Don't Forget About These Guys; Cowboys "Medical Redshirts"

[USMarineVet]

Clipped a segment from BTB's "Medical Redshirts" post. It bears mentioning due to the fact that these players saw little or no playing time on the field last year. Combine these 5 players with this year's draft class and we have a host of new options going into 2015. It also bears mentioning that all 5 of these players will compete for a position of need.

• LB Sean Lee got an elite-level contract from the Cowboys in 2013, worth as much as $51 million over six years, and the Cowboys obviously think he's worth every cent of that contract - if he stays healthy. Stephen Jones said at the combine that Sean Lee is "ahead of target" in his torn ACL, and given that the injury happened last May, every indication is that Lee will be a full participant in OTAs. There have been discussions about moving Lee to the weak-side spot, but there is no doubt that getting him back at full strength will improve the Cowboys defense, regardless of where he plays.

• DT Amobi Okoye got a two-year contract from the Cowboys even though it was far from certain that he'd recover quickly enough to play in 2014. Or at all. But he did make progress last year, and the Cowboys are hopeful the 10th overall pick in the 2007 will be able to contribute this year. And despite missing two entire seasons, Okoye is still only 27 years old.

• CB Morris Claiborne is heading into his fourth NFL season, and has yet to live up to his draft pedigree. Six days after losing his starting spot early in 2014, Claiborne suffered a season-ending patella tendon rupture in Week 4, prompting some Cowboys fans to declare him a bust. The snake bit corner faces a steep uphill climb, as he's not expected to return before training camp, and might still be limited at that point.

• DE Ben Gardner suffered a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery for the 2014 seventh-round pick. The former Stanford standout is expected to add some competition on the D-line, and there are positive vibes at Valley Ranch about him, at least according to Bryan Broaddus: "Gardner has been in the weight room all season and I am hearing more positive news on him than any of the other players that missed the season."

• DT Chris Whaley was a productive defensive tackle at Texas, and the Cowboys brought him in knowing full well that he was likely to miss the entire 2014 season with torn ACL. Whaley is a former running back and has drawn favorable comparisons with Henry Melton, and could be a nice developmental prospect for the three-technique spot.

The one thing these players do not have going for them is that they do not have the allure of the new that will make the incoming rookie class the talk of town for fans and media alike. But just because they are not this year's shiny new toys doesn't mean they are of no value for the Cowboys. Far from it. Think about it this way:

What if, in addition to this year's seven draft picks, the Cowboys could additionally get

- a first-round corner (Claiborne)
- a first-round defensive tackle (Okoye)
- a second-round linebacker (Lee)
- and two extra seventh-round picks (Gardner & Whaley)

That would be a stellar haul, and highlights how much of an impact these players could have - if they all were to live up to their draft pedigree.

In 2013, Anthony Spencer and Tyrone Crawford were two of the Cowboys' "medical redshirts." Crawford came back from an Achilles tear to start in 15 games in 2014, Spencer came back from microfracture surgery and contributed 384 defensive snaps last year.

The Cowboys are certainly planning on Sean Lee to contribute this year at the level he has shown he is capable of in the past. The plans for the other four players are much less clear. At this point, any significant contribution from those four players would be an unexpected bonus that could make the difference for the Cowboys defense in 2015.

 

[yimyammer]

good read but needs to be edited to just one version

 

[USMarineVet]

good read but needs to be edited to just one version

Took care of that. Don't know why the hiccup but it's all good now. Thanks.

 

[Fletch]

I'm exited to see what we have in Gardner and Whaley. Can you imagine if the Cowboys hit on both of these guys and they develop? My oh my.

 

[dallasdave]

Clipped a segment from BTB's "Medical Redshirts" post. It bears mentioning due to the fact that these players saw little or no playing time on the field last year. Combine these 5 players with this year's draft class and we have a host of new options going into 2015. It also bears mentioning that all 5 of these players will compete for a position of need.

