DL Review

[xwalker]

I was just reviewing the DL after the Josh Brent announcement. I'm still confident in the players they have including at DT. I prefer Ken Bishop over Josh Brent long term anyway.

Many are worried about DT, but they have a lot of options. McClain was never healthy last season, Bishop now has some NFL experience. Whaley is like having a mid round draft pick this year. Some of the DE(s) can play inside like Hardy and Mincey.

IMO, they might not be stacked with elite talent at DT but they have some depth and are going to cut some players that will likely get a job somewhere as a rotational DLineman.


76 DE Hardy, Greg - RDE
94 DE Gregory, Randy – RDE. Can play inside also.
90 DE Lawrence, DeMarcus - LDE
92 DE Mincey, Jeremy – Probably LDE this year. Can play inside also.

99 DE Russell, Ryan – Seems ideally suited to LDE but might project inside also.
93 DE Gardner, Ben – Probable LDE but played inside at times in college.
58 DE Crawford, Jack – Best game in 2014 was at DT.
64 DE Edwards, Lavar – Played some in 2014 then got injured.
79 DE Boatright, Kenneth – Promoted to the 53 late in the season.

98 DT Crawford, Tyrone – Starting 3tech
64 DT Whaley, Chris – Like having an extra draft pick this year after being on IR all of last year. Probably a 3tech but played both in college.
66 DT Bishop, Ken – More of a Marinelli type 1tech than Brent was because he has quickness to provide some pass rush but is also very strong. Did a decent job in limited action last season including a playoff game.
60 DT Coleman, Davon – Jokester with some talent.
96 DT Hayden, Nick – Marinelli seems to love him, but he is not very talented. He does get outside and to LB depth to make some tackles that you wouldn’t expect of a 1tech, but not strong at the point of attack and not much of a pass rusher.
97 DT McClain, Terrell – Combo 1/3 tech. Another Marinelli type 1tech that has pass rush ability. Was never completely healthy last season but showed flashes of being a good pass rusher.

46 DE Efe Obada – Appears to have been switched to TE.

They probably keep 10 on the 53 although they had up to 11 at times since switching to the 4-3.
The top 6 or 7 seem like locks for the 53.
Hardy
Gregory
Lawrence
Mincey

Crawford
McClain

Hayden – Sadly probably a lock again this year.

That leaves 3 or possibly 4 spots for 8 players.
Bishop – Seems like the idea Marinelli 1tech that is strong but has some pass rush ability.
Whaley – Probable 3tech but also played 1tech in college.
Russell – Physically seems ideally suited to LDE. Has good size, strength and long arms.
Gardner - Good short area quickness and explosive measurable(s) but really short arms.
Coleman – Good physical ability as a 3tech but immature.
J. Crawford – Looked really good at 3tech in 1 game, just OK at DE.
Boatright – Probably has PS eligibility remaining.
Edwards – Might be out of PS eligibility. Has good physically ability considering he’s about the 15th ranked DL on the team.

My guess if they carry 11:
1, Hardy
2. Gregory
3. Lawrence
4. Mincey
5. Crawford
6. McClain
7. Hayden
8. Bishop
9. Whaley
10. Russell
11. Gardner

 

[AsthmaField]

Good stuff as always, X. I pretty much agree on who makes the final roster.

I never expected Brent to be much of a player in this defense. Like you said, Bishop is more Marinelli's style anyway... and Rod loves him some Hayden.

Frankly, I wonder if Dallas didn't tell Brent that he was going to be cut if he didn't retire.

I think the team might have felt like he wasn't going to make the roster anyway and getting rid of one of their few off the field issue players would simplify things PR wise.

Who knows really? Just a guess.

 

[itsaboat]

Marinelli said he likes Hayden and thinks his athleticism is underrated. Says he has feet like a big linebacker and can move. Doesn't sound like he's going anywhere. Bishop, Hayden, and McClain should be enough at 1T. I wonder if any of these guys (Coleman, Gardner, J.Crawford) will make the team.

