Question on LB Carpenter...

[Woods]

If Carpenter had NOT been injured end of last year, what is your feel where he would be ranked?

The reason I ask is because sitting overseas, I don't get the opportunity to watch much college football. I get most of my info. from this Board and various football websites.

Some on this Board contend that Carpenter could be a top 15 pick if not for injury. Do you agree?

 

[CrazyCowboy]

If he had a little better speed.....yes, I would agree.....but, he will make a very good Pro LB IMO only......

 

[AsthmaField]

Hey Woods. I have read that in a few spots. I read a mock draft where it said that he should be a top ten pick and that a year from now, we might be sitting here saying that Carpenter is the best LB out of this LB heavy draft.

They said he was the most underrated player in this draft.

 

[Hostile]

If Carpenter had NOT been injured end of last year, what is your feel where he would be ranked?

The reason I ask is because sitting overseas, I don't get the opportunity to watch much college football. I get most of my info. from this Board and various football websites.

Some on this Board contend that Carpenter could be a top 15 pick if not for injury. Do you agree?

I hate to speculate on any what ifs, but I'll say no, he wouldn't be top 15. Simply because this draft has so much depth at top and his position. Somewhere between 16-25 whereas right now I'd say he is 20-30 range. Just guessing here though. There really is no way to know. He played in his Bowl game after the injury so he may be right where he would be without the injury ever having happened. We just don't know. I think for where we are thin he is the most complete OLB who is likely to be available to us. I'd very much like to trade down, add a Day 1 pick and get him. That is my dream scenario.

 

[Woods]

Hey Woods. I have read that in a few spots. I read a mock draft where it said that he should be a top ten pick and that a year from now, we might be sitting here saying that Carpenter is the best LB out of this LB heavy draft.

They said he was the most underrated player in this draft.

I guess I'm coming to the conclusion that given Carpenter's injury is not career threatening (or season threatening), if he is simply being downgraded due to a previous injury (which he should recover 100% from), he could be regarded as "cheap" or "value" at number 18 for us.

IMO, Lawson, Wembley, and Carpenter are all top athletes. And let's forget 40-yard times for a minute. I think we all agree that these 3 LBs are top athletes whichever way you want to cut it.

So, IF all are healthy, which one of these guys has the best instincts to play OLB in a 3-4?

 

[Woods]

I hate to speculate on any what ifs, but I'll say no, he wouldn't be top 15. Simply because this draft has so much depth at top and his position. Somewhere between 16-25 whereas right now I'd say he is 20-30 range. Just guessing here though. There really is no way to know. He played in his Bowl game after the injury so he may be right where he would be without the injury ever having happened. We just don't know. I think for where we are thin he is the most complete OLB who is likely to be available to us. I'd very much like to trade dwon, add a Day 1 pick and get him. That is my dream scenario.

Thanks Hos.

 

[Hostile]

I guess I'm coming to the conclusion that given Carpenter's injury is not career threatening (or season threatening), if he is simply being downgraded due to a previous injury (which he should recover 100% from), he could be regarded as "cheap" or "value" at number 18 for us.

IMO, Lawson, Wembley, and Carpenter are all top athletes. And let's forget 40-yard times for a minute. I think we all agree that these 3 LBs are top athletes whichever way you want to cut it.

So, IF all are healthy, which one of these guys has the best instincts to play OLB in a 3-4?

Given he would fit in as an SOLB, Carpenter by far. Lawson has the most physical tools and would provide a pass rush from the Strong side similar to Greg Lloyd. But Carpenter is much better at covering the TE coming off the line and plays in space the best.

Remember, Wembley & Lawson were DEs in college and would be switching positions. Carpenter would be playing his natural spot.

 

[austintodallas]

So, IF all are healthy, which one of these guys has the best instincts to play OLB in a 3-4?

Carpenter. He can drop into coverage, stop the run, and rush the passer.

 

[MinnesotaCowboy]

Carpenter. He can drop into coverage, stop the run, and rush the passer.

Amen to that..........watched him play several times on TV and he will be an excellent Cowboy addition if available!

 

[DLCassidy]

Given he would fit in as an SOLB, Carpenter by far. Lawson has the most physical tools and would provide a pass rush from the Strong side similar to Greg Lloyd. But Carpenter is much better at covering the TE coming off the line and plays in space the best.

Remember, Wembley & Lawson were DEs in college and would be switching positions. Carpenter would be playing his natural spot.

Short term: Carpenter
Long term: Lawson

Lawson has far more speed than Carpenter. 4.43 to 4.66 is like comparing Terry Glenn's speed to Jason Witten. He will learn to cover TE's and like Ware it will be an amazing work in progress.

The beauty is we have Singleton for one more year to transition Lawson to the NFL and the new responsiblities of the SOLB.

