Cowboys Draft '10, Part 22: Lets Begin With the Ends
by Rafael Vela on Apr 6, 2010 10:11 PM CDT
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PrintOn my second trip to Oxnard back in '06, I was standing by the far fence one day watching the defensive linemen drill. A visiting coach turned to another, pointed at 2nd year starter Chris Canty and said, "that's what a five-technique looks like."
Canty defined the prototype. He is 6'7" and weighed 295 lbs. at the time. He's "high cut," with long legs and long arms. He had the length and the power the team looks for. A source told me the prototype Dallas end goes 6'5" or so and 285-295 lbs. starting out.
The Cowboys want linemen who can two-gap, taking on offensive tackles head up and maintaining the line of scrimmage if they are double teamed. Wade Phillips runs a more one-gap scheme, but he and Parcells want linemen who can get off blocks and chase down plays run away from them. Jay Ratliff's pursuit skills are a big reason why he was moved inside and why he gives centers such a hard time. His punchout gives big guards a hard time (I've seen him bend 366 lb. Leonard Davis backwards with a two-hand pop to the numbers.) Smaller centers have that much more trouble containing him.
The difference between the good and the exceptional five technique is the ability to contribute on 3rd downs. The average guys leave the field for situational rushers. The big timers, the Richard Seymours, generate a rush pushing inside or coming around the end on first, second and especially third down.
Canty's inability to produce on third down is one reason why he plays for the GIants now. That lack of late rush is why fellow '05 draftee Marcus Spears only received a 2nd-round tender this year (more on that in a minute). It's why the Cowboys were looking at ends in the early rounds last year and why DEs like Jared Odrick and Tyson Alualu rank high on their board this year.
Dallas has three dominant rushers in Demarcus Ware, Ratliff and Anthony Spencer. If the Cowboys can find that three-down end, in the Elvin Bethea mold, they'll have another interior terror to pair with Ratliff. Wade Phillips will be able to put QBs on the run with only four rushers.
This isn't a need spot, but if an end sits atop Dallas' board in any of the early rounds, he may well get a call from Jerry Jones. You can never have enough rushers.
Note: Spears signed his tender today. The early reaction has him penciled in at left end. As I see it, Spears also became trade-eligible the minute he signed that contract. Dallas has four DEs in Igor Olshansky, Spears, Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen. 3-4 teams only carry four and the addition of an Odrick or the like would mean Dallas is overstocked.
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Or we could just draft a nose tackle and move Ratliff to DE.
Just joking, but I know that it would come up eventually anyways, so might as well just get it out of the way.
: )
Also what is the highest draft pick you see for a Spears? I’m thinking maybe a 4th. I just don’t know if anything higher would be dealt for a 2 down DE.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Apr 6, 2010 10:17 PM CDT reply actions
No team is giving up a 2nd round pick for Spears.....maybe a 4th at best.
I thought that he may play out 2010 and not be resigned after the season, but Raf brings up a point whether or not he will be here if a DE is drafted.. If we do draft a DE, it wont be a high draft pick. If I had to guess if that scenerio happened Hatcher or Spears would be out. They really like Bowen it appears. He could be the starting DE next year if he plays his cards right this year.
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
Agree
Odrick is a real possibility if he’s available.
to make the jump to the next level, Odrick said today he needs to work on one area. "Just being more violent overall,'' Odrick said. "Play the game and play it right, violently.''
One bad thing about being in our position in draft season
This time of year and especially on draft day, some teams (and MOST fans) devalue proven players and over value draft picks – the proverbial bird in the bush becomes more important than the bird in the hand.
If we do pick a DE high and think he can play in the next 2 years I hope we wait until training camp to trade Spears or whomever. They will be more valuable then when teams are looking at players on the field, not draft value charts in the war room.
good point
a 4th for players like barber or spears, they would contribute much more than a 4th round pick. not that I would turn down a 4th for barber, he is pretty much 3rd string at this point. I would rather have Spears than a 4th rounder tho. The dude is a solid starter and was an integral part of a great defense. Yet he could be shipped off in a sec for what could amount to a Pat Watkins or Skyler Green.
