Drafting a Guard or Center is Dallas's best bet to catch the Giants
by AustonianAggie on Jan 25, 2012 9:06 PM CST
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PrintI was reading ChiaCrack's post about a possible switch to the 43, and I read BED's writing on the O-Ring Theory. They gave me a lot to think about, and so I tried to plan a way to spend resources in a way that eliminates deficient play universally.
O-Ring Theory implies that eliminating weakness is more valuable than gaining strengths when the weaknesses cause systemic failure. A result of this is the diminishing value of the 2nd WR. A terrible 2nd WR requires as much coverage as an average WR, and is just as likely to be covered. A bad WR is a weakness you can cover up. A bad Secondary is not. Dallas's spending on WR Roy Williams has seriously hindered the team to this time, because of the misspent assets he represents.
Dallas has enough stars. Demarcus Ware can be enough of a pass rush, Most of us fans believe Dallas have sufficient to great skill position players. What I want Dallas to emerge with in 2012 is an incredible offensive line and defense.
Dallas can achieve that goal by spending moderately on several young veteran FAs. FA is going to have a large impact on Dallas' draft, probably changing who Dallas selects #1. Jerry has been talking like he plans to spend. I hope he spends on young players for cheap. Knowing Jerry like we do, he'll target a star player.
I don't even know who is headed for free agency right now. Houston letting Mario Williams go is not a foregone conclusion. Dallas can achieve a great offensive line and defense through the draft and with it's own players and I'll explore that here.
Ultimately our defense and interior offensive line are so bad its going to take more than one offseason to put Dallas in the Superbowl. Dallas needs a habit of developing mid-round players at guard and in the secondary to keep costs low. These are the players who satisfy the O-Ring theory. Your 2nd, 3rd, 4th CB and Ss can be Just A Guys -- JAGs. JAG ain't so Bad! Merely adequate allows the other star players to shine. A guard can afford to be a JAG. This is a plea to give Nagy, Holland and Arkin space to battle it out for a starting Guard spot. This is one Guard spot for 2012.
Dallas needs a couple of competitive centers to both start and back up. Maybe Kolwalski gets stronger. I can only see Dallas signing someone to at least back up Konz if we draft him. At least Dallas will have some foresight this time and not suddenly launch in to the season adrift at this spot.
Picking at 14 will not land Dallas a value worthy Cornerback or Safety, bit it will land an elite Guard or Line Backer.
I hope the 43 defense is practically a forgone conclusion. Fixing the 34 has become an albatross for Jerry and the Fanbase. Dallas produced an historic worse defense in 2010. Dallas has a proud defensive history. Our fans remember good 43 defenses. Our management must also see the Giants, clinging on, then getting results from their investment in pure pass rushers and a 43.
It's my view you'll never see Ware in coverage again. LDE, he never leaves the field, practically. Multifaceted has made this team less focused.
Anthony Spencer will be retained at a reasonable price. I expected him to be like Willie McGinist, and he's not. Spencer has produced about 5.66 sacks a year the last 3 years, with 4 a year over his career, while McGinest produced 7.1 a year over his career. Spencer seems like a great run down (1st and 2nd down) DE and a great 3rd, rotating DE. Still, forced to be the #2 pass rushing threat, he's adequate and not leaving a gashing sore on defense. Adequate Antony.
Jay Ratlif I'm hoping to see him lined up at DT, in the 3 spot, which puts him directly in front of a guard. Our good and developing NTs will line up on the other side on the center, in between the center and the guard. He'll force Jay in to many 1 on 1 situations. It could be a good season for him.
I like the specialization of the 43, more than anything. It takes a thin position, which is DLine, and thickens it quickly.
a front 4 of:
Ware | Spears | Ratliff | Spencer
vs
Ware | Spears | Ratliff | Coleman | Spencer
We're making the unit more focused and decreasing their responsibilities. Responsibility is the key word in a 34 -- Belicheck's great defenders in 2001-05 were all pretty old and had survived in the league for ever. He had even had a role in drafting them when he was DC in New England in the mid 90s. Dallas hasn't had a staff that consistent, allowing for an almost decade long relationship. I hope Garrett gets that chance.
Our LBs - Another thing I like about this is it separates Lee from Ware, so now two elite players, two levels.
Carter | Lee | Must Draft...
Last 34 comment- based on resigning Spencer, switching to the 43 basically switches out Kenyon Coleman with a new LB. We can't draft JJ Watt because no one is like him this year, but I agree with ChiaCrack that we can draft Luke Kuechly, but won't.
