10 Open Roster Spots?

[Verdict]

I have seen this subject hinted at in other threads but I think it deserves its own thread. We obviously have 10 draft picks and I have seen some people say we don't have that many roster spots open. I'm not sure about that.

Let's survey what we need/think we need this year as if we do not have room for 10 players then there would be some pressure to trade up.

1. Linebacker to replace Hitchens as quality depth. (100 percent need ifHitchens leaves).
2. 1 Tech. 100 percent need if you want to improve the defense and keep the linebackers clean.
3. Starting LG. 100 percent need unless we resign Cooper but if we do resign Cooper we still need a guard as a backup at a minimum. It is arguable we need a starter and a backup.
4. Tackle/Swing Tackle. We definitely need a guy here. Tyron's back may indicate we need two if Tyron's back is worse than what we think it is.
5. Starting caliber linebacker. Most would say this might be our highest priority even if Jaylon is healthy and we get a full year out of Lee as Lee will need to be replaced in two years max.
6. A third linebacker. I'm not sure what we have on the roster but Wilson is probably a short timer and Wilbur'sdays are probably numbered. Unless we have a guy in the wings no one knows about there is a pretty good chance that we could use three guys out of this linebacker class.
7. Tight End? I'm not sure how high this one is on the priority list. Witten should be cut right after the draft, but will they do it?

Hanna was signed to a pretty decent contract because the team valued him but they never play him. I think Hanna is a more than adequate replacement for Witten. He is an upgrade. If Witten goes, we would have Hanna, Rico and Swaim. Andrews from OU in the 4th would be a significant improvement over Swaim. I think we will take a tight end out of this class, I'm just not sure where it will be.

If we keep Witten, we could forego tight end completely this year unless they elect to save a few million by cutting Hanna. So this one is a total crapshoot. If RICO isn't going to be the answer we could draft as many as two or three if we clean house. It's really hard to know what we are going to do here.

8. Backup running back. I think it is almost a certainty we will pick up a running back in the draft. How high that player is selected is debatable. Right now we have Elliott and Smith and that's it. We will need one more.

9. DB. Scandrick should be gone. If Jones moves to corner we will need one safety for sure.

From that list it is pretty easy to see that we have enough holes to use all of the draft picks, and the team should be looking to upgrade every position. It wouldn't be hard to fathom us drafting a stud DB and replace Brown who had a rough second season.

It wouldn't be shocking to see us draft a backup QB at some point.

One of these years the long snapper's days will also be over. I could see us using a late pick on that at some point.

 

[jazzcat22]

This makes sense, and can't disagree with your thinking on this. Puts logical perspective at looking at the draft and needs, or possible needs depending FA.

But also, we will sign some of our own FA's. We will sign a few mid tier FA's. So if they feel they filled some of those spots then would these 10 spots be filled with the draft as opposed to some FA's. Most likely not all 10 will pan out. Even though the FA players failed last year, you still go into the draft thinking you filled those holes.

But with this teams perspective on how they value draft picks, I am sure they will use them all, unless they can get a player they really like and make a trade up.
Which is ironic, they claim they value draft picks, but yet always seem to do something odd and take a gamble every draft.

 

[jterrell]

I have seen this subject hinted at in other threads but I think it deserves its own thread. We obviously have 10 draft picks and I have seen some people say we don't have that many roster spots open. I'm not sure about that.

Let's survey what we need/think we need this year as if we do not have room for 10 players then there would be some pressure to trade up.

1. Linebacker to replace Hitchens as quality depth. (100 percent need ifHitchens leaves).
2. 1 Tech. 100 percent need if you want to improve the defense and keep the linebackers clean.
3. Starting LG. 100 percent need unless we resign Cooper but if we do resign Cooper we still need a guard as a backup at a minimum. It is arguable we need a starter and a backup.
4. Tackle/Swing Tackle. We definitely need a guy here. Tyron's back may indicate we need two if Tyron's back is worse than what we think it is.
5. Starting caliber linebacker. Most would say this might be our highest priority even if Jaylon is healthy and we get a full year out of Lee as Lee will need to be replaced in two years max.
6. A third linebacker. I'm not sure what we have on the roster but Wilson is probably a short timer and Wilbur'sdays are probably numbered. Unless we have a guy in the wings no one knows about there is a pretty good chance that we could use three guys out of this linebacker class.
7. Tight End? I'm not sure how high this one is on the priority list. Witten should be cut right after the draft, but will they do it?

