The risk of high defensive draft picks

[darthseinfeld]

If the offensive line is in place, they are.

He's Ladanian Tomlinson. Just watch.

Defensive players take time, that's just how it is. Dallas took defense in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th rounds, so I think they're prepping for the future, don't you?

Tomlinson averaged 3.6 yards a carry as a rookie

 

[darthseinfeld]

This might be the worst thread made on this subject so far....and that's saying something

I like that I can just makes things up though.

Here is a fun fact for you; Since 1998 no team that has ever drafted a defensive player in the too 5 has gone on to win a single game the following 3 years

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I like Zeke but he is more skilled than talented.

He has 4.4 speed not 4.3 speed.
He slithers through piles instead of carrying them downfield.
He runs through arm tackles as opposed to running over people.

His quickness and balance is elite. I don't question that. I'm not saying he is slow or weak either. His attributes are good in both but the difference between AP or LT and Zeke is that complete physical greatness. He is limited in comparison.

 

[ccb04]

I somewhat see what the OP is saying in terms of possible instant impact given the position...and the potential effect it could have on the overall team in terms of TOP, 3rd down efficiency, keeping the defense (and opposing offenses) off the field, short-yardage & goal-line production, etc.

And of course there are impact rookies drafted after the top 10. Peters went later in the 1st. As I've mentioned before...neither of the top 2 rookie sack leaders from last years draft were 1st round picks. Preston Smith went in the 2nd & had 8 sacks. Danielle Hunter (whom I wanted the Boys to draft), went in the later 3rd & had 6 sacks.

That said, there are some players I would certainly take off of those lists. Six of my favorites:

- Khalil Mack (rookie year: 76 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble)
- Aaron Donald (rookie year: 48 tackles, 9 sacks, 1 pass defensed, 2 forced fumbles)
- Marcus Peters (rookie year: 60 tackles, 26 passes defensed *wow*, 8 Int's, 1 forced fumble, 2 TD's)
- Ezekiel Ansah (rookie year: 32 tackles, 8 sacks, 1 pass defensed, 2 forced fumbles)
- Anthony Barr (rookie year: 70 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles...in 12 games)
- C.J. Mosley (rookie year: 133 tackles, 3 sacks, 8 passes defensed, 2 Int's, 1 forced fumble)

 

[big dog cowboy]

They spent big on dez and got 0 return last year]/quote]
Holy moly. Really?

 

[JoaquinFenix]

This is a very silly post. But I'll indulge. I'd trade a top-3 RB for Ziggy Ansah in a heartbeat.

 

[dallasdave]

I would like dallas to trade elliott for an immediate top 3 rb.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

DEFENSIVE DRAFT PICKS TAKE A LOOOOOONG TIME TO MAKE IMPACTS. Drafting them now is an investment in three years from now.

About the time the offense will have to be rebuilt with guys, that will also take 3-4 years to develop!

Wut?

 

[dallasdave]

Wut?

 

[Hoofbite]

Majority of the league feels a RB is not all that important. Dallas was amongst them last year. Now all of a sudden a RB is the keystone to all things great.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

Majority of the league feels a RB is not all that important. Dallas was amongst them last year. Now all of a sudden a RB is the keystone to all things great.

"If there is an Adrian Peterson type RB", "if there is a Franchise Type QB" they are important. The keystone to all things great is being able to predict the future "i.e." player evaluation.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

This team needs defensive help! Zeke was a wasted pick! How is this team going to win if they don't address the defense! Defense, defense, defense!

OK, let's put this to bed. DEFENSIVE DRAFT PICKS TAKE A LOOOOOONG TIME TO MAKE IMPACTS. Period. That is, if they make an impact at all, which many do not.

Drafting them now is an investment in three years from now. You know, when Romo, Witten, Dez, Lee, and half these starters will be gone or too old to be meaningful anymore. About the time the offense will have to be rebuilt with guys, that will also take 3-4 years to develop!

Let's look back at all the incredible defensive talent drafted in recent years.

