Offensive Line Breakdown

[junk]

Tackles:
Flozell Adams (6-7, 357) – Adams finally capitalized on his immense potential last year and put together a Pro Bowl season. Adams, whose naysayers had criticized his determination in years past, responded well after signing a high dollar contract with the Cowboys. Rather than rest on his laurels after signing the big deal, Adams went out and had the best year of his career. Adams will be the cornerstone of the offensive line and improvement from last year should vault him into the upper echelon of tackes in the NFL.

Kurt Vollers (6-7, 317) – Vollers played in 13 games and started 8 splitting time with Torrin Tucker at right tackle last year. His performance prompted Dallas to draft Jacob Rogers from USC with their second round pick. Although Vollers performed admirably, he is probably best suited to a reserve position. In fact, Dallas has moved him to left tackle this offseason to back up Flozell Adams. Vollers provides good depth and could slide over to right tackle if needed.

Torrin Tucker (6-6, 328) – Tucker started one game and played in seven splitting time with Kurt Vollers at right tackle. This after being released by the Cowboys, re-signed to the practice squad and eventually resigned to the active roster after the season began. Tucker was recently rewarded with a two year contract extension, so there must be something that the Cowboys see in him. Tucker will battle with Jacob Rogers at right tackle this year. His experience will give him the leg up as Rogers must adjust with the move from the left to right side and the overall speed of the NFL game.

Jacob Rogers (6-5, 305) – Rogers was one of the Cowboys second round draft choices out of USC. Rogers manned the left tackle position for the co-national champion USC Trojans. In the NFL, Rogers will attempt to make the switch from the left side to the right side where he will battle Torrin Tucker for the starting job. Don’t be surprised to the Cowboys platoon Tucker and Rogers early in the season as they try to assess each player’s abilities and get them much needed experience.

Javier Collins (6-6, 314) – Collins will also be in the mix at right tackle. Collins was originally an undrafted free defensive lineman who was converted to offensive line early in his career. Collins will have to take advantage of his potential and show something this year to retain a roster spot.

Dave Volk (6-5, 300) – Volk spent last season on the Cowboys practice squad. He was signed to the active roster after the season and was sent to NFL Europe where he got some reps playing for the Amsterdam Admirals. Volk is a long shot to make the active roster.

Darrick Sanders (6-4, 312) – Sanders was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cowboys. Sanders will be hard pressed to make the team, but with a good training camp performance could land on the practice squad.

Guards:
Larry Allen (6-3, 335) – At one time, Allen was the most devastating blocker in the game. Allen has already cemented his place in history as one of the best guards of all time and should be a Hall of Fame shoo-in. However, injuries, age and poor conditioning have decimated Allen’s skills. After a much publicized season and offseason of disagreement with coach Bill Parcells, Allen has shown up to camp in what appears to be much better shape. Allen may never be the player he once was, but even a shell of the former Larry Allen is better than most guards in the NFL. The health and performance of Larry Allen will go a long way in determining the overall success of the Dallas Cowboys offensive line this year.

Andre Gurode (6-4, 326) – Gurode, originally a second round pick out of Colorado, is a player who has yet to fulfill his vast potential. Gurode has seemed to have problems with the mental aspects of the game and his mental breakdowns last season drew the ire of Parcells. Competition has been brought in this year and Gurode will feel the pressure in the form of Stephen Peterman, a third round pick from co-national champion LSU. How Gurode responds to the competition and his ability to cut down on costly mental errors will determine if he retains his starting position or finds his way onto the bench.

Stephen Peterman (6-3, 312) – Peterman was brought in to compete with Andre Gurode for the starting RG position and provide quality depth along the OL. Peterman, a former TE, is known for his nasty disposition on the football field. Generally described as a mauler at the point of attack, Peterman has also been said to have problems in space.

Matt Lehr (6-2, 292) – Lehr actually actually started all 16 games last year and spent the bulk of his time at center. However, this offseason the Cowboys have moved him to the guard position full time. Lehr is a bit undersized and tends to get overwhelmed by bigger defensive tackles. Lehr does bring a great work ethic and attitude to the offensive line and his versatility at playing all three interior line positions makes him a valuable reserve.

DeMingo Graham (6-3, 310) – Graham was brought in as a street free agent after the season. He last started 11 games for the Houston Texans in 2002. Graham did get a signing bonus for his one year contract with the Cowboys although it was quite minimal. Graham’s roster spot hinges solely on how well he plays in training camp.

Tango McCauley (6-4, 307) – McCauley, a former player in the CFL, is a big bodied prospect at guard. Parcells has mentioned McCauley when speaking of developing young players who were not high round draft choices. McCauley could make the roster with an exceptional training camp, but is more likely bound for the practice squad.

