Linebacker is clearly the #1 priority in the draft

[CowboyWay]

I am just realistic unlike most fans who are blinded by the prospect of a new season and a flashing LB who can get some sacks.

Keeping Bledsoe upright and giving JJ some creases would do wonders for our playoff chances. OL is not sexy but winning is.

LB's didn't lose as many games as our OL did last yr. It's that simple.

Couldn't agree with you more. People seem to never understand that games are won in the trenches. Especially on the O-line

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Galian, though much appreciated, you're only stating the obvious, and we've been hearing LB is going to be the #1 priority in the draft for awhile now

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Dallas believes they have fixed the offensive line enough to warrant us being a contender.

Fabini is a huge upgrade over Tucker or Pettiti.

No offensive linemen we draft this year is going to seriously help us THIS year.

Dallas paid Kosier big money, apparently they've seen something in him. and apparently it isn't a shocker to some that he got paid as much as he did. Shefter completely called it.

You didn't see us go after Hutchinson did you? Why do you think that is?

Flozell is apparently 100%, and Rivera is much healthier than last year. Expect Al Johnson to be tougher this year too. I mean last year we we're pretty good expect with the weaknesses in the run support. That is until flo went down.

You add Flozell back again, add a more mobile guard in kosier, add a tougher al johnson and more experience, add a healthy Rivera, and add a huge upgrade in Fabini...

This offensive line is better than most think.

We RELEASED Larry Allen... don't forget that...

Tucker - Allen - Johnson - Rivera (injured) - Pettiti (semi injured)

or

Flozell Adams (pro bowler) - Kosier (more mobile) - Johnson (more experienced) - Rivera (healthy) - Fabini (huge upgrade)

we still need depth though

 

[Dalmations202]

Hmm.

Wrong.

OLB.

We addressed the Oline in the offseason.

Dallas also address LB in Akin and Boiman. Plus they get back Singleton, and have the high #2 round pick from last year coming back.

Ware, Thorton, Singleton, Burnett, and Boiman @ OLB is a far stronger group than Adams, Fabini, Petitti, and Columbo @ OT.

LB was an issue last year, but not the downfall that the OLine was.
I don't care who they take and in which round, but if they don't fix the OLine issues from last year, then this years team doesn't go any farther than last year.

Right now, they are banking on Flozell coming back to All-pro status, Rivera coming back from back injury to Probowl status, Johnson getting stronger or Gurode getting it "right", and Fabini coming back from injury to be an adequate tackle or Petitti improving by about 60%. They also have Kosier which has played for 3 teams in 4 years fighting it out with a guy that should be starting, but just can't seem to get there, Peterman.

Glass half-full or Glass half-empty -- realistically speaking this line is the #1 question about whether this team is Superbowl bound or drafting in the top 10 next year.

I am not advocating reaching for any OLine, and if Justice doesn't fall, then get the guy on the chart in the first. Either way, you still really need 2 guys on that OLine that can be starting in the next 2-3 years, if not this year. Also consider that Flo probably doesn't have over 3-4 years left in him, and no one knows how Kosier/Peterman will hold up at the other guard slot.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Nobody knows what Bill and Jerry are thinking but 3/4 NT has to be atop the priority list. There is not a true 3/4 NT on the roster.

NT is probably a top priority, but quality 3-4 NTs can be had late in the draft, and the only NTs worthy of being taken before rounds 5 are Haloti Ngata in the 1st round, and we probably dont' have a shot at him

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Honestly, and I know I'm in the minority here, but I do not believe we will take a DT, at least not high in the draft.

Last season two guys who were playing regularly and producing well before getting injured were Jay Ratliff and Thomas Johnson. Lets be honest, Jay Ratliff looked like starting material and a late round steal before he was injured. Pepper was solid all throughout TC and the preseason and early in the season as well.

With the ability and size of Canty and Spears to slide over and play DT when needed, I'm not exactly high on drafting a DT/NT that early in the draft.

Now if you want to wait until around round 5 and a player like Steve Fifita from Utah is there, I say draft him and smile about getting a player molded for the 3-4. Fifita is an absolute monster in the strength department and provides that short, powerful, big body you want in a 3-4 NT.

only Thomas Johnson is a 3-4 NT though, we'll take a NT late on the 2nd day IMO

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Dallas also address LB in Akin and Boiman. Plus they get back Singleton, and have the high #2 round pick from last year coming back.

none of the LBs we added can rush the passer consistently enough, which is why OLB seems to be a huge priority still

 

[burmafrd]

I go by several scouts that say Davis stinks at blocking. They say he has LITTLE interest which is worse.

