New Cowboy Isaiah Land interview

[Risen Star]

 

[Big_D]

100% Dallas to the bone.. I like that!

 

[big dog cowboy]

I'm still shocked he didn't get drafted just on his college production alone.

His comments about Parsons are pure gold.

Put him on the PS and coach him up. Could be a hidden gem in 2024.

 

[Risen Star]

Zierlein....


Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7

Overview
Historically, a player with Land’s lack of mass and length would face an uphill battle trying to make it as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL, but his ability to threaten the pocket should generate interest from teams. Land is a very natural, instinctive rusher with the get-off, counters and fluidity to stress some tackles. He doesn’t have enough sand in his pants to hold up against the run and teams might try him as a 4-3 outside linebacker with sub-package rush ability off the edge. Land might need a year or two on a practice squad to continue to develop.

Strengths

• Video game production in 2021, with 25.5 tackles for loss and 19 sacks.
• Long strides can outpace pass sets to the top of the track.
• Good bend-and-flatten around the corner.
• Effort and athleticism can overwhelm lesser tackles.
• Instinctive rusher with natural hands and counters.
• Does a nice job of targeting and attacking the outside hand.
• Plus agility as a tackler in space.

Weaknesses

• Lack of functional size to handle run-blocking snaps as a pro.
• Must prove he can carry substantially more weight on his frame.
• Attempts to sit down and set the edge crumble.
• Too easily pushed off his grass or jolted off-balance by first contact.
• Unable to generate push with his speed-to-power move.

 

[Risen Star]

Brugler....

SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Florida A&M, Land played the “FANG” edge rusher position in defensive coordinator Ryan Smith’s scheme, lining up primarily in a three-point stance. After the 2020 season was cancelled because of COVID, he put his name on the NFL radar in 2021 as the FCS leader in both sacks and tackles for loss (37 of his 66 tackles the past two seasons came in the backfield). With such meager football experience, Land is understandably raw in areas, but he shows natural pass rush instincts thanks to his play quickness and athletic movements. Unable to play against North Carolina in the 2022 season opener (ineligible due to issues within the program’s compliance department), he never faced Power 5 competition in college and also faces a position switch for some schemes (Senior Bowl practices were the first time he played off-ball linebacker). Overall, Land needs to continue strengthening his body to become stouter for NFL front-seven play, but he has the athletic traits to hold up in space and the rush skills to chase the quarterback on sub-downs. He is a high-end developmental prospect with “buy low” stock that has boom potential for a team willing to invest.

GRADE: 6th Round

 

[gimmesix]

I'm not a major fan of trying to turn a pass rusher into a linebacker because he's not big enough to hold up at end. If pass rushing is what he does best then limit him to downs where a run isn't likely and let him get after the QB. Having him spend time in coverage is almost as bad as having Micah spend time in coverage; maybe worse because Micah was/is a linebacker at least. Hopefully, Quinn has a plan for Land that will play to his strengths and turn him into a feared nickel rusher.

Not saying we should cut Micah just yet.

 

[removed_20241105]

Appreciate these posts. Great young man with seeming maturity beyond his years. Doesn’t feel too big for him in this brief clip. Will be interesting to see him a year from now after all the surf and turf meals and Cowboys weight room routine.

 

[Big_D]

Tackles for loss .. wow. Be nice if he could bring that at some point!!

 

[rags747]

He looks small, what is his height and weight

 

[Mr_437]

I'm rooting for him, and it seems like he would stay in Dallas and develop on the PS. I trust DQ's plan for Land, so I'm not concerned with his size right because he's probably a long term developmental pass rusher.

Hope Durrell Johnson is the same, so when D.A. and Fowler's contracts are up two guys are already in house ready to step up.

 

[AsthmaField]

He looks small, what is his height and weight

At the Combine:

6’3.5” 236 lbs.
Arm length - 32.5”

40 yard dash - 4.62 s
10 yard split - 1.65 s
Broad - 10’6”
Vert - 34.5”
3 cone - 7.20 s
Bench - 21 reps

In comparison, here is Will Anderson (3rd overall player picked):

6’3.5” 252 lbs.
Arm length - 33.5”

40 yard dash - 4.60 s
10 yard split - 1.61 s
Broad - n/a
Vert - n/a
3 cone - n/a
Bench - n/a

 

[gimmesix]

At the Combine:

6’3.5” 236 lbs.
Arm length - 32.5”

40 yard dash - 4.62 s
10 yard split - 1.65 s
Broad - 10’6”
Vert - 34.5”
3 cone - 7.20 s
Bench - 21 reps

In comparison, here is Will Anderson (3rd overall player picked):

6’3.5” 252 lbs.
Arm length - 33.5”

40 yard dash - 4.60 s
10 yard split - 1.61 s
Broad - n/a
Vert - n/a
3 cone - n/a
Bench - n/a

How about Nolan Smith? Would love it if Mazi and Land turned out be better than Philly's first-round Georgia connection with Carter and Smith. Know it isn't highly likely, though.

Believe Smith's height and weight are very similar to Land's.

 

[AsthmaField]

How about Nolan Smith? Would love it if Mazi and Land turned out be better than Philly's first-round Georgia connection with Carter and Smith. Know it isn't highly likely, though.

Believe Smith's height and weight are very similar to Land's.

Yeah, Smith is 6’2” at 238 lbs. He has always been pretty stout against the run though.

 

[Motorola]

I'm still shocked he didn't get drafted just on his college production alone.

His comments about Parsons are pure gold.

Put him on the PS and coach him up. Could be a hidden gem in 2024.

I like Land's comment about HBCU teams getting opportunities to face the NCAA FBS Power 5 conference programs.
The game results usually are a lopsided loss...but NFL scouts can spot individual players who hold their own, or show out against the college bluebloods.