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Jordan hill reminds me of montavius Stanley
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From Pete Prisco. A lot of guys I like for us on this list:
The 2013 draft's 'Better-than' Team
April 15, 2013 1:49 pm ET
Defensive tackle Michael Brockers was a first-round pick out of LSU in 2012 by the St. Louis Rams. Defensive end Barkevious Mingo might go in the first round this year, and fellow end Sam Montgomery would go high as well if there weren't some off-field concerns by teams.
So I spent a lot of time studying the LSU front the past two years.
The guy that people are sleeping on is defensive tackle Bennie Logan, a fast, tough, athletic player who, at times, looked like a potential Pro Bowl player during his career at LSU.
Logan never quite lived up to the star billing. But at 6-2, 309 pounds, he has great quickness, is strong at the point of attack and does a great job of using his hands. He had only five sacks the past two seasons, but he is capable of getting upfield as a pass rusher. He is a former defensive end who has bulked up, so the speed is there.
Brockers had two sacks in his LSU career but had 4 1/2 last season for the Rams. I am not saying Logan is as good as Brockers, but he can be a quality starter in the NFL.
That's why he is the headliner/captain of this year's "Better-than" Team. That's my annual team made up of guys that I think will be better than most scouts think they will be on the next level.
Logan was a better player at LSU in 2011, when he had Brockers next to him, but he made a lot of plays the past two seasons. One of my favorites came against Alabama in the national championship game after the 2011 season.
Lined up inside of then-tackle Barrett Jones and guard Chance Warmack, he knifed inside of Jones and was too quick for Warmack, stopping Trent Richardson for a short gain. Warmack, by the way, will be a high first-round pick next week.
Warmack did get some good blocks on Logan in that game, but it wasn't as if he mauled him. Logan held his own against him.
Logan was so highly thought of by the LSU staff that they gave him jersey No. 18 last year, which goes to the player who best represents LSU off and on the field.
Landing a guy like Logan in the third round could prove to be a big hit for the team that takes him.
Here's the rest of the 2013 Better-than Team, which rarely includes potential first-round picks but rather guys from down the line.
Cornellius "Tank" Carradine, DE, FSU -- I watched a lot of tape of FSU end Bjoern Werner, and this kid was better. He tore his ACL late last season, so the medical is in play, but I really like him as a pass rusher. He'd be a sure first-round pick if not for the knee.
Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn -- He is a smallish pass rusher who needs to gain some weight. But he has speed off the edge and could be an effective nickel rusher early in his career.
Jeff Tuel, QB, Washington State -- This often-injured quarterback flashed at times during his career. He will make for a nice late-round pick with a chance to be a quality backup for a long time.
Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma -- He ran better times than expected, which will help his draft stock. He plays the position with a swagger, which you want from a receiver.
Jonathan Franklin, RB, UCLA -- He's the most-underrated runner in this draft. He will be a quality starter for a team in a year or two.
Akeem Spence, DT, Illinois -- I almost made him the captain of this team but went with Logan instead. Spence is a power player who played better in 2011, but I think the team that gets him will end up with a quality starting defensive tackle.
Terry Hawthorne, CB, Illinois -- He has good size, can cover and is a willing tackler. He's another player on the Illinois roster who was better in 2011.
Brandon Magee, LB, Arizona State -- Injuries slowed him at ASU, but he is a heck of a linebacker. He is smallish, but he plays fast, which you need in the current NFL.
Michael Clay, LB, Oregon -- He is small at 230 pounds. But when I watched Dion Jordan on tape, I saw this kid flash at times. Worth a late-round pick.
Marquise Goodwin, WR, Texas -- Speed kills, and this former Olympian has plenty of it. He has also developed into a nice receiver. He is small but explosive.
Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia -- He doesn't have blazing speed, but he plays fast. He is a good route runner who knows how to get separation.
Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati -- He had some off-field concerns during his time with the Bearcats, but he might be the best all-around tight end in this draft. He can block and can catch.
Jordan Hill, DT, Penn State -- This underrated defensive tackle did a nice job in the middle of the Penn State defense in 2012. He is more quickness than power.