 

[Dalmations202]

This offensive line is better than most think.

We RELEASED Larry Allen... don't forget that...

Tucker - Allen - Johnson - Rivera (injured) - Pettiti (semi injured)

or

Flozell Adams (pro bowler) - Kosier (more mobile) - Johnson (more experienced) - Rivera (healthy) - Fabini (huge upgrade)

Going into last season though.

Flozell Adams (pro bowler) - Allen (all - pro) - Johnson (young strong) - Rivera (pro bowler) - Rogers (2nd round pick) year before, Ryan Young another Jet Tackle of BP fame.

Either way, this line was a definite strength of the team with one question at RT. Look how that ended up for them.................

 

[Derinyar]

I don't think we have any huge priority going into the draft which is the position you like to be in.

Could we use things, sure. We need more OL bodies, especially younger ones with ability. Another LB could definately be used. WR is a position we need some young bodies at.

I really think we don't have to weight a position heavy in our estimation. We can basically look at the players and say how do we rate them.

 

[Wezsh0T]

I think we will draft a LB because OL or NT would run too slow to get Parcells' water during training camp...*snicker*

 

[Alexander]

I go by several scouts that say Davis stinks at blocking. They say he has LITTLE interest which is worse.

Link?

 

[Galian Beast]

Jefft, I don't think we reached on Burnett. He was like the second best talent in terms of pure linebackers in the draft. And if not for his injuries, he would easily have been a first round draft pick like Derrick Johnson.

As for Guard yeah, it would be good to get a guard this year on the first day, just for next year. I think next years draft is going to concentrate on the offense. A new receiver, a couple new offensive linemen all on the first day. So depending on what it out there, probably a receiver in the first, a tackle in the second, and a guard in the 3rd. And if we can add a tackle like on the 2nd or 3rd in this draft, we'll probably be set offensively for quite some time.

SilverStarCowboy, there are a lot of linebacker prospects in the second day, but you really want a commanding linebacker opposite of ware. You can get a free safety anywhere. Free safety doesn't really make the defense, where as having two pass rushing outside linebackers who can get to the quarterback will make the entire defense great. It makes it that much easier to get to the qb, because you can't really afford to double anyone.

You already have two players on the line dedicated to Ferguson. Then if you double Ware with a tight end, you have to consider whether you want to double the other linebacker with a fullback/tight end, or running back. And really that limits what an offense can do.

123456, Burnett could easily move inside and challenge Bradie James. You can never have too many outside linebackers. Not to mention he can spell ware and/or the new draft pick.

We had Greg Ellis and we drafted three defensive ends in one year.

Fabini is a left tackle. He is Flozell's backup. Colombo is also the "future" prospect at left tackle. It is important that we get a tackle soon though. But I don't think it'll be the year based on what is out there.

Rivera is a great player. He had a bad year, but a lot of players do. He is going to rebound. As for Kosier, apparently the Cowboys saw enough to sign him to a 5 year deal... They see the future in him.

You have two of the best receivers in the nfl on your team, regardless of age, that isn't a priority. The priority is getting your starters settled. And neither player is 33 let alone nearing 34. Not that, that matters. Both players have had the best years of their careers just recently. Terry Glenn isn't even 32 yet.

 

[Galian Beast]

I believe an inside pass rush is our biggest need on defense with a corner next. We can fill in the FS in free agency if needed and get a pass rushing lb on day 2. I would trade out of round one in exchange for a 2nd and 5th and use the 2 two's on Jonathan Lewis, pass rushing DT out of Va. Tech and Richard Marshall, CB. Use our 3rd on Greg Jennings out of Western Mich.

You do know that NT's in the 3/4 aren't pass rushers right? Just checking...

Big dog Cowboy, Peterman can't pass block...

BtCutter, you should realize that no offensive linemen is really going to help us this year.

Summerisfunner, interesting that there is so much opposition to the post then...

One thing we DO have is depth on the oline. That is where versatility really plays out as well.

Dalmations202:
Adams: Injured
Allen: wasn't horrible
Johnson: wasn't horrible
Rivera: injured
Rogers: injured

Yeah... if newman and henry were both injured, cornerback would no longer be a strength...

