Sturm on Jaylon Smith

[glimmerman]

I think he played flat out poorly at MLB. I think he was better when he got moved outside but even then, he didn't really play a lot of snaps and the team used him in certain situation only. He didn't really play every down. To me, that's not above average but that is just my opinion.

That’s what I figure will happen. He will be a outside LB and may not be a every down backer. If he don’t produce better (which I think he will) then the experiment may be over but knowing JJ he will give him a contract. Lol. I would like to see plays he blitzes more, he is supposedly a good blitzing LB. but how often will Marinelli call that?

 

[jday]

I've been thinking offensive line, despite coveting a linebacker or a player like Vea who might make our linebackers better. But this makes me think Rashaan is a higher possibility. He should be there at 19.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

That’s what I figure will happen. He will be a outside LB and may not be a every down backer. If he don’t produce better (which I think he will) then the experiment may be over but knowing JJ he will give him a contract. Lol. I would like to see plays he blitzes more, he is supposedly a good blitzing LB. but how often will Marinelli call that?

Marinelli doesn't blitz often, that's true. I agree though, I never thought he was a fit for MLB but going forward, I think his future is on the outside, assuming he is able to reach that level of consistency.

 

[Big D]

NFL Defensive Player of the Week? I am not aware of this but for the sake of discussion, what do you believe that suggests?

It shows that he flashed potential to be among one of the top players of that week. If he can do it once he should be able to do it again.

 

[glimmerman]

Marinelli doesn't blitz often, that's true. I agree though, I never thought he was a fit for MLB but going forward, I think his future is on the outside, assuming he is able to reach that level of consistency.

Hoping he gains trust in his knee and a year of experience shows on the field. He can tackle well. But I see us drafting one in the first. Maybe a immediate impact starter will fall to us.

 

[BlindFaith]

I have no problem with gambling but there is a fine line between gambling and being absolutely stupid and the Cowboys crosses it with that pick.


That’s a gamble you start thinking about taking in the 4th round at most. We took him with what was basically an extra first round pick at the top of the 2nd round.


I don’t care if the pick pans out or not it was stupid.

Stupids probably not the right word.

I do think they under estimated how long it would take for him to come back. They were probably hoping for a little more last year.

And in hindsight, I probably wouldn't have drafted him in the second either. But maybe I would have too.

If he comes out blowing people up this year I think some of this talk will fade away.

 

[Corso]

It shows that he flashed potential to be among one of the top players of that week. If he can do it once he should be able to do it again.

He didn't make NFC Defensive Player of the Week last year.
Only DLaw did in week 3.

 

[Doomsday]

Myles Jack wasn’t good his first year playing either. The problem is Jack had Poz and Telvin Smith to play with too. I’m okay with letting Hitchens walk for the money but given our situation it makes sense to get another LB

Plus a much better defensive line that allowed him to flow to the ball.

Give up the second round pick to move up and get Edmunds. Only guy worth it in the first round. ****ty draft anyways.

He is very raw and inexperienced. Could take 2 to 3 seasons for him to get the mental aspects of the position.

 

[Sydla]

Goal of this draft needs to be drafting this guy. They traded up for that jag claiborne, they can trade up for this beast.

The problem is we aren’t one LB away. Trading up costs us prime picks.

 

[glimmerman]

The problem is we aren’t one LB away. Trading up costs us prime picks.

I would stay put. There will be quality there in the first 2 rounds. But JJ needs to stay away from the gambles and shiny things.

 

[Sydla]

Can’t wait for us to take a WR or OG in the first round.

 

[BlindFaith]

First of all, how do you come up with the "average stats" for LBs? What scheme, what position are we talking about here? Also, what about Passes Defended?

It was just a quick exercise. Nothing scientific.

41 LBs with more combined tackles than Hitch.

20 of those with 100 or more tackles.

And no, I didn't go into passes Defended or breakups, or INTs.

But using my football eyes, Hitch was average and Jaylens statistics wise put up almost identical numbers.

Make of it what you will.

 

[glimmerman]

Can’t wait for us to take a WR or OG in the first round.

Lol. TE!!