Brian Schwenke, C, Cal -- He was a starter at guard before moving to center last season. He is athletic and can get to the second level. Does need to get stronger with players on his nose.
Oday Aboushi, T-G, Virginia -- This college tackle will likely have to move inside to guard on the next level. But they're have been some Pro Bowl guards who have made the same transition. He can do it.
Terrence Williams, WR, Baylor -- When I watched Kendall Wright to prepare for the 2012 draft, my eyes kept going to Williams. With Wright gone, he lived up to what I expected in 2012.
Menelik Watson, T, Florida State -- He is a raw one-year starter for the Seminoles, but he has all the tools. He's big, strong and athletic. This former basketball player will be a solid 10-year starter in the league. He could go in the first round.
Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina -- He is big at 6-7, 275 and has a nice wingspan. The concern is that his production went down at South Carolina. But he has the tools to be a spot pass rusher on the next level.
Josh Boyce, WR, TCU -- With the slot receiver becoming such an integral part of the passing games, Boyce could be a steal. He will move inside in the NFL from playing outside for TCU. He is coming back from a broken bone in his foot.
Levine Toilolo, TE, Stanford -- He is Stanford's other tight end behind Zach Ertz. Toilolo was hurt by a so-so 2012 season, but he looked like a solid third-round pick in 2011. He is tall and can be a nice second tight end.
The 2013 draft's 'Better-than' Team
April 15, 2013 1:49 pm ET
Defensive tackle Michael Brockers was a first-round pick out of LSU in 2012 by the St. Louis Rams. Defensive end Barkevious Mingo might go in the first round this year, and fellow end Sam Montgomery would go high as well if there weren't some off-field concerns by teams.
So I spent a lot of time studying the LSU front the past two years.
The guy that people are sleeping on is defensive tackle Bennie Logan, a fast, tough, athletic player who, at times, looked like a potential Pro Bowl player during his career at LSU.
Logan never quite lived up to the star billing. But at 6-2, 309 pounds, he has great quickness, is strong at the point of attack and does a great job of using his hands. He had only five sacks the past two seasons, but he is capable of getting upfield as a pass rusher. He is a former defensive end who has bulked up, so the speed is there.
Brockers had two sacks in his LSU career but had 4 1/2 last season for the Rams. I am not saying Logan is as good as Brockers, but he can be a quality starter in the NFL.
That's why he is the headliner/captain of this year's "Better-than" Team. That's my annual team made up of guys that I think will be better than most scouts think they will be on the next level.
Logan was a better player at LSU in 2011, when he had Brockers next to him, but he made a lot of plays the past two seasons. One of my favorites came against Alabama in the national championship game after the 2011 season.
Lined up inside of then-tackle Barrett Jones and guard Chance Warmack, he knifed inside of Jones and was too quick for Warmack, stopping Trent Richardson for a short gain. Warmack, by the way, will be a high first-round pick next week.
Warmack did get some good blocks on Logan in that game, but it wasn't as if he mauled him. Logan held his own against him.
Logan was so highly thought of by the LSU staff that they gave him jersey No. 18 last year, which goes to the player who best represents LSU off and on the field.
Landing a guy like Logan in the third round could prove to be a big hit for the team that takes him.
Here's the rest of the 2013 Better-than Team, which rarely includes potential first-round picks but rather guys from down the line.
Cornellius "Tank" Carradine, DE, FSU -- I watched a lot of tape of FSU end Bjoern Werner, and this kid was better. He tore his ACL late last season, so the medical is in play, but I really like him as a pass rusher. He'd be a sure first-round pick if not for the knee.
Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn -- He is a smallish pass rusher who needs to gain some weight. But he has speed off the edge and could be an effective nickel rusher early in his career.
Jeff Tuel, QB, Washington State -- This often-injured quarterback flashed at times during his career. He will make for a nice late-round pick with a chance to be a quality backup for a long time.
Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma -- He ran better times than expected, which will help his draft stock. He plays the position with a swagger, which you want from a receiver.
Jonathan Franklin, RB, UCLA -- He's the most-underrated runner in this draft. He will be a quality starter for a team in a year or two.
