Going Beyond the First Round

Bobby Carpenter
Since I heard his name coming out of you, I paid attention to Ohio games and it was a shame that he didn’t played against ND, but I’ve heard since then tons of good things out of the guy in media reports and all, he’s got value at 18th and I can’t really see him getting past New England at 21.

Daniel Bullocks
This guy is a gamer, just his play in special teams in the Senior Bowl makes him a player that will be drafted, the fact that he’s near the ball every time that he’s on the field makes him a second rounder. Has some leadership capabilities.

Barry Coefield (DT) or the best TE available.
This guy is a monster, in this season he played DT, earlier in his career he played DE so he’s athletic, he needs to be polished while being focused in a single position, but you can’t ignore stats and he had over 40 tackles this year AT DT! If Glover walks out, I want this guy in. Didn’t found his sack stats.

I have to take two bites at the apple. One is what I would like to see happen, the other is what I think the Cowboys might do if the draft were today.

I would like:

1. Bobby Carpenter – OLB
2. Nick Mangold – C
3. Pat Watkins – FS

Today I can see the Cowboys going with:

1. Jonathan Scott – OT (JJ’s comments, JJT’s blog/column, Flozell)
2. Kamerion Wimbley (extensive interviews, athletic speed rush tweener speculation, Ranch Report story)
3. Anthony Smith – FS (Pasquauloni connection, Senior Bowl practices)

Neither one will happen, I doubt if even a single player from either of my short lists gets picked by the Cowboys. I have yet to be able to predict a single player before the final few weeks ahead of a Cowboys draft in the Parcells era. Last year I liked Marcus Spears in Jan/Feb, but figured we’d draft a Cornerback and Quarterback. Shows what I know.

I have read reports that Spencer has trouble picking up new systems. Seems he has some of the problems like Gurode in that physically he has it all, but upstairs is kind of light.

Burmafrd,

Interesting. I know Mike Munchak, his position coach at the Senior Bowl and a serious guard in his own right, had really good things to say about him.

Spencer did had some troubles, especially with Kyle Williams, but that’s top competition and Guards in the NFL also have troubles limiting top DT’s in games…

I’ve been doing some of my own hardcore statistical analysis. I haven’t gotten to the offense yet, but kicker, FS and LOLB should be top priorities.

Generally, the defensive back play as a whole was excellent. However, they finished 31st in defending TE’s and 23rd against defending #1 WR’s (according to footballoutsiders.com).

From watching the games, it appeared to me that they put Davis and Pile on TE’s quite a bit as they immediately found out that neither of them are useful in helping out covering fast WR’s and that’s a big reason why teams were getting the big play early in the season. This quietly moved Roy further away from the box. I think it’s something Zimmer and Parcells didn’t want to do, but they just couldn’t keep on giving up the deep ball.

Obviously, better FS play will improve the secondary. However, the special teams coverage units were very good from a statistical standpoint last year. If they can get a good FS and have Davis go back to playing special teams on a full-time basis, they could have the makings of a top 3 special teams coverage unit.

Kicker was god awful. Dallas’ circus of kickers finished dead last in field goal percentage on FG’s from 30-49 yard range. If they had an average kicker from that range, they would have had 12 extra points, which probably would have equated to at least 3 wins. Also, missing field goals kills momentum and give the other team much better field position (typically).

But, weakside OLB and LOLB and Nose Guards are concerns as well. They didn’t defend the run very well and were poor up the middle. They got better defending the run towards Bradie James’ and Ware’s side of the ball, but they weren’t anything to brag about. It’s apparent to me that Glover really struggled in the new scheme and Fujita and Shanle were awful.

I haven’t gotten to the offense stat analysis yet and I still think Offensive Tackle in the first round is a must. It’s apparent that while Parcells loves to run the ball and eat up the clock, it’s almost a necessity given the defense they have as they are so strong on defending the pass (2nd in completion % allowed, 9th in QB rating allowed) and so weak against the run.

In essence, they need to run the ball much more effectively. My guess is that Parcells is looking at former 250 lb college DE’s instead of true OLB’s because he’s more concerned about finding a guy who can rush the passer and stop the run and less worried about the cover skills because they probably can’t get much worse in coverage than they were with Fujita.

The reality of this team is that it is more than one play maker, position, or draft away from the Super Bowl. It’s on the right track, though. This draft and FA period should be about quantity. It’s a numbers game. Bring in as many modestly priced athletic bodies as possible and see who’s a player. Get another year of experience on them and then fill the few remaining holes for a championship run.

Burmafrd,

I think that Spencer is doing extremely well, and picks things up extremely well considering he started his college career as a defensive player. The report I read is that he was transitioned into a offensive lineman in his junior year. So to be considered a 2nd round selection with only two years of collegate expierence is awefully good.

Rafael,

I am with you on rounds 1 and 2. There is also a good chance that the Cowboys make some moves to obtain additional selections or move up in any particular round. I’m predicting a trade that will land Dallas an extra late 2nd/early 3rd rounder, and also a trade to get back into the 4th round. Here is the way I see the entire draft:

Round #1- Bobby Carpenter (Ko Simpson or trading up to select Chad Greenway with an outside shot at taking Tye Hill)

Round #2- Charles Spencer (trading up for Manny Lawson is a distinct possibility, especially if Dallas drafted anything other than OLB in round #1, Greg Blue could be another option)

Round #3(A)- Kai Parham
Round #3(B)- Brody Croyel (Parys Haralson, Roman Harper, Babatunde Oshinowo, and Spencer Havner are others to look for with either of these round 3 picks)

DAY 2

Round #4- Steve Fifta (Lawrence Vickers and Garrett Mills will be considered, but a mamouth DT with skills like Fifta is too good to pass up at this point)

Round #5- Brandon Williams (Cooper Wallace and Demato Peko are other options)

Round #6- Matt Bernstein

Round #7- Jon Scifres

Round #6- Matt Bernstein

Rafael,

What do you think of my day 2 predictions?

I think Fifta and Peko can both play on the next level. IMO, Fifta could be a steal.

Brandon Williams is that WR/KR specialist that is extremely dangerous each time he touches the ball. Maybe Parcells can use a player like him a little bit like Washington uses Moss. (I am not saying Williams is the same caliber)

Maybe Dallas will find a way to get Mills or possibly Vickers, but if not Bernstein is a very good blocking FB that serves as a good option.

I would take Winston Justice over Bobby Carpenter, only because I think we need more help at OL than LB. Just my .02

If we are talking Day 2 picks too, I would throw out Taurean Henderson and Devin Hester as great players I didn’t see on the Top 100 list (or other Top 100 lists I’ve seen) and that may drop to the 4th, possibly lower. Either one could be a Dave Meggett/Eric Metcalf/Westbrook type player.

Of course that’s contingent on trading our way back into the 4th round. Who knows at this point? Look at the Canty deal last year.

Yakuza Rich, I like your analysis. Very thorough.

I’m already looking forward to your thoughts about the offense.

Almost everyone focuses on the defense. I agree we need a FS, a OLB, an ILB, and a NT. They would be nice additions, possibly even making a good defense dominate.

But we’re just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic if we don’t admit that the first, second, and third priority should be the OLine. We gave up nearly 50 sacks. We averaged less than 3 yards per carry. Fourth down and short? Forget it. We were inevitably stuffed

Worse yet, we may be losing ground. Rivera appears to be on the downhill slide. Allen is a year older, and who knows if Flo can be effective after his torn ACL.

Here is what Iâ€â"¢m hoping for this spring . . .
First, we have to get a free agent OT. Tom Ashworth, or possibly Backus, or maybe a high priced guy like Runyan? We need a guy that come in and either play RT or LT.

Next, I would do whatever it took to convert either Ellis or Glover into a 2nd round pick. That may be wishful thinking. If it could happen, then our draft could look like this.

