Is Maliek Collins the answer at 3T?

[MichaelWinicki]

McClain is the best tackle on this team right now. Why would he be backing up Thornton?

I also wouldn't be surprised to see Davis starting at DE at some point.

Personally I think T Crawford will be kicked back inside.

 

[ak47kaehu]

The run defense should be better with bigger bodies playing on the line (collins at 3 or 1, crawford to LE and Lawrence to RE). They just need some time to gel. Hope the pass rush picks up as they get more comfortable.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

The run defense should be better with bigger bodies playing on the line (collins at 3 or 1, crawford to LE and Lawrence to RE). They just need some time to gel. Hope the pass rush picks up as they get more comfortable.

It's not all about bigger bodies.

It's being able to beat blocks and gain leverage.

The Cowboys defensive line in the early 90's was very good vs. the run and Tolbert, Casillas, Maryland and Haley were far from being "big bodies". Tolbert was called "Too Skinny" and Haley was never a heavy DE. Casillas was a light DT even then. Maryland was a 300lber, but his greatest attribute was his quickness off the snap and really his short height which allowed him to get under the guard/center.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

It's not all about bigger bodies.

It's being able to beat blocks and gain leverage.

The Cowboys defensive line in the early 90's was very good vs. the run and Tolbert, Casillas, Maryland and Haley were far from being "big bodies". Tolbert was called "Too Skinny" and Haley was never a heavy DE. Casillas was a light DT even then. Maryland was a 300lber, but his greatest attribute was his quickness off the snap and really his short height which allowed him to get under the guard/center.

You want better play vs. the run?

Get better players.

I think T. Crawford can play better.

 

[ak47kaehu]

It's not all about bigger bodies.

It's being able to beat blocks and gain leverage.

The Cowboys defensive line in the early 90's was very good vs. the run and Tolbert, Casillas, Maryland and Haley were far from being "big bodies". Tolbert was called "Too Skinny" and Haley was never a heavy DE. Casillas was a light DT even then. Maryland was a 300lber, but his greatest attribute was his quickness off the snap and really his short height which allowed him to get under the guard/center.

I've seen too many times ends on the lighter side get swallowed up by tackles and and guards. It's harder to move a 305lb crawford off the block than a 245lb Kyle Wilber. But you're right it is about using leverage and getting off blocks. DWare was on the lighter side for a DE and was pretty Damm good against the run. He did get worn out fast though. But having that weight and using leverage is that much more of an advantage. Collins, McClain, Crawford, and Lawrence have some good speed off the snap so I think give them time and that run D should get better. Mayowa, Jack, and Irving are better rotational guys.

I worry about the lack of a thumper at linebacker though. The run D would be way better if that #55 had his head screwed on right.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

I'm surprised how fast he's gotten a lot of snaps. I don't remember a rookie DL coming in and taking the majority of snaps. That's gotta be good news. I'm just glad we got a big boy in the middle for once. Tired of the days of undersized DTs with Ratliff and T. Craw.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I've seen too many times ends on the lighter side get swallowed up by tackles and and guards. It's harder to move a 305lb crawford off the block than a 245lb Kyle Wilber. But you're right it is about using leverage and getting off blocks. DWare was on the lighter side for a DE and was pretty Damm good against the run. He did get worn out fast though. But having that weight and using leverage is that much more of an advantage. Collins, McClain, Crawford, and Lawrence have some good speed off the snap so I think give them time and that run D should get better. Mayowa, Jack, and Irving are better rotational guys.

I worry about the lack of a thumper at linebacker though. The run D would be way better if that #55 had his head screwed on right.

Your future MLB is currently waiting for his knee to recover.

I don't think you're going to see a 240lb MLB here anything in the near future.

 

[ak47kaehu]

Your future MLB is currently waiting for his knee to recover.

I don't think you're going to see a 240lb MLB here anything in the near future.

Yeah I really hope that nerve fires up. I want to see that Lee Smith duo. And I hope it doesn't turn out like the Lee Carter duo did.

