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I'd like to offer my assistance...
How would I attempt to fix the Dallas Cowboys?
Isn't that the question that we all pretty much have in our heads as we discuss the 2012 offseason? We all have varying levels of expertise and knowledge on certain subjects. Whether real or perceived, our hubris as people combined with our familiarity and passion for the team lead us all to believe we have some semblance of a fix for what ails this franchise. Mostly, this comes out in our comments in bit pieces and fragments, as certain subjects are discussed. I figured, with the onset of the new league year less than four weeks away, I might as well get a jump on sharing my views on the topic in their totality.
I'm no subject matter expert, and I realize that there will be some different opinions as equal, or more valid, than my own. This is simply my view; the moves that if the Cowboys front office made them, I'd sit back and say "that's exactly how I would've done it, let's get to September!"
The first order of business would be deciding which of our own in-house talent needs to stay, and which need to be shown the door. You have to handle your own business first, because you pretty much know what you have in those chess pieces. Especially how they fit into your specific strategy.
For now, here's how I'd handle our internal free agents. I'm waving goodbye to several players for various reasons. Terence Newman is obviously gone in my book. The other two main names here will be TE Martellus Bennett and OLB Anthony Spencer. Too much promise, not enough production for my tastes. I don't think there's any way I would pay Spencer what he can get on the open market, but if Bennett realizes his value as a blocking tight end only, there may be a two-year contract available for him at the end of this exercise.
Also gone would be QB Chris Griesen, P Mat McBriar (can't wait to find out your status), WR Kevin Ogletree, RB Sammy Morris, CB's Alan Ball and Frank Walker, and ILB's Keith Brooking and Bradie James. McB and Bradie are the most sentimental releases, but this is a business, folks.
Follow the jump for much more...
Here's a look at all of the in-house free agents and how they would be handled in KD's Cowboys Kingdom.
| Player | Position | Sign? | Guestimate '12 Cap Hit (in millions) | Salary Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ball, Alan | CB | no | -- | |
| Bennett, Martellus | TE | no | -- | |
| Brooking, Keith | ILB | no | -- | |
| Dockery, Derrick | OG | no | -- | |
| Elam, Abe | S | yes | $2.50 | Elam in '11 ($2.5m) |
| Fiammetta, Tony | FB | yes | $0.67 | It seems Fia can decide to be unrestricted if he chooses, due to waiver rules |
| Greisen, Chris | QB | no | -- | |
| Holland, Montrae | OG | yes | $1.00 | made $.5m after being resigned in 2011 |
| James, Bradie | ILB | no | -- | |
| McBriar, Mat | P | no | -- | |
| Morris, Sammy | RB | no | -- | |
| Newman, Terence | CB | release | -- | |
| Ogletree, Kevin | WR | no | -- | |
| Robinson, Laurent | WR | yes | $3.20 | Give him four years, $7m signing bonus, $1.5m base salary for 2012 |
| Spencer, Anthony | OLB | no | -- |
|
| Walker, Frank | CB | no | -- |
-- If I'm reading the waiver rules correctly, even though they released him, because Dallas claimed Fiammetta prior to '11 with two years remaining,he can return at the above salary. Basically, he's a UFA with a framework. I penciled him in at this cap hit level though, as I don't think he did anything deserving of a raise.
-- I think Elam would jump at the chance to get his 2011 salary back, and I actually feel a little gracious giving him that much.
-- I like what Holland did once he returned to the team and before his injury. Based on how I'm attacking the other facets of the offseason, I want him back on the team in 2012 and think he'd resign for his pre-released 2012 expected salary, adding a second year.
-- Laurent Robinson is the big fish here. After a great twitter debate on how much he can command, I settled on this being a good figure to retain him. The signing bonus gives him 'now' money, and it gives him the security to get to his eighth year in the league; after playing for four teams in four years. By the way, did you know that Stephen Jones creative contract has Miles Austin down for only a $1.15 salary in '12, and a cap hit not much bigger? Amazing.
So that takes us to about $7.4 million of our projected $20 million worth of cap space to play with this year. On to other team's free agents which will help augment this team before the draft.
C Chris Myers, Texans, 30 yo, 6'5", 300 lbs
Myers is dominant in run blocking and average at pass protection. He has two inches on last year's starter Phil Costa. However, his arm length is 32 3/8"and while I don't have Costa's on record, we know it is not an acceptable measure. Word from Valley Ranch is that center is a bigger concern than guard, and I'd tend to believe them.
2012 Cap Hit: $5 million. Currently ninth best paid center in NFL. Center's 3-5 on list make $5.8m, $4.6m and $4.5m in 2012. Four years, $10 million signing bonus, escalating base starting at $2.5m.
QB Kyle Orton, Chiefs, 31 yo, 6'4" 223 lbs
The Cowboys wanted to get Orton when they knew that Kitna was pretty much done for the year, but were beaten by a claim by the Chiefs. I think Orton might want to be a starter, but if there are no offers out there for him, Dallas backup money is a great scenario. I could easily see Orton performing well with all of the weapons Dallas has on offense, which would be the best set he's seen his entire pro career.
2012 Cap Hit: $3 million. Maybe a two-year deal.
ILB Channing Crowder, Unsigned, 28 yo, 6'2" 245 lbs
I spoke of Crowder's expected return to the NFL earlier in the month, and the more I think about it, the more I want him on this team. Crowder does three things for me. He comes as a cheap,experienced third man in the rotation, he provides pass rush from the ILB position, and he has a serious attitude if I remember correctly. I need more players like that on my defense.
2012 Cap Hit: $1.4 million. Incentive-laden deal.
P Steve Weatherford, NY Giants, 29 yo, who cares how tall a punter is?
The Giants have serious salary issues this year, and if it happens that they let Weatherford walk, the Cowboys should snap him up to replace McBriar in a heartbeat. He was killer in the playoffs, especially the Super Bowl, consistently pinning opponents deep with kicks to the sidelines. Improve yourself, hurt the team you're chasing. Win win.
2012 Cap Hit: $2 million. Four years.
Total cap hit of other team's free agents? $11.4 million. Combined with signing their own free agents, Dallas has now spent around $18.8 million over eight players. Might even be some room left for Marty B if he finds the market doesn't like him. I know not a lot of people are not going to be on board with the Crowder signing, and I'm cool with that. There are still some holes remaining to be filled, so we move along to this coming April's draft.
No. 14: CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama.
-- 6'2" 192 lbs, sure-tackling cornerback. After the charges were dropped earlier this month, I lost any and all reservation in selecting the kid. He has a clean record, he plays at a position of high need and he would be , arguably, the best player available if he sat there when Dallas was on the clock. (Alternate picks: CB Janoris Jenkins, OG Dave DeCastro)
No 45: DE Jared Crick, Nebraska.
