News: 5 positions the Cowboys must address this offseason

[CCBoy]

5 positions the Cowboys must address this offseason
By Tommy Chalk Jan 7, 2016 at 6:00p ET
http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/dallas-cowboys-2016-offseason-team-needs-010716


The Dallas Cowboys 2015 season was a dud, and they simply can't afford to let their 2016 season stoop that low again. Severe injuries to key players exposed Dallas' lack of depth, and it wasted away an entire season. Now, the Cowboys, armed with a fourth-overall draft pick, will look to retool and revamp their 2016 squad. Here are five areas the Cowboys should look to upgrade this offseason.



1. Quarterback




Now is the time to invest in the future. When Tony Romo went down with two separate collarbone injuries, the Cowboys faltered horribly. Matt Cassel, Brandon Weeden and Kellen Moore all slung passes in starts for Dallas, and all three produced a combined single win. Romo will be back next season, so the position doesn't need to be addressed as an emergency basis. But Romo is going to be 36 at the start of the season, and we already know he is somewhat injury prone (he's broken his collarbone three times now). And if the best available quarterback is twiddling his thumbs at the draft table while the Cowboys are on the clock come April 30, why not take a shot?




2. Defensive Tackle




The Cowboys could use a bit of variety up the middle of their defensive line. Both Nick Hayden and Tyrone Crawford fit more as a defensive tackle in the 4-3 scheme, and Hayden becomes a free agent this offseason anyway. Even if Hayden does return, it'd be nice to bring in a 3-4 tackle to spice up the defense a bit. It doesn't have to be a high-priced tackle like a B.J. Raji-type (though that would obviously be a nice 2016 free agent signing), but an adequate starter that's available will certainly help. Damon Harrison of the New York Jets would be a great fit if he opts to test free agency waters this offseason. But a trade option may end up being in the Cowboys' best interest.



3. Cornerback




Dallas' top guys, Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne have uncertain futures with the Cowboys. Claiborne is set to hit free agency. Carr is signed through 2017, but this season was a bit of a letdown for the 29-year-old. Was he really worth the second-highest cap hit on the team this season, behind only Romo? If the Cowboys cut or trade Carr before June 1, they save $6.383 million, but they will have $7.43 million in dead money against the cap in 2016. If they cut or trade him after June 1, they save $9.1 million, but still have $4.717 million in dead money against the cap. If the Cowboys part ways with both, that opens the door for a brand new addition, and the Cowboys would desperately need to sign a starting corner or two...

 

[visionary]

QB of the future
DT 1T
FS
Speed WR/PR/KR
RB

 

[big dog cowboy]

Carr is signed through 2017, but this season was a bit of a letdown for the 29-year-old. Was he really worth the second-highest cap hit on the team this season, behind only Romo?

Beating a dead horse here, but this is just unbelievable to me.

 

[canters]

Beating a dead horse here, but this is just unbelievable to me.

Hopefully one of, if not the last, bad contract JJ issues.

 

[Leadbelly]

MLB is higher on my list. If there's CB and MLB at either of our 1st or 2nd round picks and they have roughly the same grade, I'd take the MLB (not both picks obviously). Also, I have concerns about BJ at Safety holding up physically, so I would keep him at CB. He can be a better FS, but if he's missing games annually it's a wash.

And I don't dislike McClain. I just don't think your MLB in a 4-3 D is someone you're only willing to give 1-yr contracts. Fine bringing him back as a backup if he's fine with that role. Upgrade the starter.

And if we're not signing Hardy, RDE is pretty high up there too. I like Gregory's potential but he didn't show much this year and how he handles an offseason unsupervised will be interesting.

QB
RDE
MLB
S
DT (Mainly 1T but I don't see such a talented 3T on our roster that I'd wouldn't take him and maybe move Crawford to 1T.)

 

[Sydla]

Any list of 5 positions that need fixing that doesn't include safety is a moronic list. Safety is easily a bigger issue than TB IMO.

 

[FaSho]

I agree that QB needs to be addressed, but in no way is that our biggest need.

DB is our biggest need. CB specifically. Carr is garbage, Claiborne might be gone, Scandrick is coming off an injury, and the rest are nobodies (except Jones)

What I would do:
Keep Claiborne, or sign someone else in FA.
Cut Carr.
Draft CB in 1 or 2.
Move Jones to Safety full time.

 

[csirl]

QB, Safety and DT

 

[Killerinstinct]

Top 5 needs

1. SS
2. CB
3. LB
4. Another CB (If Carr is cut and Claiborne is not re-signed)
5. Another LB (IF Mcclain isn't re-signed)
6. QB to groom
7. QB veteran QB to play now if Romo go's down
8. G if Bernie and Leary leave it becomes two G's
9 G see above
10.. C if Bernie leaves also need a backup C
10. RB preferably one with some size that can compliment Mcfadden
11. WR 2 Williams is average at best
12. RT if Chaz Green doesn't work out and who knows at this point
13. DE if Hardy is not re-signed
14. DE if Hardy and Mincey are not re-signed
15. DE if Hardy, Mincey and Jack Crawford are not re-signed
16. DT to replace Hayden
I guess that is more than 5. Might need a KR too.

