Hey, I came up with an idea. Reading articles are always fun, but what about interacting with them. None of us will ever be the general manager of the Cowboys, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make decisions regarding the team’s future, right?
Welcome to the first article of a new series here on Inside The Star called, “Would You?”
Basically we’re going to frame out a situation, whether that be a player trade, a free agent signing, playing an injured player during the season, trading on draft day, firing the head coach, relocating the Cowboys, impeaching the president, whatever. Then, we’ll ask you, via a Twitter poll, whether you would make the move or not. So, without further ado, here goes!
Would you trade for Jacquies Smith, defensive end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
First, let’s outline the measurables.
He’s 6’2″, 260 pounds.
He played college at Missouri, and went undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft.
I know right now you’re thinking, “Eh, not really selling me on him, Ian.” Well, he’s also 25 years old, and after taking a couple red-shirt seasons with the Jets/Bills in 2012/13, he was signed to Lovie Smith’s Tampa 2 defense in 2014 where he posted 6.5 sacks in 7 starts, and played in all 16 games. In 2015, Tampa used him early and often as he started for them at left defensive end.
Through the first two games, Smith had 4 sacks, and two forced fumbles, due largely in part to a 3 sack, 2 FF game against a division rival, the New Orleans Saints. He wavered down the stretch, though, posting only 3 more sacks in 9 games.
For a quick scouting report, Smith has a very compact body as he sports 260 pounds on a 6’2″ frame. He’s not tremendously quick off the ball, but his high motor allows him to remain engaged throughout the play. He played both left and right end, so he has the position flex we look for. He has a good knack for swatting OT’s arms down to gain positioning. Strong player who can bull rush. Uses good speed to get around the edge. Long arms often disrupt the pocket by swatting at QB. Lacks great speed (4.81 40 yard dash) and will get out run by faster RBs to the edge. Isn’t a quick mover and needs to sharpen his stunting technique. Has a good dip move, but can sometimes overrun the OT. Is an absolute road warrior, posting 6/7 sacks in 2015 and all 6.5 sacks in 2014 on the road (good, or bad?).
Check out how he’s able to track RGIII on his roll-out, and prevent the scramble, even with the RT in the way!
There are definite pros and cons to the tape, but this guy can play.
I think he could immediately come in as a day one starter at left or right end, depending on whether you want Demarcus Lawrence to stay on the left side or not. Taking production and age into account, I think I’d be willing to trade a mid round pick for this guy, depending on how the rest of free agency works out.
https://twitter.com/BleedingTheStar/status/709132133504262144
So, after knowing everything here, would you trade for Jacquies Smith? Don’t forget to vote in the @CowboysNation poll!
