Cowboys Face Rivals on Draft Day

by Rafael Vela on Feb 18, 2009 11:01 AM CST Comment 73 comments

It's hard enough living in the NFL's toughest division. It appears, that the Cowboys will have a lot more draft day competition as well. More teams are making the switch to the 3-4 this offseason, meaning the mid-round OLB/DE "tweeners" whom a handful of long-time 34 teams like Pittsburgh and San Diego would review, will now be evaluated by a dozen or so teams.

And if that's not enough, look at this report from Miami, which lays out the Dolphins wish list this April -- nose tackle, center, outside linebacker, secondary, fullback...

Where have we seen those positions before? If there is one minor consolation from the 9-7 season its picking ahead of the Dolphins. I'm sure there will be much overlap between the Cowboys and Dolphins draft boards, and I'm wondering if the teams will try to leapfrog each other for players like Ron Brace and Jonathan Luigs, who are mentioned in the linked story?

Ah, just when you thought the Tuna was out, he pulls you back in.

A 2nd Should Do It -- This Miami Herald piece says the Dolphins would likely be scared off restricted free agent wideout Miles Austin by a 2nd round tender. From all indications, that's where the tender will be. And if the Dolphins are dissuaded, it's not likely another team will come in. Miami's personnel guys know Austin better than any front office outside Valley Ranch.

If you're looking for further proof that the Cowboys' roster remains on Miami's mind, look at this piece contemplating a trade for Bobby Carpenter.

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Comments

I wish

them all the luck.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 18, 2009 11:13 AM CST reply actions

Am,

I talking to myself again? Well maybe it’s for the best, I tend to cloud peoples judgement and lead them astray.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 18, 2009 11:32 AM CST reply actions

The Fins

Thanks for the article about Miles – I needed that to conclude a piece I am writing.

BettorFan

by BettorFan on Feb 18, 2009 11:34 AM CST reply actions

I would love to trade Bobby C

then draft a couple of young ILB studs and sign Ray Lewis

by quincyyyyy on Feb 18, 2009 11:38 AM CST reply actions

Need for LBs Depends on Thomas, Carpenter and Burnett Situations

I am guessing Thomas is gone, and Burnett may or may walk via FA, and Carpeneter’s status is always in doubt. If all 3 are gone by the time the draft rolls around, LB will probably shoot up the priority list. If 2 of 3 are still here, then maybe it’s not as big a priority? Plus Ellis ain’t getting any younger or more comfortable, and Spencer is still someone who can’t be depended upon.

How is the draft looking for LB prospects? Good, average or poor?

by egtuna on Feb 18, 2009 12:14 PM CST reply actions

I wonder where Carpenter would be if Ellis hadn't transitioned to LB

by AustonianAggie on Feb 18, 2009 12:18 PM CST up reply actions

Probably exactly where he ended up

Remember, Ellis had the injury, and the team went ahead and drafted Spencer in the 1st round that off-season. Tells you what kind of confidence the new coaching staff had in Carp.

It’s a shame BP took Carp at #18 overall, now here we are 3 years later discussing trading him to MIA for a 6th of 7th rounder.

I say screw Tuna, keep Carp. Yes, I want the pick, but if he is traded and the light comes on, Dallas will look like idiots for flipping a 1st into a 6th. It’s not worth the risk, however slight it may be.

Feb. 18-24 -- NFL Scouting Combine
Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft

by APerfectStar on Feb 18, 2009 7:22 PM CST up reply actions

pretty safe to say Carp will not do good in any 3-4 line up...

I think he warrants at least a 5th rounder…which i would take in a heart beat for him..

by CowboysRnumba1 on Feb 18, 2009 8:52 PM CST up reply actions

I would too

Just going off the Miami Herald article. The beat writer down there is assuming it would only take a 6th or 7th.

But if they did offer up a 5th, I’ll abandon the ‘cut off my nose to spite my face’ mentality.

Feb. 18-24 -- NFL Scouting Combine
Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft

by APerfectStar on Feb 18, 2009 9:18 PM CST up reply actions

I want more than that...

Thanks Raf…. The link you posted on a possible Carpenter trade suggests that a 6th or 7th round pick may be fair compensation, at least from Miami’s perspective. That seems a bit light for my taste, particularly given that Miami finished 11-5 and picks late in the rounds. I think we keep the kid unless we can do better than that.

