Cowboys LBs April 2015

[xwalker]

This is a review of the LBs on the Cowboys roster. I've listed their pre-draft measurable(s) for comparison to current potential draft picks and for a general sense of what type of athlete they were/are.

Sean Lee
Great when healthy.
Height: 6021
Weight: 236
40 Yrd Dash: 4.60
20 Yrd Dash: 2.63
10 Yrd Dash: 1.54
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 24
Vertical Jump: 37 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'00"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.16
3-Cone Drill: 6.89

Rolando McClain
Great when on the field but injuries and mental makeup are question marks.
Height: 6033
Weight: 254
40 Yrd Dash: 4.68
20 Yrd Dash: 2.72
10 Yrd Dash: 1.62
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 24
Vertical Jump: 35
Broad Jump: 09'01"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.38
3-Cone Drill: 7.16

Anthony Hitchens
Played all 3 positions as a rookie and did well. Said he was most comfortable at MLB. Likely plays SLB if Lee/RoMc healthy. Could see time in the Nickel over RoMc.
Height: 6003
Weight: 240
40 Yrd Dash: 4.65
20 Yrd Dash: 2.72
10 Yrd Dash: 1.62
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 23
Vertical Jump: 35 1/2
Broad Jump: 09'09"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.44
3-Cone Drill: 7.15

Andrew Gachkar
Solid in limited playing time as 3-4 ILB with SD. Top ST player. If 4-3 a better fit? Has not missed many games.
Height: 6023
Weight: 233
40 Yrd Dash: 4.56
20 Yrd Dash: 2.70
10 Yrd Dash: 1.60
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 18
Vertical Jump: 34
Broad Jump: 09'10"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.29
3-Cone Drill: 6.95

Jasper Brinkley
Solid 2 down LB. Better in zone coverage than given credit for. Has not missed many games.
Weight: 252
40 Yrd Dash: 4.72
20 Yrd Dash: 2.77
10 Yrd Dash: 1.64
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 26
Vertical Jump: 35 1/2
Broad Jump: 09'06"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.32
3-Cone Drill: 6.92

Keith Rivers
Good player when healthy, but injuries have been a big issue.
Height: 6022
Weight: 241
40 Yrd Dash: 4.54
20 Yrd Dash: 2.65
10 Yrd Dash: 1.56
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 24
Vertical Jump: 42
Broad Jump: 10'07"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.38
3-Cone Drill:

Dekoda Watson
Super athlete. Has some pass rush ability. Looked decent in 1 game played for Jags which was the game against the Cowboys. Did have a couple of Bruce Carter type losses of concentration such as not touching a player down. Injured in 2014 but healthy in previous years.
Height: 6013
Weight: 240
40 Yrd Dash: 4.40
20 Yrd Dash: 2.60
10 Yrd Dash: 1.54
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 24
Vertical Jump: 40
Broad Jump: 11'02"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.11
3-Cone Drill: 6.82

Kyle Wilber
Drafted as a 3-4 pass rushing LB. Some good and some bad as a 4-3 SLB in 2014. Was the 3rd LB at times in 2014 due to injuries. Likely to be the 6th/7th LB is he makes the team in 2015.
Height: 6036
Weight: 249
40 Yrd Dash: 4.64
20 Yrd Dash: 2.65
10 Yrd Dash: 1.65
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 25
Vertical Jump: 33 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'00"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.31
3-Cone Drill: 7.11

Troy Davis
Injuries have derailed his chances since coming to the NFL in 2013.
Height: 6016
Weight: 251
40 Yrd Dash: 4.65
20 Yrd Dash: 2.72
10 Yrd Dash: 1.58
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 24
Vertical Jump: 31
Broad Jump: 09'09"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.14
3-Cone Drill: 7.03

Keith Smith
Back and forth between the 53 and PS in 2014. Got some snaps on defense over Cam Lawrence. Something must have happen when running the forty. It seems almost impossible for a player running a 4.98 to post a 6.87 in the 3-cone.
Height: 5114
Weight: 233
40 Yrd Dash: 4.98
20 Yrd Dash: 2.87
10 Yrd Dash: 1.76
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 26
Vertical Jump: 31
Broad Jump: 09'05"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.53
3-Cone Drill: 6.87

Will Smith
Literally looked like he could barely run in 2014 TC. Looked good in college.
Height: 6021
Weight: 231
40 Yrd Dash: 4.59
20 Yrd Dash: 2.73
10 Yrd Dash: 1.62
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 17
Vertical Jump: 37 1/2
Broad Jump: 09'05"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.53
3-Cone Drill: 7.04


Lawrence, Cameron
Special Teams only player. Likely gone in 2015.
Height: 6021
Weight: 239
40 Yrd Dash: 4.77
20 Yrd Dash: 2.75
10 Yrd Dash: 1.63
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 19
Vertical Jump: 28 1/2
Broad Jump: 09'02"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.51
3-Cone Drill: 7.07

 

[CCBoy]

Thanks for the review, X. Overall, this group appears to be strong, to really good.

