Most Important Player on Defense

[DoctorChicken]

Collins quietly had a really really good year for a 3rd round pick. Considering he missed a chunk of TC with injury, played in one PS game, and didn't play the first game of the regular season, he was impressive. He also doesn't get a ton of edge support, as we know all too well.

In a regular team draft, he'd probably be considered the gem of that year's haul. In last year's draft, he's maybe the 4th biggest story (depending how you feel about Anthony Brown). And even with that, Charles Tapper might have something to say about that ranking in a few years if his play can ever match his athleticism.

Man, we had a great draft in 2016 when you think about it. Crazy good.

We already got an All-Pro RB, Rookie of the Year QB, Starting 3-Tech and CB out of one draft. If Jaylon pans out, this could rank as the top all time draft.

 

[Idgit]

We already got an All-Pro RB, Rookie of the Year QB, Starting 3-Tech and CB out of one draft. If Jaylon pans out, this could rank as the top all time draft.

And Tapper, yeah.

Tough to beat the Dirty Dozen draft, and that stupid Stealers draft, but it's got a chance to right up there.

 

[dallasdave]

Sometimes we have to wait 2-3 years for a player to develop, Collins showed it in his rookie season. Very promising

He's probably going to be the best Dlineman we have.

Prime Time with the Chime

 

[xwalker]

His role is certainly very important. I just don't think he is good enough yet.

I get your point, but he was the best DL last season and it's not even a close contest, IMO.

Others flashed great games, like Irving and McClain, but in of being consistently good Collins has to be the choice.

Obviously Lee is the best overall player on defense but as Jimmy taught us years ago, you can get by with Dixon Edwards type LBs when playing this style of defense.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Jaylon Smith.


Think about it.

 

[xwalker]

Collins quietly had a really really good year for a 3rd round pick. Considering he missed a chunk of TC with injury, played in one PS game, and didn't play the first game of the regular season, he was impressive. He also doesn't get a ton of edge support, as we know all too well.

In a regular team draft, he'd probably be considered the gem of that year's haul. In last year's draft, he's maybe the 4th biggest story (depending how you feel about Anthony Brown). And even with that, Charles Tapper might have something to say about that ranking in a few years if his play can ever match his athleticism.

Man, we had a great draft in 2016 when you think about it. Crazy good.

I had Collins rated as the 2nd best DT in that draft.

It's amazing that he fell to the 3rd simply because of how his college team used him in their scheme.

 

[Idgit]

I had Collins rated as the 2nd best DT in that draft.

It's amazing that he fell to the 3rd simply because of how his college team used him in their scheme.

Great call, then.

Let's hope Tapper fell into that same category...

 

[haleyrules]

At this point..Marinelli is clearly the most important man on the Defense....its a tough call. In the NFL....Coaching is everything.

 

[haleyrules]

Great call, then.

Let's hope Tapper fell into that same category...

Ha!!

 

[TheHerd]

I agree that it's possible for Collins to be the most important on defense.

If the most important player on a 4-3 defense is a LB, then that defense has problems.

Hopefully by mid season a DE gets the vote.

I get your point and we don't run the same exact D and the game has evolved, but Urlacher was pretty key in a good defense.

 

[jday]

NFL Network showed a video where they debated who the most important player on the Cowboys defense was. Willie McGinnis mentioned "war daddies" they need to come up with, like a Taco Charlton. While I would love for us to have one, we don't have that guy yet. However, I do believe that player is on the D-line at the 3-technique position, & that's Maliek Collins. I know everyone wants to say Sean Lee, the All-Pro LB, & no one loves Lee more than I do. However, if you don't have studs in the middle of your D-line shooting gaps & putting pressure on the backfield, your LBs have little chance of making plays. So, Collins is my guy for not only what he did last year, when he had 5 sacks as a rookie DT, but this season, where I believe he is going to take the next step to becoming great. Who is your guy on the defense?

Sean Lee would be the obvious answer in my opinion. Of the potential team leaders back there, the only trust issues we have with him is rather or not he can stay healthy. And you have to love him for the example he sets for the younger guys; you can't count on Scandrick and/or Carroll to study film like Lee does.

That said, Byron Jones may just be more critical to have on the field. He may not be the playmaker people hoped he would be but he has been solid in his role, which includes being the quarterback of the defense. Furthermore, this will be his third year, so this could be the year that he emerges as a top tier FS.

The last guy I'd say look out for is Demarcus Lawrence. He's in a contract year. Tapper and Taco are both essentially rookies at a position that rarely if ever breakouts, so if we have a wardaddy currently on the line, it will either be David Irving or DLaw. If one of these two emerges, though, as a wardaddy, you could make the argument that he immediately becomes the most important player on that side of the ball.

 

[jday]

Ezekiel Elliott.

I honestly think that would be a good answer if this was Family Feud. In a survey of a 100 people, you have to think a few would understand that the most important factor in the success of this defense is rather or not our offense can extend drives. And no one does that better than Zeke.....though, I'd say, Beasley is a very close second in that role.

 

[sbark]

Thinking it almost has to be M.Collins........with Eli, Rogers etc getting the ball out quicker, the pressure has to be immediate up the middle, I'd like to see more combo of M.Collins & D.Irving at tackle spots on pure passing downs.........both show ability to get pressure asap, and if nothing else the size of Irving.........with Jaylon coming to keep center from helping........

Eli would have to change his depends quarterly.

 

[waving monkey]

"Whose the motor", when I heard that question it pointed to the importance of the position.
MCollins rookie season made it pretty clear who the motor is.

 

[Ranching]

Jaylon Smith.


Think about it.

You beat me to it. If he pans out, we will be a lot stronger as a whole.

 

[BermyStar]

I'm buying what the OP is selling because I am I big believer in Collins. I really think he can be special and I've been saying it.

 

[StarBoyz83]

Collins for sure is important. He's the only player on the dl who is above average.

 

[casmith07]

You beat me to it. If he pans out, we will be a lot stronger as a whole.

He will pan out, sir.

 

[TheFinisher]

I had Collins rated as the 2nd best DT in that draft.

It's amazing that he fell to the 3rd simply because of how his college team used him in their scheme.

IIRC he had a lot of hype coming into the 2015 season but you're correct in that the scheme combined with an incredibly deep DT class caused him to be overlooked. I also had him pegged as a target for us, despite the depth in that DT class, Collins seemed like he was up there with Nkemdiche and Rankins in terms of upside as a 3T.

 

[JoeKing]

Most important to the Cowboys...
On defense... General Sean Lee
On offense... Elliott/Prescott
FO... Will McClay