Is Rocky Boiman merely a backup?

[Silverstar]

Here's a 6-4 236 OLB, the Cowboys went after quickly and was on nobody's radar apparently. Why did the Cowboys target a backup 4-3 OLB and what makes him valuable in a 3-4 scheme? Is there a consensus maybe, that Boiman can flourish in the 3-4?

Everyone had doubts about the Kosier signing, until Allen's release made everything clear. Will a pending release of Singleton, make things clear about Boiman too?

I'm just covering the bases here, but all this talk of OLB's in the draft makes the 26 year old Boiman more intriguing.

 

[BigDFan5]

special teams

 

[pjt]

He is supposed to be a versatile backup for all the linebacker positions and a special teams ace. Looks like parcells wants to improve our special teams since he plays all of the games just to keep them tight and win with defense and special teams.

 

[blindzebra]

From what I've heard he can play inside or outside, factor in his ST play and he has more value than Shanle, Fowler or Thornton.

That said, he's still a JAG...just another guy...and we need at least one more playmaker at LB.

 

[t.o.boys81]

He may surprise some people. I think he could eventually be a starter. Who knows?

 

[bobbie brewskie]

he is the Keith Davis of Linebackers. versatile and a ST'er.

 

[BIGDen]

he is the Keith Davis of Linebackers. versatile and a ST'er.

Well put.

 

[MapleLeaf]

he is the Keith Davis of Linebackers. versatile and a ST'er.

...of how many LBs went down for us last year. LBs are a critical part of defence and in a 16 game season you need versatile backups. Meanwhile he earns his paycheck on special teams.

 

[EveryoneElse]

As much as BP preaches special teams, and their improtance....you'd think after 2 or 3 years we'd play pretty good ST's.....maybe score a few times a year, you know, ST's would actually make a difference......whats going on?

 

[SupermanXx]

he'll only be good if he dyes his dumb hair color

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Good question......that is what training camp will decide.

 

[sago1]

Actually when we signed Boiman, several other teams were interested in him, and his own team wanted him back, but Cowboys made him a better offer. Other teams saw Boiman as a possible starter, and great ST.

On paper our starting LBs are currently Ware/Ayodele/James/Singleton w/Burnett, Boiman, Shanle, Fowler & Thornton as backups. But Ayodele is new to ILB and both he and Boiman are new to a 3-4 defense so hopefully both adjust quickly. We also don't know what we have in Thornton, and Burnett was coming on when he got hurt so where Burnett ends up playing is questionable. If we draft either Lawson/Wimbley or Carpenter, that gives us 10 LBs & doubt we keep more then 8-9. Also I believe Bradie James will be a FA after 06 season so lot of things will be happening in our developing LB core this year. Parcells is certainly setting up this area as a great strength for years to come.

BTW: I don't see Singleton getting cut this year (he won't be here in 07 though); believe Parcells sees Singleton as the only truly experienced starting vet LB we have in a sea of young players, particularly with Dat gone.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Hard to say. If we don't select an early round OLB this guy could very well be a surprise starter for us.

 

[scottsp]

Here's a 6-4 236 OLB, the Cowboys went after quickly and was on nobody's radar apparently. Why did the Cowboys target a backup 4-3 OLB and what makes him valuable in a 3-4 scheme? Is there a consensus maybe, that Boiman can flourish in the 3-4?

Everyone had doubts about the Kosier signing, until Allen's release made everything clear. Will a pending release of Singleton, make things clear about Boiman too?

I'm just covering the bases here, but all this talk of OLB's in the draft makes the 26 year old Boiman more intriguing.

Boiman's signing most likely addresses a need for special teams and depth at linebacker. It's possible the release of Al Singleton would say something about another linebacker on the roster, but not so much this kid.

Just as Larry Allen's departure doesn't speak to Kosier's talents.

 

[justbob]

He may surprise some people. I think he could eventually be a starter. Who knows?

I just wonder if Ireland is seeing potential starter in some of these guys
that have been stuck playing behind other people--or have been in the league
long enough to turn the corner.

 

[conner01]

As much as BP preaches special teams, and their improtance....you'd think after 2 or 3 years we'd play pretty good ST's.....maybe score a few times a year, you know, ST's would actually make a difference......whats going on?

we actually do have very good special teams. we was 10th in punt coverage,11 in kickoff coverage, and 6th in kick returns avg. our only weakness on special teams, other than fg kicker, was punt returner.returns for td's is alot more rare than some think, and usually more luck,or a lack of penalty called, than good st

 

[scottsp]

I just wonder if Ireland is seeing potential starter in some of these guys
that have been stuck playing behind other people--or have been in the league
long enough to turn the corner.

Despite my previously stated opinion, I certainly can not discount such a possibility. It does happen.

 

[TheHustler]

He's a versatile backup and special teams player. With all the injuries we had at LB last year, wouldn't surprise me to see him in the starting lineup near the end of the season.

 

[Alexander]

I am puzzled that to some it is assumed Boiman is automatically better than either Shanle or Fowler? What am I missing here?

 

[Bob Sacamano]

He may surprise some people. I think he could eventually be a starter. Who knows?

a spot-starter, yes