Very thin crop of DE's in F.Agency: who do you like in the draft?

[CWR]

Rob Rang has Dallas selecting WR speedster John Ross (there's the obvious J.R./Dallas angle at play) with #28 in round one in his latest mock.

Rang picked Ross to the Cowboys with edge rushers Takkarist McKinley (29th), Carl Lawson (30th), Charles Harris (31st) and DE/DT DeMarcus Walker (#32) being the next four picks.

I'm very open minded about the draft. The team will fill as many needs as possible ahead of time with free agents, waiver claims and possible trades.

And Ross would bring a speed dimension long missing on offense, which is a huge need.

But Dallas would probably go absolutely nuts watching all those pass rushers dropping to their spot.

We can look at video clips and read various scouting reports on all these draft prospects, but it's often impossible to get a real feel for what kind of individuals we're adding to the roster.

Who has the work ethic? Internal burning desire? Absolute team-first attitude? Etc.

The Cowboys spend millions of dollars every year trying to answer such questions and even they can't always tell.

Line one is I want good players in the draft. I'm not in a twist regarding which side of the ball they play on because we need help on offense and defense.

But if the grades are close, we will go defense.

A WR with legitimate speed would be great. Like everyone else Id prefer DE but Id rather have the better player.

 

[bsbellomy]

Rob Rang has Dallas selecting WR speedster John Ross (there's the obvious J.R./Dallas angle at play) with #28 in round one in his latest mock.

Rang picked Ross to the Cowboys with edge rushers Takkarist McKinley (29th), Carl Lawson (30th), Charles Harris (31st) and DE/DT DeMarcus Walker (#32) being the next four picks.

I'm very open minded about the draft. The team will fill as many needs as possible ahead of time with free agents, waiver claims and possible trades.

And Ross would bring a speed dimension long missing on offense, which is a huge need.

But Dallas would probably go absolutely nuts watching all those pass rushers dropping to their spot.

We can look at video clips and read various scouting reports on all these draft prospects, but it's often impossible to get a real feel for what kind of individuals we're adding to the roster.

Who has the work ethic? Internal burning desire? Absolute team-first attitude? Etc.

The Cowboys spend millions of dollars every year trying to answer such questions and even they can't always tell.

Line one is I want good players in the draft. I'm not in a twist regarding which side of the ball they play on because we need help on offense and defense.

But if the grades are close, we will go defense.

If a blue chip talent falls significantly in the draft, besides RB and QB, we need to take him no matter what position. If a Dez Bryant is there at 28 you take him.

 

[manster4ever]

Is there a site for upcoming DE FAs?

I love me some google:

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/defensive-end/

 

[bsbellomy]

A WR with legitimate speed would be great. Like everyone else Id prefer DE but Id rather have the better player.

Actually the way the Cowboys have been drafting lately it's a great feeling knowing I can probably just trust that they will draft smartly!

 

[bsbellomy]

I love me some google:

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/defensive-end/

Worst FA crop ever.

 

[manster4ever]

Actually the way the Cowboys have been drafting lately it's a great feeling knowing I can probably just trust that they will draft smartly!

Yeah, I guess. I'm familiar with Ross out of Washington and he's dangerous as hell in the open field. Reminds me of Austin on the Rams. But his small frame makes me nervous:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...ive-dak-a-deep-threat-in-speedster-john-ross/

Now that I look at Rang's whole first round mock there is just NO way you can take Ross over McKinley or Walker. No way.

 

[camaro69]

We've been desperately searching for the next Anthony Spencer!

Funny but so true

 

[manster4ever]

Worst FA crop ever.

It's downright depressing. BUT....we have a shot at 1 or even 2 impact kids in the draft.

 

[Oh_Canada]

Admittedly I've only seen his highlights but Takk McKinley looks to be the quick twitched force we need coming off the edge. I'd love to get him and Jabaal Shed or whatever his name is as a free agent. Those 2 and I'm hopeful that we can get some production from our DE from Oklahoma that ran the 4.59 forty. Praying his back issues go away and he is better than advertised. From there we need serious talent in the secondary.

