Future Focus- Josh Brent

[dbair1967]

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4677232/cowboys-future-focus-nt-josh-brent

By Tim MacMahon
JOSH BRENT

Position: Nose tackle
Height: 6-2. Weight: 315
College: Illinois
How acquired: 2010 supplemental seventh-round pick

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Quotable: “He’s a stud. The Cowboys got a steal with that pick.” – NFC pro personnel director

Bryan Broaddus’ Scout’s Eye: “The most impressive thing about Josh Brent is his ability to play on the other side of the line of scrimmage. The guy plays with power. He needs to learn how to free himself more often, but he is a strong guy. He has the ability the drive his man back, but he needs to learn to disengage better. The ball goes by him at times. He’ll be in position to make a play, but he’s not disengaged and then the ball will go by him. But his ability to get push is good. He plays with a lot of effort but needs to become a little bit more of a sideline-to-sideline guy. He needs to develop more pass-rush moves instead of just trying to push the pocket. I think his role can increase. The good thing about Josh Brent this year is that he played more throughout the season. The confidence level of the coaches has to be pretty high going into next year with him. If he just works on some technique refinement, he’s got a chance.”

 

[Galian Beast]

Probably more suited for defensive end. Why can't we get a huge run stopping nose tackle?

 

[The Realist]

Probably more suited for defensive end. Why can't we get a huge run stopping nose tackle?

Because their might be 4-5 of them on the entire planet.

 

[speedkilz88]

Probably more suited for defensive end. Why can't we get a huge run stopping nose tackle?

He is a huge run stopping NT, he's just not overweight like the ones you are referring to.

 

[dbair1967]

I think Brent could end up playing a very key role for 2011. If they think he can handle the NT job fulltime, that means we could potentially move Ratliff to DE, which fills a hole that we might otherwise have to use an early draft pick on or at the least sign someone via free agency.

 

[fortdick]

Because their might be 4-5 of them on the entire planet.

Why do we want to change? Jay Ratliff is a Pro Bowl NT. He is not prototypical, but he is one of the best in the game.

 

[21Savage]

Why do we want to change? Jay Ratliff is a Pro Bowl NT. He is not prototypical, but he is one of the best in the game.

A lot of that depends on what Rob Ryan wants to do. He ran a 2 gap 3-4 style in Cleveland (not sure if that was his or Mangini's idea) and there's no way Rat can be dominant in that system. Even Wade said the exact thing in one of his PCs that Rat can't play a 2 gap system.

Wade also said that Brent had Jamal Williams kind of strength so if that's the case then with an extra year in the weight room and our system I can see him being the starting NT next year.

 

[Galian Beast]

Why do we want to change? Jay Ratliff is a Pro Bowl NT. He is not prototypical, but he is one of the best in the game.

I love how people forget the season once its over.

Ratliff got pushed around this year at nose tackle. We couldn't stop the run to save our lives because the defensive line couldn't contain anything.

4.3 yards per attempt allowed... 18th in the nfl...

 

[Ken]

A lot of that depends on what Rob Ryan wants to do. He ran a 2 gap 3-4 style in Cleveland (not sure if that was his or Mangini's idea) and there's no way Rat can be dominant in that system. Even Wade said the exact thing in one of his PCs that Rat can't play a 2 gap system.

Wade also said that Brent had Jamal Williams kind of strength so if that's the case then with an extra year in the weight room and our system I can see him being the starting NT next year.

I agree with this entirely.

I like Brent, I think he is a player and have been saying that since Preseason.

I really think Ratliff goes to end and Brent ends up the NT.

 

[jobberone]

We need someone who can play a 2 gap when the offense dictates it. We'll have to wait until Ryan unveils his defense to see what's up with Rat. I'm sure that is one thing Garrett wanted to know before hiring him.

Also, while Ryan may move Rat to DE for more snaps, I doubt he will permanently move him there. Rat has not wanted to play DE and has not done well there. We'll see what Ryan has in store for him.

 

[perrykemp]

He is a huge run stopping NT, he's just not overweight like the ones you are referring to.

Ideally, you want to a BJ Raji / Vince Woolfolk type in the 3-4 -- guys who push the center of the OL back into the QB -- irregardless of whether they are getting sacks or not.

 

[Galian Beast]

ratliff will do what he is told to do...

dont understand the unwillingness to entertain the idea by fans...

its an obvious move that needs to be made. He can;t plug up the run, and his pass rushing talents arent best suited for nose.

people say the same thing about shaun rogers, and they moved him to defensive end.

 

[speedkilz88]

Ideally, you want to a BJ Raji / Vince Woolfolk type in the 3-4 -- guys who push the center of the OL back into the QB -- irregardless of whether they are getting sacks or not.

Ideally you want Troy Aikman or Roger Staubach at QB. Doesn't mean Tony Romo isn't a great qb in his own right.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Quotable: “He’s a stud. The Cowboys got a steal with that pick.” – NFC pro personnel director

So sometimes we ignorant laymen get it right.

Can't wait to see this guy after a full offseason of proper training. If there's a lockout, Ratliff or someone better take him under their wing and make them lift the right way all spring and summer.

 

[Arch Stanton]

But I was told he wasn't a NT and can't eat space?

 

[Nexx]

Why do we want to change? Jay Ratliff is a Pro Bowl NT. He is not prototypical, but he is one of the best in the game.

cause he is a great at being disruptive in the passing game but he just isnt built to do what NT's are meant to do is clog up the middle. why do you think we got gashed in the running game so much this year?

 

[CowboysPhan]

Pardon my ignorance guys, but I can't remember for some reason. How/when did we get Brent? Was he a draft pick last season? Sorry, my brain seems to be malfunctioning.:

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

He is a huge run stopping NT, he's just not overweight like the ones you are referring to.

Exactly... Since when 315 not big enough to play NT? I think he will get a chance to start which will allow Ratliff to play DE.

 

[JeffInDC]

Exactly... Since when 315 not big enough to play NT? I think he will get a chance to start which will allow Ratliff to play DE.

And, don't forget that he was asked by Wade and crew to LOSE weight to get to the 315 he is now (to play the 1-Gap scheme). This kid had 325+ written all over him.

 

[AmishCowboy]

Pardon my ignorance guys, but I can't remember for some reason. How/when did we get Brent? Was he a draft pick last season? Sorry, my brain seems to be malfunctioning.:

We picked him in the Supplemental draft using a 7th round pick from this years draft, we got that pick back for Patrick Crayton