-- 6'4" 285 lbs, tore his pectoral muscle and was lost for the year in October. I loved this guy heading into the year and think adding him to our DE rotation and four-man lines will wreak havoc on opposing offenses. (Alternate pick: Vinny Curry, OLB Marshall, CB Chase Minnefield)
No. 82: OLB Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy.
-- 6'2" 250 lbs, from Demarcus Ware's alma mater. Very quick with pass rushing abilities and experience dropping back into coverage. Would compete with Victor Butler to start from early in the season. (Alternative pick: DE Kendell Reyes, UConn, CB Josh Norman)
Rounds 4-7: Obviously this is where projecting a player's availability becomes a little silly, especially pre-combine. For what it's worth, I would round out my roster with a mix of experiments. I'm intrigued by OT Matt McCants, UAB as a replacement for Jeremy Parnell. McCants had a good week of Senior Bowl practice and has that down-the-line promise. He did everything to drop completely off draft boards, but I want to take a fifth-round flyer on CB Cliff Harris out of Oregon. In the sixth, give me Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins to take on Stephen McGee in camp. There were good reports out of Mobile on him as well. To round it off, give me bulldozing, 240 lb RB Terence Ganaway of Baylor in the seventh round to be our goal line back.
Obviously, many things will change over the coming months, starting with the Scouting Combine that kicks off February 22nd. For now though, I'd be pretty pleased to see Dallas enter September with the following 53 man roster.
| Position | Players | Head Count |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Romo, Orton, Cousins | 3 |
| RB | Murray, Jones, Fiammetta, Ganaway (Tanner) |
4 |
| WR | Bryant, Austin, Robinson, Harris, Holley | 5 |
| TE | Witten, Phillips, UDFA(Bennett?) | 3 |
| OL | Smith, Holland, Myers, Kosier, Free, McCants, Nagy, Arkin, Kowalski, Costa | 10 |
| DL | Lissemore, Ratliff, Crick, Spears, Brent, Geathers, Hatcher, Callaway | 8 |
| LB | Ware, Lee, Carter, Massaquoi, Crowder, Albright, V. Butler, Lemon | 8 |
| CB | Jenkins, Kirkpatrick, Scandrick, Harris, M. Butler |
5 |
| S | Sensabaugh, Elam, Church, Taplin-Ross | 4 |
| ST | Bailey, Weatherford, LaDoucer | 3 |
| PS | Bra.Carter, A.Holmes, R.Radway, Loper, +4 spots |
53 + PS |
[Update]Cleared up the PS issue and opened up another CB slot. [/Update] New starters are highlighted. I'm a little heavy in the trenches, but don't mind that at this point.
So what do you all think? Does this roster get Dallas any closer to where you want to see them? What would you change?
1 recs | 199 comments
Very realistic
CowboyWay - February 14, 2012 via mobile
Parnell on the PS? Is he eligible?
He had to be active for games this past year as he was the only OT backup.
Only 4 CB’s scares me, We have as many RB’s as CB’s. Other than that, I like it.
Rena - February 14, 2012
Hey Rena- I think you are correct on Parnell- I don’t want to lose him though… and I just can’t cut a Terp (Costa) lol…
the misery of being the fictional GM.
As for the RB/CB conundrum, I would actually expect Tanner and Ganaway to battle for the fourth running back spot… maybe I’ll PS Tanner and bring back one of the CBs that was on the PS at the end of the year.
KD Drummond - February 14, 2012
Tanner wouldn’t be eligible either… so I guess he’s got to go to get my rook on the squad, so Mario Butler gets the bump
KD Drummond - February 14, 2012
how come most folks here keep forgetting about Kyle Kosier
the guy was as much a turn style as the rookies and he’s 34 …IMO…he’s not gonna get better at all…would be a ok backup since he knows all the positions but he’s no longer Day 1 starting caliber…especially against NFC East opponents
0k - February 14, 2012
Kosier played almost the entire year with plantar fasciitis
KD Drummond - February 14, 2012
Didn't Kosier tear his mcl or something?
Will he even be able to play next season?
Grimlock83 - February 14, 2012
Yes, he tore it. Dunno what his status is.
Fernie67 - February 15, 2012
torn MCLs dont normally linger, it's the ACLs that are long term issues
IIRC
KD Drummond - February 15, 2012
ACLs are about a thousand times worse than MCLs
recovery time for an MCL is maximum 6-8 weeks
recovery time on average for an ACL is a year.
BigBlueIntervention - February 15, 2012
ACLs need surgically repaired, MCLs do not
The rehab of an ACL surgery is what makes it much worse
Terry - February 15, 2012
There was a update on him on ESPN a few days ago.
It wasn’t a major tear and doesn’t require surgery. He is just resting it to heal and they are hopeful it might be ready to go by TC.
Rena - February 15, 2012
McCray
Best special teamer, find a spot for him at DB?
DB23 - February 14, 2012 via mobile
I fought long and hard on McCray / Church
and gave the nod to Church because he logged more defensive snaps, even though that declined as the year went on. A very good case could be made for the reverse, but the 3yr deal they gave Taplin-Ross means he’s pretty much getting a shot this year.
KD Drummond - February 14, 2012
Don't we get
Some extra cap space for releasing Newman?
cmttx - February 14, 2012
yes, that's what would get us close to $20 million in space
Newman saves $4 million if released pre-June 1st, $6m if released after with $2m 2013 dead money
KD Drummond - February 14, 2012
Wow, looks pretty decent
and realistic to boot.
Love the Meyers and Crowder signings and those first three draft picks would be sweet. Q: how quickly can Crick start practicing? I’m guessing it would be a situation similar to Carter last season?
Biggest question mark would be Spencer’s spot. Like the OL this year, there may some real growing pains on that defensive side of the front 4. Part of me wants to try and retain Spencer, or find his replacement through FA, and part of me likes this idea of just throwing the young guys out there and seeing how they perform.
ary201 - February 14, 2012
I like it but I’d rather find a second FA corner back than sign Chowder
AustonianAggie - February 14, 2012
I think we'd benefit from a veteran presence at ILB, though.
ary201 - February 14, 2012
I would like to see us get a CB as well though
I’d take a pass on Weatherford and go cheaper than Orton at backup QB to see if that frees up enough money to get a vet CB.
ary201 - February 14, 2012
Yeah I agree we need to get at least one FA cb.
Dynamicduo - February 14, 2012 via mobile
Like seafood chowder?
Nickthegrip - February 14, 2012
Maybe even a corn chowder
Just some sort of thick, hearty soup would do well at ILB.
ary201 - February 15, 2012
Lol
DarkKnight88 - February 15, 2012
Like the draft picks
Adding one guy at each level good way to go. Worry a bit about Butler and a 3d rd rook at OLB, and the Kosier/Holland tandem staying healthy, but can’t have everything.
I think Orton will go somewhere he can compete, and I’m inclined to let Jones be the punter, but I like the rest fine.