Exactly my thinking as well. Sheard and McKinley would be as good a haul as you can hope.

 

[RandyOh]

Exactly my thinking as well. Sheard and McKinley would be as good a haul as you can hope.

I Think we have a shot at Calais Campbell. 8 sacks as a 3-4 DE is pretty good. Sign him to be our Strong Side DE and have Lawrence lose weight to move back to RE. Don't see Lawrence as our a long term solution but hes good enough till Tapper develops. I think Tapper is a 2nd round talent that fell due to a scheme change. Same way as Maliek Collins is a 1st round talent who fell because Nebraska switched schemes.

 

[BAT]

I Think we have a shot at Calais Campbell. 8 sacks as a 3-4 DE is pretty good. Sign him to be our Strong Side DE and have Lawrence lose weight to move back to RE. Don't see Lawrence as our a long term solution but hes good enough till Tapper develops. I think Tapper is a 2nd round talent that fell due to a scheme change. Same way as Maliek Collins is a 1st round talent who fell because Nebraska switched schemes.

Calais Campbell is 6-8 300 lbs, he would be a 3 tech in Marinelli's scheme. But not sure Cowboys will sign high priced FAs who are 30 or older. And both DLaw and Tapper are playing a high collision position with bad backs, don't hold out too much hope. Backs are injuries that are the trickiest to heal.

 

[Silverstar]

How about this draft group for starters...notice a trend?

DeMarcus Walker - 16 sacks, 21.5 TFL, 3 FF
Hunter Dimick - 14.5 sacks, 20 TFL, 1 FF
Ejuan Price - 13 sacks, 23 TFL, 3 FF
Derek Barnett - 13 sacks, 19 TFL, 2 FF
Jordan Willis - 11.5 sacks, 17.5 TFL, 3 FF
Tarell Basham - 11.5 sacks, 16 TFL
Tanoh Kpassagnon - 11 sacks, 21.5 TFL, 1 FF
Carlos Watkins - 10.5 sacks, 13.5 TFL
Keionta Davis - 10.5 sacks, 11.5 TFL, 3 FF
Takkarist McKinley - 10 sacks, 18 TFL, 3 FF

 

[RandyOh]

Calais Campbell is 6-8 300 lbs, he would be a 3 tech in Marinelli's scheme. But not sure Cowboys will sign high priced FAs who are 30 or older. And both DLaw and Tapper are playing a high collision position with bad backs, don't hold out too much hope. Backs are injuries that are the trickiest to heal.

I think Campbell could play strong side DE and move inside on obvious passing downs. I mean he has been a very consistent pass rush threat in his career. constantly putting up 7, 8, 9 sack seasons. And in a role where he is asked to contain the run more then get after the QB. Also its basically what we would be doing with Demarcus Walker or Solomon Thomas if we drafted them with our 1st. Who's to say Campbell couldn't drop down to 290? We have been playing both Crawford and Irving at LE and both are 280+. Their are not many options for pass rush help and I'm not really into spending big on a FA corner again. Especially when the top ones come from teams with solid to great pass rushing defenses. I would seriously consider giving Campbell the same contract that Michael Bennett got from Seattle. 3 years 31.5 Million. Will be gone by the time we have to pay both Zeke and Dak. Its just a thought tho. Most want JPP but he wants to stay a Giant the Giants want him back too.

 

[Silverstar]

Campbell has played in 9 postseason games for Arizona and has 18 tackles and zero sacks.

Doesn't really turn it up a notch in the postseason does he.

 

[RandyOh]

Campbell has played in 9 postseason games for Arizona and has 18 tackles and zero sacks.

Doesn't really turn it up a notch in the postseason does he.

You have a better idea on how to fix the pass rush without giving up our entire draft for a guy who wasn't played a down in the NFL?

 

[Silverstar]

You have a better idea on how to fix the pass rush without giving up our entire draft for a guy who wasn't played a down in the NFL?

