A roster question worth asking before draft about building our future

[Bobhaze]

One of the most common blind spots we all have as fans is over-valuing too many players on our team. It’s understandable. We love the Cowboys, so we end up being attached to certain players. Even if they aren’t as good or important as we think they are.

So imagine looking at this roster now before the upcoming draft and asking the question, “If you can only keep five players to build for the future…for the next five years, who would they be?” Or put it another way, “Which five current Cowboys players would you value the most for the rebuilding the future of this team?”

For me, it would be these five:

• Micah Parsons - personally I don’t like this guy; he talks way too much and acts like he’s a junior in high school but he’s the most talented player on this roster, he’s only 25, and could be packaged for a great trade or hopefully become the second best player on the defense.
• Cedee Lamb - only 25, clearly one of the best 5 WRs in the NFL. And he’s under contract for 4 more years. Worth building around.
• Tyler Smith - a beast at G and has already been a 2nd team All Pro. And he will be 24 next season. An anchor for another decade.
• Brandon Aubrey - he’s the best kicker in the NFL and is a legit weapon. Kickers are fickle and can get the yips at any time. But imagine this team without him.
• This one I struggled with…Deron Bland. He’s only 25 and has had an All Pro season before his foot injury. I still think he’s worth keeping.

Honorable mentions: Cooper Beebe, with great hesitation Tyler Guyton (if he can develop), DeMarvion Overshown (if he can recover)

Folks that’s about it. Those are the only guys I see on this current roster that should could be the better part of a roster rebuild. Frankly, this team is in desperate need of:

• Talent at DL. Especially talented DT. Not some washed up JAG or a 3 year rookie project.
• Young upgrade at RB. We need at least one impactful RB in this draft.
• Upgrade at WR. Other than Lamb, the cupboard is bare.
• A young LB that can immediately contribute.
• Could use a S that isn’t washed up.
• A QB for the future.

This team is in dire need of talent at multiple positions. I hope this FO is not playing fantasy football and has an actual plan for building a much better roster.

 

[StarOfGlory]

One of the most common blind spots we all have as fans is over-valuing too many players on our team. It’s understandable. We love the Cowboys, so we end up being attached to certain players. Even if they aren’t as good or important as we think they are.

So imagine looking at this roster now before the upcoming draft and asking the question, “If you can only keep five players to build for the future…for the next five years, who would they be?” Or put it another way, “Which five current Cowboys players would you value the most for the rebuilding the future of this team?”

For me, it would be these five:

• Micah Parsons - personally I don’t like this guy; he talks way too much and acts like he’s a junior in high school but he’s the most talented player on this roster, he’s only 25, and could be packaged for a great trade or hopefully become the second best player on the defense.
• Cedee Lamb - only 25, clearly one of the best 5 WRs in the NFL. And he’s under contract for 4 more years. Worth building around.
• Tyler Smith - a beast at G and has already been a 2nd team All Pro. And he will be 24 next season. An anchor for another decade.
• Brandon Aubrey - he’s the best kicker in the NFL and is a legit weapon. Kickers are fickle and can get the yips at any time. But imagine this team without him.
• This one I struggled with…Deron Bland. He’s only 25 and has had an All Pro season before his foot injury. I still think he’s worth keeping.

Honorable mentions: Cooper Beebe, with great hesitation Tyler Guyton (if he can develop), DeMarvion Overshown (if he can recover)

Folks that’s about it. Those are the only guys I see on this current roster that should could be the better part of a roster rebuild. Frankly, this team is in desperate need of:

• Talent at DL. Especially talented DT. Not some washed up JAG or a 3 year rookie project.
• Young upgrade at RB. We need at least one impactful RB in this draft.
• Upgrade at WR. Other than Lamb, the cupboard is bare.
• A young LB that can immediately contribute.
• Could use a S that isn’t washed up.
• A QB for the future.

This team is in dire need of talent at multiple positions. I hope this FO is not playing fantasy football and has an actual plan for building a much better roster.

I would swap Bland for Beebe but agree with everything else.

 

[plymkr]

One of the most common blind spots we all have as fans is over-valuing too many players on our team. It’s understandable. We love the Cowboys, so we end up being attached to certain players. Even if they aren’t as good or important as we think they are.

So imagine looking at this roster now before the upcoming draft and asking the question, “If you can only keep five players to build for the future…for the next five years, who would they be?” Or put it another way, “Which five current Cowboys players would you value the most for the rebuilding the future of this team?”

