They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so I guess KD ought to be feeling pretty complimented since he gave me the idea to redo this topic with his Pick Six post this week. Sometimes, there are just some interesting things about the Dallas Cowboys out there that don't justify a full article, but that you want to bring up.
One of the biggest non story stories the past few days has been the reports of Dez Bryant and his scuffle in Miami. For a recap of all the pertinent facts, you can check out this article on SOHH.com, which pulls in most of the relevant info. I know I may be seeing this through the homer glasses, but this continues to look like much ado about nothing. The site, a rap oriented one, does seem to say that Lil' Wayne was the instigator.
Additional reporting claimed Weezy struck first by taunting Bryant's on-field and off-field performances.
While I think Dez may need to learn to get a thicker skin, it does seem that he was not doing anything wrong, and the location is apparently a popular one for pro athletes, with the Mavericks having had a post-championship celebration there. I just thought the readers might like to know that it may not have been as bone-headed a situation as it first seemed, just a little overreaction. (If anyone was being bone-headed, it would seem to me that the person taunting a physical specimen like Dez would qualify - but that's just me.)
Take the jump for other, more relevant topics.
Of course, the big, burning interest for all of the Cowboys fans is the personnel question. Draft prospects, free agent possibilities, and who to keep. ESPN's Todd Archer has an opinion on the key decision the team has to make.
As the Cowboys move into offseason mode and prepare for free agency and the draft, the most important decision they will have to make revolves around Anthony Spencer.
He looks at signing him to a new multi-year contract as well as the possible use of the franchise and transition tags, and the attendant costs. The basic problem is that if the team just lets him walk, they now have another void to fill. Todd sees the alternatives like this.
The free-agent market doesn't offer much hope for serious improvement, so the options appear to be sign Spencer to a long-term deal at a sensible price, put one of the tags on him or draft an outside linebacker with the No. 14 pick with Alabama's Courtney Upshaw being everybody's guy right now after the Tide's win against LSU.
I am not terribly wild about using the #14 slot this way if it interferes with the David DeCastro plan. However, if DeCastro is gone at this point, Upshaw is starting to look like a good option - but should the team forgo a strong, disruptive lineman for an OLB at this point?
Although I am not sure the conclusions are totally correct, I do see the point that what happens with Almost Anthony will have a ripple effect on what the team has to do from that point. The ideal thing would be to franchise him and then have someone else make an offer so that the Cowboys got compensatory picks - I just don't think that is a very likely outcome.
As for that 14th selection, I am pretty much on board the DeCastro train. I would love to see what Bill Callahan could do with him and maybe a good free agent center. Todd Archer has another article up that talks about the job Callahan has done upgrading the lines for both the New York Jets and the Oakland Raiders. In particular, he showed some real mastery at blending talented young draft choices and key free agent acquisitions.
In 2008 Callahan came aboard a New York Jets ship that went 4-12 the previous year with a rookie left tackle in D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center in Nick Mangold.
In free agency the Jets added the NFL's best guard in Alan Faneca, signing him away with a five-year, $40 million contract that included $21 million in guarantees. They signed Damien Woody to play right tackle, paying him $11 million in guarantees as part of a five-year, $25 million deal to get out of Detroit.
"Those young guys had to grow up in a hurry and now those guys, Mangold and Ferg, are two of the best offensive lineman in football," Woody said. "A lot of that has to do with Coach Callahan doing that extra work. He's going to work those guys before practice, during practice, after practice and all that hard work paid off for a couple of years. Our offensive line was probably considered one of the best in the league. I think he's going to have the same effect in Dallas."
Music to my ears. I think that if the team gives him the right raw material to work with, he is going to awaken some echos of Cowboys lines from the past. (I'm sorry, do I have Kool Aid on my upper lip?) The thing I am really curious about is what he can do with the young players the team already has? If he is able to make serious improvements with players like David Arkin, Bill Nagy, Phil Costa, Kevin Kowalski, and Jermey Parnell, plus add in someone like DeCastro and maybe a Carl Nicks kind of free agent . . .
The mind reels.
I will admit that my hopes may have me putting more weight on the articles that tend to support my desired outcomes, but this is the time for unfettered optimism and dwelling on the best outcomes. In that vein, part of improving the play on both sides of the line is going to be the contribution of Strength and Conditioning Coach Mike Woicik. While there are certainly some skeptics who question just how big an impact he can have, it appears that Jason Garrett is not one of them.
