Roster Competition

by CowboyCrazy on Aug 10, 2011 9:26 AM CDT

I've said this all along - instead of trying to predict the 53, or who is going to get cut - how about we talk (since it's really pretty early in the process) about who is likely competing for a roster spot.

Kitna vs. McGee? Doubt it – I think they both stay (with McGee being the #2 in 2012), although the fact there is no more +1 on Sundays for the #3 could change the philosophy here. The problem is that we don’t have a real emergency #3 (like a Patrick Crayton) on our roster.

Gronkowski vs Chapas? Nobody is talking about this. Gronk has some versatility, but isn't a true FB. Everyone wants to give the job to Chapas because he was a draft pick, but I think we need to see how he performs in the pre-season games to make any assessment. In the Big Red Offense Chapas has to prove that he can catch the football. Don’t be surprised if … Cowboys keep both (assuming they don't keep a 4th TE like Rucker) .... but I myself would have released Gronk last year after his mental lapse that cost our starting QB the season.

Holley vs. Radway? Obviously Radway has to show something on special teams, but I think what people forget is that Holley last played college football in 2006! That means he is going on his 5th year post-college. I think it's time to give up on Mr. 4th and Long (who adds zero as a WR) and try to develop someone that shows more potential at WR like Miles Austin did.

Nagy vs. Parnell? I think Nagy's versatility will be the key here. Parnell has a little more experience, but Nagy played T, G, and C at Wisc. That means we would only keep Young as the swing OT, but remember that all three of our OT's are somewhat interchangeable.

Choice vs. Miller/Tanner? Choice is in the last year of his rookie deal. Miller and Tanner have shown something early, while Choice and Murray have been injured. If Felix and Murray are our #1 and #2, I think we all agree the Cowboys need more of a bruiser like Miller in short yardage sets. So, I do think Choice is on the bubble, while we will likely try and hide Tanner on our practice squad. However, it's still very early in the process and significant camp injuries at this position are a reality that could make decisions easier.

Ok - that's enough from me in regards to the offense. Perhaps someone else wants to tackle the defense?

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2 FB's?

Yes I would be surprised and for good reason. Considering how Garrett likes to use TE’s and we have 3 good ones and FB doesnt make the field that often. The only way I see it happening is if we have an injury to one of our TE’s (possible) or Chappas proves he can also perform as a 3rd TB (not likely).

by youpokedthebear on Aug 10, 2011 10:00 AM CDT reply actions

Now I'm a huge Choice fan...

So I might be biased, but I don’t see the RB situation looking any different than Jones/Choice/Murray.

The only way that changes is if someone gets seriously injured or Choice gets traded – he’s not getting released.

by Damnsammit on Aug 10, 2011 11:09 AM CDT reply actions

I just find it funny that since Murray is a 3rd round pick he is automatically the #2 back...

by Damnsammit on Aug 10, 2011 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions

well actually

and this is JMO….it is not so much that Murray is a 3rd round pick, but more because he has the same skill set as Felix…it may be a case of Felix and Murray being 1a and 1b similar to Miles and Austin at WR….

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: 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? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.

by I am Ironman!!! on Aug 10, 2011 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Miller?

Residing on the BEast Coast.

by DCyanks21 on Aug 10, 2011 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Holley sucks

Holley sucks as a WR, I cannot believe he would be the #4, imagine him going in there if someone went down, he would get shutdown

Holley is a great story I understand it, he is a great ST player, but he is not a good WR

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by Archie Barberio on Aug 10, 2011 1:37 PM CDT reply actions

bailey vs buehler vs forbath

is another one, also i think unless we can get a 4th-5th round pick for choice we keep him, he is a good running back not worth cutting, also felix and murray are not known for staying healthy

by demarcus94 on Aug 10, 2011 3:19 PM CDT reply actions

also if you think we can keep 2 FB's, why not 4 RB's?

jones, murray, choice, miller? is it really that crazy

by demarcus94 on Aug 10, 2011 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions

I think we might start the year with 4 RB's. I posted a FanShot about that possibility.

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by scout06 on Aug 10, 2011 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions

I am curious about the DE position.

Not sure who is on the bubble. The initial depth chart shows that Lissemore and Geathers are each 3rd string, but I’m not sure how solid Igor is. I would guess Spears, Hatcher and Coleman are the first three, and then I would expect one more will be kept. I am not an Igor fan, but the chart shows him as the starter.

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Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos

by Tom Ryle on Aug 10, 2011 8:18 PM CDT reply actions

I agree

Igor is only 29 years old, but he looks stiff out there and does nothing in terms of rushing the passer. If they want these guys to shoot gaps and be interchangeable, I feel like he is the odd man out. I think he’s a very strong powerful guy and does well occupying the blockers, but he can barely pick himself back up off the turf after the play is over!

He also seems to be overpaid for what he brings to the table: If he were to be cut …2011 salary is $3.335 million less $2 million dead money in 2011 and $2 million dead money in 2012.

Therefore, cutting Igor would free up about $1.335 million in cap space for this season, which would either allow us to sign another player, or potentially eat up the majority of his contract this season.

I know that there has been some talk of trading him to Houston, but I honestly don’t think the Cowboys can trade him given his current contract. Houston is much more likely to wait and see if he gets cut and then sign him to a 1-year deal for $2 million as they make their transition to a 34 front.

Cowboy Up!

by CowboyCrazy on Aug 11, 2011 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions