Will 2011 Be A Break Out Season For Cowboys 2010 Draft Class?

by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 19, 2011 5:00 AM CDT in Dallas Cowboys General

How realistic is it to expect Sean Lee to have a break out season this year?

Every team and every fan dreams of drafting an "instant impact" rookie. A rookie who will immediately step into a starter role and significantly elevate the play of both his unit and the whole team. Well, it's been a while since the Cowboys had such a guy. I think we'd have to go back as far as DeMarcus Ware, who started 16 games and put up eight sacks, three forced fumbles and 47 tackles in his 2005 rookie season.

Of course, the Cowboys have had their share of breakout players recently with Tony Romo, Miles Austin, Jay Ratliff and probably Doug Free, but none of them had an instant impact in their rookie year.

It is a widely held belief that NFL players take a quantum leap in performance from their rookie season to their second season. After all, they've been through their first full season, they've been through a full NFL-level offseason strength & conditioning program, they're hopefully a little more mature, and they've had ample time to improve their technique.

The second year can be a break out party for talented NFL rookies. But will that be the case for the Cowboys class of 2010?

Most of the Cowboys 2010 draft class missed a significant part of the 2010 season with injuries.

First round pick WR Dez Bryant missed large parts of training camp with a high ankle sprain and missed the last four weeks of 2010 with a broken ankle from which he may still be recovering.
Second rounder LB Sean Lee also missed parts of training camp due to injury and missed six games over the course of the season due to various ailments.
Fourth rounder DB Akwasi Owusuh-Ansah missed all OTAs and parts of training camp recovering from shoulder surgery, saw limited action as a return specialist and then had his season end early due to a high ankle sprain he suffered in week 8.
Sixth rounder OT Sam Young was sidelined at the start of the season with a sprained MCL and only saw very limited action in the last two games of the season.
Seventh rounder DE Sean Lissemore saw limited action in week eight against the Jaguars, recorded his first sack and promptly suffered a high ankle sprain the next week which eventually put him on injured reserve.
Supplemental draft pick Josh Brent missed all OTAs and mini-camps, then suffered a broken thumb in training camp but soldiered on and is the only player from the 2010 rookie draft class to play all 16 games.
A number of UDFAs saw playing time in 2010 as well, most of them on special teams, but some even started games (Chris Gronkowski started the most games with 7).

Due to the lockout, all of them missed the full NFL-level offseason strength & conditioning plus coaching program. If we assume that the prerequisites for a break out season for second year players are a full NFL offseason of work and a full NFL regular season of football, then the chances for a breakout season for a player from the 2010 draft class look slim. In fact, based on that premise, Josh Brent looks like the most likely candidate to be a breakout player in 2011.

And an instant impact player from the 2011 draft class doesn't appear to be very likely either, not with the 2011 rookie class completely missing the normal mini-camp and OTA routine. Or do you really think four weeks of training camp are enough to get rookies ready to play in the NFL? Sometimes you need to call a spade a spade.

Obviously, this is not a situation that's unique to the Cowboys, as all NFL teams are equally affected. The big difference however is that the Cowboys don't have the 2009 rookie class to fall back on that most other teams do have. All the Cowboys have left from the 2009 draft class are some late round picks and a couple of UDFAs.

But instead of lamenting the 2009 draft class yet again, perhaps the Cowboys can look at the remains of that draft class as an opportunity: Is this the year that OLB Victor Butler, OLB Brandon Williams, WR Kevin Ogletree or TE John Phillips could have their breakout year?

Which player from 2010 or 2009 do you think could have their break out season in 2011?

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Comments

It seems that from 2010

Tyron Smith is poised to be an immediate starter, and DeMarco Murray should get significant reps, and at some point during this 2011 season, Bruce Carter will make his presence known.

I see no chance for any of the 2009 draft class breaking out due to where they line up in the depth chart. Unless of course Buehler keeps his starting job and just goes nuts

by DonMoosavi on Jul 19, 2011 6:06 AM CDT reply actions

I look for a season of injuries

plaguing the entire League due to shortened training & conditioning, with rookies being the most likely to fall.

I also look for Sean Lee to do good things this year.