Just draft the best pass rusher we can at #28. We gave up picks to go up and get players like Mo and DLaw and it wasn't worth it obviously. In free agency, Andre Branch looks a little interesting is only 27. However, the cupboard is pretty bare in free agency unless we trade for a player. Unfortunately, other teams always want draft picks in return. It's possible Romo could be traded to the Texans for maybe Mercilus? Who knows what other teams would give for Romo...he's the wild card at this point.

 

[RandyOh]

Just draft the best pass rusher we can at #28. We gave up picks to go up and get players like Mo and DLaw and it wasn't worth it obviously. In free agency, Andre Branch looks a little interesting is only 27. However, the cupboard is pretty bare in free agency unless we trade for a player. Unfortunately, other teams always want draft picks in return. It's possible Romo could be traded to the Texans for maybe Mercilus? Who knows what other teams would give for Romo...he's the wild card at this point.

Their is no guarantee a pass rusher will be their at 28. some of the pass rushers have already announced going back to school and a top rusher in Tim Williams is already looking like Randy Gregory 2.0 and falling down boards. You don't reach on a DE with a 2nd round grade if a WR or CB is sitting their on your board with a 1st round grade. This is how u end up not addressing your largest need until the 4th round like we did last year with DE as well.

Branch is interesting. He has expressed wanting to stay in Miami. Miami may have high interest as well. Especially if rumors are true about them cutting Mario Williams after his 1.5 sack season.

We could trade Romo for a player but he would have to agree on the team. Only team he has said to want to play for is Denver. He has also said he would rather retire then be traded to a team he doesn't want to play for. A June 1st cut may be the best way to handle Romo. He goes to Denver and we get some cap space back this year and have romo off the books completely in 2018 and 2019.

 

[WeaponX]

I Think we have a shot at Calais Campbell. 8 sacks as a 3-4 DE is pretty good. Sign him to be our Strong Side DE and have Lawrence lose weight to move back to RE. Don't see Lawrence as our a long term solution but hes good enough till Tapper develops. I think Tapper is a 2nd round talent that fell due to a scheme change. Same way as Maliek Collins is a 1st round talent who fell because Nebraska switched schemes.

I'd replace Campbell with Sheard (or Chandler Jones - pipe dream, I know) - but I agree with the DLaw switch. Overall, we need to bring in a solid DE in FA and then figure out a way to land a stud in the draft. My gut tells me that Carl Lawson will be there at 28 and we should be doing extensive medical checks because I think he's going to be a good one.

 

[Silverstar]

Their is no guarantee a pass rusher will be their at 28. some of the pass rushers have already announced going back to school and a top rusher in Tim Williams is already looking like Randy Gregory 2.0 and falling down boards. You don't reach on a DE with a 2nd round grade if a WR or CB is sitting their on your board with a 1st round grade. This is how u end up not addressing your largest need until the 4th round like we did last year with DE as well.

Branch is interesting. He has expressed wanting to stay in Miami. Miami may have high interest as well. Especially if rumors are true about them cutting Mario Williams after his 1.5 sack season.

We could trade Romo for a player but he would have to agree on the team. Only team he has said to want to play for is Denver. He has also said he would rather retire then be traded to a team he doesn't want to play for. A June 1st cut may be the best way to handle Romo. He goes to Denver and we get some cap space back this year and have romo off the books completely in 2018 and 2019.

I gotta believe a good pass rusher will be worthy of our #28 pick and we need to take him. Heck, I wouldn't mind taking another pass rusher in the 2nd round. Sounds like overkill I know, but we don't know what Tapper or DLaw will give us next year with their back issues and Mayowa and Irving are too inconsistent and sometimes nonexistent. TCrawford and JCrawford are decent players overall, but don't scare anybody let's face it. As far as Romo, last I heard Denver is not interested. I can't see why he would be opposed going to Houston with that defense, but Osloser's contract is huge. Other possibilities for Romo are the Bears, Bills, Jets, Browns and Niners....maybe Arizona? Someone is gonna want him IMO.

 

[DallasDW00ds0n]

I love me some google:

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/defensive-end/

Good find ! Yikes that group is garbage