As for our competition in the East, it seems like a good bet that Philthy will be looking to sure up its O-line. Runyan’s a health risk, Tra Thomas a FA, and there’s a rumor circulating that they are shopping Winston Justice.

by Boundforbeach on Feb 18, 2009 12:16 PM CST reply actions

I heard Shawn Andrews is losing weight battling depression

I think I read that in Matt Mosley’s blog; that’s a tough situation, especially with how good he was as a rookie

by AustonianAggie on Feb 18, 2009 12:19 PM CST up reply actions

Hadn't heard that...

Certainly makes their offseason more daunting. I feel sorry for the kid.

by Boundforbeach on Feb 18, 2009 12:23 PM CST up reply actions

I wouldn't be willing to give up on Bobby for such a low pick.

I know he isn’t worth much because of his lack of experience and inability to break into the starting lineup, but when I see that recent Cowboy castoffs Stephen Peterman and Anthony Fasano are playing up to their draft status, it makes me wonder whether the Cowboys are too quick to pull the trigger on young players.

George Teague, Brock Marion, the Roy Williams-of-old: Where are you?

by Aaron Novinger on Feb 18, 2009 12:24 PM CST up reply actions

Peterman hasn't exactly busted the bank and last year he played for the Lions

Anthony Fasano still has less than half the stats of Witter, and Witten was a 3rd rounder and Fasano a 2nd.

I’m still wondering if Carpenter could do it given a little experience

by AustonianAggie on Feb 18, 2009 12:31 PM CST up reply actions

Peterman is also a lineman that sometimes take more than 3 years to develop;

Whereas, LBs could and should be able to contribute within their first year, which Bobbie did. I say resign Burnett, and make the position up for grabs—along with drafting a guy like Mckillop. If the Phins still want Bobbie after he fails again to claim the starting job, then we may get better compensation for him since the draft will be long forgotten and the upcoming season will be the focus of clubs like Miami.

I didn’t compare Fasano to Witten—that’s ridiculous. I was just pointing out that Fasano contributed much to his team, which didn’t always run a conventional offense.

George Teague, Brock Marion, the Roy Williams-of-old: Where are you?

by Aaron Novinger on Feb 18, 2009 12:43 PM CST up reply actions

Word I’ve heard from guys in Philly is that Shawn is being groomed to take on RT. LT is still up in the air— maybe Matt Schobel is planning on gaining 75 pounds?

In all seriousness, they’ve gotta sign Tra/Willain Thomas, right? You can’t lose BOTH your starting OTs in one offseason.

But, barring the incredulity above, if they don’t sign either Runyan or Tra….I gues we’re looking at Winston Justice as a starting LT in the NFC East? Demarcus Ware just took a break from dreaming about how he’s going to spend his 40MM guaranteed to chuckle at that prospect.

If WInston turned into a halfway decent tackle, that would make that 2005 draft pretty impressive— Bunkley, Justice, Cole, etc. It would rival the Cowboy’s’ ’06 draft.

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Feb 19, 2009 1:00 AM CST up reply actions

If the season started tomorrow....

Carpenter would be the starting ILB next to Brady James. He’s be in Zach’s WILB spot. In theory, he’d be taking on fewer blockers than James. So Bobby’s trouble with shedding blockers would be minimized to a degree.

Call me crazy, but I’m ok with him starting. As Parcells said, “You can’t have a steak on every plate”. He’s been around long enough to know how to play and adjust to the speed of the game. Time to put him in there and let him play some.

I think part of the problem is that people have such high expectations from him. That he’s the second coming of Vrabel or the like. He couldn’t live up to that in his early years and it appears (from afar) that its negatively affected his confidence. And getting tagged with the name “Barbie” had to really hurt him further.

People talk about how he has trouble getting off blocks. Well, I witnessed our other starting ILBs have the same trouble pretty regularly. Would there really be that much drop off?

Assuming he were to start, I’m sure we’ll hear all about how he’s struggling. Can’t get off blocks. And again, this will be result of the focus and expectations that he’ll be under. But I won’t be at all surprised to see him finish the game with 7-10 tackles. Some games he’ll lead the team in tackles. But all we’ll hear about is his shortcomings.