For me, it would be these five:

• Micah Parsons - personally I don’t like this guy; he talks way too much and acts like he’s a junior in high school but he’s the most talented player on this roster, he’s only 25, and could be packaged for a great trade or hopefully become the second best player on the defense.
• Cedee Lamb - only 25, clearly one of the best 5 WRs in the NFL. And he’s under contract for 4 more years. Worth building around.
• Tyler Smith - a beast at G and has already been a 2nd team All Pro. And he will be 24 next season. An anchor for another decade.
• Brandon Aubrey - he’s the best kicker in the NFL and is a legit weapon. Kickers are fickle and can get the yips at any time. But imagine this team without him.
• This one I struggled with…Deron Bland. He’s only 25 and has had an All Pro season before his foot injury. I still think he’s worth keeping.

Honorable mentions: Cooper Beebe, with great hesitation Tyler Guyton (if he can develop), DeMarvion Overshown (if he can recover)

Folks that’s about it. Those are the only guys I see on this current roster that should could be the better part of a roster rebuild. Frankly, this team is in desperate need of:

• Talent at DL. Especially talented DT. Not some washed up JAG or a 3 year rookie project.
• Young upgrade at RB. We need at least one impactful RB in this draft.
• Upgrade at WR. Other than Lamb, the cupboard is bare.
• A young LB that can immediately contribute.
• Could use a S that isn’t washed up.
• A QB for the future.

This team is in dire need of talent at multiple positions. I hope this FO is not playing fantasy football and has an actual plan for building a much better roster.

I’m not sure if this is the type of answer you’re looking for but I wish Jerry would borrow a five year team building plan from his first five year team building plan. In 89 we drafted Aikman, which was a no brainer. In 90 we were going to go with LBer Steve Francis but thank God Cincinnati beat us to the punch and we “settled” for Emmitt. With those 2 picks aside what we focused on was building a strong front 7 and building offensive linemen. For the life of me I don’t understand why Jerry doesn’t borrow from the glory years with team building. Build from the inside out.

I would like a plan of building the team around the idea of protecting the QB with a strong defense and offensive line. Treat Dak as if he’s Danny White and prepare to have him for 3 years and plan accordingly. But please no more risky picks with premium rounds and let’s not draft a TE in rounds 1-3. Schoon and Mazi really hurt us. Mazi cuz he’s a bust. Schoon cuz whether or not he’s good we needed other positions.

But as far as player, 5 players, if I had to choose:
1. Micah
2. Tyler
3: Lamb
4: Aubry
5. Beebe, I love Bland but I feel we win and lose in the trenches so I got to go with Beebe on this one. It’s very close tho cuz good CB’s are valuable.

 

[john van brocklin]

One of the most common blind spots we all have as fans is over-valuing too many players on our team. It’s understandable. We love the Cowboys, so we end up being attached to certain players. Even if they aren’t as good or important as we think they are.

So imagine looking at this roster now before the upcoming draft and asking the question, “If you can only keep five players to build for the future…for the next five years, who would they be?” Or put it another way, “Which five current Cowboys players would you value the most for the rebuilding the future of this team?”

For me, it would be these five:

• Micah Parsons - personally I don’t like this guy; he talks way too much and acts like he’s a junior in high school but he’s the most talented player on this roster, he’s only 25, and could be packaged for a great trade or hopefully become the second best player on the defense.
• Cedee Lamb - only 25, clearly one of the best 5 WRs in the NFL. And he’s under contract for 4 more years. Worth building around.
• Tyler Smith - a beast at G and has already been a 2nd team All Pro. And he will be 24 next season. An anchor for another decade.
• Brandon Aubrey - he’s the best kicker in the NFL and is a legit weapon. Kickers are fickle and can get the yips at any time. But imagine this team without him.
• This one I struggled with…Deron Bland. He’s only 25 and has had an All Pro season before his foot injury. I still think he’s worth keeping.

Honorable mentions: Cooper Beebe, with great hesitation Tyler Guyton (if he can develop), DeMarvion Overshown (if he can recover)

Folks that’s about it. Those are the only guys I see on this current roster that should could be the better part of a roster rebuild. Frankly, this team is in desperate need of:

• Talent at DL. Especially talented DT. Not some washed up JAG or a 3 year rookie project.
• Young upgrade at RB. We need at least one impactful RB in this draft.
• Upgrade at WR. Other than Lamb, the cupboard is bare.
• A young LB that can immediately contribute.
• Could use a S that isn’t washed up.
• A QB for the future.

This team is in dire need of talent at multiple positions. I hope this FO is not playing fantasy football and has an actual plan for building a much better roster.

