This happens every year at this time. Some guy the Cowboys took is the magical macguffin who has been playing possum in college and the moment he puts on the helmet with the star is going to transform into Juggernaut.
He plays the run well, technique-wise.
Well, you follow the NCAA more than I do, because I never heard of him before his name came up for our draft...
If he really is this smart, great technique, can't miss talent folks are describing, he wouldn't have. Teams saw some kind of limitation to keep him from being considered a blue chipper. More to be seen at the pro level which is a big step up.
On the draft zone, we discussed many of these prospects. Donovan was more of a trade back target as he was considered more of a top 25 prospect that was too rich to consider at 12. Pierce was the guy early in the process that was being considered a top 15 player, but major character risks came up through the offseason process.
He was just that, more of a rush specialist that struggled against the run. Eberflus defense needs players like this as he rarely blitzes the QB , need his front 4 to generate quick pressure, which Donovan can do.
I don't understand it either but I'm glad he did. Home run pick.
Exactly, I mean just to add to that Fowler's also brought back Sam Williams will be back when Overshown gets back this looks like a very dangerous pass rush team when they put teams in position to pass rush.
20 something TFL...basically, those are sacks.
Basically, he has the equivalent of 37.5 sacks in 2024.
Yes, they have to be able to hold up on the early downs.
Yeah they are typically not as big of losses as sacks are, but this is the hidden value in run defense that goes ignored because its not as sexy of a stat like a sack is. Making that 1st and 10 run into a 2nd and 12 situation or the 2nd and 7 run into a 3rd and 9 is what gives these pass rush specialist the ability to break the bank when they hit free agency. Defenders who can make explosive plays against the run might be the most under valued players in the sport.
It's like a sack because it's a wasted down. But I hear you.
He has more passs rush moves than mist veterans and he’s just a rookie. I imagine that will use him early in obvious passing situations but with him opposite Micah it’s gonna mean he’s never gonna get double teamed. And a RB has to decide who to help with. He also has the speed to drop in coverage so you could really run some wild defensive fronts with he and Micah
The main thing is hold the edge, force RB back inside and with his arms he should be able to do that. We got gutted a lot last year on edge runs because the DE let the rb get outside. His speed helps with that too
I think that's why we'll see Kneeland at end on early downs or shorter-yardage situations, and possibly Turner on the other end depending on how we play Micah. I think we want Eze fresh for rushing the passer, so there's less reason to wear him down. Ultimately, you want players out there who can do both because teams don't always run on first down or in short-yardage situations, but if you don't have that, you have to pick your battles. No player can play every snaps, so the best time to rest Parsons and Eze is when a run is likely.
