Rookie DT Jay Toia getting 1st team reps during OTAs

[CT Dal Fan]

Every player drafted has probably gotten first team reps at some point at OTA's. It's about seeing who can handle what and how they respond.

Listen, it would be great to see Toia be a solution, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Throwing late rounders at any position is not making an effort to better that position.

It's better than not throwing any picks.

 

[America's Cowboy]

Yes, and they almost always pick the wrong one.

It's the opposite. Saying they addressed the position w/ a 7th rounder is not only lazy, it's out and out lying. And far worse than disengenuous, it's just not very bright.

Did we really have to turn to childish insults here? Why?

Childish? More like you like to challenge but don't like to be challenged in return. Sorry, K, you know I love ya like a brother, but I disagree with you about the claim the Cowboys are not serious about improving the DT/NT position.

 

[tunahelper]

I am amazed at how many supposed football experts here think that OTA's are anything more than rookies checking in and eyeballs on any changes or new systems

where anyone is on the depth chart now is beyond meaningless

First team reps while in shorts, helmet, and shoulder pads

 

[BKBDAD]

Does this mean Mazi Smith might be getting replaced as the starting interior run-stuffing DT?

Listening to this tells me that we need interior D-Line help NOW! I looked at the available Free Agents and the shelf looks pretty bare! Jera, it's time to sign Micah and go D-Line shopping!

 

[shabazz]

as a rookie Mazi was the punchline for many jokes

second year he was a JAG

can he make the next big step and become a decent stater?

probably about even odds with Toia playing better

I think we're at the point of just hoping Mazi can play like a 3rd rounder.

I said i would give him 2 seasons to see growth but it hasn't happened yet.

 

[kskboys]

I think we're at the point of just hoping Mazi can play like a 3rd rounder.

I said i would give him 2 seasons to see growth but it hasn't happened yet.

If Mazi can become a competent backup, it's a win.

 

[shabazz]

If Mazi can become a competent backup, it's a win.

.....and sadly we go back to drafting a DT in the 1st round every 33 years when Stephen inherits the team.

Many of us will be worm chow by then.

 

[Coogiguy03]

If Mazi can become a competent backup, it's a win.

lol make him a backup lol good thought

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

I think we're at the point of just hoping Mazi can play like a 3rd rounder.

I said i would give him 2 seasons to see growth but it hasn't happened yet.

he went from scorching garbage, to hot garbage and fans are saying his play improved....so now he is just garbage!!

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

If Mazi can become a competent backup, it's a win.

how is it a win, when you first rounder is a competent backup!?

 

[gtb1943]

It's better than not throwing any picks.

pretty poor claim
seventh rd picks are only slightly better

 

[kskboys]

lol make him a backup lol good thought

Problem is, he hasn't shown yet that he's even capable of that.

If Mazi had come into our camp as a UFA, he'd have been cut soon after.

 

[kskboys]

how is it a win, when you first rounder is a competent backup!?

Because right now as it stands Mazi is a complete and utter failure. That is the only reason him becoming a competent backup is a win.

If Mazi makes the team this year, it'll show once again that we've done a very poor job of addressing the DT position.

 

[Coogiguy03]

Problem is, he hasn't shown yet that he's even capable of that.

If Mazi had come into our camp as a UFA, he'd have been cut soon after.

Yeah right you know how we like to hold onto guys

 

[gtb1943]

Yeah right you know how we like to hold onto guys

Jethro hates to admit mistakes...

 

[conner01]

Means nothing.

Exactly. First team reps mean you are taking snaps against the better players most of the time so you get a better idea of what he can do. I’d do the same in pre season. Get these young guys reps against the best competition you can. You know what Mazi and the vets can do. Camp is more about getting them in game shape. But it’s huge for rookies and second year guys, they need the reps

 

[conner01]

Wouldn't take much for him to take over as starter.

Nope. Mazi is what he is. And he’s had plenty of reps to show himself. Seems smart to get your rookies more reps against better players to see them. Even the vets we have don’t need a bunch of reps to get ready. Let the young guys get some quality reps. As much as you can get reps in no contact practice. I’d get these young guys young kids more reps early in pre season too. For vets it’s more about getting in shape, at least for linemen, so get these young guys reps against best players you can

 

[Qcard]

Agreed. This new coaching staff is definitely turning every stone to try to make improvements. Truly glad they are making the effort at our interior DT position.

I don't care how many stones they turn in a Dollar store.....

If Aaron Whitecotton can get consistent play from these hand me down DTs, he'll be the next hot coaching prospect

 

[Coogiguy03]

Jethro hates to admit mistakes...

perfectly said