• LB Sean Lee got an elite-level contract from the Cowboys in 2013, worth as much as $51 million over six years, and the Cowboys obviously think he's worth every cent of that contract - if he stays healthy. Stephen Jones said at the combine that Sean Lee is "ahead of target" in his torn ACL, and given that the injury happened last May, every indication is that Lee will be a full participant in OTAs. There have been discussions about moving Lee to the weak-side spot, but there is no doubt that getting him back at full strength will improve the Cowboys defense, regardless of where he plays.

• DT Amobi Okoye got a two-year contract from the Cowboys even though it was far from certain that he'd recover quickly enough to play in 2014. Or at all. But he did make progress last year, and the Cowboys are hopeful the 10th overall pick in the 2007 will be able to contribute this year. And despite missing two entire seasons, Okoye is still only 27 years old.

• CB Morris Claiborne is heading into his fourth NFL season, and has yet to live up to his draft pedigree. Six days after losing his starting spot early in 2014, Claiborne suffered a season-ending patella tendon rupture in Week 4, prompting some Cowboys fans to declare him a bust. The snake bit corner faces a steep uphill climb, as he's not expected to return before training camp, and might still be limited at that point.

• DE Ben Gardner suffered a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery for the 2014 seventh-round pick. The former Stanford standout is expected to add some competition on the D-line, and there are positive vibes at Valley Ranch about him, at least according to Bryan Broaddus: "Gardner has been in the weight room all season and I am hearing more positive news on him than any of the other players that missed the season."

• DT Chris Whaley was a productive defensive tackle at Texas, and the Cowboys brought him in knowing full well that he was likely to miss the entire 2014 season with torn ACL. Whaley is a former running back and has drawn favorable comparisons with Henry Melton, and could be a nice developmental prospect for the three-technique spot.

The one thing these players do not have going for them is that they do not have the allure of the new that will make the incoming rookie class the talk of town for fans and media alike. But just because they are not this year's shiny new toys doesn't mean they are of no value for the Cowboys. Far from it. Think about it this way:

What if, in addition to this year's seven draft picks, the Cowboys could additionally get

- a first-round corner (Claiborne)
- a first-round defensive tackle (Okoye)
- a second-round linebacker (Lee)
- and two extra seventh-round picks (Gardner & Whaley)

That would be a stellar haul, and highlights how much of an impact these players could have - if they all were to live up to their draft pedigree.

In 2013, Anthony Spencer and Tyrone Crawford were two of the Cowboys' "medical redshirts." Crawford came back from an Achilles tear to start in 15 games in 2014, Spencer came back from microfracture surgery and contributed 384 defensive snaps last year.

The Cowboys are certainly planning on Sean Lee to contribute this year at the level he has shown he is capable of in the past. The plans for the other four players are much less clear. At this point, any significant contribution from those four players would be an unexpected bonus that could make the difference for the Cowboys defense in 2015.

Great post, these guys are like an extra free agent haul.

 

[boysfanindc]

Amobi Okoye - It's interesting to look back at some of their scouting reports leading up to their draft class, this is what CBS said when comparing him to players when he came out.

I hope he gets right health wise and gives us 50% of that type of production, has not played in 2 years.

Compares To: REGGIE WHITE-ex-Philadelphia/Green Bay … To compare a player to White is something that can not be done without much consideration. But the more you see Okoye on game films, the more convinced you become that he will not only have a long, fruitful career, but will continue to grow both physically and mentally. He has such great fire and plays with the relentless pace that made White the measuring stick for all other defensive linemen. He has the low center of gravity to play over the head of the center, the speed and explosion to shoot the gaps and the quickness to even move out and attack on the edge. Okoye is The NFL Draft Report's top-rated player for the 2007 draft.

 

[BlindFaith]

More like:

What if, in addition to this year's seven draft picks, the Cowboys could additionally get

(Claiborne) - a first-round corner Possible contributor. Could be replaced by a 3rd round pick.
(Okoye) - a first-round defensive tackle Possible contributor. Probably not first round potential. Let's be optimistic and call him a 2nd
(Lee) - a second-round linebacker Possible All Pro
(Gardner) - a seventh-round de/dt Possible contributor. Hearing good things and could be valued more at a 4th/5th
(Whaley) - a FA add 3T Possible contributor. Probably worth a late draft pick if healthy

 

[USMarineVet]

Amobi Okoye - It's interesting to look back at some of their scouting reports leading up to their draft class, this is what CBS said when comparing him to players when he came out.

