Are We Really Ready At Defensive Back?

[n1997y]

To test this for oneself, consider how you feel if we signed Gilmore or another veteran CB.

Meh. Thats how I’d feel. Especially Gilmore, he’s past his best-by date. He or any other vet would be one more player competing in the bunch we’ve already got. Or worse, if they came in as a lock for CB2 it would suppress development of younger players and give that vet a position they didn’t win by open competition in camp.

 

[mgteich]

Bill suggested it might make sense to have two KRers with the new rules and I think Marcus is definitely our PRer.

Marcus is one of the very best punt returners in the NFL.

Bolden was a top kick returner in college.

 

[captain stone]

There were claims earlier in this thread that were okay at CB because our top 3 are Gonzo, Marcus, and Jon, expecting Jon to play CB2, outside opposite Gonzo.

Jonathan's not nearly as effective at outside CB as he is in the Slot, or even at Free Safety. And Marcus hasn't done anything to warrant being given the starting Slot role either.

 

[captain stone]

LOCKS: Gonzo, Jon Jones, Marcus Jones

Agreed.

I posted that the #2 CB is the weakest position on our Defense.

Agreed.

Others consider the number competing for the starting spot makes this a strength.

And they would be wrong.

Perhaps it is just semantics. To test this for oneself, consider how you feel if we signed Gilmore or another veteran CB.

I already have considered it; and I would feel LOTS better about our CB group as a whole if merely a league-average starter were added to it.

BTW, I am FINE with this being the weakest position on our Defense. This means that we are better everywhere else. And this position is NOT really a problem, just an opportunity.

Surely you can't be serious.

 

[signbabybrady]

Jonathan's not nearly as effective at outside CB as he is in the Slot, or even at Free Safety. And Marcus hasn't done anything to warrant being given the starting Slot role either.

Jonathon has been our best outside corner for 2 years running with the exception of 4 weeks when Gonzalez was healthy.

Let's put it this way: I wish we had a LT with a comparative resume as Jonathan.

Marcus has done more than enough to warrant being our starter going into camp and we will see how competition shakes out. But he's played CB for us a decent sample size his rookie year and looked pretty good including 2 interceptions one of which was a TD. He looked good in camp last year too.

Maybe Alex Austin or someone else can beat one of these 2 out in training camp but we are in great shape with Gonzo/Jones/Jones with several interesting prospects behind them.

 

[mgteich]

Surely you can't be serious.

ALL teams have a position that is weaker than the others, the "weakest" position. I AM serious. It is NOT a problem to have one position of the starting 11 that is weaker than the others. And yes, having a league average starter would be better than what we have, although Marco Wilson MIGHT be close to being a league average (16th best) #2 CB.

 

[captain stone]

ALL teams have a position that is weaker than the others, the "weakest" position. I AM serious. It is NOT a problem to have one position of the starting 11 that is weaker than the others. And yes, having a league average starter would be better than what we have, although Marco Wilson MIGHT be close to being a league average (16th best) #2 CB.

I prefer our CBs to be no lower than our 2nd-Best position group on defense.

 

[mgteich]

I prefer our CBs to be no lower than our 2nd-Best position group.

I tend to agree, but I would say "secondary" rather than "CB". In that case, I think that they are our 1st best position group.

 

[EMpats]

Alex Austin seems to be building momentum. I also like bolden’s potential on the outside. Between the two of them, hopefully one will emerge as a good option. That would make the depth much better.

 

[Ian]

Like Pop Douglas, I worry about Gonzo's durability.

I agree with you on Gonzo, I definitely hope what happened was just bad luck and not a sign of things to come. At the same time, I think Douglas' durability, or lack thereof, is a little overrated. I forgot that one of the big reasons he missed a lot of time last year was this play:



I'd like to hopefully think plays like that are an anomaly. Although the officiating has been a little questionable in that regard as of late.

 

[Wozzy]

They definitely have better options now than before, it would be a luxury to start Gonzo and Marco Wilson on the borders and move Jon Jones back inside to his more natural slot position.

They might also value Jon Jones experience and brains and slide him over to free safety, they could use a coach on the field back there.