Akeem Spence, DT, Illinois -- I almost made him the captain of this team but went with Logan instead. Spence is a power player who played better in 2011, but I think the team that gets him will end up with a quality starting defensive tackle.
Terry Hawthorne, CB, Illinois -- He has good size, can cover and is a willing tackler. He's another player on the Illinois roster who was better in 2011.
Brandon Magee, LB, Arizona State -- Injuries slowed him at ASU, but he is a heck of a linebacker. He is smallish, but he plays fast, which you need in the current NFL.
Michael Clay, LB, Oregon -- He is small at 230 pounds. But when I watched Dion Jordan on tape, I saw this kid flash at times. Worth a late-round pick.
Marquise Goodwin, WR, Texas -- Speed kills, and this former Olympian has plenty of it. He has also developed into a nice receiver. He is small but explosive.
Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia -- He doesn't have blazing speed, but he plays fast. He is a good route runner who knows how to get separation.
Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati -- He had some off-field concerns during his time with the Bearcats, but he might be the best all-around tight end in this draft. He can block and can catch.
Jordan Hill, DT, Penn State -- This underrated defensive tackle did a nice job in the middle of the Penn State defense in 2012. He is more quickness than power.
Brian Schwenke, C, Cal -- He was a starter at guard before moving to center last season. He is athletic and can get to the second level. Does need to get stronger with players on his nose.
Oday Aboushi, T-G, Virginia -- This college tackle will likely have to move inside to guard on the next level. But they're have been some Pro Bowl guards who have made the same transition. He can do it.
Terrence Williams, WR, Baylor -- When I watched Kendall Wright to prepare for the 2012 draft, my eyes kept going to Williams. With Wright gone, he lived up to what I expected in 2012.
Menelik Watson, T, Florida State -- He is a raw one-year starter for the Seminoles, but he has all the tools. He's big, strong and athletic. This former basketball player will be a solid 10-year starter in the league. He could go in the first round.
Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina -- He is big at 6-7, 275 and has a nice wingspan. The concern is that his production went down at South Carolina. But he has the tools to be a spot pass rusher on the next level.
Josh Boyce, WR, TCU -- With the slot receiver becoming such an integral part of the passing games, Boyce could be a steal. He will move inside in the NFL from playing outside for TCU. He is coming back from a broken bone in his foot.
Levine Toilolo, TE, Stanford -- He is Stanford's other tight end behind Zach Ertz. Toilolo was hurt by a so-so 2012 season, but he looked like a solid third-round pick in 2011. He is tall and can be a nice second tight end.
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Starting to visualize a few guys in a cowboys uniform.
I smell big trade down but fuck man a warmack jersey would be sweet. It should come with the front all tucked in.
Would probably be my favorite pick In many years .
I smell big trade down but fuck man a warmack jersey would be sweet. It should come with the front all tucked in.
Would probably be my favorite pick In many years .
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CBSSportsline guys all updated their mocks this week. Brugler and Kirwin both had us taking Sheldon Richardson. Prisco had us with Warmack and Rang had us with Sylvester Williams.
All 4 guys had Williams going in the first round. 3 of the 4 had Manelik Watson going first round, with prisco having him going 15th overall now. 2 of the 4 guys had Eric Reid going in the first now (both to the Rams at 22)
Prisco had both Warmack and Cooper available for us at 18 (he took Warmack as noted above). For the 2nd straight time though I noticed Pat Kirwin didn't have Cooper in his first round at all. I wonder if he has heard something. The first time I thought it might be an oversight on his part, but with it happening on two consecutive versions, I now think otherwise.
All 4 guys had Williams going in the first round. 3 of the 4 had Manelik Watson going first round, with prisco having him going 15th overall now. 2 of the 4 guys had Eric Reid going in the first now (both to the Rams at 22)
Prisco had both Warmack and Cooper available for us at 18 (he took Warmack as noted above). For the 2nd straight time though I noticed Pat Kirwin didn't have Cooper in his first round at all. I wonder if he has heard something. The first time I thought it might be an oversight on his part, but with it happening on two consecutive versions, I now think otherwise.