18th: Bobby Carpenter
50th: Nick Mangold
extra 2nd: Spencer or Max Jean-Gillis

This would give us the following improved OLine:

LT: Adams / Tucker
LG: Allen / Gurode
C: Mangold / Johnson
RG: Rivera / Spencer or Jean-Gillis
RT: Free Agent Signee / Pettiti

This line is younger, deeper, and considerably better. I donâ€â"¢t know if we can do it, but IMHO, our focus has to be on the OLine. Anything short of an OLine overhaul, and the best we can hope for is to resemble the 2005 Chicago Bears.

madcowboy:

I have a feeling O-Line and Kicker will be the team’s highest priorities. Pretty much everyone here put at least one or two O-Linemen in their 1st or 2nd round, it sounds like your main point is trading Ellis or Glover to get another 2nd round O-Line pick. I totally agree with you on that (our boards are exactly the same), but first they have to get another 2nd rounder for one of them, then they have to hope the O-Linemen is on the board. If it is Glover that is traded they have to somehow get another NT too. I agree with your O-Line assessment though, as I think most do. It is without a doubt the #1 priority IMHO.

mad cowboy,

The biggest thing you are forgetting is the amount of time it takes to develope young offensive linemen. It usually takes 3 years to really start seeing the fruits of their labor. Pettiti and Tucker are 1st and 2nd year players and were forced into starting rolls last season. Their inexpierence showed, but give them some time. Parcells has a few second and third year linemen that should give the Cowboys decent depth this season. Peterman and Columbo haven’t played much, and there is Gurode, they round out the back ups on the line. … Flozell, Johnson, and Riveria will start. Hopefully Larry Allen too. So that leaves us with RT. If Parcells drafts a lineman (Spencer), then signs a decent free agent veteran OT, that gives us 11 offensive linemen. .. Parcells may consider signing a free agent OT, and keep 11 offensive linemen. But before we start considering dropping Peterman, Johnson, Tucker, Pettiti, Columbo, or even Gurode to make room for more young inexpierenced linemen, lets first give these players the time it usually takes for their position to develope. .. I’ll make this point again, remember we all were cutting Bradie James last year, and Parcells was patient with him. Now he is a fixture on our young defense. Maybe we should be more patient with some of these other young players too.

You know what’s funny about your team, every year we don’t address an important position and it comes back to bite us in the ass. Two years ago it was rb. Hambrick didn’t finish runs. Then we got JJ(not sold on him yet) One year ago we needed a CB but didn’t get one and it bite us in the ass. So we get AH and AG ( good pick ups) This past year we needed a FS and OT. The oline sucked. So I ask everybody what position will not be answered going into next year??? Remember we can’t fix everything.

AW-I think that is the way in the NFL-always with more holes in the dike than fingers. Would our O-line have sucked so bad with out the injury to Adams or Rivera? No way to predict where those needs will be the best they can do is prepare depth when and where they can.

Eric R- I think you hit the nail right on the head. We should draft for immediate impact players. That seldom is a lineman.

Sean
All I know is Adams was there for the 13 points we put up on Washington Adams was there when we put up 13 points against oak and he was there for most of the game against NY. Rivera don’t know what’s up with him so we will see next year. I don’t think if Adams was there for the full season we would have made the playoffs. We had problems putting points up with him out there too. Like I said before all our problem start with the Oline but do not end there.

aw:
Had Parcells signed a FS FA, we would be wondering right now of what Keith Davis is capable, he had to know and we all had to know. And he could be good if he’s limited to strong safety duties but we already have Roy there. Parcells did took a FS in the Draft but his knee blew up, although he was more of a SS too.

The same can be said of OT, did you saw Jacob Rogers while he played at USC? He was great in pass protection, Carson Palmer owes him as he avoided him a lot of hits. He relied more on his feet than his strenght and that made him an above average run blocker. Again, Parcells needed to know if he could make it, his knee flared, he didn’t endured the pain and he had season ending surgery, he won’t be in a Dallas uniform anymore. He picked Petitti to become Rogers backup on the right side but in reality he was the 4th guy in the depth as Tucker started training in the left side to become a more complete backup. All of us know how everything ended.

You can’t plan on everything, you have the salary cap to make you think that you should look at your options among the players already signed than to start giving signing bonuses. Now Parcells know that he has to sign at least 3 FA to fill some needs and among those Kicker is highlighted.

aw has a point about Adams.

After Adams was injured, our pass protection went from average to terrible.

But let’s not forget that our run blocking was terrible before Adams’s injury. Having him back at LT will help, but he won’t convert a terrible OLine into an average OLine.

FS was more exposed after Henry went down. Healthy Henry, Davis, Newman, Glenn, Roy Williams, Bierault………and a player to be named later? Can Davis improve? It was his first year starting. He got caught just like Roy Williams got caught staring into the backfield on a few plays. Roy went to the pro bowl. Newman had a pro bowl year…..and Henry was the team MVP before his injury. I think we may stand pat at FS.

Is Rogers done? He had season ending knee surgery in Training camp…..preseason whenever……is he cut? released? or back in Training Camp again?

I’ll give you guys some names in FA that are expected to become FA and guys that are probable, I’m ordering them according to the way I see them in value.

Expected:
- Justin Hartwig (C – Tenn.)
- Tom Ashworth (T – NE.)
- Chris Hope (FS – Pitt.)
- Ryan Pickett (DT – Stl.)
- Fred Beasley (FB – SF.)
- Corey Chavous (FS – Min.)
- Mike Vanderjagt (K – Ind.)
- Maake Kemoeatu (DT – Bal.)
- Tom Runyan (T – Phi.)
- Sam Cowart (MLB – Min.)
- Derek Smith (MLB – SF.)
- Jeff Mitchel (C – Car.)
- Montrae Holland (G – NO.)
- Kevin Barry (T – GB.)
- Tom Nutten (G – Stl.)

Probables:
- Ryan Longwell (K – GB.)
- Stephen Neal (G – NE.)
- LeCharles Bentley (C – NO.)
- Will Demps (FS – Bal.)
- Julian Peterson (OLB – SF.)
- Jonathan Wells (FB – Hou.)
- Lance Schulters (FS – Mia.)
- Rob Meier (DT – Jax.)
- Josh Brown (K – Sea.)
- Jeff Backus (T – Det.)
- Brad Kassel (MLB – Tenn.)
- Seth McKinney (C – Hou.)
- Mike Flanagan (C – GB.)
- L. J. Shelton (T – Cle.)

I didn’t list WR’s because just one name caught my eye, Jabar Gaffney (Hou.), but he would be signed to play 3rd or 4th string and he doesn’t play ST’s in Houston, that’s a big no with Bill.

There’re just two OLB in this FA that look like OLB’s in a 3-4, one already plays in a 3-4 and is a vital part in it, that’s Julian Peterson and we won’t smell him. The other is Sedrick Hodge (NO.) who looks alot like Fujita, he struggles in coverage too much and isn’t much of a sack danger. David Thornton (Ind.), Akin Ayodele (Jax.) and Will Witherspoon are all undersized as they are 6-2, 6-2 and 6-1 and below Singleton’s weight.

Of course, the other problem as far as next year goes with the OLine is that having good players is only half the equation. Everyone writing here knows enough about football to know that more than any other unit, the OL relies on cohesion and coordination. I’m assuming we’ll get some good players for the line through FA, but you can’t just stick five good players out there and expect them to be more than maybe just average. The Olines that are great are ones that have played together for years-both Pitts. and Seattle have that going for them. My only hope is that Jones and Parcells will spend the money on an experienced CENTER to be a leader and “QB” for our off. line, whoever ends up at the other positions. And this may explain part of Rivera’s struggles, adjusting to new teammates as well as everything else. That is the one position (maybe LB due to some bad luck) that I’d love to see some sign. cap space used on-otherwise it takes 3 years or so for a line to really get it together-and by then we’ll have other problems-like QB.
By the way, I’m a Bama fan, but from the games I saw I would not draft Broyle-I don’t think he’s physically an NFL QB…..

Relatively speaking, Dallas has 5-6 young still developing offensive linemen. Before we blow them off, lets use Parcells rule of thumb for evaluating players. This is Peterman’s 3rd season, and Johnson’s 4th season. Columbo hasn’t had a chance to show anything at all, but I believe he was a first rounder that got injured. Gurode has shown glimpses of being a solid player, and has good value as a versatile lineman playing both C and G. Tucker has gotten better each year, and could be OK backing up at LT. Pettiti was a rookie!! Please lets give this guy a break.

Like I stated, we all wanted Bradie James cut last July (including myself). No one here is projecting Dallas to take a middle linebacker with any of their early selections … Why? James is a fixture in our young defense! The defensive captain! If there is one thing I learned from that ordeal was to give some young players some time to develope. I looked at some offensive linemen that were drafted, and even some other positions, and it takes 2-3 years for a lot of players to develope into good players. Look at Teddi Bruschi. Wasn’t he a special teams player for like 3 years before he recieved his chance to play?

The Cowboys have a handful of developing linemen that Bill Parcells has said bust their butts for him. Before we throw them to the fire … remember this name … Bradie James.

And lets not forget that the only Tackle in the draft that could start right away in the NFL is D’Brickashaw Fergunson. The others right below him probably could start but would still have alot of questions.

Hey our new NT is on already on the team I went back to last years draft profiles on some of our players and found this.

Rob is a big, strong, powerful kid. He has good balance when he sets up to pass block. He has decent lateral movement and does a good job when challenged by a quick DE. Rob plays with a little bit of an attitude and shows some leadership qualities.

 
Needs to Improve
Rob is overweight and not very disciplined at this point of his career. On film, he shows a lack of maturity in the consistency of his play. His techniques for blocking in the running game are lousy. To be honest, he really pisses me off. He could be a lot better than he is right now.

