darthseinfeld
Groupthink Guru
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One of the things that can make a team great is the emergence of guys the come seemingly out of nowhere and make meaningful contributions. It can be that late draft pick that was expecting to fight for a roster spot in camp but becomes a high level role player or even starter or that reclamation project that winds up leading a unit. Last year a few X Factor type players emerged in Rolando McClain, Jeremy Mincey and Anthony Hitchens. Even though he had a 3rd round pedigree, you could even say Tyrone Crawford was an X Factor type player.
On to this year, here are a few of the Cowboys that can emerge as X Facors
- Cory White
Long, athletic CB who had a checkered career in Nola. He has started half his career games at both CB and FS. He played in Ryans defensive scheme that as we know isnt exactly friendly to DBs. In Dallas he isnt expected to be anymore then a 4th CB, but given his postion versatility could find his way to field often. Playing in a sounder scheme could make a huge difference in his effectiveness
- Ryan Russell
As a 5th round pick in a position group featuring Greg Hardy, Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, one could expect Russell to get very few opportunities. That may not actually be the case, given Hardy ( as of now) will miss the first four games, Mincey isnt making many friends holding out and Gregory is still undersized and the staff may not want him playing 900+ snaps. Also factor in that Marinelli likes to play defenders on waves, and Russell could get a snap count on par with what Victor Butler got as a rookie. Out of the players jockeying for a spot behind Hardy, Gregory, Lawrence and Micey, Russell maybe the most talented and the most natural pass rusher.
-Jack Crawford
One of Russells main competitiors also makes my list. Crawford has been in the NFL longer then Russell and Gardener and showed some flashes last season. Crawford may also stand to benefit the most if the staff and FO sours on Mincey. They really want a defensive end that can kick inside on 3rd and long and rush up the middle and that could Crawford chance to really make a mark on this defense. I dont think he is as good an edge rusher as Russell, but he offers more versatility. I think he can be a guy that can notch 400-500 or so snaps
Who are some of your X Factors?
On to this year, here are a few of the Cowboys that can emerge as X Facors
- Cory White
Long, athletic CB who had a checkered career in Nola. He has started half his career games at both CB and FS. He played in Ryans defensive scheme that as we know isnt exactly friendly to DBs. In Dallas he isnt expected to be anymore then a 4th CB, but given his postion versatility could find his way to field often. Playing in a sounder scheme could make a huge difference in his effectiveness
- Ryan Russell
As a 5th round pick in a position group featuring Greg Hardy, Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, one could expect Russell to get very few opportunities. That may not actually be the case, given Hardy ( as of now) will miss the first four games, Mincey isnt making many friends holding out and Gregory is still undersized and the staff may not want him playing 900+ snaps. Also factor in that Marinelli likes to play defenders on waves, and Russell could get a snap count on par with what Victor Butler got as a rookie. Out of the players jockeying for a spot behind Hardy, Gregory, Lawrence and Micey, Russell maybe the most talented and the most natural pass rusher.
-Jack Crawford
One of Russells main competitiors also makes my list. Crawford has been in the NFL longer then Russell and Gardener and showed some flashes last season. Crawford may also stand to benefit the most if the staff and FO sours on Mincey. They really want a defensive end that can kick inside on 3rd and long and rush up the middle and that could Crawford chance to really make a mark on this defense. I dont think he is as good an edge rusher as Russell, but he offers more versatility. I think he can be a guy that can notch 400-500 or so snaps
Who are some of your X Factors?
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