I'm interested in seeing improvement at the 1-Tech spot

[honyock]

I've gotten really interested in seeing how much improvement Dallas can show at 1-tech this year.

As Winicki has been pointing out, Hayden played over 800 snaps, WAY too many snaps, especially for someone with marginal NFL talent. Given the state of the MASH unit, there weren't many choices. But that position was the weakest of the 22 positions on the team (you could make an argument for the safety position opposite Church but I think 1-tech was worse). It may have been one of ,if not the worst, production at a single position in the entire league.

If Bishop is ready to contribute, now it looks like McClain and Bishop should be in the running to provide a rotation at 1 on running downs/1st-2nd down. I'd hope for 15-25 snaps apiece from them. On passing downs, I'm guessing that Crawford or Gardner would get some significant snaps inside next to Melton.

That's assuming two 7th round rookies can step in and contribute. But hey, its the day after the draft, and with Bishop, it may not be too outlandish to hope for 15 snaps a game relatively soon.

I'm looking forward to following this position in training camp. One of the quickest ways to upgrade the train wreck form last years DL is to just get up to league average at the 1-tech, and it's nice to see some reinforcements and some position flex to give the team options there.

 

[TheRomoSexual]

I completely agree with your assessment. It wouldn't shock me if the starting lineup ended up being Gardner-Melton-McClain-Lawrence. Then, on 2nd/3rd downs, Selvie would come in for Gardner and Gardner/Crawford/Bass rotate in the 1.

Of course, this is way too early to make these kind of predictions, but it's fun to think about.

 

[Galian Beast]

I completely agree with your assessment. It wouldn't shock me if the starting lineup ended up being Gardner-Melton-McClain-Lawrence. Then, on 2nd/3rd downs, Selvie would come in for Gardner and Gardner/Crawford/Bass rotate in the 1.

Of course, this is way too early to make these kind of predictions, but it's fun to think about.

I don't think we'll see Gardner playing the 1 technique... I think if Bishop makes the team that role would be his.

Crawford, McClain, Hayden, Bass, Bishop.... all fighting for the starting 1 tech and the backup 1 tech

 

[Risen Star]

Why do people want Crawford playing the 1? It seems to me he has some pass rush ability. That's the last place I want him on that line.

 

[Alexander]

I've gotten really interested in seeing how much improvement Dallas can show at 1-tech this year.

If Hayden does not play a snap, it will be improved.

 

[honyock]

Why do people want Crawford playing the 1? It seems to me he has some pass rush ability. That's the last place I want him on that line.

I think there'll be plenty of nickel snaps where they put their 4 best pass rushers on the field at the same time. I'll bet you see Crawford at the 1 in some of those, maybe Gardner too.

 

[visionary]

Why do people want Crawford playing the 1? It seems to me he has some pass rush ability. That's the last place I want him on that line.

This
Crawford better be our starting SDE and kick inside on passing downs if needed

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

I think there'll be plenty of nickel snaps where they put their 4 best pass rushers on the field at the same time. I'll bet you see Crawford at the 1 in some of those, maybe Gardner too.

Absolutely Gardner and Crawford will play different spots in different situations.

 

[DFWJC]

I completely agree with your assessment. It wouldn't shock me if the starting lineup ended up being Gardner-Melton-McClain-Lawrence. Then, on 2nd/3rd downs, Selvie would come in for Gardner and Gardner/Crawford/Bass rotate in the 1.

Of course, this is way too early to make these kind of predictions, but it's fun to think about.

I'd be VERY surprised if Gardner started as a rookie. Home run if he does. Liked the pick regardless.

If people would take a step back and look at who got the snaps on defense last year...all over, not just on the line....they would see why there should be improvement all over the place this year in the 2nd year with Marinelli.

 

[Galian Beast]

Why do people want Crawford playing the 1? It seems to me he has some pass rush ability. That's the last place I want him on that line.

Melton will start at the 3. Crawford may be good enough to crack into the starting lineup, thus he would play the 1.