Hanna was signed to a pretty decent contract because the team valued him but they never play him. I think Hanna is a more than adequate replacement for Witten. He is an upgrade. If Witten goes, we would have Hanna, Rico and Swaim. Andrews from OU in the 4th would be a significant improvement over Swaim. I think we will take a tight end out of this class, I'm just not sure where it will be.

If we keep Witten, we could forego tight end completely this year unless they elect to save a few million by cutting Hanna. So this one is a total crapshoot. If RICO isn't going to be the answer we could draft as many as two or three if we clean house. It's really hard to know what we are going to do here.

8. Backup running back. I think it is almost a certainty we will pick up a running back in the draft. How high that player is selected is debatable. Right now we have Elliott and Smith and that's it. We will need one more.

9. DB. Scandrick should be gone. If Jones moves to corner we will need one safety for sure.

From that list it is pretty easy to see that we have enough holes to use all of the draft picks, and the team should be looking to upgrade every position. It wouldn't be hard to fathom us drafting a stud DB and replace Brown who had a rough second season.

It wouldn't be shocking to see us draft a backup QB at some point.

One of these years the long snapper's days will also be over. I could see us using a late pick on that at some point.

This stuff is why I still love the board even though most posts are a kick below the belt.
When looking at roster mgmt and how you orchestrate the draft this stuff should be part of that exercise and consideration the same way the 20 mock drafts are to see who tends to fall and where.
You can safely account for 2-3 guys getting injured.
But if you plan to draft 12 knowing you have 9 spots open and 3 guys you want off the practice squad you are crazy.

 

[Verdict]

This makes sense, and can't disagree with your thinking on this. Puts logical perspective at looking at the draft and needs, or possible needs depending FA.

But also, we will sign some of our own FA's. We will sign a few mid tier FA's. So if they feel they filled some of those spots then would these 10 spots be filled with the draft as opposed to some FA's. Most likely not all 10 will pan out. Even though the FA players failed last year, you still go into the draft thinking you filled those holes.

But with this teams perspective on how they value draft picks, I am sure they will use them all, unless they can get a player they really like and make a trade up.
Which is ironic, they claim they value draft picks, but yet always seem to do something odd and take a gamble every draft.

The problem with "filling holes" instead of acquiring talent is that when you try to fill holes the pick is often forced. If we went BPA for 10 picks we would end up not filling needed holes, but the team would have better overall talent.

I would like to see the team trade a pick or two for a higher pick in the following year. Quality over quantity.

If the Cowboys have the guts to do it I wouldn't go after anyone in free agency pre draft if they intend on using all 10 picks and then use the picks wisely. They are going to have 5 picks in the first 4 rounds. That's a lot of draft ammo.

They should come out of the first 4 rounds with 5 solid players. If they trade back in the first you could easily see tht being 6 picks in the top 4 rounds.

 

[jterrell]

The only thing I'd like to see and I am too busy to know it out right now myself is who all you kick off the roster at those spots.

Because it's really not about the top of the roster but the bottom.
Can you upgrade at those spots? It's pointless to draft a guy you rate well below your worst OL for instance.

 

[conner01]

The problem with "filling holes" instead of acquiring talent is that when you try to fill holes the pick is often forced. If we went BPA for 10 picks we would end up not filling needed holes, but the team would have better overall talent.

I would like to see the team trade a pick or two for a higher pick in the following year. Quality over quantity.

If the Cowboys have the guts to do it I wouldn't go after anyone in free agency pre draft if they intend on using all 10 picks and then use the picks wisely. They are going to have 5 picks in the first 4 rounds. That's a lot of draft ammo.

They should come out of the first 4 rounds with 5 solid players. If they trade back in the first you could easily see tht being 6 picks in the top 4 rounds.

Never been a fan of filling holes in the draft
The draft is about getting the best player you can with some obvious exceptions early
I would take a QB or RB at 19 but later in the draft if they were the best, I’d even take one of them
For the most part stick to best player and not worry about filling holes
Free agency is for filling holes

 

[Ranching]

I have seen this subject hinted at in other threads but I think it deserves its own thread. We obviously have 10 draft picks and I have seen some people say we don't have that many roster spots open. I'm not sure about that.

Let's survey what we need/think we need this year as if we do not have room for 10 players then there would be some pressure to trade up.

