DTs to look for in the draft

[SmilesAustin]

Adam got me thinking about this in another topic, but considering Jay Ratliff may actually be a tad undersized for a DT and a much more perfect fit at DE (and because he's already hinted that a move to DE is in the plans), wouldn't it be smart to draft a big DT in the draft?

here is a list of guys who are significantly bigger than Ratliff and better-suited to be an anchor in the 3-4 (At least 315 pounds):

- Ron Brace, Boston College: 329 pounds. 2nd-3rd round projected
- Terrance Taylor, Michigan: 317 pounds. 3rd round projected.
- Sammie Lee Hill, Stillman: 330 pounds. 4th-5th round projected.
- Antonio Dixon, Miami: 328 pounds. 7th round projected


There are about a dozen players who are in the 305-310 range also, but then again that's only around 7 or 8 pounds heavier than Ratliff. If we're looking for an anchor, I would say these guys are the ones to call on draft day. Perhaps a couple of them since we'll likely lose Ratliff to the DE position and Tank Johnson to free agency.

[BigT]

They need to get 2 dt's. If the projections hold up Stillman and Dixon would be worth a 4th-5th and a 7th. They still would have to pick up a mid-range free agent. Some one affordable with some regular season experience. I would not be against looking at Brace in the 2nd.

I think dt can make or brake a 3-4 defense. The Cowboys have not had a true 3-4 Nt the entire time since they changed over. If they can get a player to just hold the middle of the line, this defense can be number 1 next year

[DCfan60]

I think we do need a big boy in the middle, now is the time to try and find a young stud. while we have Rat to help groom him.

[CowboyzAdam]

I tell you Zac if we could in fact land Antonio Dixon out of Miami for a 7th rounder that would be a steal IMO. I cannot believe they have him listed to go in the 7th. He is better than a 7th IMO but hey let him go that far down. If we grabbed him back there...better for us.

[flipsk8ernr]

I like the option of getting taylor in the third and dixon in the 7th....and they can battle with siavvi for the 2 Dt spots.

[CowboyzAdam]

I like the option of getting taylor in the third and dixon in the 7th....and they can battle with siavvi for the 2 Dt spots.[/b]


I could live with that but I really want to go safety and then Dixon if we could pull that off and pick up a QB some where in there as well.

[thevalleyranchreport]

See Ratliff will excel at DE, much like Bruce Smith did in the 3-4. I dont see Ratliff just "being there" stuffing the run only, but attacking the passer too. This is what we need. I like Ron BRace at NT, and then draft another guy for depth, rotation.

[SmilesAustin]

My thoughts exactly, Joe.

Jay Ratliff was a BOMB defensive tackle last year, but we really need his type of talent at DE. The DT in a 3-4 doesn't need to be a pass rusher, but rather a run-stuffer that will demand double-teams. Ratliff can make better use of his speed and intensity over at the end position.

Can you imagine this? It's 3rd down and 10 and you've got Ratliff and Demarcus Ware on the same end. The offensive line would probably want to double-team both of them, but that's nearly impossible. I think it would open up our pass rush in a huge way. I could envision D-Ware and J-Ratliff each getting double-digit sacks. With D-Ware clocking in with at least another 20 depending on how many Ratliff steals from him when they both break through.

[NewmanOwns]

While Ratliff was a beast for us, he was also a weakness in our D. Its not his fault and he was doing well at what he does, but we need a stuffer to play there. I actually think Spears would do great at DT because that seems to be what he does real well.

[b_cadvantag]

Agree we need a true DT! Then we could release both Ratliff and Ware on the opposition!!

That would be awesome!! We could have a pair of DE's that could try to match the likes of Carl Eller and Jim Marshall.

[CowboyzAdam]

While Ratliff was a beast for us, he was also a weakness in our D. Its not his fault and he was doing well at what he does, but we need a stuffer to play there. I actually think Spears would do great at DT because that seems to be what he does real well.[/b]


OK newman you've thrown me for a loop on this one. How was Ratliff a weakness in our Defense.

[NewmanOwns]

Im saying we didnt have containment in the middle because that is just not what he does. He does great at pass rushing but he isnt going to be plugging up the middle, which is what we need. He would fare better off playing as a DE for us.

[CowboyzAdam]

Im saying we didnt have containment in the middle because that is just not what he does. He does great at pass rushing but he isnt going to be plugging up the middle, which is what we need. He would fare better off playing as a DE for us.[/b]


OK glad I asked because I did not get your meaning.

[flipsk8ernr]

Thats why I want us to draft 2 guys and I would like if we could pick up Gabe Watson and have the 3 guys battle for 2 spots. Watson will be cheap and NT are hard to draft. I like Brace but I feel that our 2nd round pick should go to a safety or OL but I would not be upset at all if We draft Brace with the 2nd and get a safety with our third