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Cowboys Mailbag
Which would be the better way to go - drafting the best safety available, or signing the top free agent safety?
CHRISTOPHER LEE - SHREVEPORT, LA: Which would be the better way to go - drafting the best safety available, or signing the top free agent safety?
Nick: I think free agency this year. Either way it's going to be a risk. But the best safety available is probably going to be in the second round. The best free agent is going to be a good one because it's a deep crop of safeties with guys like Weddle, Huff, Landry, Elam and Mikell. If I have my choice I'd say free agency, but since you need two safeties, what about answering that question with "both?"
Rob: If they're trying to find an immediate starter that can make an impact, they'll probably need to sign a free agent. Really only one safety, UCLA's Rahim Moore, has first-round buzz, and there's a big drop-off after the first four or five guys. You can start a rookie safety, but it's the same issue as starting Alan Ball. Talented, but never has played the position at the pro level.
STEVEN RYDEL - GARNET VALLEY, PA: Are the defensive ends in a 3-4 destined to be merely run stoppers, or is it possible to have an end that can rush the quarterback and cause mayhem in the backfield?
Nick: For the most part, their job is to take on double-teams and allow the linebackers - both inside and outside - to run around and make plays. If you've got a dynamic player who can do more than that, then he's probably just wasting space in a 3-4 defense. Sure, you're going to have exceptions to the rule, but you'll probably never see that player as dynamic as he could be, because he's fighting doubles all game long. Put Reggie White or Bruce Smith in a 3-4 defense as the ends, and they'd probably be just some guys you've never heard of.
Rob: If we're talking sacks, generally 3-4 ends are going to have a minimal totals. The scheme is simply designed for the outside linebackers to make those plays. Maybe Rob Ryan can create a lot of different pre-snap looks that aid the overall line's pressure. The other thing is, the Cowboys' primary look on passing downs has been a four-man line. It wouldn't hurt to add another rusher for that look, if it continues under Ryan.
Which would be the better way to go - drafting the best safety available, or signing the top free agent safety?
CHRISTOPHER LEE - SHREVEPORT, LA: Which would be the better way to go - drafting the best safety available, or signing the top free agent safety?
Nick: I think free agency this year. Either way it's going to be a risk. But the best safety available is probably going to be in the second round. The best free agent is going to be a good one because it's a deep crop of safeties with guys like Weddle, Huff, Landry, Elam and Mikell. If I have my choice I'd say free agency, but since you need two safeties, what about answering that question with "both?"
Rob: If they're trying to find an immediate starter that can make an impact, they'll probably need to sign a free agent. Really only one safety, UCLA's Rahim Moore, has first-round buzz, and there's a big drop-off after the first four or five guys. You can start a rookie safety, but it's the same issue as starting Alan Ball. Talented, but never has played the position at the pro level.
STEVEN RYDEL - GARNET VALLEY, PA: Are the defensive ends in a 3-4 destined to be merely run stoppers, or is it possible to have an end that can rush the quarterback and cause mayhem in the backfield?
Nick: For the most part, their job is to take on double-teams and allow the linebackers - both inside and outside - to run around and make plays. If you've got a dynamic player who can do more than that, then he's probably just wasting space in a 3-4 defense. Sure, you're going to have exceptions to the rule, but you'll probably never see that player as dynamic as he could be, because he's fighting doubles all game long. Put Reggie White or Bruce Smith in a 3-4 defense as the ends, and they'd probably be just some guys you've never heard of.
Rob: If we're talking sacks, generally 3-4 ends are going to have a minimal totals. The scheme is simply designed for the outside linebackers to make those plays. Maybe Rob Ryan can create a lot of different pre-snap looks that aid the overall line's pressure. The other thing is, the Cowboys' primary look on passing downs has been a four-man line. It wouldn't hurt to add another rusher for that look, if it continues under Ryan.