Would the Cowboys consider a NT in rd 1?

cnuball21

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Deon Walker is so intriguing. Sadly he won’t make it out of the 1st round with those measurements. Maybe to much of a risk to draft him in the top 15 but he is the type of player the Steelers/Ravens draft and he will be an All-Pro by year 4.
I’d bet he’s available with our 2nd round pick. I like him but he seems to run hot and cold and feel like he should be better against the run with his size.
 

baltcowboy

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I’d bet he’s available with our 2nd round pick. I like him but he seems to run hot and cold and feel like he should be better against the run with his size.
6’7 353 available in the 40s. I think the AFC North teams will grab Walker before us. Another reason why you want the Cowboys to tank earlier. These backs and defensive tackles will be flying of the board with the better teams drafting late and the sorry teams drafting a second time. Why are these teams so bad. The Cowboys are clearly in purgatory.
 

cnuball21

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6’7 353 available in the 40s. I think the AFC North teams will grab Walker before us. Another reason why you want the Cowboys to tank earlier. These backs and defensive tackles will be flying of the board with the better teams drafting late and the sorry teams drafting a second time. Why are these teams so bad. The Cowboys are clearly in purgatory.
Maybe, maybe not. I usually enjoy the 2nd round the most bc there are always a handful of great players available you didn’t think would be there.

If it’s not him, someone else good will be there. I have a good feeling the 2nd round is where BPA + DT will match up pretty closely.
 

gtb1943

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We BADLY need a TOP NT if we are going to be a defense capable of going the distance
 

J-man

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Would they and should they are two different things.
They absolutely should, but I don't know if they would.
 

Risen Star

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Remember, when they drafted Mazi they made it clear they didn't feel they were getting "just" a NT. They saw something in his stance they felt was easily correctable that would unleash his pass rush.

Laughable now but in their mind they were not drafting a NT only with that pick.

No. There's no chance they take what they consider a pure NT with that pick.
 

gtb1943

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Remember, when they drafted Mazi they made it clear they didn't feel they were getting "just" a NT. They saw something in his stance they felt was easily correctable that would unleash his pass rush.

Laughable now but in their mind they were not drafting a NT only with that pick.

No. There's no chance they take what they consider a pure NT with that pick.
Probably right; plus it would mean admitting they made a mistake. I just hope we get one way or another a pure NT this offseason or we will continue to be weak up the middle.
 

Mr_437

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Graham will be gone, so Harmon and Grant should be at the top of the draft board. Also, maybe snatch another DT in the 3rd.
 

darthseinfeld

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Let's say Graham/Harmon/Nolen are off the board, would they consider an elite run stuffing NT in the first rd, like a Grant or Williams? Both players have some rush abilities, but they are more collapse the pocket type of rushers. With their weakness of run defense, I really think they have to consider take either player if the 3T's are off the board. When I see a team like the Lions playing McNeil with Reader, you can play two run pluggers together.
Is Zimmer back? If so dont rule it out. He like big DT's

Dont rule them having Deone Walker high if thats the case. Smith has played better at 1T than 3T, so I could Zimmer high on Walker who is a 3T
 

darthseinfeld

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We have tried going in the late rounds and ended up with Duds like Bohannon

we have sort of tried in trades with Hankins

For NT we have not made a serious effort even with Mazi who is more of a 3T
Mazi is a mess at 3T. Practically unplayable. 1T has been the only place he has shown any actual progression. They may have to abandon trying to play him at 3T to get him to be a consistent player
 

gtb1943

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Mazi is a mess at 3T. Practically unplayable. 1T has been the only place he has shown any actual progression. They may have to abandon trying to play him at 3T to get him to be a consistent player
His continued slow takeoff is the main concern. Playing NT you have an advantage over the Center as he has to snap as well as move; its a slight edge but its there. That is why a VERY QUICK and AND VERY BIG AND STRONG NT is a must if you want to clog the middle of the line. All too often Marrinelli and others only want quick; which is not enough.
I do not think Mazi can do what is needed
 

darthseinfeld

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Yes, they would consider Grant. Grant isn't a typical 1tech. He can also run and rush the passer.
Grant is going to work alot on his pass rush moves to he an effective rusher in the pro's. His repertoire right now is out 340lbsing college lineman. He is going to need to do more in the pros. Dont get me wrong, I like Grant. But dont expect a day 1 pass rusher
 

darthseinfeld

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His continued slow takeoff is the main concern. Playing NT you have an advantage over the Center as he has to snap as well as move; its a slight edge but its there. That is why a VERY QUICK and AND VERY BIG AND STRONG NT is a must if you want to clog the middle of the line. All too often Marrinelli and others only want quick; which is not enough.
I do not think Mazi can do what is needed
Idk maybe he develops more. He has gotten better, and his get off isnt as consistently bad as it was last year. Could just be a slow developer (and no, I don't prescribe to the "DT's need 3 years" myth" Even if he does keep improving, I dont see him being successful outside the 0 and 1 gaps. And use is going to have limitations
 

cnuball21

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Idk maybe he develops more. He has gotten better, and his get off isnt as consistently bad as it was last year. Could just be a slow developer (and no, I don't prescribe to the "DT's need 3 years" myth" Even if he does keep improving, I dont see him being successful outside the 0 and 1 gaps. And use is going to have limitations
He’s gotten better so he should continue to. Most DTs, even 1st rounders, take 2/3 years to really hit their stride.

I 100% want us to draft a DT but a rookie isn’t going to be a difference maker. Need to attack in FA / trade.
 

beware_d-ware

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Grant is going to work alot on his pass rush moves to he an effective rusher in the pro's. His repertoire right now is out 340lbsing college lineman. He is going to need to do more in the pros. Dont get me wrong, I like Grant. But dont expect a day 1 pass rusher
Agreed that he's not going to be a stud on day 1, but by the end of his rookie deal, he may be up there.
 

JeffInDC

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Yes, they would consider Grant. Grant isn't a typical 1tech. He can also run and rush the passer.
Grant’s play style ALREADY seems like what they THOUGHT they were gonna get with Mazi - a LEGIT 1T/NT with rare athleticism for that size. Grant just seems to play with more energy than Mazi even though he’s a bigger guy. I’d LOVE to get him on Dallas’ DL.
 

beware_d-ware

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Grant’s play style ALREADY seems like what they THOUGHT they were gonna get with Mazi - a LEGIT 1T/NT with rare athleticism for that size. Grant just seems to play with more energy than Mazi even though he’s a bigger guy. I’d LOVE to get him on Dallas’ DL.
Watch Grant just anchor and shut down the middle vs Ohio State. I never saw a cutup like that from Mazi.
 

gtb1943

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Some people are so hung up on pass rush that they miss the REALITY that we need FIRST a NT that disrupts the run.
IF he develops into a good pass rusher that is EXTRA BUT NOT CRITICAL.

Our obsession with pass rush has led to reaches for players just for THAT REASON ALONE.

The FIRST DUTY OF A NT is to stand the Center up and clog the middle of the line. If he does not do that NOTHING ELSE MATTERS.
 

cnuball21

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Watch Grant just anchor and shut down the middle vs Ohio State. I never saw a cutup like that from Mazi.
Grant can def play…but top 15 feels rich.

If the board is wiped and we’re taking about him in a trade down while adding a 3rd? Def worth considering.
 

Cowboyny

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Is Zimmer back? If so dont rule it out. He like big DT's

Dont rule them having Deone Walker high if thats the case. Smith has played better at 1T than 3T, so I could Zimmer high on Walker who is a 3T
I believe we are going to see the staff return as it looks like Jerry/Stephen are giving them a mulligan for the injuries.
 
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