News: Is Dallas Cowboys linebacker Damien Wilson ready to take the next step?

CCBoy

Well-Known Member
Messages
47,017
Reaction score
22,608
Is Dallas Cowboys linebacker Damien Wilson ready to take the next step?
http://thelandryhat.com/2017/05/13/dallas-cowboys-linebacker-damien-wilson-next-step/




In order for the Dallas Cowboys linebacker corps to be a position of strength in 2017, they may need young Damien Wilson to step up.

For the first time since 2004, the Dallas Cowboys did not draft a linebacker in a draft. According the Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones, the predominate feeling was the team is in good shape at the position.

...In saying that, you have a solid core starting with weakside linebacker and All-Pro Sean Lee. The 30-year old veteran had another monster year posting 145 total tackles and receiving his second Pro Bowl nod in a row.

There is also jack of all trades Anthony Hitchens, who has played all three linebacker positions since his time with the Cowboys. Both veteran Kyle Wilber and the oft injured Mark Nzeocha provide solid depth...

The Cowboys linebacker I want to see go to the next level though is third year pro Damien Wilson. Wilson who was actually slated to start last season until a unfortunate paintball incident where he was shot in the eye and suffered temporary loss of vision caused him to miss valuable time during training camp...
 

Pants

Well-Known Member
Messages
5,250
Reaction score
6,384
I like Wilson and I am a fan of what Hitchens brings (Lee, obviously is THE leader); Not to mention if Jaylon can play, then our LB position turns from an "ih?" to a "wow"....I am very much looking forward to seeing what the LB corp can do if the DBs and pass rush are improved....Jaylon will be blitzing......oooooh, I can't wait to see this
 

Hardline

Well-Known Member
Messages
21,316
Reaction score
37,214
Disagree. He's not better than Lee or a healthy Smith. The SLB spot in Rod's defense is regularly replaced with another DB in nickel and dime formations. No way I would spend a first rounder on a part time player
When you have an elite talent staring you on the face you don't let him slide. Foster was a top 5 talent. You find places on your team to fit them in.
 

LocimusPrime

Well-Known Member
Messages
34,091
Reaction score
92,903
I think Wilson has some real cover ability but I'm not sure he's going to be a very good 3 down guy.
I'm not sure but I'll take your word for it. I haven't seen enough of him in action. Do you see the cowboys giving hitchens and/or Wilson a second contract?
 

robjay04

Well-Known Member
Messages
6,240
Reaction score
14,068
Not going to lie and say I've watched a ton of tape but people that have came away very impressed with Wilson...especially late in the season.
 

gmoney112

Well-Known Member
Messages
11,589
Reaction score
15,694
I'm not sure but I'll take your word for it. I haven't seen enough of him in action. Do you see the cowboys giving hitchens and/or Wilson a second contract?

Still have 2 years of Wilson, so it's hard to tell.

I don't think Hitchens will get a 2nd contract if Jaylon/Lee are healthy and Wilson steps up. Especially if Nacho starts improving as well.

But, it's all about cost. If Hitchen's comes cheap, a vet that knows the system has value.
 

robjay04

Well-Known Member
Messages
6,240
Reaction score
14,068
Still have 2 years of Wilson, so it's hard to tell.

I don't think Hitchens will get a 2nd contract if Jaylon/Lee are healthy and Wilson steps up. Especially if Nacho starts improving as well.

But, it's all about cost. If Hitchen's comes cheap, a vet that knows the system has value.

Hitchens is actually everything you want in a backup. He has some flex and he rarely looks lost

I wouldn't project him coming back but as you said, it depends on the market. How the team treated the LB core this year reminds me of how they treated the CB core last year. They seem content rolling with that they have knowing Lee's injury history, the unknown of Jaylon and Hitchens going into a contract year...I would expect this is by design and we see an emphasis on LB next draft.
 

CF74

Vet Min Plus
Messages
26,167
Reaction score
14,623
Wilson stepped up at the end of last year. Just don't let him go playing paintball.


Beat me to it. He seemed to come on late in the season. If he took the offseason serious and kept in shape, I expect him to start...
 

Hardline

Well-Known Member
Messages
21,316
Reaction score
37,214
Not when they have drug issues. You can think Gregory for that. I'm fine with not drafting Foster
I'll take the elite player over a 2nd tier player and take my chances. Especially when your picking at the back end of the first round where it's worth the risk.
 
Top