 

[BAT]

Like the spreadsheet approach better. Easier to compare their numbers. Good stuff.

 

[EST_1986]

Lee, RoMc and Hitch will be excellent if they can all stay healthy.

 

[Vinnie2u]

12 LB's and we play the 4-3... What's up with that?

 

[kiheikiwi]

Looks good on paper, interesting to see if they do take a lber high in draft. Could be a group that is better than we thought !

 

[speedkilz88]

This pdf from sjst pro day lists two times for Keith Smith. #1-4.63, #2-5.03

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...5TnCwYKkKGl21JA&bvm=bv.91071109,d.aWw&cad=rja

 

[xwalker]

Like the spreadsheet approach better. Easier to compare their numbers. Good stuff.

You people might be spoiled. Here is the spreadsheet with data repeated and sorted for each category:

 

[Oh_Canada]

12 LB's and we play the 4-3... What's up with that?

Have you seen the carnage of this group over the last two years? They need a 53 man group for this unit alone.

 

[Maxmadden]

12 LB's and we play the 4-3... What's up with that?

I think it means we are through shopping for linebackers at Home Depot. Solid starters and solid depth.

 

[jazzcat22]

Looks much better than last year at this time for our LB group.
And much better this year too after Durant and Carter left and McClain status was up in the air.

A good 5 solid LBers and some good competition for the 6 & 7 spots.

 

[gimmesix]

Watson is definitely the leader in most of the athletic categories if Marinelli/Eberflus can teach him to use what he's got.

 

[dogunwo]

There's no way short of injuries that either of the Smith's make this team.

 

[dasander]

I read somewhere that linebackers is the most often injured position group in the NFL, so its good to have a lot of depth as we all know from the Packers playoff game. The signings of Gachkar & Brinkly should be applauded & really bolsters our depth.

Don't be surprised if we add another linebacker through the draft.

 

[Titleist]

I read somewhere that linebackers is the most often injured position group in the NFL, so its good to have a lot of depth as we all know from the Packers playoff game. The signings of Gachkar & Brinkly should be applauded & really bolsters our depth.

Don't be surprised if we add another linebacker through the draft.

Makes sense considering they are literally tackling machines. Tons of contact.

Also, add FB's (aka battering rams) in the often injured group.

 

[ColeBeasley11]

Love our depth I know McClain and especially Lee aren't the most reliable but this is why I hope we don't take Kendrick's in the 1st.

Btw great work thank you.

 

[jobberone]

Like the spreadsheet approach better. Easier to compare their numbers. Good stuff.

Hard to get that format to project here. Best way to do that is cut screen shot out, post to say photobucket, copy the direct link then insert the image into your post. If there is another way I don't know it.

I love our LBing corps. I wish we had a better cover LB and one of the new guys might play in the nickel which is significant snaps. O/W you'll see Lee, Ro, and ?? in the base. I think Hitchens has a good chance of playing the SAM but so do others. The SAM has to cover a lot these days including getting stuck with Z/X, TEs and RBs. On some (non- nickel) passing downs you may see a better cover LB on the field at times.

I think we'll see backups due to injuries and such getting significant snaps as well as some rotation and SPs creating the same.

 

[Risen Star]

Makes sense considering they are literally tackling machines. Tons of contact.

Also, add FB's (aka battering rams) in the often injured group.

Your late round pet cat will probably be a 2nd round pick.

 

[speedkilz88]

I've been pretty impressed with what Lee, Hitchens, and Ro in coverage. But I wouldn't be surprised if Gachkar isn't the nickel LB with Lee.

 

[Silver N Blue]

This is a review of the LBs on the Cowboys roster. I've listed their pre-draft measurable(s) for comparison to current potential draft picks and for a general sense of what type of athlete they were/are.

