News: McCarthy Talks' Tyler Smith's Position Flex, Position Flex in General

[Pass2Run]

This is just a quote from the article about Tyler Smith. This is what I've been saying about how the Cowboys have been drafting lately. Whether it's a WR, or lineman, or backer, or safety, they want guys who can do multiple things, play multiple roles.

“He was selected in the first round for a reason,” McCarthy said of Tyler. “I’m thinking about the 53. I’m thinking about game day… Because anybody that can play two positions, that’s something that we talk about a ton. Will [McClay] and I have this conversation daily, where we’re looking at players… ‘Does he do two things?’ I think it’s important for players- unless they’re a quarterback or a kicker or a specialty position- that they have to bring two things to the table. Because if they don’t, their ability to be up on game day is obviously limited.”

LINK: Tyler Smith’s ‘alpha personality’ helping him learn 2 Cowboys OL spots (usatoday.com)

 

[terra]

Jack of all trades MASTER OF NONE.

THAT is the problem with being obsessed with position flex. For backups it is certainly a factor; but when you are looking at starters that should not be a serious concern unless it comes down to two prospects and all other things are equal.

 

[Vinnie2u]

Pretty much what the Patriots have been doing for the past 20 years...

 

[Bullflop]

Everything depends upon how well Tyler is able to prove he's capable of offering solid pass protection at the LT spot. it's crucial.
Big Mike can speak knowingly all he wants about position flex, but in the end, it's performance that counts. We shall see!

 

[Cowboyny]

It will all depend on how fast he develops his technique for both positions as all the physical traits already exists. Listening to him, he certainly has the drive to work on his craft.

 

[jazzcat22]

Jack of all trades MASTER OF NONE.

THAT is the problem with being obsessed with position flex. For backups it is certainly a factor; but when you are looking at starters that should not be a serious concern unless it comes down to two prospects and all other things are equal.

Seems to me too many players have been wasted and ruined because of this position flex crap.
I can see it to a degree, but allow the player, especially a rookie to learn the position for which he was drafted first. Then add other stuff if they feel he can handle it.

There are exceptions, such as Parsons, but many do not do so well. Tyrone Crawford for example, and when Bobby Carpenter came in, IMO, Parcells screwed him up from the start. Yes overall he was a huge bust. But from day one, the constantly moved him from ILB to OLB and back and forth in the same practices.

Countless players from CB to S to CB. Byron Jones for example.

 

[Hennessy_King]

Just put a guy at his best spot and let him work. Jesus. Enough with the flex and traits coming out of jerrys ugly pr mouth

 

[blueblood70]

Jack of all trades MASTER OF NONE.

THAT is the problem with being obsessed with position flex. For backups it is certainly a factor; but when you are looking at starters that should not be a serious concern unless it comes down to two prospects and all other things are equal.

Bill Belechek did it for decades and?? this is how the NFL works many players can say play the slot, xyz etc many linemen will train for one job but has skills in case of injury to flex..stop the drama many players have been used back to the Landry days in flex positions..wasnt invented by Jerry guy... jeez Lousie.

I guess deebo shouldn't be playing Rb, wr, and TE huh? Te flexing out to wr etc al around the league rb moving into the slot..give it a rest.. the clowning on your own team as if they say for do things other NFL teams dont do like Foles and other qbs going our for pass, how about the wildcat you think that was invented by Jerry?..you practice it umm kkk he will be the LG if he shows up but will practice at LT no reason to say or do anything differently, most teams have their OL practice at all positions . you must be prepared for players missing ie inured, suspended, or out on some LIST..

OMG this place like to just hammer the FO and coaches for doing what the nfl have always done.

 

[blueblood70]

Seems to me too many players have been wasted and ruined because of this position flex crap.
I can see it to a degree, but allow the player, especially a rookie to learn the position for which he was drafted first. Then add other stuff if they feel he can handle it.

There are exceptions, such as Parsons, but many do not do so well. Tyrone Crawford for example, and when Bobby Carpenter came in, IMO, Parcells screwed him up from the start. Yes overall he was a huge bust. But from day one, the constantly moved him from ILB to OLB and back and forth in the same practices.

Countless players from CB to S to CB. Byron Jones for example.

its common in the league no ones being wastes, if they were great at one position they would stay there unless a major rash of injuries happen and its why you practice payers at many positions when you can IE THE offseason. this is the time teams do this..

 

[CouchCoach]

The Cowboys are bedazzled by their own brilliance.

What else can Martin, Tyron Smith, Lawrence, Elliott, Schultz, Diggs and Lamb do? Be nice if they used Pollard as he was used in college where he was a dual threat.

This is nothing more than the usual Cowboys spin on their pick and it would be nice if he proves he can handle LG first.

They get lucky with Parsons and now think they are the specialty team at picking schizophrenics.

