Defensive Tackle Needs in the Draft

[cowboysooner]

First, I know there is some fluidity between the tackle positions, but just trying to start a conversation.

You can generally find a serviceable 1 technique in free agency. A guy like Roy Miller who went from Tampa to the Jags for not much or Alan Branch to Buffalo are a good examples of competent starters. However, with the Brent suspension and probable/possible use of Ratliff at the 3 tech, we really only have Lissmore who is a rotation guy.

For 2014, we really don't have a 3 technique under contract because Ratliff's salary is more than $8million and Hatcher's contract would be done.

3 techniques are much more difficult to find in free agency and usually expensive. The best one that moved this year was probably Tommy Kelly who is old and a malcontent.

What do you guys think we should do?
Draft a 1 and a 3 this year?
Draft a 3 this year?
Draft a 1 this year (which would leave us with 3 1's and no 3's in 2014)?
Nothing?

 

[xwalker]

First, I know there is some fluidity between the tackle positions, but just trying to start a conversation.

You can generally find a serviceable 1 technique in free agency. A guy like Roy Miller who went from Tampa to the Jags for not much or Alan Branch to Buffalo are a good examples of competent starters. However, with the Brent suspension and probable/possible use of Ratliff at the 3 tech, we really only have Lissmore who is a rotation guy.

For 2014, we really don't have a 3 technique under contract because Ratliff's salary is more than $8million and Hatcher's contract would be done.

3 techniques are much more difficult to find in free agency and usually expensive. The best one that moved this year was probably Tommy Kelly who is old and a malcontent.

What do you guys think we should do?
Draft a 1 and a 3 this year?
Draft a 3 this year?
Draft a 1 this year (which would leave us with 3 1's and no 3's in 2014)?
Nothing?

BPA.

Also, Alan Branch played the 3-tech in Seattle despite being the bigger of the 2 DTs.

 

[cowboysooner]

BPA.

Also, Alan Branch played the 3-tech in Seattle despite being the bigger of the 2 DTs.

Seattle plays that hybrid front where they have the strongside de 2 gapping and the other 2 tackle switching up.

Who knows what they have him doing in Buffalo? With Dareus and Williams inside he may be a 3-4 DE in Pettine's defense. I should have left him off.

 

[RS12]

The whole Josh Brent thing really set this team back. Would have been a valuable rotation piece.

 

[Idgit]

First, it really sucks to have lost Brent this season.

I think we can find a passable 1 tech later in the draft or as a FA. I also half expect us to bring in Amobi Okoye after the draft to play some three for us. He's still only 25, and did a decent job generating pressure for Marinelli in CHI.

We could go a lot of ways. If we're drafting, I'd take a 3 tech early this year or next and hope to backfill that 1 tech with a vet. Or bring in a mix of guys that play either position for you and sub them liberally until you find a mix that works.

And, I know I'm in the minority, but I'd let Brent step back in to the rotation in DAL once his suspension issues are resolved. He's a good player and is now going to be rehabilitating his career for two families, not just one. I'd like to see that story turn out happier than it's going to, otherwise.