News: Which Cowboys defensive linemen will make Rod Marinelli’s 8-man rotation?

[JoeyBoy718]

Just curious. What did Gardener do to become a CZ legend? Since we drafted him last year in the 7th, all I hear is praise about this guy. But I haven't read anything about him showing up in practice or games like I have about guys like Coleman.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

If what the article claims is true and Hayden is a definite to make the roster, then I think the other spots will come down to versatility. The article claims that one roster spot will go to the backup 1-tech role between T. McClain, Coleman and Bishop. It also claims one of the other spots will go to either J. Crawford, who has been playing primarily at 3-tech, or Gardner, who has been playing primarily at SDE. If that's the case, I think it rules out a guy like Bishop who seems to be a pure 1-tech. McClain and Coleman can play either DT spot, and J. Crawford and Gardner can play either 3-tech or SDE. I wouldn't be surprised if the last two spots go to a 1/3 DT and a SDE/3DT. I'd prefer to see Bishop battle Hayden for the one true 1-tech spot, but I don't know if I see that happening.

My prediction is Coleman beats out McClain because he seems to be more reliable from a health standpoint, and I'll give J. Crawford the nod over Gardner at the moment just because I've never seen anything from Gardner.

 

[Ken]

And I also think that McClain's history of injury, and his most recent injury, put him on the roster bubble.

Injury historypolice on the scene...lol

 

[Zimmy Lives]

I agree with your take. Gardner and Crawford are both younger than McClain (26 and 24, respectively...McC is 27), and if I'm not mistaken, McClain only has one more year on his contract. I think McClain is the better player at this moment, but I don't think the difference in talent will outweigh the business benefits. JMO.

McClain appears to always be injured. I'd go with youth (Crawford or Coleman) before investing another year in McClain.

It will be interesting to see if the Cowboys think Gardner has more upside than Mincey. I can see McClain and Mincey as being the odd men out if the young guys continue to develop.

 

[RS12]

Needle pointing up but iffy: Russell, Coleman, Bishop and Gardner. I dont trust their health: McClain. Like to see him pushed off the roster: Hayden. Locks: Hardy, Lawrence, Crawford, Mincey and Gregory. Doubt they carry three one techs.

 

[Stash]

Injury historypolice on the scene...lol

Can't help the club in the tub.

 

[Ken]

Can't help the club in the tub.

I believe he has a guarnateed spot on the team, provided he doesn't suffer a major injury in the preseason.

 

[Stash]

I believe he has a guarnateed spot on the team, provided he doesn't suffer a major injury in the preseason.

I'm certainly not closing the book on him, but I think he needs to get healthy and back on the field quickly. The team now has enough other options that they're no longer required to wait for him.

 

[Ken]

I'm certainly not closing the book on him, but I think he needs to get healthy and back on the field quickly. The team now has enough other options that they're no longer required to wait for him.

it doesn't sound like this is a serious injury, they are just being overly cautious because there is no need to rush him back. The other reason is it gives them time to look at the younger guys.

He is really good and may be our only chance of knocking Hayden off the roster.

 

[Stash]

it doesn't sound like this is a serious injury, they are just being overly cautious because there is no need to rush him back. The other reason is it gives them time to look at the younger guys.

He is really good and may be our only chance of knocking Hayden off the roster.

I agree, I think he's a very good player and he would be a nice option, but his history of injury is poor. And what team wants to give a prominent role to a player they can't count on?

He was having a great start last year too, before a high ankle sprain derailed it.

 

[dallasdave]

I think Coleman will be in the rotation.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Hardy doesn't count until after game 4. Same for Ro.

Yep. This as well as the fact I think we go long means we wont make many tough decisions on the DL. We have two extra spots on the roster for the first four games and I think Wilsons versatility means we can go a little short at LB until McClain is back. I think we go 10 DL with

DE: Gregory
Lawrence
Mincey
Russell

DT:
Crawford
Hayden
McClain
Bishop

DE/DT
Crawford
Gardener

 

[LatinMind]

I'd have to say McClain for sure makes the roster, assuming no injuries. Some very tough decisions are coming up. I would think we'd try to sneak at least a couple of these guys on the practice squad.

The team will carry 10 DL

Hardy
T Crawford
Hayden
Lawrence
Gregory
Mincey
McClain
Bishop
Gardner
J Crawford

 

[Galian Beast]

We took 11 last year, and Hardy is suspended for likely at least 2 games if not 4.

Which means we could potentially take 12 with Hardy.

The 8 is more of a game day thing.