1. Linebacker to replace Hitchens as quality depth. (100 percent need ifHitchens leaves).
2. 1 Tech. 100 percent need if you want to improve the defense and keep the linebackers clean.
3. Starting LG. 100 percent need unless we resign Cooper but if we do resign Cooper we still need a guard as a backup at a minimum. It is arguable we need a starter and a backup.
4. Tackle/Swing Tackle. We definitely need a guy here. Tyron's back may indicate we need two if Tyron's back is worse than what we think it is.
5. Starting caliber linebacker. Most would say this might be our highest priority even if Jaylon is healthy and we get a full year out of Lee as Lee will need to be replaced in two years max.
6. A third linebacker. I'm not sure what we have on the roster but Wilson is probably a short timer and Wilbur'sdays are probably numbered. Unless we have a guy in the wings no one knows about there is a pretty good chance that we could use three guys out of this linebacker class.
7. Tight End? I'm not sure how high this one is on the priority list. Witten should be cut right after the draft, but will they do it?

Hanna was signed to a pretty decent contract because the team valued him but they never play him. I think Hanna is a more than adequate replacement for Witten. He is an upgrade. If Witten goes, we would have Hanna, Rico and Swaim. Andrews from OU in the 4th would be a significant improvement over Swaim. I think we will take a tight end out of this class, I'm just not sure where it will be.

If we keep Witten, we could forego tight end completely this year unless they elect to save a few million by cutting Hanna. So this one is a total crapshoot. If RICO isn't going to be the answer we could draft as many as two or three if we clean house. It's really hard to know what we are going to do here.

8. Backup running back. I think it is almost a certainty we will pick up a running back in the draft. How high that player is selected is debatable. Right now we have Elliott and Smith and that's it. We will need one more.

9. DB. Scandrick should be gone. If Jones moves to corner we will need one safety for sure.

From that list it is pretty easy to see that we have enough holes to use all of the draft picks, and the team should be looking to upgrade every position. It wouldn't be hard to fathom us drafting a stud DB and replace Brown who had a rough second season.

It wouldn't be shocking to see us draft a backup QB at some point.

One of these years the long snapper's days will also be over. I could see us using a late pick on that at some point.

Witten is gonna need an Asian Massage expert to keep him ready.

 

[Nightman]

I have seen this subject hinted at in other threads but I think it deserves its own thread. We obviously have 10 draft picks and I have seen some people say we don't have that many roster spots open. I'm not sure about that.

Let's survey what we need/think we need this year as if we do not have room for 10 players then there would be some pressure to trade up.

1. Linebacker to replace Hitchens as quality depth. (100 percent need ifHitchens leaves).
2. 1 Tech. 100 percent need if you want to improve the defense and keep the linebackers clean.
3. Starting LG. 100 percent need unless we resign Cooper but if we do resign Cooper we still need a guard as a backup at a minimum. It is arguable we need a starter and a backup.
4. Tackle/Swing Tackle. We definitely need a guy here. Tyron's back may indicate we need two if Tyron's back is worse than what we think it is.
5. Starting caliber linebacker. Most would say this might be our highest priority even if Jaylon is healthy and we get a full year out of Lee as Lee will need to be replaced in two years max.
6. A third linebacker. I'm not sure what we have on the roster but Wilson is probably a short timer and Wilbur'sdays are probably numbered. Unless we have a guy in the wings no one knows about there is a pretty good chance that we could use three guys out of this linebacker class.
7. Tight End? I'm not sure how high this one is on the priority list. Witten should be cut right after the draft, but will they do it?

Hanna was signed to a pretty decent contract because the team valued him but they never play him. I think Hanna is a more than adequate replacement for Witten. He is an upgrade. If Witten goes, we would have Hanna, Rico and Swaim. Andrews from OU in the 4th would be a significant improvement over Swaim. I think we will take a tight end out of this class, I'm just not sure where it will be.

If we keep Witten, we could forego tight end completely this year unless they elect to save a few million by cutting Hanna. So this one is a total crapshoot. If RICO isn't going to be the answer we could draft as many as two or three if we clean house. It's really hard to know what we are going to do here.

8. Backup running back. I think it is almost a certainty we will pick up a running back in the draft. How high that player is selected is debatable. Right now we have Elliott and Smith and that's it. We will need one more.