 

[AsthmaField]

Marinelli said he likes Hayden and thinks his athleticism is underrated. Says he has feet like a big linebacker and can move. Doesn't sound like he's going anywhere. Bishop, Hayden, and McClain should be enough at 1T. I wonder if any of these guys (Coleman, Gardner, J.Crawford) will make the team.

I agree. Like X mentioned a few of the DE's can play inside as well. I expect to see Mincey inside in nickel defense quite a bit.

With Hardy, Gregory, and Russell being brought in, I wonder if Gardner might not end up inside permanently. They could want Gardner at SDE though, for short yardage. Who knows?

Marinelli is so big about the rotation and using guys at more than one spot, it is probably a little bit of all of it.

 

[BigStar]

I was just reviewing the DL after the Josh Brent announcement. I'm still confident in the players they have including at DT. I prefer Ken Bishop over Josh Brent long term anyway.

Many are worried about DT, but they have a lot of options. McClain was never healthy last season, Bishop now has some NFL experience. Whaley is like having a mid round draft pick this year. Some of the DE(s) can play inside like Hardy and Mincey.

IMO, they might not be stacked with elite talent at DT but they have some depth and are going to cut some players that will likely get a job somewhere as a rotational DLineman.


76 DE Hardy, Greg - RDE
94 DE Gregory, Randy – RDE. Can play inside also.
90 DE Lawrence, DeMarcus - LDE
92 DE Mincey, Jeremy – Probably LDE this year. Can play inside also.

99 DE Russell, Ryan – Seems ideally suited to LDE but might project inside also.
93 DE Gardner, Ben – Probable LDE but played inside at times in college.
58 DE Crawford, Jack – Best game in 2014 was at DT.
64 DE Edwards, Lavar – Played some in 2014 then got injured.
79 DE Boatright, Kenneth – Promoted to the 53 late in the season.

98 DT Crawford, Tyrone – Starting 3tech
64 DT Whaley, Chris – Like having an extra draft pick this year after being on IR all of last year. Probably a 3tech but played both in college.
66 DT Bishop, Ken – More of a Marinelli type 1tech than Brent was because he has quickness to provide some pass rush but is also very strong. Did a decent job in limited action last season including a playoff game.
60 DT Coleman, Davon – Jokester with some talent.
96 DT Hayden, Nick – Marinelli seems to love him, but he is not very talented. He does get outside and to LB depth to make some tackles that you wouldn’t expect of a 1tech, but not strong at the point of attack and not much of a pass rusher.
97 DT McClain, Terrell – Combo 1/3 tech. Another Marinelli type 1tech that has pass rush ability. Was never completely healthy last season but showed flashes of being a good pass rusher.

46 DE Efe Obada – Appears to have been switched to TE.

They probably keep 10 on the 53 although they had up to 11 at times since switching to the 4-3.
The top 6 or 7 seem like locks for the 53.
Hardy
Gregory
Lawrence
Mincey

Crawford
McClain

Hayden – Sadly probably a lock again this year.

That leaves 3 or possibly 4 spots for 8 players.
Bishop – Seems like the idea Marinelli 1tech that is strong but has some pass rush ability.
Whaley – Probable 3tech but also played 1tech in college.
Russell – Physically seems ideally suited to LDE. Has good size, strength and long arms.
Gardner - Good short area quickness and explosive measurable(s) but really short arms.
Coleman – Good physical ability as a 3tech but immature.
J. Crawford – Looked really good at 3tech in 1 game, just OK at DE.
Boatright – Probably has PS eligibility remaining.
Edwards – Might be out of PS eligibility. Has good physically ability considering he’s about the 15th ranked DL on the team.

My guess if they carry 11:
1, Hardy
2. Gregory
3. Lawrence
4. Mincey
5. Crawford
6. McClain
7. Hayden
8. Bishop
9. Whaley
10. Russell
11. Gardner

You left Hayden in there I've never seen a player deemed worthy because they "regularly and accurately" are flushed out of a play (coaches). He's reliable in that you know he will be pushed off the ball? With Brent going reserved, the team should pick up someone in camp after cuts, etc. I just don't get his place on the team? Is he the only DL capable of not freelancing as the 1 ?

