How soon will Hatcher contribute in the season? Will he be a major sacking impact?

[theogt]

The key word you are missing: rotation.

Another key thing: Ellis's future with the team.

 

[genghiskhan]

The key word you are missing: rotation.

No, I'm not missing it. I'm just not big on wasting resources. Taking a rotation guy in the 7th round, like Ratliff for instance, makes sense. Taking a rotation guy from a far inferior level of competition in the 3rd round...let's just call it curious.

 

[big dog cowboy]

No, I'm not missing it. I'm just not big on wasting resources. Taking a rotation guy in the 7th round, like Ratliff for instance, makes sense. Taking a rotation guy from a far inferior level of competition in the 3rd round...let's just call it curious.

I'm not getting into the argument of defending the pick, but he was about to be taken by at least 2 other teams. One thing I do agree with is Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcells both think you can never have enough good D-linemen. This guys upside is outstanding.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Another key thing: Ellis's future with the team.

Agreed. I, for one, am not convinced he even has one.

 

[genghiskhan]

I'm not getting into the argument of defending the pick, but he was about to be taken by at least 2 other teams. One thing I do agree with is Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcells both think you can never have enough good D-linemen. This guys upside is outstanding.

I understand and agree with all those things. I'm not convinced that this was the right guy at the right time, but we'll find out.

 

[Silverstar]

We always want instant results, and sometimes we get them. It took Aikman a few years, Irvin a few years, Emmitt atleast 1 year, Bradie James 3 years. Point is, it's okay if the guy and some of our other players has a couple of 3 years behind them to get the job done.

It doesn't mean we can't make it to the bowl, but if Hatcher blows our front line away during pre-season, then maybe he is the steal of the draft. If he doesn't, it's okay - He has time.

I agree with this.

He's a rookie and he's going to have problems reading and reacting to the run and pass. When he goes to Fed Ex for the first time and hears 80,000 hostile fans screaming, he'll either rise up to the challenge and make plays :chop: or become the invisible man. :blind:

 

[theogt]

I understand and agree with all those things. I'm not convinced that this was the right guy at the right time, but we'll find out.

Who would you have preferred at that spot?

 

[RealCowboyfan]

I agree with this.

He's a rookie and he's going to have problems reading and reacting to the run and pass. When he goes to Fed Ex for the first time and hears 80,000 hostile fans screaming, he'll either rise up to the challenge and make plays :chop: or become the invisible man. :blind:

That might just hype his whole career up.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

PREDICTIONS: 64 Tackles; 4.5 Sacks; 2 interceptions; 24 TFL; 4 FF; 2 FR ; 12 Pass Deflections

:starspin

2 picks?

12 pass deflections?

Things that make you go "hmm".

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Hatcher could be a diamond in the rough....

 

[MikeBigg]

Hatcher could be a diamond in the rough....

I can agree with that...but he is definitely gonna come through shining. Hatcher got better each year that he was at Grambling (despite some position changes). Initially, he was a prop wide receiver who hurt his knee prior to his first season of eligibility. While he was out, he "grew" to around 265lbs and was moved to Tight End. Doug Williams saw his physical abilities and decided to move him over to defense (we ran mostly 4 receiver packages anyway). He had some injuries his sophomore year that cost him some time on the field...last year was actually his "junior" year since he could have petitioned for another year and gotten it under the NCAA's academic progress rule.

I read some of the knocks on him, but remember that he has only been playing defensive line for 2 seasons. On top of that, he only played maybe two years of high school ball (freshman and senior year) due to his focus on basketball until his senior year. But there's not questioning his ability and talent (size, runs well, and is intense). The best thing is that he is such a good character guy. Came up the hard way and didn't whine or whimper but worked to improve the quality of life for him and his family. Imagine playing football and supporting a family on the collegiate level.