Defensive Line Thoughts

[Verdict]

Let's suppose hypothetically that a player drops to the Cowboys in the first round that they don't feel like they can afford to pass on, such as a stud OT (or tight end --ha ha), and we take a defensive lineman in the second round. We have a lot of young guys who got hurt coming back and a few guys like Selvie who appear serviceable at least as a rotational player.

In that hypothetical, how much better would the defensive line look next year? Now suppose we just take one DL in the first round. Would it change your opinion?

Is it much like the addition of Frederick? Can one player make a noticeable difference in the DL play (along with the guys who are coming back).

 

[Fredd]

It depends on the player, IMO and also if the FO picks up any DL resources prior to May 8th....so, if they get someone with NFL experience added, and Crawford/Bass come back, then the DL need isn't quite as dire as long as they draft one or more somewhat early

So, if they get a legit OT or OG in the 1st, then they had better take a DL in the 2nd....if they get DL in the first, then you go back to BPA (within reason) in the 2nd

 

[theogt]

The problem is we have to replace Hatcher AND add that one additional spark. So, we basically have to hit on at least two additions to mirror what happened with the oline. Plus hope that Ware can get back to form, assuming he too isn't cut.

I'm also not of the belief that dlinemen help each other, or rather depend upon one another, as much as olinemen. So the impact of a single player on his colleagues seems less relative to the oline.

 

[Aven8]

I'm still trying to figure out why anybody thinks a pick at 16 on the Dline is guaranteed to come in and start.

Now he might start, but only because we have nobody else. To find help in the draft is going to take a lot of luck, much like getting Rat in the 7th.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

We got lucky being okay after only selecting one OLman last year. We got lucky because Smith developed into an All Pro much sooner than we imagined, Free did a 180 after he looked awful the year before, Leary stepped up as a legit starter in his second year, Waters signed on with us, and Bern played healthy and consistent after Waters went down.

It would be very unlikely for all those things to go the right way on DL next year because we don't have the potential on DL that we had on OL. Maybe, maybe, maybe if Ware has the best season of his career and Crawford turns into a Pro Bowler. But do you really expect that to happen?

 

[theogt]

I'm still trying to figure out why anybody thinks a pick at 16 on the Dline is guaranteed to come in and start.

Now he might start, but only because we have nobody else. To find help in the draft is going to take a lot of luck, much like getting Rat in the 7th.

I have the opposite feelings about that draft selection. If you pick DL at 16 and he's not ready to start its a problem with the draft selection.

 

[xwalker]

I'm still trying to figure out why anybody thinks a pick at 16 on the Dline is guaranteed to come in and start.

Now he might start, but only because we have nobody else. To find help in the draft is going to take a lot of luck, much like getting Rat in the 7th.

Most DL drafted in the 1st round start unless they have really good veterans in front of them. Even the ones that don't start usually play many snaps in a rotation. DL and RB are the positions most likely to play a lot as rookies.

 

[xwalker]

Let's suppose hypothetically that a player drops to the Cowboys in the first round that they don't feel like they can afford to pass on, such as a stud OT (or tight end --ha ha), and we take a defensive lineman in the second round. We have a lot of young guys who got hurt coming back and a few guys like Selvie who appear serviceable at least as a rotational player.

In that hypothetical, how much better would the defensive line look next year? Now suppose we just take one DL in the first round. Would it change your opinion?

Is it much like the addition of Frederick? Can one player make a noticeable difference in the DL play (along with the guys who are coming back).

Are they replacing Hatcher with a free agent? Are they keeping Ware or replacing him with a free agent?

I think there will be opportunities to add some quality mid-level free agent DL. Seattle has 2 free agents DTs that are rotating primarily at the 3-tech spot and both are free agents. I expect one of them to be available as a free agent. They're both around 27 years old. McDonald and McDaniel are the players. I'm sure that there are other mid-tier free agents that will be available.

 

[theSHOW]

I'm still trying to figure out why anybody thinks a pick at 16 on the Dline is guaranteed to come in and start.

Now he might start, but only because we have nobody else. To find help in the draft is going to take a lot of luck, much like getting Rat in the 7th.

Dallas should find 2 d line starters from this draft. You said it. We have nobody else. I feel DeMarcus should be released. Release the Krakken! Probably need to spend picks on guard safety and a linebacker. and go dt and de x 2. With any luck Ware gets rappin with James on the chairlift and signs with Houston.

 

[AsthmaField]

If it is the right DL then yes, he could make a big difference. Marinelli and this scheme are both conducive to coming in early, playing and playing well.

Just like Marinelli got guys in off the street and a week later they were getting significant snaps... he can take a high, talented draft choice at DT and have him playing well after OTA's, mini-camps, and training camp. That is no stretch at all, IMO.

Speaking for myself, that is a big reason I'm excited about the thought of bringing in a DT like Donald or Jernigan. They would help the DL right away.

One free agent DL and another drafted highly would completely change the way the DL plays, IMO. Suddenly guys that were having to start like Hayden or Selvie are backups in a rotation and the entire unit plays better.

That's just how I see it.

 

[rags747]

Was not impressed with Jernigan at all in the BCS title game, now only game I saw of him this year but that one game I did not see a difference maker. I am of the opinion we should get two DL heavy duty contributors out of this draft at the minimum. Ware IMO will be back and hopefully can stay healthy. I think we found some good rotation guys this year, just need two more from the draft. Other than receiver and maybe another O lineman rest of the draft should be all defense, at least at the top of the draft.

 

[Aven8]

And then there's the list of first round bust.......

