CFZ Position Flex: Sam Williams Will Probably Play Similar Role to Parsons

[Pass2Run]

They measure to within 1/8" at the combine.
- SW is 1/2" taller.

Parsons 6031 (6'3-1/8")

Williams 6035 (6'3-5/8")

Looks shorter from my eyes. But I might be trippin.

 

[xwalker]

So, yes, true. As a mix, we can essentially play the 4-3 and 3-4 interchangeably, so-to-speak. So I agree on those points.

We also got Damone Clark for 2023!

Guy is a beast!

I remember when we drafted him, Dave Helman called it.

Broadus was like, "nah, I'm in the business of drafting healthy players."

Helman, with his short man complex snaps back, "it's not that kind of pick!"

And sure enough, they call Clark's number.

I actually love listening to Broadus, just because he's chatty and can create conversation, and he doesn't take himself too seriously, like Helman. But Helman got him on that one. lol

4-3 and 3-4 are outdated concepts. Most modern defenses (Except Marinelli's) are more complex than can be described by those terms.
- It would be much better to think of those in 3 digit terms: DL - Edge - LB
- i.e. 3-4 = 3-2-2 and 4-3 = 2-2-3

Even as simple concepts, most fans don't understand the difference in 3-4 vs 4-3.

Fans think 3-4 is a pass defense but in reality it is a run defense.
- The difference in 3-4 vs 4-3 in terms of players is that the 4-3 SLB (240) is removed and the 3-4 NT (320+) is added.
- The OLB in the 3-4 are normally players that play DE in a 4-2-5 Nickel (i.e. They're really small DEs not big LBs).
- That means that the 3-4 is really a 5-2 with stand-up DEs.

Dan Quinn played a multiple front defense in 2021.
- The primary defense was a 4-2-5 Nickel (2-2-2-5).
- The next most used defense was Big Nickel (3 Safeties) with Kearse in a hybrid LB role.
- A 4 digit designation would be even better: DL - Edge - LB - CB
- Then Nickel = 2-2-2-3 and Big Nickel = 2-2-2-2
- Quinn's DT version of the Big Nickel looked similar to a 3-4.

MP=Micah Parson
sDE = Stand-Up DE

Big Nickel with DTs
.....MP.....DT.....DT.....DT.....sDE
.....................LB...........................Nickel DB = Kearse

Nickel with extra DEs (Often with DL next to MP, Gregory at sDE and Armstrong inside of Gregory).
.....MP.....DE.....DT.....DE.....sDE
.....................LB...........................Nickel DB = CB Lewis

Nickel (MP=Edge)
.....MP.....DE.....DT.....DT.....sDE
.....................LB...........................Nickel DB = CB Lewis

Nickel (MP=LB)
......DE.....DT.....DT.....sDE
..........MP..................LB..............Nickel DB = CB Lewis

5-man DL
.....sDE.....DE.....DT.....DE.....sDE
..........................MP..........................Nickel DB

 

[xwalker]

So, yes, true. As a mix, we can essentially play the 4-3 and 3-4 interchangeably, so-to-speak. So I agree on those points.

We also got Damone Clark for 2023!

Guy is a beast!

I remember when we drafted him, Dave Helman called it.

Broadus was like, "nah, I'm in the business of drafting healthy players."

Helman, with his short man complex snaps back, "it's not that kind of pick!"

And sure enough, they call Clark's number.

I actually love listening to Broadus, just because he's chatty and can create conversation, and he doesn't take himself too seriously, like Helman. But Helman got him on that one. lol

• The 5-man DL is interesting.
  • Normally each defensive alignment is a step up in pass defense and step down in run defense or vice-versa.
  • However, the 5-man DL using 4 DEs somewhat balances itself out.
    • Just replacing a DT with a DE would weaken run defense.
    • However, replacing a LB with an sDE improves run defense.
    • Coverage a somewhat of weakness because a DE could end up an a non-favorable coverage situation.
  • MP can still rush inside of move to the edge pre-snap and any DE can drop into zone coverage.

MP = Micah Parsons
sDE = Stand-Up DE

5-man DL
.....sDE.....DE.....DT.....DE.....sDE
.....................MP...........................Nickel DB

Nickel
.....MP.....DE.....DT.....DT.....sDE
.....................LB...........................Nickel DB

 

[xwalker]

Looks shorter from my eyes. But I might be trippin.

The combine measurements are very precise and both Parsons and Sam Williams were measured at the combine.

If it was Pro Day measurements then those might be slightly off; although, not by a full inch.

