Drafting O-Linemen in the1st Round

[diamonddelts]

Now how about a QB

Now don't be greedy.

 

[kskboys]

Why do so many people think every draftee can be "coached up"? This is one of the most overused and misunderstood terms on this board.

Talent comes first, and talent trumps all. If a draftee lacks talent, he's just not going to make it no matter who or how is coaching.

Talent on the OL means strength, lateral agility, balance, and instincts. Some things can be taught or "coached up". Those things cannot. Improved a bit maybe, sure, but not coached into a player.

 

[plasticman]

And have a big fat 0 to show for all those # 1 picks on offlineman!!!!
You draft Playmakers with your top round picks, not offlineman who should be taken in the later rounds and coached up!
Total WASTE in our case the last 10 years!!!

If the Cowboys have not won championships lately then the last group to blame is the Cowboys offensive line. If every Cowboys squad played with that intensity then they would be wearing rings.

I agree, it will never replace championships but that O-line blocked for two different league leading RB's in a three year period. That is quite an accomplishment.

A one point, all three guys made 1st team All Pro in the same season. This means that the Dallas Cowboys had the league's best tackle, guard and center on the same line.

The more "playmakers" you draft in the 1st round, the higher their second contract and the less money you have to protect these investments with an efficient O-line.

Besides, what quality of playmaker do you expect to find in the bottom 3rd of the 1st round? I can certainly see pulling the trigger on a fantastic value when a top prospect seems to slide for no reason,

Since 2000, there have been 30 players in the top 12 picks that were QB, RB, WR, TE and made at least 3 Pro Bowls. Comparing this to skill players at the bottom 12 of the 1st round, the number decreases to 13. The decrease is far less steep when we look at the first 12 picks of the 2nd round where there are 9 skill position players with three or more Pro Bowls.

Using the 1st round to build your lines is not only sensible in terms of managing the cap, it is the modus operandi of building a successful team in the NFL.

Step 1: The right QB
Step 2: Protect him