. I also don't want Carter back.

 

[KingintheNorth]

It would seem so.

Jeremy Mincey was an inexpensive signing (2yrs, $3M) and has been our second best defensive lineman this season.

Take him to camp and see how things shake out, someone could get lost to injury.

I don't hate that idea. I just think my focus is moving on from age wherever there is a chance to upgrade the talent level. Mincey as a rotation guy works.

All three players are cheap and should go to camp next year to compete for a spot.

Again, I see your wisdom. I'm just tired of rewarding mediocrity. It's created the complacent, we'll get 'em next time mindset too many of our current players have. Send a message to guys that we won't pay salaries of guys who aren't willing to compete.

Based on the moves I expect to be made when the team prepares for free agency, the cap space generated from Brandon Carr's release won't even be needed next year.

It's about cutting ties with an overpaid, under-performing player who will be due $27.1M over the final three years of his contract.

Agreed, not to mention paying him $8M in actual 2015 salary to continue to be below average. I'm glad to see other fans think the team is set up to make significant moves this off-season.

That could be done if the Cowboys wished to retain Henry Melton.

But he also has $7.5M base salaries in 2016 and 2017, those would have to be adjusted as well.

Does Melton want to be Tyrone Crawford's caddy in Dallas or go somewhere else for the chance to start?

Jeremy Mincey, Jack Crawford, Davon Coleman, Chris Whaley and other new additions can all compete to play beside Tyrone Crawford in the Nickel.

None of those guys are anywhere close to the talent Melton is. Melton's 2016 and 2017 base salaries can be dealt with later. Moving on from Melton won't bother me if the team is making moves to improve the D Line. If they move on and try to sell us on Marinelli turning Coleman, Whaley, etc. into an impact player, then I won't expect much from the D Line.

Jerry Hughes is primarily a RDE, but on passing downs any RDE can flip to the other side looking to get matched against a RT.

Jabaal Sheard's best play early in his career occurred when he was playing LDE in a 4-3.

Most 3-4 OLB's are 4-3 RDE's. I know there are exceptions but the height, weight, and skill set are similar.

We're throwing darts in the dark when looking at draft prospects at this point.

But Rod Marinelli doesn't prioritize drafting NTs in his scheme, he believes you can wait and find these players in the later rounds.

Exceptions can always be made, though. If Malcom Brown were to drop low enough in round two or even into round three it would present outstanding value.

I'm a draft nerd and can (and will) talk draft all year long. What I decided a few years back is to use one board (cbs sports) as a default value board to eliminate all of the "he won't be there in that round" talk. When it gets closer to the draft I tend to shift to where I feel the player will go based on all of the draft buzz, sites, talking heads, etc.

Both Danny Shelton and Malcolm Brown offer more than the usual 1-Tech IMO. They both have quickness and high motors to go along with the usual strength and power you look for in great 1-Tech's. Either would be difference makers in our current scheme.

None of this is me disagreeing with you or thinking you are "wrong". I think we have different solutions but similar ideas on trying to fix a huge problem.

 

[Bluefin]

I don't think Durant signs with another team, I think Dallas will retain him because of his injury prone nature and age. He is a good rotational guy that I am sure we could get on a 2 year deal. He knows all of the LB positions and would be signed as a rotational player.

Now I do think he would sign that deal because I don't think he would get a deal elsewhere for a starting position. I also don't want Carter back.

That's an interesting scenario.

Justin Durant wold probably want to be promised that he could challenge to start. He could stay on the weakside if Rolando McClain leaves and Anthony Hitchens takes the strongside, but I prefer to see Sean Lee or Hitch as the Will next year.

All of this is dependent on no other team offering Durant a contract, which is an uncertain thing.

 

[Bluefin]

I'm just tired of rewarding mediocrity. It's created the complacent, we'll get 'em next time mindset too many of our current players have. Send a message to guys that we won't pay salaries of guys who aren't willing to compete.

All of those guys will be fighting to make the roster next year, Jeremy Mincey is the only one I'm expecting to do so.

Jason Garrett is a huge proponent of creating competition and eliminating player "entitlement."

None of those guys are anywhere close to the talent Melton is. Melton's 2016 and 2017 base salaries can be dealt with later. Moving on from Melton won't bother me if the team is making moves to improve the D Line. If they move on and try to sell us on Marinelli turning Coleman, Whaley, etc. into an impact player, then I won't expect much from the D Line.