"You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a 2x4." -- Dan Birdwell, Oakland Raiders

by jstaubach on Jul 19, 2011 6:56 AM CDT reply actions

I disagree, I think most players have been working out on their own

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jul 19, 2011 8:02 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree with your disagreeing because I think Woicik also makes a difference

and got a chance to get workout regimens to our rookies to mitigate the circumstances. So I think we will be ok and most of the other teams will be also.

by ChuckCowboy on Jul 20, 2011 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions

Maybe Folk

You know, if you consider kickers players…

Don't believe everything you think.

by dunkman on Jul 19, 2011 7:00 AM CDT reply actions

Rookies who impacted their first season

this season’s break-outs… Dez, Lee, AOA, in that order.

Don't believe everything you think.

by dunkman on Jul 19, 2011 7:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Buehler could easily play safety

Twitter: @silva918

by Antonio S on Jul 19, 2011 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions

Actually, he was a linebacker at USC.

by CotySaxman on Jul 19, 2011 9:26 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

And he did that regularly on kickoffs, recording 13 tackles on special teams.

by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 19, 2011 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions

If I were RR

and buehler LOST the kicking competition, I would immediately switch him into a hybrid SS/MLB position. It’d be a big project, but One I ultimately think would be good after a season or two, Plus he is also a backup kicker.. Whats not to like?

What is best in life?
"To Crush your enemies, See them driven before you and to hear the lamentation of their women!"

If you just drank from it, The glass is half empty. If you just poured some in, It is half full.

My Cover of Metallica's Classic "Master of Puppets"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8aDckMo6-Q
And here's my Tribute to Fade to Black
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keGjkAdbKqM

How long will they mourn me?

by Nick Castillo on Jul 19, 2011 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

I like it

While Wade failed with some of his ss/mlb hybrid projects – Stephen Hodge was actually arrested recently for public intoxication – it doesn’t mean that Ryan can’t find a way to use Buehler’s speed and athleticism. If nothing else, I am sure Buehler could be groomed into a solid ST blocker and tackler, he certainly seems willing, while being a backup to the K…and KO specialist. It’s not exactly a wasted 2nd kicker position in that case.

"I am a true believer. Anthony Spencer will have 7 or more sacks in 2011 and Stephen Bowen can ball!" - Kegbearer
"Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain confidence, seeing how you react. If you're in control, they're in control." - Tom Landry

by Kegbearer on Jul 19, 2011 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions

He has the fifth most ST tackles anyway - As the kicker!!!

Here are the Cowboys special teams tackles after week 16 (Solo – Assist – Total)

1. McCray, Danny . . . . . . . . .24 – 3 — 27
2. Hurd, Sam . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 – 4 — 21
3. Holley, Jesse . . . . . .. . . . .13 – 3 — 16
4. Church, Barry . . . . . . . . . .12 – 4 — 16
5. Buehler, David . . . . . . . . . 11 – 2 — 13

I don’t have the stats for the Philly game.

by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 19, 2011 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions

HAHA

Yeah, what’s even better is all those tackles weren’t last line of defense, beat the kicker and score tackles, while the returner obviously still got too far I remember seeing B make tackles before some other Cowboys got there.

by Kegbearer on Jul 19, 2011 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't know if I should laugh or cry.

by Rena on Jul 19, 2011 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Only if you could practice squad him.

You can’t waste roster spots like that. And he’s good enough that someone would claim him.
No moe changing positions projects please! Isaiah Stanback, wsted pick, bad memories!

Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009

by Realist Larry on Jul 19, 2011 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions

there is no way he'd make it to the practice squad, someone would snatch him.

Though that could be my raging homerism overestimating one of our players.

What is best in life?
"To Crush your enemies, See them driven before you and to hear the lamentation of their women!"

How long will they mourn me?

by Nick Castillo on Jul 19, 2011 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't think the market for really poor kickers is all that great

Especially since his usefulness on kickoffs has been diminished by changed rules

by Admiral Dallas on Jul 19, 2011 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions

why does everyone say this:

since his usefulness on kickoffs has been diminished by changed rules

It has been pointed out repeatedly that this is incorrect….in fact the opposite is true, he becomes more valuable because he is basically an automatic TB…..