The difference an offseason with Woicik will make remains to be seen obviously, but his track record gives Cowboys fans a pretty good reason for optimism. According to head coach Jason Garrett, Woicik will spend the coming months doing what good S&C coaches do--making a quiet, but very real impact on the team.
"When you're a strength and conditioning coach, the season is more of your offseason," Garrett said, per the San Antonio Express-News. "He's maintaining guys. We lift and we run and do all the things most teams do during the season. But it's more of a maintenance-type situation.
There is a lot of work to be done for the Cowboys, but it sounds like some of it has already started. Major decisions are coming up, and part of deciding who is best able to help the team is figuring out what you already have. Everything weaves together, and each decision affects the next. I think the next six months or so are going to be the true test of whether Jason Garrett is a legitimate NFL head coach.
And I am putting my money on "Yes".
1 recs | 108 comments
1st!!
Callahan was a huge pickup and we have at least 3 young players who could develop to great interior lineman. The right man for the job… time will only tell but we might be drafting defense 1st. DeCastro sure seems like a solid pick though… but after we got Ryan we went offense, defense, offense, offense in the 1st 4 rounds. Maybe this year it will be DE, OG, CB, S?
scraig - January 19, 2012
If the Boys draft a safety
There’s only 3 guys worth taking:
1) Mark Barron, 1st rd
2) Markelle Martin, 2nd rd
3) George Iloka, 3rd rd
The rest of the safety class is filled with Geralds and Elams, no thanks.
Rohpuri - January 19, 2012 via mobile
This opinion from bleacherreport. He's a late 1st rounder and would be a serious reach at 14.
There really aren’t too many risky safety prospects this year, so I went with Mark Barron, the most highly-ranked safety. I went with Barrron not only because he is the top safety, but also because I don’t love him.
The key to being a successful safety in the NFL is versatility. All the best safeties can defend the run or play the pass. Barron can defend only the run.
The 6’2", 218-pounder isn’t a great athlete, but he is strong and good at tackling. His speed doesn’t do him any favors in coverage, though, and he is limited to playing in the box.
That doesn’t sound like a future star to me.
Anthony1 - January 20, 2012
I would disagree with the athleticism and playing the pass
If you watch his film, he can cover the slot and backs out the back field. He’s made plays on the ball in the air and also can blitz the QB. Plus, he may be only guy in this draft that won’t be afraid to hit Brandon Jacobs two games a year. Check out his breakdown on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmCX6Jxmjb8
thegloryyears - January 20, 2012
I can't imagine the cowboys getting a guard at the 14th pick
if dre falls he will be the pick..get a C/G in the second and another DB in the third..because if Tnew and Ball are still on the team…the consequences are too tuff to bare…even for me…FA..my only choice would be C. Cambell
0k - January 19, 2012
Nice write up
I too am putting my money behind Jason.
I love how The BCS Title game has swayed opinion amongst the commenteriat that Dallas must take Brockers or Upshaw if the Boys go defense. It’s as if no other defensive players should be considered as they played on lesser teams or did not play in the SEC, therefore they all suck.
There are better pass rushers out there who played against better offenses outside the SEC who deserve consideration. But hey, what do I know, I’m not a fan of an SEC team, so I must be made to repent for my blasphemy.
Rohpuri - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Looking at who's available at the 14th pick, it's either DeCastro or a pass rusher.
Too high for Dennard IMO. and Kirkpatrick has drug issues, (and if he’s cleared he’ll be gone by our pick anyway). There are several pass rushers at either DE or LB that fall in our range.
just4fun - January 19, 2012
I'm not against taking a pass rusher or DE/DT
I’m against the notion that if we don’t take Brockers, or if we don’t take Upshaw we blew the 14th pick.
Rohpuri - January 19, 2012 via mobile
what about andre branch or M. Ingram?
just4fun - January 19, 2012
I like Ingram at 14
If we like Branch as a 1st rd pick, it would behoove the Boys to trade down and acquire more picks.
Rohpuri - January 19, 2012 via mobile
I'm coming around to Nick Perry very quickly.
Does anyone think come draft time he will fly up boards?
BrickTop - January 19, 2012 via mobile
It depends on the ck
Rohpuri - January 19, 2012 via mobile
It depends on the combine
But I agree that he will raise up the board
Rohpuri - January 19, 2012 via mobile
rise*
Rohpuri - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Not enough production
just4fun - January 19, 2012
LOL, Not enough production?
2011: Nick Perry was the best pass rusher in the Pac-12; 54 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 3 passes broken up, 3 forced fumbles. He was First Team All Pac-12, and a Hendricks award finalist.
2010: He had 3.5 sacks, as the whole defense struggled in the first year of Monty Kiffin’s Tampa 2 Defense being installed.
2009: As a redshirt freshman, he missed 5 games, didn’t start, but had 23 tackles, and led USC with 8.5 sacks. He was named Freshman All-American.
In his career at U$C Nick Perry registered 21.5 sacks. That’s more career sacks than Ingram an. Upshaw had in their careers.
Rohpuri - January 19, 2012 via mobile
I stand corrected, must've miss read something
just4fun - January 20, 2012
no worries
I make that mistake too at times
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Archer mentioned franchising or transition tagging Spencer to the tune of 8 mil/year to motivate him to play better
That is beyond stupid. Archer doesn’t believe Butler is and every down LB. Sorry, but I’ll trust the judgement of a former scout over a former english major. Broadus thinks Butler can start, and that’s good enough for me.
I think everyone here would agree that franchising Spencer for 8mil+ is really really stupid. We could have Nicks for nearly that much, throw in another 2mil we probably could get Mario Williams. Does Archer even proof read his own stuff?
just4fun - January 19, 2012
Actually, if you read Archer's article, he doesn't say Dallas should franchise etc.,
but he simply tries to list what the options are for Dallas and report on the positives and negatives of each option.
Grimlock83 - January 19, 2012
Yes, but to even list it as a viable option
That’s like well, should we franchise Marcus Spears? hmmm. Should we franchise Gerald Sensabaugh hmmmm? Should we franchise Orlando Scandrick? Hmmm.
just4fun - January 19, 2012
My point being its obviously not an option.
just4fun - January 19, 2012
agreed
no way should Dallas pay Spencer that type of money. 2-3 years at 2.5-3 million per
yehti - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Spencer might be the best option for next year
i know Chia is not gonna like that tho.
DeCastro at 14 if available try and get the bezt FA C and the line is done then focus the rest on D. ive said this prolly 10xs now but it makes most sense to finish the Oline then work on the D.
yehti - January 19, 2012 via mobile
best*
yehti - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Butler is better than Spencer, I'd bring Spencer back but only as a back up
just4fun - January 20, 2012
I won't say Butler is better than Spencer
But I think he has the motor to be a solid OLB opposite D-Ware. In limited opportunities, he’s gotten to the QB. I just think you’ll see more of an effort from him consistently than you see with Spencer.
thegloryyears - January 20, 2012
what if we were able to sign nicks, keep spencer at olb and use #14 on DE Melvin Ingram from South Carolina and move Jay to DE too assuming we can find a good NT?
imagine that pass rush! ingram and ratliff off the line with d ware coming off the edge? even spencer is good at getting pressure he would help in addition to everything else he does really well.
Nets2410 - January 19, 2012 via Android app
not saying this is definitely what i want the boys to do just an idea
there are so many different ways to improve this team im really excited for the draft and free agency
Nets2410 - January 19, 2012 via Android app
I think melvin Ingram is more suited as a 3-4 OLB or a 4-3 defensive end. Not really a 3-4 defensive end
Dynamicduo - January 20, 2012 via mobile
then I'd draft him as a olb at #14
Nets2410 - January 20, 2012 via Android app
I agree he's who I want at 14.
But I’ll be ok with decastro too.
I just think Ingram is more of a difference maker than upshaw. Upshaw lit it up in the NC but I think Ingram will be way better in combine. Ingram is an all around athlete
Dynamicduo - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Spencer is not good at getting pressure, its why he hasn't and probably won't be resigned
just4fun - January 20, 2012
he actually isn't that bad
a few days ago somebody posted some stat on qb pressures that showed spencer isn’t that bad he’s just unfortunately not that good at finishing with a sack
Nets2410 - January 20, 2012 via Android app
I'd keep Spencer
There aren’t many people on the planet that are going to win a race to the QB vs D. Ware. Spencer is pretty solid and with all the negative rep might be able to be signed to a cap-friendly contract. I think there is bigger upgrade to be had at some other position, like Def line or ILB.
jrogersdal - January 20, 2012
I sort of agree with you
I don’t think Spencer is that bad. I think an upgrade on the DL is where we need to focus (along with inside OL and DBs). If we can get a big nasty NT and move Rat to DE or a high quality DE I think that will help a lot. Re-sign Spencer (if it’s for reasonable $s). Find a OL or CB in FA and then focus BPA in the draft with any tie breakers going to defense.
staubachfan - January 20, 2012
improving the oline is a must
Every team in our division has probowl type pass rushers.
If they’re saying they can do whatever they want during FA, I say make a run at Nicks. Then try to get someone who improves the center position. Then try to get the best FA safety that fits the teams needs.
When the draft come around, draft BAP defensive player on the broad whoever it may be. They have to hit a grand slam in this draft this year, looking around on who is going to be FA, isn’t really much out there.
djthumpl - January 19, 2012
Out with the New(man) and in with the Dre
we must get a shut down CB and it looks like Kirkpatrick is the only one we will have shot at.If he falls close to 14 we should move up and get him.
Since no will say DeCastro is the definative answer to our O line problem I would hesitate to use such a high pick on an guard.
this was Spencer’s year to shine in the Ryan D and he didn’t do it.If we give him a big contract he will still give us mediore play.
I really hope Garrett is the answer because JJ has a poor record for hireing.Jimmy Johnson was great,Parcells was ok but the rest have been dogmeat.
TCB Orange Dino - January 20, 2012
No thanks for Dre. Either he'll be cleared of the whole pot mess and stay in the top 10
or he’s guilty and isn’t worth picking, No Janoris Jenkins either
just4fun - January 20, 2012
I don't care how much dope he smokes if he can play
That’s a lesson we all should have learned from the 90s dynasty.
CMDR - January 20, 2012
14 isn't that high of a pick, it's in the middle of the first round
Everyone is talking as though we have a high pick, but we don’t. A great guard prospect is more than worthy of a first round selection in the middle of the first round.
Terry - January 20, 2012
Almost Anthony sucks
It seems noone here understands that. I here nothing but clamoring for him to be resigned and adding a guard in the first round. Let’s forget that qbs routinely throw for over 300 yards with 4 Tds and a 100+ qb rating against us for the last 2 yrs. Let’s forget that our defense is abysmal. We gave up 100 yard rushing days in key games down the stretch to Jacobs and marshawn lynch. We were hit up for almost 200 against Philly earlier in the year. Passing stats I won’t even get into, Eli threw for what seemed like 400 yards every game and 100 percent completion percentage… You take Upshaw, Kirkpatrick, janoris Jenkins, or mark Barron. Those are impact defensive players. They make a difference. Guards dont
drobe86 - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Guards do, actually.
And if DeCastro is there at 14 the Cowboys shouldnt hesistate to grab him. I doubt he will be though.
BrickTop - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Everyone expects him to be at this point.
Dynamicduo - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Not everyone, I've seen mocks where he goes ahead of us
Terry - January 20, 2012
I think we all need to tone down the excitement
New O-line coach, yeah I get it, cool and all. But be real, this guy isn’t going to come in and be like some magician, wave a wand in the air and Phil Costa, Bill Nagy, David Arkin and the rest of the crew are just going to magically become good or great players.
If he was that good, I think he would have been in a little higher demand in the league than just freely coming to us. We also wouldn’t have tried to grab Paul Chryst from Wisconsin if that was the case.
ProBowlFactory - January 20, 2012
The excitement is about the potential of the offensive line.
The excitement regarding the New O-line coach has as much to do with the canning of the old O-Line coach. Houck days has long passed him by. We are excited about actually developing young linemen instead of rolling out Lumpy, Dockery, Gurode, Colombo, etc. because you refuse to play younger linemen. Do you realize the only reason we found out about Doug Free was because Colombo got hurt? the only reason. If Colombo never got hurt, then Free would probably be starting for some other team (sound familiar). Houck preferred older linemen that he didn’t have to coach. Callahan has acutally developed Linemen and built offensive lines before.
And he didn’t come “freely” as you suggest. He turned down a multi-year extension from the Jets to come and coach here.
just4fun - January 20, 2012
are you sure Callahan turned down a deal?
the Jets & Cowboys were after Spranao as there 1st choice from what i read. i know 100% Dallas wanted Spranao before he took the Jets job
DCNation73 - January 20, 2012
There were several reports that the Jets had tried to extend Callahan during the year and he refused.
Here, I Googled one for you.
http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2012/01/jets_offensive_coordinator_bri_5.html
Rena - January 20, 2012
Excitement is there, but also hope..
