Cowboys see Maliek Collins as cornerstone player

[waving monkey]

IRVING, Texas -- When Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli spoke to Maliek Collins on the phone last Friday, he was as excited as he could be.

“You fit us to a T,” Marinelli told the Cowboys’ third-round pick.

While Ezekiel Elliott, their first-round pick, is expected to bring the most immediate production and Jaylon Smith, their second-round pick, could be the biggest game-changer in the future after he recovers from a knee injury, Collins has a chance to be the most surprising.

“He’s going to be a cornerstone player,” owner and general manager Jerry Jones said.

With the looming penalties facing Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys’ defensive line will be in a state of flux through the first month of the season. The Cowboys discussed using their four best linemen and making the pieces fit, which could see Tyrone Crawford move from the under-tackle spot to left defensive end to start the year, provided Collins is what the Cowboys think he could be.

link/http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas-cowb...boys-see-maliek-collins-as-cornerstone-player

 

[waving monkey]

might be my favorite pick

 

[Scandri100]

Players drafted in the 3rd to 7th round rarely make any kind of impression in their careers..no point in expecting anything out of them.

 

[darthseinfeld]

might be my favorite pick

Same here. I see a little Geno Atkins in him

 

[darthseinfeld]

Players drafted in the 3rd to 7th round rarely make any kind of impression in their careers..no point in expecting anything out of them.

A 3rd round player is expected to be a starter. Particularly a very high 3rd at probably the deepest position in the draft

 

[Scandri100]

From what I've seen, players drafted after the 65th pick rarely turn out to be anything significant.

 

[superonyx]

Players drafted in the 3rd to 7th round rarely make any kind of impression in their careers..no point in expecting anything out of them.

 

[darthseinfeld]

From what I've seen, players drafted after the 65th pick rarely turn out to be anything significant.

Define rarely. Your standards may be too high

 

[jazzcat22]

Rod has his new and improved Hayden...I sure hope he is right. Pulling for that DT we been missing. T. Crawford, Thornton, Collins, Irving in a rotation, and if T. McClain can stay healthy. It will be the best DT group we had in a long time.

 

[jazzcat22]

From what I've seen, players drafted after the 65th pick rarely turn out to be anything significant.

Jason Witten, 3rd round, 69th pick....but, no, don't use him as an example...there are more....find them....I bet you find there are more than a rarity.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Rod has his new and improved Hayden...I sure hope he is right. Pulling for that DT we been missing. T. Crawford, Thornton, Collins, Irving in a rotation, and if T. McClain can stay healthy. It will be the best DT group we had in a long time.

I still dont see Crawford playing LDE even if the Lawrence's suspension holds. I think they run their line through intirior pressure and try and make ot work with a rotation outside. One thing Collins should be able to do immediately is disrupt the pocket. Him and Crawford inside on passing downs could make us able to consistently duress the QB with a patchwork DE crew

 

[jazzcat22]

I still dont see Crawford playing LDE even if the Lawrence's suspension holds. I think they run their line through intirior pressure and try and make ot work with a rotation outside. One thing Collins should be able to do immediately is disrupt the pocket. Him and Crawford inside on passing downs could make us able to consistently duress the QB with a patchwork DE crew

Yes, I rather they live with the DE's they have, let the interior line get into a play style to suit their strengths. See what we have in the DE's on the roster the 1st 4 games. Though after TC they will have a pretty good idea.
Maybe kick Crawford or Irving outside depending on the game situation. But mainly keep them inside.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Yes, I rather they live with the DE's they have, let the interior line get into a play style to suit their strengths. See what we have in the DE's on the roster the 1st 4 games. Though after TC they will have a pretty good idea.
Maybe kick Crawford or Irving outside depending on the situation. But mainly keep them inside.

I honestly really like the thought of Irving as a run down LDE. He reminds of a young Cullen Jenkins back before he became a star under Capers. Before that they ran a 4-3 and Jenkins was the run down LDE with KGB coming in on passing downs.

 

[RoboQB]

From what I've seen, players drafted after the 65th pick rarely turn out to be anything significant.

Open your eyes.

 

[ThreeandOut]

He's gotten lost in the shuffle of some of the other draft picks, but this Collins selection is a very big deal for the team. This is the first 3 technique drafted under Marinelli, which is one of the key positions in his defense. It's not often that Jerry calls a 3rd round pick a cornerstone player.

 

[Wolfpack]

Good to hear. Looking forward to seeing him the 4th rd guy play, I'm not very familiar with either of them.

 

[USMarineVet]

Players drafted in the 3rd to 7th round rarely make any kind of impression in their careers..no point in expecting anything out of them.

Ahahahahahaha.. hahaha.. ha

 

[boysfanindc]

I agree, this kid looks like he can play. Looks strong, fast, athletic and a habit of being in the back field.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...6691443D6AD2990AE76C6691443D6AD2990&FORM=VIRE

 

[USMarineVet]

Players drafted in the 3rd to 7th round rarely make any kind of impression in their careers..no point in expecting anything out of them.

Thank God we live in a world where the NFL is made up entirely of 1st and 2nd rounders. *smh

I mean, why even have rounds 3 - 7?

 

[jazzcat22]

ESPN & NFLN, some of the analyst on the daily shows like the pick. Say Dallas got very good value here, that fits right into their system.