State of the DT position

[thunderpimp91]

I just realized that Malik Collins signed this offseason for $8.5MM per year.

Now I've been about as frustrated as anyone at the lack of production out of our DT unit, but given someone like Collins can sign for that much on a multi-year deal really makes me wonder how truly rare it is to find a top DT in this league, and how valuable it is when you find an Aaron Donald, Chris Jones, etc. And if so how is this position not prioritized more in the draft by all teams as a premium position?

Maybe I'm off on my evaluation of Collins, but it feels he is slightly above JAG level, no? Is the state of the DT position league wide that bad with the exception of top tier players? Does it take a freak athlete or elite talent to play the position in todays game? It almost feels like either you have a top guy or you might as well just cycle through mid round picks like the Cowboys have done, and move on after their rookie deals.

 

[gimmesix]

I just realized that Malik Collins signed this offseason for $8.5MM per year.

Now I've been about as frustrated as anyone at the lack of production out of our DT unit, but given someone like Collins can sign for that much on a multi-year deal really makes me wonder how truly rare it is to find a top DT in this league, and how valuable it is when you find an Aaron Donald, Chris Jones, etc. And if so how is this position not prioritized more in the draft by all teams as a premium position?

Maybe I'm off on my evaluation of Collins, but it feels he is slightly above JAG level, no? Is the state of the DT position league wide that bad with the exception of top tier players? Does it take a freak athlete or elite talent to play the position in todays game? It almost feels like either you have a top guy or you might as well just cycle through mid round picks like the Cowboys have done, and move on after their rookie deals.

It's still my No. 1 position in the draft. If the value is right, I'm taking one in the first round.

That's part of the reason that I hope that we get a starting guard in free agency. Otherwise, we have to feel compelled to fill that spot. Right now at DT, Devonte Wyatt and Jordan Davis are both ranked in our range.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

It's still my No. 1 position in the draft. If the value is right, I'm taking one in the first round.

That's part of the reason that I hope that we get a starting guard in free agency. Otherwise, we have to feel compelled to fill that spot. Right now at DT, Devonte Wyatt and Jordan Davis are both ranked in our range.

No way in hell would I pass on Jordan Davis at 24 ..........but I don't see him getting close to our selection

 

[JoeyBoy718]

I think it is definitely rare to find a Donald/Jones. I’d say just as rare as it is to find a Mahomes/Rodgers. Dominant players in general are rare to find. I bet a bunch of people are saying “if we could just get a Micah Parsons…” as if it’s that easy.

 

[ThatJerryKid]

It's still my No. 1 position in the draft. If the value is right, I'm taking one in the first round.

That's part of the reason that I hope that we get a starting guard in free agency. Otherwise, we have to feel compelled to fill that spot. Right now at DT, Devonte Wyatt and Jordan Davis are both ranked in our range.

Jordan Davis is going top 15 and don’t be surprised if he goes top 10.

 

[gimmesix]

Jordan Davis is going top 15 and don’t be surprised if he goes top 10.

Rankings I see have him at about 18. Most likely any DT worth having in the first will be gone before we draft, because that's the way it works. Also, any DT that doesn't go before we draft will be passed on by us, because that's also the way it works.

 

[ThatJerryKid]

Rankings I see have him at about 18. Most likely any DT worth having in the first will be gone before we draft, because that's the way it works. Also, any DT that doesn't go before we draft will be passed on by us, because that's also the way it works.

 

[Oz-of-Cowboy-Country]

The DT position is kind of like the RB position. You can pull free agents in off the streets to play those positions. They are easily replaceable. Only super stars should be paid and kept. And that makes me a by committee guy for both of those spots.

 

[JeffInDC]

The DT position is kind of like the RB position. You can pull free agents in off the streets to play those positions. They are easily replaceable. Only super stars should be paid and kept. And that makes me a by committee guy for both of those spots.

And thats EXACTLY why this team CAN’T stop good teams from LITERALLY running over them in the playoffs. You need TALENT there as well.

 

[Big_D]

Specially if you’re drafting Jaylon Smith over Chris Jones. Just one of the many fundamental problems here!

 

[AbeBeta]

Specially if you’re drafting Jaylon Smith over Chris Jones. Just one of the many fundamental problems here!

Please. Don't try to look smart via hingsight. Jones was not viewed as having anywhere near Jaylon's potential.

 

[Oz-of-Cowboy-Country]

And thats EXACTLY why this team CAN’T stop good teams from LITERALLY running over them in the playoffs. You need TALENT there as well.

Not really. Not if you know how to build a team. All you need is two big bodied DT's. I always say, a DT isn't a DT unless he's 6'4" and 300 pounds. But for a team to have a real run stuffing defense they also need big bodied DE's. Because if your DE's get up the field too fast they leave huge rushing lanes for the ball carrier. So 6'4" 270 pound DE's will do the trick.

