Kerry Hyder is really muddling things up

[buybuydandavis]

Imo, Crawford and Gregory are in the most precarious positions. Crawford won't get any better. Gregory can't be counted on.

Gregory isn't precarious at all. He's very cheap and we have his rights for 2 more years. If he's suspended, he doesn't even count toward the 53.

 

[buybuydandavis]

You referenced snap count as the reason he would not get cut.

I'm not against Crawford personally. He has managed to play through injury and be available at DE and DT when injuries to other players repeatedly forced him to move between positions.

Last season he was transported to the hospital after a head/neck injury in a game but was back starting the next week.

Nevertheless whether by design or coincidence, the combination of players they added is exactly what a team would do if they had made replacing him a priority.
Bigger/quicker 3-tech: Hill
Big DE to play base with ability to play DT: Hyder
Good depth DT: Covington
Starting RDE: Quinn

Quinn is more of a pass rush specialist. Maybe Hyder, or someone else, beats out Crawford at RDE in the base. We have a lot of them.

But at DT, even with Hill and Crawford, I still only see 3 pass rushers, counting Maliek. And Crawford is probably be the best of the 3 today.

I don't see Crawford leaving yet. And next year, Maliek likely leaves (although I'd try to sign him cheap *now* to an extension).

 

[buybuydandavis]

Edit: I do think this is Crawford’s last season, fwiw.

Maliek is likely gone next year, and we'll be looking short at pass rushing DT, even assuming that Hill is panning out.

I can see Crawford finishing his contract, as I *don't* see the bodies to replace his production this year or next. Maybe they'll turn up, but I don't see them yet.

 

[buybuydandavis]

Hyder has been my pick as the most underrated signing who is going to have the biggest impact.

Hyder looked like a steal when we got him. We're good about picking up guys who had a down year from coaching changes.

 

[Johnny23]

I think both the new guys Covington and Hyder can make the team. That's pretty awesome that Hyder is showing up and showing out. The more depth the better. Remember Crawford is suspended for the brawl. Gregory is up in the air with his stuff. So as much depth as possible is great.

 

[Bullflop]

I'm always suspicious of these midseason reports hyping some player. That being said there was a write up just a few weeks ago talking about the major steps Armstrong has made even since his last preseason which was talked about as great. I really don't see them walking away from Taco after 2 seasons unless they can get something in a trade. Crawford isn't going anywhere and his undervaluing by fans is mind boggling. Hyder was brought in as insurance against the Gregory suspension and not being able to make any movement elsewhere. That and considering he's only under contract for one season vs the other ends mentioned, I'm guessing his preseason would have to be brilliant for him to have a chance barring multiple injuries!

I'm encouraged about Dorance Armstrong and what he's been doing to impress the staff, as well. It surely remains to be seen what they decide to do regarding Charlton, although his past performances could definitely be seen as lackluster, to say the least. Of course, those injuries that have plagued him certainly haven't done anything to help his cause.

The staff will be obliged to make room for Armstrong to be a part of the rotation, so Taco's likely fate seemingly rests with some of the others considered to be "on the bubble." I would agree that he's really someone who needs to put forth some very impressive reps in practice to salvage his roster spot. It should prove interesting to see if he's able to hang on. He'd better bring his "A" game to do so.

 

[noshame]

He better have a good camp or he may be working at a taco stand soon

Just giving him something to practice....

 

[MWH1967]

Good problem.

 

[Techsass]

Question on Taco - is his rookie salary guaranteed or can they just cut him?

OK all but $1.37m of his $10m is guaranteed according to Archer. We're still on the hook for another $6m +/-.
I don't think he'll get cut & it will be hard to get somebody else to take that hit.

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/taco-charlton-21769/

I wasn't excited, but thought he'd eventually work out when we drafted him. Maybe he'll finally turn the corner this year.

 

[Stash]

I'm always suspicious of these midseason reports hyping some player. That being said there was a write up just a few weeks ago talking about the major steps Armstrong has made even since his last preseason which was talked about as great. I really don't see them walking away from Taco after 2 seasons unless they can get something in a trade. Crawford isn't going anywhere and his undervaluing by fans is mind boggling. Hyder was brought in as insurance against the Gregory suspension and not being able to make any movement elsewhere. That and considering he's only under contract for one season vs the other ends mentioned, I'm guessing his preseason would have to be brilliant for him to have a chance barring multiple injuries!

What's "mind boggling" about looking to replace a grossly overpaid player who isn't even an actual starter?

Why do they play the guy at RDE when he has the same number of sacks from the position against starting offensive linemen that I do?

As if that wasn't enough 'good news', now the guy has missed most of the offseason program and now we get to wait to see if there's a forthcoming suspension from the league.

"Mind boggling" is wondering how the guy is still here.

 

[CowboyRoy]

The DL is very overcrowded here in Dallas. Reports out of camp say that Hyder looks great. He did have himself a season a couple years ago in Detroit. One or 2 of the following are not going to be on this team unless the injury bug thins the herd...

Crawford, Woods, Taco, Armstrong, Covington, and Gregory.

I added Gregory because we just don’t know. If the league suspends him for the season and these other guys play well (Taco/Armstrong/Hyder), how can you continue to carry him?

A surprise is lurking here for sure.

What say you?