There comes a time when young guys have to play. Sometimes its because of injuries. Others because its simply their time. You use draft picks to acquire guys you think can or will play. Its Carpenter’s time now.

by Ridgelake on Feb 18, 2009 1:29 PM CST reply actions

Are you Carps brother?

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 18, 2009 1:34 PM CST up reply actions

Nope...

I feel much the same way about Austin and Stanback. And a lesser degree about McQuistan and Free.

There comes a time when these young guys need to step up. Its their time to play. We can’t keep bringing in FAs.

by Ridgelake on Feb 18, 2009 1:40 PM CST up reply actions

There comes a time....

very true, but I’m thinking about Spencer more than Carpenter.
Someone above said we can’t depend on him.
We have to. Ellis should be transitioning into a pass-rush specialist kind of role, and also could still come in and provide a good solid series of rest if Spencer starts.
ASpencer has looked good since his rookie year, they need to expect him to play.

Carpenter-man, who knows. The guy’s hardly been on the field. I’d keep him in camp and see if he can earn the starting job, unless we sign a FA guy. Otherwise he’s a first-round backup I guess.

by Realist Larry on Feb 18, 2009 1:52 PM CST up reply actions

Carp is no ILB

He’ll be exposed and our run defense will become a sieve if he’s the starter next season.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 18, 2009 2:54 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, and

Baltimore, Philly, NY and St Louis showed just how good we are at stopping the run this year. I like Ratliff on pass downs at nose, but otherwise we need a big ol fireplug in there to make the runner go somewhere else. If we get one then our ILB’s become that much better.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 18, 2009 2:58 PM CST up reply actions

3-4 ILBs

still have to take on OL more so than 4-3 MLBs, although having a huge space eating NT that OL would have to double team would obviously help.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 18, 2009 3:03 PM CST up reply actions

I didn't

say they would be unblocked every play, but on runs when it takes two to move one big mountain of a man out of the way, it makes it easier for them.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 18, 2009 3:11 PM CST up reply actions

bottom line

Is that ILBs still have to take on OL on a consistent basis and Carp hasn’t shown the toughness to handle that part of the position. Sure, he’s athletic and can fly around the field like he did in the Seattle when he’s unblocked, but inside you have to be a real tough guy and he certainly has proven he’s anything but a tough guy.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 18, 2009 3:17 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think we have had anyone

be a tough guy in the middle since Dat Nguyen. Even he was a little light. Bottom line, unless we draft one, I don’t like the prospects of getting one in FA. I’m sick of taking other teams cast offs. JERRY DRAFT US SOME FREAKING TALENT, AND STOP TRADING FOR IT!!!!!!!!

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 18, 2009 3:23 PM CST up reply actions

James is a tough guy

and does a good job of shedding interior blockers.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 18, 2009 4:01 PM CST up reply actions

+1 on James

and Zach Thomas is as tough as they come, but not having a wide bodied NT to protect him took it’s toll on him.

Best scenerio, draft a decent house to play NT (or pick up a young vet who is at least average, re-sign Thomas, and draft his replacement.

Feb. 18-24 -- NFL Scouting Combine
Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft

by APerfectStar on Feb 18, 2009 7:29 PM CST up reply actions

don't forget this free agent we picked up recently.....

forgot his name, but he’s 6’3" 325lbs……that’s a start……get two more of those types in the draft and let the best man start….

by CowboysRnumba1 on Feb 18, 2009 8:55 PM CST up reply actions

We picked up Junior Siavii again (futures).

by GalTex on Feb 19, 2009 8:47 AM CST up reply actions

+1...exactly.....so that means we have 2 - 325lb NT's in camp already for next season...

And both have sniffed NFL camps already….Brace surely isn’t an upgrade over either of them…imo….forget Brace in the 2nd round, a big reach at #51 if you ask me…

I would do whatever it takes to get NT-Sammi Lee Hill though, first pick in the 4th should do it…He’s much more fluid, agile, and quicker than Brace, and could even play DE.

by CowboysRnumba1 on Feb 20, 2009 7:30 AM CST up reply actions

James

is tough, but our lack of a NT (Bless Rat, but he is not a NT) doesn’t help our run stopping ability. Our ILB look weak and always have a man on them. If we had a bulldog in the middle we would force teams to choose which ILB to block and let the other roam.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 19, 2009 7:47 AM CST up reply actions

Agree

By not having the big strong NT, there is a lot more pressure on the ILB’s.

