Quote:
Originally Posted by Verdict
Let's suppose the cowboys select only one offensive lineman in the draft, a guard, with their first overall pick in the draft (even if it is in a slight trade down or 5 spots or less). What difference would you expect it to make next year?
Let's also assume the same situation exists, but this time it is for an OT, maybe even in a slight trade up. What difference would you expect it to make in our line next year?
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In other words, how would the OLine be affected if they added either Warmack or Cooper to the roster, but no other new OLinemen?
Answer:
Just adding 1 OLineman could make a huge difference, IMO.
Bernadeau at times last year, got both overpowered and beaten by quickness.
Rookie OLineman are not going be perfect; however, I don't see Warmack getting over-powered and I don't see Cooper getting beaten by quickness. These 2 players are elite at their position. IMO, they are better at their position (OG) than Joeckel is at his position (OT).
Replacing Bernadeau with one of these players is like replacing Shante Carver with DeMarcus Ware.
Keep in mind that there is possibility of getting better at the other OLine positions with players already on the roster.
Parnell is better than Free now and has a very high upside. He just needs the experience.
Cook didn't catch the scorn of fans/media like Costa did the previous year because his problems were not as obvious while watching the game in real-time. He didn't screw up the shotgun snaps and he didn't make a large number of screw ups in pass protection; however, on review of game footage, he just cannot run block. Some 6-6 guys like Leonard Davis can play on the interior of the OLine; however, many like Cook just can't overcome the leverage disadvantage.
It's possible that either Costa, Kowalski or even Bernadeau could be an upgrade at Center.
2013 Starting OL with 1 top OG draft pick:
Tyron Smith
Warmack or Cooper
Costa/Kowalski/Bernadeau
Nate Livings (keep rookie LG at his college position and vet next to Parnell)
Jermey Parnell
My biggest concern is Center. There will be many options in the mid to late rounds of the draft to get a RT to compete with and backup at RT. There are also a very large number of projected lowish cost Free Agent OTs; however, quality Centers rarely if ever make it to Free Agency. In the draft, there are only 3 Centers that might be day-1 starters, IMO (unless Cooper can player Center, then there would be 4).
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