It will be interesting to see what he can do with the pieces we already have, mainly for me, Free and Smith.. With those two flip-flopping can he sure up our tackles? Free had an unimpressive year and T. Smith showed great promise. With their youth and talent can we finally get our bookend tackles? Then we have some unknowns, Costa, Nagy & Arkin. Its just nice to see our “Problem” areas being addressed from the top down. (coaches to players)
AmericasTeamm - January 20, 2012
or T.Spranao before he replace Callhan
DCNation73 - January 20, 2012
Putting on my GM Hat
1) Let Spencer test the market and go. We don’t need him. It’s time to see what we got in Butler. If the Saints can let Reggie Bush leave, we can let Anthony Spencer leave.
2) Trade Felix for one the Bengals 2 5th round picks. We need to cut our losses with this JAG.
3) Put Miles Austin on the market and see if anyone is willing to deal a 2nd round pick for him, like the Chargers (they need a WR as they’re likely to lose Vincent Jackson in FA), or maybe the Broncos, or the Rams?
4) Cut Terence Newman by the June 6th deadline.
5) Re-sign Laurent Robinson
6) Target the following Free Agents
a) Aubrayo Franklin DT, was a really good NT for the 49ers, he would enable Ratliff to switch to De.
b) Antonio Garay NT, he’s been a pro bowl caliber NT in the Chargers 3-4, and would enable Ratliff to switch to DE.
c) Brent Grimes, CB
d) Tracy Porter, CB
7) Target the following guys in the draft:
a) First Rd: DeCastro, Ingram, Perry, Barron, Jenkins, Kirkpatrick, Poe, Konz, Mercilus
b) Second Rd: Brandon Washington, Crick, Burfict, Ben Jones, Minnifield, Markelle Martin, Bruce Irvin, Gilmore, Trumaine Johnson
c) Third Rd: George Iloka, Brandon Brooks, Senio Kelemete, Vinny Curry, Michael Brewster, Jonathan Massaquoi, Trevor Guyton, Brandon Boykin, Bernard Pierce
d) Fourth-Seventh Rd: LaMichael James, LaDarius Green, Ronnie Hillman, Evan Rodriguez, Brian Stahovich, Tom Compton, Gerell Robinson, Russell Wilson, Kellen Moore
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012 via mobile
i agree with most of what you said
but….$2 and #3.are you nuts??? first #2, if dallas deals jones, dallas is left with only murray and tanner as viable backs. Murray is good, the book is still out on tanner and its not as good as jones. next year Murray is going to be the starter and jones is going back to his role when dallas first signed him. He excelled in that roll. That would be just a stupid move IMO. now #3, This would be an even dumber move IMO. If dallas trades Austin, the receiving corp takes a dramatic hit and is automatically thin. Holley and ogletree are free agents and most likely wont be back, then you trade austin, Who is left? dez, robinson (IF they are able to resign him) and…and ..and..well who else is left on the roster that would make this receiving corp good? answer? no one. austin dealt with hamstring issues last year, as did a very high percentage of the entire NFL last year, mostly due to the lock out. other than that, why on gods greens earth would you even consider trading one of dallas best offensive weapons?…..I have seen a HIGH percentage of Dallas fans wanting to get rid of all of Dallas’s best players for draft picks that may or may not work out. Dallas isn’t rebuilding the entire team, so they arent going to part with their best players, just wouldn’t make sense
rick67 - January 20, 2012
See below
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012
First of all, Franklin hasn't exactly lit it up with the saints,
apparently there is a reason no one wanted him in free agency last year.
Porter sucks and is hurt all the time.
Grimes is pushing thirty and will require an expense multi-year deal. (I’d rather have Brandon Carr he’s only 25)
Austin counts less than 3 mil against the cap. Cutting or trading him would accelerate his bonus into this year creating several million dollars in dead money. Then we would have to spend atleast another 5 mil on a capable 3rd wr or spend a draft pick that would be better spent on defense.I doubt anyone would give a #2 for him right now.
Garay is old. You don’t give big contracts to players over 30. They kill your team at the end of the contract with dead money. (see Terrence Newman, Bigg Davis)
Jenkins and Kirkpatrick have drug problems, players with drug problems get suspended.
LaMichael James isn’t NFL material. He’s too small, and not Darren Sproles small, Sproles has a lot more muscle and more wiggle.
Love Russell Wilson though.
just4fun - January 20, 2012
My response
1) Franklin is playing out of position on the Saints in the 4-3, but in the 3-4, he’s very effective.
2) 3-4 DTs/NTs can play till their mid to late 30s. As their game isn’t based on speed, Garay would be a solid addition.