DB23 - February 14, 2012 via mobile
KD good read.....
However I hope the d line reads like this
Lissemore, Rat , Hatcher, Callaway, Brent, Spears , Jean-Baptiste, Coples
My fifth round flyer is Janzen Jackson, maybe fourth round flyer
football mensa - February 14, 2012
Thanks-
how do we get Coples at #14- I’m in his corner but don’t condone the trade up to get him and can’t see him sliding that far.
KD Drummond - February 14, 2012
I like the kid, Vinny Curry out of Marshall.
I am a Nebraska fan and Crick was touted by N. Suh as the next great… but I watch all the games and I just don’t see it. I thought Meredith did as much as he did. So I would pass on Jared Crick because I see more athleticism out of Curry.
Hey, what do you think of LaRon Landry instead of Elam??? -provided his injury status is cleared up
LiveNDieBlue - February 15, 2012
Crick is Marcus Spears.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
good comparison, flashes at times but not often enough to be counted on
LiveNDieBlue - February 15, 2012
Landry has been refusing to have his surgery that the docs have told him he has to have.
That is pushing back his recovery time. He would be very risky.
Rena - February 15, 2012
Do you think
Janzen Jackson has cleaned up his act? Enough for a team to draft him..
BrickTop - February 14, 2012 via mobile
I will put up with some crap to have a good safety.
football mensa - February 14, 2012
You are kidding about Jackson right?
This kid has been in and out rehab and therapy so much it is like a revolving door. This not an issue of smoking some pot, but use of hard drugs. This kid makes Pac Man look like a saint.
Birddog26 - February 14, 2012
Maybe Mensa
Wants to bring back the days of the White House.
Rohpuri - February 14, 2012 via mobile
He has been on this kick this week. Of using our 4th for Janzen.
Rena - February 15, 2012
Makes adam "don't call me pacman" look saintlike
huh? Well damn what is this team waiting for jerry draft this guy lol.
DarkKnight88 - February 15, 2012
Jackson is one of my
mid-round pet cats. He might be the most talented safety in the draft. If he has a good combine and interviews well (he has some serious off-field issues) he could shoot up some draft boards.
TK19 - February 15, 2012 via Android app
I would trade Austin to move up. A 5th too if needed.
That is provided we sign Robinson. At some point we have to make impact move.We have enough skill players. We need impact d players. They are worth moving up for.
football mensa - February 14, 2012
outside the box thinking- I don't want to lose Austin personally
What spot are you targeting to get to for Coples, because I think he’s going top 7 after his combine
KD Drummond - February 14, 2012
I am thinking trade with the Jags.
They need a wr badly. Probably have to throw a 4th in there. Which I would.
football mensa - February 14, 2012
Lossing austin would be horrible for our offense
And no way they Bargin Austin and a 4th to move up 7 spots. That’s just insanity.
Sado44 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
Austin was missing for a long stretch....
and Romo still passed for 4000 yards. Austin isn’t special. he is good. He will give you an occasional big play. He isn’t untradeable good.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
austin is the heart of the receiving corps buddy
he just needs to be healthy
ratware - February 14, 2012
If we get Robinson then I would be open to trading Austin
However, why trade up? Why not trade him for multiple picks. That’s all the draft is, a crapshoot. The more picks you have, the more risks you can take.
soonercowboy14 - February 14, 2012
don't trade Austin
At least wait another year or two till Dez learns the playbook. Right now Austin’s the only receiver under contract that knows what route he’s supposed to run when it’s called.
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Austin also drops lots of passes. We need impact d players.
Austin is a trafeable commodity. I make the deal in a blink. Laurent Robinson has a more natural feel for the game than Austin does.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
Austin had a down year and he needs to pick it up and ramp up his focus
But Robinson is not a no. 1. He got open as much as he did because he was a no.3-4 with single coverage. He is also considered by many to be fragile, and while Austin’s hammys kept him out of games I would trust him going over the middle more than Robinson. So I think we need to keep him ….plus he is the stabalizing force in the WR corp.
Couples is the man though!
LiveNDieBlue - February 15, 2012
Disagree.
.
When Austin was injured Robinson still produced. Dez was drafted to be the number 1. He needs to step up and deliver. Austin won’t make or break this team. The 8-8 record would not have been better if Austin played the whole year. He doesn’t play guard or cb or safety.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
Think back on 2010 and think of Austin and the games he won and the 8-8 record comment is no longer valid
I agree we need a Cb, a Center, and would like a playmaking Safety…but I rate our WR corp as physically able but Iffy (sure there are days where they are playmakers but there are also days like in San Fran. where they couldn’t even get their routes correct). Love Dez but until he proves he knows the routes And is disciplined to run them properly then I can not, for the team’s sake, trust him fully.
My point being that if you remove your leader then you might remove the glue that holds them and next year we add WR to your list of “got to have’s”
LiveNDieBlue - February 15, 2012
Austins had injuries since signing undrafted in 2006.
he also has struggled with drops a lot in his career & while he’s the RKG that doesn’t always translate into wins.
Robinson has better hands & would be a welcomed site as the #2 or #3 wr. Dez is really the one that needs to put it together this season bc Dallas took huge risk thinking he could contribute right away when drafted.
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
Robinson had a good season wasnt spectacular but was good
The best season he has ever had and your giving him the #1 spot cause Dez isn’t ready for the #1 so you got a guy who has proven he can be useful when your 1 and 2 are doubled and a guy who needs more time with the Playbook and just possibility on your number 3 guy. Seriously so glad you don’t run this team. I’d be a bills fan if was our GM Mensa.
Sado44 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
Sado if I was running the team we would be winning. Austin is like 200 other wr's in the nfl.
Robinson is a more natural wr. He has a better feel for the game. Austin is very stiff compared to the cerebal Robinson.
The getting covered by the number 3 cb doesn’t wash. Only uneducated fans don’t realize Robinson was getting covered by the number 2 cb when Austin was injured.. That crap about 1 and 2 being doubled and Robinson roaming free is garbage. Who was the number 2 wr when Austin was injured ?
Go be a Bills fan now.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
Too low of a return
on a guy that most viewed as approaching elite just a year ago.
Everyone is tradeable, but that’s a bad return, dude.
ary201 - February 15, 2012
You won't get multiple picks for Austin. He can help you move up at best.
1 great player is better than 19 jags.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
Carefull your starting to sound like Jonathan Stern
And you have no idea the kinda of player Coples is, it is just as likely for him to bust as it is for him to succeed. With his questionable motor, it might be even more likely, hard can call him a blue chip with his kind of questions
Proxy406 - February 15, 2012
If Greg Ellis can be a top 10 pick.....
Coples has 3 times the talent Ellis had.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
Eliis was consistent & never had a cold motor like Coples has.
