Some Hope About Kevin Burnett...

[PoetTree]

---


Well, I know everyone's a little down on the guy & that his injury came at a poor time: the end of the season and just when he was coming on. But in truth, I've got a good feeling about him. One reason is because of his size, which is more substantial than I remembered it being: 6'3" -- 240lbs.

That's some pretty impressive size, and he's also got a lot of speed. I remember a play last season... one of the few where Burnett was in the lineup... against the Eagles in our 2nd game against them. McNabb broke out of the pocket and started to scramble downfield, and then, out of nowhere, came Kevin Burnett moving incredibly quickly. McNabb had absolutely no chance to escape & it was the first moment I saw the "talent" our scouting department obviously had.

Now, his injury may set him back a bit, given it came so late in the season. But players often return from ACL tears these days stronger & faster than they were before. I'm not worried about that. And given some things I've been hearing, I'm wondering if we'll hold off investing another high-pick in the draft in lieu of developing Kevin Burnett.

A couple of the things I've been hearing that make me wonder about this are:

The idea to move DeMarcus Ware to the strongside. Word is that he's been instructed to bulk up to 260 this year, and clearly, his speed would allow him to cover backs & tight-ends in the passing game. And so, I'm wondering of they are envisioning Burnett... who has great speed and had all the scouting reports around the draft last year extolling him as a good pass-rusher... as our new weakside linebacker, where he could rely on his athleticism to make plays.

Also, the comment by Jerry Jones that, if all things were equal, he'd rather draft offense in the first round this year. After going defense in the 1st for the last 4 years (or is it 5?), Jerry mentioned that he'd prefer to bring in some young offensive talent at that spot this year.

The signing of Rocky Boiman, as well, in my opinion, cannot be overlooked. This is a guy that, according to reports, most teams were looking at as a starter. And while we may not have a bona fide star opposite Ware at this point, it does certainly look like we're stocking our roster with "quality" linebackers who are all big, athletic, fast and physical.

Given all this, perhaps we're gonna hold off on drafting one of the "stud" linebackers high in this year's lottery & put some developmental time into our last high-round linebacker, Kevin Burnett. Because in my opinion, it's far too early to give up on someone that our organization thought highly enough of to draft at such a high position in the draft.

Jeff Ireland seems to be a gem of a scout. So, maybe we've just gotta put some faith in this particular find. Big, strong, fast, athletic, purported pass-rushing skill... plus, Ware bulking up & being talked about as our strongside 'backer, Jerry wanting offense in the 1st round and our newfound depth at the position... and I think we may already have our weakside stud on the roster.


















Peace and Love

- PoetTree -

 

[PoetTree]

Hey, MODS...

Could you move this thread to the main forum? I think I posted it here accidentally. If I did post this in the main forum & then one of you moved it here on purpose, then just forget what I'm saying.


Thanks!

:

 

[like a dog]

---


Well, I know everyone's a little down on the guy & that his injury came at a poor time: the end of the season and just when he was coming on. But in truth, I've got a good feeling about him. One reason is because of his size, which is more substantial than I remembered it being: 6'3" -- 240lbs.

That's some pretty impressive size, and he's also got a lot of speed. I remember a play last season... one of the few where Burnett was in the lineup... against the Eagles in our 2nd game against them. McNabb broke out of the pocket and started to scramble downfield, and then, out of nowhere, came Kevin Burnett moving incredibly quickly. McNabb had absolutely no chance to escape & it was the first moment I saw the "talent" our scouting department obviously had.

Now, his injury may set him back a bit, given it came so late in the season. But players often return from ACL tears these days stronger & faster than they were before. I'm not worried about that. And given some things I've been hearing, I'm wondering if we'll hold off investing another high-pick in the draft in lieu of developing Kevin Burnett.

A couple of the things I've been hearing that make me wonder about this are:

The idea to move DeMarcus Ware to the strongside. Word is that he's been instructed to bulk up to 260 this year, and clearly, his speed would allow him to cover backs & tight-ends in the passing game. And so, I'm wondering of they are envisioning Burnett... who has great speed and had all the scouting reports around the draft last year extolling him as a good pass-rusher... as our new weakside linebacker, where he could rely on his athleticism to make plays.

Also, the comment by Jerry Jones that, if all things were equal, he'd rather draft offense in the first round this year. After going defense in the 1st for the last 4 years (or is it 5?), Jerry mentioned that he'd prefer to bring in some young offensive talent at that spot this year.

