Rodrique Wright Draft Journal III

[johnnybluestar]

I know the article said he was worked out as a 3-4 DE, and I think we are fairly set with young potential talent in Spears, Canty and Ratliff. So why not consider Wright as a 3-4 NT?

In anticipation of the "not-the-right-size response", which has been brought up many times over the last year, consider this:
As a college player he is already heavier than Ferguson and could probably get up to 320+ in an NFL weight program. I realize he is 2 inches taller than Ferguson, but does it really make that much difference in terms of leverage? Maybe his forehead is 6" tall like Peyton Manning's.
I'm just asking because the size thing has been the biggest mystery since we implemented the 3-4.
Canty is the perfect size, but Ellis is too small. Canty weighs 8 lbs more according to DC.com
Glover is too small but Ferguson is perfect. I'd say that Glover out played Ferguson all year long for the most part.
Either way, GO Cowboys!

 

[mmurray21]

This guy was completely dominated in the Rose Bowl.

Doesn't it seem strange that he is only working out 4 days a week? There are hundred of thousands maybe even millions of dollars on the line seems like he shouldn't have all this "free time to do nothing"

 

[InmanRoshi]

We have an open roster spot from Glover and probably Coleman as well. And this is also probably Ellis' last year with the team. We need a nickel 3 tech DT to step in and replace Glover immediately.

 

[silver]

is he a freak? 6-5 315 and runs under 4.5 forty. last time i saw somebody like that his name was Reggie White. Bruce Smith is another one that comes to mind but he weighed 270 lbs. his productions doesn't match his computer numbers though. He can be the next Reggie White or the next Dan Wilkinson. I take Rack's word that he aint worth our pick since he saw him play and i didn't.

 

[InmanRoshi]

Is he going to be the next Reggie White? No. Can he be a solid DL utility and rotation guy? Yep. Don't judge him as a Top 10 pick as he was once projected, judge him as a 3rd round pick.

 

[Eskimo]

is he a freak? 6-5 315 and runs under 4.5 forty. last time i saw somebody like that his name was Reggie White. Bruce Smith is another one that comes to mind but he weighed 270 lbs. his productions doesn't match his computer numbers though. He can be the next Reggie White or the next Dan Wilkinson. I take Rack's word that he aint worth our pick since he saw him play and i didn't.

No, the 4.5 time here is his short shuttle time which roughly corresponds to a 4.9-5.2 forty.

 

[Eskimo]

Are you serious? NE has 4 3-4 DE's. Two in the first round, one in second and one in 4th? SD has Castillo and Olshansky.

Ellis won't be around much longer.

We're talking about using 3rd rounder to add size/youth to a DL that cut Glover and will likely do the same with Ellis inside of 12 months.

Cowboys fans have been wanting to get rid of Ellis for ages. He was still very productive last year when he got snaps and was our best overall pass rusher. If he stays productive now that he is more of a pass rush specialist and depth guy there is no need to cut him because his contract is quite reasonable. IMO he outperformed both Spears and Canty last year in the 3-4 alignment - now hopefully both the youngsters will be better next year after a year of NFL work and offseason conditioning. Canty also really needed to add about 20 pounds to his frame to hold up as a 3-4 end.

3 or 4 LB positions are set. On top of that Al/KB come into consideration at SOLB.

Al S is not a quality starter in this league in the 3-4 as an OLB. This is an impact type position that requires someone who can stand up OTs at the point of attack, cover RBs and TEs down the field and rush the passer. The deficiencies at this position really handcuffed us in defending the perimeter running game and applying pressure to the QB.

This is a position in need of a definite upgrade and expect one of our first two picks to be used here.

I'm talking a 3rd for Wright.

Guess what round our SOLB might come in?

I agree - I would be shocked if we didn't spend a first or second on a SOLB prospect (alternatively we could spend it on a WOLB and try to switch Ware over although I think the other plan makes more sense).

A 3rd would be a consideration for a player like Wright - that could represent value if he can play nickel DT and 3-4 DE. I guess I am somewhat leery of him because he didn't show big-time maturation of his game while at UT - seemed to peak as a sophomore. That is always an ominous sign. My other issue is I still think backup NT is a much bigger need than backup DE at this point.

 

[Rush 2112]

You reach for a backup NT in 3 with Ngata, Watson, Babatunde off the board and I'm thinking that NT is not as good a player as Wright or for that matter Cofield (3-4 DE's).

Build to strength vs reaching for need.