While he's on the subject, wish they'd asked him about the QB. Is he going to remain a drop back passer or be used as what he's best at?

Why don't they just change it to the Dallas Salesmen? They could have cool little fedoras and briefcases on their helmets and dump Rowdy's stupid looking outfit for a nice business suit, power tie and glasses.

 

[jrumann59]

Bill Belechek did it for decades and?? this is how the NFL works many players can say play the slot, xyz etc many linemen will train for one job but has skills in case of injury to flex..stop the drama many players have been used back to the Landry days in flex positions..wasnt invented by Jerry guy... jeez Lousie.

I guess deebo shouldn't be playing Rb, wr, and TE huh? Te flexing out to wr etc al around the league rb moving into the slot..give it a rest.. the clowning on your own team as if they say for do things other NFL teams dont do like Foles and other qbs going our for pass, how about the wildcat you think that was invented by Jerry?..you practice it umm kkk he will be the LG if he shows up but will practice at LT no reason to say or do anything differently, most teams have their OL practice at all positions . you must be prepared for players missing ie inured, suspended, or out on some LIST..

OMG this place like to just hammer the FO and coaches for doing what the nfl have always done.

The poition flex has been blown out of proportion by both sides. Back during the triplets I remember Prime-Time playing WR, Leon Lett playing DE. The issue is when you take an average to above average talent and make them switch you basically ruin that player. See Tyrone Crawford, Byron Jones, T. Austin

 

[john van brocklin]

This is just a quote from the article about Tyler Smith. This is what I've been saying about how the Cowboys have been drafting lately. Whether it's a WR, or lineman, or backer, or safety, they want guys who can do multiple things, play multiple roles.

“He was selected in the first round for a reason,” McCarthy said of Tyler. “I’m thinking about the 53. I’m thinking about game day… Because anybody that can play two positions, that’s something that we talk about a ton. Will [McClay] and I have this conversation daily, where we’re looking at players… ‘Does he do two things?’ I think it’s important for players- unless they’re a quarterback or a kicker or a specialty position- that they have to bring two things to the table. Because if they don’t, their ability to be up on game day is obviously limited.”

LINK: Tyler Smith’s ‘alpha personality’ helping him learn 2 Cowboys OL spots (usatoday.com)

Got to be careful with the position flex thing.
We almost destroyed Byron Jones doing that.

 

[plasticman]

Translation:

Sure, I would love to use Tyler at LG all season, but let's be realistic, Tyron isn't going to play more than he did last season, he's going to play less. You can pretty much expect Tyler to spend equal time on the field at both positions. Of course, this depends also on Steele staying healthy and you know how that goes.

 

[conner01]

Position flex is great
And plenty of other teams look for it also
With smith I expect they see him as the future LT
But this season he’s gonna be a starting guard and he hasn’t played guard since HS. It just seems to me a rookie playing a new position should spend his rookie camp learning that one position and then next camp and maybe some practice as the season goes on he can work on learning tackle
Position flex is great but for a rookie I’d rather perfect one before working on the other
But no team has hired me yet to make those decisions so what do I know lol

 

[conner01]

Translation:

Sure, I would love to use Tyler at LG all season, but let's be realistic, Tyron isn't going to play more than he did last season, he's going to play less. You can pretty much expect Tyler to spend equal time on the field at both positions. Of course, this depends also on Steele staying healthy and you know how that goes.

I’ll take the over on playing more this year

 

[plasticman]

I’ll take the over on playing more this year

I would be ecstatic if you were right and I was wrong.

 

[conner01]

I would be ecstatic if you were right and I was wrong.

It’s very important that he does and last years injury wasn’t what been his issue from the back so that’s a good sign
I really believe this offense is gonna be as good as the oline plays. We’ve got to be able to run effective and protect the QB. The defense got the ball back so much last year it really helped. But it’s not very likely that happens again so the offense needs to be even better than last year and Tyron is a big part of that happening. Smith being able to be solid from day one at guard. Biadasz and Steele to be really solid players and they all need to stay healthy

 

[TequilaCowboy]

Jack of all trades MASTER OF NONE.

THAT is the problem with being obsessed with position flex. For backups it is certainly a factor; but when you are looking at starters that should not be a serious concern unless it comes down to two prospects and all other things are equal.

That is also my concern. Especially with a rookie coming in. You just confuse him even more and stunt his growth. Pretty soon his technique suffers and is either average or below average at each position. You need familiarity and chemistry on your OL. Lots of reps at one spot.

 

[xwalker]

That is also my concern. Especially with a rookie coming in. You just confuse him even more and stunt his growth. Pretty soon his technique suffers and is either average or below average at each position. You need familiarity and chemistry on your OL. Lots of reps at one spot.

It is good in the off-season to practice both LG and LT.

Once the season starts is when he should only practice 1 position.