I hope he gets right health wise and gives us 50% of that type of production, has not played in 2 years.

Yep.. He was drafted 10th overall in 2007 and he's only 28 years old.

 

[silver]

The only one of the bunch I have reserved expectations is Lee. The others woudn't surprise me if they are early cuts. Claiborne will stick around since his deal is guaranteed whether he's here or not.

 

[Doomsday101]

I'm looking forward to seeing all these guys on the field as camp rolls around especially Chris Whaley. I think he is a prefect fit in Marinelli defense

 

[DBOY3141]

I thought I read that Claiborne has already been ruled out for TC, so I think we are looking at either PUP or Short Term IR. Not expecting anything from him.
Lee will be good for 11 or 12 games and should be a force during those games.
Whaley/Gardner I have high hopes that they can provide better depth than Selvie/Melton.
Okoye is interesting to see how he recovers. Not really expecting much.

 

[xwalker]

I'm looking forward to seeing all these guys on the field as camp rolls around especially Chris Whaley. I think he is a prefect fit in Marinelli defense

Yes, Whaley is the one I'm most interesting to see. His college game footage was really good. IMO, it was right there with guys that are ranked 2nd/3rd rounders this year.

 

[BiffWellingtonIII]

I'd be fine dumping all of them .

 

[xwalker]

Clipped a segment from BTB's "Medical Redshirts" post. It bears mentioning due to the fact that these players saw little or no playing time on the field last year. Combine these 5 players with this year's draft class and we have a host of new options going into 2015. It also bears mentioning that all 5 of these players will compete for a position of need.

• LB Sean Lee got an elite-level contract from the Cowboys in 2013, worth as much as $51 million over six years, and the Cowboys obviously think he's worth every cent of that contract - if he stays healthy. Stephen Jones said at the combine that Sean Lee is "ahead of target" in his torn ACL, and given that the injury happened last May, every indication is that Lee will be a full participant in OTAs. There have been discussions about moving Lee to the weak-side spot, but there is no doubt that getting him back at full strength will improve the Cowboys defense, regardless of where he plays.

• DT Amobi Okoye got a two-year contract from the Cowboys even though it was far from certain that he'd recover quickly enough to play in 2014. Or at all. But he did make progress last year, and the Cowboys are hopeful the 10th overall pick in the 2007 will be able to contribute this year. And despite missing two entire seasons, Okoye is still only 27 years old.

• CB Morris Claiborne is heading into his fourth NFL season, and has yet to live up to his draft pedigree. Six days after losing his starting spot early in 2014, Claiborne suffered a season-ending patella tendon rupture in Week 4, prompting some Cowboys fans to declare him a bust. The snake bit corner faces a steep uphill climb, as he's not expected to return before training camp, and might still be limited at that point.

• DE Ben Gardner suffered a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery for the 2014 seventh-round pick. The former Stanford standout is expected to add some competition on the D-line, and there are positive vibes at Valley Ranch about him, at least according to Bryan Broaddus: "Gardner has been in the weight room all season and I am hearing more positive news on him than any of the other players that missed the season."

• DT Chris Whaley was a productive defensive tackle at Texas, and the Cowboys brought him in knowing full well that he was likely to miss the entire 2014 season with torn ACL. Whaley is a former running back and has drawn favorable comparisons with Henry Melton, and could be a nice developmental prospect for the three-technique spot.

The one thing these players do not have going for them is that they do not have the allure of the new that will make the incoming rookie class the talk of town for fans and media alike. But just because they are not this year's shiny new toys doesn't mean they are of no value for the Cowboys. Far from it. Think about it this way:

What if, in addition to this year's seven draft picks, the Cowboys could additionally get

- a first-round corner (Claiborne)
- a first-round defensive tackle (Okoye)
- a second-round linebacker (Lee)
- and two extra seventh-round picks (Gardner & Whaley)

That would be a stellar haul, and highlights how much of an impact these players could have - if they all were to live up to their draft pedigree.

