We can go from a below average/average OL to a good OL with 2 moves - Dallas Cowboys Forum

Woods · 01-31-2013

I think we can improve to a "good" OL with 2 moves this off-season.

Specifically, I think if we

1. Draft an OL who has the versatility to play both OC and OG, and

2. Make a decision on Parnell/Free, and if that decision requires an upgrade, get 1 OT in FA.

(And, of course, we need to hope that the guys can stay healthy during TC and the regular season to form a cohesive unit.)

The thinking is this, if the draft pick has the versatility to play either OG or OC, let him compete versus Costa and Berny. One of those positions should get an upgrade, and the depth improves automatically as well.

We could have

Smith - Livings - Costa/Draft Pick - Berny/Draft Pick - FA/Parnell/Free

I do think that this is reasonable to accomplish in one off-season. Again, this may not be a great OL, but it should be good enough to let Romo and the weapons we have on offense to be fully utilized.

And we still have enough draft picks to pick up a DL and a Safety, along with RB depth.

EDIT: And I would use an early draft pick on the OL as well.

ajk23az · 01-31-2013

Did we cut Tyron?

We need to grab a OG in the draft with our 1st or 2nd. I think Parnell will be just fine at RT when/if we cut Free.

Woods · 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajk23az

Did we cut Tyron?

Oh my, what a slip that was.
Let me fix it!

L-O-Jete · 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woods

Free - Livings - Costa/Draft Pick - Berny/Draft Pick - FA/Parnell/Free

I'm thinking you want to start with Smith...

Woods · 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by L-O-Jete

I'm thinking you want to start with Smith...

Yes, definitely. I had a brain fart or something.

Woods · 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajk23az

Did we cut Tyron?

We need to grab a OG in the draft with our 1st or 2nd. I think Parnell will be just fine at RT when/if we cut Free.

And would make the plan that much easier. I don't think we're that far away as long as we draft a player who can contribute right away. Like you, I would also use a 1st or 2nd round pick.

And I still prefer to get a guy who has the versatility to play both OC and OG. Just in case Costa doesn't work out, and maybe Berny/Leary do improve their games, etc. The versatility just helps us all around, imo.

Risen Star · 01-31-2013

I'm not expecting a ton of turnover. I think even if they were going to do that the defensive scheme switch probably prevents it from happening.

So I'm hoping at least it can look something like this next year....

Smith Livings Bernadeau Warford Parnell

It doesn't exactly make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside but it could be a decent improvement on last year. It would all depend on Bernadeau settling in at C and Parnell being steady for 16 games.

burmafrd · 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Risen Star

I'm not expecting a ton of turnover. I think even if they were going to do that the defensive scheme switch probably prevents it from happening.

So I'm hoping at least it can look something like this next year....

Smith Livings Bernadeau Warford Parnell

It doesn't exactly make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside but it could be a decent improvement on last year. It would all depend on Bernadeau settling in at C and Parnell being steady for 16 games.

And if we get really lucky someone else steps up and replaces Livings

Risen Star · 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by burmafrd

And if we get really lucky someone else steps up and replaces Livings

Would I be a homer to think Leary could emerge next year?

Then you always have any later round picks we may make along the OL. It's not out of the question for one to be a factor. At least in 2014.

5Stars · 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Risen Star

I'm not expecting a ton of turnover. I think even if they were going to do that the defensive scheme switch probably prevents it from happening.

So I'm hoping at least it can look something like this next year....

Smith Livings Bernadeau Warford Parnell

It doesn't exactly make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside but it could be a decent improvement on last year. It would all depend on Bernadeau settling in at C and Parnell being steady for 16 games.

And, draft an offensive lineman early. Please!

The team has so many "needs"...but hopefully they will at least pay the big boys.

Risen Star · 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5Stars

And, draft an offensive lineman early. Please!

The team has so many "needs"...but hopefully they will at least pay the big boys.

I took Warford in the 2nd round.

I think the odds are better than not that our 1st round pick is a defensive lineman.

Paniolo22 · 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Risen Star

I took Warford in the 2nd round.

I think the odds are better than not that our 1st round pick is a defensive lineman.

What I would give for Barrett Jones....

Maxmadden · 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Risen Star

Would I be a homer to think Leary could emerge next year?

Then you always have any later round picks we may make along the OL. It's not out of the question for one to be a factor. At least in 2014.

Careful, you might start coming across as an optimist.

Risen Star · 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paniolo22

What I would give for Barrett Jones....

Then replace Warford with Jones.

I doubt we get more immediate help from the draft than that.

gimmesix · 01-31-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Risen Star

Would I be a homer to think Leary could emerge next year?

Then you always have any later round picks we may make along the OL. It's not out of the question for one to be a factor. At least in 2014.

I think it's a bit of a stretch considering all we've got to go on as evidence that Leary could emerge is the Cowboys saying they liked his development on the scout team.

I hope he does, but right now can't view him as anything more than another Arkin or Costa (at best).

BTW, I do think those of you who dismiss Costa as the starting center next year are in for a rude awakening. Although I don't want Dallas to start him, Garrett and his crew seem to have a fondness for him.

I'd do everything I could to get better at that position, but I'm not sure Dallas feels it's necessary. I wouldn't be surprised to see replacing Free with Parnell being the only offensive line move the Cowboys make (other than drafting a few midround prospects to replace Dockery, Arkin and possibly Free).