Future Focus- Josh Brent

[dbair1967]

By Tim MacMahon
JOSH BRENT

Position: Nose tackle
Height: 6-2. Weight: 315
College: Illinois
How acquired: 2010 supplemental seventh-round pick

[+] EnlargeScott Boehm/Getty Images
Josh Brent could get a chance to compete for the starting nose tackle job if Jay Ratliff is moved to defensive end.What he did in 2010: Brent beat out veteran Junior Siavii for the backup nose tackle job despite suffering a broken hand early in training camp. He spelled Jay Ratliff on first and second downs and played in the Cowboys’ short-yardage and goal-line packages. Brent displayed the ability to be disruptive, frequently getting good penetration, but didn’t make a lot of plays (no tackles for losses or sacks). He was credited with 17 tackles.

What to look for in 2011: This depends largely on what new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan decides to do with Ratliff. If Ryan leaves the three-time Pro Bowler at nose tackle, Brent will remain a backup who plays 10 or 15 snaps per game. If the undersized Ratliff moves to defensive end, Brent should at least get an opportunity to compete with a newcomer to start at nose tackle. Brent probably will never be a three-down player like Ratliff, but his strength and explosiveness give him the potential to be an effective traditional 3-4 nose tackle.

Quotable: “He’s a stud. The Cowboys got a steal with that pick.” – NFC pro personnel director

Bryan Broaddus’ Scout’s Eye: “The most impressive thing about Josh Brent is his ability to play on the other side of the line of scrimmage. The guy plays with power. He needs to learn how to free himself more often, but he is a strong guy. He has the ability the drive his man back, but he needs to learn to disengage better. The ball goes by him at times. He’ll be in position to make a play, but he’s not disengaged and then the ball will go by him. But his ability to get push is good. He plays with a lot of effort but needs to become a little bit more of a sideline-to-sideline guy. He needs to develop more pass-rush moves instead of just trying to push the pocket. I think his role can increase. The good thing about Josh Brent this year is that he played more throughout the season. The confidence level of the coaches has to be pretty high going into next year with him. If he just works on some technique refinement, he’s got a chance.”

 

[sbk92]

You can't argue with bold text.

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

I still think they should draft another NT to give him some competition, maybe like a Phil Taylor or Kenrick Ellis.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

I still think they should draft another NT to give him some competition, maybe like a Phil Taylor or Kenrick Ellis.

Gotta agree with ya here bro. I love Brent and i think he has alot of potential and he's an ox to move down there. I think we should bring someone else in too though, I'd like Ellis in the middle rounds, or maybe Soliai in FA. Pass on Taylor, guy can be lazy at times.

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

Gotta agree with ya here bro. I love Brent and i think he has alot of potential and he's an ox to move down there. I think we should bring someone else in too though, I'd like Ellis in the middle rounds, or maybe Soliai in FA. Pass on Taylor, guy can be lazy at times.

I was thinking Ellis in the middle rounds. Not worried about Taylor's laziness. If Wade was still the HC, that would be a legitimate concern but under Garrett and with possibly Rob Ryan, and if he brings Cox along. He won't be lazy.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

I was thinking Ellis in the middle rounds. Not worried about Taylor's laziness. If Wade was still the HC, that would be a legitimate concern but under Garrett and with possibly Rob Ryan, and if he brings Cox along. He won't be lazy.

Some guys just won't be motivated.. no matter how much talent they have. See Shaun Rogers.

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

Some guys just won't be motivated.. no matter how much talent they have. See Shaun Rogers.

My point is though, he will not be lazy here. If he remains he will not be lazy. If he remains unmotivated, then he wqill be gone, which means that he will not be lazy on the Cowboys.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

My point is though, he will not be lazy here. If he remains he will not be lazy. If he remains unmotivated, then he wqill be gone, which means that he will not be lazy on the Cowboys.

I'd prefer to take the player who doesn't have red flags, but i like Taylor and he's one of my boys from PSU. The way he left here wasn't great, but there's no question he has talent. If the Cowboys take a chance on him in the mid rounds i will be happy, just hope he gets his butt in here and works to be great.