DT is our #1 need

[Cowboy Brian]

May not be a crazy limb here, but after re-watching most of our games from last year I've come to the conclusion that it is an absolute no-brainer, DT is our #1 need. Improved DT play will drastically increase the production of our secondary, as well as our linebackers. I'd argue that it'll additionally assist our DE's, who'll likely be Ware & Selvie, in getting pressure next year. Outside of DT, S is our biggest whole. However both Wilcox and Church have flashed immense potential, at DT I don't believe anyone outside of Hatcher is a worthy project, or starting NFL player. The only way we are contenders next year is with a dramatic increase in play at DT, it doesn't matter if we had Shermon, Revis, Chancellor and Thomas in our secondary, they can't cover with this pathetic excuse of a pass rush.

Our window may be about shut, but we can pry it back open for another two seasons with two high-potential/high-production DT's. I'm now in favor of Donald or Jernigan at #16, in fact (and this will get a lot of heat), I'd like to come back into the the 1st and get both. A lot of teams are desperate to move down because of this drafts depth, our 2nd and 4th (and a next year 5th) could likely get us back in at #18-#20. This only works if Donald makes it to #18 and Jernigan is still on the board (which he likely will be). If we were able to do this, I think we are a playoff team next year.

 

[Lonestar94]

Yeah, Nick Hayden was horrible. Can't believe people were saying good things about him last year.

 

[Dcowboy84]

it is always frustrating when you see our DEs getting to the QB but they are able to just step up into a massive hole in the middle. granted Hatcher did help with that a bit this year but who knows what his status with the team will be and even if he's back if he'd have the same type of season.

i would agree with you on the need but we need to be careful to not reach. i have no idea where those guys will be rated on the boards, although it is likely they will both be rated in that area.

the issue is the teams in front of us that have the same potential DT need. Chicago is the big one considering the Melton situation, and they have been pegged as a landing spot for Jernigan.

we all know that conjecture at this point is usually pretty worthless but even if we decided to use all the ammunition you suggested to move up i think it's very unlikely that both guys are there by the time we pick.

this all depends on what happens b/w now and the draft to see if these guys' stock drops at all, but if i had to put money on it i'd say Jernigan is gone and Donald is the one who could be there for us.

then it all depends on where he is in relation to the other players on our board. but i'd personally be running the card to the front if he's there.

 

[Chuck 54]

I would not expect greatly improved play at DT. We couldn't have asked for better DT play than we received from Hatcher. The problem was the other side and depth. If we land exactly the guy we want at DT in the draft, that guy is just trying to replace Hatcher if he walks, and will a rookie really play better than Hatcher did last year? Then you're still looking at a problem on the other side, right? So now you draft another DT or you hope Crawford will actually be a good DT (not proven). So you draft the ideal DT and hope another drafted DT or Crawford will be significantly better than all the guys used last year. It's not promising, man.

Now, if you somehow managed to hold onto Hatcher because the market didn't offer him much, and then you add Jurnigan or Donald in the draft, now maybe you get significantly better DT play.

But now you're still looking for a DE because I would argue that maybe DE was an even worse position than DT. We got practically nothing from Ware...whether that's because of decline, new position taking a toll on the body, or just freak injuries, we didn't get consistent pressure, sacks, or even tackles out of him last year. The other side was a hodge-podge, and now we're going to let Spencer walk?

We cannot put all our eggs in one basket here. Our DL was awful except for Hatcher.

Round 1 we need to take the best impact player we can get at any position, even offense, or trade down for additional picks. Then we need to use the rest of the draft and some modest free agency signings to bring in DT's, DE's, and at least 1 more DB. We'd better bring in at least 1 more OL, and if we let Miles Austin walk, we still need another WR.

Fixing one position, even DT, isn't going to fix this thing....we need several parts and we need to stay healthy.

 

[Cowboy Brian]

I would not expect greatly improved play at DT. We couldn't have asked for better DT play than we received from Hatcher. The problem was the other side and depth. If we land exactly the guy we want at DT in the draft, that guy is just trying to replace Hatcher if he walks, and will a rookie really play better than Hatcher did last year? Then you're still looking at a problem on the other side, right? So now you draft another DT or you hope Crawford will actually be a good DT (not proven). So you draft the ideal DT and hope another drafted DT or Crawford will be significantly better than all the guys used last year. It's not promising, man.

Now, if you somehow managed to hold onto Hatcher because the market didn't offer him much, and then you add Jurnigan or Donald in the draft, now maybe you get significantly better DT play.

But now you're still looking for a DE because I would argue that maybe DE was an even worse position than DT. We got practically nothing from Ware...whether that's because of decline, new position taking a toll on the body, or just freak injuries, we didn't get consistent pressure, sacks, or even tackles out of him last year. The other side was a hodge-podge, and now we're going to let Spencer walk?

