SB Nation - Victor Butler

Q+A with Oregon State SBN site: Building The Dam

TwistNHook — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:22 -0000

More photos » by Greg Wahl-Stephens - AP

about 1 month ago: Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers (1) is pulled down by UCLA's Kyle Bosworth (54) and Tony Dye (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football in Corvallis, Ore., Saturday Oct. 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Greg Wahl-Stephens)

Browse more photos »

This week, Cal takes on the Beavers of Oregon State. There are 2 SBN sites from Oregon, Addicted To Quack and Building The Dam. Many people say AtQ is the better site, but many people are wrong. While AtQ gets all the hype and is so flashy (giving all of their Masolithusiasts Playstation 3s!), BtD is the much more consistent site. Year in and year out they continue to produce stable, quality work. It is not as well known work, but every now and then they really show up Conquest Chronicles and everybody starts paying attention to them again.

We thought for the OSU game, we'd do a Q+A with them. Get their thoughts on this game, Building The Dam-style. After the jump, see what their thoughts are on the game and whether or not Chip Kelly's face should remain un-punched. And here are their answers to our questions! GO BEARS!

1. Quiz or Best, who would you take? Show your work.

Ah the great debate. Best is a more electrifying player, there is no doubt about it. But Quizz is hands down a better runner between the tackles, which is our offense. Throw in that he has a little bit more speed this year and he has broken out a few big runs, and I'll take Quizz. But don't get me wrong, I'm not comfortable playing against Jahvid Best.

2. What is the #1 strength of Canfield we gotta watch out for?

When he gets time he can wing the ball in there. He throws a nice, tight spiral. And lately he's added a very accurate deep ball that's burned quite a few corner backs. But they key to Canfield is he needs time. He can't do anything under pressure.

3. How angry does Oregon's win over USC make you guys?

I think we should all be happy that USC's reign as champion is over. But why couldn't it Stanford? Or you? Or UCLA? Or even UW?? What is most frustrating is not being able to turn on the TV or radio, pick up the newspaper, or leave anywhere outside of Corvallis without hearing about the awesomeness of UO.

4. Who should we watch out for on the Defense?

The thing about our defense this year is that nobody has stood out. There is no Victor Butler this year. Even Paea and Kristick (arguably our two best returners) have had modest years. But watch out for our linebacking core as a whole. They have started to step up the last 4 games and are helping ease pressure off the line and defensive backs.

via media.scout.com

5. Who do you want to punch in the face?

The entire Oregon football program. Chip Kelly told the NCAA and Pac10 that the Blount situation would be taken care of in house. He held a press conference stating that he would be suspended "indefinitely" but that only because they didn't want to kick him off the team and take away his scholarship. I thought that was the classiest move I've seen from a head coach. Then, as soon as the heat died down, they decide they will try and reinstate him. Oregon fans love Chip Kelly's attitude. I think he is the next Urban Meyer.

6. How've the Rodgers brothers been utilized this year that's different from last?

The WildBeav (I prefer WildQuizz) offense has been fun to watch. And Quizz threw a TD against UCLA! Other than that, its pretty much Q-ball all over again (Quizz and Quon ball),

7. Are the Beavers dead meat if one of them goes down?

Not if we play Pitt, of course. There's more depth in the receiving corps than at running back. Freshman WR Markus Wheaton is being groomed to run the fly sweep, but he's not James Rodgers yet. So if the Beavers had to take one guy, they'd take Quizz, but James is one helluva player and it's hard to even say that.

via blog.oregonlive.com

8. ESPN's Ted Miller thinks that Quizz should get invited to the Heisman ceremony. Do you agree or disagree? Do the following facts change your opinion? So far this year, Jahvid Best has a better yard per rush average than Rodgers (6.3 vs. 5.4). Jahvid Best also has a better yard per reception average than Rodgers (10.3 vs. 7.6). Jahvid Best also has a worse offensive line blocking for him. It sounds like Best might be doing more damage with less help. Does that give him a better claim to be a Heisman candidate than Rodgers?