 

[BlindFaith]

I really can’t see how anyone can disagree that we need a LBer in the 1st or 2nd round. At this point, it’s the weakest position group on the team by a mile. Last year our defense took a major step back when Sean Lee was out. We have to not only add depth, we need the type of talent found in the 1st round. Anyone that has followed my post know.. I love me some Lee and I still have faith Jaylon can be a legit starter, albeit at the Sam. I’d be elated if Dallas could bring in Bowman to shore up the starting LBers spots, but his contract cost may be what’s holding us back. Even with Bowman aboard, we’d still have to draft a LB high for these simple facts: Lee is getting older and although he’s great when healthy, we can’t assume he can play a full season; Jaylon..as much as I’m rooting for him, Dallas can’t seriously believe in him as a ‘full time’ starter at this point; if we did land Bowman, he’d prob be a bridge player at best; Damien Wilson has potential, but how many years can we keep saying this; Joe Thomas and Tre’vone Johnson are ST/depth at best.
At the end of the day, I believe Dallas will choose to go with youth(and a lot cheaper) options. Draft a LBer early and in the mid rounds. Then possibly, a couple more undrafted players to compete and possibly find a diamond in the rough. I’m good with this strategy.

Good stuff. But just some constructive criticism, paragraphs are your friend.

 

[Sasquatch]

I know everybody is probably tired of hearing this but honestly, this is why we need to bring in a quality 1Tech IMO. I mean, we do need more LB depth. Losing Hitchens was a big deal IMO. Drafting Jaylon and betting he would be an impact player was a huge risk. Lee is not getting younger and Wilson, a pick I loved BTW, is not getting it done. He should already be at the point of solidifying his role as a starter on this Defense and instead, he is screwing around with suspension etc. A better DL interior who could actually protect our LBs would be huge for this team. I know this may not fit the "more LBs" idea here, and believe me I do agree with the idea that we do need more talent at LB, but I just can't express how important it is to have quality DTs who can cover up your LBs, especially when you play undersized at the position. In todays game, you almost have to go undersized because you have to have LBs who can cover. That puts you at a disadvantage against the run. If you have to always send undersized LBs against Bigger OLs, then we are never going to have enough quality depth.

JMO

The front office has been ignoring this wise counsel for how many years now?

 

[vlad]

Completely agree which is why I’ve said Linebacker is far and away the biggest need.

I've been saying the same and I don't pretend to have any special expertise other than 2 working eyes. This nonsense staff talking about bringing in Sammy Watkins or drafting a WR in any of the first 3 rounds is mind boggling, particularly when we don't know if its our QB just growing (and may never grow into an anticipatory thrower) and we have like duct tape to throw out at LB.

LB should be priority 1, 2, 3 and 4 with this team.

 

[Jumbo075]

I would stay put. There will be quality there in the first 2 rounds. But JJ needs to stay away from the gambles and shiny things.

I'd rather trade back in the 1st round than trade up. Come away with 4 picks in the top 81.

The time to trade up is in the 4th round - using both picks to get a 5th player in the top 100.

Ideally, trade back with Steelers or Jaguars, and get another 2nd round pick. Then trade up with Houston for pick 98.

Pick 28 - LB Leighton Vander Esch
Pick 50 - DT Harrison Phillips
Pick 60 - OT Desmond Harrison
Pick 81 - LB Jerome Baker
Pick 98 - S Terrell Edmunds

Use these picks for a OT, DT, 2 LB's and S - whatever order gets the best player.

use picks in rounds 5-7 for Backup RB, QB, LB, CB, OG

 

[blueblood70]

He simply was thrown to the wolves and playe like 200 more snaps than he should have being he was redshirt rookie coming off a major injury. The coaches had no choice with lee in and olut, hitchens out, etc they needed him, hes better than Wilson and Wilber.. we will draft alB or two one to replace Hitch and some possible depth..

.IMO he did improve but was exposed so much critics are finding bad plays to make them seem right on SM..he will be fine when hes with the other starters and not forced to play so much but being his second year, i think he will be fine..

 

[Kaiser]

That's a fair point. If he does turn into a stud player, hopefully he gives us a discount for drafting him high and sticking with him. Possible.

But does his rookie year on IR count toward FA and RFA? I don't think it does but guys like @Nightman would know.

 

[zrinkill]

The front office has been ignoring this wise counsel for how many years now?

Agreed ......... good to see you posting old buddy