Pass Rush

[kmd24]

Cox is not even in the same universe as Watt in college production and Watt even did alot better than Cox at his combine. I value a DE with his skill set, but not at #14, hes just not as good (and if we actually pick him, I hope I'm wrong).

Cox and Watt didn't play the same position. Why would you compare their production?

Watt had 11.5 career sacks in 26 starts as a DE in a 4 man line. Cox had 8.5 sacks in 27 career starts, mostly as a DT in a 4-man line and occasionally playing DE in a 3-man line.

I do agree that Cox's broad jump and vertical were unimpressive while Watt's were at or near the top of his combine. 40 and bench were similar.

Cox is also close to a year younger than Watt was entering the draft.

I'm a MSU alum, and I've watched just about every game Cox has played. While he really jumps out as a disruptive front 7 player, I would never have projected him in the mid-first round. Honestly, I figured late second round at best. If he had run 4.9 instead of 4.79 at the combine, he probably would be going in the second round or later.

I think it's would be a small reach at 14, but he's one of the few guys that has the size and ability to play 5 technique in a 3-man line and still get some pressure on the passer, there's going to be a premium placed on acquiring his talents. At this point, he's the opposite of Marcus Spears, IMO. He won't hold up against the run like Spears can, but he'll get a lot more pressure by virtue of his ability to get upfield. I think Ware and Cox on the same side would be a hard pass rush to handle.

 

[Eskimo]

I'm not thrilled with Cox either... I just view him as the least of the "evils" at #14 other than DeCastro.

I'd be happier with a trade down and not have to pick anyone at #14.

Yes this is the best strategy for us assuming we can get fair value with a trade partner.

The draft does not line up well for us here - we have to reach for a DE, OLB or CB unless Coples or Ingram drops. We could go OG but I just don't think DeCastro is a huge upgrade over what will be on the board in the 2nd round - I may be wrong.

However, I see lots of value for us in the 2nd round at CB, OLB and OG -all positions of weakness.

So in a draft without impact players (and I'm not convinced a low-risk OG is great value at #14) but excellent depth the smart FO will try to trade down.

Having said that Jones and his one track mind will reach on Cordy Glenn once DeCastro is chosen be the Cards even though he probably won't fit well in a zone blocking scheme.

Garrett and the scouts will have to keep a tight leash on Jerry in the war room on draft day.

 

[Eskimo]

None of the DE/OLB prospects knock my socks off... They all have "warts".

That's why you take one of those guys in the 2nd. Everyone in the second has warts.

I like Bruce Irvin, Kevin Zeitler, Shea McClellin, Brandon Brooks and lots of CBs in the 2nd.

 

[Eskimo]

I don't think Coples is a Garrett Right-Kind-of-Guy. He is almost universally regarded as not always giving 100%.

The risk-reward is worth it at #14.

The program went to hell last year.

Maybe this kid needs a better environment to play and maybe we can get the best out of him here.

If he works out we have a top 5 talent and our complementary pass rusher for Ware.

 

[J-DOG]

After our FA signings, I can't pin point a single need above all others. In no particular order........Interior OL, Pass Rusher, Safety.

The more difficult question for me is how exactly do we address the pass rush.
For Safety it's easy, draft a Safety. Now is there a cover safety they like worthy of a top 100 selection? Who knows.
OL is also easy and there's plenty of good prospects from selection 14 thru 100 who could help.

But I don't know which direction they should or will go to upgrade the front seven with the pass rush in mind.
Do you draft and OLB to compete and perhaps replace Spencer? Not sure I like this idea for a few reasons.
Do you draft a 3-4 DE who you project as a pass rush threat? OK, but that's a tough call.
Do you take a NT which frees up a move of Ratliff to DE. Never been in the Ratliff to DE camp, but I can see the sense in it.

I think Decastro at 14 is our best play to improve the team.

I agree. I think a LB like Dont'e Hightower could be in the mix also. This kid called the signals and made the adjustments for the Alabama defense. I think he could play any of the 4 linebacker positions in our 3/4 defense. And he could replace Spencer. He has a passion for football and is a film study rat similar to Sean Lee. If Decastro is gone I would not be opposed to Hightower. But I would definitely like to see the offensive line rebuilding completed if possible.

 

[Eskimo]

I agree. I think a LB like Dont'e Hightower could be in the mix also. This kid called the signals and made the adjustments for the Alabama defense. I think he could play any of the 4 linebacker positions in our 3/4 defense. And he could replace Spencer. He has a passion for football and is a film study rat similar to Sean Lee. If Decastro is gone I would not be opposed to Hightower. But I would definitely like to see the offensive line rebuilding completed if possible.

My understanding is that he is very stiff in his movement skills (4.73 short shuttle, 7.55 3-cone drill) and may need to play DE.

 

[ddh33]

I really want another pass rusher! I know that isn't news, but I am amazed at the justification going on about Anthony Spencer...

Look, I know Spencer plays a different position that Ware. I know he has different responsibilities. I know he doesn't even rush as often as Ware.

But I am not expecting Spencer to get 12 sacks out of the 3-4 while he is stopping the run and covering in the flats, etc. I expect the guy to get heat on the QB when he lines up in a nickel defense and everyone knows he is coming. Can get get pressure then? More than that, can he finish? We haven't seen much of that, so I would like to take a chance on someone who can.

 

[Rogerthat12]

The risk-reward is worth it at #14.

The program went to hell last year.

Maybe this kid needs a better environment to play and maybe we can get the best out of him here.

If he works out we have a top 5 talent and our complementary pass rusher for Ware.

I live in NC and the program is in shambles, not an excuse just a fact.

If Coples falls to #14 I think they will jump all over him, the guy can be a difference maker.

 

[Fredd]

I live in NC and the program is in shambles, not an excuse just a fact.

If Coples falls to #14 I think they will jump all over him, the guy can be a difference maker.

I love Coples...to me, it's a no brainer if he fell to #14...I actually think that he is one of the few that I would trade up a few spots to get...he is basically projected in the 7 to 10 range in most mocks...but, if he fell past that, then I would consider a trade up to get him

 

[dfan32]

http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/a...ld_prove_valuable_for_dallas_cowboys/10405840

I love the idea of moving Ratliff to DE and drafting a big athletic DT......or Decastro