9. DB. Scandrick should be gone. If Jones moves to corner we will need one safety for sure.

From that list it is pretty easy to see that we have enough holes to use all of the draft picks, and the team should be looking to upgrade every position. It wouldn't be hard to fathom us drafting a stud DB and replace Brown who had a rough second season.

It wouldn't be shocking to see us draft a backup QB at some point.

One of these years the long snapper's days will also be over. I could see us using a late pick on that at some point.

Your list really falls apart after 3-4

The team is put together really well...... the only glaring hole is LG and 1T if Marinelli takes a vacation

The other positions are backups....... it is great to have competition and to push the starters but they are not gaping holes...... can you get someone to beat out BJones great...... he be will a helluva FS

Sign a vet LB and draft 1 or 2, great........find a speedy WR and RB, awesome...... groom a OT, yes

 

[Risen Star]

Our team is so stacked we can't even fit in a draft class!

 

[Irvin88_4life]

I have seen this subject hinted at in other threads but I think it deserves its own thread. We obviously have 10 draft picks and I have seen some people say we don't have that many roster spots open. I'm not sure about that.

Let's survey what we need/think we need this year as if we do not have room for 10 players then there would be some pressure to trade up.

1. Linebacker to replace Hitchens as quality depth. (100 percent need ifHitchens leaves).
2. 1 Tech. 100 percent need if you want to improve the defense and keep the linebackers clean.
3. Starting LG. 100 percent need unless we resign Cooper but if we do resign Cooper we still need a guard as a backup at a minimum. It is arguable we need a starter and a backup.
4. Tackle/Swing Tackle. We definitely need a guy here. Tyron's back may indicate we need two if Tyron's back is worse than what we think it is.
5. Starting caliber linebacker. Most would say this might be our highest priority even if Jaylon is healthy and we get a full year out of Lee as Lee will need to be replaced in two years max.
6. A third linebacker. I'm not sure what we have on the roster but Wilson is probably a short timer and Wilbur'sdays are probably numbered. Unless we have a guy in the wings no one knows about there is a pretty good chance that we could use three guys out of this linebacker class.
7. Tight End? I'm not sure how high this one is on the priority list. Witten should be cut right after the draft, but will they do it?

Hanna was signed to a pretty decent contract because the team valued him but they never play him. I think Hanna is a more than adequate replacement for Witten. He is an upgrade. If Witten goes, we would have Hanna, Rico and Swaim. Andrews from OU in the 4th would be a significant improvement over Swaim. I think we will take a tight end out of this class, I'm just not sure where it will be.

If we keep Witten, we could forego tight end completely this year unless they elect to save a few million by cutting Hanna. So this one is a total crapshoot. If RICO isn't going to be the answer we could draft as many as two or three if we clean house. It's really hard to know what we are going to do here.

8. Backup running back. I think it is almost a certainty we will pick up a running back in the draft. How high that player is selected is debatable. Right now we have Elliott and Smith and that's it. We will need one more.

9. DB. Scandrick should be gone. If Jones moves to corner we will need one safety for sure.

From that list it is pretty easy to see that we have enough holes to use all of the draft picks, and the team should be looking to upgrade every position. It wouldn't be hard to fathom us drafting a stud DB and replace Brown who had a rough second season.

It wouldn't be shocking to see us draft a backup QB at some point.

One of these years the long snapper's days will also be over. I could see us using a late pick on that at some point.

Maybe I missed it but receiver should be in this list.

 

[Nightman]

Our team is so stacked we can't even fit in a draft class!

12 starters..............No way

If you are going to build a strawman at least make it a good one

 

[Falco78]

I think we will take a tight end out of this class, I'm just not sure where it will be.

2nd round!

 

[xwalker]

I have seen this subject hinted at in other threads but I think it deserves its own thread. We obviously have 10 draft picks and I have seen some people say we don't have that many roster spots open. I'm not sure about that.

Let's survey what we need/think we need this year as if we do not have room for 10 players then there would be some pressure to trade up.