 
Bottom Line
Rob, here is my advice for you. Change positions! I mean change to the other side of the line. Thatâ€â"¢s right - become a run-stuffing DT. You could be a RT in the proâ€â"¢s, but donâ€â"¢t bother to waste your time. Your mental and physical skills at this stage I think, lend themselves to the DT position. You will be an impact player for the team that drafts you on that side of the ball. You go in for two downs then come off the field and you wonâ€â"¢t have to worry about a whole load of issues that an O-lineman has to worry about. I donâ€â"¢t know why you are an O lineman anyway. I think you would enjoy playing on the defensive side of the ball and I donâ€â"¢t think it will take you that long to learn it. You remind me a lot of Jason Fabini of the New York – J.E.T.S. Jets, Jets, Jets!

Eric R:

I see your point, and I have been making the same point about how long it takes O-Linemen ro develop, but we absolutely can’t keep this same line next season. Bradie James is simply not a good analogy to Tucker and Pettiti, it’s a totally different position on the other side of the ball. He had a breakout year, but a lot of that was due to stepping it up after Dat’s injury, and maybe it help him that he fits better in the 3-4 too. Tucker had a chance to prove himself this season after Flo went down and he was embarassing. There’s no other way to describe how poorly he played. No flashes of potential, no occassional mental lapses, just flat out consistently terrible play game after game after game. The worst part is he didn’t even seem to show enough pride or heart to step up and play aggressive and show he belongs in the NFL. I can’t recall a single play where he took a DE and just stoned his ass, I don’t think he ever did that. Plus he had a TE helping him nearly every down. I honestly don’t even want to see him on the team next season, and if we get an OT through FA or the draft he won’t be, especially if Colombo is halfway decent as a backup.

It’s a different situation to compare a guy like Tucker to Bradie James. We could afford to let James come along, because the worst thing that can happen is we get scored on if he screws up. If Tucker (or Pettiti for that matter) screws up their mistake could get Bledsoe or a RB seriously injured, and then where would we be? O-Line is too important to wait on these guys to figure out the NFL game from any location other than the sideline. I don’t want to see Bledsoe getting destroyed again because the OT can’t play his position.

Kicker? Kicker?! Name a kicker that was picked on the first day that has made any sort of impact. Here are your choices over the last 10 years (http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/positions/K):
2005 Mike Nugent 2nd rnd
2004 Nate Kaeding 3rd
2004 Josh Scobee 5th
2003 none in 1st 6 rnds
2002 JEFF CHANDLER 4th rnd
2002 TRAVIS DORSCH 4th rnd
2001 BILL GRAMATICA 4th rnd
2001 John Markham 5th
2000 SEBASTIAN JANIKOWSKI 1st rnd
1999 Martin Gramatica 3rd
1998 none drafted
1997 Brett Conway
1995 Steve McLaughlin
in other words, you don’t draft kickers. Of the name kickers today (Akers, Vanderjagt, Vinatieri, Wilkins, and Elam), only Elam was drafted (in 1993).

I understand that developing a great OLine doesn’t happen overnight. I get it.

But how about just a respectable line?

Or how long does it take to just field a mix of guys that can half-ass get in the way on a semi-regular basis? That would be a big improvement over what we finished the year with.

If we have to trade Glover in order to get an extra 2nd round pick, then we have to trade Glover.

I’ll take my chances with Pepper Johnson as our backup NT behind Ferguson before I take my chances with Pettiti as second string OT.

Pettiti may develop into a solid OT. I’m really not giving up on him, but he doesn’t appear to be close. Most concerning is his lack of foot speed. The Rams game was awful.

Miles:
I remember when the Raiders drafted Janikowski. The mediots and fans out here (CA) were saying that the Raiders would not lose those close games anymore. Well? Don’t draft a kicker. Instead find one of those big strong Leon Lett type guys and draft him.

miles:

I hope you didn’t think I meant drafting a kicker. I would be mad as hell if the Cowboys drafted a kicker, in any round really. You always sign a FA for that. I only meant that O-Line and Kicker are positions that absolutely have to be fixed before next season. No if’s, and’s, or but’s about that.

For all those that want to make Pettiti & Tucker into all-stars given a miracle turnaround…sorry.

Tucker could have been a Leon Lett-type find. Problem is, he’s got Leon’s head. He’s dumber than a box of rocks. Only works on defense where you don’t have to think and can just be nasty.

Pettiti fell to the 6th round for a reason. Potential to be a good backup, very serviceable. But the boy just lacks athletic talent. He will never become a Rayfield Wright.

And that’s what I expect. Sorry, I’m spoiled by those great lines of the 70’s & 90’s. I don’t want to “get by”.

Thus the draft.

I somewhat agree about the impact player for Round 1. OLB, S, or freak fall by a (potential) superstar (say Holmes, Ferguson, etc).

But after that, it’s a steady stream of OL. Mangold, Scott, Jean-Gilles, etc, etc. Just keep ’em coming. Just like last year.

Sprinkle a find or two like Barber in Round 4 of last year and some Beriaults, Pettitis, and Ratliffs and I will be a very, very happy camper.

Eric R,

You make a good point about players improving over time. You also invoked the infamous 3-year rule. However, that rule is meant for high draft picks. That’s what the original discussion between Parcells and Landry was about — How long to wait for the development of a player who has cost the team an early-round draft pick? Late-round picks don’t get the luxury of 3 years to prove their worth.

When you have a first-round pick, who hasn’t shown too much in his rookie season, you can assume he will improve for his second year. You have enough invested in him to wait and see. But, a team will soon find itself at the bottom of the standings if it assumes that every 6th-round pick and undrafted free agent will become a quality starter, and refuses to upgrade the position.

Yes, Petitti will most likely improve. However, he is going to have to improve a lot to become even minimally adequate. The Cowboys cannot afford to hope Petitti will improve to standard. They have to cover themselves in the likely possibility that he does not. That goes for the other positions we are talking about, too.

Mr. Bill:

Those HTML italics rock!! I may have to try that myself sometime.

Just for emphasis! LOL

I like this years draft, it is cery deep and the cowboys can get a couple very capable atarters. anyway i say sign julian peterson as a free agent and focus on the offense in the earlier rounds of the draft. take a speedy reciever in round 1 and get a veteran tackle because i dont really think another rookie tackle would be much better than what we already had this year. Also i think we can get a safety capable of starting in round 3 and up. with julian peterson and demarcus ware coming at u from opposite side dont really need great coverage i like to think.

1.

Have any of you heard of Nate Newton? It took him quite a few years to develope, then BANG! he was a Pro Bowler. I believe he was an undrafted player too.

For all of you believing in an offensive line overhaul, who do you get? Ferguson is probably the only lineman in the draft “NFL-ready”, and he too will make some rookie mistakes. A few of you are proposing drafting a handful of O-linemen, but if you plan on replacing Tucker, Pettiti, Peterman, and Columbo with draft picks you will only have to wait another 2-3 years until they begin to develope. What then .. trade those guys away too?

Give it time. We have 3 definate starters right now (Allen, Flo, Riveria). Parcells can sign a veteran OT to compete with the young tackles for the starting RT spot. Possibly push Johnson a bit with a draft pick or just resign Gurode (I like the second option). Then that leaves room for an early selection like a Spencer to develope behind LA, or possibly get into the mix at tackle.

For anybody intersted:

NFL Network is airing coverage of this years combine starting on Febuary 23. I believe they are starting off with highlights on NFL Access, and then showing live coverage later in the week.

Pettiti can be a good RT- remember he had the bad ankle for most of the last part of the season so that made things worse. He has the attitude and the want to; he just needs to strengthen and learn. Now I do not think he will ever be more then good- the footspeed and quickness to take on the real speed rushers is something I just do not see- though footwork can be learned. Remember before concerns about his weight came up he was considered a second or third rd pick before his senior year. Another thought is maybe, if he cannot be quick enough for tackle is to try him at guard; he certainly is quick enough there and certainly BIG enough.

Question for you: real quick name the only defensive position where the Cowboys din’t draft a player last year? Now what was the position on our team that at the end of last season (2004) was the weakest and in the most need of addressing? The answer to both of these questions is cornerback. Obviously BP addressed the cornerback issue through FA by signing Henry and then later Glenn. My point is (as a few others have mentioned) that no one – not even Raf (sorry my friend) – has any idea what position yet alone which player the Boys are going to draft until we see what BP and JJ will do come March 3 when FA begins. Draft speculation is always fun but I would love to hear from people in order of certainty which position(s) and then possibly which players the Boys will seek to go after in free agency. My thoughts on which positions would be #1 a kicker; #2 an OT; and #3 a FS. What do you think?

Of course it is only speculation on the draft. The phone could ring with 2 minutes on the clock & everything could change. Rest assured there will be several charts depending on several scenarios & up until they pick NEITHER BP or JJ knows who the pick will be until Tagliabu announces it.

As far as Free Agency , again it all depends on who is available but BP will surely go for one in FA. He will not trust a rookie kicker, nor should he. When all is said & done a reliable kicker will most likely win you at least 2 games. Wish we had one of those wins last year.