3) I’m drafting Austin’s replacement. And I think a team that’s desperate for instant WR production would trade a 2nd Rd pick for him. A team like the Chargers, Broncos, Browns, or Rams maybe.
4) Jenkins hasn’t gotten in trouble for a full year now. I’ll still take my chances on Kirkpatrick.
5) Have you watched LaMichael James play?
a) He’s 5’9 185; Sproles is 5’6 190
b) James can run between the tackles, pick up short yards, can make you miss (he’s got muscle and wiggle), and can help out in the return, receiving, and rushing game.
c) James runs a 4.42 40, while Sproles clocked a 4.47 40
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012
what about the dead money trading Austin will create. that's at least one good player we can't sign.
We could have had Franklin last year for cheap, anybody could. He signed late in free agency for one year, there must be issues.
I watched LaMichael play against SEC teams and came away unimpressed. He won’t have gapping holes to run through in the NFL.
vs. Auburn 13 att 49 yds 3.8 ypc
vs. LSU 18 att 54 yds 3.0 ypc
vs. Portland State 14 att 227 yds 16.2 ypc
vs. Missouri State 12 att 204 yds 17.0 ypc
Guess it depends on which games you watch. And just by eye balling it, it looks to me like Sproles is built bigger in the legs and hips.
just4fun - January 20, 2012
Do you think people were paying to 49ers free agents over the summer?
Not many were I think.
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012
but still
when you draft a receiver it takes them at least 3 years before their break-out season, you have exceptions to that rule(randy moss is one) but they are far and few between. you build a team through the draft and use FA as stop gaps between drafts. you dont get rid of your best productive players to get draft picks to build a team. You only trade players when there skill are starting to decline for your team and they are no longer are productive, barber is a good example of that. and first off the chargers are filled at WR, they had to release Robinson because they had too many receivers, thats how dallas got him in the first place
rick67 - January 20, 2012
The Chargers
Will be replacing Vincent Jackson. He’s not coming back. They’ll let him walk in FA. I don’t think they are sold on Malcolm Floyd as anymore than #2.
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Cowboys aren't going to trade Jones or Austin
Garrett likes both of them way too much
Terry - January 20, 2012
It's jist hypothetical moves
I tend to agree, but I also believe Felix Jones won’t be back after his rookie deal ends, thus I feel, get something for him while you still can.
Don’t get me wrong I like Austin, I just think, Jerry has to listen to any potential offers for him though, and only budge if he could get another second round pick back.
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012 via mobile
just*
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012 via mobile
I could actually see a trade for Felix if the team got a good offer.
Getting say a 2nd, or a 3rd and a 4th. Don’t think the team would, but if they did, they could draft a RB with one of their picks. When you add in the projected comp pick for Bowen, the team could wind up with 9 or 10 picks, and that could be very good.
Having said that, don’t see it happening. But interesting out of the box thinking.
Tom Ryle - January 20, 2012
Thanks Tom
I was trying to think out of the box because the team has to address RB either this year or after 2012 when Felix’s contract is up. I don’t think they bring him back, so having said that, I feel they should trade him and try and recoup some of that investment.
Rohpuri - January 21, 2012 via mobile
neither player is worth what there making.
Austin was paid for 1 year of services & even at his best it doesnt change his hands of stone. Felix might be the worst of the RBs taken in the first couple of rounds of that draft.
DCNation73 - January 20, 2012
i was with ya until i saw Kellen Moore lol
also what has Grimes done & why would the Falcons let him walk if he’s that good. its not the Falcons have an above average bunch of CBs to work with
DCNation73 - January 20, 2012
Can we quit suggesting Garrett sign 30+ yo Free Agents?
When you sign a top player when he is 30+, lets say to a 4 year contract. Then that player is 34+ yo at the end of the contract. Usually that’s a rather large number and he’s most likely broken down and hurt all the time. Then most of your cap money is used up on a worthless player, or he gets cut early and your left with dead money. Bigg Davis and Terence Newman are good examples of 30+ yo players that were good when they signed the extension but caused/will cause harmful dead money because they just got too old. Another future example is Jay Ratliff, who is already wearing down in games and is signed until he is 37.
31-37 yo players are seldom in their prime and are hurt way more often. Your much more likely to be stuck with an old broke down player because the salary cap won’t let you trade or cut them (T-New anyone?).
