Posted by nickeatman at 4/7/2011 11:22 AM CDT on truebluefanclub.com
The Cowboys have drafted an inside linebacker in either the second or third round the past two years. Heading into next season, one of them is off the roster and another is pegged to be a backup with injury concerns.
So it seems odd this would still be a position of need, but it has to be, considering Keith Brooking is 35 and Bradie James is 30 – and both are in the last season of their contracts.
But while the need is there, finding one to contribute right now might not be that easy. While you want a potential starter, you also want a guy who can contribute right now, which would likely be on special teams.
To get a surefire potential starter, it probably means second or third round (although we’ve seen busts from this spot). In this year’s class, we’re talking about guys like Illinois’ Martez Wilson, Oregon’s Casey Matthews and LSU’s Kelvin Sheppard. It’ll be hard to find a top-tier linebacker who has immediate special teams ability.
At least you’ve got an experienced special teams coordinator in Joe DeCamillis who should be able to mold any good, young player into a quality special teams performer.
But just like we saw with Bradie James back in 2003, you might not see major production from a guy in his first year or two until he officially gets his chance to start. Still, whether your inside backer can come right and contribute, it’s still a rather high need that seems to be often overlooked.
The Cowboys have drafted an inside linebacker in either the second or third round the past two years. Heading into next season, one of them is off the roster and another is pegged to be a backup with injury concerns.
So it seems odd this would still be a position of need, but it has to be, considering Keith Brooking is 35 and Bradie James is 30 – and both are in the last season of their contracts.
But while the need is there, finding one to contribute right now might not be that easy. While you want a potential starter, you also want a guy who can contribute right now, which would likely be on special teams.
To get a surefire potential starter, it probably means second or third round (although we’ve seen busts from this spot). In this year’s class, we’re talking about guys like Illinois’ Martez Wilson, Oregon’s Casey Matthews and LSU’s Kelvin Sheppard. It’ll be hard to find a top-tier linebacker who has immediate special teams ability.
At least you’ve got an experienced special teams coordinator in Joe DeCamillis who should be able to mold any good, young player into a quality special teams performer.
But just like we saw with Bradie James back in 2003, you might not see major production from a guy in his first year or two until he officially gets his chance to start. Still, whether your inside backer can come right and contribute, it’s still a rather high need that seems to be often overlooked.