Well..
Anybody other than Odrick gets drafted with that first round pick there will be much hand wringing on this blog if they use their first on a DE. Even though it may alleviate some pressure on the secondary, I think most fans will think we lost our minds if we don’t do OL, WR, S with first pick.
"The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart."
I'm with ya. Just speculation on reactions is all..
"The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart."
Roger
And we know you are exploring all options (part 22 after all), but baring your nightmare scenario of all 1st round grades gone and no trade partners, I would not freak if we got Devin McCourtney.
BUT…………..
I will still thump for Lupati or Poncey between now and then, this is why we are called FANatics. After the draft picks we can settle into some acceptance of reality.
Oh, if that "nightmare scenario" played out
McCourty would be my guy too.
Just. Get. A. Good. Player.
If you want to take a good defense and make it sick by adding an upgrade at DE or CB, that’s okay with me.
Think about it
A good G — great;
A good C — he helps
A good WR — no complaints;
A good CB — I’m right there;
A good DE — That’s the opposing QBs’ problem;
A good OT — paging Coach Houck;
A good S — doing cartwheels
There are about seven different directions this team can go that would make me happy, if the player is quality.
I really don't care who we pick
I’ve learned to not get focused on one player that the Cowboys HAVE to select or its a horrible draft
by nicholas.rodriguez on Apr 6, 2010 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Which brings you back to the truth
draft best player available and do
not
draft
for
need!
Do not draft a mediocre safety at # 27 because we ‘need’ a safety.
Or an average OL because we ‘need’ one.
This was the mistake Jerry made in the 90’s, esp. looking for that pass rusher.
The one exception would be QB, because they’re too expensive, but just take the best guy there.
If two or three equal guys are there at different positions, then choose your need.
We need OL and safety, but don’t draft them just to draft them. You can’t go wrong w/ a good player, things like injuries will even everything out in the end.
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on Apr 6, 2010 11:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Who are the equal guys?
Mays Berry and Thomas are the top 3 safeties. Berry is widely considered a top 10 pick (maybe top 5). Mayock likes Thomas even better. Physically Mays is the best, but there’s a belief he can’t cover like Thomas or Berry (note, the rest of the safeties can’t cover like them either).
Enough blah, blah blah, if Mays is available at 27 is he equal to a Odrick, Pouncey, Iupati, Benn or McCourty? (I like DE Carlos Dunlap)
More equal because he’s a safety – position of need!
Less equal because he might bust like Roy Williams?
Likewise similar questions will arise should Davis or Campbell fall to 27. At some point you have to trust your board – I just wish I couls see Jerry’s
Out of those guys
I’d rank them as far as fitting our needs and systems:
Iupati
Pouncey
Odrick
Mays
McCourty
Benn
I’m not fond of Dunlap in the 1st round. Too many questions about where his head is at.
Rabid and luvin' it
Haha I love the summary Raf!
by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 7, 2010 12:05 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
How about a good strong side ILB?
Since both Carpenter and Williams are really weakside, it wouldn’t hurt to get someone to back up James. I don’t have anyone in mind who might be available and a good value at pick 27, but just in a vacuum, that would make me happy too.
Brandon Spikes
perfect guy for that role
by nicholas.rodriguez on Apr 7, 2010 2:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Not at 27
Maybe Spikes will be the second coming of Mike Singletary, but nobody will touch him that early. There’s a good chance he’s still available for Jerry at the bottom of the second.
I'd rather take a chance on a proven player like Spikes.....
…Than a freakish specimen like Mays. Although the Mays/Roy comparisons are UNFAIR…..to Roy because he was actually a monster in his senior season whereas Mays struggled.
struggled to all first team pac-10
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Apr 8, 2010 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions
2009 First Team All- Pac 20
http://www.pac-10.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120709aac.html
lazy typing … and sadly no way to edit ..
