Do you fellas think we have something in Kalen Thornton or is he a goner?

[TruBlueCowboy]

Of all the benchwarmers I have been most intrigued with in recent years, Kalen Thornton is near the top of the list. I still remember that one preseason in which he tore it up, but I have yet to see anything else, and the injury really limits his learning. I always pictured him being an ideal outside linebacker in the 3-4, considering he was already one of those undersize pass rushing defensive ends. Most Longhorn fans have told me he was a great athlete in college, he just had some injuries slow him down. Do you think Thornton will be back with a vengeance and maybe be our next Tyson Thompson, or do you think he's a lost cause?

 

[RCowboyFan]

Of all the benchwarmers I have been most intrigued with in recent years, Kalen Thornton is near the top of the list. I still remember that one preseason in which he tore it up, but I have yet to see anything else, and the injury really limits his learning. I always pictured him being an ideal outside linebacker in the 3-4, considering he was already one of those undersize pass rushing defensive ends. Most Longhorn fans have told me he was a great athlete in college, he just had some injuries slow him down. Do you think Thornton will be back with a vengeance and maybe be our next Tyson Thompson, or do you think he's a lost cause?

Good issue. I have been meaning to post about Thorton myself too. I think, from what I have seen, he will be a damn good backup to Ware or pretty good Pass Rushing LB for cowboys for years, barring injuries.

So I dont think he is lost cause at all. Remember he just started his transition to LB himself from DE in college. He is not as talented at D Ware, but sure seemed a good Pass Rusher.

 

[Alexander]

I think it is nice to think he might be something, but with any inexperienced player coming off an injury, we would be smart not to rely on him.

I still don't think he was a lock to make our final roster this past summer when he was healthy.

If he makes it, great. If not, that's fine also.

 

[Hiero]

I nevre got a chance to see him. It would be nice to have him be a success though when he comes back.

 

[Doomsday101]

I think Thornton can be a good player if he can stay off the injury list.

 

[Zaxor]

I think it is nice to think he might be something, but with any inexperienced player coming off an injury, we would be smart not to rely on him.

I still don't think he was a lock to make our final roster this past summer when he was healthy.

If he makes it, great. If not, that's fine also.

I agree I think he is gonna be a player but by no means should we rely on it

 

[maxsports]

Kalen WAS a lock to make the roster!!!!!!!!!!! Parcells loves him.
If he can stop getting injured, I think he will be pretty good.

 

[Alexander]

Kalen WAS a lock to make the roster!!!!!!!!!!! Parcells loves him.
If he can stop getting injured, I think he will be pretty good.

He was a lock in 2004. What you might remember is Coach Parcells saying before the final exhibition that he made the team.

There was no guarantees of anything from Coach Parcells' lips this past year to my knowledge.

 

[RCowboyFan]

He was a lock in 2004. What you might remember is Coach Parcells saying before the final exhibition that he made the team.

There was no guarantees of anything from Coach Parcells' lips this past year to my knowledge.

There was something from Parcells. He specifically pointed out Thorton and some other OL player, as admirable, as they were practicing, despite injuries. It seemed like he was a lock to make the team too, before he had to placed on IR.

 

[thssanders]

Parcells also sang praises on Kenyon Coleman. He said he was performing great in the 3-4 and it was the defense he was meant to play in... that worked out well.

 

[Alexander]

Parcells also sang praises on Kenyon Coleman. He said he was performing great in the 3-4 and it was the defense he was meant to play in... that worked out well.

He sang praises about Willie Blade and Dalroy Stewart. And cut them within a matter of weeks.

 

[Derinyar]

Anything we get from Thornton is gravy. IIRC he was a UDFA. Anything you get from a UDFA is a great bonus. At this point the chance of him making an impact is minimal. Hes entering his 3rd year and has played a minimal number of snaps in his first year.

We should be hoping he turns into a decent backup player, and not be upset if he doesn't.

 

[Hiero]

Parcells also sang praises on Kenyon Coleman. He said he was performing great in the 3-4 and it was the defense he was meant to play in... that worked out well.

I thought coleman played well near the beginning of the season. Not bad for a backup guy. No way would he ever start over canty and spears though.

 

[Zaxor]

He sang praises about Willie Blade and Dalroy Stewart. And cut them within a matter of weeks.

jammel Powell and andrew Davidson also

 

[Mike 1967]

I believe that we definitely have something in Kalen, if he can get (and stay) healthy.

And I am sure that my fellow UT fans share my opinion.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Of all the benchwarmers I have been most intrigued with in recent years, Kalen Thornton is near the top of the list. I still remember that one preseason in which he tore it up, but I have yet to see anything else, and the injury really limits his learning. I always pictured him being an ideal outside linebacker in the 3-4, considering he was already one of those undersize pass rushing defensive ends. Most Longhorn fans have told me he was a great athlete in college, he just had some injuries slow him down. Do you think Thornton will be back with a vengeance and maybe be our next Tyson Thompson, or do you think he's a lost cause?

Yes, provided he comes back healthy and BP is the coach.......otherwise, could be a short career....but, BP really likes the guy.

 

[baj1dallas]

I think he could back up Ware.

 

[neosapien23]

Not to sound like a homer, but he did much better his first year than Kevin Burnett. Parcells was trying to find ways to put him in the game even though we ran 4-3. Burnett just seemed lost his first year. I wouldn't be suprised if Thorton starts opposite Ware next year and Fujita is moved to the inside

 

[sago1]

Coleman's play did improve going from 4-3 to 3-4, but it did not continue and so he was unable to hold off Spears continued improvement. He even was beat out as Spears backup by Jay Ratliff (high ankle sprain led to IR). I like Spears & Canty but would also like to Ellis if we can; he is a good pass rusher & team leader. Interesting to see how much Ratliff's develops in offseason along with Spears & Canty.

Will miss Glover but his $7m+ cap hit is just too much; but we need get good replacement for him unless Pepper Johnson has shown enough to coaching staff to be a good backup but got my doubts cause he didn't get much play; I'd like to see us draft/sign a young DT who would become starting NT (sooner rather then later) in next 10 years.

Interesting that Parcells elected put Thornton on IR to have knee injury which means we paid him whole salary instead of our usually settling with the injuried player & then cutting him. If Thorton has the talent, he's going to have to show it in minis & TC cause 06 is his 3rd season. e've got Ware & James at 2 LB positions with the other 2 questionable. Burnett, Shanle, Thornton, Fowler & Fujita will be competing for those 2 positions and (if we bring him back) so will Singleton. If we sign a FA OLB, we won't need Singleton cause this vet would provide the experience Parcells craves at LB, particularly if Dat retires. We might opt to sign ILB if Parcells not happy with inexperienced choices he currently has at this position & keep Singleton.

Do think this offseason will be as interesting as last season. I thought I read somewhere on this board about 2/3 weeks ago (?) that Parcells said 10-15 players on this team would not be returning in 06 & I don't think he was referred only to those players he signed on for last few weeks of season just cause we had temp need for them.