 

[xwalker]

Good stuff as always, X. I pretty much agree on who makes the final roster.

I never expected Brent to be much of a player in this defense. Like you said, Bishop is more Marinelli's style anyway... and Rod loves him some Hayden.

Frankly, I wonder if Dallas didn't tell Brent that he was going to be cut if he didn't retire.

I think the team might have felt like he wasn't going to make the roster anyway and getting rid of one of their few off the field issue players would simplify things PR wise.

Who knows really? Just a guess.

I initially thought Brent was probably out of shape and they were going to cut him or they really got on his case about it; however, there was a quote by Marneilli they he worked his arse off this off-season to become the 1tech that they wanted.

Bishop went to a small college. It was impressive that he was even active as a rookie especially in a playoff game. His college game footage is really fun to watch. He was about as dominant as any player that you'll ever see.

 

[waving monkey]

I'm still not clear about the 1tech DT .
They want him to eat space but get to the passer
A space eatin pass rusher seems like he'd be a little scarce .
I know thats not the case but combining strength and quick step?

 

[Doc50]

I was just reviewing the DL after the Josh Brent announcement. I'm still confident in the players they have including at DT. I prefer Ken Bishop over Josh Brent long term anyway.

Many are worried about DT, but they have a lot of options. McClain was never healthy last season, Bishop now has some NFL experience. Whaley is like having a mid round draft pick this year. Some of the DE(s) can play inside like Hardy and Mincey.

IMO, they might not be stacked with elite talent at DT but they have some depth and are going to cut some players that will likely get a job somewhere as a rotational DLineman.


76 DE Hardy, Greg - RDE
94 DE Gregory, Randy – RDE. Can play inside also.
90 DE Lawrence, DeMarcus - LDE
92 DE Mincey, Jeremy – Probably LDE this year. Can play inside also.

99 DE Russell, Ryan – Seems ideally suited to LDE but might project inside also.
93 DE Gardner, Ben – Probable LDE but played inside at times in college.
58 DE Crawford, Jack – Best game in 2014 was at DT.
64 DE Edwards, Lavar – Played some in 2014 then got injured.
79 DE Boatright, Kenneth – Promoted to the 53 late in the season.

98 DT Crawford, Tyrone – Starting 3tech
64 DT Whaley, Chris – Like having an extra draft pick this year after being on IR all of last year. Probably a 3tech but played both in college.
66 DT Bishop, Ken – More of a Marinelli type 1tech than Brent was because he has quickness to provide some pass rush but is also very strong. Did a decent job in limited action last season including a playoff game.
60 DT Coleman, Davon – Jokester with some talent.
96 DT Hayden, Nick – Marinelli seems to love him, but he is not very talented. He does get outside and to LB depth to make some tackles that you wouldn’t expect of a 1tech, but not strong at the point of attack and not much of a pass rusher.
97 DT McClain, Terrell – Combo 1/3 tech. Another Marinelli type 1tech that has pass rush ability. Was never completely healthy last season but showed flashes of being a good pass rusher.

46 DE Efe Obada – Appears to have been switched to TE.

They probably keep 10 on the 53 although they had up to 11 at times since switching to the 4-3.
The top 6 or 7 seem like locks for the 53.
Hardy
Gregory
Lawrence
Mincey

Crawford
McClain

Hayden – Sadly probably a lock again this year.

That leaves 3 or possibly 4 spots for 8 players.
Bishop – Seems like the idea Marinelli 1tech that is strong but has some pass rush ability.
Whaley – Probable 3tech but also played 1tech in college.
Russell – Physically seems ideally suited to LDE. Has good size, strength and long arms.
Gardner - Good short area quickness and explosive measurable(s) but really short arms.
Coleman – Good physical ability as a 3tech but immature.
J. Crawford – Looked really good at 3tech in 1 game, just OK at DE.
Boatright – Probably has PS eligibility remaining.
Edwards – Might be out of PS eligibility. Has good physically ability considering he’s about the 15th ranked DL on the team.