Our secondary, today as far as I can tell-
Jenkins | Elam | Sensabaugh | Scandrick
Newman used to be really good now he's way below average. The secondary above looks average. There are no draftable upgrades that will impact it immediately.
Dallas can either draft Luke Kuechly or David DeCastro in my view. That is a really tough decision. So many needs and a Roy Williams trade does that to you. I sense this year, Dallas fans will not know months in advance who the Cowboys will select, unlike with Bryant, Smith and others.
I believe Dallas will draft Guard first, David DeCastro. He represents a serious investment in countering the best assets of the Giants and Eagles defense. 2 Elite tackles + 1 elite guard and 2 ok players is a recipe for a dominant offensive line and a time eating ground game. Score in the red zone, force them to pass, line up DWare. If DeCastro is gone Konz of Wisconsin would seriously help a deficient area. Either way I see pick one shoring a weakness of ours and dulling a strength of our opponent's.
This is why pick one will go to the offense. Protect Tony Romo, impact the Giants and Eagles, help the Cowboys score in the running game, give FB Tony Fiamata meaning, and eat time off the clock. Dallas's best assets are Demarcus Ware and it's passing game. This could elevate the running game up to Tony Romo's passing game. That would be 3 strengths, one move.
1. GUARD David DeCastro or Center Konz of Wisonsin
Defense the rest of the way; Dallas needs somebody to play LB and CB.
Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.
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I dont like kuechly
His instincts are there, but he’s not a very good athlete. If we make a pick to convert to 4-3 why not a 4-3 olb like zach brown from UNC or Hell vontaaaaaaze burfict? Lee will undoubtedly be our Mike lb. I don’t think we’ll keep Spencer, garrett and Jones have interviewed a number of different 3-4 olb prospects at the senior bowl. I don’t think Spencer returns, yes he is adequate. Yes we have other holes to address. But why not take another shot at a 1st round pass rusher? If we really want to improve, let Spencer walk. Use that $ to sign an interior o lineman, a young corner like brandon Carr, then go into the draft with the intention of selecting a top pass rush prospect. I think that Ingram, Upshaw, Mercilus, Perry, and Chandler Jones could do better than Spencer right now. With around $26M to work with, we could even sign an upgrade over Coleman and a veteran serviceable ilb to spell lee and carter. Or perhaps take someone like lavonte David in the 4th as a nickel lb. I don’t think decastro will make it to us, the chiefs O line needs work all around, they would probably rather have the best guard prospect in years than the fourth best tackle (based on speculation from reading a discussion between two chiefs fans on mockingthedraft). I’m not willing to allocate significant cap room to Spencer, and I don’t think jerry is either. Spencer wants a payday, let him go get it. Let us sign a pass rusher in the draft for cheap, they may bust harder than Spencer, but that doesn’t mean you don’t try.
by matt575 on Jan 25, 2012 9:38 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Zach Brown isn't the player you think he is...
Here’s a fun drinking game, take a shot for every tackle Zach Brown whiffs on in this clip:
I gaurantee by the time you finish the video that you’ll be too wasted to respond back, lol.
Two forks in my eye > Watching an Aubrey Huff at-bat in '11
Let me try that again.
Here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbmVlF-oLA8
Two forks in my eye > Watching an Aubrey Huff at-bat in '11
True... but what do I do with the pick and the lights-out hit?
I’ll trade-up on the missed tackles
Where would Kuechly fit in?
Cowboys drafted Bruce Carter in the 2nd last year to play next to Lee inside in the 3-4
If they switch to a 4-3 than Lee would be in the middle and Carter at Strongside. Kuechly can’t play weakside?
by bitterlyhonest on Jan 25, 2012 10:23 PM CST reply actions
I don't see us switching to a pure 4-3 D. There will undoubtedly be more 4-3 sets,
but that is the nature of RR’s scheme, confuse the opposing O. Kuechly would strictly be a 4-3 player and is an unlikely target IMO. If we go D with the first pick, I see ingram as the choice because of his explosiveness and diversity. He can line up anywhere and would be the perfect compliment for D Ware. Upshaw would be my second choice as the likely pick.
I firmly believe that Protecting Romo at all costs should be the first priority, I would look for two starters on the OL, either Nicks and DeCastro, Grubbs and DeCastro, or if DeCastro is unavailable get Ingram and a guard in the second. Konz is a possibility in lieu of DeCastro’ but his dislocated ankle must be cleared medically.
In addition, we need to look for a CB or Safety in FA. Our second or 3rd round pick should be a secondary pick as well. I believe we target 2-3 FAs, then go BPA throughout the draft. Our needs will be filled with this approach.
Wish you were here and comfortably numb.
The Cowboys will not switch to 4-3 defense
Jerry has stated they want to model their defense off the Ravens, and he’s also said that their plans are to have Lee and Carter be their version of Willis and Bowman.
If they switch to 4-3, they would unquestionably have to draft another starting ILB to play Will since Carter would play Sam.
They won’t do it.
They will however, address DL by drafting a DT who can play the nose, and moving Ratliff to the DE position. They will possibly target a 3-4 DE in the second round, such as, Jared Crick if he’s healthy.
You also have to consider, that our defense will still struggle to generate consistent pressure beyond Ware and Ratliff.
Also, as far as I know, the Patriots only used Willie McGinest as a DE in SB XXXIX vs the Eagles. Otherwise he played as a 3-4 OLB throughout his career.
"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."
by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 11:03 PM CST via mobile reply actions
you act like health is ever a concern for our second rounder
I keed I keed. But I seriously agree with what your saying here.
by matt575 on Jan 26, 2012 2:55 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I have read that they were trying to get brent to bulk up
So, they may not draft a NT and use him instead.
dude Brent is already listed at 320
how much bigger do you need?
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST
by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 26, 2012 12:07 PM CST up reply actions
CB
Even Bill Cowher pinpointed the Cowboys O-Ring weakness. Jenkins/Scandrick as our last line of defense is a joke. Then suppose Jenkins wants to bail the year after? Do you think next’s year’s CB prospects will be any better?
There are 4 guys who are as good as Newman now. More importantly, they will be an upgrade for the next 4 years. If Kirkpatrick doesn’t fall, then trade down if picking Jenkins.v2 at #14 offends your sense of fairness.
They may take gilmore strait up at #14
I’ve seen some scouts who regard Gilmore as the #2 cb. It may be a bit of a reach at #14, but if the guy you want is there, sometimes you just stand pat and take him. Hell, look at Al Davis (RIP) taking Janikowski in the first.
by matt575 on Jan 26, 2012 2:58 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
If Gilmore is the pick at 14 I'll throw up
Too much talent there to be taking a chance on a corner that runs a 4.5
I think we should sure up our D-line...
DallasCowboys.com thinks so too…
God 1st, Family Always & Dallas Cowboys 4 Life!!!!!
I don't like spending our high pick on a guard
We will have to wait till the combine to see if DeCastro is the superman everyone is claiming he is.If we can’t get a D lineman or DB then I would hope we can trade down.
I do agree our DBs are way below average and we must get at least one shutdown corner or we are doomed to repeat this years terrible performance.
by TCB Orange Dino on Jan 26, 2012 1:24 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
JMO, but Decastro is overrated
Let’s see what he does at the Combine. Either way #14 for a interior lineman too high
#14 for a interior lineman is too high
unless he is Steve Hutchenson.
by Jonathan Stern on Jan 26, 2012 11:33 AM CST up reply actions
The way to catch the Giants is to have better players
Drafting a Guard or Center is Dallas’s best bet to catch the Giants
That is not so, I just completely disagree with that sort of thinking
The way to catch the Giants is to have better players.
Reaching for a player to fill a need is never ever a good idea.
If DeCastro is a special guy then you take him as a BPA but not cause he is a guard and not cause he fills a need.
Now DeCastro i might be a special guy, he gets a very high grade from Wes Bunting and that he fills a need is a bonus.
But if DeCastro is not there that means now we have to take Peter Konz which would be a reach at 14 and if he is not there then we have to now take Kevin Zeitler at 14 which would be a huge reach?
But this offensive lineman or bust thinking is just as bad as the lets trade down from #9 stuff from last year.
Yes, reaching for need will have us playing whack-a-mole
We fill our needs via FA. Landing Nicks and a CB would be like Christmas morning for me. Then we could go BPA in the draft. That’s how our future stars emerge.
"How 'Bout them Cowboys!"---Jimmy Johnson
"...and the Cowboys...STUN the Bills!"--ESPN MNF
best player at 14 might be an OLB
if we don’t trade up to get Claiborne… we definitely need players in 4 different areas and we got burned on defending the screen, Upshaw seems to be quicker to react than Spencer so dont be surprised if…
Very Possible off season
But if the Cowboys
If the the Cowboys got
Mario Williams F/A
Decastro first
Janoris Jenkins with a trade up in the high second
Chandler Jones with a trade up in the third
that would scare the Giants – wouldn’ t it?
alternative off season
Keep Spencer
DeCastro first
Janoris Jenkins trade up high second
Chandler Jones trade up high third
Free agent Jason Jones
slight variation
Ditch Spencer
Sign Mario Williams, mathis (guard, to screw the eagles) and brandon Carr
Draft melvin ingram 1st round
Ta’amu 2nd round
Trade up in 3rd and take chandler jones
Then let the D go EAT!
by matt575 on Jan 26, 2012 7:35 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I don’ t know if we could afford that much FA
also we ought to find away to take advantage of all the talented CBs in this draft
by Jonathan Stern on Jan 26, 2012 8:40 AM CST up reply actions
Drafting a Guard of Center surley isnt the answer of catching the Giants or Eagles
Not even close. This team needs defense and alot of it. Get the Guard in FA or later in the draft, but not with the #14 pick.
by Boyzfan94 on Jan 26, 2012 10:13 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
this is my new mock
I really am not impressed by De Castro
if we can’t get Ingram
1 Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama – I know the wrong kind of guy
As long as Jenkins can alleviate concerns about his off-the-field issues in pre-draft interviews there is no reason why he shouldn’t find a home somewhere in those initial thirty-two picks. Jenkins has taken care of his business this week.
2 Senio Kelemete, G, Washington
An athletic player who lacks ideal height and arm length for offensive tackles, but has enough height for a guard…as impressive range…fires out of his stance…still plays like a defensive linemen, agressive and strong…has a mean streak in his game…usually plays with good leverage…really nice run blocker
3 Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State
Has great versatility: Has lined up at DE, OLB, and ILB. Motor that doesn’t stop. Great team leader. Great first step, or at least gets up the field quickly with timingChanges direction very well………Violent hitter
4 Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State
looked good in man and solid in zone. That coverage ability should be a feather in Bradham’s cap.
5 Dominique Hamilton, DT, Missouri
Hamilton is well overlooked and could get a boost from the down defensive line class. Hamilton is intriguing because of his overall body structure, deceptive athleticism, and potential to fill out to play nose tackle. There aren’t many players who can excel at nose tackle in the N.F.L. which makes Hamilton a potential rarity and he could see a boost in his stock
6 Chris Rainey, WR/RB/KR/PR, Florida
looked better as a wide receiver than a running back this week, although he would prefer to stay primarily in the backfield. Rainey used his elite speed to gain separation from cornerbacks
6 Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois
7 TE / P/OT/ ETC
"Do you want to be safe and good, or do you want to take a chance and be great?"
good stuff dude
"I got the 9 on me so I think I'm Romo"
Fabolous
by Archie Barberio on Jan 26, 2012 11:02 AM CST reply actions
The way to get the giants is the same way they get us...
Get better players. That’s as simple as that.
F**** establishing a culture, we need to establish dominance...
well getting better WRs doesn't seem to help
check out my bands nanoSMASH and Day vs Night
by AustonianAggie on Jan 26, 2012 12:00 PM CST up reply actions
I am advocating getting a better O Line
because a better O Line would stop the Giants fantastic D Line.
check out my bands nanoSMASH and Day vs Night
by AustonianAggie on Jan 26, 2012 12:01 PM CST reply actions
but hasn't the Giants' D line shown
that a D line is what we need to get pressure on the QB, which will help our secondary.
"How 'Bout them Cowboys!"---Jimmy Johnson
"...and the Cowboys...STUN the Bills!"--ESPN MNF
I pretty much disagree across the board.
You recognize that the Giants have invested in their pass rushers (something the Cowboys haven’t done at all) and then conclude that the difference is somehow the system. Surely the answer couldn’t be to invest in pass rushers for the 3-4, right?
I mean seriously people, the logic on here is getting ridiculous.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Creasy729 on Jan 26, 2012 2:25 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
system of 34? I just don’t like the 34. I like the specialization of roles in the 43.
My way to catch the Giants is by investing in Olinemen, to counter their investment in Dlinemen
check out my bands nanoSMASH and Day vs Night
by AustonianAggie on Jan 26, 2012 5:39 PM CST up reply actions
I’m sick of Dallas trying to fix the 34D, it’s a shame that year Ellis got hurt, c2006. That was probably the most talented Dallas D we had, the 2009 players were actually young.
check out my bands nanoSMASH and Day vs Night
by AustonianAggie on Jan 26, 2012 5:40 PM CST up reply actions
“most talented D we had, as a 34”
check out my bands nanoSMASH and Day vs Night
by AustonianAggie on Jan 26, 2012 5:40 PM CST up reply actions
No, they "just want it more."
I’ve heard that ridiculous argument a few times lol
"How 'Bout them Cowboys!"---Jimmy Johnson
"...and the Cowboys...STUN the Bills!"--ESPN MNF
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