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Zach Diles

wagonhed

wagonhed

Team Gruden
Dude is really good, and he gets almost no recognition around here. I've even heard people talk of replacing him. I saw him make a lot of plays this year and he is always near the ball. ProFootballFocus.com rated him the 10th best 4-3 OLB. Cushing was ranked 3rd.

http://profootballfocus.com/by_posi...e=r&runpass=&teamid=-1&numsnaps=25&numgames=1

On top of that, he is young and in a position to learn from two of the best. Really, the 3 of them are all young and can all learn from each other, and I wouldn't break up that dynamic for anything.

We need to keep Diles and offer him a contract extension/re-sign him when the time comes, not sure when that is.
 
I haven't seen any of this talk about trading Diles. But if we are going to trade anyone, it will be some one from one of our stronger positions. LBs & WRs. I would rather not lose any of our young LBs but Adibi & Diles could get us something nice in return.
 
With Cushing's injury history I'd never get rid of Diles. Brian battled through his numerous injuries this year, but that eventually catches up to you, and we can't afford to have ??? Ryans ??? as our linebackers.
 
Goatcheese said:
With Cushing's injury history I'd never get rid of Diles. Brian battled through his numerous injuries this year, but that eventually catches up to you, and we can't afford to have ??? Ryans ??? as our linebackers.
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I understand thatbthe Cowboys shouldn't be looked at very often as an example of how to run a franchise, but one lesson we should take is the ability to take calculated risks.

Julian Jones was their big money big play runningback, they let him go with no compensation and gamblerld that a rookie from Arkansas could fill the shoes Jones couldn't.

Same thing with TO. They had nothing to replace him with and they flat out cut him.

We need to be able to make those tough decisions that will make this team better.
 
thunderkyss said:
I understand thatbthe Cowboys shouldn't be looked at very often as an example of how to run a franchise, but one lesson we should take is the ability to take calculated risks.

Julian Jones was their big money big play runningback, they let him go with no compensation and gamblerld that a rookie from Arkansas could fill the shoes Jones couldn't.

Same thing with TO. They had nothing to replace him with and they flat out cut him.

We need to be able to make those tough decisions that will make this team better.
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To be fair, Julius Jones really really was not very good by the time they traded him. They had Barber already and wanted to go with him as the main RB.

They let TO walk and then made a, questionable, trade for Roy Williams.

Yes tough decisions come all the time, but those aren't really good examples. Trading Herschel Walker? Yeah that was definitely a good one.
 
thunderkyss said:
I understand thatbthe Cowboys shouldn't be looked at very often as an example of how to run a franchise, but one lesson we should take is the ability to take calculated risks.

Julian Jones was their big money big play runningback, they let him go with no compensation and gamblerld that a rookie from Arkansas could fill the shoes Jones couldn't.

Same thing with TO. They had nothing to replace him with and they flat out cut him.

We need to be able to make those tough decisions that will make this team better.
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Actually, they drafted Felix and Tashard Choice in the same draft and really loaded up their RB position with a bunch of guys who can play.

Which I'd like to see around here.
 
thunderkyss said:
I understand thatbthe Cowboys shouldn't be looked at very often as an example of how to run a franchise, but one lesson we should take is the ability to take calculated risks.

Julian Jones was their big money big play runningback, they let him go with no compensation and gamblerld that a rookie from Arkansas could fill the shoes Jones couldn't.

Same thing with TO. They had nothing to replace him with and they flat out cut him.

We need to be able to make those tough decisions that will make this team better.
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The Pencil Neck said:
Actually, they drafted Felix and Tashard Choice in the same draft and really loaded up their RB position with a bunch of guys who can play.

Which I'd like to see around here.
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Throw in the fact that in 2007 (The last year for Julius Jones in Dallas), Marion Barber had 40 more carries (204 to 164), and averaged 1.2 YPC more than Julius, and I'd say it wasn't much of a gamble in letting him go to Seattle. Still a very good move on the part of the Cowboys, just not much of a risk in letting a moderately effective #2 RB go and replacing him with two high draft picks.
 
LBers are such system players that they rarely have league wide trade value. Also, especially in the FA era the hardest thing to develop is depth especially cheap depth with some experience. Diles is a solid player and Adibi has talent has been in the system. You build on this not trade from it.
 
I like Diles. I even wrote about him on Battle Red Blog. They still give me a hard time about it, as they are anti-Diles there.
 