 

[ConceptCoop]

I really wish I knew what everyone else was seeing. He's made two nice plays away from the ball, but has gotten ZERO push at the point of attack. I sure hope he's the answer, but I haven't seen it yet.

 

[Craig]

He is certainly showing potential to man the 3-tech. The fact that a rookie 3rd rounder that missed most of camp is looking like one of our best linemen shows that we must invest Heavily in the front seven next fa & draft.

Hes not better than lawrence and crawford has been the best lineman when playing at end, so i cant say that i agree with any of your arguments. They do need to invest heavily in the front 7 though...and should have done so with "now" players in rounds 1 and 2 this year.

 

[RandyOh]

Your future MLB is currently waiting for his knee to recover.

I don't think you're going to see a 240lb MLB here anything in the near future.

I actually have a feeling Jaylon Smith moves to WILL and our future at MLB could be drafted this year. The MLB out of Ohio is looking like he could be a target for us in the first. He's ranked as a mid 1st round pick.

He is a beast stopping the run and very good in coverage. Not as good as Smith or Jack in coverage but not too far off either.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I actually have a feeling Jaylon Smith moves to WILL and our future at MLB could be drafted this year. The MLB out of Ohio is looking like he could be a target for us in the first. He's ranked as a mid 1st round pick.

He is a beast stopping the run and very good in coverage. Not as good as Smith or Jack in coverage but not too far off either.

That could be but the Cowboys aren't moving Lee back to MLB or releasing him.

Both guys will be on the field.

 

[RandyOh]

That could be but the Cowboys aren't moving Lee back to MLB or releasing him.

Both guys will be on the field.

Most likey right but I'll keep dreaming.... I need bigger dreams.

 

[ShiningStar]

have we not learned with just the recent annointings , HItchens, Lawrence, Gregory, remember last year when everyone was screaming "we landed 3 1st rounders"?

 

[jobberone]

I also wouldn't be surprised to see Davis starting at DE at some point.

Personally I think T Crawford will be kicked back inside.

I think the starters will be McClain and TCrawford at some point.

 

[Nightman]

I actually have a feeling Jaylon Smith moves to WILL and our future at MLB could be drafted this year. The MLB out of Ohio is looking like he could be a target for us in the first. He's ranked as a mid 1st round pick.

He is a beast stopping the run and very good in coverage. Not as good as Smith or Jack in coverage but not too far off either.

DAL doesn't want a thumper at MLB...they want a guy a 3 down guy as comfortable covering TEs and RBs as he is tackling them

The Sam is the LB that has to stand up and face the run head up.....the Mike and the Will are more of the sideline to sideline chase LBs

A healthy JSmith is the perfect Mike for this team and it is why we gambled so big to get him

 

[ShiningStar]

DAL doesn't want a thumper at MLB...they want a guy a 3 down guy as comfortable covering TEs and RBs as he is tackling them

The Sam is the LB that has to stand up and face the run head up.....the Mike and the Will are more of the sideline to sideline chase LBs

A healthy JSmith is the perfect Mike for this team and it is why we gambled so big to get him

sadly its a big gamble.

 

[Myboys]

He is certainly showing potential to man the 3-tech. The fact that a rookie 3rd rounder that missed most of camp is looking like one of our best linemen shows that we must invest Heavily in the front seven next fa & draft.

Or that the man is a good football player.

 

[ShiningStar]

he can turn and chase someone down if need be, so i like that he doesnt give up on a play

 

[RandyOh]

DAL doesn't want a thumper at MLB...they want a guy a 3 down guy as comfortable covering TEs and RBs as he is tackling them

The Sam is the LB that has to stand up and face the run head up.....the Mike and the Will are more of the sideline to sideline chase LBs

A healthy JSmith is the perfect Mike for this team and it is why we gambled so big to get him

The Ohio State MLB is a true 3 down player and great size at 6'2 240. A perfect 4-3 MIKE. Hes also better at shedding bigger blockers then smith as well. He And Smith along with an aged Sean Lee As Our linebacker corp would Rival the Panthers group.