darthseinfeld
Groupthink Guru
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Cowboys fans that really want an edge rusher at 27 I feel will be very disappointed. At that stage in the draft all the first round grades at the position will be long gone and your looking at mid to late second rounders. If thats the case, I really dont see Dallas reaching unless the draft plays out a worst case senario for them. Even this early in the process, before the combine and FA, I think I have a good feel for how this first round is going to play out for Dallas.
Staying at 27, I feel Dallas is going to go one of three ways.
- DT Michael Bennett: Explosive intiror talents are very key to a Tampa 2 defense. 3 Technique in this scheme is more important than an RDE. We have Tyrone Crawford in that role right now, but last season Marinelli got him and Melton on the field together often (when Melton was healthy). A Nickle defense with both Crawford and Bennett inside could create alot of duress for QB's on 3rd down. Its also worth noting Crawford is in the last year of his deal.
- HB Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon: Dallas made huge improvements across the board last season thanks in large part to being able to dominate possession. A dominant OL was a huge reason for that, but an elite HB in Murray was critical as well. Well Murray is a FA and there is a very real possibility he wont be back. If not I feel HB will be very high on the Cowboys wish list and would be shocked if the 2nd day of the draft concluded without the Cowboys selecting a HB. With the position being devalued there is a decent chance one or both of Gurley/Gordon will be on the board when Dallas picks. If that happens there is a very good chance they are BPA.
OLB Paul Dawson: After 3 Tech, the Will is 2nd most important spot in the Tampa 2 defense, and while Cowboy fans love the thought of Lee playing there with McClain in the middle, Lee is a bit of a unicorn and its far from certain McClain will be back. Even of McClain is brought, I dont think they are confident Lee can stay on the field. If Lee was a SAM, it wouldnt be a huge issue, but given that its the all important Will spot, I see LB being a position they strongly consider at 27. Shaq Thompson is the biggest name. But odds are he is gone. Denzel Perryman is gathering a fanbase here, but he is a thumper and not much of a coverage backer. He isnt a fit in this scheme. Personally I think Dawson is the best Tampa 2 LB in the draft, even more so then Thompson and can also play each LB position. His character concerns has him in a flux right now, but as a player IMO he is right for that 27 spot
Staying at 27, I feel Dallas is going to go one of three ways.
- DT Michael Bennett: Explosive intiror talents are very key to a Tampa 2 defense. 3 Technique in this scheme is more important than an RDE. We have Tyrone Crawford in that role right now, but last season Marinelli got him and Melton on the field together often (when Melton was healthy). A Nickle defense with both Crawford and Bennett inside could create alot of duress for QB's on 3rd down. Its also worth noting Crawford is in the last year of his deal.
- HB Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon: Dallas made huge improvements across the board last season thanks in large part to being able to dominate possession. A dominant OL was a huge reason for that, but an elite HB in Murray was critical as well. Well Murray is a FA and there is a very real possibility he wont be back. If not I feel HB will be very high on the Cowboys wish list and would be shocked if the 2nd day of the draft concluded without the Cowboys selecting a HB. With the position being devalued there is a decent chance one or both of Gurley/Gordon will be on the board when Dallas picks. If that happens there is a very good chance they are BPA.
OLB Paul Dawson: After 3 Tech, the Will is 2nd most important spot in the Tampa 2 defense, and while Cowboy fans love the thought of Lee playing there with McClain in the middle, Lee is a bit of a unicorn and its far from certain McClain will be back. Even of McClain is brought, I dont think they are confident Lee can stay on the field. If Lee was a SAM, it wouldnt be a huge issue, but given that its the all important Will spot, I see LB being a position they strongly consider at 27. Shaq Thompson is the biggest name. But odds are he is gone. Denzel Perryman is gathering a fanbase here, but he is a thumper and not much of a coverage backer. He isnt a fit in this scheme. Personally I think Dawson is the best Tampa 2 LB in the draft, even more so then Thompson and can also play each LB position. His character concerns has him in a flux right now, but as a player IMO he is right for that 27 spot
