Linebackers, linebackers, linebackers

[RonSpringsdaman20]

If the staff is that frightened of Lee and McClain being injured that they have to sign free agent insurance AND devote two draft choices to cover it, they have no business even having them on the team. They are then liabilities because their issues are sucking resources that could be used elsewhere on the roster.

interesting perspective.

 

[guag]

If you spent free agency money on 3 and you only going to carry 7.. Why even waste draft picks or money...

I think if we end up keeping 7 linebackers, we should be able to keep most of our free agent signings as well as our 4th round pick this year. The 7th rounder is most likely not going to make the team. Here's who I see us going with for the 53:

1. Sean Lee
2. Ro
3. Hitchens
4. Damien Wilson
5. Gachkar
6. Brinkley
7. [Either Dekoda Watson or Rivers if we go with 7... Personally I'm thinking Watson. But could be neither if we just go with 6.]

I'm guessing we're probably gonna keep 7 as insurance because of the injuries we had last season. This would leave Wilbur, both Smiths, Cam Lawrence, and a couple other no-name guys as the odd men out. In any case, we're gonna have a pretty solid LB corps this season and some nice competition in camp.

 

[Galian Beast]

Jasper Brinkley will likely make the team given him 1.25 million dollar signing bonus and his pretty low 2015 base salary. He could be cut in 2016 pretty easily however, with 625k in dead money versus his 2 million dollar base salary and 2 million dollar option bonus. That's a lot of money that Brinkley is going to compete hard to get. He also has a workout bonus of 250k. Veteran backup at MLB.

Andrew Gachkar is also a pretty expensive role player, but don't be mistaken here. While he is a linebacker, he was primary brought here to play special teams. We poached him from San Diego. Similar to Brinkley however he does have to show something in order to really receive any type of compensation. He got a 1.2 million dollar signing bonus for a two year deal, but his base salary is 1 million. Next year his base salary jumps to 3 million, and I'm guessing he will be cut. ST ACE

Keith Smith signed to a one year deal worth 825k. He is a depth option who the team must think has a lot of upside. He was a first round draft pick in 2008. He had a limited rookie season because of a broken jaw, but did receive a vote for defensive rookie of the year. He was an ok player with Cincinnati however nothing special. Had some injury issues and was eventually traded to the Giants for a 5th round draft pick in 2012. Still a pretty high value. Anyways someone probably liked this kid coming out of the draft, and wanted to see if he could jump start his career here. Veteran depth, outside linebacker predominantly plays the weak side but can play the strong side as well. Has to compete in camp to make the roster.

Anthony Hitchens, sophomore player who really came on strong last year for us. Potential starter, though questions have been raised as to whether he would be the best strong side linebacker to start.

Kyle Wilber is in his finally year with the club, really never fit the 4-3 as of right now he is basically a camp body who is pretty cheap but also easy to cut. Most likey doesn't make the roster.

Dekoda Watson is basically known for his blunder in the Lions game. He was paid a lot last year, another player who is basically just a camp body. Was supposed to help us on special teams but almost cost us a playoff game. Don't expect him to be here next year, he has no signing bonus penalty. I believe he did take a pay cut to stay with the team though. ST player.

Troy Davis we signed Davis to our practice squad last year, and he is basically just a camp body at this point. ST player.

Will Smith was drafted in the 7th round last year, didn't make the squad but was placed on the PS. Low chance that he makes the team this year, basically seeing if they can develop him into a special teams player.

James Anderson was a staple on the panthers defense for years. He left the Panthers and signed with the Bears in 2013 for one year and lead their team in tackles. Age seems to be degrading his abilities, but he will compete at the strong side position. I doubt he makes it on the roster. Strong side linebacker.

Cam Lawrence. Primarily a special teams player for the Cowboys. Injuries forced him into the lineup. A player who was never meant to play in games, but again that is the nature of the linebacker position especially when you don't have great depth.

That brings us to Nzeocha and Wilson.

Here is a depth chart to help you see what it looks like

First team
Lee - McClain - Hitchens

Second Team
Wilson (vs smith) - Brinkley - Nzeocha (vs Anderson)

ST Teams
Gachkar vs Lawrence

I'd say we go 6 or 7 at linebacker, probably 7.

When you look at it, there is some competition, but it is pretty clear cut at least what they were trying to do here.

 

[Galian Beast]

If the staff is that frightened of Lee and McClain being injured that they have to sign free agent insurance AND devote two draft choices to cover it, they have no business even having them on the team. They are then liabilities because their issues are sucking resources that could be used elsewhere on the roster.

Linebackers across the league are easily hurt. I think like 5 of the highest paid ILBs last year ended up on IR.

 

[Vinnie2u]

I'd say we go 6 or 7 at linebacker, probably 7.