Here’s a theoretical play from last year: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? No, but I have a contract hit out on the guy that is....

by I am Ironman!!! on Jul 19, 2011 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions

No

It’s been pointed out repeatedly by who? You?

It just means that a kicker with less leg-strength can do the same things and that the playing field has been leveled. That’s all she wrote. Anything else is twisting logic to suit one’s argument.

by Admiral Dallas on Jul 19, 2011 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions

OCC I do believe pointed this out in a post

I am too lazy to try and find it but I am sure that he (OCC) will be happy to show you what he found…

Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? No, but I have a contract hit out on the guy that is....

by I am Ironman!!! on Jul 19, 2011 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions

I did not

But I agree that Buehler should benefit. Buehler’s average length of kickoffs, minus on-sides tries, is 67.4 yards. That is the seventh-best average in the league and would put a returner more than two yards into the end zone when he fields the football.

The majority of kickers (who do not kick as far as Buehler) will place the ball at or very close to the goal line, which still makes the kick returnable.

by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 20, 2011 2:44 AM CDT up reply actions

okay

sorry OCC….though this is the fact that I was talking about…..

Buehler’s average length of kickoffs, minus on-sides tries, is 67.4 yards. That is the seventh-best average in the league and would put a returner more than two yards into the end zone when he fields the football.

The majority of kickers (who do not kick as far as Buehler) will place the ball at or very close to the goal line, which still makes the kick returnable.

Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? No, but I have a contract hit out on the guy that is....

by I am Ironman!!! on Jul 20, 2011 4:53 AM CDT up reply actions

Here you go Ironman, if it is the posts I have made about this you were remembering. I don't normally quote stats but only stats can show something like these statements is wrong.

The common assumption about the new rule making Beuhler’s KO’s obsolete isn’t correct. Only 6 kickers in the NFL will regularly make touchbacks with that.
“According to advancednflstats.com, the average kickoff distance in 2010 was 62.3 yards, which would mean that with the new spot, the average returner would be starting from within his own 3-yard line. Six kickers averaged over 65 yards per kick, which means the return men facing them would be starting from inside their own end zone on an average kick.”
http://www.sportsgrid.com/media/the-nfls-new-kickoff-rules-what-they-are/

Really good article by advanced stats.
"The average starting position following all kickoffs (including penalties on the play) is the 30 yd line. But the average starting position for all non-touchback kickoffs is the 32. The difference between a touchback an non-touchback is 12 yds…. a touchback could be considered the equivalent of about half a sack."

http://www.advancednflstats.com/2009/09/value-of-touchback.html

by Rena on Jul 20, 2011 5:52 AM CDT up reply actions

yep that is it....

sorry I gave the Credit to OCC…

Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? No, but I have a contract hit out on the guy that is....

by I am Ironman!!! on Jul 20, 2011 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions

NP, probably the shock of seeing me discuss stats threw you off. :)

by Rena on Jul 20, 2011 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah you could say that...

Normally it is OCC that does posts like that, so I guess I just mixed it up in my head….

Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? No, but I have a contract hit out on the guy that is....

by I am Ironman!!! on Jul 20, 2011 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions

By me for one. But people don't want to read it it seems.

by Rena on Jul 20, 2011 5:46 AM CDT up reply actions

They will have to

play young players. Since Jerry has done such a poor job of managing the cap as usual Dallas will be forced to play young players. Of course Jerry not caring about the 09 draft still hurts. There isn’t 1 legit contributor from that draft sans Butler. Jerry treated the 09 draft like the plague. The 09 guys should be breaking out at this point. Jerry better hope that Young and AOA step up huge. Lee will be forever an injury concern.

Jerry can't get it done ! At least I have LSU !

by football mensa on Jul 19, 2011 7:32 AM CDT reply actions

Dez will obviously have a breakout year and dominate those defenses

Lee will be given an opportunity to start, and he was impressive in limited snaps last year. No telling how Akwasi Owusu-Ansah will fair, since we don’t even know who the Cowboys will go after in free agency there. If he’s given an opportunity to start, I say he probably at least fairs better than Ball did last year.