My guess if they carry 11:
1, Hardy
2. Gregory
3. Lawrence
4. Mincey
5. Crawford
6. McClain
7. Hayden
8. Bishop
9. Whaley
10. Russell
11. Gardner

Good post.

I've been wondering about the 1T, and hope that Bishop and McClain make Hayden expendable.

 

[AsthmaField]

I initially thought Brent was probably out of shape and they were going to cut him or they really got on his case about it; however, there was a quote by Marneilli they he worked his arse off this off-season to become the 1tech that they wanted.

Bishop went to a small college. It was impressive that he was even active as a rookie especially in a playoff game. His college game footage is really fun to watch. He was about as dominant as any player that you'll ever see.

Yeah, I liked him a lot last year and wanted him to get as many snaps as possible.

After what he did last year coming out of such a small school, I have expected a big jump from him next year. I think he is a pretty big part of why the team is in no itching hurry to draft a 1-tech.

 

[xwalker]

You left Hayden in there I've never seen a player deemed worthy because they "regularly and accurately" are flushed out of a play (coaches). He's reliable in that you know he will be pushed off the ball? With Brent going reserved, the team should pick up someone in camp after cuts, etc. I just don't get his place on the team? Is he the only DL capable of not freelancing as the 1 ?

Yes, watching Hayden is one of the more frustrating things that you can do as a Cowboys fan. Marinelli's comment that he is like a LB has a lot of truth to it. His results are similar to what you would expect if you moved a LB to the 1tech. He gets outside and back to LB depth to get in on some tackles that you really don't expect of a DT, but he get blown out at the point of attack. He rarely draws double-teams which gives the offense an extra blocker to get LB or help with one of the other DL. When he does get double-teamed he provides minimal resistance.

 

[BigStar]

Yes, watch Hayden is one of the more frustrating things that you can do as a Cowboys fan. Marinelli's comment that he is like a LB has a lot of truth to it. His results are similar to what you would expect if you moved a LB to the 1tech. He gets outside and back to LB depth to get in on some tackles that you really don't expect of a DT, but he get blown out at the point of attack. He rarely draws double-teams which gives the offense an extra blocker to get LB or help with one of the other DL. When he does get double-teamed he provides minimal resistance.

Oh I know you knew, just the frustrating agreement that he will likely be on the roster yet again...

 

[xwalker]

Oh I know you knew, just the frustrating agreement that he will likely be on the roster yet again...

They gave him 200K guaranteed which seemed really odd because I can't imagine any other team was offering him more than a non-guaranteed veterans minimum deal.

 

[BigStar]

They gave him 200K guaranteed which seemed really odd because I can't imagine any other team was offering him more than a non-guaranteed veterans minimum deal.

Read that too and wasn't "unexpected" seeing his way to find the field despite his play, etc. Coaches have their pets...look at Beasley as one. 38 catches results in a contract that seemed necessary, etc. Cole is an actual contributor so not meant to take away from his game but this team rewarded 10 avg and 40 catches for a niche position. Why did we draft Escobar again?

 

[AsthmaField]

I'm still not clear about the 1tech DT .
They want him to eat space but get to the passer
A space eatin pass rusher seems like he'd be a little scarce .
I know thats not the case but combining strength and quick step?

They just don't want a big, slothful 320 pound guy who can't move very well. There are guys who are 300-305 like Bishop that can anchor just fine against the run but they can also pursue and get through a gap if that's what the coaches want.

Just because it is a running down doesn't mean that the offense isn't going to throw the ball. With a big 325 pound guy, if it is a play action pass, he just isn't going to get to the QB. With guys like Bishop, they have the movement skills to apply some pressure if it isn't a run.