The signing of Rocky Boiman, as well, in my opinion, cannot be overlooked. This is a guy that, according to reports, most teams were looking at as a starter. And while we may not have a bona fide star opposite Ware at this point, it does certainly look like we're stocking our roster with "quality" linebackers who are all big, athletic, fast and physical.

Given all this, perhaps we're gonna hold off on drafting one of the "stud" linebackers high in this year's lottery & put some developmental time into our last high-round linebacker, Kevin Burnett. Because in my opinion, it's far too early to give up on someone that our organization thought highly enough of to draft at such a high position in the draft.

Jeff Ireland seems to be a gem of a scout. So, maybe we've just gotta put some faith in this particular find. Big, strong, fast, athletic, purported pass-rushing skill... plus, Ware bulking up & being talked about as our strongside 'backer, Jerry wanting offense in the 1st round and our newfound depth at the position... and I think we may already have our weakside stud on the roster.


















Peace and Love

- PoetTree -

The problem with this analysis is that, with a torn ACL, Burnett will not be anywhere near 100% by the time the season starts or at any point next season for that matter. It usually takes an athlete about 18 months to fully recover from an ACL tear; at 9 months Burnett will only be half way there. With modern rehabilitation it is quite possible that Burnett will be on the field by the middle of training camp. but he will not be anywhere near the Kevin Burnett (at least physically) that could not sniff the field last year.

Having said that, I would not be at all suprised if Dallas does not make another move at linebacker this offseason. We are set at three starting spots with Ware, James, and Ayodele. I also think that we have really solid backups in the middle with Shanle and Fowler. That leaves three players to compete for the other outside linebacker spot: Singleton (assuming he is not cut), Boiman and Burnett. We should be able to get at least a solid performance out of those three and you can't have an All-Pro at every position. Maybe Dallas is banking on Boiman/Singleton to compete/hold the fort for Burnett untill he is physically ready to take over next season.

 

[VACowboy]

If Ware is moving to the strong side, Lawson or Wimbley will be a Cowboy come the end of April.

 

[dallasfan]

I say draft another OLB, think about how many LBers NE uses. When they won their first 2 SBs McGinnest, Ted Johnson, Teddy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel were the starters, with Roman Phifer being the fith guy. And then they added Rosevelt Colvin! All of these guys played a significant role, not to mention special team guys like Larry Izzo. I envision Ware and Lawson/Wimberly being the starters on the oustside and Ayodele and James being the inside starters and Kevin Burnett being the Nickle/Dime linebacker when he's 100%.

 

[ghst187]

I say draft another OLB, think about how many LBers NE uses. When they won their first 2 SBs McGinnest, Ted Johnson, Teddy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel were the starters, with Roman Phifer being the fith guy. And then they added Rosevelt Colvin! All of these guys played a significant role, not to mention special team guys like Larry Izzo. I envision Ware and Lawson/Wimberly being the starters on the oustside and Ayodele and James being the inside starters and Kevin Burnett being the Nickle/Dime linebacker when he's 100%.

I totally agree.
And from a value standpoint, I'm pretty convinced that a LB will indeed be the BPA at 18 and maybe even with a tradedown.

 

[dbair1967]

I'm betting Burnett starts out the yr on PUP myself...that ACL was real late in the season

David

 

[neosapien23]

One of my friends tore his ACL in high school. It took him 6 months to return to 100% and he was still in high school at the time. If he can do it, Burnett can do it. However, Burnett's therapy will be so time consuming that I do not see him able to bulk up to play the OLB position. Dallas should take Wimberly or Lawson and use Burnett as an insurance policy. You can never have too many good linebackers in the 3-4 anyway.

 

[Doomsdayblitz]

Well, there is still Arrington to think about. At 6'3", 255, he has the perfect size to play the strong side....or if they DO move Ware over to the strong side, Arrington is a strong pass rusher.
As a lifelong Ohio St. fan, I have never understood the way the 'Skins played Arrington. The dude leaped over an OL during an OSU-Penn St. game, & sacked the QB. He is a natural pass rusher, yet he has seldom been used that way.
With Ware on one side, and Arrington on the other, we would be scary on passing downs.

I even have a name for the pass-rushing duo: Warrington....no....OK...:

 

[tyke1doe]

I say draft another OLB, think about how many LBers NE uses. When they won their first 2 SBs McGinnest, Ted Johnson, Teddy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel were the starters, with Roman Phifer being the fith guy. And then they added Rosevelt Colvin! All of these guys played a significant role, not to mention special team guys like Larry Izzo. I envision Ware and Lawson/Wimberly being the starters on the oustside and Ayodele and James being the inside starters and Kevin Burnett being the Nickle/Dime linebacker when he's 100%.

