Cowboys LBs April 2015

[BIGDen]

LB looking like a strength. Quite a bit of talent and depth. If this unit stays healthy (fingers crossed), look out. McClain and Lee and big-time playmakers. Hitchens was pretty outstanding for a rookie who was asked to play multiple position. Hitchens should be even better this year. We have some nice veteran depth with starting experience too.

 

[jobberone]

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.

I think Gachkar will compete at Sam and backup Mike. If he can cover then he'll be my new BFF.

 

[speedkilz88]

I think Gachkar will compete at Sam and backup Mike. If he can cover then he'll be my new BFF.

They already told Broaddus Gachkar is a Will. He was a will at Missouri when he played for Eberflus also.

 

[jobberone]

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.

I can see a BPA picked up esp with Lee's history of injuries, Hitchens still inexperienced, and Ro still a question mark. I don't think it will be first or second day unless someone falls and there isn't an equal or better player at a PON.

 

[jobberone]

They already told Broaddus Gachkar is a Will. He was a will at Missouri when he played for Eberflus also.

I don't see him able to compete on the roster at Will but I will say he is able to play all three positions as a backup. I hope I'm wrong and he surprises. There are always injuries for someone to step up and surprises on and off the current roster including UDFAs.

 

[speedkilz88]

I can see a BPA picked up esp with Lee's history of injuries, Hitchens still inexperienced, and Ro still a question mark. I don't think it will be first or second day unless someone falls and there isn't an equal or better player at a PON.

Kendricks is a possibility but I think he's more of a if he's bpa decision like Martin last year. They (Marinelli) also supposedly really like O' Diggy and Broaddus on the draft show says that although they have interest at CB that he thinks that position is likely to be thinned out and that they likely will be choosing between those two UCLA players.

 

[speedkilz88]

I don't see him able to compete on the roster at Will but I will say he is able to play all three positions as a backup. I hope I'm wrong and he surprises. There are always injuries for someone to step up and surprises on and off the current roster including UDFAs.

He's a will only. Maybe just a backup. I don't what you are looking at.

 

[CyberB0b]

LB looking like a strength. Quite a bit of talent and depth. If this unit stays healthy (fingers crossed), look out. McClain and Lee and big-time playmakers. Hitchens was pretty outstanding for a rookie who was asked to play multiple position. Hitchens should be even better this year. We have some nice veteran depth with starting experience too.

I don't know, I don't see a lot of players on that list. Lee and McClain are guys who can't finish a season, so we need some guys who can carry the load for 6+ games. Hitchens was better than expected, but I don't see him as a superstar in this league. Gachkar is basically a career backup and special teams guy. Brinkley is a guy you don't want starting for any significant amount of time. Rivers is a huge question mark. Watson is a joke. I like Wilber, but he is a one trick pony. The other guys on the list probably won't make it out of camp.

I wouldn't be opposed to drafting a linebacker in the 2nd.

 

[jobberone]

He's a will only. Maybe just a backup. I don't what you are looking at.

I didn't say he couldn't play the Will and in fact said he could likely play all three positions. I just don't think he can beat out the players in front of him at the Will and start there. If he can good for him and the team.

I think he will be great on STs and a good backup primarily at the Will and Sam. He's up to 240+ now and if he's kept his speed and quickness then he'll bring more competition.

 

[speedkilz88]

I didn't say he couldn't play the Will and in fact said he could likely play all three positions. I just don't think he can beat out the players in front of him at the Will and start there. If he can good for him and the team.

I think he will be great on STs and a good backup primarily at the Will and Sam. He's up to 240+ now and if he's kept his speed and quickness then he'll bring more competition.

Gachkar was signed to backup Lee and play STs. He's been described as a better Cam Lawrence and eliminates Lawrence from the roster.

--The last thing they want to see is Lawrence getting play time on defense again. I agree with them.

 

[Titleist]

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

Yeah it's about time I changed that sig. Put it up in February before he increased his draft stock.

 

[Howboutdemcowboys31]

I find it interesting even if it's doesn't really matter, that all of the core linebackers got between 24-26 bench reps

 

[xwalker]

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

Yes, he is right there with Bruce Carter in terms of athleticism.