Bye by soft taco!!!!! Trade him for a bag of chips and be done with it.

 

[BourbonBalz]

The DL is very overcrowded here in Dallas. Reports out of camp say that Hyder looks great. He did have himself a season a couple years ago in Detroit. One or 2 of the following are not going to be on this team unless the injury bug thins the herd...

Crawford, Woods, Taco, Armstrong, Covington, and Gregory.

I added Gregory because we just don’t know. If the league suspends him for the season and these other guys play well (Taco/Armstrong/Hyder), how can you continue to carry him?

A surprise is lurking here for sure.

What say you?

Having to cut a good player is a very good thing.

 

[exciter]

I'm encouraged about Dorance Armstrong and what he's been doing to impress the staff, as well. It surely remains to be seen what they decide to do regarding Charlton, although his past performances could definitely be seen as lackluster, to say the least. Of course, those injuries that have plagued him certainly haven't done anything to help his cause.

The staff will be obliged to make room for Armstrong to be a part of the rotation, so Taco's likely fate seemingly rests with some of the others considered to be "on the bubble." I would agree that he's really someone who needs to put forth some very impressive reps in practice to salvage his roster spot. It should prove interesting to see if he's able to hang on. He'd better bring his "A" game to do so.

Like I said, unless they can play it off in a trade, I don't see them moving on from him after only 2 seasons. He'll get this year and probably next if Garrett is still the coach. Staff doesn't much like admitting even to themselves they were wrong!

 

[exciter]

What's "mind boggling" about looking to replace a grossly overpaid player who isn't even an actual starter?

Why do they play the guy at RDE when he has the same number of sacks from the position against starting offensive linemen that I do?

As if that wasn't enough 'good news', now the guy has missed most of the offseason program and now we get to wait to see if there's a forthcoming suspension from the league.

"Mind boggling" is wondering how the guy is still here.

Damm you're going to be disappointed next this season when he's starting at RDE again!

 

[Stash]

Damm you're going to be disappointed next this season when he's starting at RDE again!

Me and everyone hoping for production.

0 sacks from the RDE position vs starting offensive tackles over the past two years. If someone else is happy with that? Good for them and their low standards.

 

[noshame]

Mick Shots:

Strength has always been a missing ingredient for 2017 first-round pick Taco Charlton, but if looks aren’t deceiving, Taco appears to have hit the weights, having grown a chest and arms to be proud of …

Look at that Jerry, can I get a check again this week?

 

[QuincyCarterEra]

Imo, Crawford and Gregory are in the most precarious positions. Crawford won't get any better. Gregory can't be counted on.

IMO, this is wrong.
He might not get any better, but he's better than every player listed except maybe Woods.

 

[CouchCoach]

In the "Ain't that weird" department, wouldn't it be interesting if Gregory gets reinstated and Crawford catches a time out? That would give the Cowboys the luxury of looking at another DL while Crawford serves his time out and the option of cutting him if one stepped up. Crawford picked a bad time to make TMZ in a bar fight.

Gregory is such a tease that they can't let him go and the fact that he was a risk coming in only solidifies that. If he's on and has his head in the game 100%, he's just like David Irving, he can take over the line. If he can play, the Cowboys just might nave the most dynamic DE tandem in the league.

 

[xwalker]

Quinn is more of a pass rush specialist. Maybe Hyder, or someone else, beats out Crawford at RDE in the base. We have a lot of them.

But at DT, even with Hill and Crawford, I still only see 3 pass rushers, counting Maliek. And Crawford is probably be the best of the 3 today.

I don't see Crawford leaving yet. And next year, Maliek likely leaves (although I'd try to sign him cheap *now* to an extension).

Collins is better when healthy. He is very under-rated. He has been forced to play 1-tech at times which is not his position.

Collins and Crawford are both likely gone in 2020. I don't think Collins being on the final year of his contract affects their thoughts on Crawford. That decision is all about 2019.

I think Crawford will primarily practice at DE in training camp; however, I think his fate is more tied to Collins and Hill. If Collins is injured before game 1 then Crawford almost definitely stays. If Hill is not ready then that also keeps Crawford on the roster.

Crawford and Hyder both have position flex between DE and 3-tech; however, of those 2 Hyder is the better DE and Crawford the better DT based on past performance.

Covington played 5-tech in Houston's 3-4. It's hard to say from watching his game footage if he will be better at 3-tech or 1-tech. For many 4-3 defenses I think he would be a 3-tech but with Marinelli he fits the mold as a 1-tech. He is definitely more of a 1-tech than Collins. Crawford not at all a 1-tech.

My gut feeling (if all DL stay healthy) is that only 2 or these 3 are on the 53:
Crawford
Hyder
Covington

They will want to keep some young developing players like Armstrong and/or Joe Jackson but most years with Marinelli they've just kept 9 DL at the initial cuts.

 

[Typhus]

I thought his play really dipped @ the end of last season....worst being that Rams playoff loss. Then throw in the off season trouble...wouldn't shock me to see him get the heave ho.

As for Gregory....feels like he's already hit his ceiling.....and it wasn't that great. Not sure how you continue to hold out hope that he's gonna get it together.

Gregory hasn't hit his ceiling near as hard as he has hit the pipe, Gregory holds Gregory back.