The biggest thing is that Marinelli is going to have a rotation that keeps the DT's from getting worn out. If you just have one starter at 1-tech, he needs to be bulky to hold up over 4 quarters. A smaller guy will eventually get worn out. A rotation of two more mobile guys who are smaller will need rest... but that is just what Marinelli gives them. They're both fresh for the 4th quarter.

 

[BigStar]

They just don't want a big, slothful 320 pound guy who can't move very well. There are guys who are 300-305 like Bishop that can anchor just fine against the run but they can also pursue and get through a gap if that's what the coaches want.

Just because it is a running down doesn't mean that the offense isn't going to throw the ball. With a big 325 pound guy, if it is a play action pass, he just isn't going to get to the QB. With guys like Bishop, they have the movement skills to apply some pressure if it isn't a run.

The biggest thing is that Marinelli is going to have a rotation that keeps the DT's from getting worn out. If you just have one starter at 1-tech, he needs to be bulky to hold up over 4 quarters. A smaller guy will eventually get worn out. A rotation of two more mobile guys who are smaller will need rest... but that is just what Marinelli gives them. They're both fresh for the 4th quarter.

He does need to take the double teams though (know you know; just pointing that out regarding smaller players and simply fat players,etc.) You need a big athletic lineman who can push the pocket after initially interacting with the G or C (suction). They take more OL as they push the pocket; leaving leaner, faster lineman to scoop. They shouldn't even be rushing the passer, rather than taking on lineman to make the job easier, etc. That is probably why Hayden is still on this team in that he doesn't shoot his gap taking only one OL, etc. He gathers OL to let other defenders make plays. There is a much more aggressive and efficient way of doing this but we lack the 1 tech to make this work ideally.

 

[CF74]

It's gonna be up to McClain and Crawford.. Hoping a vet fa cuts loose somewhere. I want one more big nasty in the middle...

 

[xwalker]

I'm still not clear about the 1tech DT .
They want him to eat space but get to the passer
A space eatin pass rusher seems like he'd be a little scarce .
I know thats not the case but combining strength and quick step?

Marinelli will sacrifice size/power for more pass rush ability. Paea was his 1tech in Chicago. The Cowboys OL really pushed Paea around but Paea had more sacks than the average 1tech for the season.

 

[xwalker]

Read that too and wasn't "unexpected" seeing his way to find the field despite his play, etc. Coaches have their pets...look at Beasley as one. 38 catches results in a contract that seemed necessary, etc. Cole is an actual contributor so not meant to take away from his game but this team rewarded 10 avg and 40 catches for a niche position. Why did we draft Escobar again?

I was a bit surprised by the Beasley contract.

Escobar has value as Witten's backup at the primary TE position. The requirements to play the #2 TE position are different than the requirements to replace Witten. Hanna got more snaps that Escobar last season, but if Witten had been injured, it would have been Escobar that replaced him, not Hanna.

 

[BigStar]

I was a bit surprised by the Beasley contract.

Escobar has value as Witten's backup at the primary TE position. The requirements to play the #2 TE position are different than the requirements to replace Witten. Hanna got more snaps that Escobar last season, but if Witten had been injured, it would have been Escobar that replaced him, not Hanna.

You like the idea of drafting injury replacements? It would be one thing if we incorporated Esco ove the last two seasons, but the team doesn't make the attempt; wasted pick? Drafting for injury is new to me. Drafting for future is great if the current TE has "shown a willingness" to give up snaps for his "replacement"? Somethig tells me Dez would get flack over this sabotage if he was a vet in the same position? Fasano, Marty, Escobar; Witten don't want no 2nd TE

 

[LatinMind]

I was just reviewing the DL after the Josh Brent announcement. I'm still confident in the players they have including at DT. I prefer Ken Bishop over Josh Brent long term anyway.

Many are worried about DT, but they have a lot of options. McClain was never healthy last season, Bishop now has some NFL experience. Whaley is like having a mid round draft pick this year. Some of the DE(s) can play inside like Hardy and Mincey.

IMO, they might not be stacked with elite talent at DT but they have some depth and are going to cut some players that will likely get a job somewhere as a rotational DLineman.