This front office has no clue how to construct a roster in today's NFL.
We have wandered in the wilderness for 29 years under Jerry's stewardship with no signs it going to get better.
I am depressed as a Cowboys fan.

 

[CyberB0b]

One of the most common blind spots we all have as fans is over-valuing too many players on our team. It’s understandable. We love the Cowboys, so we end up being attached to certain players. Even if they aren’t as good or important as we think they are.

So imagine looking at this roster now before the upcoming draft and asking the question, “If you can only keep five players to build for the future…for the next five years, who would they be?” Or put it another way, “Which five current Cowboys players would you value the most for the rebuilding the future of this team?”

For me, it would be these five:

• Micah Parsons - personally I don’t like this guy; he talks way too much and acts like he’s a junior in high school but he’s the most talented player on this roster, he’s only 25, and could be packaged for a great trade or hopefully become the second best player on the defense.
• Cedee Lamb - only 25, clearly one of the best 5 WRs in the NFL. And he’s under contract for 4 more years. Worth building around.
• Tyler Smith - a beast at G and has already been a 2nd team All Pro. And he will be 24 next season. An anchor for another decade.
• Brandon Aubrey - he’s the best kicker in the NFL and is a legit weapon. Kickers are fickle and can get the yips at any time. But imagine this team without him.
• This one I struggled with…Deron Bland. He’s only 25 and has had an All Pro season before his foot injury. I still think he’s worth keeping.

Honorable mentions: Cooper Beebe, with great hesitation Tyler Guyton (if he can develop), DeMarvion Overshown (if he can recover)

Folks that’s about it. Those are the only guys I see on this current roster that should could be the better part of a roster rebuild. Frankly, this team is in desperate need of:

• Talent at DL. Especially talented DT. Not some washed up JAG or a 3 year rookie project.
• Young upgrade at RB. We need at least one impactful RB in this draft.
• Upgrade at WR. Other than Lamb, the cupboard is bare.
• A young LB that can immediately contribute.
• Could use a S that isn’t washed up.
• A QB for the future.

This team is in dire need of talent at multiple positions. I hope this FO is not playing fantasy football and has an actual plan for building a much better roster.

Hard to argue with anything you said. I’d try to trade Parsons and get more premium picks.

 

[John813]

Sad when the kicker is on the list, let alone at #4.

QB? Eh.
RB? Eh.
WR? Just Lamb
TE? Ferg flashed year #2, then faded #3. TBD
OL? Guyton is TBD, Smith is legit. Beebe seems like he can pan out. Steele is average.

DL? Outside of Parsons, you got Osa-who is a beast at advanced stats I guess.
LB? Overshown can't stay healthy. Rest are JAGs till otherwise.
DBs? Wilson is replaceable, along with Hooker. TBD on Bell and Thomas-but odds are they aren't building blocks. Diggs fell off an injury cliff and Bland is TBD if he's that ballhawk guy here, especially with a contract extension coming.

 

[Blackrain]

Well I used to have that problem but Reagan was President then now other than the kicker Tyler Smith and maybe Jake Ferguson I wouldn't give a bucket of spit for any of these guys and would be happy to trade Micah and just start over with draft picks

 

[CWR]

One of the most common blind spots we all have as fans is over-valuing too many players on our team. It’s understandable. We love the Cowboys, so we end up being attached to certain players. Even if they aren’t as good or important as we think they are.

So imagine looking at this roster now before the upcoming draft and asking the question, “If you can only keep five players to build for the future…for the next five years, who would they be?” Or put it another way, “Which five current Cowboys players would you value the most for the rebuilding the future of this team?”

For me, it would be these five:

• Micah Parsons - personally I don’t like this guy; he talks way too much and acts like he’s a junior in high school but he’s the most talented player on this roster, he’s only 25, and could be packaged for a great trade or hopefully become the second best player on the defense.
• Cedee Lamb - only 25, clearly one of the best 5 WRs in the NFL. And he’s under contract for 4 more years. Worth building around.
• Tyler Smith - a beast at G and has already been a 2nd team All Pro. And he will be 24 next season. An anchor for another decade.
• Brandon Aubrey - he’s the best kicker in the NFL and is a legit weapon. Kickers are fickle and can get the yips at any time. But imagine this team without him.
• This one I struggled with…Deron Bland. He’s only 25 and has had an All Pro season before his foot injury. I still think he’s worth keeping.

