Igor Olshansky

[KYPack]

PU opines (or heard through the grapevine) that the player that is keeping FA interest low is not Harrell or Jolly, it is in fact Alfred Malone, the guy we had on the PS that we signed late last season, that played in a few games for us.

Here's why:
He was added as a UDFA to Texas' team in 2005, as a 3-4 DE, under Dom Capers. He made it to the practice squad, then was signed late, and played in 2 games, including a whale of a game where he had 6 tackles and a sack. Malone is the one that Capers is high on. The kid's measurables are almost exactly the same as Marcus Spears from the Cowboys, though he can jump higher. That pool video with Gilbert.......Malone can do that too (in fact so can Jolly, he jumped 34" inches at his pro day, probably why the Pack drafted him).

Malone is in fact, athletically and physically, the most ideal 3-4 DE on the team (and experienced), even moreso than Harrell who is quite close to the ideal as well.

Good snag there, Waldo.

Malone was an upgrade at the end of last season at DT. Several times they would sub him for Cole. Malone would play more effectively, then be mysteriously swapped for Cole again. I never understood why. I think he could definitely be in the mix at RDE in the 3-4. (Or LDE, I don't give a shit, just get us some ends)

What of some of our RE's last season?

Are Jeremy Thompson, Pettway and those players men without roles or are they converted to elephant, rhinoceros or some other creature in the 3-4?

[Waldo]

Both Pettway and Thompson were thought to be 3-4 OLB's on draft day. They are both real small for a 4-3 DE, both are quite athletic.

I gave up trying to figure out the DL substitution patterns last season (and the season before), they were pretty nonsensical, a guy would play good, they'd swap him out for someone playing bad, play their worst players on critical downs, etc..., I didn't get it at all. Little things like that are going to have a much bigger effect than people think IMO if Capers is good at it, I think that it was a big drag on the effectiveness of our DL. We rarely gave up big plays in base D with primary personnel on the field, it's when the wacky/dumb calls and bad substitutions were on the field that we got gashed.

[RashanGary]

Alfred Malone does look like a pretty impressive athlete. We'll see how he develops under Tgrovac. If Jolly works hard on shedding a few lbs, he could be a pretty impressive DE too.

Jenkins, Jolly and Malone with Harrell as a bonus if he finally gets healthy or else cut. Kamp is also going to play DE in some of the sub packages. We also have the draft and scrap heap to sort though.

Honestly, I'm more worried about NT than DE. If we draft Raji, I think the DL could be in decent shape (mabe great shape if Raji is a playmaker and some guys develop). The LB's definitly need help (either through development or FA). There is certainly a lot of gray area from our vantage point right now, but that could turn into a good thing. In Ted we Trust!

Life after Favre was scary, in steps Rodgers. Life after Ahman Green was scary, in steps Grant. Let's not dive off any cliffs folks. We have, what looks to be, a hell of a defensive staff. We have a whole bunch of young, improving players (and it seems as though Ted is ready to start locking them up and growing into a win-now veteran squad). I'm very optimistic about this team, even the defense. One huge benefit of the 3-4 is that we're not going to rely so much on the DL and that was the weak point of last years defense. Everything staying exacly the same (even with injuries), I'd predict things to get better.

Oh, and this switch should help that 26 ranked ST's. Are we really this fickle? Does everything have to be so doomy and gloomy?

[Joemailman]

I think the Packers have some potential at DE, but damn, none of those guys can really be counted on injury-wise. I see Sporting News has Packers taking Tyson Jackson in 2nd round. I'd be doing cartwheels if that happened. Well, not really, but you get the idea.

I'm not as concerned about linebacker. I think Jeremy Thompson will surprise people.

[Partial]

I think the Packers have some potential at DE, but damn, none of those guys can really be counted on injury-wise. I see Sporting News has Packers taking Tyson Jackson in 2nd round. I'd be doing cartwheels if that happened. Well, not really, but you get the idea.

I'm not as concerned about linebacker. I think Jeremy Thompson will surprise people.

I agree on both accounts. Jeremy Thompson should be fine, not dominant, but good enough, and will eventually play the LOLB in Kampy's spot when he moves on from age, etc.

If Tyson Jackson fell that far, that would be PERFECT!

[Joemailman]

Alfred Malone at DE may be the guy flying under the radar a bit. Capers had him at Houston in 2005. http://www.packerupdate.com/

[Fritz]

Wasn't Malone subject to MM's favorite comment - "he needs to keep his pad level down"?

[Pugger]

Or was MM talking about our O linemen? I can't recall...

[Fritz]

I'm trying not to get too excited over Alfred Malone...I'm trying to keep my pad level down, but it just keeps popping back up.

[Deputy Nutz]

My third boner of the day has just been named "Alfred". I am excited any time you can add a player like Alfred Malone into the mix is cause for unruly excitement and good deep penetration.

[imscott72]

The Cowboys will host DE Igor Olshansky for a free agent visit on Friday.
The Packers were rumored to be pursuing Olshansky, but haven't contacted his agent. A big-bodied Russian, Olshansky could help replace Chris Canty.
Source: dallascowboys.com
Related: Cowboys, Packers

[Bretsky]

well, it looks like we aren't even showing any real interest in the guy

look under short yardage

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/40760507.html

packers are not currently involved in discussions, they have not made him a priority at this time

why am i not surprised?

Oh Polar Bear, O Polar Wherefore art thou, Polar Bear

[Bretsky]

PU opines (or heard through the grapevine) that the player that is keeping FA interest low is not Harrell or Jolly, it is in fact Alfred Malone, the guy we had on the PS that we signed late last season, that played in a few games for us.

Here's why:
He was added as a UDFA to Texas' team in 2005, as a 3-4 DE, under Dom Capers. He made it to the practice squad, then was signed late, and played in 2 games, including a whale of a game where he had 6 tackles and a sack. Malone is the one that Capers is high on. The kid's measurables are almost exactly the same as Marcus Spears from the Cowboys, though he can jump higher. That pool video with Gilbert.......Malone can do that too (in fact so can Jolly, he jumped 34" inches at his pro day, probably why the Pack drafted him).

Malone is in fact, athletically and physically, the most ideal 3-4 DE on the team (and experienced), even moreso than Harrell who is quite close to the ideal as well.

Regardless TTT takes his dam time with every part of free agency

Have no expecations and you'll be about right most of the time

He'll likely find some discounts from the Goodwill store after the Walmart guys are picked though

[digitaldean]

Normally, I am fairly optimistic, but this round of FA has got me down.

No, there weren't a ton of big names worth getting, but there is some definitive help that is not even being brought in for a look-see.

Olshansky is not the be-all, end-all, but for crying out loud, he'd be an asset for this d-line.

Hey, TT we were 6-10 for a reason last year! Changing the scheme to a 3-4 alone isn't going to do it. Going JUST thru the draft this season isn't going to do it.

Pop your head out of the shell, Ted and get Igor in here!

[imscott72]

The Cowboys have reportedly agreed to terms with DE Igor Olshansky.
Dallas needed a replacement for Chris Canty, and Olshansky should do so for half the price.
Source: NFL.com
Related: Cowboys