Sean Lee's role with the Cowboys
July, 23, 2010 Jul 232:43PM
By Calvin WatkinsSAN ANTONIO -- With inside linebacker Sean Lee coming to terms with the Cowboys on Friday, it's time to look at what type of role he'll have with the squad this year.
The Cowboys' coaches believe Lee can play both inside linebacker spots but his future is more suited to replacing Keith Brooking as the weakside linebacker.
Before that happens, if it happens at all, Lee will compete with Jason Williams as the nickle linebacker. Last season, Bobby Carpenter was the nickle linebacker, after playing behind Kevin Burnett, who left in free agency for the San Diego Chargers last year.
Carpenter, according to the coaches film, recorded 48 tackles and two sacks, one tackle for loss and four quarterback pressures.
The coaches didn't think Carpenter was physical enough at the point of attack and he never shed that "Barbie" label, given to him by one of his teammates.
So this is where Lee comes in.
Lee is a physical player, someone who isn't afraid to mix it up, and he's very quick. His closing speed allows him to make tackles, and one scout said he thinks Lee was the best inside linebacker in the 2010 draft.
Lee will get every opportunity to increase his snap count on passing downs. If Brooking is slowed by his recovery from offseason knee surgery, then Lee could see time with the first team.
Williams enters his second season finally healthy and he will also compete with Lee for the nickel job. Williams has to show he knows the defensive schemes and translate that into making plays on the ball.
For now, Lee is the favorite to become the nickel linebacker and more down the line.
July, 23, 2010 Jul 232:43PM
By Calvin WatkinsSAN ANTONIO -- With inside linebacker Sean Lee coming to terms with the Cowboys on Friday, it's time to look at what type of role he'll have with the squad this year.
The Cowboys' coaches believe Lee can play both inside linebacker spots but his future is more suited to replacing Keith Brooking as the weakside linebacker.
Before that happens, if it happens at all, Lee will compete with Jason Williams as the nickle linebacker. Last season, Bobby Carpenter was the nickle linebacker, after playing behind Kevin Burnett, who left in free agency for the San Diego Chargers last year.
Carpenter, according to the coaches film, recorded 48 tackles and two sacks, one tackle for loss and four quarterback pressures.
The coaches didn't think Carpenter was physical enough at the point of attack and he never shed that "Barbie" label, given to him by one of his teammates.
So this is where Lee comes in.
Lee is a physical player, someone who isn't afraid to mix it up, and he's very quick. His closing speed allows him to make tackles, and one scout said he thinks Lee was the best inside linebacker in the 2010 draft.
Lee will get every opportunity to increase his snap count on passing downs. If Brooking is slowed by his recovery from offseason knee surgery, then Lee could see time with the first team.
Williams enters his second season finally healthy and he will also compete with Lee for the nickel job. Williams has to show he knows the defensive schemes and translate that into making plays on the ball.
For now, Lee is the favorite to become the nickel linebacker and more down the line.