Honorable mentions: Cooper Beebe, with great hesitation Tyler Guyton (if he can develop), DeMarvion Overshown (if he can recover)

Folks that’s about it. Those are the only guys I see on this current roster that should could be the better part of a roster rebuild. Frankly, this team is in desperate need of:

• Talent at DL. Especially talented DT. Not some washed up JAG or a 3 year rookie project.
• Young upgrade at RB. We need at least one impactful RB in this draft.
• Upgrade at WR. Other than Lamb, the cupboard is bare.
• A young LB that can immediately contribute.
• Could use a S that isn’t washed up.
• A QB for the future.

This team is in dire need of talent at multiple positions. I hope this FO is not playing fantasy football and has an actual plan for building a much better roster.

All good points. I dont think you can count Liufau or Kneeland, or even Sam Williams as core guys but they also have the potential to be core guys. I'd put Turpin in there as well, for what he does as a returner and a threat in general.

I think a lot of teams have a similar make up and the ones that ultimately succeed are the ones who's younger guys make that leap.

 

[atlantacowboy]

The problem with Bland is we have to see if he's a flash in the pan. Last year in the games he played, he was just an average NFL CB. So, I would go with Beebe here.

But overall, the cupboard is bare and we have zero depth anywhere on the field. We aren't hitting on enough draft picks for a team that relies almost exclusively on the draft to acquire talent.

 

[CCBoy]

Resign Lawson DE
Draft DT Collins TX Round 2
Trade from 12 and get an extra 3rd round with a 1st
Draft a strong WR such as Golden
Trade for a move back up in the 2nd for Henderson RB
Trade in 3rd for another strong LB

CB would still have to receive attention. That is how defense survives in today's NFL.

 

[Einstein]

One of the most common blind spots we all have as fans is over-valuing too many players on our team. It’s understandable. We love the Cowboys, so we end up being attached to certain players. Even if they aren’t as good or important as we think they are.

So imagine looking at this roster now before the upcoming draft and asking the question, “If you can only keep five players to build for the future…for the next five years, who would they be?” Or put it another way, “Which five current Cowboys players would you value the most for the rebuilding the future of this team?”

For me, it would be these five:

• Micah Parsons - personally I don’t like this guy; he talks way too much and acts like he’s a junior in high school but he’s the most talented player on this roster, he’s only 25, and could be packaged for a great trade or hopefully become the second best player on the defense.
• Cedee Lamb - only 25, clearly one of the best 5 WRs in the NFL. And he’s under contract for 4 more years. Worth building around.
• Tyler Smith - a beast at G and has already been a 2nd team All Pro. And he will be 24 next season. An anchor for another decade.
• Brandon Aubrey - he’s the best kicker in the NFL and is a legit weapon. Kickers are fickle and can get the yips at any time. But imagine this team without him.
• This one I struggled with…Deron Bland. He’s only 25 and has had an All Pro season before his foot injury. I still think he’s worth keeping.

Honorable mentions: Cooper Beebe, with great hesitation Tyler Guyton (if he can develop), DeMarvion Overshown (if he can recover)

Folks that’s about it. Those are the only guys I see on this current roster that should could be the better part of a roster rebuild. Frankly, this team is in desperate need of:

• Talent at DL. Especially talented DT. Not some washed up JAG or a 3 year rookie project.
• Young upgrade at RB. We need at least one impactful RB in this draft.
• Upgrade at WR. Other than Lamb, the cupboard is bare.
• A young LB that can immediately contribute.
• Could use a S that isn’t washed up.
• A QB for the future.

This team is in dire need of talent at multiple positions. I hope this FO is not playing fantasy football and has an actual plan for building a much better roster.

I hesitant to say, but I honestly think Marist Liufau might be something good at LB. And he did contribute right away last year.

 

[thunderpimp91]

I don't think your list is wrong Bob, but the issue is that we have a kicker in the top 5. That's nothing against Aubrey, but a contending team should have more than 5 players you'd take over your Kicker to build around.

I also wouldn't be against someone putting either Beebe or OSA on the list, but certainly wont argue if people left them off as well.

 

[Aerolithe_Lion]

Sad when the kicker is on the list, let alone at #4.

QB? Eh.
RB? Eh.
WR? Just Lamb
TE? Ferg flashed year #2, then faded #3. TBD
OL? Guyton is TBD, Smith is legit. Beebe seems like he can pan out. Steele is average.

DL? Outside of Parsons, you got Osa-who is a beast at advanced stats I guess.
LB? Overshown can't stay healthy. Rest are JAGs till otherwise.
DBs? Wilson is replaceable, along with Hooker. TBD on Bell and Thomas-but odds are they aren't building blocks. Diggs fell off an injury cliff and Bland is TBD if he's that ballhawk guy here, especially with a contract extension coming.