Ellis might’ve said what was on his mind but he was a great player for this defense for years & his position still hasnt even been close to being replaced.
i’m not against Coples but i cant give Austin away for a chance to take a risk
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
Risk need to be taken to get out of the rut Dallas is in.
Jerry always takes the wrong risk. His risk always involve offensive players. Look at the defense. When do you make a risk move to improve the d ?
Ellis was mediocre player picked number 8. How long did it take him to get double digit sacks ?
football mensa - February 15, 2012
Is there nothing between GREAT and JAG?
ary201 - February 15, 2012
I like the overall plan KD
However if you want Kirk Cousins, you’ll have to spend a third rd pick to get him. Presently, the people at NFL Draft Scout’s website give him a 3rd rd projection.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/players.php?genpos=QB&draftyear=2012&sortorder=tsxpos&order=ASC
Rohpuri - February 14, 2012 via mobile
CBS bumped him after that Senior Bowl too, crap
I had the drafttek ranking in my notes- I liked him just not that high, not at the sacrifice of a defensive need… I really don’t like or know enough about the other QBs in the late round range at the moment…
which means mcGee would last another year :X
KD Drummond - February 14, 2012
It would suck if McGee had to see the field
In 2012 outside of taking the mercy kneel downs.
Rohpuri - February 14, 2012 via mobile
There's a scary thought.
spm01 - February 15, 2012
that's good stuff
That’s about the most most realistic breakdown I’ve read so far. The only thing I would address differently is the Safety position we gotta do something at that spot.
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Agreed
I’d be surprised if we can’t sign a Tyvon Brach/Thomas DeCoud/Mike Adams/Dwight Lowery-like player for close to the same $2.5M Elam made last year. None of these guys are spectacular, but they are all good, solid S that would represent a significant upgrade over Elam.
dacolan - February 14, 2012
all upgrades
Ya what I was hearing was that Elam was going to be a great fit coming from Cleveland. I didn’t see him do anything that Church shouldn’t be able to do next year. So an upgrade at S won’t be hard or expensive to accomplish.
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 14, 2012 via iPhone app
i saw a huge differnce between Elam & Church IMO.
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
I think I would like Shaun Hill versus Orton.
Cheaper, and suitable for a backup role.
jazzbo251 - February 14, 2012
Shaun Hill is going to stay with Detroit
Rohpuri - February 14, 2012 via mobile
Hill is expected to resign with Detroit, and I would too if I were him
http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2012/2/14/2797485/shaun-hill-detroit-lions-nfl-free-agency
KD Drummond - February 14, 2012
Bummer. I hadn't heard that.
That’s why this site is awesome. Great info.
jazzbo251 - February 14, 2012
Then take their 3rd QB
Stanton out of Mich St, if I recall properly. I like this kid better than Hill anyway. Wasn’t really impressed with McGee this year in his few chances. Hoped to see a lot more out of him. With the way the rookie QBs are playing in their first season anymore, I guess I thought McGee would show more than he did.
oldboysfan - February 15, 2012
Good plan KD. I'd fire JJ and hire you in a heartbeat...
I’m good with Jones as a punter also. I think he did a fine job filling in last year. Newman is gone after June 1st no doubt about that.
As far as draft…there is no way Couples will last till the 14th pick…I think we can all agree to that. Unless he completely sucks at the combine…and I don’t see that. He will go in the top 10 if not to 6-7.
Rather than move up and lose a 2nd round pick..I’d take the following in order:
OG Dave DeCastro
CB Janoris Jenkins
CB Dre Kirkpatrick
I’d take Jenkins better cover skills over Kirkpatrick’s height any day…
I’d also like to make a run for the Boise SS IIoka in the 2nd round. Barron will be gone in the 1st. We need a safety help desperately and we may need to move up in the 2nd to get IIoka.
If we go OG/DE/OLB in the 1st we need a CB in the 2nd.
Pasipple - February 14, 2012
I don't like neglecting safety
but next year’s crop is so intriguing to me, I think we go stop gap for one more season.
Ray Ray Armstrong, TJ McDonald, Robert Lester, Holloman from Carolina…
I think our impact safety comes in 2013.
KD Drummond - February 14, 2012
If he comes out next year , the best safety in college plays at Lsu.
Eric Reid. FS. 6’2" 208. His range is twice that of Lester or McDonald.
football mensa - February 14, 2012
what about janzen jackson this year
as a late rounder or UDFA, i don’t know how thugish is he, if he’s in the 5 out of 10 i grab it, and yeah i would wait until next year, i don’t think there will be at elast one in the late 20’s which is the spot i see the cowboys picking next year
ratware - February 14, 2012
Jackson is thuggish and a punk and you would have to put up with some crap.
However it’s better than what Elam provides.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
Hardcore drug addict.
Rena - February 15, 2012
well if he's that high un thiggis-o-meter then no
ratware - February 15, 2012
no more Broncos. please
I’ve got a good friend that lives in Boise we’ve been cowboys fans all our lives. He’s seen bout every game this Illoka played at BSU some of them live. I presented the possibility of us drafting him and he hated it not unless he’s their at about the fourth to fifth round.
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 14, 2012 via iPhone app
I here ya about Broncos....but...
Most draft boards do have IIoka as the second best rated SS. I know nothing about any of the safety prospects. I’ll trust the Cowboys draft department to grade the rankings and the best available…but we need sfety help…and quickly.
We need two CBs and a SS via the draft or free agency. Don’t care which. And if any of these players come through the draft they need to be good round 1-4 prospects. We’ve wasted too many previous low round draft picks in the past and all have been busts.
Pasipple - February 14, 2012
just being cautious
It’s kinda hard to evaluate players from BSU considering the competition they play. Kyle Wilson was the most dominating DB that conference has seen and him and Scandrick get feasted on at the pro level.
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 14, 2012 via iPhone app
a good bronco would be that DE crawford
ratware - February 14, 2012
exactly
Good fit
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 14, 2012 via iPhone app
I'd be OK with Dre, but I'd prefer DeCastro, Coples, or Jenkins.
I love both Crick and Masaquoi, but just adding a 30 year old center to protect Tony scares me. I want to fix not patch the OL.
pfloyd1 - February 14, 2012
can't go wrong either way
They are both great players at huge positions of need. I’ll take either one.
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Meyers would fix this OL for a few years & allow Killer K or another to develope.
Centers seem to be better when there seasoned a few years unless you want to waste a 1st rd pick on one.
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
IMHO,Crick in the 2nd is a steal,I would make that pick in a heartbeat!!!
If you want to try to get Iloka in the 2nd you could package our third and one of our fourths,if you can find a partner,and trade back into the second rd for Iloka.
BTW,well thought out post! Like your ideas about Orton and Crowder.Meyers is my FA pet cat. Weatherford seems like a luxury,but worth it. Draft is really good,I want Decastro if there but a CB would work if he is not. My 7th rder would be Hamilton DT Mizzou. Overall not bad though.