A Syracusan’s impression of Anthony Smith: smart & fast. Ball hawk. A bit small, could tackle better. Another from the Pasqualoni db mold. Think Donovin Darius & Tebucky Jones. Smaller than both, but faster than Darius and better in pass coverage than Jones.

Free agency: Center please! Jeff Mitchell (Carolina) would be great.

burmafrd:

The only reason Pettiti was ever considered a 1st day draft pick is because he had 2 good games his senior year. The rest of his career has either been mediocre or a trainwreck. I know starting as a rookie was trial by fire, and I am willing to cut him more slack than I am with Tucker, but it seemed to me like he was actually getting worse as the season went on last year. Keep him around as a backup, but he needs to show some potential in training camp, or at least show up in shape.

Tucker’s performance last year was so completely horrible that to relive it all over again is not worth the effort. We all witnessed it once. I thought he was bad the year before when Vinny was running for his life, but last year was something to behold. The worst part is that now his confidence is shot and I agree with Fighter15 that he’s a dim bulb to start with. Why bother? He’s not NFL material. He’s not even professional athlete material.

It will take time to develop young O-Linemen, like it does Cornerbacks. Should we have kept Hunter, Frazier, and Thornton around in the hopes that they will get the hang of it instead of relacing them? At least when they made mistakes it only cost us points instead of an injury to a RB or even worse a QB. If Bledsoe could scramble, last season would have been a Dandy Don-era redux. At some point you have to make an evaluation call on an O-Lineman, and admit if he doesn’t have what it takes to compete at this level.

Sterling:

I agree Pettiti had a bad year but we must cut him some slack.
First the NFL is not only much more physical & faster than college , it is also twice as long. I know all the help he had last year but you cannot give up on him in 1 year. The best offensive lines in the league are the ones that play together for a couple of years. If you keep plugging in new players all the time you never get that continuity.
Tucker well for him back-up only. Though he did play better this year , thats not saying that much. BP saw something in Pettiti he liked. To be fair I think you have to give him a shot at starting this year. Like BP says, I field my best players. If Pettiti wins the job I expect a much better lineman this year.

DJRun,

Tell me something I don’t know already. Of course this depends on free agency. But what should we do, stop talking about the draft? We’re trying to make educated guesses here and we’re well aware of the market for free agent Ks, OTs, OLBs and FSs. If you go back, you’ll see we’ve covered that, at least the defensive side of the ball.

One of the reasons I put OLB high on the draft list is that the potential free agents are going to be SUPER expensive and have major durability concerns. Do you really think that Parcells will pay a mint for John Abraham or Julian Peterson or go the college route and draft a Carpenter or Manny Lawson for about 15% of Abraham’s price tag? He had the chance to get Darren Howard last year and passed on him to draft kiddie DEs who cheaper, easier to coach and with far less wear on their meters.

Nobody can be 100% sure, but I’m fairly certain we won’t see OLB addressed in FA, which means it will be in rounds one or two.

Amen Sterling!

Without question our FA priorities are:
1. Kicker
2. At least two OL

But the rest of the upgrading of the roster will come with mid-career (4-5 year guys) that have potential but are not Superstars…very much like Anthony Henry. Before last March, I wouldn’t have ranked him in the top 20 corners. We need two or three players. My guess is LB, OL, FS, Punt Returner/Wide Receiver all fall in the value pickup range. You know, the $1 Million range guys like Glenn (now THAT was value!).

EricR, you’re right about the time, but a 1st or 2nd rounder usually is quite good during their rookie year and have a lot of upside…Pettiti is just too limited an athlete.

And comparing him to The Kitchen…?

But your point about the continuity is dead on. The ‘Boys MUST have LA, Rivera, and Flozell’s replacements in house now. So we have to have 3-4 picks (including late rounders like a Petitti) and hope 2 are studs. Colombo and Petersen have potential. I truly believe one or both with be a real stud.

Al Johnston is in his 3rd playing year, so I expect a Bradie James-type turnaround.

Man! My kingdom for a freakin’ RT. I say Runyan or Backus. The only big ticket item needed. OLB superstar would be good, too.

Fighter 15,

Probably the most coveted player in free agency is an offensive lineman.

You will rarely see a good one in free agency. Most get a franchise tag . The only time you will see a good one is when he is at the end of his career ( Rivera) & has a huge amount of money due. To find an “A” quality offensive lineman, who is not over 30+ years old in FA. Well you really just don`t find them. If by chance one did become available you would pay through the nose to get him. (over pay through the nose)

while i see our team as a young team with great future potential………especially on the defensive side of the ball…….the O Line is a NOW need. I think we need to add an FA RT to the mix. Columbo is an unknown…..but when March comes around bring in somebody. Any RT FAs from Left handed qbs coming available……those guys are the equivalent of a LT.

Look at the teams in the Super Bowl. All the Bledsoe critics can blame Drew for the Seattle Mistake and losing that one. But we could have won that in their house. We beat Carolina that made it to the NFC Championship game.

Add an OLB to bookend ware……draft another MLB or utility linebacker. We got two starters out of 4……Brady and Ware…….we need 5 guys minimum that could start…….Thornton, Burnett, Shanle, Fowler, Fujita……Singleton……i see some role players here not starters.

Get an FA RT then we go with Rivera, Allen, Johnson, Flo, Gurode, and whoever else gets into the mix…..

K? well don’t draft one…kickers are FA walk ons…..are there any good ones coming out…..but I guess it might be time to actually just pay…..they only cost a million or so a year for a good one…….yeah we used to pay less combined for Hoffman and the K but BP made up his mind…….so pay one….we lost too many games on the legs of Cortez, Suisham and even Cundiff!!!

There is no dominant team in football get hot in Dec and January and win enough games to get in…..that is all it takes these days. Carolina and Pitts proved that……year 4 of Bill Parcells……we are going to the bowl…….and we will be competitive for the 5 years.

Exactly Jesse. We’re gonna have to pay. There are actually 3 or 4 near All-Pro level tackles shaking free.

And we’re gonna have to pay. So…let’s pay. We got the cap room. Use it…just like last year.

And I kinda agree with Raf, that the best route for the LB corps is through the draft, or a value pick-up.

Fighter 15:

Yes by all means if A Runyon caliber lineman is out there pay him.
Speaking of Runyon does anyone know off hand no how old he is ? Also can philly put a tag on him or will they designate someone else.
Defensive players can have an immediate impact through the draft, so I would draft OLB & FS as my first two picks if the ones we want are available.

Eric R,

I believe we need to sign (at least) a free-agent right tackle for 2006 and draft offensive linemen (early and often) for the future.

If you notice, I did not propose cutting Petitti. If he improves into another Nate Newton or Erik Williams in the future (or even in 2006), he plays. If he doesn’t improve enough to make the roster, he’s out. The same goes for the other linemen you mentioned. The roster will expand enough to keep all of them through training camp and beyond. They will get their chance.

Perhaps the coaches have seen enough from Petitti that they agree with you, and will advise we not upgrade through free agency or the draft. [Although, somehow I doubt it.] But, I’m not a coach, with intimate knowledge of his play and potential. I can only go by what I saw in 2005. That just wasn’t enough. We need a significant upgrade now. I’m not willing to maintain the status quo only on the basis of wishful thinking.

DJRUN,

You are absolutely correct. Free agency moves can (and usually do) affect what a team does in the draft. We gave Henry a huge signing bonus and already had a high draft pick (Newman) on the roster. We weren’t about to expend an early-round draft pick on another cornerback. A similar situation was in force at offensive guard (Rivera and Allen) and nose tackle (Ferguson and Glover), where we had a high-priced newcomer together with a high-priced veteran.

If we go out and give Runyan a $10-million bonus, we won’t be drafting any offensive tackles in the first round.

I think you are right on in your speculation about free agency. It is also possible we could go after an outside linebacker.

Fighter,

I wasn’t comparing Nate to Pettiti only, but Peterman, Tucker, Columbo, etc. Newton struggled mightily in his first few years the way I remember, then put it all together with a string of Pro Bowl years. We have a few younger linemen, that I say let’s see them develope a bit more before we start DRAFTING players to replace them. If we start letting young players go too soon, we will simply become a team that developes players for other teams. … Not good.

I am with you on getting a starting RT, but these 5 young players should not be replaced by draft choices. That is not fair, because if Pettiti and Tucker were on the bench last year, everyone would saying “let them develope”. Since they were forced into action and played like rookies, everyone wants their heads. Pettiti was a rookie, and Tucker as we all know is very raw. Why isn’t anyone saying get rid of Peterman? Because he wasn’t exposed?

We also shouldn’t be signing a bunch of starting caliber, free agent linemen to serve as back ups. The cost to have a player like that on the bench in a “just in case” situation is money poorly spent. If we sign a RT, and then have our 5 starters, I think it would be good to keep these young guys developing behind them.

