CCBoy
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 47,019
- Reaction score
- 22,611
Dallas Cowboys Offseason 2016: How Do The Cowboys Fix The Pass Rush?
By Michael Sisemore
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016/1/22/10811596/article
...Option 1- Let Greg Hardy Walk, Draft Joey Bosa or DeForest Buckner
The Cowboys could continue to build on their defensive line through the draft, which they certainly will do in some fashion. In the past two seasons, the Cowboys have drafted two stud pass rushers in round two. Lawrence has certainly come along in his second-year, but still has to prove that he can be consistent in the early months of the season, too. Randy Gregory's ankle injury led to his rookie expectations diminishing rather quickly. Certainly, those expectations will be once again set pretty high in 2016.
With that said, Brandt and Kiper are both on track in thought process but that doesn't mean the Cowboys have to take one of these guys at four. Rookie pass rushers don't tend to blow anyone up in their first year. It takes time for them to get used to the speed of the game and tendencies of offensive linemen. These two top guys have lots of potential but neither one should be elevated to Khalil Mack status, it's just not likely to happen. That what makes it all the more difficult to just discard a presence like Greg Hardy. Surely, drafting one of these guys would be a very solid luxury; it may not be imperative should they figure out something with Hardy that works for both parties.
Option 2- Re-sign Greg Hardy, Draft Later Round Rushmen
Re-signing Hardy comes with aches and painw because of the nuisance he can become in the locker room and he may have just played his last game as a Cowboy. However, he's the only true elite pass rusher they have on the team. Until anyone can prove otherwise, that's how it stands. What if the Cowboys were able to get Hardy signed to another show-me deal while drafting some solid players around him? That seems like it could be a big win. As discussed earlier, the Cowboys like to get penetrating players along the line. This draft will offer some solid options in rounds 2-5 that can be good additions to their squad. I'm leaning toward more of the defensive tackles than ends in this scenario. The Cowboys have a lot of ends and they need a few more solid tackles. Here's a few to consider:
1. Austin Johnson, Penn State- Here's the run-stuffing, powerful-handed tackle that Nick Eatman has been clamoring for years about. He will be at the Senior Bowl and will be coached by the Cowboys, two pluses for those counting at home. The Cowboys have a history of taking guys that they have seen at the Senior Bowl and, this time, they get to coach some. Johnson has a relentless motor and can stack and shed blockers with the best of them. He's perfect to snag in the second round (if he lasts that long) and is an athletic upgrade over what they have.
2. Sheldon Day, Notre Dame- Already being compared as an "Aaron Donald Lite", he projects to be three-technique, something the Cowboys could use in terms of depth. He is also going to be playing on the North Team at the Senior Bowl, so Marinelli will certainly get a good look at him. He's described as a player with explosive quickness and a controlled demeanor. He's able to build up great momentum when attacking the pocket and possesses that motor that never quits. Due to a lengthy injury history, Day is projected as a third- or fourth-round prospect with a ton of upside...
By Michael Sisemore
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016/1/22/10811596/article
...Option 1- Let Greg Hardy Walk, Draft Joey Bosa or DeForest Buckner
The Cowboys could continue to build on their defensive line through the draft, which they certainly will do in some fashion. In the past two seasons, the Cowboys have drafted two stud pass rushers in round two. Lawrence has certainly come along in his second-year, but still has to prove that he can be consistent in the early months of the season, too. Randy Gregory's ankle injury led to his rookie expectations diminishing rather quickly. Certainly, those expectations will be once again set pretty high in 2016.
With that said, Brandt and Kiper are both on track in thought process but that doesn't mean the Cowboys have to take one of these guys at four. Rookie pass rushers don't tend to blow anyone up in their first year. It takes time for them to get used to the speed of the game and tendencies of offensive linemen. These two top guys have lots of potential but neither one should be elevated to Khalil Mack status, it's just not likely to happen. That what makes it all the more difficult to just discard a presence like Greg Hardy. Surely, drafting one of these guys would be a very solid luxury; it may not be imperative should they figure out something with Hardy that works for both parties.
Option 2- Re-sign Greg Hardy, Draft Later Round Rushmen
Re-signing Hardy comes with aches and painw because of the nuisance he can become in the locker room and he may have just played his last game as a Cowboy. However, he's the only true elite pass rusher they have on the team. Until anyone can prove otherwise, that's how it stands. What if the Cowboys were able to get Hardy signed to another show-me deal while drafting some solid players around him? That seems like it could be a big win. As discussed earlier, the Cowboys like to get penetrating players along the line. This draft will offer some solid options in rounds 2-5 that can be good additions to their squad. I'm leaning toward more of the defensive tackles than ends in this scenario. The Cowboys have a lot of ends and they need a few more solid tackles. Here's a few to consider:
1. Austin Johnson, Penn State- Here's the run-stuffing, powerful-handed tackle that Nick Eatman has been clamoring for years about. He will be at the Senior Bowl and will be coached by the Cowboys, two pluses for those counting at home. The Cowboys have a history of taking guys that they have seen at the Senior Bowl and, this time, they get to coach some. Johnson has a relentless motor and can stack and shed blockers with the best of them. He's perfect to snag in the second round (if he lasts that long) and is an athletic upgrade over what they have.
2. Sheldon Day, Notre Dame- Already being compared as an "Aaron Donald Lite", he projects to be three-technique, something the Cowboys could use in terms of depth. He is also going to be playing on the North Team at the Senior Bowl, so Marinelli will certainly get a good look at him. He's described as a player with explosive quickness and a controlled demeanor. He's able to build up great momentum when attacking the pocket and possesses that motor that never quits. Due to a lengthy injury history, Day is projected as a third- or fourth-round prospect with a ton of upside...
