Nate just said go after the pass rusher, not the guard.

[supercowboy8]

The only 3-4 DE I like at 14 would be Fletcher Cox. He can get pressure off the edge and stuff the run. He had a good combine to warrant a mid 1st round pick but i would rather get Reyes in a trade up in the 2nd.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

A player that interests me that has not gotten a lot of attention is Malik Jackson. He played out of position at Tennessee because they really had nobody on D. I would bet that if he lost a few pounds he could be an interesting prospect at SOLB in a 34. If you added a few pounds the other way, I bet he could be a DE in a 34. He's a transfer from USC. He transfered to Tennessee when USC got nailed. He played sparingly while at USC but when he joined the Vols, he was moved to DT and he really isn't a DT IMO. He played well for Tennessee considering but I believe he's a guy that can be moved to either OLB or DE in a 34 and I think his a mid round pick. JMO

 

[baj1dallas]

Bang the drum Nate but unfortunately, it probably won't matter. The Cowboy Fan Base wants DeCastro. That may not be what the team is thinking but I doubt we will change the collective minds of the Fan Base. I think most are set on DeCastro or Bust mode.

Most here but not your average fan in Dallas.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

I would pass on DeCastro on a good pass rusher like Ingram, Von Miller, Aldon Smith, or Kerrigan. But people look at stats and combine numbers and think reaching for a guy like Mercilus at 14 is just as good when they never seen him play and a can clearly see his game doesn't translate to a 3-4 SOLB. Andre Branch translate better than Mercilus does but I wouldn't take him over DeCastro. Branch and Mercilus isn't better than Spencer.

The only thing is, is that this draft doesn;t have a 3-4 DE or OLB pass rushers like last years draft had. I would take a JJ Watt over Decastro. But I don't see a Watt, Miller, or Kerrigan in this draft. Ingram is the closest one but he will go top 12.

Compare the Combine Numbers to Kerrigan, Smith and Miller, this years DLinmen were off the charts as well. More than ever.

 

[supercowboy8]

Compare the Combine Numbers to Kerrigan, Smith and Miller, this years DLinmen were off the charts as well. More than ever.

Yeah because combine numbers tells all. Go ahead and compare, and I want to see. Kerrigan was a better player and played the run great, has fluid hips, and great lateral movement. Miller and smith were top 7 picks. Ingram is the only one this year that will be picked top 10.

But that's my point people get lost in combine numbers

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Donta Hightower is a terrific pass rusher. He might not be well known for it because he was so versatile and played so many other roles on that D.

But when called upon to put his hand down and rush the passer he was a terror. Better natural pass rusher than Upshaw. He had the key sack in the BCS Championship game that sealed the win. In the Tennessee game this past season he single handledly destroyed the UT QB all night long.

 

[RS12]

You find me a sure fire 10-12 sack a year guy at 14 and I'm all over it. Unfortunately all I see is a bunch 5-7 sack a year guys. Already seen that movie.

 

[RS12]

A player that interests me that has not gotten a lot of attention is Malik Jackson. He played out of position at Tennessee because they really had nobody on D. I would bet that if he lost a few pounds he could be an interesting prospect at SOLB in a 34. If you added a few pounds the other way, I bet he could be a DE in a 34. He's a transfer from USC. He transfered to Tennessee when USC got nailed. He played sparingly while at USC but when he joined the Vols, he was moved to DT and he really isn't a DT IMO. He played well for Tennessee considering but I believe he's a guy that can be moved to either OLB or DE in a 34 and I think his a mid round pick. JMO

Him or Bequette. I think they will both be there at 45.

 

[honyock]

Donta Hightower is a terrific pass rusher. He might not be well known for it because he was so versatile and played so many other roles on that D.

But when called upon to put his hand down and rush the passer he was a terror. Better natural pass rusher than Upshaw. He had the key sack in the BCS Championship game that sealed the win. In the Tennessee game this past season he single handledly destroyed the UT QB all night long.

I was wondering when someone would mention one of the two ILB's who might be available at 14. Especially if DeCastro is gone, Kuechly might be BPA, Hightower might not be too far away from BPA, AND fill a position of need. Either would be a big upgrade to the front seven.

I know, ILB has been addressed at #2 the past two drafts. But I'm intrigued at the idea of having say, Hightower, Carter and Lee on the field at the same time in 4-3 sets, and having Hightower be a passrusher at times.

I've had the impression that except for the Lee-love expressed here, there is a general shoulder-shrug to the value of ILB's in a 3-4. I won't be surprised at all to see us take one of the top two ILB's at #14, or maybe Hightower in a small trade-down.

 

[realtick]

I would pass on DeCastro on a good pass rusher like Ingram, Von Miller, Aldon Smith, or Kerrigan. But people look at stats and combine numbers and think reaching for a guy like Mercilus at 14 is just as good when they never seen him play and a can clearly see his game doesn't translate to a 3-4 SOLB. Andre Branch translate better than Mercilus does but I wouldn't take him over DeCastro. Branch and Mercilus isn't better than Spencer.

The only thing is, is that this draft doesn;t have a 3-4 DE or OLB pass rushers like last years draft had. I would take a JJ Watt over Decastro. But I don't see a Watt, Miller, or Kerrigan in this draft. Ingram is the closest one but he will go top 12.

So are you still claiming Ingram "blew up" the combine? And are you seriously putting Ingram in Von Miller and Smith's class as a pass rusher?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I was wondering when someone would mention one of the two ILB's who might be available at 14. Especially if DeCastro is gone, Kuechly might be BPA, Hightower might not be too far away from BPA, AND fill a position of need. Either would be a big upgrade to the front seven.