I was sure Dallas was going to pick up someone last year, but I guess they thought the combo of Rat and Tank would be enough. I am almost positive this year they’ll bring in a couple guys to fill that role.

Feb. 18-24 -- NFL Scouting Combine
Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft

by APerfectStar on Feb 19, 2009 8:21 PM CST up reply actions

+1

George Teague, Brock Marion, the Roy Williams-of-old: Where are you?

by Aaron Novinger on Feb 18, 2009 5:57 PM CST up reply actions

God I'm STILL pissed that Dat when down...

by AikmanNailedMySis on Feb 19, 2009 9:52 AM CST up reply actions

I agree

with the FA part. I just think that Carp is never gonna be what we want or need. He might be better with a fireplug in the middle, but nothing is going to make him shed blockers better. I know the year before last he was hurt, but I don’t recall reading anything about injury keeping him from taking the job from Thomas. I’m a big Tech fan but if you can’t beat out a 35+ year old you haven’t got much.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 18, 2009 1:45 PM CST reply actions

i wouldn't mind seeing what the kid

can do next to bradie… esp if we draft/sign a big time, space eating NT… i would like to see the cowboys take a chance no mckillop tho as well

by CowboysFan4Life on Feb 18, 2009 1:49 PM CST reply actions

There's not a lot of money for

one the big FA LB’s anyways-we may have no choice.
I hope we resign Burnett.

by Realist Larry on Feb 18, 2009 1:53 PM CST reply actions

Resign Burnett.

and Bowen too.

George Teague, Brock Marion, the Roy Williams-of-old: Where are you?

by Aaron Novinger on Feb 18, 2009 5:59 PM CST up reply actions

+1

Bowen for sure, and Burnett at a reasonable price.

Feb. 18-24 -- NFL Scouting Combine
Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft

by APerfectStar on Feb 18, 2009 7:32 PM CST up reply actions

I'm just gonna go out

on a limb and say. Get a big NG, a safety that can track a ball and hit, and hope Holland or Kosier can stay healthy next year. Keep either T.O. or Austin or both and hope our backs stay healthy. We got bit by the injury bugh pretty bad last year. Anything better than that is just gravy to me.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 18, 2009 1:57 PM CST reply actions

this D would take huge strides in becoming an elite D if..

We get an elite or top notch saftey please make it happen football gods

What the French?! Toast!

by thebigham on Feb 18, 2009 3:55 PM CST up reply actions

there are no elite or top notch safeties in this draft.....period..

imo….none are special…

by CowboysRnumba1 on Feb 18, 2009 8:56 PM CST up reply actions

but there are about 3 or 4 much better

than what we currently have on the roster outside of Hamlin.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 19, 2009 7:33 AM CST up reply actions

After his

production drop this year, I might be inclined to include Hamlin on that list also.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 19, 2009 7:48 AM CST up reply actions

But did his production drop because of his supporting cast ...

similar to the o-line with Proctor.

by GalTex on Feb 19, 2009 8:50 AM CST up reply actions

Who did he lose?

The only defensive players that were different from last year were. Ratliff, Pacman, and Thong being hurt. Henry played most of the year, Newman wasn’t hurt that bad and the rookie corners filled in nicely. Hamlin had a superb supporting cast, and yet we couldn’t stop the run and still got smoked on long passes. Not as many since our corners were better and we had a good pass rush, but still more than we should have.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 19, 2009 9:22 AM CST up reply actions

I don't know about Hamlin.....

I just keep thinking about the nightmare missed tackles in the Ravens game……..I know that it was just one game but how can you do it two times in a row?

by texstar on Feb 19, 2009 9:30 AM CST up reply actions

I just

pray he isn’t the second coming of “Thong”. I got paid now I can coast on my laurels. I darn sure pray that Ware is not like that too. He is going to get Insane amounts of money thrown at him deservedly so.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 19, 2009 10:34 AM CST up reply actions

Me too....