NVCowboy4Life - February 15, 2012
Guard
got to get one new guard. Who knows how much holland has left and frankly Arkin is the only guy I think can be a good starter among the scrubs
Also not sure on Myers. Being average in pass protection in this league today is not good enough
burmafrd1944 - February 14, 2012
I should have gave him a better description than that
He was #12 PFF rated in pass blocking for centers with over 600 snaps, gave up one TD and 2 hits on the year, 8 pressures while starting all 16 games.
I don’t think he’d be anywhere close to a liability.
KD Drummond - February 14, 2012
yea its important to remember
that interior players generally don’t let up many pressures/hits/sacks. Myers giving up 1 pressure every 2 games isn’t much (though I don’t know how he relates to other players).
Its likely that PFF’s rankings are closely related to run blocking, as many centers let up few to no pressures. But thats just a guess on my part.
foyesboys - February 14, 2012
Awe, man.
We can’t have Centers giving up TDs. Costa didn’t even do that (though some of those snaps in DC were close)
CotySaxman - February 15, 2012 via mobile
haha, typo.
gave up one “sack”
KD Drummond - February 15, 2012
I think drafting DeCastro 1st round and someone like chase minnefield round 2 would be absolutely great.
#DBoyZ - February 15, 2012
That's a safe draft and there is nothing wrong with that.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
I thought we needed to take risks to "get out of the rut"?
I’d much prefer steady, patient building through the draft and (mostly) keeping our home-grown talent. DeCastro + Minnefield, or one of the other solid Rd. 2 CBs would be awesome, if DeCastro manages to slip that far.
spm01 - February 15, 2012
I would prefer to take risk and get out of the rut.
Since when has Dallas been steady ? Tell me I’m waiting.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
Since last year when Jerry (apparently) decided to take the JG approach.
I’m pretty sure you can’t expect results instantly after switching philosophies, and barring a Walker-type trade, I can’t see a scenario in which trading away all of our talent helps us. Maybe five years down the road, sure, but then so will our current approach. So what’s the gain?
spm01 - February 15, 2012
I want Brooks or Washington at guard. We need a mauler.
Running trap plays on the goal line doesn’t work so well. Dallas is horrible at 4th and 1 or 4th and goal.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
Just a heads up, contract negotiations are underway with Weatherford and the Giants
so it looks highly unlikely that he’ll hit the open market for very long.
BigBlueIntervention - February 14, 2012
Also...leave him alone, KD. He's ours!
BigBlueIntervention - February 14, 2012
Dam You Blue!
out of all your FA’s, you guys WOULD start with the frickin punter
KD Drummond - February 14, 2012
we haven't forget the epic adventures of Matt Dodge.
We’re also in preliminary discussions with Terrell Thomas as well. You guys might get Manningham if you can’t re-sign Laurent though….doesn’t look like we’ll be able to keep him.
BigBlueIntervention - February 14, 2012
derp. Haven't "forgotten"
BigBlueIntervention - February 14, 2012
I figured Thomas would be a higher priority than Ross
is that the case or is it probably just easier to get done?
KD Drummond - February 14, 2012
Both. Since he's been injured, we'll get him cheaper. At least that's the plan.
Ross had a decent year this year, so he’ll likely try and test the market. Wouldn’t make sense for TT to do it. He’ll get a 2 year deal most likely, and if he stays healthy, a big payday after that.
BigBlueIntervention - February 14, 2012
If Thomas' medical rehab progress checks out...
I’d think a lot of teams would be interested, especially if it means signing him to a less than market value, incentive laden deal. I know this Dallas fan would anyway.
dacolan - February 14, 2012
I just hope you guys aren't going to pay attention to that.
Though if all contracts are equal, he isn’t going to move to another system.
BigBlueIntervention - February 14, 2012
I still think Dodge got a bad deal.
It’s easy to pin a loss on one player, particularly when it’s a heartbreaking loss and the player is a punter.
The fact is that the Giants lost a big lead against the Eagles, and there were 10 other guys on the field that could have tackled Jackson. Coughlin chewing out Dodge on television was a bush league move and displaced responsibility for the loss from the Giants meltdown to a rookie punter. Low class.
Now, the national narrative is that a rookie punter lost the game, and what’s forgotten is the big lead given up and the questionable coaching that contributed to that.
jazzbo251 - February 14, 2012
I was kidding about that of course. And Coughlin chews out everybody. Just how he is.
It’s old school, not low class. Tom Brady yells at his teammates and even got into a spat with his offensive coordinator on the sidelines. Its the same deal.
But yeah, the entire team lost that day. Dodge made a mistake, but it shouldn’t have come to that anyway.
BigBlueIntervention - February 14, 2012
Much like Romo shouldn't get blame for the loss to the Jets
That was a team effort. His INT at te end kf the game doesn’t happen if the Jets don’t get that punt block TD. That was the game changer. Yeah he shouldn’t have fumbled at the goal line, but it was a bang bang hustle play, sometimes $hit happens.
Rohpuri - February 15, 2012 via mobile
Seems to happen a lot for Dallas.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
I can't really think of any situation where one player is to blame for an entire loss.
BigBlueIntervention - February 15, 2012
Nope. However Dallas invents ways to lose. If there was ever a team that doesn't have the it factor
….it’s Dallas. They just fold.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
I would think Philly beat you guys in that regard this year
BigBlueIntervention - February 15, 2012
And Philly skull fricked Dallas twice.
Philly looked good at the end. They will be formidable next year. They began to gel and it was obvious.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
Kyle Williams. FTW.
fs65 - February 15, 2012
Ouch.
spm01 - February 15, 2012
It funny and ironic that a Giants fan said he couldn't think of any situation where one player lost a game.
fs65 - February 16, 2012
Witten at the goal line is where I thought the game changed
If you recall Romo hits Witten who rumbles and rumbles and at the one he gets hit by the safety and instead of rolling to his right, where his momentum would have to have carried him into the endzone, he headbutts the guy and goes out at the one.
Then, with no running game to punch it in, 2 plays later the Romo fumble occurs. But as I watched the game I actually yelled at Witten to push it in and we were home free. Instead they creep back into the game.
LiveNDieBlue - February 15, 2012
so Witten getting knocked out of bounds was worse then Romos fumble & int?
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
Think about it, if Witten tries there he goes IN and there is NO fumble possible.
And if Witten goes in we throw another 7 on them and the come back they mount would not happen at all! That is why I said that. Understandable right?
LiveNDieBlue - February 15, 2012
really wondering where danny mccray is
far and away our best special teams player, not sure how taplin ross makes it over him
demarcus94 - February 14, 2012
JTR got a three-year, they have to have plans for the kid
and I think ST coverage is slightly overrated around these parts, but that’s just my personal opinion.
There were 51 people that had an equal or better ST rating as McCray. I’m not happy with the S position in general, but I’m rolling with people that are getting defensive snaps and then seeing who can play special teams.