Turning Henry Melton's large base salary into a signing bonus and possibly adding years to his contract in order to prorate it over five seasons would make him difficult to release for a couple of years because of the dead money. His big 2016 and '17 base salaries would have to be lowered during the initial renegotiation or he would have the team over a barrel.

Melton would have to take a big pay cut in all his future base salaries ('15-'17) and agree to various performance incentives that would give him the chance to make some of it back.

I don't think he'll do that.

Rod Marinelli already compared Chris Whaley to Melton given their similar college stories, so why can't he, Davon Coleman or someone else develop? I think Jack Crawford is also worth a look at UT if he can put on some good weight.

We must try to develop our young players and that's hard to do if veterans like Melton and Anthony Spencer remain on the roster.

I like Melton, I just don't think he's going to be retained.

Most 3-4 OLB's are 4-3 RDE's. I know there are exceptions but the height, weight, and skill set are similar.

Rod Marinelli seems to prefer shorter players because it helps with leverage and he wants good arm length, quickness and hustle in his "rush men."

Our current RDEs, Jeremy Mincey and DeMarcus Lawrence, both seem capable of playing on the left side next year if a new RDE is added in free agency or the draft.

We just need to get more good players and let things go where they may.

 

[xwalker]

You have to rebuild the defense. Have to move on from age and underachievers.

D Line
Let George Selvie, Anthony Spencer, and Nick Hayden walk
Agree.

Cap casualties: Jeremy Mincey, Terrell McClain, and Amobi Okoye (frees up $3M in cap room)
No on Mincey. I would like to see him go from the #1 DE to #3, but there is no reason to cut the best DE from 2014.

Keep Henry Melton and restructure $9M base into bonus (potential to free up $4M in cap room)
Restructuring only pushes the money forward. He has only been playing about 30 snaps per game. That's just not enough for 9M per season. Suh plays about 80% of the snaps for Detroit. He would be a better value at 12M if he is playing double the amount of snaps as Melton at 9M.

Bring back Demarcus Lawrence, Tyrone Crawford, Josh Brent, Jack Crawford, Ben Gardner, Ken Bishop, Davon Coleman
Yes, bring everybody that is under contract to training camp, except Carr.

Free Agent: Jason Pierre Paul (age 26) NY Giants
How much?

Draft: Danny Shelton DT Washington or Malcolm Brown DT Texas
OK.

Linebackers
Let Bruce Carter and Justin Durant walk. *Willing to re-sign Durant if cheap 1- or 2-year deal
Yes. I thing Durant will be cheap. His injury cost him a chance at a good contract.

Cap casualties: Dekoda Watson (frees up $1.25M)
No, bring him to training camp and go from there.

Re-sign Rolando McClain
Yes. How much?

Bring back Sean Lee (restructure possibility), Anthony Hitchens, Kyle Wilber, Will Smith
No need to restructure Lee in 2015. His base is only 2.5M for 2015.

Free Agent: K.J. Wright (age 26) Seattle
Interesting. I don't think they will want to pay too much for a Strong Side Only LB because they are off the field when they play Nickel which is about half of the snaps or more.

Draft: late round depth

Secondary
Explore trading Morris Claiborne (change of scenery)
His 2015 base salary is guaranteed at 2.5M. I don't see anybody taking on that salary even if he was cut.

Cap casualties: Brandon Carr (June 1st cut frees up $8M) Jakar Hamilton and Jeff Heath (frees up approx. $1.2M)
There is no reason to cut Hamilton and Heath. Bring them to camp and see if somebody else beats them out.

Re-sign Sterling Moore
Yes.

Bring back Orlando Scandrick, J.J. Wilcox, Barry Church, Tyler Patmon
Yes, bring everybody that is under contract to training camp except Carr.

Free Agent: Chris Culliver (age 27) San Francisco
Interesting. He is a starter there but I don't know anything about him. Why would SF let him go? How much?