 

[Stash]

I was thinking something similar the other day. If Williams can drop back to play some sort of hybrid LB, and Parson on the field. The offense may not always be aware where the pass is coming from.
Does Quinn utilize a LB such as what Haley was used for, they called it the Elephant position. Maybe Quinn calls it the Parsons. . I don't know.

I read an article, that said Fowler is similar to Gregory in his build and style. So can Quinn make him productive again as well.

I look for the defense to be better, but they still need to be better against the run. Seems they tried to address this, but did they. No FA, no top draft pick to help. At DT that is. Relying on a huge jump from 1st, 2nd and 3rd year players. And a few salty vets.

I believe he has a similar position but he calls it the LEO.

 

[jazzcat22]

I believe he has a similar position but he calls it the LEO.

LEO the LION...yeah, makes sense. Unless he called it that prior to Micah...

 

[Ken]

So, some will call me crazy. And if that's the case, cool, I've done my job.

Now that this draft is all said and done, and I've had a chance to really chew on our picks, and what those picks mean in terms of the talent they bring to the team, especially this year, I give it a solid A. This post is mostly about Sam Williams, because I think when I look at Sam Williams, and his capabilities, I see a lot of similarities between Williams and Parsons. Like, Parsons, I believe Williams has position flex and can play linebacker in certain packages and plays.

Like Parsons, Williams is a freak athlete who can probably also play a little linebacker — maybe even a little safety.

But the other common element among guys in this draft is position flex.

And all of them have it.

Every single player we drafted this year is sort of a hybrid-type player. From Tyler Smith, hybrid swing tackle slash guard, a guy who is willing to play any position on the offensive line.

To Sam Williams, especially, though, edge slash linebacker, changes the scope of the defense, and compliments Parsons abilities very well.

Let's keep it moving here.

Jalen Tolbert, Jack of all Trades, who can play outside or in the slot.

Jake Ferguson, even, a tight end/h-back type player. (OK, maybe he's the outlier here). It wouldn't surprise me to see him get some work at FB in some packages.

And we also have Waletzko, the swing tackle.

Speaking of position flex, anyone taking bets on if a guy like Damone Clark can rush the passer under Dan Quinn's system as a linebacker?

If we have Fowler, Parsons, and Williams on the field all at the same time, it's a lot harder to account for players like Devin Harper, who is no slouch of an athlete in terms of measurables.

Add to this fact that Daron Bland played CB in college, but looks more like an NFL free safety, and it's interesting to ponder all of this position flex!

I'm not sure how much say Dan Quinn had in the players we picked, but it sure seems he wants two things in players in order to compliment Micah Parson's talent: athletic freakishness and position flex.

And with that said, I think this is going to be the most enjoyable year to watch. I can't wait to see Sam Williams out there with Parsons and Fowler. I think many mistakenly assume that Fowler has to be on the field, or Williams.

But I think Quinn is secretly most excited about having Fowler, Williams and Parsons on the field at the same time.

People are complaining that we didn't go hard enough at middle linebacker. Well, say hello to Dan Quinn's new defense: players like Parsons and Williams will rotate from end to linebacker.

I don't think we'll do much more at MLB, because I think Parsons will hold that down sometimes, and sometimes, we may even see Sam Williams at LB while Parsons rushes the edge.

So let's talk about Williams' versatility.

Is Williams just an edge rusher?

Or is there something more here?

I'm seeing us as a top 3 defense this year.

With a top 15 offense.

If we want to win the big game, it'll be on the backs of our defense.

Go Cowboys!

SW will absolutely be used as a stand-up lb coming off the edge mostly and will drop into coverage occasionally.

He did it in college in 2020 and 2019 he played a more traditional OLB in a 3-4 role. Only his last year in college did he play head up with the tackle in a horrific 3-3-5 scheme.

He will not, imo, play the inside LB position like Micah does. If he does, i would be shocked.

 

[nalam]

I was thinking something similar the other day. If Williams can drop back to play some sort of hybrid LB, and Parson on the field. …..make him productive again as well.

I look for the defense to be better, but they still need to be better against the run. Seems they tried to address this, but did they. No FA, no top draft pick to help. At DT that is. Relying on a huge jump from 1st, 2nd and 3rd year players. And a few salty vets.

this, all the pass rush will not help if we cant stop the run, in the playoffs teams will run run and that will set up the pass. The D will be tired come 4th quarter. Also the offense is a slow starting one and playing from behind is not good if teams run all over us.