Personally, and I know I'm going to catch shit about this, but LaMichael James from Oregon deserves more than either. In 8 games he has put up 918 yards and 11 TDs on only 131 carries. He's averaging better YPG than Best and better YPC than Quizz. But look at what Quizz does. He gets his yardage every time. Jahvid Best's biggest problem is Tedford doesn't get him the ball enough. And I don't buy the whole "worse offensive line" argument. Let's check out the star ratings of each kids and compare. And don't tell me that you have a new OLine coach either. I refuse to believe that these kids forgot everything Michalczik taught them.

9. Cal's pass defense so far this year has been...suspect. Can Oregon State take advantage? Will they?

Absolutely we can. I believe we have one of the deepest receiving cores in the conference. Again, the key is pressure of Canfield. If we can get the running game going early, it could be a long game for the Golden Bears.

Upgrade/Downgrade - Defensive Ends

Jake Bertalotto — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:00:15 -0000

We've completed our look at the departing starters on offense, and now we'll shift over to the defense, where only three starters (but 24 lettermen) return. We'll start by looking at defensive end, where Victor Butler and Slade Norris leave as perhaps one of the best defensive end duos in the recent era of Beaver football. Their replacements, though-- Ben Terry and Kevin Frahm-- seem to have the potential to be just as tenacious.... and skilled. What do you think... will Frahm (soph.) and Terry (senior) be an upgrade or downgrade when it's said and done?

Last Year:

Victor Butler

#90 / Defensive- End / Oregon St. Beavers

Height: 6-2

Weight: 238

Year: graduated

Slade Norris

#58 / Defensive- End / Oregon St. Beavers

Height: 6-3

Weight: 245

Year: graduated

This Year:

Kevin Frahm

#74 / Defensive- End / Oregon St. Beavers

Height: 6-2

Weight: 255

Year: sophomore

Ben Terry

#55 / Defensive- End / Oregon St. Beavers

Height: 6-3

Weight: 240

Year: senior

Other defensive ends looking to get time... Gabe Miller, who made the switch from TE, Evan Hill, and Taylor Henry.

Time to vote.

--Jake (jake.buildingthedam@gmail.com)

Poll

Will Frahm/Terry be an upgrade or downgrade from Norris/Butler?

Upgrade

8 votes

Downgrade

77 votes

About the same

24 votes

109 votes | Poll has closed

Double-T Nation Daily Diatribe // 06.16.09

Seth C — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:12:58 -0000

Odds and Ends

Extremely Slow

It's extremely slow this morning and I'm really grasping for content this morning. Since most NFL teams are starting mandatory workouts, I've done some quick searches on some 2009 draftees and that's your notes for today.

[Note by Seth C, 06/16/09 6:21 AM CDT ] I've been meaning to ask this, but does anyone have a link to the Texas Tech football schedule in iCal? I had a reader inquire and I meant to ask last week. Leave a comment or shoot me an email.

Texas Tech Football

Red Raiders in the NFL

Up first, guard Louis Vasquez appears to be a player on the rise with the San Diego Chargers. In fact, SB Nation blog Bolts From The Blue writes that Vasquez is the 5th most important player for 2009 success:

5. Louis Vasquez, RG I know, I know. Two impact rookies. I'll admit, though, that I'm not sold on Kynan Forney. Even as a project, if there wasn't something potentially wrong with his health long-term I feel that he would've gotten a better offer than what the Chargers signed him for. I also think that if management trusted him to return to form, Vasquez would not have been drafted. Now, onto Vasquez. That is a big, strong boy. Not Two-Ton Fonoti big either. Louis Vasquez is a brick wall, which is exactly what you want out of your right guard. He doesn't necessary need to have the best footwork, he just needs to be able to steamroll a defensive tackle when a running play is coming his way. I love his potential and think he's starting in week 1. Young offensive linemen can really help invigorate the group and provide offensive options that weren't there before. The Chargers went from 9 wins to 14 wins in one season with the only changes being McNeil, McCree and Rivers. I think we could see a similar situation in 2009.

LB Brandon Williams is making strides with the Dallas Cowboys as he converts from a 4-3 DE to a 3-4 OLB and is ahead of fellow LB, Victor Butler:

Third-year veteran Anthony Spencer will replace Ellis in the starting lineup on the strong side. Behind Spencer is a pair of fourth-round picks, Brandon Williams and Victor Butler. Both were 4-3 ends in college.

