Grading The Dallas Cowboys 2012 NFL Draft: Round 3- Tyrone Crawford

As mentioned earlier, the Steelers have been one of the most dominant teams over the last decade, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Why? Because they understand that it all starts in the trenches. Their defense was among the oldest on average in the NFL last year. The other problem they had, (much like the Cowboys) was allowing too much pressure on Big Ben.  Much like every year, the teams who have been steadily successful, end up drafting the players I mocked for the Cowboys. This year in the 1st round, they drafted David DeCastro (my 1st round pick). In the 2nd round they drafted OT Mike Adams. 3rd it was LB Sean Spence, and in  the 4th round was my guy Alameda Ta’Amu.  Can you see the emphasis put on the trenches here? 3 of the 1st 4 picks addressed the offensive and defensive line.

If you look at the Patriots draft, they traded up to get one of the guys I previously wrote about, Chandler Jones and then traded up again to get Dont’a Hightower. In the 3rd they added another DE Jake Bequette. They have their NT, so they beefed up other elements of the pass rush. Last year they addressed the OL by getting Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon. The Patriots had an elite offense but were lacking defensively. Do you see the formula? These two teams have a plan and they stick to it. They build through the draft. This is why you don’t hear abut them spending $50 million in FA for a CB etc. 2 years in a row the Patriots upgraded the trenches. The Packers drafted OL in the 1st round 2 years in a row, and the 49ers did it 3 years in a row. The Saints lost Nicks as a cap casualty, but in turn picked up the 2nd best available OG in free agency Ben Grubbs.

This brings me to my 3rd round pick for the Cowboys 2012 draft. Alameda Ta’Amu.( to think he fell to the 4th round) Why? Because he has the ability to not only plug up the middle to stop the run, but he has the size and the strength (35 bench reps) to constantly demand double teams. In many cases, he is still able to collapse the pocket, even when being double teamed. It is my belief, with a little NFL level coaching to improve his technique, he would have been the Wilfork the Cowboys have been lacking. When I consider the fact that he came in with a grade of 77 to Crawfords 77.5 there isn’t a whole lot of difference there. Then I consider the impact each player would have. Crawford as an under sized situational pass rusher, or Ta’Amu an every down presence in the middle. The other thing I have to consider is: who is going to make more impact at the defensive end position? Crawford or Ratliff? Do you see my logic here? Only 25% of the Cowboys sacks came from the defensive line. In comparison to to the top ranked defenses in the NFL averaging between 42-60%. This makes it easier for offensive coordinators to scheme against the Cowboys. If there is minimal pressure coming from the DL, they only have to focus on blocking Ware and Spencer.

"“The way I see it, it’s a win win situation, because the cowboys are filling two needed positions at the same time. Which in turn, from a logical standpoint, brings much more value. It also, in the long run,  will improve the pass rush a lot more.”"

Ta’amu was a big-boned, powerful inside force for Washington who projects to play the nose tackle position in a 3-4 defense at the next level. He has the ability to hold up lineman and clog lanes to keep linebackers clean, which helps his value. He has been so effective here that there have been some arguably “less-talented” players at Washington who have been extremely productive because of his presence inside on the line. Ta’amu is a powerful and forceful player against the run who can get off the ball on the snap and into a lineman’s face quickly. He is good to hold two blockers to create lanes for his linebackers. He is big-bodied and is a savvy player in terms of understanding his role within the defense. He can engulf running backs by using his long, strong arms or by pushing the interior of an offensive line into the backfield entirely. NFL.com

Pass rush: Surprising initial quickness off the snap. Wide-bodied frame makes it difficult for him to split gaps, but shows a burst when he has a lane. Developing swim move. Relies mostly on a simple bull rush at this point, which is quite effective in collapsing the pocket. Only phone booth quickness. Gives good effort in chasing down the quarterback, but tires quickly.

Run defense: Strong, stout interior presence who often requires double-team blocks to keep him from clogging running lanes. Short, thick legs and thick trunk which aid him in anchoring. Inconsistent in his effort pursuing laterally and down field, but surprises opponents with his quickness for such a large man. Short arms could lead to problems against NFL-caliber offensive linemen with longer arms able to get into his chest.

Explosion: Flashes an explosive initial burst off the snap to split gaps, especially when guards vacate the hole to pull. Has the upper-body strength to rock his opponent back onto his heels. Quicker and more athletic than his body would lead you to believe, flashing startling explosiveness as a tackler when he gains momentum.

Strength: Powerful man who often requires double-teams. Excellent strength in his upper and lower body, though his short limbs limit his effectiveness at times. Relies heavily on his bull rush to pressure the quarterback. Often is at his most effective as a run-stuffer by simply creating a pile in the middle due to his ability to anchor.

Tackling: Makes most of his tackles by simply bludgeoning the ball carrier. Lacks the quick-twitch muscles and lateral agility to break down in space, but has such great strength that he often is able to grab the ball carrier with one arm, slow his momentum and grab on with his other arm to pull the ball carrier to the ground. Inconsistent effort in pursuit, but generates impressive momentum when he’s moving at full speed and can rock the ball carrier with an explosive hit.

Intangibles: Struggled with his weight early in his career. Has weighed as much as 390 pounds and played at 360 at times. Committed himself to extra conditioning and taking rice — a staple of the Samoan culture — out of his diet. Weighed in at 337 pounds for the 2011 Holiday Bowl. Suffered a broken foot during his senior year of high school. Voted a team captain in 2011. –Rob Rang

"“Once again, you are entitled to your opinion, but mine is, one of the Cowboys biggest problems on defense, was a lack of pass rush. Dooms Day left Dallas a long time ago. Until Jerry Jones comes to the realization, (like NYG, NE, Pit, Bal, etc) that it all starts in the trenches, this team will continue to struggle. I believe that I get much more value and upside with Ta’ Amu. ”"