ESPN: Why a 3-4 end can make sense early

[CCBoy]

Why a 3-4 end can make sense early
April, 27, 2011 Apr 2710:57AM
By Todd Archer


http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4679442/why-a-3-4-end-can-make-sense-early



IRVING, Texas -- Since Bill Parcells decided he had enough of the 4-3 scheme and wanted to bring a 3-4 to the Cowboys in 2005, the prevailing thought about defensive ends has been that they are two-down slugs meant to hold up blockers so others, especially the outside linebackers, can make plays.

To some that means there is not much value in selecting a 3-4 defensive end with the ninth overall pick. But it’s not entirely true either.

“They’re not always two-down players,” Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones said. “There are those guys that rush the passer too. There’ve been good ones playing in the 3-4. Wade [Phillips] used to remind us of the Bruce Smiths of the world played on the defensive line in a 3-4 … I think it’s a misperception that all of your 3-4 linemen are just first and second down players. That’s not correct. We do think there’s value there.”...

 

[junk]

A 3-4 end could very well be the pick. It fits in Jerry's MO of drafting a guy in 1 who can play right away. Goes against the concept of long term team building, but that's another discussion.

However, I disagree. For their production, you can find 3-4 ends elsewhere. Go through the playoff rosters of the 3-4 teams and look at where the bulk of their ends came from......it isn't high in the first round of the draft.