[L.T. Fan]

Dallas Cowboy Central Season Preview Part Two
State Of The Team

TE

Dan Campbell - Drafted in 1999 in the third round (79th overall) by the New York Giants, Dan Campbell has established himself as a very good blocking tight end, while showing that he can also make a catch or two. While blocking is his strong suit, Campbell has averaged nine yards per catch over his solid five year NFL career. He has caught a total of 63 passes for 595 yards, his most yardage output (195) coming in 2003 in his first year with the Dallas Cowboys. He has caught only six touchdowns over his career, but has paved the way for many more. It is reasonable to expect Campbell to see 18-20 receptions this year, for around 150 yards. But it is his great blocking skills what makes him invaluable to this team. ----------Grade - 7

Jason Witten - In his freshman season at Tennessee, Jason Witten was a defensive end. Luckily for him and the Cowboys, he was moved to the tight end position and in just his rookie season with the Cowboys, Witten is showing why that was a smart move. Leading all Cowboy tight ends in 2003 with 35 catches for 347 yards, he did most of this with a broken jaw, from which he only missed one game. Tough, smart, and a hard worker, Witten could become an invaluable piece of the puzzle this season, providing yet another third down option to the Cowboys offense. Where Dan Campbell is important for his blocking skills, Jason Witten is just as important for his pass catching skills. Some have already started comparing him to New York’s Jeremy Shockey, without the attitude. -----------Grade - 8

James Whalen - After signing with the Cowboys in 2000, James Whalen spent a year on the practice squad, and the following year on injured reserve with a strained right Achilles tendon. Since his return, he has proven to be a mediocre special teams player and a non-factor as a tight end on offense. With two returning veterans and a 2004 draft pick to compete with, Whalen will most likely be relegated to special teams duty for another season, if he makes the team.----------Grade - 2

Sean Ryan - A four year starter at Boston College, Ryan will most likely be the third tight end for the Cowboys in 2004. In 37 games on offense for Boston College, Ryan ended his college career with 75 catches for 950 yards (12.7 average) and 12 touchdowns. His 12 touchdowns ranks him 6th all time in school history among tight ends. Ryan will most likely see the field the most as a special teamer in his rookie campaign, and should provide the Cowboys with solid depth at the tight end position.----------Grade - Incomplete

Landon Trusty - An undrafted rookie free agent out of the University of Central Arkansas, Trusty appears to be a project taken on by Head Coach Bill Parcells. Trusty ended his college career with 78 receptions for 1062 yards and 20 touchdowns. He will have a chance to beat out veteran James Whalen, but will most likely wind up on the practice squad. Should he make the team, expect him to only see the field in special teams situations.----------Grade - Incomplete

Analysis/Prediction

In closing, it is clear that either Dan Campbell or Jason Witten could play every down for this team, and they both will be utilized heavily in two tight end sets. Sean Ryan provides nice depth at the three spot. As for Whalen and Trusty, whichever of them makes the team will most likely only get a chance to contribute on special teams duty. After the three spot, our depth gets a little shaky, but the position is clearly one of the deepest on the team due to Parcells’ emphasis. ----------Overall Grade – 8


OT

Flozell Adams – Prior to his Pro Bowl selection in 2003, Adams was viewed as an underachieving left tackle who allowed mental lapses to affect his game. OL coach George Warhop and more importantly, Parcells himself, challenged him and Adams responded with an outstanding campaign. The key now is to not let him fall back into bad habits. What is interesting about how Adams responded is that he appeared to become more vocal and exhibit leadership qualities he had not done in the past. If he continues his improvement with footwork and maintains his strength, Adams can be a solid rock at the left tackle spot for years to come.-----------Grade – 8