Jesse NY,

Runyan will turn 33 in November.

While the Eagles could apply the franchise tag to Runyan, the speculation is that they want to shift Shaun Andrews over to right tackle. If that is the case, they would have no incentive to use the tag on Runyan. The Eagles also have a history of not spending a lot of money on older veterans.

Why is everyone so hot and bothered about Runyan? You did see the fiasco we had with Rivera last year? Runyan is 32, has ten years of mileage on his odometer and is not a top 20 rated OT. He’s is exactly two years younger than Larry Allen (both born on Nov. 27th) The Eagles have OL problems and yet they’re very willing to let him go. That tells me every thing I need to know about him.

Rivera, for his age, at least was a three time Pro Bowler.

How many big contracts do you want to give OL over the age of 30? I thought the idea was to lessen the burden there and to get a giveback from Allen, not add to it.

I’m not opposed to a free agent OT. I think it’s a necessity. But younger candidates, please.

Mr. Bill,

How many offensive linemen do you plan on keeping? I am with you, if a starting RT can be had for the right price, lets get him. But drafting linemen “early and often”, I don’t think so. One good one, probably. Notice I like Spencer in round #2. That would give Dallas 10 linemen, plus they would either have to resign Gurode or get another C pushing that number to 11. Why would you want more? Just like Keyshawn pointed out last year when eveyone was calling for the Cowboys to draft a WR … “he probably would get cut anyway”. History tells us that rookie linemen, if we did draft ’em, will come here and look lost. These other guys (Tucker, Pettiti and Co.) are going to beat most rookies out, and the rookie will be the player gettting the ax. So why draft a player who is most likely to get cut?

Tucker is gone. This was his 3rd year. Grade = F.

This was his eval at the beginning of this year, where he was ranked T-76:
Shows good body control in space and flashes the ability to adjust to the moving target at the second level. Gets adequate knee bend in pass set and rarely gives ground to bull rushers. Has a wide frame and uses long arms to ride edge rushers past the pocket. While a better fit at guard has experience lining up at tackle and has some versatility. However, Tucker isn’t fundamentally sound. Doesn’t get great hand placement, frequently fails to lock onto the defender’s frame and has problems sustaining blocks as a result. Takes poor angles to blocks, takes too many false steps and frequently fails to get into good position. Lacks ideal lateral mobility and struggles to redirect inside after starting outside. Doesn’t show great awareness in pass protection, he tends to overreact to line stunts and blitzes and lacks the agility to recover once caught out of position.

By the way, Colombo was tied with Tucker and has been out for nearly 2 years with the leg injury.

Eric,

Let’s do the math:

Keepers, (5):
Adams,
Peterman (he’ll start for LA if Allen is cut or backup if LA reworks his contract)
Johnson
Rivera
Petitti (way too soon to give up on the kid, who was rushed)

Probables:
Allen (I think he and the team will work out a renegotiated settlement.)

That’s six. Who am I missing? Tucker makes seven, thought he’s got to take a giant step forward this year if he wants to keep a roster spot. They want to get Gurode back, becasue he gives the team depth at center.

So the most they will probably acquire is three linemen. If Gurode is re-signed, then it’s one FA for RT and one draftee who can play RG and RT or C.

If Gurode leaves you might see them pursue a veteran C as a backup, since a Johnson injury would sink this team and then the RT and the draftee.

Now, if they want to cast Tucker aside, I could see them drafting an OT and a C/G or a pure C like Mangold if he was at the top of the round two board for pick 49.

Bottom line, I can’t see them drafting more than two OL this year. I could be very wrong, but the numbers don’t add up for me.

Fighter15,

Where are you getting your ratings?

The reason I’m on the Runyan bandwagon is because he and Backus (28, with 8 years in) are the highest-ranked FA possibilities.

This is a two year gig with this line before a younger group has to step up. Either would be the answer for the next 3-4 years, just like Rivera.

And I don’t think you’re giving Rivera a fair shake. He had to overcome real shit on both sides of him.

ESPN.com
 
Under the Scouts Inc comments.

I’m with you, Rafael, since guys started proposing Runyan I started to think that he’s the last guy that I would want in my team. Backus, although expensive, is young and that makes him the second prospect in the top, his only constraint is that he’s a LT, not a RT and he isn’t as good as Flozell so there’s no way in which he makes Flozell move to the right. There Ashworth enters, he’s a RT and while injured a lot (he isn’t injury prone, he just hasn’t had any luck) when healthy is dominant in pass protection, run blocking and can be nasty. Oh, and he’s also young.

Rafael,

Right on. That’s what I am saying. If Gurode is not resigned its 3 new faces (of any significance). If he is that number drops to 2. … BTW, I counted Columbo too. He makes 11, with the keepers, the probables, the FA, and 1 draftee.

I agree with you too, trying to get a younger guy to start at RT. Backus, Black, Barry and Ashworth are probably the top candidates. But I wouldn’t be totally upset if Dallas signed Runyan either.

It makes to me to sign one of these FAs, draft a player like Spencer, and let these young guys compete for their jobs.

“makes sense” .. it should read

Flo – Tucker
Allen – Peterman
Johnson – Gurode
Riveria – Spencer
Free Agent RT? – Pettiti/ Columbo

Now of course if Gurode leaves then signing a C or drafting one becomes a nessesity. But this is how I envision how our depth chart will look entering training camp.

LT – Flo – 2nd Round Draft Pick
LG – Allen – Peterman
C – AJ – Gurode/6th or 7th rounder
RG – Rivera – 3rd or 4th rounder
RT – FA – Pettiti/Columbo

You could take a 3rd rounder that can play both G/T or G/C and keep Gurode and another young late round pick that, at worst will be on your practice squad.

By the way here’s Runyan’s Scout’s Inc. highlight vs EricR’s list

Rank – Player – Comment

21 – Runyan
He is excellent in a short area, makes contact, and can overpower at the point of attack. He has the ability in pass protection to lock on and ride the DE past the QB, and because of his strong hands and the ability to hold and control a defender, it’s tough to work double moves against him. In the run game, if he locks on, it’s over. He cannot be overpowered at the point of attack, and he handles big strong two gap defenders very well. He is very good in short yardage and goal line situations because of his tenacity, and he has a nastiness to his game. He does not have great range and movement on the second level, and is not as good in space as he is in a short area. His overall athleticism is borderline, and if he can’t get his hands on defenders initially, he can struggle vs. athletic guys.

T-28 – Backus
Backus is a reliable, tough, aggressive and intelligent veteran. His work ethic, technique and leadership skills are outstanding. He has good initial quickness. Does a great job with his first step. Takes very good angles to his blocks in the running game. Is a fist-fighting type. Will scrap and punch in order to make up for his lack of elite bulk and strength. He works hard to sustain. Does a great job with his hand-placement and will keep his legs driving. He tries to do too much at times and will get in trouble, as a result. He has just decent size and strength. He lacks ideal power in his upper body and he has just adequate lower body strength

T- 63 – Tom Ashworth, 28, NE
Big physical two gap LDE’s can give him problems when they bull rush and he is never going to be a strong anchor at the point of attack, nor is he going to dominate at the line of scrimmage.

T-84 – Kevin Barry, 26, GnB
He struggles somewhat in pass protection and is still learning what it takes to be effective. He has difficulty on the outside with speed. He is not consistent with his foot work and at times he will give up his leverage and lunge. He lacks great football awareness and has a hard time redirecting his weight and blocking a quick inside move. He is able to anchor verses a good bull rush but struggles to handle speed.

T-93 – Jordan Black, 26, KC
Overall, he is smart and dependable backup, but he lacks ideal AA and play strength right now to be consistently effective in the starting lineup.

I’ll stick with Backus or Runyan.

Fighter 15,

I’ll take Ashworth. If the team is drafting a young OT and developing Petitti, then the FA signing is a bridge player. Ashworth has played LT and RT, he’s younger and will come cheapter than Runyan, who’s on the downslope of his career.

Ashworth earned some points in my book when he stepped in an played LT for the injured Nick Kazur at the last minute vs. Denver, even though he had a stomach flu. He played very well in that game. Pro Football Weekly had a story that his teammates were most impressed with him for sucking it up and giving the team his all. Low rated or not, that’s the type of guy I want.

Ashworth doesn’t give up many sacks. He’s lower rated than Runyan because he’s not the run blocker Runyan is.

But if he costs me a lot less, and stops the pass protection bleeding on the right side, I’ve got a reasably priced backup who can play both sides when McNeill, Jonathan Scott, Colledge, whomever I draft is ready.

OTOH, the problem with Riveras and Runyans is that you have to play them, even if they decline, because you’re paying them so much.

You’re right Rafael.

I’m just looking at what we need right now to have a dominant line that will take us to the SuperBowl in one or two years.

Runyan would be a better fit. I disagree that either Rivera or Runyan is declining, although combined with LA, that’s a lot of age and fragility.

