News: DC: Scout’s Eye: McClain’s Return, Byron Jones’ Versatility & 10 Other Minicamp Thoughts

[NewsBot]

IRVING, Texas – Inclement weather forced the Cowboys into AT&T Stadium for Wednesday’s minicamp practice – not that anyone was complaining.

Working away from the rain and the humidity was nice, and we were also afforded a closer look than normal at these offseason practices. Here are 12 notes that stood out to me from the sidelines.

1. Another solid practice for Darren McFadden carrying the ball. It is clear that he not only has the ability to extend the play once he gets through the hole, but when it comes to creating on the move he has that stop-start quickness that DeMarco Murray lacked. There is a noticeable difference when the ball starts play-side, but it quickly ends up on the back side when McFadden is carrying it.


2. Brandon Carr was back at right corner on Wednesday. Carr was beaten down the field by Terrance Williams on a vertical route and a slant off play action, but later in the drive, Carr battled back with a nice stop in the red zone to deny Williams the chance for a score. Carr also had a chance for an interception on an overthrow by Romo, but it appeared that the ball surprised him and he was unable to come up with the catch.

3. This practice was by far the best for La’el Collins when it came to finishing blocks on the second level. I have to admit that I had some concerns about Collins and his lack of foot quickness --especially at offensive tackle -- but there were some snaps even at guard where you could see him struggle to get his man secured on the zone reach. There were plays where he was a step late and missed the flow linebacker. It was encouraging to see him take a better angle and lock down his man. Just a note as well – his power and punch have been outstanding at guard. Plays with some snap.

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[WoodysGirl]

Some Broaddus randomness..

 

[Stash]

He continues to pump up McFadden. Like many here, he's a fan and believes that he will do well here. I hope for everyone's sake he's right.

 

[Sportsbabe]

Disappointing report on Ro.

 

[Maxmadden]

He continues to pump up McFadden. Like many here, he's a fan and believes that he will do well here. I hope for everyone's sake he's right.

I really just hope he can stay healthy.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Disappointing report on Ro.

Really dont think they are counting on McClain and they shouldn't. Throughout his career he has proven to be completely unreliable

 

[darthseinfeld]

Disappointing report on Ro.

If he doesn't get it together by the end of preseason, wouldnt be surprised if he is cut. Would be a strong message to send. And if Hitchens and Wilson step up, we dont need him

 

[DFWJC]

I'm excited.
Can't help it

 

[big dog cowboy]

1. Another solid practice for Darren McFadden carrying the ball. It is clear that he not only has the ability to extend the play once he gets through the hole, but when it comes to creating on the move he has that stop-start quickness that DeMarco Murray lacked. There is a noticeable difference when the ball starts play-side, but it quickly ends up on the back side when McFadden is carrying it.

 

[RS12]

Always thought McClain was fools gold.

 

[Sportsbabe]

Really dont think they are counting on McClain and they shouldn't. Throughout his career he has proven to be completely unreliable

Just like they didn't count on him last year.
Just like they got rid of all the LBs but him.
Probably the reason Garrett has been saying in his past 2 PCs that he's a great player who's is impactful to the defense.

Y'all keep saying it enough and one day you'll hit paydirt.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Just like they didn't count on him last year.
Just like they got rid of all the LBs but him.
Probably the reason Garrett has been saying in his past 2 PCs that he's a great player who's is impactful to the defense.

Y'all keep saying it enough and one day you'll hit paydirt.

Garrett says everyone is a great player. Whats the point of keeping McClain around if you cant count on him

 

[Satchel89]

I like what I'm hearing about McFadden. Even if some people think Broaddus is just a fan and can't be objective about him, It would be nice to see that speed and explosiveness on display. And I definitely can't wait to see Jones in the secondary. I think they should play him at Safety. And last but not least, Ro. Are we really that surprised? Their fine at LB whether he's here or not

 

[guag]

Just like they didn't count on him last year.
Just like they got rid of all the LBs but him.
Probably the reason Garrett has been saying in his past 2 PCs that he's a great player who's is impactful to the defense.

Y'all keep saying it enough and one day you'll hit paydirt.

Considering all the LBs they've been picking up this offseason, especially the veteran Brinkley who plays his position, I don't think they're counting on him at all really. If it came down to it, Brinkley, Hitchens, or Lee could easily step into the starting MLB role if necessary. Then for the OLB positions there's any combination of either Hitchens (though I think he'd be the starting MLB if Ro can't go), Lee (assuming he doesn't play MLB), Damien Wilson, Gachkar, Rivers, Wilbur, etc.

We're good to go at LB no matter what happens with Ro IMO. He's just icing on the cake.

 

[DEA_dad]

10. I love the practices at AT&T Stadium because it allows me the opportunity to get right in the middle of the drills on the field. My favorite thing is to go down in the corner and study the defensive line as they work for Rod Marinelli, Leon Lett and Ben Bloom. As a former scout, I appreciate how much coaching goes into the position and what they are able to accomplish in the time they have to work. The combination that I really enjoy watching is when DeMarcus Lawrence, Tyrone Crawford, Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory are all coming off the ball. There is so much explosive quickness when the ball is snapped – the group is like a blur. From what I have seen it just appears that these players are going to have success getting to the quarterback this season.

^^^^^^^^^^^^
This makes me salivate

 

[Wezsh0T]

He continues to pump up McFadden. Like many here, he's a fan and believes that he will do well here. I hope for everyone's sake he's right.

Did you watch the embedded video in the article? McFadden looked fast.

 

[Alexander]

1. Another solid practice for Darren McFadden carrying the ball. It is clear that he not only has the ability to extend the play once he gets through the hole, but when it comes to creating on the move he has that stop-start quickness that DeMarco Murray lacked. There is a noticeable difference when the ball starts play-side, but it quickly ends up on the back side when McFadden is carrying it.

And all this stop-start means is that he looks more exciting. Let's see how great Broaddus thinks he is when he can get hit. It will probably a be a lot like the surprise he showed when the A.J. Jenkins he "saw on tape" was not the same as what he saw on the practice field.

 

[Alexander]

Did you watch the embedded video in the article? McFadden looked fast.

Being fast is such an overrated concept for a running back. It amazes me that so many people do not understand that.

 

[Sportsbabe]

Considering all the LBs they've been picking up this offseason, especially the veteran Brinkley who plays his position, I don't think they're counting on him at all really. If it came down to it, Brinkley, Hitchens, or Lee could easily step into the starting MLB role if necessary. Then for the OLB positions there's any combination of either Hitchens (though I think he'd be the starting MLB if Ro can't go), Lee (assuming he doesn't play MLB), Damien Wilson, Gachkar, Rivers, Wilbur, etc.

We're good to go at LB no matter what happens with Ro IMO. He's just icing on the cake.

Could be....and could be the history of injuries we have at that position and have nothing to do with him.

 

[DCBoysfan]

I love these reports, but I don't get to excited yet, its still early.