BTB: 2011 NFL Draft Rumors: Cowboys To Address O-Line Via Free Agency? - Dallas Cowboys Forum

CCBoy · 04-20-2011

2011 NFL Draft Rumors: Cowboys To Address O-Line Via Free Agency?
by One.Cool.Customer

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2011/...ia-free-agency

A little over a week left before the draft and the rumors, speculations and other draft news are almost starting to come faster than we can keep track of.

There's a report out by Tony Pauline on draftinsider.net that the Cowboys are seriously considering signing a veteran free agent tackle and taking a defensive lineman with their first choice.

After the break, we look at what Tony Pauline wrote in detail, we look at how offensive rookie linemen have performed the last two years and who the available free agents could be.

Here's what Tony Puline wrote yesterday:

The Dallas Cowboys may deviate from taking Tyron Smith with the 9th pick if they can’t trade down. We hear the recent knee issues which have surfaced on the junior tackle from USC have not scared the team but they are also considering picking up a veteran free agent tackle, once free agency begins, then taking a defensive lineman with their first choice.

The thinking is a veteran free agent tackle could break into the starting line-up sooner than Smith, especially since the lockout will reduce every rookies time spent in mini-camp, OTA’s, etc. Sources have said the defensive lineman they are targeting is Cameron Jordan - in our minds the most underrated player in this draft. Ultimately they’d still prefer to trade down, collect some extra picks and then select an offensive tackle later in the first frame. The other team very high on Cameron Jordan at this point are the Washington Redskins...

DanteEXT · 04-20-2011

So, essentially the 'boys may not use a first round pick on an OL? Considering the recent draft history this isn't much more than an well educated guess IMO. I mean, it could be a rumor circulating. But it also sounds like recent draft strategy as well.

HoosierCowboy · 04-20-2011

if we can land a FA or two (especially DB and OL), i hope we trade down a bit (Rams at 14?) and still get a quality lineman (best OL or DL available)

EGG · 04-20-2011

This is the best scenario IMO,,, the value seems to be @ DL in this draft and the Cowboys need help there as well as a good CB if Amakumura is still available.

Also, I would hope they are planning on signing FA offensive linemen regardless of who the first pick is...

Richmond Cowboy · 04-20-2011

I don't mind them trading down as long it's not for the sake of stockpiling late round picks ala 2009...

jterrell · 04-20-2011

Dallas would be stupid to not at least consider this even though they truly need to draft an R1 OL.

The desired move imho is a trade down. When Jerry can't get a guy that will score TDs and sell jerseys he likes to move down.

And with this OL crop moving down makes tons of sense.

I like Tyron Smith's potential a heck of a lot but I'd rather have Carimi/Sherrod and Wisnewski as a tandem with the value of that 9th slot.

mmillman · 04-20-2011

Dallas shouldn't take the short term view. Take the BPA. If they think they can get a better player at DE than OT then take him. Problem will be who will fill the RT spot?

mmillman · 04-20-2011

Smith should be the choice as he is athletic enough to play LT long term and in case of injury.

Doomsday101 · 04-20-2011

I getting a FA OL would be a smart thing to do I would still hope that Dallas will address the OL within the 1st 3 rds of the draft.

CCBoy · 04-20-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by jterrell

Dallas would be stupid to not at least consider this even though they truly need to draft an R1 OL.

The desired move imho is a trade down. When Jerry can't get a guy that will score TDs and sell jerseys he likes to move down.

And with this OL crop moving down makes tons of sense.

I like Tyron Smith's potential a heck of a lot but I'd rather have Carimi/Sherrod and Wisnewski as a tandem with the value of that 9th slot.

This draft appears to be very strong in talent for offensive line, defensive line, and wide receivers in the top three rounds. Day One and Two should probably be conducted just there.

zrinkill · 04-20-2011

Whatever it takes ...

realtick · 04-20-2011

I have no preference with how the Cowboys fill its need at OL (draft or FA), just that they do it with adequate players.

jterrell · 04-20-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmillman

Smith should be the choice as he is athletic enough to play LT long term and in case of injury.

Interesting takes you make there back to back. On one hand take the BPA on the other take the guy based upon potential. To me that says take the BPA 3 years from now but not today.

I'd refer you to Bob Sturm's thoughts on this as I agree with him. NFL teams with legit playoff hopes can not take BPA in round 1. They need to take the BPA that can fill a starting role. While you don't want lesser players you do want guys who fill the proper role on your team. A lesser player who is a better fit will perform better in many cases. The BPA at 9 is probably Julio Jones or Mark Ingram. Jones athletically, Ingram based upon football accomplishment an raw performance. I don't think we should really consider either at 9.

Now where I tend to end up in agreement with you is if you can not get a trade down for good value taking Smith at 9 may mean Best Available fit for Dallas.

CCBoy · 04-20-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by jterrell

Interesting takes you make there back to back. On one hand take the BPA on the other take the guy based upon potential. To me that says take the BPA 3 years from now but not today.

I'd refer you to Bob Sturm's thoughts on this as I agree with him. NFL teams with legit playoff hopes can not take BPA in round 1. They need to take the BPA that can fill a starting role. While you don't want lesser players you do want guys who fill the proper role on your team. A lesser player who is a better fit will perform better in many cases. The BPA at 9 is probably Julio Jones or Mark Ingram. Jones athletically, Ingram based upon football accomplishment an raw performance. I don't think we should really consider either at 9.

Now where I tend to end up in agreement with you is if you can not get a trade down for good value taking Smith at 9 may mean Best Available fit for Dallas.

Interesting as well...for although this team has a high level of quality players, it is nowhere one spot only short of contention. BPA is still the tone of outlook.

**ABQCOWBOY** · 04-20-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by jterrell

Interesting takes you make there back to back. On one hand take the BPA on the other take the guy based upon potential. To me that says take the BPA 3 years from now but not today.

I'd refer you to Bob Sturm's thoughts on this as I agree with him. NFL teams with legit playoff hopes can not take BPA in round 1. They need to take the BPA that can fill a starting role. While you don't want lesser players you do want guys who fill the proper role on your team. A lesser player who is a better fit will perform better in many cases. The BPA at 9 is probably Julio Jones or Mark Ingram. Jones athletically, Ingram based upon football accomplishment an raw performance. I don't think we should really consider either at 9.

Now where I tend to end up in agreement with you is if you can not get a trade down for good value taking Smith at 9 may mean Best Available fit for Dallas.

I share this opinion as well. I think that the Cowboys have a window of opportunity for a championship and I think that we are in it now as I believe that Romo is at a point in his career where he has enough knowledge, combined with sufficient skill level and health level to compete for a championship. I think that 5 years from now, that situation will be different but as of right now, I agree with this take. The one thing I don't agree with is the selection at 9. If we can't trade out, and we intend to sign somebody in FA, then I think it might be wise to take the best player on our board that can project to a starter day one. Now, that still might be Smith but it could also be another player.