KD Drummond - February 14, 2012
Agreed about McCray KD,this team needs playmakers.
NVCowboy4Life - February 15, 2012
The biggest hole in this plan is not addressing the secondary in FA
This almost forces us to draft a CB early (and late for that matter). I’d hate to see the team pass on a more talented player because their forced to fill a need.
dacolan - February 14, 2012
Love the Meyers and Crowder pick-ups though
dacolan - February 14, 2012
+ 1000
I like the plan, and especially getting serious by drafting 3 defensive players right out the gates.
But—if Kirkpatrick is gone at 14, we are in seriously deep doodoo. Newman and Ball are gone, we’ve used all our cap money to shore up other areas, now what do we do? Reach for a corner who isn’t worth a 14? Address it in later rounds, realizing that these guys may not be able to start their first season?
The other (small) quibble is the age of some of those FA pick-ups. But you’re doing a good job plugging holes.
boyman - February 15, 2012
Jenkins should probably be there if Captain Kirk isn't.
I suppose it’s possible both go, but not likely. There are some borderline starter-level guys that’ll be available later, too, though that wouldn’t be the ideal situation. And I wouldn’t worry about Meyers’ age, he’s still got plenty of tread on the tires until we can develop Killer or find another suitable replacement.
spm01 - February 15, 2012
NOt sure about Crick
I don’t think we can afford to draft another injured player with upside in this draft
Nardfather - February 14, 2012
LaMichael James anybody?
I seen Ganaway play a couple games and he is a load. Living where I do I saw every game this native Texas 2010 Doak Walker award winning, Heisman Trophy finalist played. I think he can instantly give us at least what Felix does and more I believe.Yes, in a significantly smaller frame. But he is right now he’s a better reciever out of the backfield he’s faster, dynamic as a returner, oh ya he has special feet and vision.
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 14, 2012 via iPhone app
L. McCoy from the Eagles was thought to be too small And coming from a small school...
which translates to less proven. Like his squirm in the hole and his determination
LiveNDieBlue - February 15, 2012
L.James is way stronger then people expect & i'd love to see him drafted in the 5th rd.
James can also return kicks which this team lacs. i’d love to see James returning kicks/RB & J.Hosley returning punts/CB. Hosley is possibly a 3rd pick that could play right away & has great ballskills
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
Yes. This.
I’d love to get James in the later rounds. I’d feel bad drafting a position of (relative) strength rather than need, but he has the potential to make a Sproles-ish impact, plus return skills which we’ve almost always been terrible at.
spm01 - February 15, 2012
Wasn't Felix pretty well the lowest drop rate on catching balls a year ago?
He only dropped 1 ball all year or something like that? I am not positive the exact #, but I know it was something insane like that.
Rena - February 15, 2012
all time PAC 12
If LaMichael hadn’t entered this years draft after his junior year with the Ducks… He walks away with every major PAC12 rushing record in his bag my mid season at least. I think he translates well.
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 14, 2012 via iPhone app
is Barry Church more gifted athletically
right now than Abraham Elam?
AustonianAggie - February 14, 2012
This is a good post.
I don’t like it though.
I’d rather roll with McGee and rookie at QB
I’d rather roll with Jones at Punter
I’d rather draft DeCastro
I’d rather target secondary in FA maybe two.
thebigham - February 14, 2012
Cowboys need more than just Myers at center
They need another starting guard, neither Kosier nor Holland will cut it again this season
Terry - February 14, 2012
Holland was decent this year. We can deal with average/slightly above average with the tackles we have
If our interior 3 lineman were just average this past year it would have added atleast 1 maybe 2 wins = playoffs
Dynamicduo - February 14, 2012 via mobile
This is a deep guard draft
I’d hate passing on a guard since we’ll likely get great value. Bunting says it one of the best guard drafts he’s ever seen. Thinking we can get a 2nd Rd value with our 3rd. I’d take curry in the 2nd and the best avail og in the third. I’m hoping some of our young d linemen can develop.
cowboysuberfan - February 14, 2012
+100
the_hat - February 15, 2012
the DeCastro pick is looking less likey then ever Terry.
somehow guys like Kosier, Holland, Nagy, Killer K , Costa or Arkin have to be able to play this season. Dallas used a lot of picks on the OL last season & i’m sure Callahan was brought in to take care of this issue. a FA Center would make the Guards 100x better
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
i don't see the need of a vet QB, i'm ok with mcgee as the second stringer
either way the season is done if Romo gets hurt, orton is not going to be a solution, i like the ILB pickup but crowder talks too much and i never knew about him being good at rushing the passer, but not a bad move in general
by the way i would like to see the ILB FA list, anyone knows where can i get it?
ratware - February 14, 2012
What if Romo misses 3-4 games?
If Kitna still had anything left last season, Romo could have sat a game or two with the punctured lung.
NICK L - February 15, 2012
+1
Fernie67 - February 15, 2012
i have thought of that as well
but tha tmoney would be better spend in OL
ratware - February 15, 2012
Crowder did flap his gums a lot but he could rush the passer pretty decent iirc.
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
I don't like spending that much, but I think Orton could be more than good enough filling in for Romo if necessary.
He’s not a starter, but he’s light years ahead of McGee and could keep us in the mix if Romo went down a while.
spm01 - February 15, 2012
It looks pretty good
We didn’t do anything at S so that sounds right.Our DB’s and pass rush might be worse with this lineup.They would have upside,though.If we had Orton and Cousins backing up Romo,I would be stoked.
Quest For Six - February 14, 2012
Janoris Jenkins is tiny, but he is quick and competes. I wouldn't mind him at 14.
juniorb - February 14, 2012
both Jenkins & Kirkpatrick are pot heads
its a huge risk knowing they used drugs with there careers at risk tells me there not very smart. i understand second chances but you can’t fix dumb
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
The Crowder signing is cool but...
Myers is a great start but I would focus more on the trenches. I am tired of getting man handled up front. I want 3rd and 1 on offense to be a gimme and a pass rush that hurts Qbs.
I know you are picking up Orton because Romo has been injured so much. But Romo has been injured so much because we can’t protect him.
Mojoness - February 14, 2012
+100
the_hat - February 15, 2012
i cant see the Texans allowing Meyers to walk unless they have someone else thats better.
Center & LT are 2 important positions for any QB. the Texans would be crzy not to resign that guy unless they have someone else.
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
these guys dont grow on trees like Guards
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
I wish we could find this G tree. We need to shake a couple good ones lose for ourselves.
Rena - February 15, 2012
you know what is cool about this year
last years draft, we pretty much narrowed it down to Tyron Smith or JJ Watt
this year we are talking about 6 different players, DeCastro, Kirkpatrick, Jenkins, Upshaw, Ingram, Kuechly
at least there is a lot of stuff to talk about and having options is great
if we dont franchise Spencer, there are about 5 different directions we can go, we didn’t have that option last year talking about different options
that is one positive of this years off season
Archie Barberio - February 14, 2012
good point
the_hat - February 15, 2012
Good point
but last year we drafted much higher so we knew that we could narrow down our options to just those two. Not so easy this year, at least not yet.