 

[EPL0c0]

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

IF

 

[xwalker]

They already told Broaddus Gachkar is a Will. He was a will at Missouri when he played for Eberflus also.

I don't see him able to compete on the roster at Will but I will say he is able to play all three positions as a backup. I hope I'm wrong and he surprises. There are always injuries for someone to step up and surprises on and off the current roster including UDFAs.

I don't get to worried about the specific positions in this defenses in regards to LBs.

They seem to give each guy a primary position prior to TC but also expect them to cross train at one or both of the other positions.

I have no idea who is in the lead to play SLB. Part of it depends on if they want somebody with some pass rush ability which one website claims (OTTO position). I have not seen the DC.com guys mention the OTTO position so I'm not sure if it's true or just the imagination of some bloggers. They did try having Wilber rush some when he was playing there but it was not a big focus.

I would think the Hitchens would be in the lead for the 3rd LB spot but he is probably better suited for either of the other 2 spots. Hitchens didn't play many snaps at SLB last season. Carter and Wilber were the primary SLBs. Rivers and Watson have played as 4-3 SLBs in the past.

 

[jobberone]

I don't get to worried about the specific positions in this defenses in regards to LBs.

They seem to give each guy a primary position prior to TC but also expect them to cross train at one or both of the other positions.

I have no idea who is in the lead to play SLB. Part of it depends on if they want somebody with some pass rush ability which one website claims (OTTO position). I have not seen the DC.com guys mention the OTTO position so I'm not sure if it's true or just the imagination of some bloggers. They did try having Wilber rush some when he was playing there but it was not a big focus.

I would think the Hitchens would be in the lead for the 3rd LB spot but he is probably better suited for either of the other 2 spots. Hitchens didn't play many snaps at SLB last season. Carter and Wilber were the primary SLBs. Rivers and Watson have played as 4-3 SLBs in the past.

I agree with the versatility. Whomever is the Sam needs to cover well. They all do and teams will align to go after the weakest link.

 

[BAT]

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.

Agree that Hitchens should challenge for SAM, but he also appears to be primary back up for WILL and MIKE as well. And if Cowboys are serious about implementing the OTTO, then it won't be Hitchens. I really like 6-5 4.59 OLB Alani Fua for that spot, but Cowboys have not shown interest.

 

[Macnalty]

I don't know, I don't see a lot of players on that list. Lee and McClain are guys who can't finish a season, so we need some guys who can carry the load for 6+ games. Hitchens was better than expected, but I don't see him as a superstar in this league. Gachkar is basically a career backup and special teams guy. Brinkley is a guy you don't want starting for any significant amount of time. Rivers is a huge question mark. Watson is a joke. I like Wilber, but he is a one trick pony. The other guys on the list probably won't make it out of camp.

I wouldn't be opposed to drafting a linebacker in the 2nd.

I must of watched the wrong season for someone to be unimpressed with Hitchens, yes drafted late, he made plays all season long that a rookie normally does not complete, just think of his third down stuffs behind the line of scrimmage. Now the book is still being written but he is more than a JAG. Ask your self where he would be taken in a redraft.

Malcom Brown>OO>trade back Gurley trumps all in round 1.

 

[jobberone]

Agree that Hitchens should challenge for SAM, but he also appears to be primary back up for WILL and MIKE as well. And if Cowboys are serious about implementing the OTTO, then it won't be Hitchens. I really like 6-5 4.59 OLB Alani Fua for that spot, but Cowboys have not shown interest.

Don't know him but i will look.

 

[CyberB0b]

I must of watched the wrong season for someone to be unimpressed with Hitchens, yes drafted late, he made plays all season long that a rookie normally does not complete, just think of his third down stuffs behind the line of scrimmage. Now the book is still being written but he is more than a JAG. Ask your self where he would be taken in a redraft.

Malcom Brown>OO>trade back Gurley trumps all in round 1.

Where did I say I was unimpressed by Hitchens? I said he exceeded expectations.