Cowboys sign free agent lineman

by Dave Halprin on Mar 21, 2007 8:24 AM CDT in Dallas Cowboys News

One of the guys who worked out yesterday was signed by the Cowboys.

The Cowboys made the second addition to their offensive line through free agency by agreeing to a one-year deal with tackle Jim Molinaro on Tuesday.

Molinaro played in only 15 games in three seasons with Washington, but is a possibility as a backup at left and right tackle with Dallas.

A fifth-round pick by Washington in 2004, Molinaro, 6-6, 310 pounds, was not tendered a contract by the Redskins, allowing him to sign with any team without compensation.

I know absolutely zip about this guy, except at 6-6 and 310 lbs. he fits in with the rest of the Cowboys slabs of beef along the front line. I don't know how well this line will block, but if you challenge us to a sumo wrestling competition, you lose.

There's lots of disagreement among the Cowboys faithful about Ken Hamlin. Mainly people are questioning how good of a pass defender he is. I pointed out previously that before his injury in 2005 he was one of the top free safeties in terms of defending the deep pass. I think it's the fact that he's a big hitter that has people wondering if he's more of a Roy Williams rather than a deep safety. I think you can be both.

Hamlin, a four-year veteran, is intriguing for the Cowboys because he should come at a reasonable price. The former Arkansas star is considered a solid cover safety and could potentially complement the skills of strong safety Roy Williams.

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Comments

solid isn't going to cut it

we need a FS who has outstanding coverage abilities, not just solid. Thats why I'm so high on Nelson because that kid can flat out get to the ball. With Roy at SS, we can't settle for anything less.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Mar 21, 2007 9:35 AM CDT reply actions

We know you love Nelson, Terry

But I wouldn't mind a veteran who has shown the ability to play FS at a high-level in the NFL.

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by Dave Halprin on Mar 21, 2007 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions

for the right price, I agree

but only for the right price, but I'd still draft Nelson if he's there at 22 regardless.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Mar 21, 2007 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Hamlin

Even if he doesn't sign with us, he could still sign with ATL, JAX, CAR which would affect the spot Nelson drops to.

I'm not sold on him as the answer to our prayers of a FS with the ability to play Cover 1. And why did SEA let him go? That's the biggest question I have.
I still like Watkins ability to play Cover 1.

by APerfectStar on Mar 21, 2007 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Glad to see

That King Jerry & the Son of Bum are taking our O-line needs seriously.

I loved that this was a one-year deal -- for depth purposes -- and with a player that isn't raw and green, possessing some NFL experience.

The Grizz quote...

"I know absolutely zip about this guy, except at 6-6 and 310 lbs. he fits in with the rest of the Cowboys slabs of beef along the front line. I don't know how well this line will block, but if you challenge us to a sumo wrestling competition, you lose"

...is just downright hilarious!!! LOL!!!

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" - Ric Flair

by kcbrett5 on Mar 21, 2007 10:02 AM CDT reply actions

Jim Molinaro

played well in extremely limited PT in Washington but was especially valued for versatility.

He doesn't drastically improve an offensive line though if you guys were concerned about depth I view this as a fine pickup.

Hogs Haven

by Skin Patrol @ Blogging The Boys on Mar 21, 2007 10:07 AM CDT reply actions

Lowdown on Molinaro

I googled our latest signing and found out he was a sixth-round draft pick from Notre Dame by the Washington Redskins in the 2004 draft.

This upcoming season will be his 4th in the NFL and he's versatile (glad to see that Jerry is heeding Bill's advice of acquiring players who can play multiple positions).

More details about the big lug can be found below.

Source: http://www.redskins.com/team/profile.jsp?id=1263

Career Highlights

Molinaro is a big and agile player who can play both guard or tackle. He was a two-year starter at Notre Dame after switching to offensive line from defensive line after his sophomore season. During his three seasons in Washington, Molinaro has appeared in 16 games as a reserve and special teams player. The Redskins coaches graded Molinaro as one of the better offensive linemen in the 2004 NFL Draft. He recorded 104 knockdown blocks as a senior at Notre Dame, earning All-Independent honors.
How Acquired: Molinaro was selected by the Redskins in the fifth round (180th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft.

Molinaro played in one game in the 2006 season. As a backup offensive lineman at left tackle, he was inactive for 15 games.
Molinaro played in four games as a reserve offensive lineman. He also saw action in the Redskins' Wild Card playoff game against Tampa Bay.
Molinaro played in 11 games on special teams and as a reserve offensive lineman.

Saw action in his first NFL game in Week 1 vs. Tampa Bay, playing in a reserve role on special teams.

In Week 5 vs. Baltimore, he recorded one kickoff return for five yards.

In Week 9 at Detroit, Molinaro was put in on the Redskins' goal-line defense due to an injury along the defensive front four.
College/Personal:

In 2003, Molinaro started every game for the Fighting Irish and graded out at 83.1 percent for blocking consistency as he posted 104 knockdown blocks.

He was named All-Independent and Super Sleeper selection by The NFL Draft Report.

In 2002, Molinaro appeared in every game for the Fighting Irish and had two starts, mostly playing as a reserve offensive lineman and special teams.

He started at right tackle against Southern Cal and then started at left tackle against Rutgers and North Carolina State.

In 2001, he appeared in six games, seeing most of his action on special teams but played at right tackle extensively vs. Navy.

After redshirting in 1999, Molinaro played as a reserve defensive tackle in 2000 and posted a solo tackle.