ChampionTexan said:
Throw in the fact that in 2007 (The last year for Julius Jones in Dallas), Marion Barber had 40 more carries (204 to 164), and averaged 1.2 YPC more than Julius, and I'd say it wasn't much of a gamble in letting him go to Seattle. Still a very good move on the part of the Cowboys, just not much of a risk in letting a moderately effective #2 RB go and replacing him with two high draft picks.
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Still, the point is here, we've got guys saying, "surely he'll be back to his rookie form." when there is nothing to indicate any such thing. If our F.O. goes into the draft with a goofy idea like that, like they did in 2009, we're screwed & the 2010 season will be harder than it has to be.

Point: Jones isn't cutting it. He was a second round pick. He was straight up released from the Cowboys, instead of trying to get some kind of value for him.

Point: Terrell Owens just signed a big contract, held up his end of the bargain, but they felt getting rid of him would be better for their club than the production he brings on the field. He's released, cut, fired. They didn't even seek a trade.

I'm not saying cutting Slaton is the right thing to do. I'm saying if it is, then it needs to be done. If we think Steve Slaton is going to be a big part of this offense, and we are willing to sacrifice 1 game to give him that opportunity, we've got to question how committed we are to winning.

Same thing with Diles. If this team would be better served by trading Diles and Anderson for DeAngelo Williams, we've got to have the fortitude to get it done.
 
Dyles is a solid LB. That doesnt mean you dont upgrade if you have that option. If we are sitting in the second round and an OLB was the best talent available and an upgrade over Dyles and if there are not any players at a priority need position available that grade out high enough to justify the pick, you have to go with the LB and not look back.
 
mussop said:
Dyles is a solid LB. That doesnt mean you dont upgrade if you have that option. If we are sitting in the second round and an OLB was the best talent available and an upgrade over Dyles and if there are not any players at a priority need position available that grade out high enough to justify the pick, you have to go with the LB and not look back.
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That's such a far out situation though. The only thing we need less than an LB really is a TE. I'd rather reach on a C/G/DT/CB/S than draft a 2nd rd OLB. Plus, things aren't nearly as certain after the 1st rd as far as draft grades are concerned, the Texans should be scouting ahead for some kind of kid at a need position that might be under the radar as a 3rd rder, but we identify something that makes us feel he is worth a second.

The other thing you have to think about is that we can't afford to have upgrades at every position. You don't want 20 million of salary room tied up in your LBs, just like you dont get 5 Olinemen that cost 5 million each. Personally, I don't think we should spend one cent more than we do at LB (after signing DeMeco).
 
wagonhed said:
That's such a far out situation though. The only thing we need less than an LB really is a TE. I'd rather reach on a C/G/DT/CB/S than draft a 2nd rd OLB. Plus, things aren't nearly as certain after the 1st rd as far as draft grades are concerned, the Texans should be scouting ahead for some kind of kid at a need position that might be under the radar as a 3rd rder, but we identify something that makes us feel he is worth a second.

The other thing you have to think about is that we can't afford to have upgrades at every position. You don't want 20 million of salary room tied up in your LBs, just like you dont get 5 Olinemen that cost 5 million each. Personally, I don't think we should spend one cent more than we do at LB (after signing DeMeco).
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Without a salary cap, you can put the money anywhere you want. The problem is going to come when the cap comes back.
 
wagonhed said:
That's such a far out situation though. The only thing we need less than an LB really is a TE. I'd rather reach on a C/G/DT/CB/S than draft a 2nd rd OLB. Plus, things aren't nearly as certain after the 1st rd as far as draft grades are concerned, the Texans should be scouting ahead for some kind of kid at a need position that might be under the radar as a 3rd rder, but we identify something that makes us feel he is worth a second.

The other thing you have to think about is that we can't afford to have upgrades at every position. You don't want 20 million of salary room tied up in your LBs, just like you dont get 5 Olinemen that cost 5 million each. Personally, I don't think we should spend one cent more than we do at LB (after signing DeMeco).
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This is the kind of thinking that has gotten many GM's fired. And I can assure you that Smithiak doesnt think like that. Just look at last years draft for varifacation.
 
Given the fact we face the Colts 2x a year and we've already got DeMeco and Cushing as everydown LBs I don't think we'll be using a high draft choice to replace Diles anytime soon.

Diles is a solid starter and the resources needed to get an upgrade would be better used elsewhere given the amount of snaps our WILL plays.
 
TheRealJoker said:
Given the fact we face the Colts 2x a year and we've already got DeMeco and Cushing as everydown LBs I don't think we'll be using a high draft choice to replace Diles anytime soon.

Diles is a solid starter and the resources needed to get an upgrade would be better used elsewhere given the amount of snaps our WILL plays.
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Again I dont think that Smithiak think like that. If they did they wouldnt of drafted Barwin last year in the second round after already having #1 overall pick Mario Williiams and our big offseason FA pickup, A Smith at DE.