AlanK - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
That and the fact that there's no lock out, so there's time to work through free agency
and then address the draft.
Fernie67 - February 15, 2012
I dunno
It’s still pretty early. I thought at this time last year there was a lot of talk about Amakumara and it was pre-combine so there was hope for Von Miller still. Plus I remember a lot of talk about Gabe Carimi if Smith was taken and even Robert Quinn.
ary201 - February 15, 2012
Luv the depth but
Can we really trust a 3rd round pick to be more productive then Spencer. I know this guy is from Troy just like Ware, but we don’t know what type of transition he will make in the league. Why not bring back Spencer and let them compete for the spot. I mean we can’t expect every 3rd rounder to be Demarco Murray. Besides for that I like it, the safety position still makes me a little uneasy, but I agree we have more pressing needs and bringing Elam’s old secondary coach might help him make that open field tackle (wishful thinking)
Ihatethesaints - February 14, 2012
Spencer would take almost half the salary cap if he's franchised
i’m about 100% sure even Jerry cant be that crazy
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
Yeah, but on the open market
i bet we can keep him for closer to $6 million. Still a lot of money, but that’s the difference between a starter who right now does his job well (not brilliantly).
IMO, this whole approach is rolling the dice, since it leaves us with a certified lack of starters at two positions (CB and OLB) going into the draft. That means our draft picks MUST be at those positions and MUST pan out immediately.
boyman - February 15, 2012
Btw guys
I did a 6 round Dallas Cowboys mock draft using Mocking The Draft’s 6 Rounder from Monday as my template. Please comment and rec if you like it.
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2012/2/14/2797074/rohpuris-spin-on-mtds-latest-mock-draft-cowboys-edition
Rohpuri - February 14, 2012
Free Agents
I sincerely hope that this is the year JJ finally steps up and signs a couple of free agents outside the organization. Apparently, we have the money to do so and JJ said the Cowboys will be active in free agency.
We should stay away from mario and the $12M+/year he’ll demand…but added a quality OG like Nicks and a serviceable CB should be necessity. Signing WR Robinson for a $4M +/- contract should be a no brainer too. Without Robinson…our 3rd WR options are dismal. It’s taken us how long to finally find three quality receivers? 10 years or more?
Sure would improve our draft if we could draft BPA rather than need for all the rounds. Improving the pass rush and CB should be our 1st prioritties in the draft after we sign OG Nicks.
Pasipple - February 14, 2012
Cowboys need to do more to fix the OLine
Signing C Chris Myers is a good move, but surrounding him with old guards isn’t going to cut it if the Cowboys want to beat the Eagles and Giants. Holland didn’t make it through the year. Why would he make it through another coming off an arm injury? Kyle Kosier was hurt the whole year and hardly practiced from week to week. Both were part of the reason Romo got so heavily sacked down the stretch. It wasn’t all Costa’s fault.
Cowboys need to revamp their entire offensive line this offseason, and they can do it. Flip Smith and Free. Sign Carl Nicks. Sign Chris Myers. Then draft DeCastro in the first round if he’s there at 14. That’s a dominant line that will make all of the Cowboys skill players able to do their jobs. Romo will have time to throw to the 3 outside receivers and Witten, and Murray and Jones will continue near the top of the league in yards gained on well-blocked runs (both over 8 yards per).
Do that first, then patch up the defense as well as you can.
I also think you’ve weakened the defense by letting Spencer go without a reasonable replacement this year. Can Butler take the pounding? I doubt it. Can a rookie step in? Not likely unless he’s a first rounder.
For more, see my Priorities, Priorities, Priorities post.
VAfan - February 14, 2012
Agree on OL, we need C and G
Which means we sacrifice Spencer and plug in JAG. Nicks and Meyers ? Can’t afford it.
the_hat - February 15, 2012
if Meyers is signed then the Guards become 100x better
no OL can hold defenders off for very long & having a Center that can hold his ground makes this OL 1000x better.
Costa might not of been a great Center but i want to see him take some snaps at Guard before giving up on him. Nagy did okay with no TC or real time to learn much & thats a lot of promise with an entire offseason to workout.
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
There is a lot of good things here KD
Thing I might change are:
Wouldn’t pick up Crowder or Weatherford. Would take a shot a FA Safety and drop Elam. Bring him back only if nothing better is available.
A decent FA corner wil available at a reasonable price. If not this would force the Cowboys to draft multiple and that is not the way Jerry wants to appoach the draft.
Deals to Holland and Kosier would likely mean cutting one or more of the young guards, Not sure if the Cowboys want to do that. Maybe bring them back for TC on 1yr deals incentive laden and see how they do compared to the rookies.
oldboysfan - February 14, 2012
looking at that...
will we even have enough cap space to sign anyone other than our own FA’s? gosh i dont want another year of doing nothing… u stand still u go backwards.
cjs.93 - February 14, 2012
No improvements with the guards?
You think Romo wants to get killed again this year? You think Jerry wants Romo watching the game from the sidelines because our guards stink?
As best as can tell, you’ve upgraded the center position and that is it. Dre Kirkpatrick could become a good player, but he is a rookie corner and all rookie corners get beat in the NFL.
All in all, I see a wash. Scratch that, I see we are losing Spencer but getting nobody to really replace him.
Take the money you are going to spend on Orton and put it on a player that will actually hit the field and help the team win games. Good teams don’t keep high-priced QB backups because they are dead money.
Conn Cowboy - February 15, 2012
I may be missing something...
Doesn’t signing draftees also count against the cap? If so, spending 18.8 mil of 20 on ours/other free agents doesn’t leave much for rookie contracts.
TroyisGr8 - February 15, 2012
Yes, they count.
Rena - February 15, 2012
If we are stuck drafting Dre....
I play him at fs and draft another cb in the second. We can’t fill all of the holes in one draft. Jerry has just been terrible at stocking the roster. He allowed the secondary to get too depleted and now we are forced to try and rebuild it in one draft. Like o line last year. And the o line is not even complete. We still need a guard and center.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
you and I don't often agree
but I like this plan….
I am Ironman!!! - February 15, 2012
Middle of O line. Secondary. Pass rush
those are the areas that need work.
This is a deep guard class so we need to draft one in the first two rounds. I want Decastro but would be satisfied with a lower level guard. IF we are going to gamble on young guys let it be Killa at Center. Arkin MIGHT be good, but Holland is injury prone and Kosier after his MCL tear is done.
Secondary- CB. get one FA and one high in the draft. S- grit our teeth and if necessary sign Elam to another one year deal.