 

[DallasDomination]

1. safety
2. speed wr
3. qb
4. dt
5. cb

 

[LocimusPrime]

MLB is higher on my list. If there's CB and MLB at either of our 1st or 2nd round picks and they have roughly the same grade, I'd take the MLB (not both picks obviously). Also, I have concerns about BJ at Safety holding up physically, so I would keep him at CB. He can be a better FS, but if he's missing games annually it's a wash.

And I don't dislike McClain. I just don't think your MLB in a 4-3 D is someone you're only willing to give 1-yr contracts. Fine bringing him back as a backup if he's fine with that role. Upgrade the starter.

And if we're not signing Hardy, RDE is pretty high up there too. I like Gregory's potential but he didn't show much this year and how he handles an offseason unsupervised will be interesting.

QB
RDE
MLB
S
DT (Mainly 1T but I don't see such a talented 3T on our roster that I'd wouldn't take him and maybe move Crawford to 1T.)

Im glad you mention BJ at safety. He has narrow shoulders and looks a little light at safety. Im worried if he can hold up against the run. Also DE which wasnt a position of concern now has become one. Gregory wont be a huge factor next year we need about 25-30 sacks from the DE position and 15 from all other positions. The playoff teams all have 41-52 sacks this year. I dont see where we can get 30 sacks from lawrence, gregory, and jack crawford ( if we sign him)

 

[BAT]

1 tech DT is certainly a need, but not as great a need as a play making 3 tech. Marinelli's D is dependent on the 3 tech applying constant QB pressure & sacks. Ty Crawford has not proven he can be that double digit sack guy that is absolutely required for this D scheme to be successful.

A true FS is also a need.

 

[Risen Star]

1. QB - Two. Franchise prospect and vet FA to backup for now. This is so much more important than anything else on this list. I'd take just this over getting all of the next four.

2. RB - Darren McFadden this. He's a career JAG and you'd have to be insane to be content going into next year with him as your starter. Turbin can't play. Dunbar is a generational talent but just can't stay healthy. He's like another Gale Sayers only with a shorter career and probably a lot more raw ability. Sucks but hey...

3. WR - I look at this position like we have nothing. Dez is a major league moron who can't be counted on. Especially in times of adversity. If you get good Dez, great....you have one of the best in the league but you simply can not trust him any longer. He's a bonus at this point if he shows up with his mind semi-right. Act like he's not on the roster. Williams is hit and miss and not worth another contract. Beasley looks like me. Butler is depth. Street is a camp body. I wouldn't bat an eyelash if the Cowboys drafted two wideouts in the first 4 rounds of the draft or drafted one early and signed a significant free agent.

4. TE - Offense, offense, offense. It's an offensive league and we are woefully lacking in talent at the skill positions. It's time to turn the page on Saint Jason. We'll all cherish the memories. We're just at a point now where other teams have an advantage at this position. Witten on the field limits what you can do offensively. Even with a mind as bright as Jason Garrett's.

5. DT - I don't know how Marinelli will handle the nicknames at the Senior Bowl, you don't want to nickname a player, not get him and then he goes on to have success somewhere else with that nickname, but we really must upgrade the 1. It's too easy to move this defense inside. Crawford can get a mulligan with his shoulder. Hayden doesn't for his entire body. He can go be a hard worker/effort guy in another uniform. It's imperative that we fix the middle to allow our young ends every opportunity to succeed.

We have much more than 5 needs but so does every team, really. Those would be my five.

 

[jobberone]

Beating a dead horse here, but this is just unbelievable to me.

That mistake was made a long time ago. It was so bad it has kept us from doing anything else back there. My guess is he gets another year although that's not a given. Every year I think CZ should send him a Carr photo with the price tag on it so maybe he'll not pull a 'Jerry' as we acquire talent.

 

[jobberone]

1. QB - Two. Franchise prospect and vet FA to backup for now. This is so much more important than anything else on this list. I'd take just this over getting all of the next four.

2. RB - Darren McFadden this. He's a career JAG and you'd have to be insane to be content going into next year with him as your starter. Turbin can't play. Dunbar is a generational talent but just can't stay healthy. He's like another Gale Sayers only with a shorter career and probably a lot more raw ability. Sucks but hey...

3. WR - I look at this position like we have nothing. Dez is a major league moron who can't be counted on. Especially in times of adversity. If you get good Dez, great....you have one of the best in the league but you simply can not trust him any longer. He's a bonus at this point if he shows up with his mind semi-right. Act like he's not on the roster. Williams is hit and miss and not worth another contract. Beasley looks like me. Butler is depth. Street is a camp body. I wouldn't bat an eyelash if the Cowboys drafted two wideouts in the first 4 rounds of the draft or drafted one early and signed a significant free agent.

4. TE - Offense, offense, offense. It's an offensive league and we are woefully lacking in talent at the skill positions. It's time to turn the page on Saint Jason. We'll all cherish the memories. We're just at a point now where other teams have an advantage at this position. Witten on the field limits what you can do offensively. Even with a mind as bright as Jason Garrett's.

