Scout’s Eye: Grading The Quarterbacks; Chris Whaley Shines At Rookie Camp

[speedkilz88]

Friday, May 08, 2015 6:30 PM CDT


By Bryan Broaddus
Football Analyst/Scout
@BryanBroaddus

LINK


IRVING, Texas – A handful of impressions from Friday’s practice at the Cowboys’ rookie minicamp:

• I have to admit that I was interested to see how Byron Jones was going to practice physically today. I had an idea, studying his college tape, how he would move, but to see him on the field with my own eyes gave me a much better idea of how he carried himself. From the word “Go” Jones was locked into these practices -- especially the afternoon session, where he carried these receivers all over the field. It didn’t matter if it was George Farmer, Nick Harwell or Antwan Goodley, Jones was up to the task. He played the majority of his snaps in press coverage and off the snap was difficult to get away from. His technique was spot on and trust me, Jerome Henderson was right there with him every step of the way to make sure it was.
  What was most impressive about Jones’ day was how tight he can play while the receiver runs his routes. There was little or no window for these quarterbacks to throw into while he was on the field. Nice start to his weekend.
• Of the two defensive ends that were selected in this draft, much of the focus was on Randy Gregory, but it was Ryan Russell that had the better day. In the middle of the practice I started to notice signs that Gregory’s lack of conditioning was starting to affect the way that he was playing. Russell did a nice job of fighting through the practice and there was a snap or two where from his left end spot where he was a disruptive player -- which is what we expected from Gregory. I also noticed in the 1-on-1 pass rush drill where Russell took a rep from the defensive tackle spot and he was able to defeat the blocker easily.
  Speaking of defensive ends that caught my eye, Gavin Stansbury from Texas A&M was a difficult player for these tackles to handle. Stansbury is here as a tryout player and if he caught my attention, I am sure that the coaches saw the same thing.

More: (QB, OL, Whaley DT)
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/08/scout’s-eye-grading-quarterbacks-chris-whaley-shines-rookie-camp

 

[dogunwo]

These practices are almost just conditioning drills since their are no pads. The QB information is valuable, but I learned nothing about Chris Whaley due to no pads.

 

[jjktkk]

Really pulling for Whaley. Sounds like he's recovering nicely from his injury.

 

[waving monkey]

Well I learned that Whaley didn't disappoint. Jones appears to have skills and Russell has got a little something.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Really pulling for Whaley. Sounds like he's recovering nicely from his injury.

Quite frankly the team needs Whaley to be a contributor this season. Crawford can't take 1,000 snaps and be productive.

 

[jjktkk]

Quite frankly the team needs Whaley to be a contributor this season. Crawford can't take 1,000 snaps and be productive.

Right now, I'd say its between Whaley and Coleman, for that backup 3 technique.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Right now, I'd say its between Whaley and Coleman, for that backup 3 technique.

I think you can include McClain in that mix. I think he's more of an under tackle than he is a nose tackle.

 

[speedkilz88]

I think you can include McClain in that mix. I think he's more of an under tackle than he is a nose tackle.

1T isn't exactly a NT. Marinelli likes 3T types for his 1T spot. Want's them to get upfield. McClain even played some NT for the Texans.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

1T isn't exactly a NT. Marinelli likes 3T types for his 1T spot. Want's them to get upfield. McClain even played some NT for the Texans.

Agreed. I just don't think they're going to use McClain there (at the 1T spot) often. And I'm not sure why.

I think our only hope to reducing Hayden's snaps is Bishop.

 

[speedkilz88]

Agreed. I just don't think they're going to use McClain there (at the 1T spot) often. And I'm not sure why.

I think our only hope to reducing Hayden's snaps is Bishop.

I think that was due to his injuries early in OTAs. Broaddus seems to think he gets a chance to start this year if he's healthy.

 

[ThreeandOut]

1T isn't exactly a NT. Marinelli likes 3T types for his 1T spot. Want's them to get upfield. McClain even played some NT for the Texans.

And some of these DE's will be getting time at 3T on passing downs.

 

[CATCH17]

These practices are almost just conditioning drills since their are no pads. The QB information is valuable, but I learned nothing about Chris Whaley due to no pads.

I used to play OLine and the DLinemen that would try to all star it in shirts and shorts were always marked men once we put the pads on.

 

[BoysfanfromCanada]

And some of these DE's will be getting time at 3T on passing downs.

I hear this alot, but wouldn't they simply be getting blown up by the guards and centres? Lawrence and Gregory will be too small to do it right now, not sure if Mincey did it much at all if ever last season. Krakens name is used alot too, where did Carolina play him in passing downs?

 

[Maxmadden]

I hear this alot, but wouldn't they simply be getting blown up by the guards and centres? Lawrence and Gregory will be too small to do it right now, not sure if Mincey did it much at all if ever last season. Krakens name is used alot too, where did Carolina play him in passing downs?

When there isn't a threat of running the ball the speed and quickness of these guys becomes a distinct advantage. Otherwise, yes they would generally get blown up on running plays.

 

[jazzcat22]

These practices are almost just conditioning drills since their are no pads. The QB information is valuable, but I learned nothing about Chris Whaley due to no pads.

As long as the coaches learn something, as they know what they are looking for and looking at.
That's what is important, no mater what we fans think think we know from all this....LOL....

We may look at it as, meh...no pads, who cares...well they do, and know what is what.

 

[AsthmaField]

Well I learned that Whaley didn't disappoint. Jones appears to have skills and Russell has got a little something.

Russell would have had a much better college career if his team wouldn't have switched from a 43 to a 34 for his final two years... which of course are the two seasons that players usually break out in.

I'm not expecting a pro bowl player or anything but the guy has the skills to play SDE for this team.

 

[Rogerthat12]

Way too early to tell anything but we certainly hope Whaley can make the team and assist in the rotation, time will tell!

Russell appears to have some juice but again, it is way too early.

 

[Doc50]

As long as the coaches learn something, as they know what they are looking for and looking at.
That's what is important, no mater what we fans think think we know from all this....LOL....

We may look at it as, meh...no pads, who cares...well they do, and know what is what.

Yeah. We didn't sign a 1T, and then Brent retired - - I see that as a hole, but Rod evidently has other plans for rotations and position flex and packages.

We'll see soon enough what he has in mind.

 

[jazzcat22]

Yeah. We didn't sign a 1T, and then Brent retired - - I see that as a hole, but Rod evidently has other plans for rotations and position flex and packages.

We'll see soon enough what he has in mind.

Yep, can't wait to see.
And as I said in other posts.
As Stephen Jones said...Russell has the Frame to add to and play inside. Hardy, Mincey, DLaw can all get snaps at DT. Coaches really like what they see in T. McClain.

And also I want to see if Coleman progressed any, as well as to what Whaley can bring.
doesn't rule out bringing in others though.

 

[visionary]

1T is a huge problem
Wish we had Brown