In a 3-4 it can often be tough to judge the quality of play of the defensive line. Most of the big guys up front are "supposed to" hold up offensive linemen and create space for the linebackers to do their work. I think that's a load of shit. Why can't your defensive linemen be impact players? It is clear that collectively, this group did not do an overall great job because the Cowboys were gashed by the run and opposing quarterbacks were not under enough pressure. I think there is definitely a need to get at least one more high-motor defensive end and a bigger hole plugger at nose tackle via the draft of free agency. J.J. Watt?
#90- Jay Ratliff- NT- Ratliff has been an over achieving beast ever since he broke into the league 7 years ago. This past year he seemed to take a step back. He is under-sized and drew a considerable amount of attention this year which led to him making less plays. (Only 3.5 sacks). You have to want more from your All-Pro NT. Maybe a move to end would help free him up. GRADE- B
#72- Stephen Bowen- DE- Bowen has been a viable rotation DE for the past few years. He seems to come in and hold his own. This year his playing time increased and he is solid against both the pass and run although he is not exactly a beast out there. Still I expect him to be an important part of the defense next season. GRADE- B
#97-Jason Hatcher-DE- Hatcher has been Bowen's running mate the past few years. They have both served well as backups but when both given the chance this year, it was Hatcher who fell short of expectations. He just isn't athletic enough to make enough of an impact in the way the Cowboys would like. I think the Cowboys may look into replacing him. GRADE- C+
#99-Igor Olishanksy- DE- The Crushin Russian appeals to the fans because of his foreign name, his colorful tattoo's and his solid stumpy build. The problem is, it's tough to judge how well he has been because of all the double teams he takes on. He is a big body and seemingly solid against the run. He always seems a step too slow when running down someone from behind or getting after the quarterback but his high motor energy is a plus. Next year, a contract year, will be an important one for Igor. Hopefully he can continue to be a strong force against the run. GRADE- B-
#92- Josh Brent- DT- Brent was one of the young Cowboys that came on strong at the end of the season. He was able to effectively spell Ratliff and was athletic enough to create some pressure. It will be interesting to see if he can take the next step under Rob Ryan. GRADE- B
#96- Marcus Spears- DE- Marcus has never lived up to his first round billing when Parcells took him at #20 in the 2005 draft. Still people over look how tough he has been against the run and how much room he has given to Demarcus Ware by clogging up the front. He missed most of last season and it diminished the amount of pressure the boys could put on the QB. He is a physical asset and I think that if the Cowboys can bring him back, he would be a nice edition to a defensive line whose depth was lacking last year. GRADE- N/A
#95- Sean Lissemore- NT- The Cowboys have high hopes for the 7th rounder out of William & Mary. They like his motor and think he can be a productive contributor on the interior. Injuries hampered him for much of the season but we saw flashes of why the Cowboys drafted him towards the end. I look forward to his camp this summer. GRADE- N/A
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| Jay Ratliff needs to return to his All-Pro level |
#72- Stephen Bowen- DE- Bowen has been a viable rotation DE for the past few years. He seems to come in and hold his own. This year his playing time increased and he is solid against both the pass and run although he is not exactly a beast out there. Still I expect him to be an important part of the defense next season. GRADE- B
#97-Jason Hatcher-DE- Hatcher has been Bowen's running mate the past few years. They have both served well as backups but when both given the chance this year, it was Hatcher who fell short of expectations. He just isn't athletic enough to make enough of an impact in the way the Cowboys would like. I think the Cowboys may look into replacing him. GRADE- C+
#99-Igor Olishanksy- DE- The Crushin Russian appeals to the fans because of his foreign name, his colorful tattoo's and his solid stumpy build. The problem is, it's tough to judge how well he has been because of all the double teams he takes on. He is a big body and seemingly solid against the run. He always seems a step too slow when running down someone from behind or getting after the quarterback but his high motor energy is a plus. Next year, a contract year, will be an important one for Igor. Hopefully he can continue to be a strong force against the run. GRADE- B-
#92- Josh Brent- DT- Brent was one of the young Cowboys that came on strong at the end of the season. He was able to effectively spell Ratliff and was athletic enough to create some pressure. It will be interesting to see if he can take the next step under Rob Ryan. GRADE- B
#96- Marcus Spears- DE- Marcus has never lived up to his first round billing when Parcells took him at #20 in the 2005 draft. Still people over look how tough he has been against the run and how much room he has given to Demarcus Ware by clogging up the front. He missed most of last season and it diminished the amount of pressure the boys could put on the QB. He is a physical asset and I think that if the Cowboys can bring him back, he would be a nice edition to a defensive line whose depth was lacking last year. GRADE- N/A
#95- Sean Lissemore- NT- The Cowboys have high hopes for the 7th rounder out of William & Mary. They like his motor and think he can be a productive contributor on the interior. Injuries hampered him for much of the season but we saw flashes of why the Cowboys drafted him towards the end. I look forward to his camp this summer. GRADE- N/A
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