We cannot put all our eggs in one basket here. Our DL was awful except for Hatcher.

Round 1 we need to take the best impact player we can get at any position, even offense, or trade down for additional picks. Then we need to use the rest of the draft and some modest free agency signings to bring in DT's, DE's, and at least 1 more DB. We'd better bring in at least 1 more OL, and if we let Miles Austin walk, we still need another WR.

Fixing one position, even DT, isn't going to fix this thing....we need several parts and we need to stay healthy.

That's why we need two DT's. With two DT's I'd feel confident about Ware returning (close) to form and Selvie stepping up as a starter.

 

[reddyuta]

lets just face it,we need a complete overhaul of the Dline and it is not going to be fixed in one season.The cowboys should go BPA and not take a lower ranked DE or DT just because our Dline is in shambles.

 

[chicago JK]

I think the window of this team was from 2007-2010. Some poor draft and acquisitions shut that door. I don't see this team as a championship contender.

I do believe if this team has 2 good drafts in the next 2 years (with one home run draft), plus make solid smart free agent pickups without breaking the bank, and keep Romo healthy, I think we would have a chance 2 years from now at the end of Romo's run.

A lot of "ifs" there though and this front office does not have a very good history being smart. I do not think you can fix the mess in one offseason though.

 

[DanTanna]

I agree with the above poster that said it is tiring seeing our DEs make it around the edge only to have the QB step up in the pocket and fire the ball to a wide open WR. Romo rarely steps up due to the fact that his ribs are tired of taking high velocity shots. He mostly peels around one of the tackles and runs for his life.

Two all pro DTs is what I'm prayin' for!

 

[BigStar]

May not be a crazy limb here, but after re-watching most of our games from last year I've come to the conclusion that it is an absolute no-brainer, DT is our #1 need. Improved DT play will drastically increase the production of our secondary, as well as our linebackers. I'd argue that it'll additionally assist our DE's, who'll likely be Ware & Selvie, in getting pressure next year. Outside of DT, S is our biggest whole. However both Wilcox and Church have flashed immense potential, at DT I don't believe anyone outside of Hatcher is a worthy project, or starting NFL player. The only way we are contenders next year is with a dramatic increase in play at DT, it doesn't matter if we had Shermon, Revis, Chancellor and Thomas in our secondary, they can't cover with this pathetic excuse of a pass rush.

Our window may be about shut, but we can pry it back open for another two seasons with two high-potential/high-production DT's. I'm now in favor of Donald or Jernigan at #16, in fact (and this will get a lot of heat), I'd like to come back into the the 1st and get both. A lot of teams are desperate to move down because of this drafts depth, our 2nd and 4th (and a next year 5th) could likely get us back in at #18-#20. This only works if Donald makes it to #18 and Jernigan is still on the board (which he likely will be). If we were able to do this, I think we are a playoff team next year.

I think Tyson Jackson in FA (cheap) could man the 1 (push the pocket) and Donald as the 3 tech in a slight trade up if need be. I don't like Jernigan's game at all. Otherwise, I'd go Martin @ 16 and pick up the DTs in the meat of the draft and picking up a cheaper FA.

 

[visionary]

I would not expect greatly improved play at DT. We couldn't have asked for better DT play than we received from Hatcher. The problem was the other side and depth. If we land exactly the guy we want at DT in the draft, that guy is just trying to replace Hatcher if he walks, and will a rookie really play better than Hatcher did last year? Then you're still looking at a problem on the other side, right? So now you draft another DT or you hope Crawford will actually be a good DT (not proven). So you draft the ideal DT and hope another drafted DT or Crawford will be significantly better than all the guys used last year. It's not promising, man.

Now, if you somehow managed to hold onto Hatcher because the market didn't offer him much, and then you add Jurnigan or Donald in the draft, now maybe you get significantly better DT play.

But now you're still looking for a DE because I would argue that maybe DE was an even worse position than DT. We got practically nothing from Ware...whether that's because of decline, new position taking a toll on the body, or just freak injuries, we didn't get consistent pressure, sacks, or even tackles out of him last year. The other side was a hodge-podge, and now we're going to let Spencer walk?

We cannot put all our eggs in one basket here. Our DL was awful except for Hatcher.

Round 1 we need to take the best impact player we can get at any position, even offense, or trade down for additional picks. Then we need to use the rest of the draft and some modest free agency signings to bring in DT's, DE's, and at least 1 more DB. We'd better bring in at least 1 more OL, and if we let Miles Austin walk, we still need another WR.

Fixing one position, even DT, isn't going to fix this thing....we need several parts and we need to stay healthy.