Cowboysrule122
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If for some reason we didn't go OL at 18, I wouldn't be upset if we drafted either Richardson or Williams. But you'd better get an OL with the second round pick.
Warford may not make it to our pick so we might have to go Armstead, Frederick or Barrett Jones. We could even go Brian Winters in the third round. I don't want to wait that long but it depends on who is available. We need to at least hit on one in the second round.
And yes before anyone says anything, I still want Warmack, Cooper or Fluker. In that order. This is only if Warmack and Cooper are gone and we have no interest in Fluker which I think is bullshit.
Warford may not make it to our pick so we might have to go Armstead, Frederick or Barrett Jones. We could even go Brian Winters in the third round. I don't want to wait that long but it depends on who is available. We need to at least hit on one in the second round.
And yes before anyone says anything, I still want Warmack, Cooper or Fluker. In that order. This is only if Warmack and Cooper are gone and we have no interest in Fluker which I think is bullshit.
Slatemosphere
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That would be fucking amazing.
LAZARUS_LOGAN
Pro Bowler
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Where is Silver Bear at these days?
boozeman
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Hangs out at the Ranch sometimes. I assume he is a proud OWN contributor mostly.
Personally, I find him one of the more annoying posters ever.
boozeman
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You mean a dummy who fashions himself a draft expert, makes yearly "spreadsheets" replete with nothing but Texas Longhorns and small college Texas products, but yet claims to do his homework?
No fricking idea.
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Had a lot of problems with him over the years. Mean for the sake of being mean. Had an annoying habit of refusing to use the multi-quote function.
jnday
UDFA
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You can have the job. You would make a great Bear. Now, post some draft shit and act like you are an expert.
jnday
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He is a dumbass. Me and him had problems after last years draft. He typed a very long post and my reply was " you amuse me". The guy went ape shit. I like to piss him off.
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Advanced scouting: Datone Jones
April, 17, 2013
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
To help preview who might be on the Dallas Cowboys’ board for the NFL draft, ESPNDallas.com has identified five players at five key positions that we’d like to learn more about. Along those lines, we’ve asked former Cowboys assistant coach Glenn “Stretch” Smith – the official scout of Galloway & Company – to study tape of each player and give his thoughts.
Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 283 pounds
School: UCLA
Why he’s on the radar: He looks the part in the way a Julius Peppers looks the part. He turned it on for his senior season, especially later in the year. He finished with 6.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss and was one of the most impressive players in the Senior Bowl workouts, as well. He would fit more with the Cowboys in DeMarcus Ware's spot, but showed at UCLA he can play all over the line.
Projection: Late first round, second round
Stretch Truths: Will show an explosive initial step off the ball. … Has some pass rush moves and will punch and separate to get off blocks. … Effort guy but does not have quick turnover to pursue sideline to sideline. … Not sure where to play this kid. … A little light to play as a tackle and not fast enough to play at end.
April, 17, 2013
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
To help preview who might be on the Dallas Cowboys’ board for the NFL draft, ESPNDallas.com has identified five players at five key positions that we’d like to learn more about. Along those lines, we’ve asked former Cowboys assistant coach Glenn “Stretch” Smith – the official scout of Galloway & Company – to study tape of each player and give his thoughts.
Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 283 pounds
School: UCLA
Why he’s on the radar: He looks the part in the way a Julius Peppers looks the part. He turned it on for his senior season, especially later in the year. He finished with 6.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss and was one of the most impressive players in the Senior Bowl workouts, as well. He would fit more with the Cowboys in DeMarcus Ware's spot, but showed at UCLA he can play all over the line.
Projection: Late first round, second round
Stretch Truths: Will show an explosive initial step off the ball. … Has some pass rush moves and will punch and separate to get off blocks. … Effort guy but does not have quick turnover to pursue sideline to sideline. … Not sure where to play this kid. … A little light to play as a tackle and not fast enough to play at end.