Stopping the run is one of the easiest things a defense can do. They only need to be big enough where they can't be pushed around.

I'd get big on the front four, then have me some pass rushing linebackers like Anae and Parsons. My front four can come and go, but the other seven...I'd try my best to keep them together.


So now my defense can stop the run and rush the passer. It's not rocket science.

 

[Havic]

No way in hell would I pass on Jordan Davis at 24 ..........but I don't see him getting close to our selection

I dont even think he will make it to the Eagles 1st pick let alone us.

 

[thunderpimp91]

Not really. Not if you know how to build a team. All you need is two big bodied DT's. I always say, a DT isn't a DT unless he's 6'4" and 300 pounds. But for a team to have a real run stuffing defense they also need big bodied DE's. Because if your DE's get up the field too fast they leave huge rushing lanes for the ball carrier. So 6'4" 270 pound DE's will do the trick.

Stopping the run is one of the easiest things a defense can do. They only need to be big enough where they can't be pushed around.

I'd get big on the front four, then have me some pass rushing linebackers like Anae and Parsons. My front four can come and go, but the other seven...I'd try my best to keep them together.


So now my defense can stop the run and rush the passer. It's not rocket science.

Interesting thought, but why do the cowboys continue to struggle against the run then? Hill, Watson, gallimore, bohanna, urban all are over or very close to 6’4” 300lbs. Only true undersized DT is OSA.

 

[Jarntt]

It's still my No. 1 position in the draft. If the value is right, I'm taking one in the first round.

That's part of the reason that I hope that we get a starting guard in free agency. Otherwise, we have to feel compelled to fill that spot. Right now at DT, Devonte Wyatt and Jordan Davis are both ranked in our range.

My gut says Davis is gone, but I’d be ecstatic with Wyatt too. I’ll take any one of 4 Georgia defenders in the first and be really happy.

 

[TheDude]

I just realized that Malik Collins signed this offseason for $8.5MM per year.

Now I've been about as frustrated as anyone at the lack of production out of our DT unit, but given someone like Collins can sign for that much on a multi-year deal really makes me wonder how truly rare it is to find a top DT in this league, and how valuable it is when you find an Aaron Donald, Chris Jones, etc. And if so how is this position not prioritized more in the draft by all teams as a premium position?

Maybe I'm off on my evaluation of Collins, but it feels he is slightly above JAG level, no? Is the state of the DT position league wide that bad with the exception of top tier players? Does it take a freak athlete or elite talent to play the position in todays game? It almost feels like either you have a top guy or you might as well just cycle through mid round picks like the Cowboys have done, and move on after their rookie deals.

State= vegetive

 

[charron]

It all depends what you value in a player. Most DT play either the run or pass rush well rarely do they do both. The cowboys only care about guys who rush but since they devalue the position as a whole they pick them in mid rounds. So you mostly get 1 trick ponies and not the best of them at that. Like you said just above jags. Even Marinelli scheme disregarded gap integrity to emphasize getting up field as fast as possible. The Jones don't understand the importance of good DT play outside of who can sack the QB. Pray Quinn gets the message through to them.

 

[Jarntt]

Interesting thought, but why do the cowboys continue to struggle against the run then? Hill, Watson, gallimore, bohanna, urban all are over or very close to 6’4” 300lbs. Only true undersized DT is OSA.

Because it’s a completely oversimplified idea. And 6’4 300lbs isn’t an ideal size for a run stopping DT and Anae ain’t getting it done if he is one of only two pass rushers.

the easiest way to success is a guy who can do both and they are indeed hard to find, not off the street guys. That’s just silly

 

[Big_D]

Please. Don't try to look smart via hingsight. Jones was not viewed as having anywhere near Jaylon's potential.

Its not hindsight. It was a stupid pick the second it was made. How’d that “ potential” work out? Specially when they weren’t even sure if he’d ever play again. Jaylon Smith at 34 doesn’t get much dumber. And once again no surprise Jerry is on the losing end of that ordeal. You don’t really need hindsight to see the stupidity in that decision even if they don’t draft Jones! Any “healthy” player would’ve sufficed!

 

[thunderpimp91]

Its not hindsight. It was a stupid pick the second it was made. How’d that “ potential” work out? Specially when they weren’t even sure if he’d ever play again. Jaylon Smith at 34 doesn’t get much dumber. And once again no surprise Jerry is on the losing end of that ordeal. You don’t really need hindsight to see the stupidity in that decision even if they don’t draft Jones! Any “healthy” player would’ve sufficed!

You gotta factor in all the Hot Boyz merch though