They used a second round pick on a player at a position that was only going to get a limited amount of snaps.
 
mussop said:
Again I dont think that Smithiak think like that. If they did they wouldnt of drafted Barwin last year in the second round after already having #1 overall pick Mario Williiams and our big offseason FA pickup, A Smith at DE.

They used a second round pick on a player at a position that was only going to get a limited amount of snaps.
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While I agree with your original premise that this team should be drafting the best player available with only slight regard for need, I don't agree with you're assessment of Smithiak's thinking on drafting Barwin. A 3rd down end was missing from our d-line rotation and Barwin satisfied that. Speed rush was a glaring need missing from the 08 defense.
 
m5kwatts said:
A 3rd down end was missing from our d-line rotation and Barwin satisfied that. Speed rush was a glaring need missing from the 08 defense.
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A coverage OLB with range & length to mirror TE's like Colts Dallas Clark is another need so if bpa you jump all over it ideally later than the 2nd, but if there is one based off Kubiaks comments in regards to Cushing impact then so be it :shades:
 
beerlover said:
A coverage OLB with range & length to mirror TE's like Colts Dallas Clark is another need so if bpa you jump all over it ideally later than the 2nd, but if there is one based off Kubiaks comments in regards to Cushing impact then so be it :shades:
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I would not mind us taking Washington-TCU as high in the 3rd, maybe even the 2nd.
 
If there is a cover-LB that you covet and a FS that you covet in the 2nd round (Say the 1st round is an OG/DL) who do you pick?
 
JB said:
fs/cb
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Okay going from that, say the 1st round is OL, 2nd is your FS/CB, in the 3rd round if there is a cover-LB that you covet, and a DT you see as a big nasty who can take up 2 or 3 blocks in the running and passing game, who do you pick?
 
b0ng said:
Okay going from that, say the 1st round is OL, 2nd is your FS/CB, in the 3rd round if there is a cover-LB that you covet, and a DT you see as a big nasty who can take up 2 or 3 blocks in the running and passing game, who do you pick?
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I understand your point I think, but it all depends on which player is available where. We take the BPA at a position of need. If I have the LB rated higher than the DT, I take the LB. Our need though is for a DT. ...

you are making me so confused...
 
b0ng said:
Okay going from that, say the 1st round is OL, 2nd is your FS/CB, in the 3rd round if there is a cover-LB that you covet, and a DT you see as a big nasty who can take up 2 or 3 blocks in the running and passing game, who do you pick?
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DT of coarse , unless kubiak do the unthinkable and land Vince Wilfork. Now how many people would have amazing thoughts about 2010 2011 season????Super Bowl N E ONE???????????
 
Zach Diles gives the Texans quality minutes on the cheap, can't expect too much more than that. He can also play SLB or WLB. Excellent depth & team player you made impressive comeback from fractured leg. He is best in short space, takes good angles & uses leverage playing all out every play, but his weakness is in coverage when he gets spread out & the TE/RB gets seperation.

A player like TCU Daryl Washington would be an upgrade & give the Texans everydown LB's @ each starting position. Because of need the Texans can probably hold off until the 3rd rd. but he could blow up @ the combine & post season workouts to at least enter the discussion has been already proposed here - http://www.fantasyfootballjungle.com/nfl_draft_prospect/Daryl_Washington/2289

Top 4 teams likely targeting Daryl Washington.

Buffalo Bills, Pick 41
Houston Texans, Pick 50
New York Giants, Pick 46
Oakland Raiders, Pick 48
 
I've always liked Diles. With our other badass linebackers he gets overlooked. He has a great attitude, and personality as well. I really do hope we can hold onto this guy and not lose him.
 
False Start said:
I've always liked Diles. With our other badass linebackers he gets overlooked. He has a great attitude, and personality as well. I really do hope we can hold onto this guy and not lose him.
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Agreed. Other than maybe a little depth, LB is one of our strongest positions. Are we willing to spend a high pick on a player that isn't even on the field but maybe 50% (guesstimate) of the time? Diles goes off the field in nickle formations, which is quite often.

Unless there's a diamond late in the draft or in FA, we're just fine
 
HOU-TEX said:
Agreed. Other than maybe a little depth, LB is one of our strongest positions. Are we willing to spend a high pick on a player that isn't even on the field but maybe 50% (guesstimate) of the time? Diles goes off the field in nickle formations, which is quite often.

Unless there's a diamond late in the draft or in FA, we're just fine
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Texans are good w/Diles. In pass situations they take him out & use nickel, Glover Quinn has been tasked with majority of reps. They are all related to each other (FS/CB/Nickle/WLB) who ever they aquire via the draft or free agency meets these skill sets in a way to maximize packages, overall team speed & impact playmaking.
 