Get some more talent around him so he isn’t doubled and Osa should definitely be on this list

 

[John813]

I don't think your list is wrong Bob, but the issue is that we have a kicker in the top 5. That's nothing against Aubrey, but a contending team should have more than 5 players you'd take over your Kicker to build around.

I also wouldn't be against someone putting either Beebe or OSA on the list, but certainly wont argue if people left them off as well.

Definitely in a retooling phase, whether or not the FO ever says so.

If you went back to 2018, it would of been hard to come up with a top 5, with a younger Prescott, prime Zeke, Cooper, Tyron, Frederick(at that time didn't realize GBS would end his career), Martin, Lee, rookie LVE, Lawrence, Byron Jones, GOAT Heath etc...

 

[Coogiguy03]

THIS IS easy!! I want hard working players and guys that love football and aren't about all the outside stuff and bright lights!!

Tyler Smith
Beebe
TURPIN
Kicker
Overshown

 

[Bobhaze]

I thought about Osa Odighizhua too. He could also be on this list as a cornerstone. He’s only 26. I didn’t include him because I think he’s good but not enough of what we need.

We need Osa to become e the second or third best DT on this team.

 

[CCBoy]

The problem with Bland is we have to see if he's a flash in the pan. Last year in the games he played, he was just an average NFL CB. So, I would go with Beebe here.

But overall, the cupboard is bare and we have zero depth anywhere on the field. We aren't hitting on enough draft picks for a team that relies almost exclusively on the draft to acquire talent.

He has proven himself and Jerry still doesn't cause those sea gulls to take the last two Coronas. 25...geeze, excuse 17...

 

[CCBoy]

I thought about Osa Odighizhua too. He could also be on this list as a cornerstone. He’s only 26. I didn’t include him because I think he’s good but not enough of what we need.

We need Osa to become e the second or third best DT on this team.

He already is.

 

[Creeper]

One of the most common blind spots we all have as fans is over-valuing too many players on our team. It’s understandable. We love the Cowboys, so we end up being attached to certain players. Even if they aren’t as good or important as we think they are.

So imagine looking at this roster now before the upcoming draft and asking the question, “If you can only keep five players to build for the future…for the next five years, who would they be?” Or put it another way, “Which five current Cowboys players would you value the most for the rebuilding the future of this team?”

For me, it would be these five:

• Micah Parsons - personally I don’t like this guy; he talks way too much and acts like he’s a junior in high school but he’s the most talented player on this roster, he’s only 25, and could be packaged for a great trade or hopefully become the second best player on the defense.
• Cedee Lamb - only 25, clearly one of the best 5 WRs in the NFL. And he’s under contract for 4 more years. Worth building around.
• Tyler Smith - a beast at G and has already been a 2nd team All Pro. And he will be 24 next season. An anchor for another decade.
• Brandon Aubrey - he’s the best kicker in the NFL and is a legit weapon. Kickers are fickle and can get the yips at any time. But imagine this team without him.
• This one I struggled with…Deron Bland. He’s only 25 and has had an All Pro season before his foot injury. I still think he’s worth keeping.

Honorable mentions: Cooper Beebe, with great hesitation Tyler Guyton (if he can develop), DeMarvion Overshown (if he can recover)

Folks that’s about it. Those are the only guys I see on this current roster that should could be the better part of a roster rebuild. Frankly, this team is in desperate need of:

• Talent at DL. Especially talented DT. Not some washed up JAG or a 3 year rookie project.
• Young upgrade at RB. We need at least one impactful RB in this draft.
• Upgrade at WR. Other than Lamb, the cupboard is bare.
• A young LB that can immediately contribute.
• Could use a S that isn’t washed up.
• A QB for the future.

This team is in dire need of talent at multiple positions. I hope this FO is not playing fantasy football and has an actual plan for building a much better roster.

I would put Overshown on my list even with his injuries. He is the one guy on this team who plays like I want every guy on the team to play - 100 miles per hour. He hustles, hits, makes plays even if he misses a few.

The fact that you have a kicker in the top 4 say a lot about the state of this roster. The fact that the $60 million QB is not on the list is also a statement.

It is also surprising that Odighizuwa is not on the list. They just re-signed him for $20 million per year. I don't disagree with you omitting him from the list but it makes me wonder about the Cowboys re-signing him for that much money.

I would definitely build the defense around Parsons, but good defenses are 11 guys playing as a unit, not 1 superstar who has to do everything. If the Cowboys don't get Parsons some help on the DL they are just wasting him.

 

[Bobhaze]

He already is.

I mean instead of the best. Point being - although Osa is good, we need someone even better. Especially against the run.