5. DT - I don't know how Marinelli will handle the nicknames at the Senior Bowl, you don't want to nickname a player, not get him and then he goes on to have success somewhere else with that nickname, but we really must upgrade the 1. It's too easy to move this defense inside. Crawford can get a mulligan with his shoulder. Hayden doesn't for his entire body. He can go be a hard worker/effort guy in another uniform. It's imperative that we fix the middle to allow our young ends every opportunity to succeed.

We have much more than 5 needs but so does every team, really. Those would be my five.

1. Yes
2. They should look in the middle rounds and FA. Not that uncomfortable here.
3. I'd go FA here if possible then get a big guy after round 1 hopefully after 2. Not that uncomfortable here either.
4. Serious look but I'd rather they just use Hanna and Escobar.
5. I don't think they get 'moved' as much as it is inherent in a 1 gap defense. The difference is in the perception of talent and the understanding of the weaknesses of certain Ds. It's just too easy to turn an interior DL in a one gap esp if he's leaning the 'wrong' way. That's the benefit of a ZBS. Yes, a better player will not get 'moved' as much but it will be enough. That's why the LBer's have to play well here and a very good reason to have a big thumper in the middle like Ro. I see them adding a big 3. If you want to call that a 1 I'm ok with that although I'd call that a 3/1 or a 1/3. The lead here is to look at rush yards and how effective is the opponents run game. And I think we are too soft up the middle and have been a long time.

 

[LatinMind]

5 positions the Cowboys must address this offseason
By Tommy Chalk Jan 7, 2016 at 6:00p ET
http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/dallas-cowboys-2016-offseason-team-needs-010716


The Dallas Cowboys 2015 season was a dud, and they simply can't afford to let their 2016 season stoop that low again. Severe injuries to key players exposed Dallas' lack of depth, and it wasted away an entire season. Now, the Cowboys, armed with a fourth-overall draft pick, will look to retool and revamp their 2016 squad. Here are five areas the Cowboys should look to upgrade this offseason.



1. Quarterback




Now is the time to invest in the future. When Tony Romo went down with two separate collarbone injuries, the Cowboys faltered horribly. Matt Cassel, Brandon Weeden and Kellen Moore all slung passes in starts for Dallas, and all three produced a combined single win. Romo will be back next season, so the position doesn't need to be addressed as an emergency basis. But Romo is going to be 36 at the start of the season, and we already know he is somewhat injury prone (he's broken his collarbone three times now). And if the best available quarterback is twiddling his thumbs at the draft table while the Cowboys are on the clock come April 30, why not take a shot?




2. Defensive Tackle




The Cowboys could use a bit of variety up the middle of their defensive line. Both Nick Hayden and Tyrone Crawford fit more as a defensive tackle in the 4-3 scheme, and Hayden becomes a free agent this offseason anyway. Even if Hayden does return, it'd be nice to bring in a 3-4 tackle to spice up the defense a bit. It doesn't have to be a high-priced tackle like a B.J. Raji-type (though that would obviously be a nice 2016 free agent signing), but an adequate starter that's available will certainly help. Damon Harrison of the New York Jets would be a great fit if he opts to test free agency waters this offseason. But a trade option may end up being in the Cowboys' best interest.



3. Cornerback




Dallas' top guys, Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne have uncertain futures with the Cowboys. Claiborne is set to hit free agency. Carr is signed through 2017, but this season was a bit of a letdown for the 29-year-old. Was he really worth the second-highest cap hit on the team this season, behind only Romo? If the Cowboys cut or trade Carr before June 1, they save $6.383 million, but they will have $7.43 million in dead money against the cap in 2016. If they cut or trade him after June 1, they save $9.1 million, but still have $4.717 million in dead money against the cap. If the Cowboys part ways with both, that opens the door for a brand new addition, and the Cowboys would desperately need to sign a starting corner or two...

Lol wth why would Dallas bring in a 3-4 type dt?

 

[big dog cowboy]

1 tech DT is certainly a need, but not as great a need as a play making 3 tech. Marinelli's D is dependent on the 3 tech applying constant QB pressure & sacks. Ty Crawford has not proven he can be that double digit sack guy that is absolutely required for this D scheme to be successful.

It sucks he tore up his shoulder early in the season and had to play with one arm most of the time. Maybe next year.

 

[jjktkk]

1 tech DT is certainly a need, but not as great a need as a play making 3 tech. Marinelli's D is dependent on the 3 tech applying constant QB pressure & sacks. Ty Crawford has not proven he can be that double digit sack guy that is absolutely required for this D scheme to be successful.

A true FS is also a need.

Crawford played with a bum shoulder the last part of the season. He's flashed ability, but needs to show more.

 

[CCBoy]

Will two 4th round and three to four sixth rounders be enough for defensive upgrades?

 

[BAT]

It sucks he tore up his shoulder early in the season and had to play with one arm most of the time. Maybe next year.

Not doubting his effort or athleticism, it's his technique and feel for the game that makes me think he will never be elite. So reliant on his body (power & speed) rather than craftiness and skill.