Cowboys moving up to get Alan Branch?

[Alexander]

I think the point that flew over your head was that althetic 300 pound guys like Okoye and Harrell, although they are really good players; they just aren't what the Cowboys are looking for in a NT.

And I am telling you that might not necessarily be the case.

Phillips has had defenses with smaller nose tackles before. Case in point, Ed Jasper only weighed 300 pounds. Greg Kragen and Pat Williams were also smaller and quicker.

He has said that he can make do with either style.

Again, they'd love that. But if they are inclined to get depth and they should, they won't just look for a big nose guard.

 

[speedkilz88]

And I am telling you that might not necessarily be the case.

Phillips has had defenses with smaller nose tackles before. Case in point, Ed Jasper only weighed 300 pounds. Greg Kragen and Pat Williams were also smaller and quicker.

He has said that he can make do with either style.

Again, they'd love that. But if they are inclined to get depth and they should, they won't just look for a big nose guard.

In this case we're talking about first round prospects, they don't want a 3 technique DT and try to convert them to be a NT. They want a pure NT if they get one in the first.

Jasper wasn't a high draft pick, and Kragen was he with Denver 15 years ago? Pat Williams seems to me is a big boy. But I don't think any of them were high picks.

 

[jazzcat22]

With 50,000 radio and TV shows about the NFL & Draft. I'm sure many speculations about that type of stuff is said. Just some of it sounds as if it makes sense, as in this case, some is way off the wall. But thanks for posting it, interesting toughts.

 

[Alexander]

In this case we're talking about first round prospects, they don't want a 3 technique DT and try to convert them to be a NT. They want a pure NT if they get one in the first.

Jasper wasn't a high draft pick, and Kragen was he with Denver 15 years ago? Pat Williams seems to me is a big boy. But I don't think any of them were high picks.

I was referring strictly to this comment:

In Wade's scheme they want a big boy(325)at NT.

As far as the draft goes, there's perhaps less than five tackles that are likely to be drafted that fit that profile and only one (Branch) who is going to be a first round choice.

Their comments to Spagnola don't mean much. They said only player in the first round is a true NT and that is true.

That doesn't mean they want a "true NT". Phillips can and has made due before.

 

[theogt]

This is a fallacy.

He's had smaller nose tackles before.

They will slant much more than Ferguson ever has.

Indeed. The two NTs that Wade brought in as backsups were in the 305-310 range. Williams was simply there when he got there, and there's no sense replacing a guy like that.

 

[theogt]

By the way, can someone point me in the direction of the Spags article that said Wade wanted a 325 lb. guy? I missed that one.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

I really DO NOT see it happening ZONERS......picks are just too important to us.

 

[Alexander]

By the way, can someone point me in the direction of the Spags article that said Wade wanted a 325 lb. guy? I missed that one.

It is one of those things repeated so many times that it becomes "fact", even though it is far from it.

Just because Phillips inherited Jamal Williams doesn't mean he will look to get the same type.

 

[fanfromvirginia]

I would be fine with a short jump up to grab him, say as high as 19. We've got extra picks to use, we need an NT and Branch could be great for a long time. I wanted Ngata last year; I'd be happy with Branch this year.

And I admit right up front that he's a dangerous pick and therefore a risk.

Nobody in our range excites me. There's WR Blah Blahington from West Blah State. He's big, lots of potential and a potential replacement for T.O. Then there's Blah Blahferson from University of Blah Freakin' Blah. He's more of a speedster and potential replacement for TG. Then there are number of CBs, all named Blah, all from Blah State, all of whom could help stand in for and potentially replace our ageing CBs.

Blah. Gimme a tradeup for Branch.

 

[Silverstar]

I don't like Branch, but getting Justin Harrell in a trade down would be fine with me.

 

[k19]

Sirius has been beating that drum for a few weeks now. I think Kiwin was saying that if he slips that he would be worth moving up a few spots for. Basically it isnt necessarily a draft for need issue but with Fergie getting long in the tooth, an unknown in Stanley, and this guy being the proto NT that if he's even remotely within reach they say you "seriously have to consider a move up"

 

[ddh33]

How big was Ed Jasper in Atlanta? Wasn't he Wade's NT before he got to San Diego?