Tough call…I’ll stick with Backus #1, Runyan #2, and hope I’m wrong and BP finds someone in Anthony Henry’s league…who knows, maybe it’s Ashworth (by the way, love the name (my Grandson’s) and the Cigar.

Sorry, Ashton is the cigar (as well as my grandson’s name)…

I need a smoke and a beer.

If Dallas walks out of Free Agency with the likes of Tom Ashworth (RT, NE.), Justin Hartwig (C-T, Tenn.) or Stephen Neal (G, NE.), Ryan Pickett (NT, Stl.), Ryan Longwell (K, GB.) or Mike Vanderjagt (K, Ind.) and Fred Beasley (FB, SF.) Dallas will be a Super Bowl contender in this year.

Need to note that from those guys Hartwig, Neal and Pickett can be considered the only big bucks FA’s, as Ashworth, Longwell, Vanderjagt and Beasley are signings that won’t make a team bleed to death, especially if Glover leaves and Allen restructures his deal, as Dallas will have from 14 to 18 millions in cap space.

If we can sqeeze 1 or 2 more years out of LA & Rivera starts playing like he did with green bay & with Flozell coming back I think BP will certainly look for someone in free agency. Remember BP is going on his 4th year & he wants the championship now. I would be surprised if he lasts more than 2 more years. He needs to OL situation set. Though there is no guarentee a high price OL is going to be an automatic great player ( see Rivera) he does not have the time to groom another rookie.I still say Pettiti might win the job this year with one under the belt. I truley beleive whether he trades down or not his first player picked will either be LB or Safety. The whole concept of the 3-4 defense are the LB`s. He will surely want to pick this position first unless some is available that he can`t pass on.

Raf,

Easy guy. I wasn’t suggesting that you should stop talking about the draft (nor was my goal to “tell you something you don’t know”). My point simply was that my thoughts for the next 6 weeks or so are really focused on what the Cowboys might do in free agency. Then in April I am all about the draft! Don’t get me wrong, I am excited about the draft – it is one of the best events in sports – it’s just that right now I am more excited about free agency because it happens next. In other words, I am excited about the Cowboys 2007 season but I am much more excited about their 2006 season because it is coming up next.
Anyway, I actually totally agree with you on the belief that Dallas will look to fill their OLB need through the draft and not through FA. The one that is harder for me to figure is free safety. A part of me says that they already have a lot of talent and a lot of money in their defensive backfield, so they are likely to draft a FS (maybe in 2nd or 3rd round). Yet, FS is a position that is so much about knowing where to be on the field at all times and this often is the downfall of rookies. Does Dallas really need a young, great athlete stud to play FS next to Roy, TNEW, & AH? Or would they be better off getting a smart veteran player even is he isn’t the fastest or best athlete but is someone who will not make mistakes? I guess only time will tell on this one.
By the way I really enjoy your blog. I don’t post that much but I read it everyday. Thanks for your good work!

What do u guys think about taking a QB in the later rounds (lets say 5th or 6th rounder)? Kiper has Omar Jacobs droppin really low and he was a legitimate first rounder last year. I also like Reggie McNeal a lot. Like I’ve said in a previous post 6’2 209 and runs a 4.3 40. Could be a huge value this late as a WR or QB. It shocks me how every year great players who produce drop down so far in the draft. i.e. Dat Nguyen, Jason Whitten. Lets cross our fingers we can get another haul like last year. Oh yeah why’s everyone doggin Kevin Burnett already? I was lookin at some of the old mocks from last year and many had him goin to New England in the first round. Lets give the kid some time. I’m sure he’ll pan out THIS year at ILB.

Why were we 9-6 this year? Most of your problems were on the offense but yet people want a OLB and a FS. In the 6 game we lost we only scored more than 13 points once. Did anyone play good on the Oline this year? Do we have any play makers on this team? The offense as a unit need help. The defense gives up 14 points and everybody gets on them. Team are going to score on us and team will get passing TD on us its part of the game. Davis get beat for a td and its the end of the world. A lot of people here want Hope from Pitt, I have seen him get beat a few time this year plus that is one of pitt weakness. I do think we need an Olb but we need some adjustment in the coaching too. I would like them to treat the offense like they did the D last year. A position that we think that needs to be upgraded will not get upgraded. The offense didn’t step up in most game this past year and its not all on the line. We need to have a line like pitt and Denver to play the way BP like it plus the fact we don’t have one player that can beat someone. When you don’t have a playmaker you need your playmaker be your oline and game plan.

We lost several games this year because we were unable to stop the other team.Remember the Redskins game , Also Oakland. Look there are several holes to fill & you can make a good point for OL, WR, but our whole defense is based on a certain type of player. You must have superior LB play to run it effectively. Also don`t forget until FA went down we were 7-3 and not only talking playoffs but more. There is uncertainty at many positions but we are close to having a dominate defense . A couple of more good pickups @ LB & a Roy Williams type Safety & the defense will win us many games. Remember defense wins championships.( remember the Ravens & Bucs)Dilfer couldn`t even complete a 5 yard slant without Raven fans closing their eyes but they have a ring.
As far as QB goes, I think when the time comes Romo is going to surprise a LOT of people.

clam625:
If OLine, OLB, FS, Kicker, FB, TE and DT (depending on Glover being on the depth chart or not) are solved in FA and in the Draft 1st day, Eric Meyer (E. Wash.), Reggie McNeal (T. A&M), Barrick Nealy (Texas St.) and Paul Pinegar (Fresno St.) are names that will be high on the Draft Board.

aw:
Davis wasn’t beaten once, nor twice, he was constantly abused in the passing and running games, at least counting a mistake in each and everyone of the games with him on the field. Darren Woodson was burned usually too, that’s the way of a FS as they don’t know were the ball is going. I’m already out of the Hope bandwagon as a second or third rounder could be as good and cheaper this year, but he’s a pretty good FS.

Jesse:
The last thing Dallas needs is another Safety in Roy Williams mold, they already have 2, as Beriault looked more like a SS last year and Davis certainly looks better closer to the line of scrimmage than in coverage which makes him another SS.

I think we go LB in the first; but the guy that really intrigues me is Max Jean GIlles- the LA clone. If we could get him in the second that would be incredible. I would then have Peterman working behind Rivera and Gilles getting ready to take LA’s place.

DJRun,

FS is the wild card. There seems to be a lot of depth. Look at Scott Wright’s top 100 again and notice the solid FSs around in rounds two and three.

OTOH, the secondary probably needs somebody with some smarts as much as athletic ability back there which suggests a vet. And FS shouldn’t be a big ticket item, though Darren Sharper got himself a nice $4M per season average deal last year.

You’re right, there’s a lot invested in the d-backfield, but if you’re going to go cheap and take a rookie OLB and I think economics dictate that, the more likely route is for an experinced guy like Corey Chavous, Chris Hope or Lance Schulters there.

Price will dictate a lot.

Jesse NY
First of all we only scored 13 point in those two games you are talking about. When did scoring only 13 points suggest you should win a game? Second the ravens had a playmaker on offense which we do not have. The Bucs had a decent offense. I do agree we do need to stop people but our d is good right now and can/will get better but our offense is not good right now. I don’t understand why people here talk about our D needs to be so dominate but the offense puts up 13 points and its the D fault when we don’t win. There are holes on the Defense but they play a lot better than the offense did this past year. And yes we need a OLB but remember the D give up 20 or more points 7 times with us going 5-2 in those games. Now that means when we give up less then 20 points we were 4-4.

Chandus
Davis wasn’t as bad as our oline was this year. He did an ok job for a first year starter. I wish people would stop talking about Beriault like he was a high pick last year. He did look good but he was a low 2nd day pick for a reason until I see him on the field in real games.

I have been advocating a FA at RT all along because of the urgency of the situation for next season, but I still think JJ and BP are going to draft an OT on the first day. There’s just too much talent and depth at OT in this draft class.

I am kind of surprised to hear so many people giving AJ a pass on his play at Center. I actually think Center is as big of a problem as RT, and given how shaky and lost AJ looked at times last year, and considering he has two guys that are either Pro Bowl caliber or not far removed from the PB on either side of him, I expect a LOT more. That’s why I think Mangold would be a great pick, and yes, I believe he could start and perform very well as a rookie. He’s a stud, no question about it, and I am sure whichever team he is on in 2006 he WILL be starting by the end of the season if he isn’t straight out of camp.

I like the Ashworth idea too, I also happen to think it would not be easy to land him. It’s not all the money, but the fact that he plays for the very successful franchise he does, he gets endorsement deals by virtue of who his QB is, and is probably generally satisfied by his career with the Patriots. To lure him out of such a cozy situation would either require some division between him and the Pats (I can’t see that coming out of nowhere), or offering him a ridiculously large contract ala Rivera. My guess is if the Cowboys came to him with a fair market value plus a reasonable premium he would probably stay with the Patriots because things are going so well for him there. Why should he fix something that isn’t broke? I also don’t think the Pats would want to see a young guy like him walk out the door so easily.