Top 10 defensive picks in 2015
Dante Fowler, Jr.
Leonard Williams
Vic Beasley
Trae Waynes
Kevin Johnson
Arik Armstead
Marcus Peters
Bud Dupree
Shane Rae
Shaq Thompson

Can a get a huge "MEH"?

Top 10 defensive picks in 2014
Jadaveon Clowney
Kalil Mack
Justin Gilbert
Anthony Barr
Aaron Donald
Kyle Fuller
Ryan Shazier
CJ Mosely
Calvin Pryor
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

Mack, Donald, and a bunch of dudes. (Jaylon Smith could be another Mack.)

Top 10 defensive picks in 2013
Dion Jordan
Ezekiel Ansah
Barkevious Mingo
Dee Milliner
DJ Hayden
Sheldon Richardson
Star Lotulelei
Kenny Vaccaro
Jarvis Jones
Eric Reid

Would you trade an immediate top 3 running back for any of these guys straight up?

The point remains, defensive players usually take years to make an impact, if they ever do at all. This team has a window of opportunity before it, and very few players can step in and make an immediate impact while the veteran stars are still here.

Win now. Always, if you can in the free-agency, injury-laden NFL.

I would trade Zeke and compensation for Aaron Donald. Are you silly? Mack?

Multiple guys on this list I trade for.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

Can I add what a dumb thread this is?

 

[Toruk_Makto]

I reject the notion that defenders take longer to have an impact. It entirely depends on the position and the scheme fit.

I also think you're undervaluing several of those players. Anthony Barr, for example, has had a big impact in MIN and is just at the point where he's hitting his stride. Mack and Donald are absolute game changers. There's a lot of defensive talent there on that list.

And, yes, I'd trade Elliott for an equivalent pick at any level of the defense. In a heartbeat. I'd have taken my RB in the 3rd and never thought any more about it.

Doing the lord's work.

 

[RS12]

Like clock work, the post draft pom pom hail storm is in full effect.

 

[AzorAhai]

Like clock work, the post draft pom pom hail storm is in full effect.

It's almost impossible to have an honest conversation about the pick. Everyone is in full blown hype mode about the greatest rushing attack ever seen and coming up with the most ridiculous reasons why it was the best pick in history. I like the player, but this place is making me hate the pick more and more with each passing day.

 

[Outlaw Heroes]

Yeah, this thread was stillborn. It really should have been aborted.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Since 2010(not counting 2016 draft) we have used 27 of 46 picks on defense. 2-1st rounders, 4 -2nd rounders, 2-3rd rounders. We use enough picks....we just don't who to draft.

Drafting poorly is certainly an issue. My biggest issue is with THIS year. The best defensive talent at CB and DL go up top and when are we going to be here again? But in the last 7 years we have used a first round pick on how many defensive players? Jones last year and then who? Claiborne? The rest of the first rounders were Smith, Dez, Martin, Frederick, and now Zeke. 5-2. But lets be honest, you still have to keep picking. The problem is that they whiffed on Claiborne and they whiffed on Carr. So the Secondary got nothing from two big assets. Dline has pretty much been ignored for the a long time with high picks accept for the last two 2nd rounders.

Its pretty clear to me that offense is the priority with both Jones and Garrett. Its like they brought in Marinelli and expected him to coach up the lesser talent on that side of the ball.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Well dallas did get defensive players in the draft, and Smith may be like a # 1 pick next year.
They also got some lower round Def players.
And they got thornton in FA.... and Hardy last year.
Also last year they got gregory and jones, year before Lawrence.
So they are adding players to defense, in draft and FA, maybe they just arent picking the right players?
Next year they can add more, but it all depends on how good marinelli really is.

With scandrick back and thornton, and the new players drafted the defense should be better than
2014-15

And you really believe that? That is your option. Love how you guys ignore the fact that our two starting DE's are suspended for 4 games. Even when they come back neither guy is anything close to a top notch player.

 

[CowboyRoy]

My point is that we had tons more resources than Denver did to get the next franchise QB if that is what Jerry really wanted. And Denver got him anyway. This draft was a poor use of resources and value based on what we knew going in.