 

[Alexander]

How big was Ed Jasper in Atlanta? Wasn't he Wade's NT before he got to San Diego?

To my knowledge, he has always hovered around the 300 pound mark.

Coach Phillips has been very resilient in dealing with challenges. He can and will try to make it work if he trusts the players to be smart enough to get what he wants them to do.

You know who could have probably been pretty successful?

La'Roi Glover.

Let that one bother you for a moment.

 

[Hostile]

To my knowledge, he has always hovered around the 300 pound mark.

Coach Phillips has been very resilient in dealing with challenges. He can and will try to make it work if he trusts the players to be smart enough to get what he wants them to do.

You know who could have probably been pretty successful?

La'Roi Glover.

Let that one bother you for a moment.

I still hate that move. Glover was great here.

 

[theogt]

To my knowledge, he has always hovered around the 300 pound mark.

Coach Phillips has been very resilient in dealing with challenges. He can and will try to make it work if he trusts the players to be smart enough to get what he wants them to do.

You know who could have probably been pretty successful?

La'Roi Glover.

Let that one bother you for a moment.

Good point. I didn't dislike the move because I didn't think he fit Parcells' scheme and the contract was pretty hefty at the time, IIRC. But under Wade, he'd probably flourish.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

By the way, can someone point me in the direction of the Spags article that said Wade wanted a 325 lb. guy? I missed that one.

From a couple of Mick's Mails:

Marcus Magnetti, Boulder, Colo.: In the off-season everyone has been clamoring for offensive line help and a safety. But no one has mentioned the defensive tackle spot. Do these people not realize the Cowboys have Jason Ferguson and no one else? Heard any rumblings about this and who is available?

Mickey: As a matter of fact, I did hear how Phillips likes big nose tackles, and how he likes to use that guy to take pressure off the inside linebackers. Well, if he's a nose tackle fan, then my guess is he wants more than one. Because if Ferguson wears down the latter half of the season, then it stands to reason so will those inside linebackers. I tend to agree with you on this one. If a healthy-sized nose tackle is available, grab him, especially if he has some pass-rush capabilities. Ferguson will turn 33 at midseason and he doesn't need to be playing 80 percent of the plays.



Stephen Rogers, Roswell, N.M.: Where do we go to get a largenose guard? Does Wade's "D" require the same two-gap responsibility for the nose as other 3-4's do? I may be mistaken but I have not seen any big names in free agency at this position, and don't believe one stands out in the draft either. I like the play of Jason Ferguson but the cupboard seems bare if he is injured.

Mickey: Sure is, and from what I'm told, Phillips likes him those beefy nose tackles, 320 or better. From what I've been told, the only true nose tackle likely to be selected in the first round is Michigan's Alan Branch, and after that, it would be guys who would have to transition from defensive tackle to a true nose. Might have to search for one after the first round and if not, for sure in free agency, if there are any leftovers. But you're right, they darn well need another one.


I think you guys are on the right track, though. He said when he was hired that he could slant a smaller, quicker guy like he did with Kragen. So maybe what Mick "heard" is baloney, who knows.

 

[theogt]

I think Mick "hears" all sorts of things.

I thought it was a quote he was attributing to Wade (i.e., "Wade told me he likes big NTs"), but this is pretty far from it.

By the way, thanks for digging that up!

 

[Bob Sacamano]

To my knowledge, he has always hovered around the 300 pound mark.

it's more like the 290 pound mark

 

[Alexander]

I think you guys are on the right track, though. He said when he was hired that he could slant a smaller, quicker guy like he did with Kragen. So maybe what Mick "heard" is baloney, who knows.

I will avoid being rude and just say that is it best not to ask questions that get printed in "Mick's Mail", nor pay much attention to the responses.

 

[Achozen]

I'd aim the first kick right at someone's balls.

Haha I see you are living up to your name.