 

[cowboys1981]

If a guy coming off the street can pick up on the scheme and have some success, I imagine a first round talent could have a bigger impact.

 

[Nightman]

I'd like to a get a total of 3 new DT/DEs through the draft and FA. At least one vet and couple young guys could make a big difference, especially if Selvie continues to play well and they get anything from Crawford and Bass.

 

[Sasquatch]

Let's suppose hypothetically that a player drops to the Cowboys in the first round that they don't feel like they can afford to pass on, such as a stud OT (or tight end --ha ha), and we take a defensive lineman in the second round. We have a lot of young guys who got hurt coming back and a few guys like Selvie who appear serviceable at least as a rotational player.

In that hypothetical, how much better would the defensive line look next year? Now suppose we just take one DL in the first round. Would it change your opinion?

Is it much like the addition of Frederick? Can one player make a noticeable difference in the DL play (along with the guys who are coming back).

Eric Ebron?

 

[Tabascocat]

I think we need to go heavy on the defensive line this draft, but......if a blue-chip OT/OG stud falls to us, then I would not complain about the pick if he is clearly the BPA. If that were to happen, then the DL would need to be addressed in the 2nd/3rd and FA's.

Look at how much better Fred made our line. Could the same be said for a defensive lineman? I don't know if his name isn't Clowney or Nix.

 

[rwalters31]

Let's suppose hypothetically that a player drops to the Cowboys in the first round that they don't feel like they can afford to pass on, such as a stud OT (or tight end --ha ha), and we take a defensive lineman in the second round. We have a lot of young guys who got hurt coming back and a few guys like Selvie who appear serviceable at least as a rotational player.

In that hypothetical, how much better would the defensive line look next year? Now suppose we just take one DL in the first round. Would it change your opinion?

Is it much like the addition of Frederick? Can one player make a noticeable difference in the DL play (along with the guys who are coming back).

Well, I have made the same comments for two off-season drafts and they have all been correct as the need for the team. However, Jerry choose to go in different directions. But since the same problems are still there, I will go back to my comments for the pass two seasons:
1) Two years ago running a 3-4 defense and a passing offense:
a. Adding DT to push the pocket back and tackle the running back in the back field. Two are needed to win this battle every down. DTs will make the DEs look like Supermen. With this type of pressure the secondary will look like pro-bowlers. The defense will win games
b. Adding guards will allow the QB to step up into the pocket and allow receiver routes to develop. The guards will make the OTs look like Supermen and the QB a Pro-bowler. Wide receivers down the field are open for those game changing plays.
2) one year ago running a 4-3 defense and mostly a passing offense:
a. Adding DT to push the pocket back and tackle the running back in the back field. Two are needed to win this battle every down. DTs will make the DEs look like Supermen. With this type of pressure the secondary will look like pro-bowlers. The defense will win games
b. Adding guards will allow the QB to step up into the pocket and allow receiver routes to develop. The guards will make the OTs look like Supermen and the QB a Pro-bowler. Wide receivers down the field are open for those game changing plays. Opening holes for the running back to get to the next level will take the pressure off the QB.
3) This coming year running a 4-3 defense and a 50-50 passing to run offense. The 49ers and Seattle have both shown the Cowboys how it is done. They are built for trench warfare. They both win the battles up front on defense and they run the ball effective and efficiently with fewer passing that go for big plays and fewer turnovers.
a. Adding DTs to push the pocket back and tackle the running back in the back field. Two are needed to win this battle every down. DTs will make the DEs look like Supermen. With this type of pressure the secondary will look like pro-bowlers. The defense will win games
b. Adding guards will allow the QB to step up into the pocket and allow receiver routes to develop. The guards will make the OTs look like Supermen and the QB a Pro-bowler. Wide receivers down the field are open for those game changing plays. Opening holes for the running back to get to the next level will take the pressure off the QB.

As you can see the same comments and predictions each of the years, but Jerry chooses to go in a different direction. The two DT are NOT on the team from last year and need to be added this year. The two guards are NOT on the team from last year and need to be added this year. If again Jerry does not make these changes then we are looking not to change the outcome of the last three years. In other words look for another 8-8 season then predict the following year to be 6-10. Book mark this thread for reading at the end of next season.

Cowboy Fan for ever, I just wished Jerry was too!!

 

[Hoofbite]

I have the opposite feelings about that draft selection. If you pick DL at 16 and he's not ready to start its a problem with the draft selection.

No kidding and aside from that.......what 2 DEs and DTs are going to start ahead of a 1st round pick? Hell, half the guys on the DL right now likely played their last down. Ever.

 

[ccb04]

Given the state of the DL...any selected would likely be counted on to contribute at least on a rotational basis. And like most other teams...the Cowboys typically expect their 1st round picks to start.

 

[LatinMind]

Let's suppose hypothetically that a player drops to the Cowboys in the first round that they don't feel like they can afford to pass on, such as a stud OT (or tight end --ha ha), and we take a defensive lineman in the second round. We have a lot of young guys who got hurt coming back and a few guys like Selvie who appear serviceable at least as a rotational player.

In that hypothetical, how much better would the defensive line look next year? Now suppose we just take one DL in the first round. Would it change your opinion?

Is it much like the addition of Frederick? Can one player make a noticeable difference in the DL play (along with the guys who are coming back).

I dont think DT will be RD1 anyways. Im willing to bet this yrs draft pick will be either DE or S. But something tells me Dallas will stay with the young safeties they have and develop and go after a passrusher.

Trent Murphy, Kony Ealy look alot better then any DT in this draft.