PFT: Kerry Hyder happy to be back at defensive end with Cowboys

[Cotton]

[h=1]Posted by Josh Alper[/h]
Kerry Hyder has been limited to seven games over the last two seasons because of injuries, but memories of his eight sacks in 2016 as a rotational player on the Lions defensive line led the Cowboys to bring him to town this offseason.

If Hyder is able to return to that 2016 form, a return to the spot he played that season may have something to do with it. The Lions used Hyder as a defensive tackle last season, but the Cowboys have been playing him at defensive end and that was his primary spot during his big year in Detroit.

It’s a move that gets a thumbs up from Hyder.

“That’s home for me. It’s more natural for me — playing defensive end,” Hyder said, via the team’s website. “I get to use my athletic ability and get on the edge and rush the passer. That’s what I’m looking forward to doing, more than just being right on the nose.”

The Cowboys traded for Robert Quinn and drafted Joe Jackson in the fifth round to go with DeMarcus Lawrence at defensive end, but Randy Gregory‘s suspension and the failure of Taco Charlton to emerge could leave an opening for Hyder to make an impact up front in Dallas.

 

[p1_]

Pulling for this dude.

 

[boozeman]

He hustles but most of his sacks are of the clean up variety.

 

[ravidubey]

JAG depth

 

[p1_]

JAG depth

I’m not so sure

 

[Cotton]

I’m not so sure

Agreed. He could be a very solid part of our rotation.

 

[Simpleton]

I don't know where he's at physically but what I do know is that signing him for $1 million or whatever was a damn good gamble. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he puts up 4 or 5 sacks.

 

[ravidubey]

Well he’s more dependable than Gregory

And 4-5 sacks as a 4-3 DE is definitely JAG territory.

 

[p1_]

Well he’s more dependable than Gregory

And 4-5 sacks as a 4-3 DE is definitely JAG territory.

Im wanting more like 6-8.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

Im wanting more like 6-8.

From a backup? I'd be surprised if he gets enough snaps in pass rushing situations to get 8 sacks. My guess is Quinn and Lawrence will play most of those downs unless Gregory somehow sees the field.

 

[p1_]

From a backup?

Yes.....

Kerry Hyder has been limited to seven games over the last two seasons because of injuries, but memories of his eight sacks in 2016 as a rotational player on the Lions defensive line led the Cowboys to bring him to town this offseason.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

Yes.....

Kerry Hyder has been limited to seven games over the last two seasons because of injuries, but memories of his eight sacks in 2016 as a rotational player on the Lions defensive line led the Cowboys to bring him to town this offseason.

Yeah but he played a ton for the Lions on third down passing situations. Do you really see that here? I'd imagine he will play more run downs here.

 

[p1_]

Yeah but he played a ton for the Lions on third down passing situations. Do you really see that here? I'd imagine he will play more run downs here.

right. Hes not replacing Dlaw or Quinn on 3rd down if he's playing DE.

 

[Simpleton]

Hyder should be used like Crawford, base end and nickel/dime interior rusher. You could have a pretty solid nickel/dime rotation on the interior between Collins, Crawford, Hill and Hyder. Of course if any of the young DE's make a big leap you probably won't have many snaps at DE to go around but if Hyder/Crawford are relegated to basically nickel/dime interior rushers that's more than fine.

 

[p1_]

Hyder should be used like Crawford, base end and nickel/dime interior rusher. You could have a pretty solid nickel/dime rotation on the interior between Collins, Crawford, Hill and Hyder. Of course if any of the young DE's make a big leap you probably won't have many snaps at DE to go around but if Hyder/Crawford are relegated to basically nickel/dime interior rushers that's more than fine.

I wouldnt doubt Hyder is also injury insurance for Collins.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

Hyder should be used like Crawford, base end and nickel/dime interior rusher. You could have a pretty solid nickel/dime rotation on the interior between Collins, Crawford, Hill and Hyder. Of course if any of the young DE's make a big leap you probably won't have many snaps at DE to go around but if Hyder/Crawford are relegated to basically nickel/dime interior rushers that's more than fine.

Do you play him over Crawford or Hill in pass rushing situations at DT?

 

[p1_]

Do you play him over Crawford or Hill in pass rushing situations at DT?

Not over Hill, Marinelli has such a hard on for his new toy.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

Not over Hill, Marinelli has such a hard on for his new toy.

I mean shit if Hill can't at least play DT on rushing downs I'll be really concerned.