Runyan siuation reminds me too much of Rivera, plus he has been blocking for a mobile QB (unlike Bledsoe) and I have no idea how good he is at run blocking because his team didn’t run between the tackles very well the last few seasons.

Backus…I don’t know. He might be the best possiblity because the Lions may want to clean house.

I never said cut Pettiti, but he has to show something in camp. Tucker should be invited back to camp with a league minimum RFA deal. If he doesn’t show some potential there, he needs to go. Proof of Tucker’s potential at this moment will come when no team offers him so much as a minimum offer sheet in RFA next month. That should tell you something.

aw,

They’re not exclusive categories though you are probably right, Davis made more plays than Tucker or Petitti. But there have been clear hints in the Dallas papers and on the Cowboys site that FS is considered a need position by the staff. If they’re gonna get one, we might as well look them over too.

AW:
I think that the playmaker of Baltimore that you mentioned is Jamal Lewis, right? Well, the ravens did had one of the best OLines that year with Ogden, Jeff Mitchell and Mike Flynn being top players in their positions (LT, C and RG). Lewis had avenues to run for that season and Dilfer was upright when they needed him.

The Bucs actually had a good Offense with Keyshawn, McCardell and Alstott getting most of the accolades. But they needed another strong OLine and especially strong in pass protection as they weren’t that good run blocking.

Is Drew Bledsoe better than Brad Johnson and Trent Dilfer? Is a combination of JJ and MB better than Michael Pittman? Give me the Baltimore OLine and the same combination is better than the 2000 Jamal Lewis. But that’s just my point of view.

And I’m not saying that Davis was plain bad at FS, at times he did looked good, but you can afford better, Dallas has the cap space to retain Davis and to sign a better FS, why wouldn’t you pull the plug?

I don’t want to see Davis at FS next season. I’d rather see him go back to special teams where he is an outstanding player than play out of position for another year. There are values to be had at FS in the draft. Anthony Smith really impressed me by always being around the ball in Senior Bowl practices. Bullocks looked great but will probably go pretty high. Pat Watkins is very good in coverage, an amazing athlete, and at 6’4" with his cover skills is a very intriguing prospect to me.

Chandus:

I am pretty sure the Bucs had Warrick Dunn that year too. They slipped pretty bad when he left the next season. Now they are good with Cadillac back there.

Not disagreeing with your point, I actually agree wholeheartedly, just clarifying that a very good RB and a great defense is really what it takes to win a Super Bowl.

‘Playmakers’ can’t usually put the whole team on their back and win a Super Bowl without a great defense and a very good ground game which is one talented RB and 6 guys minimum blocking for him.

raf
I understand that and wouldnt be mad if we draft a FS but I don’t understand why people come down so hard on the Defense when the offense played so bad at time last year.( and it just wasn’t the oline playing bad) I would love to get a WR and qb in the draft high but I know that’s not going to happen.

Chandus
yes we don’t have a oline or a runner like the ravens had. I don’t care who Bledsoe is better than, those two did what they had to do to win the big games. Bledsoe has a lot of stats but he also has a lot of bad stats too. For us to win we need a oline in the top three and playmaker with Bledsoe at qb.The oline should be the first thing fixed, then Kicker.

For a late round draft pick that is a playmaker.. Michael Robinson. He played FS in high school, he played WR at Penn State and returned punts. They’ve said his best position is FS and he plays hard

Whats with all this “get a center talk” al johnson is a capable starter. i say sign the best available RT and make your #1 priority in FA to get julian peterson. i cant say that enough the cowboys would be able to afford if they drop glover. glover is aging and isnt a good fit for the 3-4. julian peterson i think would love to come to dallas and be a part of a great defense with great young talent and veterans. hes only 28 and will solidify out LB corp for years and we can look towards other positions in the earlier rounds in the draft. Does anyone feel the saem as me. for the record julian peterson #1 priorty in FA plus veteran kicker and RT of course but i say get the defense in tact first.

Eric R,

… These other guys (Tucker, Petitti and Co.) are going to beat most rookies out, and the rookie will be the player getting the ax. …

I disagree. In the salary-cap era, rookie draft picks get the benefit of the doubt over veteran backups, which is what we are talking about here, in spite of Tucker and Petitti having started so many games. Any player with 3 years in the league had better start showing he has the ability to be a quality starter, or he will be out on the street, in favor of the new guy — especially if the new guy is a first-day pick.

Tucker will have to show marked improvement in order to stick with this team in 2006. So will Peterman and Colombo, or they will go the way of Ben Noll, provided we have any decent replacements at all. Since Petitti will only be in his second year, he will probably be given more slack than the others. That leaves three roster slots that could easily be up for grabs in 2006 — four, if they don’t retain Gurode. So, I am projecting three to four new prospects for the offensive line to be added this spring, to be apportioned between free agency and the draft.

As I said before, perhaps the coaching staff is more optimistic about one or more of these players than I am, which would affect my count. And if one of our veterans comes through as you hope, then, good for him … and us!

Look! Sometimes players come through for a team unexpectedly, and the team becomes overstocked at a position. It happens, but not all that frequently. As long as we remain in good cap shape, that situation would be a good thing. We could initiate a trade, without the certainty of having to cut a player hanging over our heads. But, overstocking is not something to worry much about, especially when we are so deficient in the offensive line at the present time.

Rafael,

I agree that Runyan would be a poor signing, assuming he wants decent money commensurate with his status. We cannot afford to commit another large percentage of our cap space to yet another ancient offensive linemen.

I only brought up his name as an example that fit my argument. I wasn’t advocating spending that money on Runyan.

I do think that Pettiti needs more time. Saying that; I think we need to get a vet. RT to show him the ropes. I hope that the bills release Vincent. He could be a good mentor for Beriat. (spell check) It would also be nice to sign someone like FA Center Justin Hartwig. So here is my mock draft for the cowboys with and without the signing that I just mentioned.

WITH THE SIGNINGS OF:
S- Troy Vincent, Will Demps, Ifeanyi Ohalete, or Chris Hope
C-Justin Hartwig
T-Tom Ashworth
1. Kamerion Wimbley-he is listed as a DE. And so was DeMarcus Ware. I think he could be a good fit in the 3-4.
2. Gerris Wilkinson;6-3,238 lbs, or Kai Parham; a 6-2, 243 lbs ILB
3. Maurice Stovall- a 6-5 wr with 4.5 speed and good soft hands. Keyshawn and Glenn isn’t getting any younger.
5.Lawrence Vickers from Colorado, or Garrett Mills for Tulsa, or JD Runnels from Okla. The best FB on the draft board.
6.Deuce Lutui- a monster 6-6 370 OG. this might be someone to help the running game. I might pick him in the 5th round.
7.Ashton Youboty-we really need someone to push the 3rd year guys along.

i will come back with my other draft without the free agenct pick ups.

Mr. Bill,

My plan is to use one of our higher draft choices (in my predictions I use our 2nd on Spencer) on a lineman. Plus sign a veteran OT (I like Backus, then Black). … My idea is if we resign Gurode, and nothing out of the realm of the unexpected happens, then that is enough to help along the O-line.

Before we continue on with this discusion please answer me this .. How many offensive linemen do you want to keep? .. I would like to know what your idea is.

Eric R,

Your plan has merit. I really don’t expect more than one first-day pick to be used on the offensive line, although I wouldn’t oppose two. Second-day picks can be used to come up with my total of new players. If they are beaten out by an incumbent, no great loss. Or, if the incumbent scrub is beaten out by the new player, again, no great loss.

A team usually keeps at least 9 offensive linemen; often 10. At this point, I’m not really worried as to how many we will keep. I just want to upgrade a ridiculously weak area. I don’t think it’s worthwhile to say in advance, we are keeping (say) Colombo, so we won’t draft a tackle in the 5th round. That is not to say I don’t have hopes for Colombo. But, he has yet to earn his keep, and adding some competition will give us a greater chance for a decent player, should Colombo flop.

I don’t think we are really that far apart. I just believe you are relying too heavily on the players we had last year, and are awarding them roster slots they may not deserve. While I would rather give them some respectable competition to ensure we have a measurable upgrade on the offensive line.

From March until the first cut-down, we will be allowed over 80 players. Over 15 of those will be offensive linemen. Obviously, they all won’t make the final roster. While some will just be camp bodies, I don’t think it would be improper to have 15 linemen with a legitimate shot at making the final 9 or 10.

Mr. Bill,

You say 9-10 roster spots. Lets break em down then.