 

[Hostile]

Short term: Carpenter
Long term: Lawson

Lawson has far more speed than Carpenter. 4.43 to 4.66 is like comparing Terry Glenn's speed to Jason Witten. He will learn to cover TE's and like Ware it will be an amazing work in progress.

The beauty is we have Singleton for one more year to transition Lawson to the NFL and the new responsiblities of the SOLB.

I won't gripe with either guy. I think Carpenter is more complete, but Lawson's upside is amazing.

 

[AsthmaField]

I won't gripe with either guy. I think Carpenter is more complete, but Lawson's upside is amazing.

Right. That's the great thing for Dallas about this year's draft. There is very little difference in Lawson, Carpenter and Wimbley.

Two of those guys (Carpenter and Wimbley) are specifically known for having good character and loving the game of football. That's not to say Lawson doesn't love football or that he doesn't have high character... but I have read more than once about the high character, work ethic and love for the game that Wimbley and Carpenter have. With Parcells and the way that he's building this team, that's an important characteristic when your talking about who we might draft.

last year, I remember reading after the draft that Ireland and Parcells had taken over a hundred guys off of our draft board completely. When a team does that, you know they're as serious about drafting good citizens as they are about drafting physical talent.

Ware and Spears represent the ideal situation: Great physical talent with great character. In my mind, Wimbley and Carpenter fit that mold as well.

Another characteristic that Parcells has mentioned in the past as something he specifically likes is pedegree. He loves a player to come from a football family. That fits Carpenter. You know Parcells just loves that guy. Football is the most important thing to Carpenter. His father played in the NFL, and not only that... but he played for Parcells. Carpenter goes full tilt every play, he's smart and has football smarts. He practices as hard as he plays the games and he plays with reckless abandon. He's big for the position, has a little bit of a mean streak and is as athletically talented as just about any LB in this draft. Only Lawson and Hawk are more athletically gifted and that isn't by much. In most drafts he'd be the most athletic LB on the board.

So, in my mind, Carpenter is about the perfect player for Parcells, and frankly, I don't see how we could pass on the guy. I just hope we don't get cute and try to trade back a few spots and have another team snatch him up right before we pick. You know BB in New England would love to have Carpenter on his defense. Prototypical 34 LB... and prototypical New England LB. Pittsburgh too, although with them picking 32nd, they'd have to jump in front of us to take him. Heck, if we trade back to say 26th... even cleveland could trade up from their second round pick and move up to 25th and nab him. That would make me sick.

Yes, there's Wimbley and Lawson, and yes, I think they'd be just about perfect for our defense. Both would look great opposite Ware. However, while those two are almost perfect... I think Carpenter IS perfect for us.

I think we'll end up with one of the three... but I hope it's Carpenter. He's just too good a fit for our D, our coach, and our team. If he's there at 18... I think we need to just pull the trigger and put a star on his helment.

 

[Zaxor]

I won't gripe with either guy. I think Carpenter is more complete, but Lawson's upside is amazing.

I think that is about the right of it Hos...One is more proven with room for improvement...the other unproven but IF it works out wow

 

[slick325]

I've watched Carpenter play for most of his time at "The" Ohio St. Univ. and I think he is a solid player. I am not as high on him as others may be. I think he is not the 18th best player available nor do I think he is the best OLB available behind Hawk. I would go with Lawson or Wimbley without hesistation at OLB because of overall upside. I believe with Carpenter, he has reached his full potential and has capped out. That is not a knock on him at all. He will be a decent pro, no gamechanger but decent.

I view Ohio St. LB's differently since Andy Katzenmoyer flopped. They are like Penn St. running backs with the exception of Larry Johnson or Florida receivers under Spurrier, products of a system that can't excel outside of it. For that reason, I wouldn't take Carpenter at 18 if we take him it should around 26 or so. Just my opinion.

 

[Woods]

This is turning into a pretty good evaluation of Carp, Wembley, and Lawson and their fit in our defense.

Good to see the conflicting points of view as well.

 

[Eddie]

Don't be surprised if we don't land any of these guys. Other than the obvious pick of Terrance Newman, no one has been able to predict what BP would do in the draft.

I have a feeling OLB isn't on his radar. Expect to be surprised.

 

[Canadian BoyzFan]

Right. That's the great thing for Dallas about this year's draft. There is very little difference in Lawson, Carpenter and Wimbley.

Two of those guys (Carpenter and Wimbley) are specifically known for having good character and loving the game of football. That's not to say Lawson doesn't love football or that he doesn't have high character... but I have read more than once about the high character, work ethic and love for the game that Wimbley and Carpenter have. With Parcells and the way that he's building this team, that's an important characteristic when your talking about who we might draft.

last year, I remember reading after the draft that Ireland and Parcells had taken over a hundred guys off of our draft board completely. When a team does that, you know they're as serious about drafting good citizens as they are about drafting physical talent.

Ware and Spears represent the ideal situation: Great physical talent with great character. In my mind, Wimbley and Carpenter fit that mold as well.