 

[Stash]

this, all the pass rush will not help if we cant stop the run, in the playoffs teams will run run and that will set up the pass. The D will be tired come 4th quarter. Also the offense is a slow starting one and playing from behind is not good if teams run all over us.

Absolutely! All the pass rush in the world won’t make it a great defense when opponents can run whenever they need to. That is priority number one that needs to be fixed for this defense to rise to that next level.

 

[Ranching]

So, some will call me crazy. And if that's the case, cool, I've done my job.

Now that this draft is all said and done, and I've had a chance to really chew on our picks, and what those picks mean in terms of the talent they bring to the team, especially this year, I give it a solid A. This post is mostly about Sam Williams, because I think when I look at Sam Williams, and his capabilities, I see a lot of similarities between Williams and Parsons. Like, Parsons, I believe Williams has position flex and can play linebacker in certain packages and plays.

Like Parsons, Williams is a freak athlete who can probably also play a little linebacker — maybe even a little safety.

But the other common element among guys in this draft is position flex.

And all of them have it.

Every single player we drafted this year is sort of a hybrid-type player. From Tyler Smith, hybrid swing tackle slash guard, a guy who is willing to play any position on the offensive line.

To Sam Williams, especially, though, edge slash linebacker, changes the scope of the defense, and compliments Parsons abilities very well.

Let's keep it moving here.

Jalen Tolbert, Jack of all Trades, who can play outside or in the slot.

Jake Ferguson, even, a tight end/h-back type player. (OK, maybe he's the outlier here). It wouldn't surprise me to see him get some work at FB in some packages.

And we also have Waletzko, the swing tackle.

Speaking of position flex, anyone taking bets on if a guy like Damone Clark can rush the passer under Dan Quinn's system as a linebacker?

If we have Fowler, Parsons, and Williams on the field all at the same time, it's a lot harder to account for players like Devin Harper, who is no slouch of an athlete in terms of measurables.

Add to this fact that Daron Bland played CB in college, but looks more like an NFL free safety, and it's interesting to ponder all of this position flex!

I'm not sure how much say Dan Quinn had in the players we picked, but it sure seems he wants two things in players in order to compliment Micah Parson's talent: athletic freakishness and position flex.

And with that said, I think this is going to be the most enjoyable year to watch. I can't wait to see Sam Williams out there with Parsons and Fowler. I think many mistakenly assume that Fowler has to be on the field, or Williams.

But I think Quinn is secretly most excited about having Fowler, Williams and Parsons on the field at the same time.

People are complaining that we didn't go hard enough at middle linebacker. Well, say hello to Dan Quinn's new defense: players like Parsons and Williams will rotate from end to linebacker.

I don't think we'll do much more at MLB, because I think Parsons will hold that down sometimes, and sometimes, we may even see Sam Williams at LB while Parsons rushes the edge.

So let's talk about Williams' versatility.

Is Williams just an edge rusher?

Or is there something more here?

I'm seeing us as a top 3 defense this year.

With a top 15 offense.

If we want to win the big game, it'll be on the backs of our defense.

Go Cowboys!

You so crazy.....Wanda approves......I wonder how many will get it.

 

[fivetwos]

So, yes, true. As a mix, we can essentially play the 4-3 and 3-4 interchangeably, so-to-speak. So I agree on those points.

We also got Damone Clark for 2023!

Guy is a beast!

I remember when we drafted him, Dave Helman called it.

Broadus was like, "nah, I'm in the business of drafting healthy players."

Helman, with his short man complex snaps back, "it's not that kind of pick!"

And sure enough, they call Clark's number.

I actually love listening to Broadus, just because he's chatty and can create conversation, and he doesn't take himself too seriously, like Helman. But Helman got him on that one. lol

You seem like someone who does their research.

Any shot Clark is able to get on the field this year? If so I wonder if they take the chance on playing him.

His closing speed is ridiculous. Seems like the perfect MLB. This defense has a shot to be very special.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

this, all the pass rush will not help if we cant stop the run, in the playoffs teams will run run and that will set up the pass. The D will be tired come 4th quarter. Also the offense is a slow starting one and playing from behind is not good if teams run all over us.

And on paper I don’t see anything they’ve done to suggest they can stop the run better. They didn’t address that I guess they expect guys from within to get better at it.

 

[Pass2Run]

You so crazy.....Wanda approves......I wonder how many will get it.

Crazy.

Deraaaaaanged.

Shennanah!

From what I understand, there's a small chance he could play at the end of the season, healthwise.

I just don't think he will, for safety reasons, and the fact that would be really late to start playing a rookie. But anything can happen, I suppose.