Torrin Tucker – Tucker was signed as a street free agent after a somewhat surprising 2003 Draft where he went without being selected. A decorated guard at Southern Mississippi, he was viewed as somewhat of a character risk and a player who often let his nasty disposition get the better of him. After arriving in Dallas, he was converted to offensive right tackle and enjoyed an impressive debut when pressed into action against the Panthers and Julius Peppers. A game later in his first and only career start, he received a rude awakening at the hands of the Dolphins on Thanksgiving Day. As it stands right now, Tucker is in the running for the vacant right tackle job. Tucker has the physical measureables that are desirable at the position, but will have to continue to improve to hold off his competition.----------Grade – 5

Kurt Vollers – Vollers entered the league with the Colts as an undrafted free agent from Notre Dame in 2002. He was released and signed by the Cowboys when injuries decimated the OL in the same year. He was viewed as a camp body last season but surprised and eventually won the job from the more heralded veteran free agent signing, Ryan Young. Vollers is athletically limited but technically sound and during the offseason the decision was made to move him to back up Adams at left tackle rather than have him compete at right tackle. He is not considered a long-term answer, but is viewed as a solid and trusted reserve.----------Grade – 5

Jacob Rogers – Rogers was tabbed by Dallas as the 52nd overall choice in the 2004 Draft to compete at right tackle for a potential starting role. During his three years starting for the USC Trojans, all of his time came as a left tackle and now he is being asked to flip to the strongside. A former tight end and even punter, Rogers excels at technical pass blocking and sound technique, but also can boast above average run blocking skills as well. How he adjusts to the change in perspective on the right side will determine how successful his rookie campaign will be. He has the size and movement skills to potentially start, but the adjustment will take time.-----------Grade – Incomplete

Javier Collins – Collins is a converted defensive lineman who started four games in 2002 and won accolades for shutting down All Pro Michael Strahan. He barely saw the field in 2003, but is still viewed favorably by the coaching staff and will be in the mix to compete for the vacant right tackle spot.----------Grade – 4

Analysis/Prediction

The ability of Adams to continue his improvement and finding a quality right tackle is crucial for the development of the offensive line. Expect to see Tucker win the strongside job initially, but give way to Rogers as the season develops. ----------Overall Grade – 6

OG

Larry Allen – After tumultuous offseason which nearly resulted in Allen being traded, the hope is that he will be able to return to dominance after battling nagging injuries for nearly two years. There were times last season where Allen did not respond to Parcells’ challenges and the two must be able to coexist this season. Allen still has the ability to steamroll opponents, but also has shown a propensity for mental lapses that he no longer has the physical ability to compensate for. If he is able to return to pre-injury form, the line will be stronger and have its linchpin in place.-----------Grade - 8

Andre Gurode – Gurode, along with fellow sophomore Antonio Bryant, were expected to contribute heavily to the team’s success in 2003. That was far from being the case as Gurode regressed in his second year and clearly was a liability at times at the right guard position. Particularly maddening to Parcells was his tendency for mental errors which resulted in ill-timed penalties which killed drives. Gurode can be a mauler in the running game, but he is made less effective by over-eagerness and poor position. The jury is still out on this player, but the team took no chances and drafted competition. Gurode has had a year of sound coaching and must now turn the knowledge into production or face being a backup or even lose his spot on the roster.-----------Grade - 6

Stephen Peterman – This former LSU Tiger was drafted in the third round in April to compete specifically at right guard with Gurode, but also provide a fallback option on the weakside should Allen falter. Peterman is considered a blue collar mauler who uses a combination of strength and tenacity to be successful. He will face some adjustment getting used to the speed of NFL defensive tackles, but he has all the tools and more importantly, the disposition to be able to start as a rookie if the incumbents are not up to it.----------Grade - Incomplete

Matt Lehr – Lehr was pressed into duty at center last season and graded out the best of all the Dallas linemen. A versatile swingman, Lehr will be asked to be the primary backup at both guard slots and also serve as an emergency center. His best features are his technical soundness and smarts, which make him a valuable backup. His athletic limitations rise to the surface if he is asked to start for any length of time. But over a short stretch, he can be a serviceable starter if need be.-----------Grade - 5

