Galian Beast
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The first thing that comes to mind is themes. Thematically there is a clear sign of what the team is doing.
Let's first start with what message the team put out there early in the offseason, which was that the draft would be organized around the idea that Romo will be playing for the next 4-5 years, whether that turns out to be the case or not, that is how the organization is moving forward.
So that tells me the draft has to continue to be Romo friendly, which means maximizing the window he has available. So the theme is to help the team and help the team the most within this 4-5 year window.
What player in the draft did many of us and many in the media suggest would help us the most in 2016? Hands down that player was Ezekiel Elliott. He is one of the most well rounded running backs to come into the NFL. His production shouldn't be overlooked either. He might not be as dynamic a player as say Peterson or Gurley, but he was actually more productive than both of them. He's also younger than Adrian Peterson was coming into the league. We may not have even seen this kids ceiling yet. If he is anywhere close to as productive as Peterson behind this offensive line with the outside talent we have at receiver, we're going to have an excellent offense for the next 5 years. This helps our defense tremendously, especially in those first 4 games of the season.
Jaylon Smith comes next, and I think part of the reason you can draft a Jaylon Smith is because you drafted Ezekiel Elliott. The team was obviously more comfortable drafting Smith with his medical issues than they were Spence with his character issues, despite the team needed help with pass rush. It should be noted that in 2014 our best pass rusher was George Selvie. Gregory and Lawrence whether we can rely on them or not are significantly better than Selvie. Smith gives you the ability to get an elite talent even if it isn't right away. His contribution to the Romo window should be significant if he is that top 5 or top 10 draft caliber player for you. That's how you give a major shot towards increasing your defensive capabilities. My guess is if he is healthy McClain is gone next year.
There are some questions about that too however. Most had him pegged as more of an outside linebacker rather than a middle linebacker. So, it was very strange to hear them say they saw him as in inside guy. It'll be interesting to see if that is what really happens. It is also interesting that they had him above Myles Jack, so it would be interesting to see how they both progress medically and talent wise on the field.
I'd still like to see McClain put it all together and have Lee - McClain - Smith
If you compare our secondary to 2014, we're better now than we were then.
If you compare our linebackers to 2014, we're much better now than we were then, especially if Smith can play at any point this year or next year (Lee was out for the season).
If you compare our defensive line to 2014, I'd argue we're also better than we were then even with the suspensions, but we're significantly better with the return of Lawrence and Gregory.
So I think we've established that we're better on defense, perhaps significantly better on defense than 2014.
What about on offense?
That brings us back to Elliott who is much better than DeMarco Murray, has much better vision than DeMarco Murray and more talent as well. We also have McFadden and Morris who are both better than Randle backing him up. The talent at RB is insane at the moment compared to what we had in 2014.
I think we're better at WR simply because we have essentially the same group, but they're all more experienced.
At tight end we're similar, but this might be the only spot where we're worse, but not demonstrably worse.
The offensive line should be even better in 2016 than it was in 2014 since we've added Collins who is now entering his second year pro. A huge upgrade over Leary. The question is what happens at right tackle.
I would have liked to see them bring in a QB like Hoyer, McCoy, or Moore. Surprised they haven't paid more attention to the backup spot, though I'm pleased they didn't use a pick on it. Wouldn't be furious if they picked someone up in the 4th round though.
Let's first start with what message the team put out there early in the offseason, which was that the draft would be organized around the idea that Romo will be playing for the next 4-5 years, whether that turns out to be the case or not, that is how the organization is moving forward.
So that tells me the draft has to continue to be Romo friendly, which means maximizing the window he has available. So the theme is to help the team and help the team the most within this 4-5 year window.
What player in the draft did many of us and many in the media suggest would help us the most in 2016? Hands down that player was Ezekiel Elliott. He is one of the most well rounded running backs to come into the NFL. His production shouldn't be overlooked either. He might not be as dynamic a player as say Peterson or Gurley, but he was actually more productive than both of them. He's also younger than Adrian Peterson was coming into the league. We may not have even seen this kids ceiling yet. If he is anywhere close to as productive as Peterson behind this offensive line with the outside talent we have at receiver, we're going to have an excellent offense for the next 5 years. This helps our defense tremendously, especially in those first 4 games of the season.
Jaylon Smith comes next, and I think part of the reason you can draft a Jaylon Smith is because you drafted Ezekiel Elliott. The team was obviously more comfortable drafting Smith with his medical issues than they were Spence with his character issues, despite the team needed help with pass rush. It should be noted that in 2014 our best pass rusher was George Selvie. Gregory and Lawrence whether we can rely on them or not are significantly better than Selvie. Smith gives you the ability to get an elite talent even if it isn't right away. His contribution to the Romo window should be significant if he is that top 5 or top 10 draft caliber player for you. That's how you give a major shot towards increasing your defensive capabilities. My guess is if he is healthy McClain is gone next year.
There are some questions about that too however. Most had him pegged as more of an outside linebacker rather than a middle linebacker. So, it was very strange to hear them say they saw him as in inside guy. It'll be interesting to see if that is what really happens. It is also interesting that they had him above Myles Jack, so it would be interesting to see how they both progress medically and talent wise on the field.
I'd still like to see McClain put it all together and have Lee - McClain - Smith
If you compare our secondary to 2014, we're better now than we were then.
If you compare our linebackers to 2014, we're much better now than we were then, especially if Smith can play at any point this year or next year (Lee was out for the season).
If you compare our defensive line to 2014, I'd argue we're also better than we were then even with the suspensions, but we're significantly better with the return of Lawrence and Gregory.
So I think we've established that we're better on defense, perhaps significantly better on defense than 2014.
What about on offense?
That brings us back to Elliott who is much better than DeMarco Murray, has much better vision than DeMarco Murray and more talent as well. We also have McFadden and Morris who are both better than Randle backing him up. The talent at RB is insane at the moment compared to what we had in 2014.
I think we're better at WR simply because we have essentially the same group, but they're all more experienced.
At tight end we're similar, but this might be the only spot where we're worse, but not demonstrably worse.
The offensive line should be even better in 2016 than it was in 2014 since we've added Collins who is now entering his second year pro. A huge upgrade over Leary. The question is what happens at right tackle.
I would have liked to see them bring in a QB like Hoyer, McCoy, or Moore. Surprised they haven't paid more attention to the backup spot, though I'm pleased they didn't use a pick on it. Wouldn't be furious if they picked someone up in the 4th round though.
