Unfathomable thought: The future of the D Line is looking bright

[tm1119]

Of course this is all best case scenario 7-1 talk, but it's really a possibility that this D Line could turn into something good in the near future.

Collins is a rookie who missed a lot of camp and is already looking an ideal fit at 3 tech for Rod. He clearly has the necessary burst and rush ability, but unlike Crawford he can also hold his own strength and endurance wise. His future looks bright....

Speaking of Crawford...is he not looking better and better at DE? His bull rush is really effective and he's a rock against the run on the strong side. And projecting forward he can finally get back to his natural weight this off season instead of packing on pounds. Let's not forget that this is the guy we drafted... I don't think it's unrealistic to think he will be a well above average SDE next year.

D Law is still a force on the weak side after the QB. He may not be an elite pass rusher, but he's certainly in the next category down. Hopefully he can stay healthy and clean going forward and he should only get better.

McClain/Thornton what a pleasant surprise huh? These 2 have formed a rock solid duo inside. I have been very critical of McClain and didn't even expect him to make the team. Boy, was I wrong. McClain has not only flashed and made plays in the backfield, but has also been extremely consistent. Thornton got off a little slow, but has really stepped his game up the past few weeks. It's great being able to bring in reinforcemts inside and not lose much.

David Irving....wow. This kid just flashes. Unfortunate bogus ejection for him because it was nice to see him finally on the field early. I'm still not sure what his best position is, but who cares? Just get him on the field and let him cause problems for the o lineman in front of him. Humans beings just aren't supposed to be as big, strong, and athletic as he is. I really look forward to see where he goes forward because the sky seems to be the limit.

Wild card: Charles Tapper. Can he get healthy next year and on the field? He has the size and speed to be an NFL player, just needs to get on the field. Don't know enough about the injury to know if he can fully recover but he could be a really nice depth piece next year if he comes back.

Add in another top 3 round draft pick in the upcoming draft and the 2017 Cowboys d line could be a strength of the team....crazy right?

 

[Sydla]

There isn't one legit pass rushing end on the active roster. Lawrence is a very good DE but he's not a guy you look at as a terror from the outside.

So you either have to hope that Gregory and/or Tapper become that guy or you draft one this year. FA looks weak in terms of finding legit pass rush help.

 

[Seven]

The interior is looking pretty stout. I'm digging it.

 

[waldoputty]

DTs are looking decent.
DEs on the other hand...
Browns LT handled our DEs handily...
Lawrence does not seem to bring the impact we need.
We need 1 legitimate pass rusher on the edge

 

[Titleist]

Browns LT handled our DEs handily...
Lawrence does not seem to bring the impact we need.

It's hard going up against one of the all-time greats in Joe Thomas. I see him cashing in on a porous Steelers O-Line next week

 

[Verdict]

The DT rotation looks good enough. There is just not nearly enough pressure from the defensive ends. Ideally, I think Lawrence is no more than a strong side defensive end. At that position he would be solid against the run and adequate as as a pass rusher from the strong side

We need to find a way to obtain a left end who can stop the run and get to the passer. Gregory was supposed to be that guy, but he obviously can't be counted on unless he has a full time babysitter like a young Dez Bryant. The problem with that is that those guys almost always go in the top half of the first round.

I really don't see any immediate help for that unless we spend a ton in free agency to get it and then we will be in the same boat as the Giants with too much money tied up in one player.


Maybe we will just have to be patient and develop one from the current list. It can happen but it won't be like making some instant oatmeal.

 

[Verdict]

One more thing. Giving up a second and a third to get Lawrence was, in hindsight, probably a mistake. We could be getting similar production plus another player with those picks.

 

[jazzcat22]

There isn't one legit pass rushing end on the active roster. Lawrence is a very good DE but he's not a guy you look at as a terror from the outside.

So you either have to hope that Gregory and/or Tapper become that guy or you draft one this year. FA looks weak in terms of finding legit pass rush help.

There are 3 DE's in the draft, right now ranked from 25 to 33 on CBS sight. I picked these, as it's a good possibility this will be the range we pick in.
#25 Carl Lawson from Auburn
#27 Charles Harris from Missouri
#33 Solomon Thomas from Standford

I know nothing of these players, and this will change between now and April as we all know.

 

[Jarv]

Lawrence seems to get better later in the year since he has been around. Like to see Davis get back into the mix. Crawford may improve also as he becomes more accustomed to his new role. As mentioned, not worried at all about the DTs. I really want Irving to grow into the DE role more, since I feel we are better at DT than DE, but wherever he ends up, he seems to make splash plays.

Gregory, I was holding my breath, but passed out.

 

[darthseinfeld]

There isn't one legit pass rushing end on the active roster. Lawrence is a very good DE but he's not a guy you look at as a terror from the outside.

So you either have to hope that Gregory and/or Tapper become that guy or you draft one this year. FA looks weak in terms of finding legit pass rush help.

I think if we find a better rusher then Lawrence, our defensive line improves significantly. Lawrence is a very good and end and we have a deep and versatile intirior. Problem is finding a better DE then Lawrence is going to cost alot in terms of capital wheather it be money or draft picks

 

[darthseinfeld]

There are 3 DE's in the draft, right now ranked from 25 to 33 on CBS sight. I picked these, as it's a good possibility this will be the range we pick in.
#25 Carl Lawson from Auburn
#27 Charles Harris from Missouri
#33 Solomon Thomas from Standford

I know nothing of these players, and this will change between now and April as we all know.

Lawson is the only one I know much about. Top 10 talent but has been injury prone. I could easily see him in Dallas next year as he would likely fit the BAA they have been going with lately

 

[Leadbelly]

Not to be a downer but Collins did have the benefit of Cleveland's Center getting thrown out of the game. He has looked good though, as have all of the DTs.

Draft a speed edge rusher and the DL is transformed.

 

[Plankton]

There are 3 DE's in the draft, right now ranked from 25 to 33 on CBS sight. I picked these, as it's a good possibility this will be the range we pick in.
#25 Carl Lawson from Auburn
#27 Charles Harris from Missouri
#33 Solomon Thomas from Standford

I know nothing of these players, and this will change between now and April as we all know.

Lawson has good edge rush ability, but has had injury concerns. Harris is a little undersized, but has been a good rusher from a school that has produced some good defensive linemen over the last few years (Sheldon Richardson, Shane Ray, Markus Golden). Thomas is a power end who is a bit of a tweener. He's actually a lot like Tyrone Crawford.