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Stephen Jones: Defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence, Ryan Russell could see time at DT
Jon Machota Email jmachota@dallasnews.com
Published: May 12, 2015 2:16 pm
The defensive tackle position is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Rod Marinelli’s 4-3 defensive scheme. Many were left scratching their heads when the Cowboys passed on Sharrif Floyd early in the 2013 draft. Under Marinelli’s guidance, Dallas usually doesn’t put first-round value on the position.
But it was a surprise to some that the Cowboys did not select a defensive tackle with any of their eight picks in this year’s draft.
When Dallas was on the clock with the 27th pick in the first round, some were hoping the Cowboys would take Texas’ Malcom Brown, who went to New England five picks later. During a conference call with season-ticket holders last week, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones explained why they didn’t.
“Malcom Brown is a great football player and we did have him on our board,” Jones said. “He’s not the perfect ideal fit in Coach Marinelli’s system. He’s obviously a big physical player. But with Rod, in terms of what we look for with our under tackle, our three-technique — and it’s what Tyrone Crawford plays for us. Russell Maryland did it back when [Jimmy Johnson] was here, coaching the 4-3 when we went to Super Bowls. Leon Lett did it. — We call it a quick twitch.
“Those guys are real quick coming off the ball. Not that Malcom isn’t, but he’s more of a physical, what they call a two-gap defensive tackle, a nose tackle. We were really looking for people who pressure the quarterback in this draft, so we put a premium on that.”
Nick Hayden has been the Cowboys’ starting one-technique tackle the previous two seasons and will likely do so again in 2015. Behind him will be Terrell McClain, a player that will also see time at the three-technique.
Tyrone Crawford is Dallas’ starting three-technique tackle. According to Jones, DeMarcus Lawrence and rookie Ryan Russell could see some time playing that spot as well.
“Well, McClain, we feel really good about,” Jones said. “He’s kind of the backup nose, the backup defensive tackle for both sides in terms of those two tackle spots. The other one who will be able to play some tackle is DeMarcus Lawrence. He can slide down in there in sub packages and rush the passer. And then Ryan Russell, you can already see is 6-4, 270 pounds, has the frame to put on some more weight. He could be a guy ultimately who might swing down inside and give some rush there as well.
“We think it’s a really good group and one that’s going to have more depth than we’ve ever had. A lot of skills there. We think we’ll be much improved in that defensive line.”
Jon Machota Email jmachota@dallasnews.com
Published: May 12, 2015 2:16 pm
The defensive tackle position is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Rod Marinelli’s 4-3 defensive scheme. Many were left scratching their heads when the Cowboys passed on Sharrif Floyd early in the 2013 draft. Under Marinelli’s guidance, Dallas usually doesn’t put first-round value on the position.
But it was a surprise to some that the Cowboys did not select a defensive tackle with any of their eight picks in this year’s draft.
When Dallas was on the clock with the 27th pick in the first round, some were hoping the Cowboys would take Texas’ Malcom Brown, who went to New England five picks later. During a conference call with season-ticket holders last week, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones explained why they didn’t.
“Malcom Brown is a great football player and we did have him on our board,” Jones said. “He’s not the perfect ideal fit in Coach Marinelli’s system. He’s obviously a big physical player. But with Rod, in terms of what we look for with our under tackle, our three-technique — and it’s what Tyrone Crawford plays for us. Russell Maryland did it back when [Jimmy Johnson] was here, coaching the 4-3 when we went to Super Bowls. Leon Lett did it. — We call it a quick twitch.
“Those guys are real quick coming off the ball. Not that Malcom isn’t, but he’s more of a physical, what they call a two-gap defensive tackle, a nose tackle. We were really looking for people who pressure the quarterback in this draft, so we put a premium on that.”
Nick Hayden has been the Cowboys’ starting one-technique tackle the previous two seasons and will likely do so again in 2015. Behind him will be Terrell McClain, a player that will also see time at the three-technique.
Tyrone Crawford is Dallas’ starting three-technique tackle. According to Jones, DeMarcus Lawrence and rookie Ryan Russell could see some time playing that spot as well.
“Well, McClain, we feel really good about,” Jones said. “He’s kind of the backup nose, the backup defensive tackle for both sides in terms of those two tackle spots. The other one who will be able to play some tackle is DeMarcus Lawrence. He can slide down in there in sub packages and rush the passer. And then Ryan Russell, you can already see is 6-4, 270 pounds, has the frame to put on some more weight. He could be a guy ultimately who might swing down inside and give some rush there as well.
“We think it’s a really good group and one that’s going to have more depth than we’ve ever had. A lot of skills there. We think we’ll be much improved in that defensive line.”