When you look at it, there is some competition, but it is pretty clear cut at least what they were trying to do here.

How about some CB competition... We got Jones... Who will probably play FS.. Scandrick, Patmon, Carr who might be a June 1st cut. And Claiborne... Not a fuzzy feeling here... One of the 7th rounders should of been spent on Ifo Ekpre-Olomu.. ACL aside he'll at least be on PUP and then provide some depth..

 

[iceberg]

hmmm...Does Minnesota need LB's via trade?...just asking

Fact: Philly traded a proven talented RB for a good young LB'er

Scenario: Anthony Hitchens gets traded to Minnesota for another proven RB?

Hey, I have all the faith in the world in our FO and I really do like our RB's (unlike most who think a rookie was going to come in and replace DM's production).. Seems interesting that we draft another Anthony Hitchens clone in the same round. We're definitely over loaded at LB. Not sure if that's bc of Injury risk or if the OTTO position rumors are true.. one thing is for sure, we wont keep them all, so we should try to get value from them via other teams.. if nothing else, it's worth speculating about.

Oh geezus christ on a wicker stick...the lengths some will go to in order to dream about peterson in front of the rest of us. keep this **** in the peterson thread.

 

[Sinister]

If the staff is that frightened of Lee and McClain being injured that they have to sign free agent insurance AND devote two draft choices to cover it, they have no business even having them on the team. They are then liabilities because their issues are sucking resources that could be used elsewhere on the roster.

 

[Spectre]

hopefully out of 12 they end up with some real gems for game day- given the high number of competition for the positions.

 

[Galian Beast]

How about some CB competition... We got Jones... Who will probably play FS.. Scandrick, Patmon, Carr who might be a June 1st cut. And Claiborne... Not a fuzzy feeling here... One of the 7th rounders should of been spent on Ifo Ekpre-Olomu.. ACL aside he'll at least be on PUP and then provide some depth..

They like Wilcox at Free Safety, I don't think Jones will see much time there, especially given the issues at cornerback. Here is my speculation, they are waiting to see if Carr takes a pay cut and if Claiborne can somehow become ready to go.

Right now the depth chart looks like this

Scandrick
Carr
Jones
Patmon
(Claiborne*)

If/when Carr is cut cornerback becomes pretty precarious.

I'd love to trade Hanna for a legit cornerback.

Have no clue why we didn't get Charles Tillman...

 

[Sydla]

The fact we took a few LBs in this draft tells me they stuck to BPA and not necessarily just drafted guys based on need.

 

[slomoxn]

Jasper Brinkley will likely make the team given him 1.25 million dollar signing bonus and his pretty low 2015 base salary. He could be cut in 2016 pretty easily however, with 625k in dead money versus his 2 million dollar base salary and 2 million dollar option bonus. That's a lot of money that Brinkley is going to compete hard to get. He also has a workout bonus of 250k. Veteran backup at MLB.

Andrew Gachkar is also a pretty expensive role player, but don't be mistaken here. While he is a linebacker, he was primary brought here to play special teams. We poached him from San Diego. Similar to Brinkley however he does have to show something in order to really receive any type of compensation. He got a 1.2 million dollar signing bonus for a two year deal, but his base salary is 1 million. Next year his base salary jumps to 3 million, and I'm guessing he will be cut. ST ACE

Keith Smith signed to a one year deal worth 825k. He is a depth option who the team must think has a lot of upside. He was a first round draft pick in 2008. He had a limited rookie season because of a broken jaw, but did receive a vote for defensive rookie of the year. He was an ok player with Cincinnati however nothing special. Had some injury issues and was eventually traded to the Giants for a 5th round draft pick in 2012. Still a pretty high value. Anyways someone probably liked this kid coming out of the draft, and wanted to see if he could jump start his career here. Veteran depth, outside linebacker predominantly plays the weak side but can play the strong side as well. Has to compete in camp to make the roster.

Anthony Hitchens, sophomore player who really came on strong last year for us. Potential starter, though questions have been raised as to whether he would be the best strong side linebacker to start.

Kyle Wilber is in his finally year with the club, really never fit the 4-3 as of right now he is basically a camp body who is pretty cheap but also easy to cut. Most likey doesn't make the roster.

Dekoda Watson is basically known for his blunder in the Lions game. He was paid a lot last year, another player who is basically just a camp body. Was supposed to help us on special teams but almost cost us a playoff game. Don't expect him to be here next year, he has no signing bonus penalty. I believe he did take a pay cut to stay with the team though. ST player.

Troy Davis we signed Davis to our practice squad last year, and he is basically just a camp body at this point. ST player.