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Apr 9, 2010 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions
excellent point Raf
Any position other than QB, RB or TE will suit me just fine and dandy.
In Romo we Trust
YES WR....
and by the looks, its a real good possibilty by the people they are bringing in…. :)
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
I thought the knock on Benn was poor hands
Could be his QB never got close. Hopefully he’ll play some catch during his visit.
My understanding according to Profootballtalk
….is that Spears would have fetched a first round pick according to the tender offer.
I remember them saying it had something to do with the tender given to Austin. I’ll try and find the link.
true
but now he can be traded for anything.
What could we get for him
a 4th, basically he is old enough where there isn’t much upside left for him and this close to the draft players aren’t worth much
by nicholas.rodriguez on Apr 6, 2010 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I wouldn't take a 4th for Spears.
Why make a bad deal? Even if Spears, Bowen, and Hatcher are still here, if the BPA is Odrick, let’s go. A formidable d-line rotation is a strength. Also, I don’t care who comes off the board, at 27 we are going to get a heck of a player. You watch, someone is going to drop. And if someone comes after our 1st round pick, we’ll get 5 players in the first 100 instead of 3. Even standing pat, with a little luck, we’re going to get quality players at 59, 90, and 125. Remember, this team has done some of it’s best work in the 4th round. Anyway, my point is, this is THE draft to get quality.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
I hear you
but I hope people don’t go nuts on Thursday night if the Cowboys trade into the early 2nd and everybody has to wait until Friday evening to see a pick.
People went crazy after they missed on Unger last year and traded into the 3rd. Too much unresolved anxiety. Like opening the big present under your x-mas tree and finding a 2-for-1 coupon inside.
Open up a can of whoop ass.
Believe me, it will be nothing like my days on DMN. You log onto that blog and you’re immediately defending everyone all the way down to the waterboy. Maybe we can get us some Bobby Boucher.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
I don't mind the wait
it sux but i’m not gonna throw a tantrum, lol. I’m a little weary bout going the same strategy since the new kids haven’t produced yet besides for Beuhler and Butler, and Butler was glimpses. Next year I’ll be good w/ it if there J and B Williams help out and M. Hamlin can get some time on the field, not saying they need to start but good rotation players would be nice and I’m still anticipating Hodge on STs. I left Brewster off since, knock on wood, he shouldn’t play this year…well unless he tears up TC
by nicholas.rodriguez on Apr 6, 2010 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions
dont forget phillips
we just need one of the Williams to shine and hopefully Brewster, then all of a sudden it was a great draft
Completely forgot bout Phillips
maybe cuz he played more like a Vet than a rook, lol
by nicholas.rodriguez on Apr 7, 2010 2:01 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
Besides, me and friends are going to turn the draft on Thursday into a drinking game:
-Take one drink every time the ESPN commentators don’t know what they are talking about.
-Take one drink every time the screen pans to green room anguish
-Take two drinks every time the audience boos the draft pick/team picking
-Take three drinks every time a team makes a pic that doesn’t make sense.
-Finish your drink or take a shot every time the Raiders pick
By 27, you probably wouldn’t care if the Boys pick or not that night!
lol that is a great game
BTB’s open thread will be full of drunks
by nicholas.rodriguez on Apr 7, 2010 2:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Sounds like a bad game of Beer Pong Rat...lol
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
No, early 2nd would be totally fine, although the overnight waiting would be tough
But I think we want an impact player this year— trading entirely out of the first 2 rounds, like last year, would not be a scenario I would be overly happy with. I think the window is open for us right now, so I’d really prefer we get a player who can help on the field this year (particularly because we cut Hamlin and Flozell loose, so we’re a bit thinner than we were a 3 months ago).
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
A scenario that I like
would be if there aren’t any 1sts left, to move back into early 2nd then package other picks to get another 2nd, so we end up w/ 3 2nd rounders, of course that is all depending on the Cowboys board
by nicholas.rodriguez on Apr 6, 2010 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions
i think what hurt us was all the 7th and 6th rounders we picked up
we did not have an abundance of roster spots and ended up cutting those players
How many did we cut?