If we were to sign a 30+yo player, I can see signing someone to a modest 1-2 year deal so there is very little risk. Like maybe a stop gap center or something.
just4fun - January 20, 2012
The exceptions to the rule or NTs and Centers. They can play into their mid-late 30s
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012
You mean like Gurode, he was 30+ and broken down. Jay Ratliff is a young quick type of NT that will be ineffective when he losses his quickness (comes with age)
just4fun - January 20, 2012
small quick not young quick
just4fun - January 20, 2012
Ratliff is playing out of position at DT.
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012
DE seldom play till they are 37 or even 35
just4fun - January 20, 2012
I'm not trying to keep Ratliff till he's 35 or 37
The Cowboys are even considering him being moved to DE so he can be more effective now. I’M TALKING ABOUT SIGNING A DT, who happens to be 30, so the Cowboys let Rat play DE, and then groom a younger DT. I’m not trying to hand out a 7 year contract to Garay or Franklin. Settle down.
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012
The average starting age of the NT of the 12 teams that play a 3-4 defense most of the time is 29.5
the oldest is with KC @35yo, the next oldest is with SF and NYJ @32 the other 9 3-4 teams have starting NT of 30yo or younger. This would seem to dispute your claim that NTs can play into their mid to late thirtys. As no starting NT is playing in his mid thirtys and only 1 is plaining in his mid thirtys. Only three are over thirty.
just4fun - January 20, 2012
should be: no starting NT is playing in his late thirtys
just4fun - January 20, 2012
Lets see how long those NTs keep playing
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Ratliff is already signed until he is 37.
just4fun - January 20, 2012
Jay Ratliff won't see the end of his contract
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Centers have longer careers than the rest of their brethren on the Oline typically
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012
I'm not against signing a center for 2 years or less, but with a longer contract your pushing your luck
just4fun - January 20, 2012
Obviously
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012
i dont know what Jerry was thinking locking Ratliff up until he's 37 lol
great player but i can Jerry eating some of that money in the next couple of years. the rate of which Ratliff is declining is rapid & once big guys start to wear down it happens fast.
DCNation73 - January 20, 2012
I dont understand why so many
people want to trade Austin. It’s not a guarantee that Robinson performs at the same level, and/or stays healthy all of next season. On top of that he’s a free agent. So chill out. Miles Austin is our best receiver.
BrickTop - January 20, 2012 via mobile
I'm not saying we have to or need to trade Austin
I’m just saying we’d be stupid not to consider it
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012
It's not a good idea. it means 6.28 mil in dead money in 2012. That's atleast another CB
just4fun - January 20, 2012
I don't think Miles has played at the same level last 2 years either
@Tonekupone - January 20, 2012
I actually think it would be stupid to consider it since he's our best receiver
Terry - January 20, 2012
were in trouble if Dez doesn't have a breakout season IMO.
Austin is great after the catch but he has a lot of problems catching the pass in big moments. right now Austin is getting paid more then he has produced so unless Austin has a 1,200+ yard season with 10+ TDs then were in huge trouble if Dez doesn’t have a breakout season.
our best WR needs to be on the field making big plays
DCNation73 - January 20, 2012
i agree
you never trade good productive players, period. especially at WR on this team. Dez should be better next year (his 3rd year) thats when WR actually GET the NFL and the teams playbooks down. Trading Austin for draft picks then drafting a WR that wont be productive till his 3rd year is not very smart. Trading Austin will leave dallas with only 2 WR Romo actually trust, and this IF robinson resigns. He!!, Romo doesnt yet trust Dez, unless he picks up his game this off seasson
rick67 - January 20, 2012
Miles
Has reached his ceiling… He got his money and he’ll play at a high level and not an elite level.. Dez and Robinson can hold it down…. Dwayne Harris, Holley, and insert a late draft pick can hold down the fort
drobe86 - January 20, 2012 via mobile
i really dont care for that Harris kid
dude is slow & doesn’t have good agility
DCNation73 - January 20, 2012
Miles
Has reached his ceiling… He got his money and he’ll play at a high level and not an elite level.. Dez and Robinson can hold it down…. Dwayne Harris, Holley, and insert a late draft pick can hold down the fort
drobe86 - January 20, 2012 via mobile
disagree
Terry - January 20, 2012
Can we please get a center who won't snap early
when Romo calls an audible, or snap 5 feet too high? Anyone else sick of that?
NerdVernacular - January 20, 2012
that would be nice
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012 via mobile
OK guys , some options here,
1- draft DeCastro and sign a FA OG, we give Romo time and put up Saints and Packers numbers but ( potentialy) get knocked out in the playoffs due to lack of pressure on the QB and poor secondary play.