Butler will see some playing time this year and maybe accumulate 5 sacks in Ryan’s defense? But I wouldn’t consider that breakout.

As far as unknowns having a breakout, I’d say that would be John Phillips. He’s going to be very good if he recovers from his knee injury.

by Admiral Dallas on Jul 19, 2011 7:42 AM CDT reply actions

A Spagnola article on the mothership...

states that it’s pie in the sky to think the Cowboys are going to have any money to sign any FA’s after signing Free, and two of their DE’s. Kind of what I’ve been thinking all along. The cap is going to force us to play our young players. There’s a couple of possibilities to free up some cap space, but until those happen, we are over the cap now, and MUST sign Free. We’ll know for sure what the situation is in a few days, but I’m preparing for the worst.

If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

by White Wolf on Jul 19, 2011 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Good call on Phillips Admiral (I feel like a tool calling someone "Admiral", but oh well)

After reading this post I was wondering if anyone would mention him. Bennett may have loads of talent, but let’s be honest that guy is a clown. Phillips could supplant him as the #2 TE because he works hard and is a RKG.

by oregoncowboy on Jul 20, 2011 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree, I would be happy to see them trade Bennett if Phillips shows in TC and preseason like he did last year.

A proven top blocking TE should bring something in trade.

by Rena on Jul 20, 2011 5:58 AM CDT up reply actions

I'd like to see the entire defense have a breakout year

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jul 19, 2011 8:02 AM CDT reply actions

I've still got high hopes for McCann

And I’d like to see Phillips on the field this year….He was looking real good in pre-season last year.

Will either one have a “breakout” year? Doubtful, but I’d love to see it.

Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable. --
Tom Landry

by Pnut Gallery on Jul 19, 2011 8:31 AM CDT reply actions

John Phillips

I think people already expect a lot from Dez, so unless he single-handedly obliterates defenses, I wouldn’t consider it a ‘breakout’ year. Phillips is the young player on the roster with the best chance to come out of nowhere; he’s a Jason Witten injury away from being a huge part of our passing offense. Witten has been incredibly durable and Sam Cassell-sized cojones, but he’s 29 and takes a lot of punishment. We could see a lot of Phillips this year.

by Lee Traylor on Jul 19, 2011 8:43 AM CDT reply actions

Jason Witten is commonly injured

He just plays through it all the time. I don’t know too many pass catchers that will play with fractured ribs or, yes, run 30 yards down field after losing his hat (I love bringing that one up). Witten just pushes through it all and the best part is that he doesn’t slow down at all.

"I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle, victorious." –Vince Lombardi

by ProBowlFactory on Jul 19, 2011 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions

no there is a difference between sustaining injuries and playing hurt

Witten gets hurt but is tough enough to play but he rarely gets injured as in broken bones and torn ligaments or muscles which would require surgery or a cast.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jul 19, 2011 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions

+82

Jason is One Tough Dude

by meisternance on Jul 19, 2011 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions

I Too Would Like to See Phillips Emerge

But Not If Its Because Jason Cant Play.

by meisternance on Jul 19, 2011 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions

To put a bit of a spin on your post...

I would like to see Dallas trade Martellus Bennett, as he will be an unrestricted free agent next season and not worth keeping around as a mouthy blocking tight end. That would elevate John Phillips to the second tight end position and make undrafted rookie free agent Scott Sicko the third tight end.

In addition, if Stephen Jones reworks the contracts of Romo, Ware, and Austin, the Cowboys will save about $17.5 million on the 2011 cap. If the real cap number is closer to $130 million (as Rafael Vela posted on his blog) when benefits are included, the Cowboys will be about $8.5 million under the cap. Releasing or reworking the contracts of Marion Barber III, Leonard Davis, Terrence Newman, and Igor Olshansky would save another $7.5 million (according to one of your previous posts OCC).

That would give Dallas about $16 million to sign Doug Free, Stephen Bowens, and the rookies. Figuring that Free will cost about $9 million, and estimating that Bowens will command about $4 million on the open market, that leaves Dallas with about $3 million for the rookie pool.