Another characteristic that Parcells has mentioned in the past as something he specifically likes is pedegree. He loves a player to come from a football family. That fits Carpenter. You know Parcells just loves that guy. Football is the most important thing to Carpenter. His father played in the NFL, and not only that... but he played for Parcells. Carpenter goes full tilt every play, he's smart and has football smarts. He practices as hard as he plays the games and he plays with reckless abandon. He's big for the position, has a little bit of a mean streak and is as athletically talented as just about any LB in this draft. Only Lawson and Hawk are more athletically gifted and that isn't by much. In most drafts he'd be the most athletic LB on the board.

So, in my mind, Carpenter is about the perfect player for Parcells, and frankly, I don't see how we could pass on the guy. I just hope we don't get cute and try to trade back a few spots and have another team snatch him up right before we pick. You know BB in New England would love to have Carpenter on his defense. Prototypical 34 LB... and prototypical New England LB. Pittsburgh too, although with them picking 32nd, they'd have to jump in front of us to take him. Heck, if we trade back to say 26th... even cleveland could trade up from their second round pick and move up to 25th and nab him. That would make me sick.

Yes, there's Wimbley and Lawson, and yes, I think they'd be just about perfect for our defense. Both would look great opposite Ware. However, while those two are almost perfect... I think Carpenter IS perfect for us.

I think we'll end up with one of the three... but I hope it's Carpenter. He's just too good a fit for our D, our coach, and our team. If he's there at 18... I think we need to just pull the trigger and put a star on his helment.

I have seen old interviews with Parcells were he says that one of his favourites questions to ask prospects is: What are the 3 most important things in your life?

Bill has said that Football must be one of the 3 things listed. The order is unimportant.

 

[RCowboyFan]

I heard people post here, saying Lawson has little football instincts per his college coaches? That would concern me a bit.

Although I watched bunch of Ohio State games, I only remember AJ Hawk making plays more so than Carpenter. Not that I watched them closely or anything. Even AJ Hawk, I don't see how he is like top 5 player though. Only player I thought who was worth that at LB was Lavar Arrington, and look at how unworthy of that high pick he has so far turned out to be. Maybe its me, but I don't see the value of spending such a high draft pick on LB.

 

[MiStar]

Right. That's the great thing for Dallas about this year's draft. There is very little difference in Lawson, Carpenter and Wimbley.

Two of those guys (Carpenter and Wimbley) are specifically known for having good character and loving the game of football. That's not to say Lawson doesn't love football or that he doesn't have high character... but I have read more than once about the high character, work ethic and love for the game that Wimbley and Carpenter have. With Parcells and the way that he's building this team, that's an important characteristic when your talking about who we might draft.

last year, I remember reading after the draft that Ireland and Parcells had taken over a hundred guys off of our draft board completely. When a team does that, you know they're as serious about drafting good citizens as they are about drafting physical talent.

Ware and Spears represent the ideal situation: Great physical talent with great character. In my mind, Wimbley and Carpenter fit that mold as well.

Another characteristic that Parcells has mentioned in the past as something he specifically likes is pedegree. He loves a player to come from a football family. That fits Carpenter. You know Parcells just loves that guy. Football is the most important thing to Carpenter. His father played in the NFL, and not only that... but he played for Parcells. Carpenter goes full tilt every play, he's smart and has football smarts. He practices as hard as he plays the games and he plays with reckless abandon. He's big for the position, has a little bit of a mean streak and is as athletically talented as just about any LB in this draft. Only Lawson and Hawk are more athletically gifted and that isn't by much. In most drafts he'd be the most athletic LB on the board.

So, in my mind, Carpenter is about the perfect player for Parcells, and frankly, I don't see how we could pass on the guy. I just hope we don't get cute and try to trade back a few spots and have another team snatch him up right before we pick. You know BB in New England would love to have Carpenter on his defense. Prototypical 34 LB... and prototypical New England LB. Pittsburgh too, although with them picking 32nd, they'd have to jump in front of us to take him. Heck, if we trade back to say 26th... even cleveland could trade up from their second round pick and move up to 25th and nab him. That would make me sick.

Yes, there's Wimbley and Lawson, and yes, I think they'd be just about perfect for our defense. Both would look great opposite Ware. However, while those two are almost perfect... I think Carpenter IS perfect for us.

I think we'll end up with one of the three... but I hope it's Carpenter. He's just too good a fit for our D, our coach, and our team. If he's there at 18... I think we need to just pull the trigger and put a star on his helment.

Great post. Spot on, imo.

 

[austintodallas]

Don't be surprised if we don't land any of these guys. Other than the obvious pick of Terrance Newman, no one has been able to predict what BP would do in the draft.

I have a feeling OLB isn't on his radar. Expect to be surprised.

I remember a lot of people on this board predicting Ware and/or Spears last year.

By the way, great post regarding Carpenter AsthmaField. I agree with your assesment.