Pass rush. Ugh. The only guy I see in either FA or the Draft that could be a serious difference maker is Mario.
burmafrd1944 - February 15, 2012
Washington or Brooks are guards I would target.
Brooks is huge. We need a mauler.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
New info on Kosier. It wasn't bad enough to require surgery and possibly will be ok by TC.
Rena - February 15, 2012
And let spencer go
give Butler the shot
burmafrd1944 - February 15, 2012
Cowboys need 6 new starters any way you look at it via draft and FA
New center, guard, DE, OLB (if we lose Spencer), CB and safety. If we upgrade those positions and get some decent backups players at tackle, LB, and QB, we should be in great shape going into the 2012 season.
Terry - February 15, 2012
i cant see how they franchise Spencer so he'd need to take that reflects his production
to franchise Spencer would take almost half of what Dallas has to spend in FA. i cant possibly see him being that valuable
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
Ye of little faith?
We brought in 4-5 new Olineman last year. (NOT including T.Smith) Obviously Garret wanted to Re-Tool the O-Line.
Got hit with a few injuries and Kosier pushing through. These young players all got trial by fire. And In my opinion deserve better recognition than this guys.
Was I threatening Costa’s life in that Redskins game when he kept whiffing snaps? Absolutely. Romo snatched up each one. Dallas won that game. And Costa learned.
I agree that we might need a FA C/G or DeCastro, but then what do we do with Costa, Kowalski, Nagy, Arkin, Holland, Kosier? (6 count em’ 6 lineman that battled last year)
Beginning of Season they were titled “The Yuglies” with everyone knowing they needed time to Improve and Gel. Now we’re throwing out the Drawing plans and Blowing the foundation?
Oline needs improvement. No one can disagree. But isn’t that what Strength and Conditioning, OTA’s, Training Camp, then Pre-Season is for? To Improve?
Romo had one of his best Passing years (Battered, Bruised and Broken and with Hamstrings going left and right) We found Robinson and now have 4 receiving threats.
Not to mention Murray broke some records, and was on pace to reach 1K yds rushing without starting the whole season… Can they be so bad for these things to happen?
Baloo. - February 15, 2012
Has little to do with faith....
it has everything to do with tangible results. And the results were mediocre. O line needs a stud at guard. We don’t have one. Costa is a waste of space. We have lots of skill players. Skill players help you get to 8-8. You need the o line and d line to be strong. Right now the o line is weak especially up the middle.
For all of the problems on the o line the secondary is worse.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
Couldn't agree with you more.
I want and wish for our Trenches to be feared again. And our Oline to be monsters. So you’d agree then that a FA Center would be needed, and that 5 current cowboys can battle out Guard spots?
Baloo. - February 15, 2012
Actually I think Kowalski is more talented than Costa. He is more cerebal than Costa.
I would sign Nicks. He makes the o line studly.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
So that's only 1 player, and a guaranteed fix at that.
I’m happy with that decision better than spending time/money/picks on 3 new Olineman
Baloo. - February 15, 2012
Agree.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
you fixed 1 Guard spot with Nicks & took $8+ of the $20 million to get it done.
i’m 100% for fixing the trenches & it’d make other positions a lot better. a better pass rush means a better secondary.
i’d bet the Giants DL scares more OCs then the Jets secondary.
DCNation73 - February 15, 2012
Just trying to come to some kind of consensus between everyone.
Me? If everyone says DeCastro is the future 10yr Pro-Bowl Guard… then why shell out so much for Nicks, when you can get DeCastro for rookie salary?
Baloo. - February 15, 2012
Put differently,
if we throw out last year’s attempt to fix the O-line, what are the odds that this year will work out better?
And when do we fix the secondary—one good pick is nice, but still. . . .
I think we have to “trust” (i.e., hope to get lucky on) more of these young O-line guys as we then move toward the next step, fixing the secondary.
boyman - February 15, 2012
That's essentially where my thoughts are boyman
If you look at the offensive side. there aren’t many glaring needs. The biggest priority is keeping Romo healthy and on his feet. Therefor, the only NEED is in fact 1 solid interior lineman.
Defensive side of the board needs all of the Front Office’s attention with FA and Draft as well as UDFA and Cuts from other teams.
Baloo. - February 15, 2012
I would sign the vet C, and I would draft a G around the 4th.
It is a good, deep G class and we would be hedging our bets by drafting a G to come in and compete with our young guys. Odds are not all of them make it to starter quality.
Rena - February 15, 2012
Like your thought pattern....
Things can’t be so bad for these things to happen, I agree, but for the ultimate to happen (winning another SB), they have to be aggressive in improving the secondary, and making sure the Cowboys put the best O-line on the field that can be put out there. I believe that includes DeCastro, and also bringing in a vet like Myers to push Costa. We need depth at center anyway, and bringing those two guys in would bode extremely well for the line. Smith gets moved to LT, Free to RT. Costa should stay for depth. As far as Dockery, Holland, Nagy, Kowalski and Arkin? Well, for whoever wants to stay in Dallas, let ‘em all battle it out for jobs, and let the best lineman win. Free, Smith, and Myers would be the starters, and let the rest of them earn a job. In addition to that, the OLB position needs to be addressed if Spencer walks, as well as a DE. One scenario I am hearing is Lissemore will take more snaps at NT, and that Ratliff will move to DE. That would be nice to see. Time will tell, but I hope it all works out in the Cowboy’s favor.
jsrdc - February 16, 2012
P.S.
KD, Like your piece. Well thought out, you did my writing for me. Agree with others that I would like to see Secondary filled out with at least 1 FA. Bennett can leave. And Coples will be out of reach and not worth trading for especially to lose Austin.
1st Rd. – Either DeCastro, CB, or OLB. As long as whomever Jerry and Jason choose, that they can start from Day 1.
Baloo. - February 15, 2012
thanks KD ...quite logical and well organized
except… isn’t it more important to draft DeCastro to better protect Romo than to save couple 1st downs/TDs? no good to lose a game or 2 but no hope for 2012 season if Romo gone down like 2011
sbnles - February 15, 2012
Great article, good insight, but.......
Crowder would be a great bargain, but many have him going to ATL and following Mike Nolan. That is going to necessitate either keeping Bradie James on a one year deal, or getting depth behind Bruce Carter, if he is ready to start. I am still very much on board with bringing in DeCastro if he is available at 14, but Kirkpatrick is still very tempting. Regardless, both interior lineman and DB have to be addressed, but like sbnles posted, I have to agree keeping Romo upright gives the team the best chance to win, and the secondary can be seriously addressed via FA and in the later rounds. I love the idea of Myers coming to Dallas, as that is a big need – Costa is a big question mark.. I really hope they keep Robinson at WR, as he produced great last year, and he and Romo have a good chemistry. Whatever happens, I hope the Cowboys draft smart like they did last year, and make it back to the playoffs.
jsrdc - February 16, 2012
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