I know, ILB has been addressed at #2 the past two drafts. But I'm intrigued at the idea of having say, Hightower, Carter and Lee on the field at the same time in 4-3 sets, and having Hightower be a passrusher at times.

I've had the impression that except for the Lee-love expressed here, there is a general shoulder-shrug to the value of ILB's in a 3-4. I won't be surprised at all to see us take one of the top two ILB's at #14, or maybe Hightower in a small trade-down.

What I like about Hightower is the versatility he brings. He literally can play all the LBer positions and also line up as a hand in the dirt DE and rush the passer on 3rd downs.

You get a lot of player that can fill many roles when you get him. Not to mention he is a high character, high motor, leader who loves to play the game.

 

[honyock]

What I like about Hightower is the versatility he brings. He literally can play all the LBer positions and also line up as a hand in the dirt DE and rush the passer on 3rd downs.

You get a lot of player that can fill many roles when you get him. Not to mention he is a high character, high motor, leader who loves to play the game.

Yeah, that's why I'm thinking they might be at least considering him. He seems to fit the profile they're looking for.

I guess FA will tell the tale on that. If they sign someone like Dan Connor in FA, that probably takes Hightower and Kuechly off the board.

 

[supercowboy8]

What I like about Hightower is the versatility he brings. He literally can play all the LBer positions and also line up as a hand in the dirt DE and rush the passer on 3rd downs.

You get a lot of player that can fill many roles when you get him. Not to mention he is a high character, high motor, leader who loves to play the game.

Hightower i really like, he's one of my top 5 for the 14th spot but I don't think he such a great pass rusher to be picked a head of decastro.

 

[BAT]

Thank God for Nate. At least his expertise cannot be drowned out by the DeCastro at all costs crowd.

Even a former guard understands where the real need lies. Especially with the first pick.

 

[Zaxor]

preach it brother nate... What is the difference between an elite guard and a good guard and would that difference be enough to remove your team from a shot at a good player at a need postion... Besides the Cowboys have addressed the guard position with Arkin/Nagy/Kowolski they liked them enough to go into the season with them as rookies and they did a pretty good job considering the circumstances last year it took Nate I think 5 years to become a very good OLineman..Center needs some competition though I am not ready to throw Costa on the scrap heap...you have nobody at corner (look at Jenkins pictures...he might not be ready) that leaves you Scandrick and who playing corner...next you have no ILB depth let alone not knowing if Carter can or can't though I am firmly in his corner...the OLB Ware and....???, the DL (sheesh) Hatcher is made of glass and can't be counted on...Spears you all know the story with him...this is the 3rd season I believe in a row that Jay had to have surgery after the season...Lissemore from what I hear may be a solid rotation guy perhaps also Brett...they have got to get a guy that can be a bit dynamic on this dline...Safety every year we talk about Safety I am tired of talking about Safety.

In essence what I am saying is this defense needs just about a complete overhaul and spending more draft picks on the guard position after spending 2 last year is throwing away precious resources

 

[SkinsandTerps]

I have to agree with him.

You can turn a solid RT into an elite guard.

Defensive pass rushers make the secondary better and vice versa obviously.

 

[jjktkk]

preach it brother nate... What is the difference between an elite guard and a good guard and would that difference be enough to remove your team from a shot at a good player at a need postion... Besides the Cowboys have addressed the guard position with Arkin/Nagy/Kowolski they liked them enough to go into the season with them as rookies and they did a pretty good job considering the circumstances last year it took Nate I think 5 years to become a very good OLineman..Center needs some competition though I am not ready to throw Costa on the scrap heap...you have nobody at corner (look at Jenkins pictures...he might not be ready) that leaves you Scandrick and who playing corner...next you have no ILB depth let alone not knowing if Carter can or can't though I am firmly in his corner...the OLB Ware and....???, the DL (sheesh) Hatcher is made of glass and can't be counted on...Spears you all know the story with him...this is the 3rd season I believe in a row that Jay had to have surgery after the season...Lissemore from what I hear may be a solid rotation guy perhaps also Brett...they have got to get a guy that can be a bit dynamic on this dline...Safety every year we talk about Safety I am tired of talking about Safety.

In essence what I am saying is this defense needs just about a complete overhaul and spending more draft picks on the guard position after spending 2 last year is throwing away precious resources

Thats not to say you can't draft a G, and, or, a C in ltr. rounds.

 

[durrrr]

Thank God for Nate. At least his expertise cannot be drowned out by the DeCastro at all costs crowd.

Even a former guard understands where the real need lies. Especially with the first pick.

His expertise? He's not a former GM or scout. He might know the game, but that doesn't mean he knows how to put together a team.

How many times have we heard former NFL players say absurd things on ESPN or NFL Network or other media outlets? I'm not even saying Nate's wrong, but let's not act like it's gospel, either.

 

[realtick]

His expertise? He's not a former GM or scout. He might know the game, but that doesn't mean he knows how to put together a team.

How many times have we heard former NFL players say absurd things on ESPN or NFL Network or other media outlets? I'm not even saying Nate's wrong, but let's not act like it's gospel, either.

Spot on.

Didn't we hear Drew Pearson say Tony Romo couldn't be a leader with his hat backwards (or something to that effect)?

 

[VACowboy]

His expertise? He's not a former GM or scout. He might know the game, but that doesn't mean he knows how to put together a team.

How many times have we heard former NFL players say absurd things on ESPN or NFL Network or other media outlets? I'm not even saying Nate's wrong, but let's not act like it's gospel, either.

I'll wait to see what Matt Millen has to say. :laugh1: