The Cowboys 1st-round pick Anthony Spencer is proving to be a very quick study at the OLB position. We all know he can rush the passer, especially with his hand on the ground, but the early reports from minicamp and the OTA’s say that Spencer is picking up the nuances of a 3-4 OLB.
During this week's organized team activities, Spencer is showing he might be a fast learner as he makes the switch from defensive end at Purdue to outside linebacker for the Cowboys.
In Thursday's voluntary workout, Spencer nearly had an interception of a pass in the flat from quarterback Matt Baker to fullback Deon Anderson. At the snap, his first read was on the tight end, but when Anderson went wide, Spencer followed.
"It's just knowing where you're supposed to be and reacting," said Spencer, who rarely dropped into coverage at Purdue. "I was mad I dropped it."
I got high hopes for the kid, and depending on Greg Ellis’ return from injury, we might need him to play early and often this year. And guess who’s helping him out the most.
Spencer has been in Ellis' ear since arriving at Valley Ranch, sitting behind the veteran in meetings and asking question after question. During breaks Thursday, Ellis showed Spencer the finer points of footwork, especially against the run.
Now that’s the Greg Ellis we like to hear about. The team player who is ready to help out the young guys. Even if that guy is being groomed to take his spot. I ripped Ellis for his complaining earlier, so I’ll give him a kudos for helping out a young and inexperienced Anthony Spencer.
Hat tip to Deke for the link.