I’m accepting flowers and accolades for pointing this out way way back. Pure athleticism wins.

 

[signbabybrady]

I’m accepting flowers and accolades for pointing this out way way back. Pure athleticism wins.

Ive been happy with all the vets that we brought in so far. None seemed like much when we signed them but they all mostly seem decent out on the field.

Hooper who I actually had some expectations for and Gibson and Marco top the list.

But Oshane Ximes looks decent. Same for Jaylin Hawkins. I don't have a great read on Watts but with Barmore out he's probably going to make it probably more of a lock than Ximes or Hawkins.

 

[Wozzy]

Ive been happy with all the vets that we brought in so far. None seemed like much when we signed them but they all mostly seem decent out on the field.

Hooper who I actually had some expectations for and Gibson and Marco top the list.

But Oshane Ximes looks decent. Same for Jaylin Hawkins. I don't have a great read on Watts but with Barmore out he's probably going to make it probably more of a lock than Ximes or Hawkins.

Grabbing Marco Wilson last year was a really heads up move, even though the season was lost and he didn’t play much to end the year… as a forward thinking acquisition it was brilliant.

The same might be said of Trysten Hill if he keeps up the positive momentum. They need someone to take reps in the hole created by Barmore’s absence. The kid didn’t play much last year but he’s really talented and might fulfill the promise that made the Cowboys draft him so high. Sometimes these prospects need to grow up.

Another vet move from this offseason that won’t get enough attention with the drafting of two rookies will be KJ Osborn. The guy is roughly the same size as the rookies but is ready to play now instead of later. Solid pickup who should start for them on day one.

 

[Zuma]

I’m on the Marco Wilson CB2 bandwagon as well but IMO it’s too early to anoint him. He hasn’t earned it yet.

 

[signbabybrady]

Grabbing Marco Wilson last year was a really heads up move, even though the season was lost and he didn’t play much to end the year… as a forward thinking acquisition it was brilliant.

The same might be said of Trysten Hill if he keeps up the positive momentum. They need someone to take reps in the hole created by Barmore’s absence. The kid didn’t play much last year but he’s really talented and might fulfill the promise that made the Cowboys draft him so high. Sometimes these prospects need to grow up.

Another vet move from this offseason that won’t get enough attention with the drafting of two rookies will be KJ Osborn. The guy is roughly the same size as the rookies but is ready to play now instead of later. Solid pickup who should start for them on day one.

I should have included Osborn. We know Pop, Polk and Baker are locks and there is a big fight for WRs 4 and 5 so I'm not sure if he'll make it especially if Bourne comes off the pup soon but he does seem decent too.

Not as familiar with Hill I'll have to keep an eye out for him.

 

[mgteich]

I’m on the Marco Wilson CB2 bandwagon as well but IMO it’s too early to anoint him. He hasn’t earned it yet.

Perhaps too early for us.

I suspect the decision with regard to him making the team has already been made.

In any case, I think this week will be the last time for players to show their stuff.

 

[Zuma]

Perhaps too early for us.

I suspect the decision with regard to him making the team has already been made.

In any case, I think this week will be the last time for players to show their stuff.

I agree he has made the team. My point was him starting at CB2.

 

[mgteich]

I agree he has made the team. My point was him starting at CB2.Ffair enough

Fair enough, but first things first.

Agreeing that Wilson makes the team gives us a good start (actually a good staring seven if we add the safeties).

Gonzo, Jon Jones, Marcus Jones, Wilson
Dugger, Peppers, Hawkins

Either Jon Jones or Wilson could start as outside corner opposite Gonzo.
=====================
THE REST ARE STILL FIGHTING TO MAKE THE ROSTER
Wade
Dial
Bolden
Austin

 

[Ring 6]

ALL teams have a position that is weaker than the others, the "weakest" position. I AM serious. It is NOT a problem to have one position of the starting 11 that is weaker than the others. And yes, having a league average starter would be better than what we have, although Marco Wilson MIGHT be close to being a league average (16th best) #2 CB.

DT, WR,OT,QB,IOL,LB are all worse

 

[mgteich]

DT, WR,OT,QB,IOL,LB are all worse

Who is the outside starting CB that you are comparing to those other positions?