76 DE Hardy, Greg - RDE
94 DE Gregory, Randy – RDE. Can play inside also.
90 DE Lawrence, DeMarcus - LDE
92 DE Mincey, Jeremy – Probably LDE this year. Can play inside also.

99 DE Russell, Ryan – Seems ideally suited to LDE but might project inside also.
93 DE Gardner, Ben – Probable LDE but played inside at times in college.
58 DE Crawford, Jack – Best game in 2014 was at DT.
64 DE Edwards, Lavar – Played some in 2014 then got injured.
79 DE Boatright, Kenneth – Promoted to the 53 late in the season.

98 DT Crawford, Tyrone – Starting 3tech
64 DT Whaley, Chris – Like having an extra draft pick this year after being on IR all of last year. Probably a 3tech but played both in college.
66 DT Bishop, Ken – More of a Marinelli type 1tech than Brent was because he has quickness to provide some pass rush but is also very strong. Did a decent job in limited action last season including a playoff game.
60 DT Coleman, Davon – Jokester with some talent.
96 DT Hayden, Nick – Marinelli seems to love him, but he is not very talented. He does get outside and to LB depth to make some tackles that you wouldn’t expect of a 1tech, but not strong at the point of attack and not much of a pass rusher.
97 DT McClain, Terrell – Combo 1/3 tech. Another Marinelli type 1tech that has pass rush ability. Was never completely healthy last season but showed flashes of being a good pass rusher.

46 DE Efe Obada – Appears to have been switched to TE.

They probably keep 10 on the 53 although they had up to 11 at times since switching to the 4-3.
The top 6 or 7 seem like locks for the 53.
Hardy
Gregory
Lawrence
Mincey

Crawford
McClain

Hayden – Sadly probably a lock again this year.

That leaves 3 or possibly 4 spots for 8 players.
Bishop – Seems like the idea Marinelli 1tech that is strong but has some pass rush ability.
Whaley – Probable 3tech but also played 1tech in college.
Russell – Physically seems ideally suited to LDE. Has good size, strength and long arms.
Gardner - Good short area quickness and explosive measurable(s) but really short arms.
Coleman – Good physical ability as a 3tech but immature.
J. Crawford – Looked really good at 3tech in 1 game, just OK at DE.
Boatright – Probably has PS eligibility remaining.
Edwards – Might be out of PS eligibility. Has good physically ability considering he’s about the 15th ranked DL on the team.

My guess if they carry 11:
1, Hardy
2. Gregory
3. Lawrence
4. Mincey
5. Crawford
6. McClain
7. Hayden
8. Bishop
9. Whaley
10. Russell
11. Gardner

Out of all the rookies DL last yr, word from both Talkin Cowboys and Cowboys Break was the team liked Gardner and what limited action they saw from him. But what they loved was, that while other rookies like Coleman, Bishop and Whaley did just enough to get the coaches off their backs Gardner was at VR every day rehabbing and getting bigger. They said multiple times that he was basically Sean Lee's shadow and Lee even had Gardner at VR in the weight room on Christmas.

They say his body has transformed, and bigger. He was pretty big before, as he looked like a man amongst boys last yr with other rookies. Would not suprise me if he starts at some point this yr at LDE. The guy would have easily been a 2-3 round pick if it wasnt for his torn pec, hell round 1 wasnt out of the question either. Guy started 2013 very hot and was manhandling everybody he went up against, and then got hurt.

Dont sleep on Gardner, the guy is a beast with the talent to back it up. Dallas wasnt suprised when he went on IR Spagnola reported because of the injury to his pec already.

Another guy to watch out for is Whaley. Him and Gardner is going to provide production in the rotation. Whaley can just flat out disrupt the middle because he is so athletic. He gives you something at the 3tech that Crawford doesnt have and that speed. He has that closing speed to get that QB in pursuit that Crawford doesnt have. Too many times last yr we saw QBs just roll out the pocket to escape Crawford pretty easily.