Thomas Herrion (6-3, 334) – Herrion was signed as an undrafted free agent after the team’s mini camps. Herrion, out of the University of Utah, was brought in as an extra body during the mini camps, but made enough of an impression on the coaching staff that he earned a temporary roster spot. Although unlikely he will make the final roster, Herrion could find his way to the practice squad.

Centers:
Al Johnson (6-5, 303) – Johnson, drafted out of Wisconsin in the second round of the 2003 draft, was already penciled in as the starting center last year in training camp before injuring his knee and undergoing the controversial microfracture surgery. By all accounts, Johnson has recovered completely from the injury and resulting surgery and will once again be in the running for the starting center position. Coach Parcells has had nothing but good things to say about Johnson as he has displayed a tremendous work ethic in rehabbing his injury. Look for Johnson to be the starting center for the Cowboys on opening day.

Gennaro DiNapoli (6-3, 287) – DiNapoli played in seven games last year but did not start any in a platoon system with Matt Lehr. DiNapoli went on injured reserve after the Cowboys seventh game with an ankle injury. DiNapoli came to Dallas as a free agent in 2003 and should provide veteran depth behind Johnson at center. He recently signed a two year contract extension.

Tyson Walter (6-5, 310) – Walter has made his mark as a jack of all trades offensive lineman. He has the unique ability to play all five spots on the offensive line. The Cowboys have been working Walter at center this offseason and he will be working to secure as spot on the roster as a reserve lineman.

Predicted Final Roster Offensive Lineman:
Flozell Adams, Larry Allen, Al Johnson, Andre Gurode, Torrin Tucker, Jacob Rogers, Stephen Peterman, Gennaro DiNapoli, Kurt Vollers, Matt Lehr.

Predicted Practice Squad Players:
Tango McCauley, Thomas Herrion

[jterrell]

good read. I supect the final breakdown is very similar to the prediction tho it would not at all suprise me to see Gurode beat out by Peterman or Rogers to get the starts over Tucker. I think 2 PS spots are guaranteed on the OL and maybe even 3.

[Jon88]

Good breakdown. I expect the offensive line to be one of the team's strengths this year.

[MichaelWinicki]

It was an outstanding read.

[ghettogandhi]

finally someone who understands this teams offensive line depth-j

THE COWBOYS HAVE THE BEST OLINE DEPTH IN THE LEAGUE

[Hollywood Henderson]

Yes, well done.
I doubt however that Lehr even makes the team this year though...

[AJM1613]

Originally Posted by ghettogandhi

finally someone who understands this teams offensive line depth-j

THE COWBOYS HAVE THE BEST OLINE DEPTH IN THE LEAGUE

Not exactly...

[Hostile]

I loved reading that. I like the predictions.

Herrion on the Practice Squad really intrigues me as does Torrin Tucker. I wonder if these guys are not diamonds in the rough who could really make it as starters when time comes for cap casualties, retirement, injury, etc.

Thank you for a great breakdown.

[MichaelWinicki]

Originally Posted by ghettogandhi

finally someone who understands this teams offensive line depth-j

THE COWBOYS HAVE THE BEST OLINE DEPTH IN THE LEAGUE

Boy is that optimistic. I can't go that far.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Originally Posted by Hostile

I loved reading that. I like the predictions.

Herrion on the Practice Squad really intrigues me as does Torrin Tucker. I wonder if these guys are not diamonds in the rough who could really make it as starters when time comes for cap casualties, retirement, injury, etc.

Thank you for a great breakdown.

I'll tell ya Hos, I like that Herrion kid as well. Don't sleep on this kid. He is going to surprise some people.

Be in Phoenix Monday.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Very Good read Junk...thanks!

[Hostile]

Originally Posted by ABQCOWBOY

I'll tell ya Hos, I like that Herrion kid as well. Don't sleep on this kid. He is going to surprise some people.

Be in Phoenix Monday.

Oh man. I was going to be headed there Monday but one of my buildings had an A/C unit go out and now I have a crane coming to deliver a new one. One of these days we'll hook up for some lunch.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Originally Posted by Hostile

Oh man. I was going to be headed there Monday but one of my buildings had an A/C unit go out and now I have a crane coming to deliver a new one. One of these days we'll hook up for some lunch.

LOL, you better make sure you clear your schedule. From one old broken down SOB to another, I have a feeling the diet will be more liquid then substance.

[Hostile]

Originally Posted by ABQCOWBOY

LOL, you better make sure you clear your schedule. From one old broken down SOB to another, I have a feeling the diet will be more liquid then substance.

LMAO

Well, I don't drink so I'll drive.

[junk]

Originally Posted by Hostile

LMAO

Well, I don't drink so I'll drive.

If you are that old, maybe you shouldn't be driving either.