GunsUp what’s the latest with Leach BTW? My parents were at the BB game last night vs OSU and they said everyone’s wanting Myers gone. Thoughts?

by texstar on Feb 19, 2009 11:28 AM CST up reply actions

BTW,

I’m a Tech alumni as well if you haven’t guessed.

by texstar on Feb 19, 2009 11:29 AM CST up reply actions

Stuck here

in Wichita KS I have no idea about Leach. I just wonder why Myers is still in Lubbock? I think the only other time he was in the news was for the Salad Incident.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 19, 2009 11:54 AM CST up reply actions

Ha!

No-one can figure out why Myers is still there. I think that it’s terrible that Myers wants a stupid provision in Leach’s contract that if he goes on another interview, he has to get approval from him or he will get over a million dollar fine. Unbelievable.

by texstar on Feb 19, 2009 12:02 PM CST up reply actions

I never thought Myers was worth

a dog turd on toast, but I never understood the Administration at Tech anyway. I think he must have compromising photos of the Board of Regents.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 19, 2009 12:20 PM CST up reply actions

+1

What’s really strange is that Myers was awful as a basketball coach so instead of firing him they promote him to Athletic Director. Go figure?

by texstar on Feb 19, 2009 12:55 PM CST up reply actions

Thong ... for a start

Yeah, I know he is FAR from being the quintessential safety and is on the decline, but Hamlin knew what to expect of him (not much). But with less talented replacements, he could expect even less and may have subtly changed his game to account for the weakness. I’m not an apologist; just applying what we saw on the o-line to what was happening back there. I pray you’re wrong about the ’I’m paid, I can relax attitude’ that SEEMS so pervasive.

by GalTex on Feb 19, 2009 2:01 PM CST up reply actions

well...that's assuming alot...

just because those names are out there, doesn’t mean they are sure things, it means they are the only things worthy of first day consideration…..you don’t just draft at a position we think we need upgraded, if the talent doesn’t match the spot we’re picking them….I would rather take a shot at a few 2nd tier Safeties listed, and project them having the just the same impact as any of the second round guys…

Do I think FS-Louis Delmas, .FS-Sean Smith, SS-William Moore are worthy of the 51th pick, sure. But what if higher graded OL ( OG-Robinson, OG-Urbik, OG-Levitrie,C- Mack, C-Unger, OT-Beatty), or DL ( DE-Hood, DE-Gilbert, DE-Moala ) are sitting there…You go with the higher grade, regardless of perceived need (although it would be tough to pass on Will Moore)…we need O line and D line depth just as much as Safety, and LB…doesn’t matter what order we go in…There will be plenty of decent Safeties available after the second round, you can NOT say the same for OL and DL…

Chip Vaughn-SS
Sherrod Martin-FS
Otis Wiley-SS
Darcel McBath-FS
Mike Hamlin-SS
Derek Pegues-FS
Courtney Green-FS/SS
Curtis Taylor-FS/SS
David Bruton-SS
Emmanuel Cook-FS
Kevin Ellison-SS

These are Safeties that can be had in the 3rd round or later that aren’t far off from the top 4.

Heck, I’d rather draft 2 of those Safeties in the later rounds, and use our first two picks on OL or DL, cuz there aren’t any 3-4 LB’s worth drafting in the 2nd-3rd either, unless Clint Sintim or Clay Matthews slips..which I doubt.

by CowboysRnumba1 on Feb 20, 2009 8:00 AM CST up reply actions

I'm not going to argue

a point we agree on. I don’t care how he gets an upgrade at safety, and if we can use the NT we have on the roster, then great get the best players there regardless of position. I just know we have needs to fill and fill them he must or suffer through a repeat of this season.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Feb 20, 2009 8:26 AM CST up reply actions

I think it would be silly to pass on Robinson if he was there

However, one of those others would surely fall to our pick in the 3rd round if Robinson was off the board and we took a safety.

by hiafex on Feb 20, 2009 12:27 PM CST up reply actions

I have to add, I hope we tender SBowen with a 2nd rounder.