Definates:

Flo
Johnson
Riveria
FA to be (since we both agree)
High draft choice to be (same here)

Probables:

Allen
Gurode (for arguements sake lets say we resign him)
Pettiti

That is 8 roster spots and leaves us with 1 or 2 to fill. Peterman isn’t going anywhere either. He has worked hard is still a young developing player. You might argue Pettiti is not a “probable”, but he certainly looks like he is staying, unless he shows up at mini/training camp overweight. So that leaves us with Tucker and Columbo fighting for one spot on the roster. So again, why use a draft pick for a guy you are likely to cut? For competition? …. Look at my 2nd day predictions. I would much rather draft a WR like Brandon Williams, with hopes he can return kicks for us, and also be a big play threat on offense. A good blocking FB would probably make the team faster than a 12th lineman, so would a young skilled NT.

Mac
You’re draft would be nice but is highly improbable. Some scouts have Youboty as a potential first rounder. You have him as our 7th rounder. Some socuts have Lutui as a potential 2nd rounder you have them as our 6th round pick? Unlikely. I like the idea of adding a speed rusher potentially. But these speed rushers arent worth the 18th pick in the draft. I would trade down to get one. Besides I like Manny Lawson as a better prospect than Wimbley. Hopefully Wimbley can drop down to the 50th pick when we draft. But then again that would be nice but highly improbable.

Eric R,

I could use your argument, claim Copper deserves to stay, wonder why you want to get rid of him, and proclaim that a 2nd-day pick on a receiver would be a waste, but I’ll forego that temptation.

I am not as optimistic about Peterman as you are. I would hope that a 3rd-round pick would show something worthwhile, but that sure hasn’t happened yet. He couldn’t even get into a game last year, not even when Rivera was injured. The last we saw of him was during preseason, when he was not particularly impressive. A big drawback against Peterman is that he is about as non-versatile as one can get, only backing up the left guard position. Teams will always go with the more versatile player, when it’s a close call. Peterman did have minor surgery after the season for some problem which could have affected him. He also deserves some slack because this was the first NFL season he was not on IR. But he really needs to step up his play to stick with the team, 3rd-round pick or not. That might not be high enough to justify keeping him for the full ‘3 years’.

… So that leaves us with Tucker and Columbo fighting for one spot on the roster. So again, why use a draft pick for a guy you are likely to cut? …

Well, maybe so we can get someone better.

I am not convinced that Tucker and Colombo are worthy of assuring them a roster spot to fight over. In fact, I don’t believe it is possible to make a case for them to stick around, based on their play (or lack thereof) in 2005. Nor do I believe that it would be such a tragedy to draft someone (offensive lineman, wide receiver, or whatever) in the 5th or 6th round who fails to make the team.

You seem to be downplaying the value of competition. Well, this isn’t Larry Allen or Flozell Adams I am suggesting be pushed. I don’t think it would take all that much to challenge the likes of Torrin Tucker. This is bottom-of-the-roster stuff. Such players always have to fight for their jobs.

We have to fill those 80+ roster slots somehow. You seem to be opposed to using any portion over those who would make the final 53-man roster, on the offensive line. This baffles me. We are going to be cutting 30 or more players before we are done. Waste is inevitable. As long as it’s not expensive waste, I don’t see the problem. Late-round draft picks and veteran-minimum free agents are not expenses that we need to lose sleep over. That is what I am talking about bringing in (in addition to one higher-priced free agent and one first-day draft pick, that we both seem to agree on), and that is what the new players would be fighting against.

I really don’t understand why you wish to protect players who are barely hanging on to an NFL job.

Mr. Bill,

As for WR, its Key, Glenn, Crayton and the depth pretty much stops there. Copper has been more of a special teams player. He is an undrafted player that has filled in nicely, but if anyone of the players we mentioned are “hanging” onto their jobs, its Copper. Tucker has started over 20 games the past two years, and as I pointed out, we knew he was raw when we signed him. Peterman and Pettiti are still in that 3 year rule thing that Parcells likes to give his draft picks. So if anyone position needs “someone better” its our WRs.

Comparing the depth we have at offensive line to the depth we have at wide receiver .. OK lets do that. If Keyshawn gets injured, are you ready to go out there with Copper, Crayton, and Glenn? I am much more comfortable with Tucker or Pettiti starting then I would be with Copper.

Eric R:

Man…there’s a lot of employees who would love working for a boss like you!! I know it takes time to develop, especially at certain positions more than others, but you don’t even seem to want to scare these guys into getting better with young competition.

One question. Why did Tucker start 10 games last year instead of zero? Flo’s knee. Now, why did Tucker start 10 games instead of 16 or more? Because of Pettiti…a 6th rounder who beat him out to play RT. Do you see Roy or T-New getting beat out by rookies? Playing DB takes time to develop too. Tucker got his chance last year in real game play to show if he can hang with this team, he should have stepped up and played waaaaay better. My conclusion is he can’t, or he would have, either in camp against Pettiti or in the games where he got his opportunity.

I know from the times I played any sport, and especially in football, that when the coach put me in I was going to give it everything I had so I could stay in the game no matter what. If we have seen Tucker’s best, I don’t know what else to say other than it is not enough. It’s competitive, there are no free rides for people to make up their mind unless you are a golden boy top draft pick with millions invested in you. Tucker doesn’t get that luxury in my book, and Pettiti’s clock is ticking by fast. Show up and play like you want and deserve to be there, or go home and let someone else who can get the job done come in and do it.

The point about WR depth and Copper is simple, you just don’t throw to him as much. Send him on deep fly routes, the DB’s still have to cover him, even if he does suck. You aren’t afforded that luxury with OL, everyone has to do their job every single play or it won’t work. The OL affects not only the pass, but the run, and thus the whole offense. I’d take depth at OT over WR, that one isn’t even close.

ok if dallas had 1 playmaking reciever like t.o. or reggie wayne…we would make the playoffs..then again they could use a muvh better line espe. with bledsoe in your backfield…but our main conceren should be adding a covering free saftey…so dallas can use roy williams like the broncoes use john lynch…roy williams is better in ever way than lynch…and could be dangerouse if we had a good free saftey to handle the deep ball…while roy hit people hard and cause fumbles…like mike anderson on thanks giving denver and like brandon jacobs…roy is dangerouse…but keith davis aint cutting it …its hurting our secindary…if not for a few long balls….dallas had 11-5 easy….probably looking at 12-4..possibly 13-3 if we threw a good kicker in this year.

Sterling,

Adding a FA offensive tackle, and a high draft choice is push enough for these young linemen. If you go out and draft multiple linemen, then another area doesn’t get its due attention. What about FB? … FS? … LB? … NT? …… Plus the chances are these players you are drafting in the late rounds will get cut. What a waste!!

Eric R,

The fact that Tucker has started 20+ games only gives us ample ammunition to say that he is completely inadequate to the task. Since he has already been in the league for 3 years, he is unlikely to improve significantly. My take is that he is a player that could give you a game or two as a backup, but not someone you ever want in there full time. Such players are replaceable, and we need to give someone the chance to replace him.

You don’t see the situations at wide receiver and offensive line as analogous. Well, I do. They are both staffed at the top with aging veterans, with some unproven players in reserve. [Actually, in addition to Copper, we have several prospects from the practice squad and last year’s training camp (Crowder, Merritt, Rector, and Tolver) who will be in the mix this year.] You want to use a late-round pick on wide receiver. Actually, I have no problem with that at all. However, I would cheer even louder if we used that pick on an offensive lineman.

Eric R,

Adding a FA offensive tackle, and a high draft choice is push enough for these young linemen. …

If the high-draft choice is also an offensive tackle, then I wouldn’t draft any more tackles. But that doesn’t address the situation at guard (where we have two ancient players, and another player who can’t get on the field) or center (where we have two question marks, assuming we re-sign Gurode, and … nobody).

Eric R:

Why is NT a priority on the level of O-Line? The only way that is a priority is if Glover is traded, otherwise we have ample depth at that position. Glover may not be a true NT, but that is the position he will play in the 3-4 as long as he is on this team, and he is a great player. If we draft another NT how can he possibly get enough reps in to make him worth the pick if Glover is still on the team?

I didn’t say we should take two OL’s the first day, but I am all for taking one no later than Round 2, and possibly in Round 1 if the right player is there to pick. The second day another OL needs to be taken as well. My guess would be at least one OT, and an OG. Two draft picks are not too much to ask for a team with such horrible O-Line play and age becoming a factor with the best players on the line.

The chances are actually greater that Tucker and possibly Colombo or Pettiti get cut more than a late round draft pick unless they dramatically improve their game.

Guys A name you should be looking out for is Manny Lawson of N.C. State. He’s a clone of Demarcus Ware and the Cowboys met with him at the combine. He should be there when the Boys pick but his stock is only going up after running 4.45 in the forty. He will move from DE like Ware. He shows up a lot on film playing opposite of Mario Williams. After that I think they will look to inside LB and try to pick up Gerris Wilkinson of Georgia Tech. Another kid they interviewed at the combine.

Cameron:

Thanks for the tip. I’ll have to do some research on this Manny Lawson guy. He sounds promising from what you wrote about him.