Head coach Wade Phillips has been impressed with Williams' improvement but admits Butler is "pretty far behind" after missing all of the OTA's while waiting to graduate. He and seventh-round pick Mike Mickens (graduation) returned to practice Monday.

S Darcel McBath is working with the startes with the Denver Broncos, although he has a long trek ahead to beat veterans Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill.

Texas Tech vs. Minnesota - #20 Most Memorable Big 12 Game

ESPN's Tim Griffin writes that Texas Tech's very memorable 44-41 win over Minnesota in the 2006 Insight Bowl was the 20th most memorable game of the Big 12. Just think, at 8:39 p.m. I called (jokingly) the 28 point comeback. And if you've never seen this video of Mike Leach during halftime of this game, as well as the highlights from the game.

TEXAS TECH 2006 INSIGHT BOWL (via rjxavier2000)

Texas Tech Baseball

Kenworthy Playing Summer Baseball

The Victoria Advocate's Jack Molitor has an excellent feature on 2B Joey Kenworthy, who is playing in Victoria for summer baseball:

He's always been the shortest guy on the field at 5 feet, 4 inches. He is the youngest child in a family with five older sisters. And his parents didn't even know if he would play again after he broke his leg during his senior year of high school.

But Kenworthy has succeeded. He is heading into his senior year at Texas Tech as a starter, and he has become a key facet in the offense of the first-place Generals.

And he's done it with a smile and a positive attitude.

The Valley Ranch Review: Two Former Cowboys Move On; Team Settles on New Practice Site

Aaron Novinger — Fri, 08 May 2009 03:40:54 -0000

Former Dallas DT Leon Lett will be graduating from UNLV on Saturday.

Lett came to Las Vegas last year to visit his former Cowboys position coach, Andre Patterson, who had recently joined the staff at UNLV. Lett needed three semesters to complete his course work, which included independent study.

Roy Williams finalized his deal with Cincinnati today. It sounds like former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is excited to work again with the safety.

"Roy had his best years when we were together in Dallas and I think we can take advantage of all his strengths in our (4-3) scheme," Zimmer said. "Roy is a big hitter, a very tough player who lends a physical presence to a defense, and he makes plays. He has also been very durable, with just the one injury that cost him last year, and that was a broken bone that's healed now."

The resourceful Todd Archer found a Behm family blog with updates on the scouting assistant's recovery. Direct link to the blog: here.

The DMN's draft review series features OLB Victor Butler. Check out the highlights of him sacking rookie free agent QB Rudy Carpenter.

Cowboys assistant trainer Greg Gaither was released from the hospital on Wednesday. Gaither suffered a broken leg in last Saturday's facility collapse.

The Cowboys will now hold practice at Tommy Standridge Stadium in nearby Carrollton. Here's what the practice schedule looks like so far:

Regular Tuesday and Thursday throwing sessions for the skill positions are a part of the team's 10-week off-season program. The Cowboys also have three-day Organized Team Activities planned for four consecutive weeks in late May and early June, and a mini-camp for veterans and rookies June 16-18. Training camp will begin at the end of July inside San Antonio's Alamodome, but work on the Valley Ranch practice fields may not be finished when the team returns.

According to his agent, Brett Favre is retiring--again.

The Valley Ranch Review: Summit President Speaks on the Cowboys’ Structure Crash

Aaron Novinger — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:35:26 -0000

More photos » by LM Otero - AP

Dallas Cowboys special teams coach Joe DeCamillis is scheduled to have back surgery today. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Browse more photos »

Tom Orsborn reports that the president of Summit Structures flew to Dallas to survey his company's collapsed practice facility and to offer support to the organization.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and their families," said Nathan Stobbe of Summit Structures. "This is obviously a very difficult time for each of them and for the Cowboys organization. "

[snip]

"I have flown to Texas along with other representatives of our company to assist in anyway possible," Stobbe said. "We will be working with the Cowboy's organization and local professionals and officials to fully assess this severe weather event."

Stobbe on the building of this particular facility:

"As some basic background: Summit Structures installed this facility in 2003, which was manufactured at our manufacturing plant in Saskatoon, Canada. The engineering, and related approvals for the facility were managed by professional engineers licensed to practice engineering in Texas, both in 2003 and again in 2008 when the building was upgraded and a new roof covering was installed on the facility.