Molinaro was a USA Today honorable mention All-America and had had 18 solo tackles, 29 assists, one and a half sacks, eight forced passes and four batted passes as senior in 1998 while helping his team to 7-4 mark at Bethlehem Catholic High School in Bethlehem, Pa.

He was a three-year starter earning four letters in football as offensive and defensive tackle. He was also a first-team Associated Press big school All-State pick in 1997-98.

Molinaro was one of five finalists for Pennsylvania Lineman of the Year award, posting 46 tackles, 17 of them solo, two and a half sacks, four tackles for losses, 15 forced passes and one batted pass as junior in 1997.

While at Notre Dame, he was enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in economics, sociology and computer applications.

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" - Ric Flair

by kcbrett5 on Mar 21, 2007 10:07 AM CDT reply actions

This guy doesn't have a lot of tread

on his tires... being inactive for 15 games last season.

If he performs well in 2007, he's young enough to maybe keep for years to come. But first things first. Let's see how he does on the field.

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" - Ric Flair

by kcbrett5 on Mar 21, 2007 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Good background Silverblue

He sounds like a solid backup at tackle and guard.

I wonder if this means we can scratch Blaylock of our draft board.

by APerfectStar on Mar 21, 2007 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Blaylock??

I thought Grubbs was the top rated guard.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Mar 21, 2007 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions

I think its neck and neck

But Blaylock can play guard or tackle, Grubbs is a guard. That was my point. If we have signed a backup who can play both, I would think Blaylock drops on our draft board. But Grubbs would stay the same, or maybe drop a bit.

Another guy I've been reading up on is Beekman from BC, he can play Center or Guard. I don't know if Proctor is able to do that. But I'd be interested in finding a guy who could backup C/G.

by APerfectStar on Mar 21, 2007 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Good work SilverBlue

I have access to Molinaro's original draft analysis from Profootballscout.com:

40 yard time: 5:09/5:05
20 yard time: 2:99
10 yard time: 1:79
Vertical jump: 29.5"
Broad jump: 8'9"
Short Shuttle: 4.65
Three cone: 7.77

Positives...Has a thick, but firm mid-section and hips...Displays good all-around muscle structure and has the frame that can add about twenty pounds with no lose in speed...Has wide, big shoulders and long arms...Shows good short area quickness...Light on his feet, keeping a wide leg base to gain position...Makes good body adjustments on the move and is an effective pass protector who can sink his hips and drive defenders...Glides upfield adequately and has the ability to get the angle on the defender and seal the corner...Has the hip swerve to recover without losing his balance...Very active with his hands, going after defenders with aggression...Good with his kick slide, adjusting properly in the short area to prevent the outside penetration...Could shift inside to guard due to his ability to pull and lead around the outside as well as trap when redirecting.

Negatives...His quickness off the snap can be more effective (needs to play at a lower pad level, as he tends to get a bit upright, preventing him from delivering explosion when coming up on the rise)...Has good leg strength as a drive blocker, but will overextend and lunge to make reach blocks when working in space...Better working on the outside, as he gets a little cross-legged when trying to make the inside cutoff...Can deliver a strong hand jolt when he keeps his arms in proper position, but needs to keep his hands inside the defender's chest to prevent penetration (awkward use of hands causes him to slip off blocks).

Molinaro played LT for Notre Dame when Julius Jones was the running back. A number of big runs were attributed to pancake blocks Molinaro made in the secondary level. He has good quickness in getting off the line as shown by his 10 and 20 times. He allowed 4 sacks in 2 years and graded out as 83% for his last year (very consistent with his previous year), making key blocks for touchdowns 12 times. I find it interesting that Molinaro is seen better as an outside blocker while Leonard Davis is seen better as an inside blocker. I like the pickup to engender camp competition for the o-line. I also will enjoy it if Molinaro becomes successful and plays well against the Redskins who don't think they need the guy.

by lee3022 on Mar 21, 2007 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks for the scoop, lee.

Reading your comments leads me to anticipate a stronger run game in 2007.

That's pretty cool that he used to block for Julius in college, which led to many of his big gains.

I hope to see some of that this upcoming season.

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" - Ric Flair

by kcbrett5 on Mar 21, 2007 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Ken Hamlin

I wouldn't mind picking him up as a short term upgrade. I remember when he played at Arkansas and I liked him, even if I despise the Seahawks.

If Jerry can get him at a good price to perhaps mentor Watkins, Elam, or a draft pick this year, maybe we wouldn't be in such bad shape. Not only do we need an upgrade at FS, but also as many have said we need more consistency at the CB position. If Henry & to a lesser extent Newman can play at a better level, the safety position will be less of a liability in most situations.

by g on Mar 21, 2007 10:29 AM CDT reply actions

Hamlin

I have read a different take on Hamlin being a cover first guy- he may have the skills but his agression and desire to make a big hit (sound familiar) takes away from his QB of the Defense role. Doesn't sound like a pure centerfielder and ball hawk that I think we are looking for.

by swirvinIrvin on Mar 21, 2007 10:39 AM CDT reply actions

I agree

he's probably better than what we have, but I don't think he's the answer to our problem at FS.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Mar 21, 2007 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions

Still don't believe

that our pass defense problems last year were due to us not having the right talent in place.

Not completely, anyway.

When the Detroit F-in Lions laugh their loser butts off at how predictable your scheme is, it's gonna make your players look like scrubs who need to be replaced.

Deion once said that the best attribute a cover guy can possess is a great pass rush.

We fix the stupid scheme problems, and get after their QB, and suddenly I'm thinking maybe Roy doesn't look all that bad and Pat Watkins is a coverage stud.

by Incredifan on Mar 21, 2007 4:58 PM CDT reply actions