DMN Blog: Ranking the Cowboys: Defensive line
by Tim MacMahon
BLOGGER'S NOTE: In an attempt to fill the deadest time of offseason with something resembling meaningful football conversation, we'll run a series debating where each Cowboys positional unit ranks among their league peers.
The Cowboys defensive line lacks star power but is solid. And it should be improved this season.
Odds are DE Chris Canty, who emerged as a disruptive force in Wade Phillips' one-gap scheme last season, will be playing on a one-year deal. That means he ought to be an awfully motivated 6-7, 300-pound man.
Jay Ratliff got his long-term deal last year after proving that he was a legitimate starting nose tackle. His versatility will be of tremendous value this season, as the coaching staff can move him around to create favorable matchups and open up playing time for Tank Johnson.
Johnson wasn't much of a factor after his suspension ended in the middle of the season. He's expected to make a much bigger impact in 2008 after spending the off-season at Valley Ranch instead of in an Illinois jail. He's much more comfortable with the scheme and has been boasting about being a "beast," thanks in large part to strength coach Joe Juraszek's progam.
DE Marcus Spears, to borrow a term from the coach who drafted him in the first round, is what he is. That's a solid two-down DE who led the D-line in tackles for losses last season. DE Jason Hatcher has shown flashes, particularly as a pass rusher.
This unit enters the season as a slightly above-average group. Probably in the 10-12 range among the league's defensive lines. Follow the jump for the top five.
BLOGGER'S NOTE: In an attempt to fill the deadest time of offseason with something resembling meaningful football conversation, we'll run a series debating where each Cowboys positional unit ranks among their league peers.
The Cowboys defensive line lacks star power but is solid. And it should be improved this season.
Odds are DE Chris Canty, who emerged as a disruptive force in Wade Phillips' one-gap scheme last season, will be playing on a one-year deal. That means he ought to be an awfully motivated 6-7, 300-pound man.
Jay Ratliff got his long-term deal last year after proving that he was a legitimate starting nose tackle. His versatility will be of tremendous value this season, as the coaching staff can move him around to create favorable matchups and open up playing time for Tank Johnson.
Johnson wasn't much of a factor after his suspension ended in the middle of the season. He's expected to make a much bigger impact in 2008 after spending the off-season at Valley Ranch instead of in an Illinois jail. He's much more comfortable with the scheme and has been boasting about being a "beast," thanks in large part to strength coach Joe Juraszek's progam.
DE Marcus Spears, to borrow a term from the coach who drafted him in the first round, is what he is. That's a solid two-down DE who led the D-line in tackles for losses last season. DE Jason Hatcher has shown flashes, particularly as a pass rusher.
This unit enters the season as a slightly above-average group. Probably in the 10-12 range among the league's defensive lines. Follow the jump for the top five.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:19 AM
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