"We understand there is a great deal of concern and curiosity about what happened on Saturday, but rather than speculate, we are focused on being part of the effort to find answers and assist the team."

The company also released an official statement on the matter.

More after the jump.

The Cowboys' organization is finding ways to move on from the accident.

Other options for an indoor facility are easily attainable.

Before the construction of their facility in 2003, the team had used Southlake Carroll as an option.

Now, all three Plano high schools have indoor practice facilities. Other possibilities can be found in McKinney and Prosper. Allen offers an air-conditioned building that might be the equal of some college facilities.

The offseason conditioning program will continue.

The program will resume today. Almost all of the veterans have been regular participants in the voluntary program that started March 30 and included some sessions in the training facility.

Players have been working out four times a week in three separate groups. Rookies are not permitted, per league rules, to return until the middle of the month.

Coach Joe DeCamillis is scheduled for surgery today. Marc Colombo praised the coach's courage.

"He was in good spirits," said right tackle Marc Colombo, who visited DeCamillis at Parkland Hospital. "He's a tough SOB. I think he'll be all right."

Many other Dallas players including Tony Romo, Jason Witten, Cory Proctor, and Mat McBriar expressed their support to the families of the injured staff.

The Class of 2009 already boasted some friendships that were reunited when the players were drafted by the Cowboys. Tim MacMahon suggests that this weekend's tragedy will only bring them closer together.

There were already several friendships among the rookies. Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith roomed together at Cincinnati. Victor Butler and Jason Williams roomed together at the East-West Shrine Game. Tatum's Stephen Hodge and Gilmer's Manuel Johnson have been friendly rivals since their days as middle schoolers in East Texas.

Now, all the rookies have something in common besides an employer. They went through a crisis together, and the players handled themselves with poise and dignity as they did whatever possible to help during the emergency.

The Oregonian caught news of rookie LB and former Beaver Victor Butler's heroic deeds this weekend.

In the Associated Press photo that moved yesterday, it was noted that Butler - and this would surprise no one at OSU who knew him - was among the players who was helping people get ou[t] of the facility.

On a much lighter note, Vanity Fair gave Jessica's spin on #9 and the pressure of dating the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys.

When I asked Jessica about the controversy-her place in the psyche of certain fans-she said, "That's how the story goes. Can't help it. But we don't let it affect our relationship. If we did, we wouldn't be together, because it happened at the very beginning. Dating the Cowboys quarterback comes with hype, the fans, the bloggers, but I've never dated a guy that was more simple. I'm always there for him after a game, and he knows he has me to come home to."

Jess can't be referring to BTBers-hehe! There's definitely a fair share of anti-YokoRomoism here.

Hat tip to Boundforbeach for his post.

Cowboys Defense: Breaking Down the Training Camp Battles

Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) — Mon, 04 May 2009 11:00:18 -0000

[Ed. Note by Grizz]: We'll still be covering the ongoing situation surrounding the collapse of the indoor practice facility, but we'll also resume coverage of straight football subjects on the blog. Carl breaks us away from the tragedy of the weekend for a while to discuss the roster battles on the defensive side of the ball for 2009 training camp. [End note]

Looking at the Cowboys’ draft class, two things are clearly evident. The Cowboys are putting an emphasis on improving special teams play and also improving depth by churning the bottom third of the roster. It is unlikely that all 12 of the Dallas Cowboys 2009 draft picks will make the team, but some will. For every rookie who makes the roster, there will be a veteran left out in the cold. We have spoken at length about how this year’s training camp will be a relentless scrap for roster spots. Let’s take a look at the cast of Survivor: Dallas, and how each particular battle shapes up. In this edition, we will examine the defense.

There was little player movement along the defensive line. Igor Olshansky will step in for the departed Chris Canty, but other than that the unit will look about the same as last year. There will be no real position battles along the defensive line, but there are spots up for grabs just about everywhere else.

Inside Linebacker

Starters: Bradie James, Keith Brooking

Survivor Contestants: Justin Rogers, Bobby Carpenter, Steve Octavien, Matt Stewart, Jason Williams, Stephen Hodge.