If I'm not mistaken, Colvin wasn't a Patriot when NE won its first Super Bowl.

He was injured the entire year when NE won its second Super Bowl.

He contributed, however, when they won their third Super Bowl.

 

[dallasfan]

If I'm not mistaken, Colvin wasn't a Patriot when NE won its first Super Bowl.

He was injured the entire year when NE won its second Super Bowl.

He contributed, however, when they won their third Super Bowl.

You're right, which is why I didn't mention him with the first group.

 

[Cowboy4ever]

Being a huge AU fan, I watch a lot of SEC football and I can say this about Kevin B. He was all over the field in college. You always had to account for him, on every play. This kid will be a play maker in this league. I wouldnt count him out just yet. Now i agree he didn't have a very good year his first year and with the injury, its easy to look past him, but I would give this kid some time. I wouldn't go out and get a stud LB in this draft.

 

[NorTex]

We seem to be forgetting Kalen Thornton, who looked better than Burnett in preseason last year, even though he was fighting a banged up knee.

He and Beriault had the same surgery at the same time and probably rehabbed together. They should both be back stronger than ever!

 

[CactusCowboy]

I am not down on him at all..........

 

[wileedog]

I wouldn't go out and get a stud LB in this draft.

I would. I like Burnett a lot too, but I don't want to hinge the season on his knee. And he wasn't seeing the field much when he was healthy either.

One more stud LBer, even an average FS and some depth at DT makes this a top 5 defense. Lets finish it off.

 

[DakotaReign]

Excuse Me!!!

No Backups For Olb... No Starter Quality There??? What???

Have You Forgot Kalen Thornton!!

The Guy Bp Had His Eye On Since Before The 3-4 Was Installed In Dallas??

 

[neosapien23]

I would. I like Burnett a lot too, but I don't want to hinge the season on his knee. And he wasn't seeing the field much when he was healthy either.

One more stud LBer, even an average FS and some depth at DT makes this a top 5 defense. Lets finish it off.

Why does everyone want to go defense heavy in the draft when our offense needs young players? We need a QB,WR, and Oline players. Now I am in agreement that we should spend our top pick on an OLB, but the rest of the draft should be done to rebuild for the future. 2nd rounder - WR
3rd rounder - QB

 

[DakotaReign]

Why does everyone want to go defense heavy in the draft when our offense needs young players? We need a QB,WR, and Oline players. Now I am in agreement that we should spend our top pick on an OLB, but the rest of the draft should be done to rebuild for the future. 2nd rounder - WR
3rd rounder - QB

would you not like a free safety??

 

[wileedog]

Why does everyone want to go defense heavy in the draft when our offense needs young players? We need a QB,WR, and Oline players. Now I am in agreement that we should spend our top pick on an OLB, but the rest of the draft should be done to rebuild for the future. 2nd rounder - WR
3rd rounder - QB

Because a dominant defense can carry you through to the playoffs and beyond with even a merely competent offense. With TO on board, we could be even above competent.

If we finish off the D this year, we will have a very young core who will be together a long time. We can start focusing exclusively on young talent for the O next year.

Furthermore, the WR class is weak. I'm not enamored with throwing a #1 pick at Jackson or Holmes, neither of whom would sniff the first round in a 'normal' draft WR class. Anybody who drops to the 2nd will similarly be overvalued. Much better players will be available next year.

THat said, I'd go Oline in the 2nd, then BPA in the 3rd, hopefully a FS or WR like Brandon Williams who can return kicks.

 

[Cowboy4ever]

Because a dominant defense can carry you through to the playoffs and beyond with even a merely competent offense. With TO on board, we could be even above competent.

If we finish off the D this year, we will have a very young core who will be together a long time. We can start focusing exclusively on young talent for the O next year.

Furthermore, the WR class is weak. I'm not enamored with throwing a #1 pick at Jackson or Holmes, neither of whom would sniff the first round in a 'normal' draft WR class. Anybody who drops to the 2nd will similarly be overvalued. Much better players will be available next year.

THat said, I'd go Oline in the 2nd, then BPA in the 3rd, hopefully a FS or WR like Brandon Williams who can return kicks.

Well I don't want to throw a #1 on a wr either.. much better used on a OL or FS.. take the other in the second.. maybe a QB in the 3rd, a WR in the 4th.. and some D depth in the late rounds.

Ideally,, Marcus Oneal or Justice in the First. KO in the second. Charlie W. in the 3rd. Ben O.(WR from AU) in the 4th.. then DL depth in late rounds.