We tried to sneak them onto the practice squad, and lost a couple that way.
Jason Williams is on the roster
Robert Brewster got injured
Stephen McGee I hope Romo keeps him on the bench for 10 more years
Victor Butler on the roster
Brandon Williams got injured
DeAngelo Smith on the lions roster, but we wanted to keep him
Mike Hamlin the team likes him alot
David Buehler my kicker can kick your kicker’s ass
John Phillips surprised alot of folks
Stephen Hodge got injured
Mike Mickens got plucked off practice squad
Manual Johnson practice squad.
By my count they’re all still in the NFL. It’s too early to tell if we have any long term players, but the fact that they’re all still NFL players a year later says something. The way I remember it was this was our blue collar draft. Hard hitting, worker bees. We needed an infusion of that type of player. No, we didn’t get any instant starters, but we didn’t do too badly either.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
One correction
“David Buehler my kicker can kick your kicker’s, safety’s, MLB’s or DT’s ass”
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
I have this weird image in my head that won't go away
of a couple of linebackers going down in a game and Buehler being forced into service and just kicking ass.
It would never happen, but it is just so freakish to see that kind of athlete at kicker.
He'd probobly struggle with where to go
but I bet he wouldn’t shy away from contact.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
True, the 09 draft was for growth and depth
The focus was on improving field position through better special teams play
And don't forget Kevin Ogletree
He might be the best of the bunch.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
And don't forget Travis Bright
He’s an undrafted G that we picked up and had on the Practice Squad all season.
Rabid and luvin' it
A good trade down is OK
But the post-Unger trade you reference was a poor value trade down. Dallas was in the 51 slot and traded to Buffalo for a 75 and 110. From a trade value perspective that is giving up a slot worth 390 points for two slots worth 289 points.
If Dallas has to sacrifice too many points in a trade, they should just stay where they are and take the BPA. I don’t buy into the logic that there is some dramatic drop off right after the top 25 players on their board.
by doomsdayreturns on Apr 7, 2010 12:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't get hung up on points
Jerry drafted 2 players instead of 1. Although, Andy Levitre was drafted at #51 and plays LG for the Bills – looks like a Koz clone. Players I liked: Phil Loadholt (Vikes starting RT) William Moore (Falcons didn’t do much S) and Sean Smith (Phins so so CB) were available.
I don't understand your point
Are you saying that Jerry did good because he got two players instead of one (which is a silly argument) or that he screwed up because of the players that were available at 51 that he missed by making the trade.?
by doomsdayreturns on Apr 7, 2010 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
i would be extatic with a trade down
last year was only tough because there was no first round pick. it did not help that subsequently many rookies got injured and there seemed to be little return, but hopefully that will help this years team get much younger and deeper. If a few from last year can become quality role players and we hit on a few from this year that is quite a youth movement to build upon.
Only ones I'd go nuts at would be the NFL
for cooking up this jacked up draft format for this year. It’s almost as jacked up as having the Pro Bowl the week before the Super Bowl.
Rabid and luvin' it
chances are that will happen Raf...sucks, but that's Jerry's MO....
"Austin made the play, Austin saved the day" Brad Sham
2 for 1 on busted up toys
I hope Williams(s), Brew and Butler all have productive years.
Spears
His stats this year: 25 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 16 QB pressures in 14 games. These seem low, but are these acceptable stats for a DE that’s main goal is to clog space?
didn't he play in all the games
or have I forgotten an injury
by nicholas.rodriguez on Apr 6, 2010 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions
he played in those games
0 stats for the games tho, lol
by nicholas.rodriguez on Apr 7, 2010 2:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Player participation log
Here’s the snap count for all our defensive playres – Spears played in every game.
by One.Cool.Customer on Apr 7, 2010 8:12 AM CDT up reply actions
16 QB pressures actually sounds pretty good to me
3-4 DE stats are hard to evaluate. Unless you’ve got the rare player like Bethea as Raf mentions, or the even more rare Bruce Smith, you’re not gonna see big time stats from a 3-4 DE.