Cowboys will likely keep: 4

Breakdown: It is not inconceivable that the Cowboys would roll with two rookies backing up James and Brooking. Jason Williams was the team’s first selection, and would have to do something unthinkable not to make this roster. Hodge impressed at the rookie mini-camp with his coverage skills, and is expected to be a core special teams player. Keeping only Williams and Hodge would however present a challenge, as both are more suited to play Brooking’s weak inside position. If the Cowboys went with James, Brooking, Hodge and Williams, the team would have to look hard for a player who can fill in both inside and outside in a pinch. That scenario would all but eliminate Matt Stewart, who is not athletic enough to play outside in a 3-4. Rogers and Carpenter both have some experience outside. Rogers is the best special teamer of the group, so that may give him the edge over the disappointing Carpenter. This battle could be affected by the battle at outside linebacker.

Who will survive?

Outside Linebacker

Starters: DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer

Survivor Contestants: Greg Ellis, Brandon Williams, Victor Butler

Cowboys will likely keep: 4

Breakdown: The Cowboys spent most of this off season ridding the locker room of bad attitudes and whiners. The perpetually unhappy Greg Ellis was however spared; possibly an indication of what the team thought of it’s depth at outside linebacker. The Cowboys drafted a pair of pass rushers in Williams and Butler, but both are defensive ends making the conversion to linebacker. It is unlikely that either will learn enough in training camp allow the team to move on from Ellis. Still, the team seems to be moving towards youth and locker room chemistry. If the aging Ellis again becomes a malcontent, he just might get his walking papers. Will the Cowboys play it safe with the known commodity in Ellis, or continue the youth movement? This battle could be affected by the battle at inside linebacker.

Who will survive?

Note: The Cowboys would prefer to dress 7 linebackers, so they will be looking for a player who can fill in both inside and outside. Look for 8 linebackers to make the final 53, and 7 to make the game day 45.

Safety

Starters: Ken Hamlin, Gerald Sensabaugh

Survivor Contestants: Tra Battle, Courtney Brown, Pat Watkins, Jerome Carter, Michael Hamlin, DeAngelo Smith.

Cowboys will likely keep: 4

Breakdown: Once again it looks like the rookies have the inside track here. Michael Hamlin is the only natural strong safety of this bunch, so he has an edge there. DeAngelo Smith is being looked at as a punt returner and his experience at corner could possibly save the Cowboys a game day roster spot. Battle actually played adequately when called upon last season, but Watkins and Brown have to be running out of chances. Jerome Carter is a long shot to make the squad.

Who will survive?

Cornerback

Starters: Terence Newman, Mike Jenkins/Orlando Scandrick

Survivor Contestants: Alan Ball, Michael Hawkins, Mike Mickens

Cowboys will likely keep: 4

Breakdown: This ought to be interesting, because if DeAngelo Smith can serve as an emergency corner, this will be a 3-man scramble for one spot. Michael Hawkins is not a factor, so this will come down to Ball vs. Mickens. Mike Mickens was a highly-rated corner who slid only after a knee injury. Mickens is being tabbed by many to be one of the steals of this year’s draft. We’ve counted Alan Ball out before, but every time you look up he’s still got a star on his helmet. This one will be fun.

Who will survive?

I'll be back later in the week to break down the position battles on the offensive side of the ball.

Cowboys Rookie Camp: Get to Know the Players

Dave Halprin — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:00:14 -0000

Today marks another step along the path to the start of the 2009 NFL season. Sure, we're still a long way away from seeing real NFL games, but the Dallas Cowboys will get their first look at all their draft picks in this weekend's mini-camp, starting today. The 12 rookie draft picks will be on hand, plus a group of undrafted free agents and some first-year veterans.

The mothership has an article about it here. Since we drafted so many guys and added UDFA's (plus some forgotten vets that will be participating), I thought I'd produce a guide to getting to know everybody. I've included some links to bios, video highlights, and good articles for the guys who will be hitting the field this weekend.

Check it out after the jump.