1. Linebacker to replace Hitchens as quality depth. (100 percent need ifHitchens leaves).
2. 1 Tech. 100 percent need if you want to improve the defense and keep the linebackers clean.
3. Starting LG. 100 percent need unless we resign Cooper but if we do resign Cooper we still need a guard as a backup at a minimum. It is arguable we need a starter and a backup.
4. Tackle/Swing Tackle. We definitely need a guy here. Tyron's back may indicate we need two if Tyron's back is worse than what we think it is.
5. Starting caliber linebacker. Most would say this might be our highest priority even if Jaylon is healthy and we get a full year out of Lee as Lee will need to be replaced in two years max.
6. A third linebacker. I'm not sure what we have on the roster but Wilson is probably a short timer and Wilbur'sdays are probably numbered. Unless we have a guy in the wings no one knows about there is a pretty good chance that we could use three guys out of this linebacker class.
7. Tight End? I'm not sure how high this one is on the priority list. Witten should be cut right after the draft, but will they do it?

Hanna was signed to a pretty decent contract because the team valued him but they never play him. I think Hanna is a more than adequate replacement for Witten. He is an upgrade. If Witten goes, we would have Hanna, Rico and Swaim. Andrews from OU in the 4th would be a significant improvement over Swaim. I think we will take a tight end out of this class, I'm just not sure where it will be.

If we keep Witten, we could forego tight end completely this year unless they elect to save a few million by cutting Hanna. So this one is a total crapshoot. If RICO isn't going to be the answer we could draft as many as two or three if we clean house. It's really hard to know what we are going to do here.

8. Backup running back. I think it is almost a certainty we will pick up a running back in the draft. How high that player is selected is debatable. Right now we have Elliott and Smith and that's it. We will need one more.

9. DB. Scandrick should be gone. If Jones moves to corner we will need one safety for sure.

From that list it is pretty easy to see that we have enough holes to use all of the draft picks, and the team should be looking to upgrade every position. It wouldn't be hard to fathom us drafting a stud DB and replace Brown who had a rough second season.

It wouldn't be shocking to see us draft a backup QB at some point.

One of these years the long snapper's days will also be over. I could see us using a late pick on that at some point.

Did somebody really say there were not 10 open (easily upgradable) roster spots? That's funny.

If they keep Hitchens, Cooper and DLaw, then the critical issues are:
WR (could use a free agent and draft picks)
1-tech
Swing Tackle

A high end Safety would be nice, but they can manage with some combination of Woods, Heath, Frazier, Jones and if necessary a Awuzie.

FYI - Witten is staying another year. No reason to even discuss other than hoping they reduce his snaps per game to give other players a chance.

 

[conner01]

Is there room for 10? Yes
Are you gonna get 10 good prospects? No
What we have to do is add one or two very good players, a couple that develops into starter quality players and a couple to develope
You can find 10 spots but you aren’t gonna find 10 fixes in one draft

 

[Jinxx13x]

Maybe I missed it but receiver should be in this list.

i agree

 

[Stash]

I have seen this subject hinted at in other threads but I think it deserves its own thread. We obviously have 10 draft picks and I have seen some people say we don't have that many roster spots open. I'm not sure about that.

Let's survey what we need/think we need this year as if we do not have room for 10 players then there would be some pressure to trade up.

1. Linebacker to replace Hitchens as quality depth. (100 percent need ifHitchens leaves).
2. 1 Tech. 100 percent need if you want to improve the defense and keep the linebackers clean.
3. Starting LG. 100 percent need unless we resign Cooper but if we do resign Cooper we still need a guard as a backup at a minimum. It is arguable we need a starter and a backup.
4. Tackle/Swing Tackle. We definitely need a guy here. Tyron's back may indicate we need two if Tyron's back is worse than what we think it is.
5. Starting caliber linebacker. Most would say this might be our highest priority even if Jaylon is healthy and we get a full year out of Lee as Lee will need to be replaced in two years max.
6. A third linebacker. I'm not sure what we have on the roster but Wilson is probably a short timer and Wilbur'sdays are probably numbered. Unless we have a guy in the wings no one knows about there is a pretty good chance that we could use three guys out of this linebacker class.
7. Tight End? I'm not sure how high this one is on the priority list. Witten should be cut right after the draft, but will they do it?

Hanna was signed to a pretty decent contract because the team valued him but they never play him. I think Hanna is a more than adequate replacement for Witten. He is an upgrade. If Witten goes, we would have Hanna, Rico and Swaim. Andrews from OU in the 4th would be a significant improvement over Swaim. I think we will take a tight end out of this class, I'm just not sure where it will be.

If we keep Witten, we could forego tight end completely this year unless they elect to save a few million by cutting Hanna. So this one is a total crapshoot. If RICO isn't going to be the answer we could draft as many as two or three if we clean house. It's really hard to know what we are going to do here.