Draft: Gerod Holliman FS Louisville, Josh Shaw CB USC
* I would let Sterling Moore, Chris Culliver, and Claiborne (if not traded) battle for the starting CB job opposite Scandrick. I would also have Church and Wilcox slug it out for the SS job.
If Culliver not good enough that you're certain that he would be better than Moore or Claiborne? I think they can win with Wilcox and Church but I wouldn't mind drafting a really good FS. They definitely need to draft a CB early if possible.

 

[xwalker]

Sheard and Hughes are RDE's only IMO. JPP is around 280 lbs., has long arms, and I'm still a big believer in his athleticism and ability. I'd like to see what Marinelli could do with him as well. Avril is lighter than I'd like. He's also 29 and my goal in free agency is that I want to get 5 years out of a player if I'm going to spend signing bonus money on. If Avril is willing to sign on the cheap and for 2 years, I'd consider it.

RDE is what they need. They have several options at LDE, but not much in the way of true RDEs. I think Mincey would be even better as a LDE. I think DLaw can play either side.

 

[xwalker]

Cliff Avril would definitely have to take a big cut in base salary in order to sign with Dallas, but I'd be interested in exploring this option.

He could be a solid rotation player in this scheme.

Jeremy Mincey has been a huge positive this season, most of us were lukewarm at best when he came aboard. But Mincey is probably going to be a reserve next year however the DE position shakes itself out.

I like him in a reserve role where he can play on both sides and move inside on some passing downs.

DeMarcus Lawrence can probably be a starter next year on either side and that flexibility provides some options when looking at free agents and draft prospects.

Besides Avril, Jabaal Sheard and Jerry Hughes are some other free agent options to consider.

And we shouldn't rule out the team trying to sign Brian Orakpo to a deal like Henry Melton's, either.

Why has Sheard only started 4 of 11 games played this season? Is he just not a good fit as a 3-4 OLB? Not being a full time starter should make him available for a very reasonable contract.

Orakpo on a Melton type deal would be good.

Despite the legal issues, I would take a hard look at Greg Hardy.

I wonder what happens with JPP. He only has 3.5, 2, and 6.5 sacks over the past 3 seasons.

 

[Nirvana]

Cowboys can sign Durant to a contract similar to Lee's (for far less money though) in that it is set up to decrease significantly if the player gets injured and doesn't play to a certain threshold for the season. And he can play Sam. Lee at Will, Ro at Mike. Hitchens rotated in.

 

[Bluefin]

Why has Sheard only started 4 of 11 games played this season? Is he just not a good fit as a 3-4 OLB? Not being a full time starter should make him available for a very reasonable contract.

Paul Kruger is the starter.

It would seem Jabaal Sheard is best suited for LDE in the 4-3, he had immediate success playing in that front.

And if Dallas in interested, it shouldn't cost much to sign him.

But the bigger need will be looking for a RDE.

 

[iceberg]

Last year we "fixed" the OL in one offseason by drafting Fred, developing Leary and coaching up Free and Bern to play better.

Un, its taken 3 drafts where all 3 picks were hits.

 

[reddyuta]

we need a huge overhaul and i dont think we have the money to address our needs,we better draft D the entire draft.

 

[darthseinfeld]

My mistake, Kevin Williams who I wanted here in the offseason. He can still anchor the 1 spot.

As far as Hardy goes I believe its possible since his off the field stuff took him away a whole season. I don't see anyone shelling out what they would've last year if he'd been an UFA.

Tillman can provide us quality play and I wouldn't mind a mid round pick on a CB to add to the equation.

Long term I think JPP would be a better move then Hardy. Hardy would come on a nice 1 year prove it deal, but if he proves your paying him elite money the next. Or your letting him walk and back to square.

JPP your gonna get on a long term tier 2 DE deal which isnt cheap, but not nearly what Ware was getting. If you give him to Marinelli, plug him in at LDE and you have a 12 sack guy for the duration of his deal

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Long term I think JPP would be a better move then Hardy. Hardy would come on a nice 1 year prove it deal, but if he proves your paying him elite money the next. Or your letting him walk and back to square.

JPP your gonna get on a long term tier 2 DE deal which isnt cheap, but not nearly what Ware was getting. If you give him to Marinelli, plug him in at LDE and you have a 12 sack guy for the duration of his deal

JPP hasn't been a double-digit sack guy since 2011.

He's had one major back surgery already.

Pass on Paul.

At this point in their careers JPP=Mincey.