In 2013, Anthony Spencer and Tyrone Crawford were two of the Cowboys' "medical redshirts." Crawford came back from an Achilles tear to start in 15 games in 2014, Spencer came back from microfracture surgery and contributed 384 defensive snaps last year.

The Cowboys are certainly planning on Sean Lee to contribute this year at the level he has shown he is capable of in the past. The plans for the other four players are much less clear. At this point, any significant contribution from those four players would be an unexpected bonus that could make the difference for the Cowboys defense in 2015.

Lee can obviously play when healthy. It makes me fell somewhat better knowing that his knee already had a partial tear in college and was probably going to fail at some point anyway.

Whaley might have the highest upside of any of them.

The 2011 version of Okoye would have been the 2nd best DLineman on the 2014 Cowboys roster.

Gardner just needs to be better than Selvie which is not a high bar.

Claiborne will probably miss training camp (he always does) and possibly be on the PUP to start the season. Then after 2015 he will be a free agent and not have any more value to the Cowboys than a free agent for another team. His time-frame to give the Cowboys any value from drafting him is now very very limited.

It is the small subtle things that all add up to make the difference in a team being OK to being really good. The subtle things like getting production out of lower draft picks or undrafted guys like Whaley/Gardner often are the difference in the modern NFL where parity reigns. These subtle issues go over the head of many fans and you'll probably get some posts that say dump all of them.

 

[Stash]

I thought I read that Claiborne has already been ruled out for TC, so I think we are looking at either PUP or Short Term IR. Not expecting anything from him.

I'm not expecting anything from Claiborne either. Anything at all will be a positive surprise.

Lee will be good for 11 or 12 games and should be a force during those games.

I look forward to him being back to his old self, and hopefully staying healthy.

Whaley/Gardner I have high hopes that they can provide better depth than Selvie/Melton.

I hope Whaley can provide some of the pass rush that Melton did and we'll see where Gardner fits in.

Okoye is interesting to see how he recovers. Not really expecting much.

I agree here too. It would be nice, but I'm not sure if the player he once was exists anymore.

 

[Alexander]

The way some people are counting on Gardner, it was like he was a first rounder or something.

 

[AsthmaField]

They can come back and help but expecting really good play from any of them beyond Sean Lee is not advisable.

Okoye had lost a lot of strength and size. He was sure-enough seriously ill. He does have a good work ethic and as long as it has been since he was drafted... he is still youngish.

Claiborne... well, I've just about given up hope on him, although I could be wrong to do so. He wasn't playing that well before he tore up his knee. At this point, I honestly would not take him over Patmon, who has every mental make-up trait that Morris doesn't. Dallas has hit some home runs in the draft the past several years. Claiborne is their one whiff, IMO. Can't be too upset about that.

Gardner is probably the guy I have the highest hopes for besides Lee. The guy goes 100 mph on every play, is smart, and while he isn't physically imposing, he has plenty of athleticism and size to be a contributor in a rotation at end. He could even be better than that because smarts and effort are so important in football.

Whaley sure fits the bill of a developmental 3-tech. I look at him and Gardner as late round picks in this year's draft. Sort of an add on to whoever Dallas takes this April.

I'm glad to have them all coming back and will hope for the best with Claiborne.

 

[AsthmaField]

The way some people are counting on Gardner, it was like he was a first rounder or something.

If you run the draft backwards, he was a first rounder. For your sake, I hope you still have it DVR'd.

 

[The Quest for Six]

We know Lee is the best player on this defense, just can't stay healthy....Claiborne is a BUST...Liked the Gardner pick, hopefully he can become serviceable pass rusher.....Okoye, out of Football for a couple of years, will need a lot of work, questionable if he makes the team....Whaley, just a guy....

 

[Mansta54]

Ben Gardner is gonna suprise a lot of folks.