8. Backup running back. I think it is almost a certainty we will pick up a running back in the draft. How high that player is selected is debatable. Right now we have Elliott and Smith and that's it. We will need one more.

9. DB. Scandrick should be gone. If Jones moves to corner we will need one safety for sure.

From that list it is pretty easy to see that we have enough holes to use all of the draft picks, and the team should be looking to upgrade every position. It wouldn't be hard to fathom us drafting a stud DB and replace Brown who had a rough second season.

It wouldn't be shocking to see us draft a backup QB at some point.

One of these years the long snapper's days will also be over. I could see us using a late pick on that at some point.

Sorry but it looks like you're completely discounting free agency.

It's entirely possible that they could fill Hitchens roster spot with a reasonably-priced free agent, like Navarro Bowman or Derrick Johnson.

It's equally possible that they re-sign Jonathan Cooper to return as their LG. As for that "third linebacker", there's no reason to think that they couldn't also fill that need with a vet minimum free agent or undrafted free agent.

Looking at your list, I still don't see too many "must have draft pick" needs there.

For the record, I'm with you about getting a quality 1-tech, but unfortunately, the team doesn't share our views.

 

[northerncowboynation]

I have seen this subject hinted at in other threads but I think it deserves its own thread. We obviously have 10 draft picks and I have seen some people say we don't have that many roster spots open. I'm not sure about that.

Let's survey what we need/think we need this year as if we do not have room for 10 players then there would be some pressure to trade up.

1. Linebacker to replace Hitchens as quality depth. (100 percent need ifHitchens leaves).
2. 1 Tech. 100 percent need if you want to improve the defense and keep the linebackers clean.
3. Starting LG. 100 percent need unless we resign Cooper but if we do resign Cooper we still need a guard as a backup at a minimum. It is arguable we need a starter and a backup.
4. Tackle/Swing Tackle. We definitely need a guy here. Tyron's back may indicate we need two if Tyron's back is worse than what we think it is.
5. Starting caliber linebacker. Most would say this might be our highest priority even if Jaylon is healthy and we get a full year out of Lee as Lee will need to be replaced in two years max.
6. A third linebacker. I'm not sure what we have on the roster but Wilson is probably a short timer and Wilbur'sdays are probably numbered. Unless we have a guy in the wings no one knows about there is a pretty good chance that we could use three guys out of this linebacker class.
7. Tight End? I'm not sure how high this one is on the priority list. Witten should be cut right after the draft, but will they do it?

Hanna was signed to a pretty decent contract because the team valued him but they never play him. I think Hanna is a more than adequate replacement for Witten. He is an upgrade. If Witten goes, we would have Hanna, Rico and Swaim. Andrews from OU in the 4th would be a significant improvement over Swaim. I think we will take a tight end out of this class, I'm just not sure where it will be.

If we keep Witten, we could forego tight end completely this year unless they elect to save a few million by cutting Hanna. So this one is a total crapshoot. If RICO isn't going to be the answer we could draft as many as two or three if we clean house. It's really hard to know what we are going to do here.

8. Backup running back. I think it is almost a certainty we will pick up a running back in the draft. How high that player is selected is debatable. Right now we have Elliott and Smith and that's it. We will need one more.

9. DB. Scandrick should be gone. If Jones moves to corner we will need one safety for sure.

From that list it is pretty easy to see that we have enough holes to use all of the draft picks, and the team should be looking to upgrade every position. It wouldn't be hard to fathom us drafting a stud DB and replace Brown who had a rough second season.

It wouldn't be shocking to see us draft a backup QB at some point.

One of these years the long snapper's days will also be over. I could see us using a late pick on that at some point.

Good post. I think this is a great discussion for after the FA period. What happens with Hitch and Cooper will be telling. I agree we shouldn't draft from a position of need but let's be honest here, teams do take BPA at positions of need. We have lots of need positions and should be able to target solid players with 10 picks, should not get caught up in this guy or that guy or one position over another unless the BPA fills one of the need positions.

A good exercise may be to identify the positions that aren't needs at this point. Yes, depth is important but depth can come from later rounds like 5'th round where we have 2 conditionals and the 6'th where we have one. McClay and his merry band of scouts better do their homework well

 

[Bobhaze]

IMO, one reason it’s so hard to predict from year to year what the Cowboys are going to do in the draft is they seem to change vision/priorities too often.