Dr2bKay said:
He was signed to Chicago late in the season if I remember correctly and later cut......
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Had a tryout with the Bills after CHI if I remember correctly... if you want some Texans entertainment go read he and Diles go back and forth on Twitter... classic stuff, very funny
 
m5kwatts said:
Had a tryout with the Bills after CHI if I remember correctly... if you want some Texans entertainment go read he and Diles go back and forth on Twitter... classic stuff, very funny
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lol. I follow both of them on twitter and I agree they are some funny guys.
 
beerlover said:
A coverage OLB with range & length to mirror TE's like Colts Dallas Clark is another need so if bpa you jump all over it ideally later than the 2nd, but if there is one based off Kubiaks comments in regards to Cushing impact then so be it :shades:
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Adbi is supposed to be the guy you're talking about.

He has all of the speed and ability in the world.

Maybe he will put it al together this year.
 
steelbtexan said:
Adbi is supposed to be the guy you're talking about.

He has all of the speed and ability in the world.

Maybe he will put it al together this year.
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we're all hoping anyway?

the viewpoint I wish to convey is not to look @ the draft as a set of absolutes. The Texans board is, well just different than other teams boards, based alot on what they currently have, in the direction they want to play, & now timetable of staff. Impact player is impact player regardless of position & how well they mesh together is difficult to measure based off previous performance in College or another team, just look @ the Texans free agent aquistions.

I'm also suggesting a specific coverage LB would work in direct relationship to the safetys & cornerbacks as well the other LB's. Tightening up this group as a unit is the ultimate priority, however they approach it, so just keep an open mind that's all to anything including OLB :ok:
 
If they are drafting and a WLB is the BPA they should take him.

It bothers me to this day that they passed up a sure thing in Willis to take AO.

I dont know why passing on Willis bothers me more than Revis. Maybe it's because at that time I knew Willis was a baller and wanted them to take him. I liked Revis but didn't have the same feeling about him that I did Willis.

Point is you dont pass up a player like Willis to fill a need.

How do you feel about this?
 
steelbtexan said:
If they are drafting and a WLB is the BPA they should take him.

It bothers me to this day that they passed up a sure thing in Willis to take AO.

I dont know why passing on Willis bothers me more than Revis. Maybe it's because at that time I knew Willis was a baller and wanted them to take him. I liked Revis but didn't have the same feeling about him that I did Willis.

Point is you dont pass up a player like Willis to fill a need.

How do you feel about this?
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Yes, you are correct sir, on both counts :)
 
HOU-TEX said:
Agreed. Other than maybe a little depth, LB is one of our strongest positions. Are we willing to spend a high pick on a player that isn't even on the field but maybe 50% (guesstimate) of the time? Diles goes off the field in nickle formations, which is quite often.

Unless there's a diamond late in the draft or in FA, we're just fine
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We did it last year with Barwin. Besides if we did draft a guy to take Dyles place it would be a guy that is exceptional in coverage and he probably wouldnt be coming out on third down.

steelbtexan said:
Adbi is supposed to be the guy you're talking about.

He has all of the speed and ability in the world.

Maybe he will put it al together this year.
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Adibi is quik not fast. He has great short yard burst but only ran a 4.8 in the 40 at the combine. I still hope he can become the player I thought he could when we drafted him but after 2 years im not holding my breath. There are 3 outstanding OLB's in this draft and I would give them strong consideration in the second round.
 
mussop said:
We did it last year with Barwin. Besides if we did draft a guy to take Dyles place it would be a guy that is exceptional in coverage and he probably wouldnt be coming out on third down.



Adibi is quik not fast. He has great short yard burst but only ran a 4.8 in the 40 at the combine. I still hope he can become the player I thought he could when we drafted him but after 2 years im not holding my breath. There are 3 outstanding OLB's in this draft and I would give them strong consideration in the second round.
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I'm almost positive Adibi ran a little under 4.6 at the combine. Demeco ran a 4.8. Perhaps you are getting his time confused with Adibi?

I just found it... we were both wrong: Xavier Adibi Virginia Tech 6'0 3/4 235 4.69
 
mussop said:
We did it last year with Barwin. Besides if we did draft a guy to take Dyles place it would be a guy that is exceptional in coverage and he probably wouldnt be coming out on third down.



Adibi is quik not fast. He has great short yard burst but only ran a 4.8 in the 40 at the combine. I still hope he can become the player I thought he could when we drafted him but after 2 years im not holding my breath. There are 3 outstanding OLB's in this draft and I would give them strong consideration in the second round.
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He'd have to be pretty exceptional in order for a coach to leave him out there in nickel rather than an actual nickel CB.
 
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