To me, Spears is a pretty decent player at the position when compared to the rest of the 3-4 ends in the league. He’s not a weak spot— he’s a serviceable starter. I get the argument that, if we have the chance to REALLY upgrade the position, we might do it, but if there is a comparably talented player available at #27 at a different position (like S or OL), I’d prefer we go that direction.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
Last year only
Spears wasn’t a liability last year… his contract year… when he showed up to camp in the best shape of his life. Until then, he had a tendency to get blown off the ball at random moments in games.
If the team signed Spears to a reasonable three or four year contract after this year
I wouldn’t be dissatisfied at all. In fact, I think I’d be pretty happy.
He’s not great, but he’s not a liability. There will always be a few places where you will have guys who are just serviceable starters, and 3-4 end is one place where I don’t mind that being the case at all.
yeah this guy is much better than a 3rd or 4th round pick
he is in his prime and we wanna throw him away for a maybe player, i would rather have a sure thing
He plays mainly on first and second down, too.
His sack totals are never going to be very high on downs when the odds are teams are running the ball.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
And when did Arrelious Benn's stock shoot up like this?
Why does everyone love this guy all of the sudden?
by Cowboysaficionado on Apr 7, 2010 12:05 AM CDT reply actions
"Dallas Day" recently, w/ the local tryouts
made me remember Tyson Thompson.
That was a good story, too bad he broke his ankle. Good KO return guy.
I guess he’s playing in some league now…..
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
I like Emmanuel Sanders
my top guy from Dallas Day
by nicholas.rodriguez on Apr 7, 2010 2:06 AM CDT up reply actions
that dude is a moral a lesson
my friend teaches at a Dallas HS and tell his football players “you can’t even run 500 yards in a single football game, Tyson Thompson did that, and he couldn’t even do better than the 3rd RB on the Dallas Roster! You better do your school work!”
by AustonianAggie on Apr 7, 2010 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
thought he
Was cut for drug issues?
by TONYINCC on Apr 7, 2010 11:59 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
think it was a hurt ankle....
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on Apr 7, 2010 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Question
Raf, you obviously know your stuff including the scheme that Wade runs.
Wade Phillips runs a more one-gap scheme
I have a minor point that it’s not more, it is a one-gap scheme, but let’s not quibble about that.
My real question is haven’t the personel prototypes changed? What you look for in a one-gap system is different from what you look for in a two-gap system. E.g. Ratliff isn’t a two-gap NT, couldn’t be a two-gap NT, and I’m not aware that Dallas is looking for a two-gap NT.
Do you think the same logic applies to the DEs? I.e. Wade’s prototype DE may not be a 6’5" 300lb?
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Apr 7, 2010 7:01 AM CDT reply actions
No one runs a pure
one or two gap. Phillips 3-4 is heavier on one-gap when playing straight-up, but the NT and DEs will often play the player instead of the gap for example when there is a stunt or delayed blitz coming off them. So Rat may not shoot a gap, but instead engage a guard or Center if Brooking in coming behind him on a delayed blitz.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Here's a decent link
http://subscribers.footballguys.com/2009/09bramel_idpguide.php
describing the differences between a one-gap 3-4 and a two-gap 3-4.
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Apr 7, 2010 8:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Right, I get the differences
One is read and react and the other shoots a gap. But two gap teams will run plays where a player is give one-gap responsibility and one-gap schemes use two-gap responsibilities at times. It’s not 100% or they would lack the flexibility to shape plays the way they want, and they would be easy to anticipate and they’d get taken advantage of.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
I'm not sure what your point is
There is a material difference between a one-gap 3-4 and a two-gap 3-4.