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Draft Profile: Sylvester Williams' Age Pushes Him To Cowboys' Board
In 25 games with the Tar Heels, Sylvester Williams had 9 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. (Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)
Bob Sturm
Bob Sturm has hosted his half of the Bob and Dan show (12p-3p) on Sportsradio 1310 The Ticket in Dallas since 1999. A native of Wisconsin, Bob has blogged on the Cowboys, Stars, and Mavericks for 6 years - or since blogging was invented. Follow him on Twitter @SportsSturm
April 15, 2013, 10:17am
Draft Profile: Sylvester Williams' Age Pushes Him To Cowboys' Board
The following is the 4th in a series of draft profiles for the 1st round pick for the Dallas Cowboys. These profiles are put together with the specific needs of the Cowboys in mind, and is an attempt to examine their resumes and game tape to get an idea of who might fit in best with Dallas come draft day. Surely, circumstances will dictate what actually happens on that day, but we will profile the 8-10 most likely candidates and try to kick the tires on each and every scenario an how it relates to the Cowboys in 2013 and beyond.
Sylvester Williams
North Carolina
Defensive Tackle
6'2, 313
40 time: 5.01 Bench Press: 27 Reps
November 21, 1988 (24)
As we get closer and closer to draft day, you can't help but notice that there are plenty of names that we profile that most people think there is no chance the Cowboys will have a chance to take. Admittedly, Chance Warmack is the ideal Cowboys selection, but since there are actually some analysts who think he might go in the Top 5, we might be wasting internet space even speculating about what he could mean to your local NFL franchise.
Then, there are others who get very little buzz and not only seem like legitimate candidates at pick #18, but if the Cowboys like him as much as I do, you could make the case that they might be able to drop down 5 spots and pick up an additional Top 60 or Top 100 pick and still get their guy.
Which brings us to today's study, big Sylvester Williams of North Carolina. When you talk about a disruptive player who can play up and down the defensive line and trouble the opposition all afternoon, this big dude is just the man you are looking for. In 25 games with the Tar Heels, he had 9 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. He demanded double teams and was the focal point of many game plans to make sure they handle properly. This, of course, causes a chain reaction where his mates get more favorable routes to the QB because he is eating up a double team.
So, why, you might be asking, is he most likely still available when the Cowboys will pick? Age.
Williams is 24 years old, and by Thanksgiving Day, he will be 25. That is a very old player to consider taking in the 1st Round of the NFL Draft - and only 16 months younger than Margus Hunt who is thought of as a very old draftee. He took a very odd route to the doorstep of professional football, working in a radiator manufacturing facility right out of high school before moving on to 2 years of community college. He played very little high school football and launched his college football career at a much older age than those around him.
Every year we discuss the guys who are either really, really young (Tyron Smith) or the guys who are really, really old (Margus Hunt). Overall, given the average life spans of NFL players and further the average career of a draft pick with his original team, we are really wasting time speculating on whether this is one of the few guys who will play a decade with you after drafting him. That is a very, very small group of players and the likelihood therefore is minute.
However, if you feel strongly enough to take a player in the draft, you had better hope he sees 2 full contracts with you (Hello, Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins), and therefore it is reasonable to consider whether or not you like Williams enough to understand that age could be an issue down the road. At the same time, the other way to look at that is to say that if Sylvester Williams was a normal 22 year old draftee, then he would not have a chance to make it down to you at #18.
Sylvester Williams looks like an ideal fit at those two defensive tackle positions that the 4-3 demands. You have the 1-technique who shades the center's shoulder and the 3-technique who is on the opposite guard's outside shoulder. Both players have to be able to have a quick jump at the snap that allows them to penetrate the A-Gap (center-guard) and the B-Gap (guard-tackle). He must possess the ability to be quick in tight spaces and have the strength to push through and get to his destination when the OL gets its hands on the player. Williams has both of these attributes for a man his size.
Basically, as I imagined the Monte Kiffin defense, I have had a hard time finding the ideal Warren Sapp comparable. Either the prospects are too big and slow or are super quick but lack that real power. Williams is the closest thing I have seen that has great quickness and super power.
He is rough around the edges (as a guy who hasn't played for years) and will need some coaching. This added to his 24 year old number will keep him from being the belle of the ball. But, put the tape on below and tell me he isn't something the Cowboys currently lack.
