sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Posted by nickeatman at 3/10/2011 5:01 PM CST on truebluefanclub.com
Let’s clarify – taking a defensive end for a 3-4 scheme, with a Top 10 pick – that would be a wasted pick in my opinion. More than anything, it’d be setting a guy up for failure.
We know what happens with a first-round picks that aren’t regulars in the Pro Bowl, the fans and media around here basically put them on the suburbs of Bust-ville. Guys like Greg Ellis and Marcus Spears – good solid pros that were drafted in the first round but never superstars, most people consider them to be average picks.
So that’s why I don’t see the point in drafting an end like Cameron Jordan or J.J. Watt or even Ryan Kerrigan. They might be solid players who could start right away, but it’s hard to make an immediate impact as a 3-4 end.
Spears is still a good player. This team has stopped the run well since he got here in 2005 and he was a big reason for that. But a lot of people harp on the fact he’s only had eight sacks in six seasons, failing to realize that it’s rarely going to happen in this scheme.
Look at Rob Ryan’s defenses in Cleveland. Last year – he had Kenyon Coleman (remember him?) and a guy named Brian Schaefering. Granted, the Browns were just 22nd in total defense and 27th against the run, so there’s always room for improvement.
But even with the Cowboys, they seem to get by with Jason Hatcher, Stephen Bowen and Igor Olshansky.
Now, I’m all about getting better. I’m all about finding some top-notch talent and maybe changing the culture around that position. But at the same time, it’s never going to be a real glory spot for the 3-4 defenses.
Maybe a guy like Jay Ratliff, an established player who knows how to win against double-teams, can have some success. And if a big-time nose like Nick Fairley comes along, then maybe it’s something that is considered.
But even if the Cowboys trade down to the middle of the first round, I don’t think taking a defensive end in this scheme makes a ton of sense. And four or five years down the road, it’s likely they will be received with the same “so-so” attitude that guys like Ellis and Spears got as well.
I think I’d re-sign the guys you’ve got – at least two of them, and try to find a middle-round player who can do the job in the future.
Let’s clarify – taking a defensive end for a 3-4 scheme, with a Top 10 pick – that would be a wasted pick in my opinion. More than anything, it’d be setting a guy up for failure.
We know what happens with a first-round picks that aren’t regulars in the Pro Bowl, the fans and media around here basically put them on the suburbs of Bust-ville. Guys like Greg Ellis and Marcus Spears – good solid pros that were drafted in the first round but never superstars, most people consider them to be average picks.
So that’s why I don’t see the point in drafting an end like Cameron Jordan or J.J. Watt or even Ryan Kerrigan. They might be solid players who could start right away, but it’s hard to make an immediate impact as a 3-4 end.
Spears is still a good player. This team has stopped the run well since he got here in 2005 and he was a big reason for that. But a lot of people harp on the fact he’s only had eight sacks in six seasons, failing to realize that it’s rarely going to happen in this scheme.
Look at Rob Ryan’s defenses in Cleveland. Last year – he had Kenyon Coleman (remember him?) and a guy named Brian Schaefering. Granted, the Browns were just 22nd in total defense and 27th against the run, so there’s always room for improvement.
But even with the Cowboys, they seem to get by with Jason Hatcher, Stephen Bowen and Igor Olshansky.
Now, I’m all about getting better. I’m all about finding some top-notch talent and maybe changing the culture around that position. But at the same time, it’s never going to be a real glory spot for the 3-4 defenses.
Maybe a guy like Jay Ratliff, an established player who knows how to win against double-teams, can have some success. And if a big-time nose like Nick Fairley comes along, then maybe it’s something that is considered.
But even if the Cowboys trade down to the middle of the first round, I don’t think taking a defensive end in this scheme makes a ton of sense. And four or five years down the road, it’s likely they will be received with the same “so-so” attitude that guys like Ellis and Spears got as well.
I think I’d re-sign the guys you’ve got – at least two of them, and try to find a middle-round player who can do the job in the future.
