Brandon Magee: A hidden gem for Dallas Cowboys

JBond

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Despite his standing as an undrafted rookie, Brandon Magee still got a $70,000 signing bonus from the Dallas Cowboys. They were obviously smitten with the Arizona State product, but why?

Well first and foremost, Magee is a great fit for the Cowboys.

Even with less-than-ideal size (5’11’’, 233 pounds), the former Sun Devil is a tenacious, hard-working linebacker with the versatility to contribute at any of the three spots in the Cowboys’ new 4-3 scheme. While he may have received interest from numerous teams after going undrafted last April, Magee has the opportunity to see immediate playing time in Dallas.

With veterans Sean Lee and Bruce Carter leading the linebacker squad, Magee will also have the opportunity to learn behind two proven pros. A very instinctive player with a nose for the football, Magee will benefit greatly from working amongst the Cowboys’ linebacking corps. Even if he doesn’t play right away, learning from players like Lee, Carter and Ernie Sims will help Magee develop all of the raw physical tools currently at his disposal.

Heading into training camp, Magee stands a good chance of making the 53-man roster, another sign that Dallas was a tremendous fit for the undrafted rookie. With Lee locked into the starting middle linebacker spot, Magee will battle with Cameron Sheffield, Taylor Reed and others for the backup MIKE role. It’s not an easy task, but definitely an attainable goal.

Although he played at the middle linebacker spot throughout spring ball, Magee could easily slide into either of the outside linebacker positions. During his college career at Arizona State, he played on both the strong and weak sides, so he’s familiar with both of the positions and will offer the Cowboys valuable depth at all three linebacker spots.

Last season, Magee racked up a team-high 113 tackles, 6.5 sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble for the Sun Devils. Even at 5’11’’, it’s hard to overlook that type of production.

It’ll take some time for Magee to become a significant contributor for the Cowboys. If he lives up to his potential and displays some of the playmaking that made him a fourth-round talent in Dallas’ eyes, it won’t be too long before we hear his name called early and often on Sundays.

Would you look at that? Jerry Jones found a gem.

Read more at http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2013/...n-gem-for-dallas-cowboys/?tZg8xKKmCebGUFkQ.99
 

cmd34(work)

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Solid player. We got lucky trying to be cute. We should have drafted him in the 6th round over Holloman. We can't assign draft grades to these guys and then ignore them come draft day. One or both of our processes is incorrect.

Anyway, the guy is a great fit for this Defense. In 2010 when everyone was predicting greatness (mysef included) for Vontaze Burfict, Magee was the better player for the Sun Devil defense. He was hurt in 2011 and then in 2012, ASU changed defensive schemes. Magee still performed well in that new scheme. I think he'll be the third starter at linebacker by 2014.
 

JBond

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cmd, I was hoping you would reply, being an AZ guy. I think this guy makes the team. I do wonder a little about his weight, but that should not be as big a deal in the 4-3.
 
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We might actually be able to have 12 defenders on the field at one time, since this guy is so small he could pretty much fit in one of our other defenders pockets.
 

cmd34(work)

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5'11" 230 lbs is decent for a 4-3 WOLB.

Dexter Coakley was 5'10" 236 lbs. and Darrin Smith was 6'0" 235 lbs. There are others in the league right now I'm just too lazy to look them up.

There is also some MLB types who played at that size, London Flethcer, Dat Nguyen, and Zach Thomas come to mind.
 
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Jon88

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I wish we still had Dexter Coakley. Anyone remember that time he was miked up on MNF against the Skins? He was a great leader and was all over the field.
 
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If we still had Dexter Coakley he wouldn't be effective at all because he'd be around 45 years old.
 

dbair1967

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5'11" 230 lbs is decent for a 4-3 WOLB.

Dexter Coakley was 5'10" 236 lbs. and Darrin Smith was 6'0" 235 lbs. There are others in the league right now I'm just too lazy to look them up.

There is also some MLB types who played at that size, London Flethcer, Dat Nguyen, and Zach Thomas come to mind.

Derek Brooks wasn't very big either.
 
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