2- we draft OLB pass rush help and secondary help through FA and the draft.we make the playoffs but lack protection for our QB in the playoffs.getting picked off by an aggressive pass rush team with a stout secondary.
3- we do a bit of both, draft DeCastro after signing FA help for the pass rush and secondary.help both sides of the ball and remain patient?.
scotscowboyfan - January 20, 2012
Hmm Ill take option 4
Whatever we do, JG will have us in teh Superbowl,
thebigham - January 20, 2012
Option 4 is invalid bigham,
since we are’nt JG and can’t know his thoughts.
any one of the 3 please !!..
scotscowboyfan - January 20, 2012
read something in the comments of 5Blings' fanpost
that DeCastro might not have an NFL career if he has to go on blood thinners for some medical condition known as DVT.
Can anyone else verify this?
Rohpuri - January 20, 2012 via mobile
You might be confusing him and Kunz.
Hearing that he has the problem, not DeCastro.
Tom Ryle - January 20, 2012
you have to fix one side of the ball or the other
doing a little on 1 side & a little on the other obviously doesn’t work. fix either the DL/OLBs or the OL
DCNation73 - January 20, 2012
The closer we get to the draft the better I like the idea of drafting DeCastro if he falls to us.
As I’ve mentioned before, I think you build a football team from the lines out for a 3-4, that includes the OLB’s). If we are honest with ourselves, the Dallas Cowboys are probably multiple years away from being truly competitive, so if there is an OL there that grades out head and shoulders above the top OLB/DL’man then you gotta take that guy regardless of how you drafted the year before (and btw, I absolutely think T. Smith was the right pick last year as well).
Concerning the DL and Almost Anthony. If he has been Almost Anthony for years now and is stout against both the run and coverage, what are the odds he can drop the Almost tag if we had a premier DE on his side that commanded double teams or was an enormous penetration threat himself? In other words, it it Anthony’s fault really that he’s barely missing the QB or is it a domino effect that ends on him?
Concerning the DL; these quotes come from Wes Bunting, an NFL Draft Analyst who former Bloggingtheboys writer Rafael Vela interviewed several times last year. The players mentioned are playing in the less illustrious East-West Shrine game and currently project to the middle rounds on Day 2 as a result.
I live in Boise and go to the games. Crawford is 275 pounds, with a 4.77 40, and athleticism. I cannot tell you yea or nay, but I wonder if his Combine results might show an ability to play OLB in a 3-4 defense ala DeMarcus Ware/Terrell Suggs who also converted from college DE. I believe a lack of premier competition and, therefore, attention, has him rated lower right now. Look for this guy to begin rising up draft boards as he gets his various workouts in front of NFL scouts completed.
This guy maybe could give us more flexibility with our current personnel if he can hold the fort at NT, allowing Rat to shift to RDE and Spears to LDE.
pjohn56 - January 20, 2012
theres a reason those players are in the Shrine game
i’m not a huge fan of the Shrine game
DCNation73 - January 20, 2012
Isn't that what makes them mid round prospects, as I stated?
We don’t have 13 picks on Day 1.
pjohn56 - January 20, 2012
Tom whatever happens in the next 6 months,
the true test of whether JG is a legitimate HC will come after the first 8 games of next season, but ultimately after all 16 games are played. How well the Cowboys do against the division most importantly, but also his playcalling, the number of penalties, his decisions made in the last minutes of a game, timeouts, his own accountability after losses, all things that come under his job description and does he exhibit true leadership qualities. He gets an F for leadership last year, his learning year according to some. But having said this, it’s wins that matter most. He will not attain legitimacy until he produces a division winner or a deep wild card run. If it’s 8-8 again, with the same mistakes and bad decisions he’ll be gone.
stubabe - January 20, 2012
two paragraphs just to defend Dez, that's way too much
if this was as insignificant as people say, and i think it is, we should just let it go, i’m getting tired about all the drama with comes with him, supporters trying to make excuses and the purists saying he’s a liability, just let him alone, that’s exactly what he needs, he needs to be in no one’s mouth.
End of rant and last about dez
Good post
ratware - January 20, 2012
Agree.
Dez has set the tone for his entire career. He will be a media target until he retires. Seriously, Cowboy players need a career counselor from Day 1to effectively explain to them that they have become a part of the most scrutinized and hated sports franchise in the country.The watch phrase here is “effectively explain”.
stubabe - January 20, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Blogging The Boys to post a comment.