Sean Lee
Great when healthy.
Height: 6021
Weight: 236
40 Yrd Dash: 4.60
20 Yrd Dash: 2.63
10 Yrd Dash: 1.54
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 24
Vertical Jump: 37 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'00"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.16
3-Cone Drill: 6.89

Rolando McClain
Great when on the field but injuries and mental makeup are question marks.
Height: 6033
Weight: 254
40 Yrd Dash: 4.68
20 Yrd Dash: 2.72
10 Yrd Dash: 1.62
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 24
Vertical Jump: 35
Broad Jump: 09'01"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.38
3-Cone Drill: 7.16

Anthony Hitchens
Played all 3 positions as a rookie and did well. Said he was most comfortable at MLB. Likely plays SLB if Lee/RoMc healthy. Could see time in the Nickel over RoMc.
Height: 6003
Weight: 240
40 Yrd Dash: 4.65
20 Yrd Dash: 2.72
10 Yrd Dash: 1.62
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 23
Vertical Jump: 35 1/2
Broad Jump: 09'09"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.44
3-Cone Drill: 7.15

Andrew Gachkar
Solid in limited playing time as 3-4 ILB with SD. Top ST player. If 4-3 a better fit? Has not missed many games.
Height: 6023
Weight: 233
40 Yrd Dash: 4.56
20 Yrd Dash: 2.70
10 Yrd Dash: 1.60
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 18
Vertical Jump: 34
Broad Jump: 09'10"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.29
3-Cone Drill: 6.95

Jasper Brinkley
Solid 2 down LB. Better in zone coverage than given credit for. Has not missed many games.
Weight: 252
40 Yrd Dash: 4.72
20 Yrd Dash: 2.77
10 Yrd Dash: 1.64
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 26
Vertical Jump: 35 1/2
Broad Jump: 09'06"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.32
3-Cone Drill: 6.92

Keith Rivers
Good player when healthy, but injuries have been a big issue.
Height: 6022
Weight: 241
40 Yrd Dash: 4.54
20 Yrd Dash: 2.65
10 Yrd Dash: 1.56
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 24
Vertical Jump: 42
Broad Jump: 10'07"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.38
3-Cone Drill:

Dekoda Watson
Super athlete. Has some pass rush ability. Looked decent in 1 game played for Jags which was the game against the Cowboys. Did have a couple of Bruce Carter type losses of concentration such as not touching a player down. Injured in 2014 but healthy in previous years.
Height: 6013
Weight: 240
40 Yrd Dash: 4.40
20 Yrd Dash: 2.60
10 Yrd Dash: 1.54
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 24
Vertical Jump: 40
Broad Jump: 11'02"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.11
3-Cone Drill: 6.82

Kyle Wilber
Drafted as a 3-4 pass rushing LB. Some good and some bad as a 4-3 SLB in 2014. Was the 3rd LB at times in 2014 due to injuries. Likely to be the 6th/7th LB is he makes the team in 2015.
Height: 6036
Weight: 249
40 Yrd Dash: 4.64
20 Yrd Dash: 2.65
10 Yrd Dash: 1.65
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 25
Vertical Jump: 33 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'00"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.31
3-Cone Drill: 7.11

Troy Davis
Injuries have derailed his chances since coming to the NFL in 2013.
Height: 6016
Weight: 251
40 Yrd Dash: 4.65
20 Yrd Dash: 2.72
10 Yrd Dash: 1.58
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 24
Vertical Jump: 31
Broad Jump: 09'09"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.14
3-Cone Drill: 7.03

Keith Smith
Back and forth between the 53 and PS in 2014. Got some snaps on defense over Cam Lawrence. Something must have happen when running the forty. It seems almost impossible for a player running a 4.98 to post a 6.87 in the 3-cone.
Height: 5114
Weight: 233
40 Yrd Dash: 4.98
20 Yrd Dash: 2.87
10 Yrd Dash: 1.76
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 26
Vertical Jump: 31
Broad Jump: 09'05"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.53
3-Cone Drill: 6.87

Will Smith
Literally looked like he could barely run in 2014 TC. Looked good in college.
Height: 6021
Weight: 231
40 Yrd Dash: 4.59
20 Yrd Dash: 2.73
10 Yrd Dash: 1.62
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 17
Vertical Jump: 37 1/2
Broad Jump: 09'05"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.53
3-Cone Drill: 7.04


Lawrence, Cameron
Special Teams only player. Likely gone in 2015.
Height: 6021
Weight: 239
40 Yrd Dash: 4.77
20 Yrd Dash: 2.75
10 Yrd Dash: 1.63
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 19
Vertical Jump: 28 1/2
Broad Jump: 09'02"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.51
3-Cone Drill: 7.07

Nice overview many could argue behind the OL this is the second strongest unit on this team.