 

[Ranching]

Crazy.

Deraaaaaanged.

Shennanah!

From what I understand, there's a small chance he could play at the end of the season, healthwise.

I just don't think he will, for safety reasons, and the fact that would be really late to start playing a rookie. But anything can happen, I suppose.

So, you don't get the Wanda reference?

 

[speedkilz88]

Crazy.

Deraaaaaanged.

Shennanah!

From what I understand, there's a small chance he could play at the end of the season, healthwise.

I just don't think he will, for safety reasons, and the fact that would be really late to start playing a rookie. But anything can happen, I suppose.

It's really more than a small chance. He's on schedule to resume practice in 4 more months. His surgeon even promised him he would be playing this season. But he will be missing training camp and you just don't know if they will activate him off pup/nfi when he's eligible.

 

[Pass2Run]

So, you don't get the Wanda reference?

If you're not referring to Sheneneh and Wanda, then no, I don't get the reference.

It's really more than a small chance. He's on schedule to resume practice in 4 more months. His surgeon even promised him he would be playing this season. But he will be missing training camp and you just don't know if they will activate him off pup/nfi when he's eligible.

It sounds like you know more than me on this issue. I honestly am not up to speed on the exact nature of his injury or what the turn around time for recovery is..

I'm more into player evaluation, and I can see he's a good player when not injured.

Definitely not a Dr. and haven't read the exact date for his return anywhere. So I really don't know. But I'll take your word on it. No reason not to.

And on paper I don’t see anything they’ve done to suggest they can stop the run better. They didn’t address that I guess they expect guys from within to get better at it.

I see our 2021 draft class guys improving.

I think we had some addition by subtraction, too.

 

[xwalker]

It's really more than a small chance. He's on schedule to resume practice in 4 more months. His surgeon even promised him he would be playing this season. But he will be missing training camp and you just don't know if they will activate him off pup/nfi when he's eligible.

Will his rookie season count as an accrued year?

If he is a Restricted FA after his 4 year rookie contract, that would be a bonus to the team.

Interesting that Josh Ball's 2022 salary ($705K) is the same as many of the 2022 5th round and later picks which I assume is the 2022 rookie minimum.

Bohanna, drafted later than Ball, has a 2022 salary of $825K which is the same as many other 2nd year players.

 

[CowboyRoy]

So, some will call me crazy. And if that's the case, cool, I've done my job.

Now that this draft is all said and done, and I've had a chance to really chew on our picks, and what those picks mean in terms of the talent they bring to the team, especially this year, I give it a solid A. This post is mostly about Sam Williams, because I think when I look at Sam Williams, and his capabilities, I see a lot of similarities between Williams and Parsons. Like, Parsons, I believe Williams has position flex and can play linebacker in certain packages and plays.

Like Parsons, Williams is a freak athlete who can probably also play a little linebacker — maybe even a little safety.

But the other common element among guys in this draft is position flex.

And all of them have it.

Every single player we drafted this year is sort of a hybrid-type player. From Tyler Smith, hybrid swing tackle slash guard, a guy who is willing to play any position on the offensive line.

To Sam Williams, especially, though, edge slash linebacker, changes the scope of the defense, and compliments Parsons abilities very well.

Let's keep it moving here.

Jalen Tolbert, Jack of all Trades, who can play outside or in the slot.

Jake Ferguson, even, a tight end/h-back type player. (OK, maybe he's the outlier here). It wouldn't surprise me to see him get some work at FB in some packages.

And we also have Waletzko, the swing tackle.

Speaking of position flex, anyone taking bets on if a guy like Damone Clark can rush the passer under Dan Quinn's system as a linebacker?

If we have Fowler, Parsons, and Williams on the field all at the same time, it's a lot harder to account for players like Devin Harper, who is no slouch of an athlete in terms of measurables.

Add to this fact that Daron Bland played CB in college, but looks more like an NFL free safety, and it's interesting to ponder all of this position flex!

I'm not sure how much say Dan Quinn had in the players we picked, but it sure seems he wants two things in players in order to compliment Micah Parson's talent: athletic freakishness and position flex.

And with that said, I think this is going to be the most enjoyable year to watch. I can't wait to see Sam Williams out there with Parsons and Fowler. I think many mistakenly assume that Fowler has to be on the field, or Williams.

But I think Quinn is secretly most excited about having Fowler, Williams and Parsons on the field at the same time.

People are complaining that we didn't go hard enough at middle linebacker. Well, say hello to Dan Quinn's new defense: players like Parsons and Williams will rotate from end to linebacker.