Here are some youtube cut-ups for your own personal eye-ball test. Find the DT who wears #92 and watch:
Vs Virginia Tech
Vs Virginia
Vs NC State
The Case For Dallas Taking Sylvester Williams at #18: This is the first of our profiles where I actually think there is a greater than 50% chance that he is there and exactly what they need. I would still hope for the 2 guards (Warmack and Cooper) first, but I honestly like Williams more than Sharrif Floyd which either shows you that I am nuts or that I don't totally care what the crowd thinks (or that I have no projection skills). Regardless, the Cowboys defensive line has lacked disruptive forces on the interior for some time, and with Jay Ratliff looking like he has already played his best football, I think this would be a wonderful selection. Yes, the age does give me some manner of pause, but like I said, I think he might be a Top 10 pick with a normal age. That number represents value and the downside of that number won't be apparent for 8 years anyway. If it does become an issue for the 2021 season, count your blessings that he has been a great selection.
The Case Against Dallas Taking Sylvester Williams at #18: Admittedly, when a player does slide, it is easy to allow the consensus to scare you off. There is no doubt that he can use some technique work and a few people have seen issues with his motor (which I looked for but haven't agreed with). The biggest argument against Williams to me seems to be the idea that the Cowboys need more OL help than DL help at #18. I am fine with that, but please don't take a Safety or a WR over this guy. I really think the Cowboys need to make every effort to go big with their 1st Rounder and perhaps several of their higher picks. There are a lot of reasons they need to err on the side of the 300 pounders right now for the good of the depth chart.
Honestly, if you can just take the age out of your mind, there might be every reason to consider this guy the best defensive tackle in the draft. At least from where I sit, I am tempted to do that. I really think Sylvester Williams is going to be a heck of a player for someone.
So far, of our 4 profiles, I would list them in this order:
1. Chance Warmack - Report Here
2. Jonathan Cooper - Report Here
3. Sylvester Williams
4. Sharrif Floyd - Report Here
In 25 games with the Tar Heels, Sylvester Williams had 9 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. (Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)
Bob Sturm
Bob Sturm has hosted his half of the Bob and Dan show (12p-3p) on Sportsradio 1310 The Ticket in Dallas since 1999. A native of Wisconsin, Bob has blogged on the Cowboys, Stars, and Mavericks for 6 years - or since blogging was invented. Follow him on Twitter @SportsSturm
April 15, 2013, 10:17am
Draft Profile: Sylvester Williams' Age Pushes Him To Cowboys' Board
The following is the 4th in a series of draft profiles for the 1st round pick for the Dallas Cowboys. These profiles are put together with the specific needs of the Cowboys in mind, and is an attempt to examine their resumes and game tape to get an idea of who might fit in best with Dallas come draft day. Surely, circumstances will dictate what actually happens on that day, but we will profile the 8-10 most likely candidates and try to kick the tires on each and every scenario an how it relates to the Cowboys in 2013 and beyond.
Sylvester Williams
North Carolina
Defensive Tackle
6'2, 313
40 time: 5.01 Bench Press: 27 Reps
November 21, 1988 (24)
As we get closer and closer to draft day, you can't help but notice that there are plenty of names that we profile that most people think there is no chance the Cowboys will have a chance to take. Admittedly, Chance Warmack is the ideal Cowboys selection, but since there are actually some analysts who think he might go in the Top 5, we might be wasting internet space even speculating about what he could mean to your local NFL franchise.
Then, there are others who get very little buzz and not only seem like legitimate candidates at pick #18, but if the Cowboys like him as much as I do, you could make the case that they might be able to drop down 5 spots and pick up an additional Top 60 or Top 100 pick and still get their guy.
Which brings us to today's study, big Sylvester Williams of North Carolina. When you talk about a disruptive player who can play up and down the defensive line and trouble the opposition all afternoon, this big dude is just the man you are looking for. In 25 games with the Tar Heels, he had 9 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. He demanded double teams and was the focal point of many game plans to make sure they handle properly. This, of course, causes a chain reaction where his mates get more favorable routes to the QB because he is eating up a double team.
So, why, you might be asking, is he most likely still available when the Cowboys will pick? Age.