And all the analysis I’ve read describes Wade Phillip’s defense as a one-gap 3-4.
I’m happy to stipulate that Wade will run some plays with two-gap principles. He might even mix one-gap & two-gap principles on the same play (e.g. Igor plays 2-gaps on the strong side and Spears plays one-gap on the weak side). The bottom line though is that Dallas’ base defenese is a one-gap 3-4.
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Apr 7, 2010 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions
You just conceded your original minor point
I have a minor point that it’s not more, it is a one-gap scheme
With your acknowledgment in this comment:
I’m happy to stipulate that Wade will run some plays with two-gap principles. He might even mix one-gap & two-gap principles on the same play (e.g. Igor plays 2-gaps on the strong side and Spears plays one-gap on the weak side).
to make the jump to the next level, Odrick said today he needs to work on one area. "Just being more violent overall,'' Odrick said. "Play the game and play it right, violently.''
I know Spears has never been a BTB favorite
…but if he continues to play like this year, I hope we keep him. I actually prefer to see guys substituting more. Every-down interior line-men and even LBs can tire through a tough game. Having pass-rush specialists come in for 3rd-down plays means fresher legs for Spears as well.
Through the years, Spears has been solid if not spectacular in run support. I agree with the posters saying he’s worth far more than a 4th rounder.
Try not to get into a pissing match with a skunk :)
Bowen
did pretty well coming in on passing downs. Well, Hatcher showed some flashes as well…but that was a while backl. I think the four down lineman situation we have for passing downs isn’t too bad right now. Ware, Spencer, Ratliff, then Bowen or Hatcher.
I definitely hope we go BPA.
Hatcher is a head scratcher
showed a fair bit of promise early on, and it never went any further.
by I_miss_Switzer on Apr 7, 2010 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Spears is like Hamlin
Gets the job done, except in the “making plays” department. Just like Hamlin didn’t give up big plays, Spears must’ve had a big part in our run D that hardly ever gives up a 100 yard rusher.
Spears doesn’t have a monstrous contract though. I think we’d be foolish not to keep him.
I think that's what they are planning
keep him as long as it makes sense, but just like Canty, he’s not one of the defense’s foundational players and as soon as there is an equivalent player at a better price, he becomes expendable.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Keep him for this year and then what
Next season he’ll be an UFA and if Dallas doesn’t re-sign him, they get nothing in trade.
If they don’t trade him this year, they miss the boat.
to make the jump to the next level, Odrick said today he needs to work on one area. "Just being more violent overall,'' Odrick said. "Play the game and play it right, violently.''
I would too
I just don’t see where the support for Gaither comes from; also the tacit awe for Micheal Oher. I didn’t get to see any Ravens games this year. I did see that their line was good and they were in the play offs again, ripping off huge runs against NE.
Still, you have to think Gaither, an established player at LOT, is worth more than a #2. If he’s good enough to be LT, why not switch him to RT, if Oher is such a sure thing. And why would the Ravens create a new whole, in their newly rebuilt line. Replacing Johnathan Ogden was no sure thing so why would they go back in to that battle?
by AustonianAggie on Apr 7, 2010 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
From what I understand,
Gaither has been resistant to moving to right tackle. He wants to stay at left tackle and get left tackle money.
Also, they’ve got another guy who they feel could be a solid right tackle. They are also low on draft picks; the thought was that they might want to pick up some draft picks for him while they can.
I don’t know if any of it is true, but those are the rumors.
That's my understanding as well
but Gaither has been only solid at LT, not outstanding. If the team judges him to be no better than Free, why sacrifice a pick for him?
I suspect the team thinks its starting line is set for success – Free, Kosier, Gurode, Davis, Colombo. I think they will focus on depth and getting guys ready to step in next year and the year after for Gurode, Kosier, Davis and Colombo as they age.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Dallas with Emmitt tended to be a right handed team
I can imagine with Free, Dallas running pulls to the right with Free or Kosier, springing Felix around the RT
by AustonianAggie on Apr 7, 2010 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions
The support comes from
The fact that he’s 6-9 340lbs, played LT in the NFL at a high level, and is only 24 years old, barely older than the rookies.
