This board is overlooking our needs at linebacker

[ABQCOWBOY]

It's important to keep in mind that in a 4-3, the linebackers are 2nd class citizens by in large. That doesn't mean you want "trash" out there, but Lee has been darned good. Carter was darned good in 2012. The Holloman kid showed something last season and Wilber play surprisingly well as a strong-side linebacker. And Durant (who didn't play badly) is still on the roster. The cupboard isn't nearly as bare as the defensive line when it comes to talent.

I'm not saying another linebacker isn't needed but if a DL or OL of equal value is available when the Cowboys draft in the first round... then I'm going DL or OL.

In a 43 they are but not in a Tampa2. In that scheme, the Will and Mike are very important.

 

[17yearsandcounting]

In a 43 they are but not in a Tampa2. In that scheme, the Will and Mike are very important.

the mike is massively important and the reason why the Bears defense went as Urlacher went.

 

[the_h0wey]

How would you like this? Think I would be fine with this.
1. CJ Mosely
2. Dominique Easly
3. Jackson Jeffcoat
4 Brooks from FSU

I could certainly live with that.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Just like every OL from Wisconsin is a for sure NFL stud right, or every WR from OSU is a Dez carbon copy, and Randle is a Kendall Hunter cloan? I think you have to look at each individual player.

not disagreeing with all of your comment, but I go back to the point of "are they product of the system?". and that's worth a look for the evaluation process. I am not necessarily a numbers guy but hopefully our scouts are looking at football intelligence, scheme, responsibility aspects of things.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

I think the picks should be made based on best player available. Fill in the gaps in the roster using free agency after the draft. Don't force a pick because of the perceived lack of talent at any position. But I think that our linebacking corps needs an upgrade more than safety or corner. With the signing of Melton, it might be the area most needing an influx of talent on the defensive side of the ball.

I don't disagree with BPA. outside of being very deep at a position and having established starters and we would be drafting for backup role (with high picks only). yes we need LBs. but if the BPAs ratings per our scouting is close enough on two players i.e. LB vs. DL. then can we trade down and still pick the DL? or if these players are close enough which one will give us the biggest impact and improvement opportunity, short term and long term. this is similar to us trading down and picking Fredrick last year. it was a slight reach to take him in the first instead of top or middle of second, but it fit a need, and had a huge impact. there were other players that were rated higher that wouldn't have provided the same value.


I just don't put LB as a great need at this time. DL, OL, Free Saftey are ahead of LB needs.

 

[the_h0wey]

Agreed.

I'm still stunned at the lack of "uprising" on this board over the play of Hayden last season.

-Carr
-Claiborne
-The Safeties...
-Carter
-Simms

All had been bashed this offseason... But Hayden pretty much got off scot-free considering he played worse than any of them... by far, which tells me many really don't pay attention to play of the DT's.

It's probably because no one expected him to do anything. He performed at what we thought we would be getting subpar play from a subpar player.

 

[Risen Star]

Sure it's a need but there's hope at linebacker. Sean Lee could stay healthy. Bruce Carter could bounce back. Those two things happen and the Cowboys will be in solid shape.

There is no hope along the DL. That will take several years to make it a true "real strength of the team".

 

[Risen Star]

It's probably because no one expected him to do anything. He performed at what we thought we would be getting subpar play from a subpar player.

And they've slapped sandals on their feet and followed around Rod Marinelli because of it.

The way that man took a bunch of street free agents and produced the worst statistical defense in team history was amazing. OMG.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

Sure it's a need but there's hope at linebacker. Sean Lee could stay healthy. Bruce Carter could bounce back. Those two things happen and the Cowboys will be in solid shape.

There is no hope along the DL. That will take several years to make it a true "real strength of the team".

The earth turns, but we don't feel it more. And one night you look up. One spark and the whole sky is on fire.