Williams is 24 years old, and by Thanksgiving Day, he will be 25. That is a very old player to consider taking in the 1st Round of the NFL Draft - and only 16 months younger than Margus Hunt who is thought of as a very old draftee. He took a very odd route to the doorstep of professional football, working in a radiator manufacturing facility right out of high school before moving on to 2 years of community college. He played very little high school football and launched his college football career at a much older age than those around him.
Every year we discuss the guys who are either really, really young (Tyron Smith) or the guys who are really, really old (Margus Hunt). Overall, given the average life spans of NFL players and further the average career of a draft pick with his original team, we are really wasting time speculating on whether this is one of the few guys who will play a decade with you after drafting him. That is a very, very small group of players and the likelihood therefore is minute.
However, if you feel strongly enough to take a player in the draft, you had better hope he sees 2 full contracts with you (Hello, Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins), and therefore it is reasonable to consider whether or not you like Williams enough to understand that age could be an issue down the road. At the same time, the other way to look at that is to say that if Sylvester Williams was a normal 22 year old draftee, then he would not have a chance to make it down to you at #18.
Sylvester Williams looks like an ideal fit at those two defensive tackle positions that the 4-3 demands. You have the 1-technique who shades the center's shoulder and the 3-technique who is on the opposite guard's outside shoulder. Both players have to be able to have a quick jump at the snap that allows them to penetrate the A-Gap (center-guard) and the B-Gap (guard-tackle). He must possess the ability to be quick in tight spaces and have the strength to push through and get to his destination when the OL gets its hands on the player. Williams has both of these attributes for a man his size.
Basically, as I imagined the Monte Kiffin defense, I have had a hard time finding the ideal Warren Sapp comparable. Either the prospects are too big and slow or are super quick but lack that real power. Williams is the closest thing I have seen that has great quickness and super power.
He is rough around the edges (as a guy who hasn't played for years) and will need some coaching. This added to his 24 year old number will keep him from being the belle of the ball. But, put the tape on below and tell me he isn't something the Cowboys currently lack.
Here are some youtube cut-ups for your own personal eye-ball test. Find the DT who wears #92 and watch:
Vs Virginia Tech
Vs Virginia
Vs NC State
The Case For Dallas Taking Sylvester Williams at #18: This is the first of our profiles where I actually think there is a greater than 50% chance that he is there and exactly what they need. I would still hope for the 2 guards (Warmack and Cooper) first, but I honestly like Williams more than Sharrif Floyd which either shows you that I am nuts or that I don't totally care what the crowd thinks (or that I have no projection skills). Regardless, the Cowboys defensive line has lacked disruptive forces on the interior for some time, and with Jay Ratliff looking like he has already played his best football, I think this would be a wonderful selection. Yes, the age does give me some manner of pause, but like I said, I think he might be a Top 10 pick with a normal age. That number represents value and the downside of that number won't be apparent for 8 years anyway. If it does become an issue for the 2021 season, count your blessings that he has been a great selection.
The Case Against Dallas Taking Sylvester Williams at #18: Admittedly, when a player does slide, it is easy to allow the consensus to scare you off. There is no doubt that he can use some technique work and a few people have seen issues with his motor (which I looked for but haven't agreed with). The biggest argument against Williams to me seems to be the idea that the Cowboys need more OL help than DL help at #18. I am fine with that, but please don't take a Safety or a WR over this guy. I really think the Cowboys need to make every effort to go big with their 1st Rounder and perhaps several of their higher picks. There are a lot of reasons they need to err on the side of the 300 pounders right now for the good of the depth chart.
Honestly, if you can just take the age out of your mind, there might be every reason to consider this guy the best defensive tackle in the draft. At least from where I sit, I am tempted to do that. I really think Sylvester Williams is going to be a heck of a player for someone.
So far, of our 4 profiles, I would list them in this order:
1. Chance Warmack - Report Here
2. Jonathan Cooper - Report Here
3. Sylvester Williams
4. Sharrif Floyd - Report Here
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Remember when nick Eatman was saying Barrett jones was better than Warmack . I remember that.