Will Smith was drafted in the 7th round last year, didn't make the squad but was placed on the PS. Low chance that he makes the team this year, basically seeing if they can develop him into a special teams player.

James Anderson was a staple on the panthers defense for years. He left the Panthers and signed with the Bears in 2013 for one year and lead their team in tackles. Age seems to be degrading his abilities, but he will compete at the strong side position. I doubt he makes it on the roster. Strong side linebacker.

Cam Lawrence. Primarily a special teams player for the Cowboys. Injuries forced him into the lineup. A player who was never meant to play in games, but again that is the nature of the linebacker position especially when you don't have great depth.

That brings us to Nzeocha and Wilson.

Here is a depth chart to help you see what it looks like

First team
Lee - McClain - Hitchens

Second Team
Wilson (vs smith) - Brinkley - Nzeocha (vs Anderson)

ST Teams
Gachkar vs Lawrence

I'd say we go 6 or 7 at linebacker, probably 7.

When you look at it, there is some competition, but it is pretty clear cut at least what they were trying to do here.

Thank you for a good breakdown, I was wondering why so many LB's but I don't have enough knowledge to spedulate on it and don't see the point in complaining. That was needed, calms the anxiety that maybe they're slipping in drafting again.

 

[jazzcat22]

Jasper Brinkley will likely make the team given him 1.25 million dollar signing bonus and his pretty low 2015 base salary. He could be cut in 2016 pretty easily however, with 625k in dead money versus his 2 million dollar base salary and 2 million dollar option bonus. That's a lot of money that Brinkley is going to compete hard to get. He also has a workout bonus of 250k. Veteran backup at MLB.

Andrew Gachkar is also a pretty expensive role player, but don't be mistaken here. While he is a linebacker, he was primary brought here to play special teams. We poached him from San Diego. Similar to Brinkley however he does have to show something in order to really receive any type of compensation. He got a 1.2 million dollar signing bonus for a two year deal, but his base salary is 1 million. Next year his base salary jumps to 3 million, and I'm guessing he will be cut. ST ACE

Keith Smith signed to a one year deal worth 825k. He is a depth option who the team must think has a lot of upside. He was a first round draft pick in 2008. He had a limited rookie season because of a broken jaw, but did receive a vote for defensive rookie of the year. He was an ok player with Cincinnati however nothing special. Had some injury issues and was eventually traded to the Giants for a 5th round draft pick in 2012. Still a pretty high value. Anyways someone probably liked this kid coming out of the draft, and wanted to see if he could jump start his career here. Veteran depth, outside linebacker predominantly plays the weak side but can play the strong side as well. Has to compete in camp to make the roster.

Anthony Hitchens, sophomore player who really came on strong last year for us. Potential starter, though questions have been raised as to whether he would be the best strong side linebacker to start.

Kyle Wilber is in his finally year with the club, really never fit the 4-3 as of right now he is basically a camp body who is pretty cheap but also easy to cut. Most likey doesn't make the roster.

Dekoda Watson is basically known for his blunder in the Lions game. He was paid a lot last year, another player who is basically just a camp body. Was supposed to help us on special teams but almost cost us a playoff game. Don't expect him to be here next year, he has no signing bonus penalty. I believe he did take a pay cut to stay with the team though. ST player.

Troy Davis we signed Davis to our practice squad last year, and he is basically just a camp body at this point. ST player.

Will Smith was drafted in the 7th round last year, didn't make the squad but was placed on the PS. Low chance that he makes the team this year, basically seeing if they can develop him into a special teams player.

James Anderson was a staple on the panthers defense for years. He left the Panthers and signed with the Bears in 2013 for one year and lead their team in tackles. Age seems to be degrading his abilities, but he will compete at the strong side position. I doubt he makes it on the roster. Strong side linebacker.

Cam Lawrence. Primarily a special teams player for the Cowboys. Injuries forced him into the lineup. A player who was never meant to play in games, but again that is the nature of the linebacker position especially when you don't have great depth.

That brings us to Nzeocha and Wilson.

Here is a depth chart to help you see what it looks like

First team
Lee - McClain - Hitchens

Second Team
Wilson (vs smith) - Brinkley - Nzeocha (vs Anderson)

ST Teams
Gachkar vs Lawrence

I'd say we go 6 or 7 at linebacker, probably 7.

When you look at it, there is some competition, but it is pretty clear cut at least what they were trying to do here.

Do you mean Keith Rivers and not Keith Smith?
But still great write up.

There is a Keith Smith, he was signed originally as a S I think. Was on and off the PS though as a LB toward the end of the season.

 

[Temo]

Linebackers are usually also special teamers, so that accounts for carrying more than just backups.

 

[Galian Beast]

Do you mean Keith Rivers and not Keith Smith?
But still great write up.