 

[superpunk]

I go by several scouts that say Davis stinks at blocking. They say he has LITTLE interest which is worse.

Um....I go by watching the guy, as a Terps fan. I think he was even voted ACC offensive lineman of the week, or something this year. He's no slouch. I think you'll struggle to find any evidence that he's anything less than adequate. I'll look some up for you.

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/te/vernondavis.html

Improving as a blocker and is adequate right now but can still get better in that area

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=211&p=8&c=1&nid=2142162

Excellent pass catcher and blocker who excelled when used as H-Back in Terrapin offense.

http://www.nfldraftblitz.com/Profiles/vernondavisprofile.htm

Despite his amazing strength, Vernon is not a dominating blocker, and needs to keep developing that area of his game....Can truly become a "complete" player with continued development in his blocking, route running, and concentration. Vernon has huge potential and a relentless work ethic.

 

[Alexander]

Um....I go by watching the guy, as a Terps fan. I think he was even voted ACC offensive lineman of the week, or something this year. He's no slouch. I think you'll struggle to find any evidence that he's anything less than adequate. I'll look some up for you.

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/te/vernondavis.html

Improving as a blocker and is adequate right now but can still get better in that area

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=211&p=8&c=1&nid=2142162

Excellent pass catcher and blocker who excelled when used as H-Back in Terrapin offense.

http://www.nfldraftblitz.com/Profiles/vernondavisprofile.htm

Despite his amazing strength, Vernon is not a dominating blocker, and needs to keep developing that area of his game....Can truly become a "complete" player with continued development in his blocking, route running, and concentration. Vernon has huge potential and a relentless work ethic.

It goes to show you sometimes people will twist information to fit their opinion and then try to pass off that opinion as fact.

 

[BlueStar II]

Initially, I felt we would definitely take a LB with our first pick, and we still could. However, if there is a DT still on the board who is worthy of being picked at that time, DT should be the way to go. We could use a good run-stuffer in the middle, but if there isn't a DT still on the board when we pick wo is worthy of that pick, then I'm guessing Parcells will grab a LB instead.

 

[Galian Beast]

Initially, I felt we would definitely take a LB with our first pick, and we still could. However, if there is a DT still on the board who is worthy of being picked at that time, DT should be the way to go. We could use a good run-stuffer in the middle, but if there isn't a DT still on the board when we pick wo is worthy of that pick, then I'm guessing Parcells will grab a LB instead.

Generally (in most cases anyways) when you draft someone with the first round draft pick, you expect them to become a starter.

I don't see anyone giving up on Ferguson...

 

[MichaelWinicki]

we need 3 young guards getting ready to have 2 starters and one good backup. I think that Kosier can be the backup since he can play 4 positions.
But the 2 starters? When Rivera is gone in a year or two even if Peterman steps up we need one more.

Maybe you should see what Peterman can do before you toss him under the bus. You seem to be convinced that "any" guard drafted will automatically be better than Peterman.

It doesn't work like that there sparky.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Dallas also address LB in Akin and Boiman. Plus they get back Singleton, and have the high #2 round pick from last year coming back.

Ware, Thorton, Singleton, Burnett, and Boiman @ OLB is a far stronger group than Adams, Fabini, Petitti, and Columbo @ OT.

LB was an issue last year, but not the downfall that the OLine was.
I don't care who they take and in which round, but if they don't fix the OLine issues from last year, then this years team doesn't go any farther than last year.

Right now, they are banking on Flozell coming back to All-pro status, Rivera coming back from back injury to Probowl status, Johnson getting stronger or Gurode getting it "right", and Fabini coming back from injury to be an adequate tackle or Petitti improving by about 60%. They also have Kosier which has played for 3 teams in 4 years fighting it out with a guy that should be starting, but just can't seem to get there, Peterman.

Glass half-full or Glass half-empty -- realistically speaking this line is the #1 question about whether this team is Superbowl bound or drafting in the top 10 next year.

I am not advocating reaching for any OLine, and if Justice doesn't fall, then get the guy on the chart in the first. Either way, you still really need 2 guys on that OLine that can be starting in the next 2-3 years, if not this year. Also consider that Flo probably doesn't have over 3-4 years left in him, and no one knows how Kosier/Peterman will hold up at the other guard slot.

I think you'll get one starting potential o-lineman out of this draft... but not 2. We have too many other needs to be drafting offensive lineman left & right.