I don't think we'll do much more at MLB, because I think Parsons will hold that down sometimes, and sometimes, we may even see Sam Williams at LB while Parsons rushes the edge.

So let's talk about Williams' versatility.

Is Williams just an edge rusher?

Or is there something more here?

I'm seeing us as a top 3 defense this year.

With a top 15 offense.

If we want to win the big game, it'll be on the backs of our defense.

Go Cowboys!

Top 15 offense, what does that mean?

We lose Amari Cooper and gain Tolbert and the Furgeson and somehow we drop from the #1 offense to #15? I find that totally, laughably ridiculous.

Lets not forget that both Dak and Zeke are no longer injured or coming off big injuries.

If the defense can be better at stopping the run, then I think they go top 5.

 

[john van brocklin]

So, some will call me crazy. And if that's the case, cool, I've done my job.

Now that this draft is all said and done, and I've had a chance to really chew on our picks, and what those picks mean in terms of the talent they bring to the team, especially this year, I give it a solid A. This post is mostly about Sam Williams, because I think when I look at Sam Williams, and his capabilities, I see a lot of similarities between Williams and Parsons. Like, Parsons, I believe Williams has position flex and can play linebacker in certain packages and plays.

Like Parsons, Williams is a freak athlete who can probably also play a little linebacker — maybe even a little safety.

But the other common element among guys in this draft is position flex.

And all of them have it.

Every single player we drafted this year is sort of a hybrid-type player. From Tyler Smith, hybrid swing tackle slash guard, a guy who is willing to play any position on the offensive line.

To Sam Williams, especially, though, edge slash linebacker, changes the scope of the defense, and compliments Parsons abilities very well.

Let's keep it moving here.

Jalen Tolbert, Jack of all Trades, who can play outside or in the slot.

Jake Ferguson, even, a tight end/h-back type player. (OK, maybe he's the outlier here). It wouldn't surprise me to see him get some work at FB in some packages.

And we also have Waletzko, the swing tackle.

Speaking of position flex, anyone taking bets on if a guy like Damone Clark can rush the passer under Dan Quinn's system as a linebacker?

If we have Fowler, Parsons, and Williams on the field all at the same time, it's a lot harder to account for players like Devin Harper, who is no slouch of an athlete in terms of measurables.

Add to this fact that Daron Bland played CB in college, but looks more like an NFL free safety, and it's interesting to ponder all of this position flex!

I'm not sure how much say Dan Quinn had in the players we picked, but it sure seems he wants two things in players in order to compliment Micah Parson's talent: athletic freakishness and position flex.

And with that said, I think this is going to be the most enjoyable year to watch. I can't wait to see Sam Williams out there with Parsons and Fowler. I think many mistakenly assume that Fowler has to be on the field, or Williams.

But I think Quinn is secretly most excited about having Fowler, Williams and Parsons on the field at the same time.

People are complaining that we didn't go hard enough at middle linebacker. Well, say hello to Dan Quinn's new defense: players like Parsons and Williams will rotate from end to linebacker.

I don't think we'll do much more at MLB, because I think Parsons will hold that down sometimes, and sometimes, we may even see Sam Williams at LB while Parsons rushes the edge.

So let's talk about Williams' versatility.

Is Williams just an edge rusher?

Or is there something more here?

I'm seeing us as a top 3 defense this year.

With a top 15 offense.

If we want to win the big game, it'll be on the backs of our defense.

Go Cowboys!

Can Sam play linebacker?
Did he ever in high-school or college?

 

[baltcowboy]

After writing this post, I read in another post on here that Quinne has Williams playing snaps at LBer in practice. Took me a minute to figure it out, but I see why they targeted Williams over other players. We had a sneaky good draft, in my view.

And, yeah, we can run the 5-1 and a few other more advanced NFL defensive schemes where I can see them moving him all over the field. Right side, left side, and the middle.

I actually wanted Troy Andersen.

But athletically speaking, Williams can do everything Andersen can do, and then some.

I'm really excited about our defense potentially developing into a top defense in the league.

Our secondary is shaping up, too.

Not to get ahead of ourselves but Clark is also a similar player to Parsons. It looks like Quinn wants pass rushers coming from every angle. Can you imagine the complicated pass rushes the Cowboys will have with 3 linebackers in Parsons, Clark, and Williams in the game with Tank, Fowler, Osa, Gholston, ect. With safeties like Wilson and Kearse possibly blitzing as well. Can’t wait!!!!!