I do not think that the talent on the Cowboys is that overrated. Terrell Owens showed me this season that he can still hurt defenses like few receivers can. Roy Williams will be at least an adequate second receiver, while Miles Austin is developing into a legitimate deep threat.

Marion Barber III, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice are all starting quality running backs. If Garrett can maximize the touches Felix gets, save Barber III until the fourth quarter (when he is most effective), and utilize Choice intelligently throughout the game, the Cowboys will have a very formidable backfield. I hope that the offense goes through the running backs next season.

After the running backs, the tight ends should get the ball more. Jason Witten is the best in Cowboys history, and that is quite an accomplishment. Martellus Bennett looks like a rising star, and Jason Garrett should use more two tight end sets next season to maximize the talent at running back and tight end. Hannah caught the coaches eyes and was moved to the 53 before the end of the season.

The lynchpin of the offense is Tony Romo. He is a great quarterback, but needs to be more careful with the football. His struggles, however, can be traced directly to the offensive line.

That is where the Cowboys are weak. The entire team does not need to be overhauled, but the offensive line needs to be replaced piece by piece. As I have noted in other posts, I would really be excited if Dallas could get William Beatty (OT, Connecticut) and Jonathan Luigs (C/G, Arkansas) in the 2009 NFL draft with their second and third round picks.

Those two would instantly upgrade the depth at tackle, guard, and center. By 2010, they could be the backbone of the offensive line. I would like to see a rookie free agent also added for depth, like Jose Valdez (OT/OG, Arkansas).

The defense is strong at cornerback with Terrence Newman (when healthy), Orlando Scandrick, and Mike Jenkins. The outside linebackers are almost as good as the tight ends, with All-Pro DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer heading the group. Greg Ellis is a very serviceable third option. I would move Greg back to defensive end on passing downs.

Other than Jay Ratliff, however, there is once again a dearth of talent along the Cowboys line. Canty regressed in 2008, as did Hatcher. Spears was as inconsistent in 2008 as he was in 2007, and 2006. Bowen is a career back-up. In order to fortify the defensive line, I believe that Dallas would be best served to draft a big nose tackle, like Ron Brace from Boston College or Sammie Lee Hill from Stillman College, and move Ratliff to defensive end on first and/or second downs.

The real weakness of the Cowboys defense, aside from Ratliff, is the middle of the field. It is no coincidence that Bradie James had his best season while Jay at times controlled the middle. Zack Thomas was average, however, and helped James by commanding some attention. The safeties were atrocious all season. I do not see a clear cut bluechip safety in the 2008 NFL draft, so the Cowboys may have to make due with Ken Hamlin and Roy Williams again this season.

I would like to see Dallas spend a late round pick on a speedy linebacker to play the weak inside spot in case Bobby Carpenter does not respond to the role this season. Jason Williams from Western Illinois is light, but explosive and fast. With his 6’3" frame, he could easily add to his 235 pounds with the proper off season conditioning program. My hope is that a fast linebacker could cover an opposing running back or tight end from time to time in order to take opressure off of Hamlin and Williams.

All in all, this Cowboys team has enough talent on the periphery to make a run at the Super Bowl, but the interior of the defense and the offensive line negate much of it. It would be great to add a safety, but if Dallas drafts two great offensive linemen, a nose tackle that demands double teams, and an inside linebacker that can drop effectively into coverage as well as play the run, the Cowboys could be formidable in 2010.