Adapting, Learning Key For Young Dallas Cowboys Linebackers
Fort Worth Star Telegram

Irving, TX., Wednesday, June 09, 2010. Even the most possessed Dallas Cowboys fan would find the basic drills and mini-contact scrimmages of organized team activities (OTAs) only mildly interesting. Watching players run obstacle courses or pass rushes that have less action than a WWE match would appeal only to fans who paint their faces silver and blue.

For the coaching staff, however, every drill is not only watched intently, but also recorded and studied. Wade Phillips was recently watching a video of rookie linebacker Sean Lee on a drill designed to mimic lateral movement down the line and marveled at Lee's foot speed. Phillips said that sort of quickness would translate well to the field.

Later, the Cowboys coach watched second-year linebacker Brandon Williams fake a step inside on a pass rush, then circle a blocker and get to the quarterback. Phillips paid Williams the ultimate compliment, saying the move was reminiscent of something DeMarcus Ware might do.

That's good news for Phillips and the Cowboys, because even though they have an upper class crew starting at linebacker -- Ware, Bradie James, Keith Brooking and Anthony Spencer -- they are always looking for an infusion of talent.

Lee and Williams, who play on the inside and outside, respectively, are the newest competitors for playing time. It's still early, but there is little doubt that Lee and Williams, who went to Texas Tech and Fort Worth South Hills High School, have raw talent that has the defensive coaching staff intrigued.

There is, however, the matter of adjusting to the NFL. Lee is a true rookie. Williams is in his second training camp, but still in essence a rookie. He did not play in the 2009 regular season because of a major knee injury that occurred in training camp.

Williams has been understandably cautious with the knee, even though he has been cleared by doctors to play. But along with Lee, he has demonstrated potential that should earn him playing time.

"He and Sean Lee both have brilliant days and some not so brilliant days," linebackers coach Reggie Herring said. "But it's all a part of growing up and learning. Both of those guys are talented. You do see promise. You do see them do some things well so it gives you hope."

Lee is the latest product from Linebacker U., aka Penn State. He speaks enthusiastically of the tradition of Penn State linebackers -- players like Jack Ham, the Hall of Famer who played with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Like Ham, who was Pittsburgh's second-round pick in 1971, Lee was also a second-round pick by the Cowboys in 2010.

With excellent football instincts and those quick feet, Lee has been impressive at times.

"There are plays you put together and you feel really good and you feel like you're fitting in," Lee said. "Then the next play, you mess it up and you feel like you're nothing. And I think that's a common feeling with a lot of the rookies. You're going to do some good things; you're going to do some bad. The key is to get better each day."

For Williams, the challenge is slightly different. He played defensive end at Texas Tech and is comfortable when rushing the passer. But he also has coverage responsibilities and that is new.
 

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