Travis Long and the NFL: Dallas Cowboys
By Josh Davis
Dallas Cowboys
Stacked Against the Pick:
Aug 15, 2012; Oxnard, CA, USA; General view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys have a whole host of linebackers and of course that’s where Travis Long is projected to be going in some sort of 3-4 scheme.
The Perfect Storm:
On the other hand, Long played in a 4-3 his first 3 seasons at Washington State and the Cowboys at the moment are void at defensive end. The predominant thought is that Dallas is taking a hard look at Safety Kenny Vacarro in the first round, which leaves later picks for their defensive front problems. Long could be in the mix of 2-3 ends coming off the board to Dallas. His ability to generate pressure and relentlessly run down the quarterback will be another trait that the Cowboys could look to utilize.
Looking at the roster I don’t see a single Cowboy that is known for applying pressure on the outside. The scheme might not be “prototypical” for where people are pegging him in this draft, but he fits the roster that the Cowboys possess in a somewhat obvious way.
Likelihood of Getting Drafted by Cowboys:
C+ (despite not fitting the scheme very well, could be a good personnel move to get pass rushers on the roster)