Agree with u

Sign livnal Joseph in FA
Rd 1 Donald (after trade down)
Rd 2 Marcus smith (de)
Rd 5 Ben gardener (de/DT)
Rd 6 moala (DT)

Instant DL

 

[BigStar]

Agree with u

Sign livnal Joseph in FA
Rd 1 Donald (after trade down)
Rd 2 Marcus smith (de)
Rd 5 Ben gardener (de/DT)
Rd 6 moala (DT)

Instant DL

I assumed Joseph/Melton would've been out of our price range before the CAP jump projections (still better have room for Smith/Dez). What kind of deal is he looking for?

 

[slick325]

I agree with the OP. DT is the number one need and DE isn't too far off.

Prior to the Senior Bowl and Combine, my dream scenario was for DWare to take a paycut, Dallas signs Linval Joseph in free agency to man the 1 Tech and draft Aaron Donald with a small trade down which would garner an extra 3rd round pick. However, Donald went out and made a bunch of noise at the Senior Bowl and Combine reinforcing his great season and film. This probably means the Bears may very well pull the trigger on him at #14. This however, is not the end all be all dream scenario.

Now, my dream scenario is DWare taking a paycut, Dallas signs Henry Melton in free agency to man the 3 Tech and drafts Timmy Jernigan at #16 to man the 1 Tech. Jernigan can also physically man the 3 Tech so he offers position flex as well. The move that may bring the most dislike from my esteemed members of the Zone is to draft Dominique Easley in round 2 to also man the 3 Tech. Easley has 1st round talent and with Jernigan and Melton would represent the best DT core Dallas has had since Russell Maryland, Leon Lett, Jimmy Jones, and Tony Casilas. Melton is 27yrs old, but I suspect his deal won't be much longer than 3-4 yrs with the last years being years Dallas can release him without much cap grief. Having Easley there would be the novel idea of having a guy on the roster that can replace the man being let go (See the NY Giants who may lose Linval Joseph but drafted Jonathan Hankins last season in round 2 just in case).

Yes, Easley has torn two ACL's and Melton has torn one ACL. BUT, this is no longer the day of Gayle Sayers where a torn ACL means career over. Players recover quickly and are able to play at a high level after suffering these injuries. The DL would be exponentially better with just these three additions mixed with a healthy DWare and Crawford. Whether it occurs or not.....who knows. As others have stated, I can argue for a OG, DE or LB being taken early as well. But.............I can dream right?

 

[Hardline]

Agree with u

Sign livnal Joseph in FA
Rd 1 Donald (after trade down)
Rd 2 Marcus smith (de)
Rd 5 Ben gardener (de/DT)
Rd 6 moala (DT)

Instant DL

At this point, You will probably not get Donald at #16. Much less a trade down. I am almost 100% sure Donald will be a Bear.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I'd rather go Nix or Donald at 16 and then wait till later in the draft and go after Easley, but not in the 2nd round. No way would I want to do that.

 

[Cowboy Brian]

I'd rather go Nix or Donald at 16 and then wait till later in the draft and go after Easley, but not in the 2nd round. No way would I want to do that.

I could respect that. Either way, we need two quite high-profile/high-production new starters at DT. I don't think resigning Hatcher is really a good move, he's too old. Best case we have 2 or 3 more seasons with him, and nothing is to say he return to the level he played last season.

 

[Doomsday101]

Yeah, Nick Hayden was horrible. Can't believe people were saying good things about him last year.

Hayden in rotation to give starter a breather I could live with, him having to play the vast majority of snaps is asking too much.

 

[RoboQB]

Reading the OP reminded me that Carolina had two rookies starting at DT last year and did very well... I'm all for the youth movement.

 

[Cowboy Brian]

Reading the OP reminded me that Carolina had two rookies starting at DT last year and did very well... I'm all for the youth movement.

Yup - also worked for Tampa Bay with Brian Price and Gerald McCoy, before Price punched Barron in the face and was cut lol. DT is a position where you can do a youth movement in a year without much risk as there isn't as much of a mental/playbook transition as with most positions. If the player can translate physically, they can make the jump quickly.

BTW a correction on the OP - I meant "This only works if Donald makes it to #16", not 18.

 

[TwoCentPlain]

Identifying immediate need right now only means something when you are looking at potential FAs. We don't have any money to play in the FA market yet.

Tell me what my needs will be come week one after the dust from training camp settles along with any camp injuries.

Draft BPA regardless of position. That goes for QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DT, DE, LB, CB, and S.

 

[visionary]

At this point, You will probably not get Donald at #16. Much less a trade down. I am almost 100% sure Donald will be a Bear.

The bears may take him but I doubt it
That would be a moot point anyway
But if the bears don't take him (as I think) then no one will take him until you get to SF or even Seattle so a trade to the mid 20s would be very low risk