For a guy who’s not a starter, he makes a few plays, and is a very good guy to have for a rotation.
I’d hate to lose him, I ‘m not even sure he couldn’t beat out a starting DE, or replace Canty if he leaves.

by Realist Larry on Feb 18, 2009 1:57 PM CST reply actions

+1

by Ridgelake on Feb 18, 2009 2:46 PM CST up reply actions

+2

George Teague, Brock Marion, the Roy Williams-of-old: Where are you?

by Aaron Novinger on Feb 18, 2009 5:59 PM CST up reply actions

3-4

I feel the Cowboys are being held hostage by the 3-4. Every year, on draft day the Cowboys have to pick personnel that suits a 3-4, especially the front 7. Let’s just switch back to 4-3. I feel we have the personnel for that. DTs: Marcus Spears, Chris Canty. Bowen and Hatcher would provide depth for either tackle or end. DEs Ratliff, Ware with Ellis and Spencer alternating. Linebackers: James in the middle, Carpenter and Burnett on the outside with Ware alternating from end to outside linebacker (blitzing). Get creative Spagnulo or Johnson style. Just a thought.

by beautifultyrant on Feb 18, 2009 10:50 PM CST reply actions

Hmm...

I’d say no way. The Boys defense just led the league in sacks with 59, and Ware led all players with 20. The defense also finished the season 8th in the NFL in yards allowed/game.

Why mess with that?

Feb. 18-24 -- NFL Scouting Combine
Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft

by APerfectStar on Feb 18, 2009 11:24 PM CST up reply actions

How are they...

held hostage?

I mean it’s not really that big of a deal. Pittsburg runs a 3-4 as does the Patriots.

I’ve actually always thought it was easier to draft for a 3-4.

Dallas makes me act like Christian Bale......

by AirforceBat on Feb 18, 2009 11:58 PM CST up reply actions

that makes no sense at all

all teams draft players to fit their schemes.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 19, 2009 7:35 AM CST up reply actions

Too much is made about scheme these days....

according to Pat Kirwan, too many people get caught up into he’s a 3-4 guy or a 4-3 guy. The truth of the matter is most teams don’t strictly run a pure 3-4 scheme anyways. They run a hybrid. Too much emphasis is placed on “their scheme”.

by texstar on Feb 19, 2009 9:43 AM CST up reply actions

I disagree with Pat

There are certain positions that require certain type of players depending on scheme.

For example, the Colts and Bucs run a cover 2 defense that emphasizes speed, so their LBs and DLs are going to be smaller but fast. However, those type of players could never fit into a 3-4 defense which require much bigger DE and LBs. The cover 2 LBs usually go around 220-225 lbs and those type of LBs could never play in a 3-4. Likewise, a cover 2 DE, like Freeney and Mathis, could never play DE in a 3-4 because they are way too small. 3-4 DEs have to be 280-290 lbs monsters.

Smart teams draft players to fit their system which is why Kirwan got fired as a NFL GM and now works for NFL.com.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 19, 2009 10:14 AM CST up reply actions

You are correct partly....

However, players can be converted like Ellis to LB,Ware to LB, Spencer to LB etc. All I’m saying is everyone likes to say he’s a 3-4 guy or a 4-3 guy. Players can adapt to different positions. You can’t just peg them as a 3-4 or 4-3 guy.

by texstar on Feb 19, 2009 10:33 AM CST up reply actions

some players can adapt

however, there are more players that can’t which is why when you are drafting, you look for players that fit your scheme which is exactly what we did in 2005 when we were converting from the 4-3 to 3-4.

Ware and Spencer are actually perfect examples that prove my point as 3-4 teams always look at college 4-3 DEs to convert to 3-4 OLBs. Steelers have been doing it forever.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 19, 2009 12:51 PM CST up reply actions

Hey I'm not going to argue with you but.....

Nobody, like the Ravens, runs a true 3-4 all the time. You put all your emphasis on scheme and that’s not correct. Good coaches can move guys around in certain packages to maximize their abilities. Every player has strengths and weaknesses that can maximized. You don’t just put them all in a category of "He’s a 3-4 guy or a 4-3 guy. Jay Ratliff another example-probably better suited as a DE but playing NT. These guys have talent and it’s not all scheme like you want to emphasize.

by texstar on Feb 19, 2009 1:04 PM CST up reply actions

bottom line is

good teams draft players that best fit their system and schemes and the Pats, Colts and Steelers are great examples of that and it’s why they have been the best teams in the NFL for the past several years.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 19, 2009 1:15 PM CST up reply actions

exactly Terry

Stay with the system , fill the needs as best you can and continue to evaluate your upcoming needs. I would normally mention consistancy at this point, but that would be silly being I want a new HC and GM . but you know what I mean.

by oldboysfan on Feb 19, 2009 8:04 PM CST reply actions