Look at when Hatcher was originally slated to play the 1, with Ratliff playing the 3. I don't think you should think that simply because someone is playing the 1, they won't be rushing the passer. They still will be.

Ideally our starting defensive line would look like this

Lawrence - Melton - Crawford - Spencer (healthy)
Selvie - Bass - Bishop - Gardner

 

[Wood]

I completely agree with your assessment. It wouldn't shock me if the starting lineup ended up being Gardner-Melton-McClain-Lawrence. Then, on 2nd/3rd downs, Selvie would come in for Gardner and Gardner/Crawford/Bass rotate in the 1.

Of course, this is way too early to make these kind of predictions, but it's fun to think about.

they have already said Lawrence will come in on 2nd & 3rd down. So your starting unit would look like: Crawford-Melton-McClain-Mincey. On 2nd & 3rd down it might look like: Selvie-Melton-Crawford-Lawrence.

 

[AmishCowboy]

they have already said Lawrence will come in on 2nd & 3rd down. So your starting unit would look like: Crawford-Melton-McClain-Mincey. On 2nd & 3rd down it might look like: Selvie-Melton-Crawford-Lawrence.

You def ht on the Starting lineup

 

[Yuma Cactus]

I have a feeling Josh Brent will be in the mix come camp time.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

The UFA Davon Coleman will be in the mix at the #1 technique also.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Why do people want Crawford playing the 1? It seems to me he has some pass rush ability. That's the last place I want him on that line.

Agreed.

Crawford won't be at the #1.

 

[xwalker]

I completely agree with your assessment. It wouldn't shock me if the starting lineup ended up being Gardner-Melton-McClain-Lawrence. Then, on 2nd/3rd downs, Selvie would come in for Gardner and Gardner/Crawford/Bass rotate in the 1.

Of course, this is way too early to make these kind of predictions, but it's fun to think about.

If Gardner plays DT, it is likely to be in the Nickel. There is not really a 1-tech in the Nickel. Both DTs play more of 3-tech position at that point because they are not in a run defense mode.

It could be a similar situation with Crawford; although, he could be playing the 3-tech on base downs also.

 

[unionjack8]

how are people expecting a 265lb rookie de to play on the nose at 1 tech? he is a SDE who potentially down th line rush from the inside but no way in hell is he playing 1 tech.
He may have lined up there a few times in college but he wont in the pros

Gardner was our best pickup in te draft, his motor is amazing and his is athletically gifted but a 300lb DT he isnt and will ever be imo.

 

[kiheikiwi]

Will def. be interested as the depth charts start flowing Selvie/Lawrence - Melton/Crawford/Bass - McClain/Bishop/Hayden - Mincy/Spencer/Gardner and also Coleman is a 1 if he can make it, maybe repalce Hayden. Still will want to see a higher graded DT taken next year.

 

[Zman5]

Melton will start at the 3. Crawford may be good enough to crack into the starting lineup, thus he would play the 1.

Look at when Hatcher was originally slated to play the 1, with Ratliff playing the 3. I don't think you should think that simply because someone is playing the 1, they won't be rushing the passer. They still will be.

Ideally our starting defensive line would look like this

Lawrence - Melton - Crawford - Spencer (healthy)
Selvie - Bass - Bishop - Gardner

Before last year, Hatcher hasn't shown that he can get to the QB consistently. Rat did. That's why they were planning on having Hatcher as 1 and Rat as 3.

 

[honyock]

If Gardner plays DT, it is likely to be in the Nickel. There is not really a 1-tech in the Nickel. Both DTs play more of 3-tech position at that point because they are not in a run defense mode.

It could be a similar situation with Crawford; although, he could be playing the 3-tech on base downs also.

You're right. I was converging the 1-tech conversation with the "who will play DT in the nickel" conversation in the OP, which was probably confusing two topics. I agree with the consensus about the probable rotation at 1-tech - McClain/maybe Bishop/maybe Hayden/maybe Coleman.

The question of who plays DT in the nickel isn't about 1-tech. I do expect that Crawford will be in that conversation, and possibly Gardner. Crawfords position flexibility gives the team some options for lots of different combinations.