According to some of the numbers regarding the new rookie cap, Tyron Smith will have an estimated contract of 4 years at $20 million (or $5 million per year). That would obviously exhaust the rookie money.

If Dallas releases or reworks the contract of Bradie James, however, the Cowboys would then have an additional $3.5 million to add to the rookie pool. Including Smith’s contract, that would leave about $1.5 million for the other draft picks.

So it is looking as if Dallas may need to get more playing time from Lissemore, Akwasi Owusuh-Ansah, and either Church or McCray.

If the Cowboys are unable to sign Free, then Young slips into the right tackle position, and the Cowboys will need more from him.

Dallas was already trying to get more from Josh Brent, as he performed well for a rookie (as you noted in your post), and may try him at defensive end: especially if Bowen is not signed.

McCann may be moved up to the nickel cornerback if Newman is released. That also means Josh Thomas will move up the the fourth cornerback position if he makes the team.

Releasing James as a salary cap purge would elevate Sean Lee and Bruce Carter. Dallas would need major contributions from both this season.

Remember that Buehler is also from the 2009 class, and as of now is the starting kicker.

Given Rob Ryan’s schemes, I can also see Victor Butler getting more snaps in unconventional defenses.

So I actually see a great possibility for the players you mentioned from the 2010 class to contribute much more. Unfortunately, if they do not, I can easily see another 6-10 season.

by ScarletO on Jul 19, 2011 9:00 AM CDT reply actions

Great Spin!

All this Money (CAP) Juggling – Aint it just Robbing Peter to Pay Paul?

Remember that Buehler is also from the 2009 class, and as of now is the starting kicker

Now Dave is the One We Need to Have a breakout Season

by meisternance on Jul 19, 2011 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions

There's got to be more wiggle room than that Scarlet.

I can’t believe S Jones hasn’t looked at a million scenarios over the last 4 months. He’s got to have a plan. I’m still hearing from Adam Schecter this AM on the Herd that the Boys are one of three teams likely to sign Asomugha. How could that possibly happen in this situation? I’m not sold on Nnamdi, but there’s got to be a more favorable picture than this.

by pfloyd1 on Jul 19, 2011 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions

Hopefully without mortgaging the future if the new CBA allows bonus money to be amortized over the life of the contract

by pfloyd1 on Jul 19, 2011 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions

Sicko? He quit after getting the concussion in last year's TC.

But yeah, I am not sure we are going to have the wiggle room to sign a S, forget anything else after hopefully resigning Free and a couple of our DE’s. It all depends on the wording the richer owners can slid into the CBA about the dead money, bonus’s, etc.

by Rena on Jul 19, 2011 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Dez and Lee as starters = obvious impact

But look out for Brent and Lissemore. I think they will btoh see plenty of reps in Ryan’s DLine rotations.

I would love to see AOA win the starting FS spot, but with a shortened or no training camp the Cowboys might not risk not getting a FS in FA market, which would give AOA another year on the bench with only spot duty.

by Kegbearer on Jul 19, 2011 11:01 AM CDT reply actions

Totally with you on this Keg

Brent and Lissemore will definitely contribute.

by pfloyd1 on Jul 19, 2011 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree with you on AOA

AOA I think has the talent and the brain to start, but not having an entire offseason at Valley Ranch really hurt him.

by Admiral Dallas on Jul 19, 2011 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions

No AOA experiment

…even if he had a full camp, etc. It’s time for us to finally get it right and bring in the right FS (Huff/Elam) for RR’s system. It won’t hurt AOA to be relegated to backup FS/CB for another year..

by ChuckCowboy on Jul 20, 2011 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions

Butler and Phillips make jumps to be regular solid contributors from 2009

and Dez and Lee both make the jump to become starters… not a big stretch since they are the first and second rounders, and it may take longer because of the delayed offseason, but they’ll be starters by midseason. Brent, Lissy and AOA also see increased playing time and make contributions as rotational or sub-package players.

"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry

by scottmaui on Jul 19, 2011 11:29 AM CDT reply actions

I think Butler will be much more important to the team.