There is a Keith Smith, he was signed originally as a S I think. Was on and off the PS though as a LB toward the end of the season.

Yes, rivers, my mistake.

 

[dallasdave]

Yes there is such a thing as having too many linebackers, especially in a 4-3. Think about it, most 4-3 teams keep anywhere from 6-8 linebackers on the team. I think our scouts over value the position way too much. 3 linebackers are on the field in the base defense. Base defenses see the field about an average of 25% of the time. Most of the time defenses are in nickel and dime packages which call for 1-2 linebackers to be left in the game.
We now have McClain, Lee, Hitchens, Brinkley, Gachkar, Wilber, Rivers, Smith, Watson, Davis, Anderson, Lawrence, Wilson and Nzeocha. 14 players at a position where 75% of the time only 2 linebackers will be on the field. The picks could have been spent better elsewhere like interior defensive line, defensive backs or even running back. I would have went DB heavy considering that most of the time you will have 5-6 defensive backs in the game at the same time.
I just don't understand why we always seem to focus in on linebackers. The 3-4 I could understand, but a 4-3 it just doesn't add up to me.

I was thinking the same thing during the draft, I thought here comes another CB or a RB but I never thought another LB.

 

[dallasdave]

Yes there is such a thing as having too many linebackers, especially in a 4-3. Think about it, most 4-3 teams keep anywhere from 6-8 linebackers on the team. I think our scouts over value the position way too much. 3 linebackers are on the field in the base defense. Base defenses see the field about an average of 25% of the time. Most of the time defenses are in nickel and dime packages which call for 1-2 linebackers to be left in the game.
We now have McClain, Lee, Hitchens, Brinkley, Gachkar, Wilber, Rivers, Smith, Watson, Davis, Anderson, Lawrence, Wilson and Nzeocha. 14 players at a position where 75% of the time only 2 linebackers will be on the field. The picks could have been spent better elsewhere like interior defensive line, defensive backs or even running back. I would have went DB heavy considering that most of the time you will have 5-6 defensive backs in the game at the same time.
I just don't understand why we always seem to focus in on linebackers. The 3-4 I could understand, but a 4-3 it just doesn't add up to me.

We have enough LB's to field a basketball roster.

 

[Knotamus]

Oh geezus christ on a wicker stick...the lengths some will go to in order to dream about peterson in front of the rest of us. keep this **** in the peterson thread.

Oh geezus Christ on a wicker stick..the lengths some will go to embarrass others just to get a "like".. It was just a thought and not a far fetched one based on the example I gave of Phillys trade. I purposely left his name out of my post so not to have people like you wouldn't have a knee jerk response w/o actually considering the scenario.. The thread was ab our excessive of LB's.. And I threw out a scenario based on the only other option I'd take since a lot of people are upset we didn't draft a RB. Didn't mean to get your panties in a wad.. These forums our for Cowboy Fans to express their thoughts as far as I knew..that's my opinion. So before calling out someone, how bout you give a constructive conversation.. Or just keep your opinions to yourself. My post was only meant for brainstorming what the FO has planned for out LBers period.

 

[BAZ]

With Lee being an IR waiting to happen and Ro's pending suspension it seems like they are trying to get ahead of this position before bad things happen, no problem with it.

 

[iceberg]

Oh geezus Christ on a wicker stick..the lengths some will go to embarrass others just to get a "like".. It was just a thought and not a far fetched one based on the example I gave of Phillys trade. I purposely left his name out of my post so not to have people like you wouldn't have a knee jerk response w/o actually considering the scenario.. The thread was ab our excessive of LB's.. And I threw out a scenario based on the only other option I'd take since a lot of people are upset we didn't draft a RB. Didn't mean to get your panties in a wad.. These forums our for Cowboy Fans to express their thoughts as far as I knew..that's my opinion. So before calling out someone, how bout you give a constructive conversation.. Or just keep your opinions to yourself. My post was only meant for brainstorming what the FO has planned for out LBers period.

I dont see a "post must be constructive" rule. Maybe we can get one and ttrade it for peterson.

maybe we can trade carr, I mean just swap contracts!!!

 

[endersdragon]

They like Wilcox at Free Safety, I don't think Jones will see much time there, especially given the issues at cornerback. Here is my speculation, they are waiting to see if Carr takes a pay cut and if Claiborne can somehow become ready to go
Right now the depth chart looks like this

Scandrick
Carr
Jones
Patmon
(Claiborne*)

If/when Carr is cut cornerback becomes pretty precarious.

I'd love to trade Hanna for a legit cornerback.

Have no clue why we didn't get Charles Tillman...

That's why I don't get not drafting White in the 7th. He would be very capable in the slot for us... an area where we have a huge need.