Cowboys Middle Linebacker

[TheFinisher]

I wanted to use Jaylon like how Denver used a young Von Miller at SAM. I think he's got the athleticism to be a nice leverage player on the edge, and I really want to get him around the LOS and get him attacking. I think he's got some untapped potential as a blitzer there.

 

[HungryLion]

Just to be clear, the Cowboys were #1 in total rushing yards allowed, but also #1 in fewest rushing attempts faced. On a per-carry basis, Dallas allowed 3.9 ypc to rank 8th in the NFL, which is still very good. Football Outsiders ranked our run D 13th in adjusted line yards allowed in 2016, and even that is still above average.

This year, we're 21st in total rushing yards allowed (per game), 25th in ypc, and 28th in adjusted line yards allowed. On runs between the (offensive) tackles, FO says we're the league's worst run defense by far.

I know what you’re saying Percy. And I agree. But my main point was that Hitchens had to be at least a decent starter last year for the defense to play so well against the run.

Also, our defense getting cashed against the run this year, while Hitchens was out, is evidence of his value.

Again, could the team do better? Sure. But he is A solid starter. And the defense has greater weaknesses than him. IMO. A new SS and 1 tech are in much more dire need than a new MLB. In my opinion.

 

[percyhoward]

I know what you’re saying Percy. And I agree. But my main point was that Hitchens had to be at least a decent starter last year for the defense to play so well against the run.

Also, our defense getting cashed against the run this year, while Hitchens was out, is evidence of his value.

Again, could the team do better? Sure. But he is A solid starter. And the defense has greater weaknesses than him. IMO. A new SS and 1 tech are in much more dire need than a new MLB. In my opinion.

Nothing against Hitchens, just pointing out that "#1 run defense" last year came with some caveats.

 

[percyhoward]

What's the splits with/without Lee?

Sorry, no idea. FO doesn't have a search engine. Probably a good thing for me.

 

[Sydla]

Hitch is a solid player who is really nice to have because he does several things good
Excel’s is a bit over the top but he is a nice player to have
Smith may be the answer but don’t think we will know till about this time next year

And I agree. You need a guy like Hitchens. Can play all three LB positions in a pinch, good teammate and quality special teams player.

But he's not a starting MLB on a high level defense. He's just not. If Smith isn't the answer at MIKE, the Cowboys need to find an answer.

 

[DiResta]

shame there isnt a safety in the middle not just setting the coverage but reading the play like the Giants are enjoying
even Malcom Jenkins gives the Eagles a huge boost and is always good for a big play
a safety like that could let a guy like Woods who has a nose for the ball move around everywhere
thats what Dawkins did
he wasnt that big but nasty sure
you never knew where he would be or if he was blitzing or in coverage
we might have a guy capable of doing that if there was a legit fs working with him and the mike
a guy like t hat can cover lots of flaws in your lb

 

[BHendri5]

Hitchens is the MLB not Lee

 

[DiResta]

i agree Hitchens is a solid lb but wouldnt start on a team with good lb but right now hes 2nd best on the Cowboys
Lee has the mind for a mike
his first years he was getting picks, i remember he picked Peyton Manning twice i think in 1 game
he needs to be mike but there are huge weakness right now
the dream is Jaylon can be your mike that drops deep or is in the backfield but be real
that aint any time soon
you still need a proven fa or priority draft pick

 

[Verdict]

Yes, I agree.

If (and yes, that's a massive if) Smith continues to improve healthwise and gets some lateral movement back, I'd have no issue moving Lee back to MIKE and trying Smith at WILL.

But I'd also like to pair that LB change with a new coaching staff that would use their skill sets better than how Marinelli would likely use them going forward.

I can't argue with that. I think Marinelli is way over rated.

 

[Verdict]

He does not have good speed for a LB. Watch him in that 49ers game and he struggled to keep up with backs out of the backfield, etc.

As I said, he's an important player to have on this team because he can play special teams and he's smart enough to play all 3 LB spots for us in a pinch when we need him. Guys like that are important.

But he's an average starting MLB in this league and I hope the Cowboys aren't deluding themselves into thinking he can man the MLB spot long term for them.

I think Hitchens was a good find in the 4th round. His measurables sucked. I didn't think he would ever be a good player. I figured he would suck based on his measurables.

Having said that he is a very valuable backup as a 4th round pick. But he is not elite, by any stretch.

 

[waving monkey]

The great thing about marinelli is how underrated the guy is

 

[xwalker]

I think Hitchens was a good find in the 4th round. His measurables sucked. I didn't think he would ever be a good player. I figured he would suck based on his measurables.

Having said that he is a very valuable backup as a 4th round pick. But he is not elite, by any stretch.

His measurables were average but they didn't suck.

6'-3/8"
240
4.65 forty

 

[conner01]

And I agree. You need a guy like Hitchens. Can play all three LB positions in a pinch, good teammate and quality special teams player.

But he's not a starting MLB on a high level defense. He's just not. If Smith isn't the answer at MIKE, the Cowboys need to find an answer.

Yep
The problem is it’s way too soon to know about smith so it certainly won’t be a high priority in the draft
I never expected smith to really show much this year so to me you really won’t know much about him till this time next year

 

[DiResta]

Hitchens comes on a blitz but is able to change direction and tackle Hyde for a loss

beats the blocker here splits gap making a tackle for no gain

makes tackle for loss on far sideline backside pursuit

all of them play better and more confident with Lee next to them

 

[CF74]

This thread needs more

where are my couch scouts?