#58 - ILB	#59 - OLB	#18 - K/ST
Jason Williams Bio	Brandon Williams Bio	David Buehler Bio
Video Highlights	Video Highlights	Video Highlights
Video Interview 4/30	Article	Article

#36 - S	#79 - T/G	#55 - S/LB
Michael Hamlin Bio	Robert Brewster Bio	Stephen Hodge Bio
Video Highlights	Video Highlights	Video Highlights
Article	Article	Video Interview 4/30

#31 - CB/S	#7 - QB	#89 - TE
DeAngelo Smith Bio	Stephen McGee Bio	John Phillips Bio
Video Highlights	Video Highlights	Video Highlights
Video Interview 4/30	Video Interview 4/30	Article

#57 - OLB	#87 - WR	#33 - CB
Victor Butler Bio	Manuel Johnson Bio	Mike Mickens Bio
Video Highlights	Video Highlights	Video Highlights
Article	Article	Article

Undrafted Free Agents
G Travis Bright, BYU
QB Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State
WR Julian Hawkins, Boise State
TE/LS Jamar Hunt, Texas-El Paso
G Greg Isdaner, West Virginia
WR Kevin Ogletree, Virginia
FB Asaph Schwapp, Notre Dame
T Michael Turkovich, Notre Dame

Veterans
FB Julius Crosslin, Oklahoma State
DE Marcus Dixon, Hampton
G Ryan Gibbons, Northeastern
TE Rodney Hannah, Houston
RB Keon Lattimore, Maryland
LB Steve Octavien, Nebraska
C Matt Spanos, Southern Cal
DT Casey Tyler, Portland State

The Valley Ranch Review: More Cowboys Draft Reviews and Other News

Aaron Novinger — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:00:14 -0000

We got a "B"! Tony Moss at TSN was nice enough to take into account the Cowboys not drafting until Sunday. Here's his analysis:

The Cowboys were the last team in the league to make their first pick, and used it on Jason Williams, the first player below the FBS level to be selected. Williams is extremely athletic but will need some polish. The same goes for Brewster, who looks like a depth guy at one of the guard slots. McGee, the first selection of the fourth round, projects as the eventual backup to Tony Romo. Butler and Brandon Williams are pure edge pass rushers who could compete to play in a situational role if things go well. Hamlin was one of the top pure strong safeties available and could also contribute early. Buehler, the first kicker selected, has a huge, erratic leg and looks like a kickoff guy. The club's final four selections could all be long shots.

Bottom Line: No sure-fire impact players when your first pick comes in the third-round, but Dallas did a good job of adding depth to a team that needed it.

Grade: B

Adam Schein said Dallas had a solid draft, giving love to the David Buehler (yeehaw!) and Mike Mickens picks. Schein even proclaimed that Roy Williams "could end up being the single best receiver in the NFL East this year."

More VRR after the jump, including some stuff on unheralded and unloved draft pick John Phillips, the TE from Virginia.

New linebacker, Victor Butler, will already have his own welcoming committee in San Antonio come training camp.

Offensive lineman, Robert Brewster, was a player the Cowboys certainly had their eye on before the draft, being both interviewed at the combine and brought into Dallas for a visit.

Brewster was a mainstay on the Cardinals' offensive line the past four years, starting all 50 games and contributing to one of the Mid-American Conference's most powerful offenses. The Cincinnati native, who allowed just two sacks in 2008, was a first-team All-MAC performer each of the past two seasons.

[snip]

He will participate in a Cowboys mini-camp beginning Friday. Brewster said the Cowboys plan to give him a look at guard and tackle in mini-camp.

Cowboys' TE coach, John Garrett, may have been the main recruiting tool for Dallas' drafting of UVA tight end John Phillips as well as the signing of UVA wide receiver Kevin Ogletree. Garrett, a former Cavalier assistant coach when both players were brought in as freshmen, provided the Cowboys' coaching staff some perspective on Phillips and Ogletree.

Garrett remembers the Cavaliers' first day in pads during training camp in August 2005. Virginia coach Al Groh challenged his players to make a positive impression in a kickoff-coverage drill.

"Well, John raced down there, knocked over a guy and tackled the kickoff returner inside the 20," Garrett recalled with a laugh. "I mean, he just smashed into the wedge, and we were like, 'Who is this guy?'

"John Phillips loves football, he loves to compete. . . . He is just sort of intangibly the consummate player that Al Groh wants in his program: a smart, tough, reliable, dependable player who loves football."

If you don't know much about Dallas' special teams coach, Joe DeCamillis, Nick Eatman has a nice write-up on him. Our own Jim Vance did a profile on Joe D. a couple of weeks ago.