They seem to draft in a “needs for the moment” every year instead of drafting with a much bigger perspective than just “what do we need this year”?

Example- why wait until your star QB (Romo) is done before addressing the QB position? They should have drafted one before 2016. The Cowboys FO seems to draft on a year to year basis rather than looking at team building in a much bigger picture.

 

[gjkoeppen]

I have seen this subject hinted at in other threads but I think it deserves its own thread. We obviously have 10 draft picks and I have seen some people say we don't have that many roster spots open. I'm not sure about that.

Let's survey what we need/think we need this year as if we do not have room for 10 players then there would be some pressure to trade up.

1. Linebacker to replace Hitchens as quality depth. (100 percent need ifHitchens leaves).
2. 1 Tech. 100 percent need if you want to improve the defense and keep the linebackers clean.
3. Starting LG. 100 percent need unless we resign Cooper but if we do resign Cooper we still need a guard as a backup at a minimum. It is arguable we need a starter and a backup.
4. Tackle/Swing Tackle. We definitely need a guy here. Tyron's back may indicate we need two if Tyron's back is worse than what we think it is.
5. Starting caliber linebacker. Most would say this might be our highest priority even if Jaylon is healthy and we get a full year out of Lee as Lee will need to be replaced in two years max.
6. A third linebacker. I'm not sure what we have on the roster but Wilson is probably a short timer and Wilbur'sdays are probably numbered. Unless we have a guy in the wings no one knows about there is a pretty good chance that we could use three guys out of this linebacker class.
7. Tight End? I'm not sure how high this one is on the priority list. Witten should be cut right after the draft, but will they do it?

Hanna was signed to a pretty decent contract because the team valued him but they never play him. I think Hanna is a more than adequate replacement for Witten. He is an upgrade. If Witten goes, we would have Hanna, Rico and Swaim. Andrews from OU in the 4th would be a significant improvement over Swaim. I think we will take a tight end out of this class, I'm just not sure where it will be.

If we keep Witten, we could forego tight end completely this year unless they elect to save a few million by cutting Hanna. So this one is a total crapshoot. If RICO isn't going to be the answer we could draft as many as two or three if we clean house. It's really hard to know what we are going to do here.

8. Backup running back. I think it is almost a certainty we will pick up a running back in the draft. How high that player is selected is debatable. Right now we have Elliott and Smith and that's it. We will need one more.

9. DB. Scandrick should be gone. If Jones moves to corner we will need one safety for sure.

From that list it is pretty easy to see that we have enough holes to use all of the draft picks, and the team should be looking to upgrade every position. It wouldn't be hard to fathom us drafting a stud DB and replace Brown who had a rough second season.

It wouldn't be shocking to see us draft a backup QB at some point.

One of these years the long snapper's days will also be over. I could see us using a late pick on that at some point.

You've made a couple of assumptions that have nothing to back it up other than just your opinion and one of them is in way left field. First, the only ones saying or are even hinting at cutting Witten are some wannabe GM fans. I've not heard anything about Witten from anyone with the Cowboys or any actual analyst, or even any of the "NFL insiders" who often are not totally right. Second I've not heard anything from the Cowboys concerning Scandrick other than he considered retiring last season but then there have been many many players who have hinted a retirement but then didn't retire for a couple of years. I believe the Cowboys know they have a extremely good deep snapper and will resign him to at least a 3 year deal so the need this year to find another deep snapper isn't there. I do believe that the Cowboys would be wise to keep building through the draft and use all of the 10 picks and resit the urge to use some to trade up just because they do have a couple of extra picks. There are people that say drafting, even 1st round talent is still somewhat of a gamble because there have been busts from the 1st pick and every pick after that so I don't see using picks to move up to draft a player. If that player turns out to a bust then that bust turns out to have wasted more than 1 pick.
.

 

[big dog cowboy]

From that list it is pretty easy to see that we have enough holes to use all of the draft picks

Between FA's, draft picks and UDFA's there will be plenty of players to overturn the roster by at least 12-14 roster spots. The Cowboys would be better off trading up with their extra picks and get more 3rd or 4th round picks. They don't need 10 draft picks. Go get the better talent by working he draft. Teams occasionally find good players with those 5th, 6th and 7th rounders but generally they are long shots to make the 53.