Ranking the Cowboys’ pre-draft visitors at defensive end

[Alexander]

Ranking the Cowboys’ pre-draft visitors at defensive end

By John Owning
Posted on Apr 10, 2017

It’s lying season in the NFL; however, if you know where to look, there are pockets of truth emanating throughout the NFL media landscape.

For the Dallas Cowboys, we can glean quite a bit from their pre-draft official visit list. While all the names have yet to be reported, we do know 25 of the 30 names on that list. The Cowboys have a tendency to dip into their pre-draft visitor list throughout the draft.

This year, the Cowboys appear to be focused on improving their secondary (16 of the 25 confirmed visits) and pass rush (7 of the 26 confirmed visits) through the draft. Luckily for them, the 2017 class is deep at both positions.

Today, however, we are going to focus on the defensive end position. With that in mind, let’s rank each of the Cowboys’ official pre-draft visitors on the edge.

1. T.J. Watt, Wisconsin

Watt is an enticing mixture of talent and athletic ability. At 6-foot-4 and 252 pounds, Watt is one of the athletic players in the class, testing into the 94th percentile among edge defenders in the NFL, per 3SigmaAthlete.com.

He possesses the pliability and quickness to bend the edge and win with speed, and he has the hands to soften the corner or win with an inside move. Against the run, Watt can set a good edge, utilizing great hand placement, body positioning and leverage to win at the point of attack. He also has the ability to penetrate through his gap and make splash plays. On zone runs, Watt has a unique ability to make plays from the backside. This is where you could really see his athletic ability at Wisconsin.

https://www.fanragsports.com/nfl/cowboys/ranking-cowboys-pre-draft-visitors-defensive-end/

 

[TheFinisher]

So now TJ Watt is a better DE than Derek Barnett... gotcha

 

[Risen Star]

23 of 25 are DEs or DBs.

Revolting.

 

[DoctorChicken]

So now TJ Watt is a better DE than Derek Barnett... gotcha

Honestly, he might be in the NFL.

TJ is definitely the better athlete, and the Cowboys are fond of elite athletes.

 

[DallasBlockersClub]

IMO

1. Barnett
2. Taco
3. Watt
4. Takk
5. Harris
6. Basham
7. Kpassagnon

 

[NorthwestDallas40]

Article does make me feel better about taking T.J. Watt at 28. Although I don't like the nickname he'll be called when the "J" from his name is removed.

 

[Teague31]

Just don't want to reach for a DE cause we think we have to. That's how we ended up with Shante Carver

 

[darthseinfeld]

Just don't want to reach for a DE cause we think we have to. That's how we ended up with Shante Carver

I think there will be a bigger run on CB's in the first then DE's, so I could easily see DE being better value at 28

At 28 if its between Barnett, Watt, McKinley, King and Tankersley then your better value is DE

 

[KingintheNorth]

23 of 25 are DEs or DBs.

Revolting.

I get what you are saying about the narrow focus but think of it as due diligence.

 

[StarHead69]

Although I don't like the nickname he'll be called when the "J" from his name is removed.

If they pick him, I'm buying a custom jersey with T Watt for my son-in-law asap.

 

[Verdict]

Just don't want to reach for a DE cause we think we have to. That's how we ended up with Shante Carver

Preach it.

 

[StarBoyz83]

Maybe if basham is there in the bottom of the 2nd. No way @ 28.

 

[gmoney112]

Oh we haven't brought in Willis/Rivers? Interesting.

As far as ranking those, 1 is Barnett head and shoulders above the rest.

Then there's everyone else in a grouping, and finally Tanoh a tier (or two) below.

Taco is probably my least favorite in that 2nd grouping.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

IMO

1. Barnett
2. Taco
3. Watt
4. Takk
5. Harris
6. Basham
7. Kpassagnon

Harris is better than anyone not named Barnett.

 

[Alexander]

http://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/201...att-harris-garrett-charlton-mckinley-barnett/

Similar article, gets a little more technical.

According to the analysis of the fit profile, we potentially have them ranked:

Tier 1 - McKinley, Watt, Bowser, Basham
Tier 2 - Barnett, Charlton, Willis
Tier 3 - Harris, Lawson, Rivers

 

[theogt]

There will be quality edge players -- players that are better than what we have penciled in as starters currently -- at our 1st and 2nd picks. We can only hope they load up on them.

 

[TheDuke]

I'm probably in the minority on this but after getting around to look at some Willis tape, I believe Jordan Willis is better than Taco Charlton as far as a base LE goes. Would love to get Willis at 60 and upgrade at least 1 DE spot.

My thinking before was hoping they stay away from the LDE position in the draft because they already have guys who can play there. But in my opinion Willis is an upgrade over all of them except maybe Irving who I'm still not sure is better off ar DE or DT.

 

[pupulehaole]

I'm probably in the minority on this but after getting around to look at some Willis tape, I believe Jordan Willis is better than Taco Charlton as far as a base LE goes. Would love to get Willis at 60 and upgrade at least 1 DE spot.

My thinking before was hoping they stay away from the LDE position in the draft because they already have guys who can play there. But in my opinion Willis is an upgrade over all of them except maybe Irving who I'm still not sure is better off ar DE or DT.

I really like Willis as well.

 

[reddyuta]

I'm probably in the minority on this but after getting around to look at some Willis tape, I believe Jordan Willis is better than Taco Charlton as far as a base LE goes. Would love to get Willis at 60 and upgrade at least 1 DE spot.

My thinking before was hoping they stay away from the LDE position in the draft because they already have guys who can play there. But in my opinion Willis is an upgrade over all of them except maybe Irving who I'm still not sure is better off ar DE or DT.

If we pick CB in the 1st then we have a lot of good choices at 60,I would like a really bendy RDE but will definitely take Basham and Willis in the 2nd RD.

 

[reddyuta]

7.48 in the 3-cone is really bad 3-cone time for Takk.He was terrible in the Combine drills too,it suggests what we see in the tape and that is a straight line speed rusher who will not fare well against awesome NFC east Tackles.