DeMingo Graham – Graham is a former starter for San Diego and Houston who was signed at the urging of former teammate Leonardo Carson. He did spent the entire 2003 season out of football and now has to reestablish himself as a legitimate NFL guard. He is not being depended on to be a starter, but he may face a stiff challenge even fending off the rookies to secure a spot on the roster.----------Grade – 3

Tango McCauley – Another former college defensive lineman, McCauley was able to develop for a few years in the CFL before being signed by Dallas. His stint in the Canadian game demonstrated his trap blocking ability and that will provide him an edge in open competition in camp. The Cowboys invested a sizeable signing bonus to secure his rights, so they may feel that they have a diamond in the rough. But to expect anything other than a ticket to the practice squad is a stretch.-----------Grade - INCOMPLETE

Dave Volk – This former Nebraska Cornhusker enjoyed a successful stint in NFLEurope in the spring and now will enter the mix for a reserve guard spot. Although he won honors in the league, it is very unlikely that he will be able to overcome the wear and tear a full season overseas may have inflicted. A best case scenario is a return trip to the practice squad, but a more likely destination is the unemployment line.----------Grade - 2

Thomas Herrion – Herrion is a massive former Utah offensive tackle who actually succeeded Panther first round choice Jordan Gross with the Utes. After going undrafted, he won a spot on the camp roster after performing well during an audition in the team’s rookie mini-camp. Herrion is feisty, active and energetic but obviously needs seasoning. He faces a tough uphill battle to win a spot, even on the expanded practice squad.----------Grade – Incomplete

Analysis/Prediction

On paper, the guard spot looks solid, but there are many contingencies that keep this from translating into certainty on the field. Allen must be able to overcome injuries and tolerate the prodding from Parcells, while Gurode must overcome his mental errors and develop a meaner streak to keep his job. It is not out of the realm of possibility that at one point or another, either one or both loses their starting spot or rotates with another lineman. Fortunately for Dallas, they have fortified their depth and have options available.----------Overall Grade – 6

C

Al Johnson – This former Wisconsin Badger missed his entire rookie campaign after having microfracture surgery on his knee last summer. Johnson is considered a rough and tumble scrapper who will be under a lot of pressure to be the starting center and stable force on the line in this season. How quickly he is able to develop and take the leadership role this unit needs will go a long way to determining their success. That is a tall order for a first year player, but apparently the coaching staff feels comfortable pushing Johnson into that role immediately.----------Grade – INCOMPLETE

Gennaro DiNapoli – DiNapoli was signed off the street last season and shared time with Matt Lehr in place of Johnson until he also was claimed by the injury bug. This past mini-camp, he complained of pain in his ankle and tests revealed that he had a stress fracture which will likely sideline him for at least part of the training camp. He has shown good ability as a backup center and guard, but if he is not able to stay healthy, he will not have a spot on this football team.----------Grade – 4

Tyson Walter – Known more for his fight with college teammate and All Pro LeCharles Bentley, than professional production, Walter is being pushed into competition at center this camp as opposed to guard where he spent last season as the primary backup. He is considered one of the smarter players on the team and is able to play virtually any position on the offensive line, which despite his marginal physical skills, makes him valuable. This camp will be different as he will have tougher competition and will actually have to earn his position, rather than have it practically handed to him.----------Grade – 3

Analysis/Prediction

Everything depends upon Al Johnson. There is a lot of pressure on him to not only comeback completely from an unproven surgical technique, but also to become the pacesetter and leader of the entire offensive line. The coaching staff was impressed by Johnson’s furious rehab and has confidence in him. Prior to the DiNapoli injury, they had options if he fails, but that is now uncertain. A worst case scenario has Matt Lehr shifting back to center, but that is not desirable as he is unable to provide the physical nature that Johnson would.----------Overall Grade – 4