Here's some guys who could've been Cowboys.

The Valley Ranch Review: A Coach Phillips Flavored Offseason

Aaron Novinger — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:53:45 -0000

The Cowboys' defense had the sacks last year, leading the league with 59. But the defensive coordinator hat that head coach Wade Phillips will be wearing this year strives to create more turnovers.

Says the Star-Telegram's Mac Engel:

There should, however, be a correlation between sacks and turnovers. Last season, the Cowboys' eight interceptions ranked 30th in the NFL.

How will Coach Phillips create more turnover opportunities? Simple. Create even more pressure than last year.

"I hope we are progressing to be a top pass-rush team and pressure team to help us get more turnovers than we did. That's an emphasis," Phillips said.

If that turnover figure improves, then so should the wins.

"We've come a long way pass defense- and pass rush-wise - leading the lead in sacks," Phillips said. "We are progressing the way I'd like our defense to progress. But we still need pass rushers."

And what about the defensive backfield?

The other area where the Cowboys changed significantly this off-season is in the secondary that will emphasize pass coverage more than run defense. By releasing safety Roy Williams, Phillips no longer has to try to accommodate a player who clearly was not suited for his scheme, nor well-matched for today's pass-drunk NFL offenses. The addition of free agent Gerald Sensabaugh is an upgrade at safety as far as coverage.

There's more VRR after the jump, including Greg Ellis and what he thinks of the moves in the draft.

After the Cowboys drafted back-to-back pass rushers in Sunday's 4^th-round, speculation grew about Greg Ellis' future. Jerry Jones spoke to DC.com about the linebacker's expected grumblings.

"We'll address that. Obviously that will be addressed, both any ambiguity or both that there is anything that needs to be addressed relative to Greg.

"But you're right, that is something that goes on every year," Jones said of Ellis' annual complaints. "It just goes on every year."

Ellis' agent, James Williams, says Greg is cool with everything.

"Greg is looking forward to playing football and he's looking forward to playing in the new stadium for the Cowboys," Williams said. "It's outside of our control anyway. But Greg is happy with the Cowboys and wants no controversies."

Todd Archer says this is the year Bobby Carpenter must step up.

New Cowboy linebacker, Jason Williams, will be throwing the first pitch for his alma mater's softball team.

4^th-round pick, Victor Butler, was one of six Beavers selected in this weekend's draft.

Defensive end standout Victor Butler was the next Beaver drafted, in the fourth round to the Dallas Cowboys. Butler is projected to be a linebacker at the pro level after earning four letters while starting all 13 games as a senior. The Rialto, Calif. native earned All-Pac-10 first team in 2008 and was a member of the Ted Hendricks Award watch list, which goes to the top defensive end in the country. Butler burst onto the defensive scene at Oregon State as a junior recording 10.5 sacks as a speed rusher. As a senior, he recorded 12 sacks, including tying an OSU single game record 4 sacks in the Sun Bowl, giving him 25.5 takedowns in his career - good for second all-time for the Orange and Black.

"We project Victor as an outside linebacker," Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said. "Victor is athletic enough to make the transition."

Post-draft, what do the Cowboys still need? FoxSports says WR.

Dallas: Wide receiver. With the Roy Williams trade last year, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones showed how much he values this position. Jones could have interest in adding another veteran - maybe fellow Arkansas alumnus Matt Jones? - if Miles Austin, Sam Hurd or Isaiah Stanback doesn't prove worthy of being starting material.

Cowboys Draft Review: Pass Rushers Aplenty

Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:56:41 -0000

More photos » by LM Otero - AP

Dallas Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones chats with Texas Rangers team owner Tom Hicks about the pass rushers he added in this weekend's NFL draft. Hicks noted that Jones didn't come away from the draft with a good lefty for the bullpen and gave it a C- grade.

Browse more photos »

You can never have too many pass rushers. That’s Wade Phillips’ modus operandi, correct? Say what you want about the amount of influence Wade has on the Cowboys’ draft plans, but this draft haul has Wade Phillips written all over it. Jerry Jones and Tom Ciskowski have now provided Wade Phillips with a potent pass rushing arsenal.

In this year’s draft, Dallas went heavy on "attack players". Nearly all of the defenders drafted by the Cowboys this weekend are active, aggressive, disruptive players who are natural pass rushers. The Cowboys even added some guys with pass rushing skills at positions that this team has not traditionally used to attack the quarterback. One thing is for certain, there are not many coaches in the business better suited to incorporate all of these weapons into a scheme than Wade Phillips.

Wade Phillips’ new crop of pressure players, and how they may be used in Dallas:

Jason Williams, ILB, Western Illinois - 69th overall selection (3rd round) - When this pick came down, NFL Network’s Mike Mayock gushed about Williams’ speed and natural pass rushing skills. Williams is definitely a "fly to the football" type of linebacker, who caused 14 fumbles in his collegiate career. While Mayock had Williams tabbed as an outside linebacker in our system, Jerry Jones said that he will play inside. It looks for now as though Williams will play the nickel linebacker spot vacated by Kevin Burnett, while being groomed to eventually take over for Keith Brooking inside on a full-time basis. The Cowboys have not blitzed a great deal from either spot; having a player in that role with such a disruptive skill set just might spark ol’ Wade’s imagination. Either way, teams will have to at least respect the blitz when Williams is on the field.

Victor Butler, OLB, Oregon St. - 110th overall selection (4th round) - A converted college end, Butler will compete for a spot as an outside linebacker in Dallas. When I finally found a little footage of Butler, two things really stood out about his game. Butler seems to play with a fantastic motor. He’s extremely active, and chases a lot of plays down from behind. Butler also uses his hands and long arms to control blockers. Offensive linemen are rarely able to get into his chest. Butler registered 12 sacks as a senior, and should give Wade Phillips another option attacking off the edge.

Brandon Williams, OLB, Texas Tech - 120th overall selection (4th round) - Another end transitioning to linebacker, Williams is similar in a lot of ways to Butler. Williams is a bit more raw as far as using his hands, but is really great at turning the corner. Despite his below average timed speed, Williams can really get up field and will not allow his momentum to push him past the quarterback. While Butler is a bit more of a "wrap-and-spin" tackler, Williams meets ball-carriers with malicious intent. The drafting of Butler and Williams could possibly spell trouble for veteran Greg Ellis.

Sidenote: When thinking of Butler and Williams, think of Chicago Bears defensive end Mark Anderson. As a rookie in 2006, Anderson’s role was limited almost exclusively to passing downs. Anderson still tallied 12 sacks and was a major factor in the Bears’ success. Though the Bears run a different defensive system, the same principles apply. Butler and Williams are raw, but both are natural pass rushers. Both can be used as situational players until they have learned enough to be counted on on an every-down basis.

Stephen Hodge, S/LB, TCU - 197th overall selection (6th round) - It is unclear what Hodge’s role will be in Dallas. What is clear is that Hodge, like many of the Cowboy’s other selections, is an attacker. Hodge was a roving linebacker at TCU, and was frequently used as a blitzer. If he makes the team, Hodge will earn his keep on special teams. If there is a spot on the defense for him, it may be in the hybrid safety/linebacker role that the Cowboys created for Roy Williams a few years back. We’re only talking about a sub-package role that is more of a coverage position, but putting a pass rusher in that spot presents a different dynamic.

Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati - 227th overall selection (7th round) - Mickens has to be in this conversation based on the fact that he is just so damn violent. If you watch a Mike Mickens highlight tape you see a ton of collisions. While he is a good cover man, Mickens is the type of defensive back who lives for the big hit. Mickens would be a great option blitzing off the slot in the dime package.

The Dallas Cowboys lead the league last season with 59 sacks. The team now has more pass rush options than it ever has in Wade Phillips’ tenure. If the front three can be effective, this team now has endless rush options at the next level. It is even conceivable that DeMarcus Ware may finally get a play or two off next season.

It will be interesting to see how Wade Phillips will utilize all of his new toys. I for one would like to see DeMarcus Ware inside, isolated on a guard every once in a while, much the way the Giants do with Justin Tuck. It will be interesting to see how many of these guys Wade can get on the field at a given time. Coach Phillips’ 46 subset may have a different look as well. While this draft should improve a dismal special teams unit, it will also allow Wade Phillips to turn the pressure dial one more notch to the right.