realtick
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There has been a lot of debate on this board regarding which OT the Cowboys should take and why.
I wanted to throw my hat in the ring and give you a definitive answer on who the correct linemen to take is.
: Keep in mind all others are wrong, even if they mirror my opinion.
Here's how I rank them and why (factoring in versatility, potential, measurables, et cetera):
1.) Tyron Smith - It's rather simple in my opinion; Smith offers the best combination of current ability/future potential. There is little doubt Smith can step in as a day 1 starter at RT for the Cowboys in my view. I think he's sound technique-wise and has grown-man strength to play at a higher level than what Colombo offered last season and what Sam Young was coming out of Notre Dame.
Smith also projects to be able to man the LT spot in the future. Some folks hate it when this is mentioned, but it cannot be overlooked. They also tend to be short-sighted in thinking "hey, we got Free, we don't need a LT." Well okay, then Smith satisfies your worries on all acccounts. There is no reason to force him into LT. You can play him at RT, let him get seasoned for a few seasons and move him to LT.
That should be seen as a benefit and not a shortcoming.
2.) Gabe Carimi - I'm simply a fan of Carimi's style of play for the same reason Marc Colombo was a favorite of mine: they play mean. Carimi can be dinged because he might be the least versatile of the consensus top OT in this year's draft. However, I think he can make the transition to RT seemlessly and man the position for the next 8-12 years. If the Cowboys choose to trade back into the 1st, I would be all onboard for taking Carimi. I believe he's an instant starter and major contributor early on.
3.) Derek Sherrod - I've been a fan of Sherrod's for awhile. I think he's the epitome of consistency. I think he also shows value in versatility with the apparent skill-set to play either LT or RT. What Sherrod does apparently lack is what a guy like Carimi has: violence to his game. Having said that, Sherrod is techniquely sound and is capable in all facets of blocking. It could be said Sherrod and Carimi are 2a & 2b.
4.) Anthony Castanzo - Despite be an extremely bright guy and giving good effort, I've never really be sold on Castanzo. My biggest critique of Castanzo is that I think he's a bit goofy athletically. He tests out relatively well when asked to perform specific simple exercises like vertical jump or whatever. However, when asked to put together a series of athletic moves as is required in games, he becomes lock-knee'd and all out of sorts. Another knock I have on him is that he's a bit sloppy with technique. I do give him some points for apparently showing the versatility to play OG too.
5.) Nate Solder - There is no need to rehash the great frame and athleticism Solder possesses; we all know them. I should say though that I don't see his height (6'8") as a benefit. He struggles at times allowing shorter DL get under his pads and he doesn't have a great base to fend off bullrushers. I also think he's poor technique wise. He's often late on his kick-out and has bad feet which allows defenders to get outside of him. Equally alarming is that he has a penchant for allowing defenders get underneath him on inside moves. To me, it's Solder not Smith, who is the bigger athletic boom/bust prospect.
Having said all that, there are many aspects that all these OT can and will improve with training, learning and experience. I'm not stating any of these guys will be busts. I do have a preference on who the Cowboys select though (listed above).
Your thoughts?
I wanted to throw my hat in the ring and give you a definitive answer on who the correct linemen to take is.
: Keep in mind all others are wrong, even if they mirror my opinion.Here's how I rank them and why (factoring in versatility, potential, measurables, et cetera):
1.) Tyron Smith - It's rather simple in my opinion; Smith offers the best combination of current ability/future potential. There is little doubt Smith can step in as a day 1 starter at RT for the Cowboys in my view. I think he's sound technique-wise and has grown-man strength to play at a higher level than what Colombo offered last season and what Sam Young was coming out of Notre Dame.
Smith also projects to be able to man the LT spot in the future. Some folks hate it when this is mentioned, but it cannot be overlooked. They also tend to be short-sighted in thinking "hey, we got Free, we don't need a LT." Well okay, then Smith satisfies your worries on all acccounts. There is no reason to force him into LT. You can play him at RT, let him get seasoned for a few seasons and move him to LT.
That should be seen as a benefit and not a shortcoming.
2.) Gabe Carimi - I'm simply a fan of Carimi's style of play for the same reason Marc Colombo was a favorite of mine: they play mean. Carimi can be dinged because he might be the least versatile of the consensus top OT in this year's draft. However, I think he can make the transition to RT seemlessly and man the position for the next 8-12 years. If the Cowboys choose to trade back into the 1st, I would be all onboard for taking Carimi. I believe he's an instant starter and major contributor early on.
3.) Derek Sherrod - I've been a fan of Sherrod's for awhile. I think he's the epitome of consistency. I think he also shows value in versatility with the apparent skill-set to play either LT or RT. What Sherrod does apparently lack is what a guy like Carimi has: violence to his game. Having said that, Sherrod is techniquely sound and is capable in all facets of blocking. It could be said Sherrod and Carimi are 2a & 2b.
4.) Anthony Castanzo - Despite be an extremely bright guy and giving good effort, I've never really be sold on Castanzo. My biggest critique of Castanzo is that I think he's a bit goofy athletically. He tests out relatively well when asked to perform specific simple exercises like vertical jump or whatever. However, when asked to put together a series of athletic moves as is required in games, he becomes lock-knee'd and all out of sorts. Another knock I have on him is that he's a bit sloppy with technique. I do give him some points for apparently showing the versatility to play OG too.
5.) Nate Solder - There is no need to rehash the great frame and athleticism Solder possesses; we all know them. I should say though that I don't see his height (6'8") as a benefit. He struggles at times allowing shorter DL get under his pads and he doesn't have a great base to fend off bullrushers. I also think he's poor technique wise. He's often late on his kick-out and has bad feet which allows defenders to get outside of him. Equally alarming is that he has a penchant for allowing defenders get underneath him on inside moves. To me, it's Solder not Smith, who is the bigger athletic boom/bust prospect.
Having said all that, there are many aspects that all these OT can and will improve with training, learning and experience. I'm not stating any of these guys will be busts. I do have a preference on who the Cowboys select though (listed above).
Your thoughts?