Offensive Analysis/Prediction

It is obvious that the offense was along for the ride in the Cowboys’ 2003 playoff run. Many offseason additions were made to shore up this punchless unit. Overall, the philosophy will remain basically the same. Run, run and run some more. It is anticipated that the additions of Julius Jones and Eddie George will keep defenses honest and the chains moving. The passing game will be drastically different as Keyshawn Johnson, along with Jason Witten will prowl the middle of the field and function as another tool to help control time of possession. Do not expect much of a vertical passing game as the team does not have a threat unless Randal Williams undergoes a complete metamorphosis. But any and all improvement also has to depend on the play of the quarterback. This is put up or shut up time for Carter, and Testaverde will be breathing down his neck if he does not elevate his play. It is not out of the realm of possibility that this unit improves, but those improvements may be slight. Scoring points will still be the deciding factor, but there does not look to be enough added in the playmaker category to make a significant difference. Again, a lot depends on the quarterback and that is a roll of the dice.

DEFENSE

DE

Greg Ellis - The consummate pro. A gritty high character guy who will never get the recognition he deserves. Ellis does the little things that don't show up in the highlight reel. Not overly gifted in any aspect of defensive line play but a tremendous effort player. Unselfish to a fault. The 8th overall pick in the 1998 draft, Ellis has compiled respectable numbers over his career - 225 tackles, 35 sacks, 12 forced fumbles. When you factor in character, work ethic and maintaining discipline to the scheme, there are only a handful of defensive ends in the NFL more valuable to their team.------------Grade – 8

Marcellus Wiley - The Cowboys are betting on Marcellus solving their pass rush woes. If recent history means anything, it was a fool's bet. The 8th year pro out of Columbia posted back to back double digit sack seasons in 2000 and 2001. However, Wiley hasn't surpassed six sacks in any other year. A solid DE who is certainly an upgrade over Ebenezer Ekuban but not the answer to a pass rush problem that has remained our Achilles heel for far too long.-------------------Grade – 7

Eric Ogbogu - A decent situational pass rusher capable of providing a little pressure off the edge in limited snaps. Ogbogu gets pushed around at the line too easily to ever be a factor in run support.------------Grade – 4

Kenyon Coleman - A few eyebrows were raised when the Cowboys decided to trade 6th and 7th round picks to the Oakland Raiders for Coleman. Thus far, there is no reason to lower them. The 6'5" 285lb 3rd year pro out of UCLA provides nice size to the Dallas DL and can flash big league ability on occasion but Coleman needs to start getting to the QB if he wants to have a long career with the Cowboys.--------------Grade – 4

Kevin Emanuel - A sleeper candidate to win a roster spot. There is very little, if anything, separating him from the top backup at DE- Kenyon Coleman. Emanuel, a Florida St. Seminole, has played well against top competition in college. Not a sack master (totaled just 11 sacks in four years at FSU) but an effort guy in the mold of Greg Spires. Better than Coleman against the run. Keep your eye on this kid. One interesting note on Emanuel - despite being only 6'3" and change, he wears a size 19 shoe.---------------Grade – Incomplete

Darrell Lee - Marginal prospect looking to add his name to the mix at DE. Lee is a longshot at best to be more than a camp body.-----------Grade - Incomplete

Ryan Wingrove - Undersized DE from Bowling Green. Even against this lackluster group of ends, Wingrove may be shooting for no more than a practice squad spot.------------Grade – Incomplete

Analysis/Prediction

Wiley is a definite upgrade over what Ellis could provide rushing from the strongside and it is anticipated that being left in isolation with left tackles will be a boon to Ellis in terms of him being able to become a more dynamic pass rushing threat. The problem, however, is this is a unit still is badly in need of a true edge rusher. Until this hole is filled, the defense will never reach their vast potential. Keep an eye on rookie LB Kalen Thornton, as he may play a little DE on passing downs.-------------------Overall - 7