He will be a breakout in the sense he will get serious playing time and do a good job at it. That’s my theory, anyway. I think some of the 2010 bunch will start to emerge around midseason, barring injury.

If at first you don't succeed - blame someone else.

by Tom Ryle on Jul 19, 2011 12:54 PM CDT reply actions

Phillips, Lee, and Bryant. And TSmith from this year (or else there's BIG problems). Sad to say, no one else will really contribute much.

The guys to really worry about are Scandrick and Jenkins. If they don’t make a 3rd year jump this team will struggle to make .500.

Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009

by Realist Larry on Jul 19, 2011 1:17 PM CDT reply actions

Your posts are a consistent buzz kill

Just saying.

by oregoncowboy on Jul 20, 2011 12:23 AM CDT up reply actions

breakout players

I’m totally surprised that no one has mentioned Bryan McCann. He made two game-changing plays last year. He’s a threat in the return game. And he’s a CB injury (or cut) away from getting regular reps. I just like guys who find ways to make plays and who have great speed.

Dez will be a breakout player and so will Sean Lee, if he stays healthy. I agree with Philips but I don’t he will get that many passes thrown his way.

Galveston Dave

by jdg4660 on Jul 19, 2011 3:27 PM CDT reply actions

I like McCann, but he scares me.

He needs to hold onto the ball, not fumble it constantly, and I seem to remember him attempting to play CB and getting burned on pretty well every play that went his way.

by Rena on Jul 19, 2011 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions

breaking out

the “McCann ’o whoop A$$!”

Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? No, but I have a contract hit out on the guy that is....

by I am Ironman!!! on Jul 19, 2011 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions

McCann has a lot of technique issues to work through but he has the talent, the main problem I saw from him last year is biting on moves – physically he can cover.

by G_SWAG on Jul 19, 2011 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, he needs to take that big step and learn how to cover in the NFL.

If he can do that, and he is pretty smart so I am hoping he can, then he should be good. It will hopefully just take time and good coaching.

by Rena on Jul 20, 2011 5:59 AM CDT up reply actions

He better break out

meaning S Lee or we will be looking again in the draft
Dez
AOA
V Butler
Sean Lissemore
Josh Brent

"Do you want to be safe and good, or do you want to take a chance and be great?"

by cowboyzz11 on Jul 19, 2011 6:25 PM CDT reply actions

This is pretty well identical to my list.

But I am rooting for Sendejo also. The lack of a off season training program is killing him and the other guys in his position. But he is smart and should pick things up fast when they get to camp.

I think RR is going to love Sendejo. A smart safety that loves to bring the wood. I can see him used to blitz on the multi S packages.

by Rena on Jul 20, 2011 6:02 AM CDT up reply actions

I really believe that if the Cowboys want to see a significant resurgence in their record

then the 2010 draft class is going to need to break out alongside some positive contributions from our rookies. We need to see some fresh blood injected into our rotation of contributors and if they step up, then the Cowboys should really have a shot to contend next year.

Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.

by Creasy729 on Jul 20, 2011 11:10 AM CDT reply actions

Sean Lee

Sean Lee is a pure football talent and when healthy can not help but contribute in a big way…He may wind up being the best draft pick on defense this team has made (return on investment-wise) since DeMarcus Ware…

by Rome One on Jul 20, 2011 12:51 PM CDT reply actions

I'm anxious to see AOA on the field too...

but he needs more time unless he’s just an exceptional talent.

Has it struck anyone else that if you were to fuse Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?

by White Wolf on Jul 21, 2011 6:10 AM CDT reply actions

Compare the S classes in the drafts from last year to this year.

I would be surprised if AOA wouldn’t have been the 1st or 2nd S off the board this year if he had been a year younger.

Same thing with Sendejo, he didn’t get drafted last year because of a serious, season ending ankle injury that he hadn’t fully recovered from by draft time. He should have been somewhere around a 5th round pick last year, or even higher depending on how his season would have went if he hadn’t had to have surgery on his ankle. If he had come out this year, and was healthy he probably would have been considered a 3rd – 4th round pick and one of the better S’s of the class.

by Rena on Jul 21, 2011 7:13 AM CDT up reply actions