Now do you see?
to make the jump to the next level, Odrick said today he needs to work on one area. "Just being more violent overall,'' Odrick said. "Play the game and play it right, violently.''
The biggest question mark is the spinal injury.
Which in the past has been enough to scare away teams from high end offensive linemen. I’m actually one of the people in support of bringing in Gaither, this despite being one of the people who is unquestionably certain that Free can play left tackle. My thinking is simple; if you can get both Gaither and Free signed to long-term contracts, you can then lock down both of your starting tackle positions for 5+ years. Theoretically, you can do the same with a draft pick, but Gaither has the advantage of being a proven NFL starter from a damned good offensive line.
Of course, this is contingent on Gaither passing a physical. After all, there’s a reason spinal injuries can scare off teams. However, if you can get Gaither for a second round pick as has been rumored, I think he’s worth the risk.
I don't know that anyone is "unquestionably certain" about Free
but it is odd that so many people with limited access to the players, limited access to coaches tape and limited (to some degree) knowledge of the game have a better idea than the team about Free’s ability. I’m pretty sure everyone from Jerry on down knows that LT is lynchpin OL position and they need to get it right. I guess I’ll panic when the ship starts taking on water rather than when I book my passage…
Bringing on Gaither probably constitutes a luxury the team can’t or doesn’t want to pay. They must think Colombo is good for a few more seasons, so they have time to bring on a cheaper developmental T to replace him long term. They also must think that Flo was not going to be adequate this upcoming season.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
I was pretty excited about maybe getting Gaither
But after Jerry stated that Free was more “Left Tacklish” (my spellcheck doesn’t recognize Jerry speak) than Right Tacklish, I felt like Gaither wasn’t going to be coming to Dallas. Just a gut feeling that they are content with Free at LT and Colombo at RT for 2010.
to make the jump to the next level, Odrick said today he needs to work on one area. "Just being more violent overall,'' Odrick said. "Play the game and play it right, violently.''
KC Joyner was very high on Gaither
Gaither has been a starter for the past two seasons, and in that time his metrics have been nothing short of superb. He has allowed only seven total sacks in 27 games and only one of these was a “one-on-one sack” (defined as when a defender beats a blocker in a one-on-one environment and tackles the quarterback in the pocket within three seconds of the snap).
That illustrates Gaither’s dominant pass-blocking skills, but his run-blocking numbers are also quite notable. Gaither was at the point of attack (POA) on 300 running plays the past two years, and he won his block 255 times, or 85 percent of the time.
That is a solid number on its own, but his 2009 POA win rate of 89.0 percent is even more noteworthy. To put that total into perspective, consider that in a typical NFL season, fewer than one out of 10 offensive linemen will crack the 90 percent POA win mark. Gaither was on the precipice of that mark last year despite battling injuries.
Put these two factors together and it equals a truly elite blindside blocker. Add to this the question marks surrounding many of the left tackles in this year’s draft and it means Gaither is hands down the best choice in the market at his position, especially since acquiring him reportedly will cost only a second-round pick.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=5046443
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Apr 7, 2010 5:27 PM CDT reply actions
Which only adds to the mystery
Gaither is in camp for the voluntary workouts even though he isn’t signed. He originally wasn’t going to show, but then again, he wasn’t required to since a) he isn’t signed and b) they’re “voluntary”(which everyone knows is BS). The fact that he even showed with just mild pressure from the organization calls into question the work ethic claim. At least partially anyways.
For the record, I’ve heard those same claims against him from some Ravens fans that wouldn’t be too broken hearted to see him go. I chalk at least some of that up to the usual “fans are never satisfied” syndrome.
As for the durability, yeah, that neck injury from last season gives me pause. I’d want a VERY thorough physical on him before any money or picks changed hands.
Rabid and luvin' it
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