A roster question worth asking before draft about building our future

Bobhaze said:
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.
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This is bad, but i dont blame Bob, Bob, 99.9999 is giving us good stuff.


Today he missed and thats ok.


This is no player on the roster you build around. Start, the middle, the end.

Now for the handwrining/. Who are you? How do you know? some are super stars. and the last one is correct. but Bob makes a huge flaw.

How long do we need to recover. Ok, flat out we know, even the barest of the bare, knows we are out 3 to 5, IF you do a vaccuum and consider your opponents do NOTHING. ok, we re going to start there.

All the players mentioned, would be traded if a real GM was serious about winning because once this team is geared and ready to win, they will be past their prime, or to banged up. You dont build around old and banged up, not in this league.

Now, lets take AWAY the biggest factor the NFL is trying its best to ignore, depth. Depth is the most important because without it, what have we seen with Dallas? 1 guy goes down, our season is done. But NOT only that, who builds around non durable guys? Lucky people and people with back up plans. We have neither.

So, what is the only viable option for a team in our situation where we sit? JJ does what JJ wants to do and you ll love it. Dont worry, the happy fans will be there for you.

What does a good team do? again, drafts around a long term durable player, mostly DLs or DTs. and even that is shaky at best. Good luck building around anyone else, they are going to go down.

How about a QB? Ha, good luck, there are how many teams? and how many good Qbs? exactly. Thats why the nfl switched and now you basically have to win with a QB on their rookie contract, yea yea that wont last to long, but no one knows how long it will be.


So, competing teams would trade off their prime pieces, look at the drafts and find a viable player to build around, keep in mind, our place, talent, and opponents. Eagles are going to curb stomp us when it matters.

Of course, with evidence we know 1 of three things today,. the draft will decide our present, if JJ takes a RB he has convinced himself we can win now and EVERYONE knows after 29 years, thats not happening. This pick will also give them someone to market and you ll hear SELL BABY SELL. Excites our fan base, 100 percent.
2. We look for a player to build around, and start the process that day, Excites our fan base, 25 percent
3. We dont even get a good first round pick, JJ flubs his first round pick in some stupid trade or anything to bring attention, and its status quo for another year. Excites our fan base, 75 percent.
 
I don’t think Bland will come close to what he did in his breakthrough. I wouldn’t consider him someone to build around.

1) Micah - he’s the best player on the team at one of the three most important positions on the field. His social media presence is less than zero as a concern for me.

2) Lamb - continued to deliver and be great. Got paid and he’s ours. WR2 is critical. He has to get some help

3) Aubrey - important position, clutch performer

4) Smith - Leave him at guard and consider him an anchor for five or more years

5) Osa - I almost didn’t even include a fifth player but he got paid, is young, isn’t ever hurt and gives great effort. I don’t think he’s reached his top end.
 
Kwyn said:
I don’t think Bland will come close to what he did in his breakthrough. I wouldn’t consider him someone to build around.

1) Micah - he’s the best player on the team at one of the three most important positions on the field. His social media presence is less than zero as a concern for me.

2) Lamb - continued to deliver and be great. Got paid and he’s ours. WR2 is critical. He has to get some help

3) Aubrey - important position, clutch performer

4) Smith - Leave him at guard and consider him an anchor for five or more years

5) Osa - I almost didn’t even include a fifth player but he got paid, is young, isn’t ever hurt and gives great effort. I don’t think he’s reached his top end.
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5. Hope not, as he's pretty bad vs the run.
 
beware_d-ware said:
Five years is an eternity in the NFL, and I hate projecting any player out that far. Even when teams sign core players to mega-deals, it's rare that they guarantee more than three years.

The way I see it, we've got at least two years out in the wilderness, just to stockpile enough talent to compete. Then if that fails, we launch another rebuild Cleveland Browns style. Anyway, I think our timelines need to be looked at much more shortly than five years.
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Yep, which is why last season (and the non-strategic planning) has put us at a low starting point. It's evident that this year we're playing the 'hope' that some of these once touted prospects get a bounce......but how much better would IT of been (in draft capital) had Jerry decided to Tear it Down after GB.
 
Bobhaze said:
I would disagree with Diggs. Hope I’m wrong but I don’t see him being well to start the season. Two knee surgeries in two years for a corner? Big red flag for me.
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Throwing this in.....with those injuries id try him as a FS, less tackling and rather than plant his legs to follow a cutting WR (which must be a strain on the knees...that constant changing direction).

But yea, he's not the future, Bland is the 'build around' CB (Carson the bounce/hope option).
 
Of course there isn't a plan, except to hit on every draft pick, then pay the few you do hit on (so you can pat yourself on the back about what good drafters and "football men" you are), then fill in the roster with the cheapest possible competent bodies.

Then stay NFL relevant enough to maintain that revenue and Forbes list position, which is the actual plan.

But yes, this roster stinks. It's why I don't get all the consternation about Schotty as HC. No one is going deep with this roster unless Dak takes a quantum leap from last year, and who expects that?
 
CCBoy said:
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.
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I would add this player in Day 3

Jaydon Blue, RB
If the Cowboys are looking to add a quick, versatile running back on Day 3 of the draft, Blue might be their guy. Blue told reporters that he ran a 4.28 40-yard dash on his first attempt at Pro Day, and a 4.25 on his second, much better than the 4.38 official time he posted at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. He cited a groin tear as the reason his combine time wasn't as fast, and looked much quicker this time around in Austin. The biggest hurdle that Blue will have to clear is a mixture of his size (5'9, 196 pounds) and issues protecting the football, as fumbles were a prominent issue during his time at Texas.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/...that-stood-out-could-be-cowboys-draft-targets
 
CCBoy said:
I would add this player in Day 3

Jaydon Blue, RB
If the Cowboys are looking to add a quick, versatile running back on Day 3 of the draft, Blue might be their guy. Blue told reporters that he ran a 4.28 40-yard dash on his first attempt at Pro Day, and a 4.25 on his second, much better than the 4.38 official time he posted at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. He cited a groin tear as the reason his combine time wasn't as fast, and looked much quicker this time around in Austin. The biggest hurdle that Blue will have to clear is a mixture of his size (5'9, 196 pounds) and issues protecting the football, as fumbles were a prominent issue during his time at Texas.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/...that-stood-out-could-be-cowboys-draft-targets
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yes he would be a steal in the fifth round,

but if they still felt like they needed to bolster the RB room they can package something from the 5th and 6th round picks and move up and grab him he reminds me a little of Tony Pollard he can bring that to the team,

but I don't think he could be a full time starter he needs to be the change of pace guy the other guy but yeah I'm a long race fan the dude can play when he's not doing the things you're talking about fumbling and what not but he can go out for passes he catches tough contested catches and he can run fast..

so we got Pollard in the fourth round, this is where I would say his worth is but if he fell to us in the 5th, they would be an absolute must to pick him up no matter what..... I mean you can let the two veterans we just brought in battle it out and only keep 1 so there's plenty of room you can also cut Vaughn if he's not you know part of the big plan so there's room for two new running backs from the draft for sure..
PS 5'9 196 is not hurdle..easliy fits in as NFL rb they are ALL over 6 ft and 200 plus.. this isnt Vaughn or Turpin,..
 
mfiggs18 said:
You know your team is talentless when a kicker makes it into the top 5.
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That's not true at all a kicker can be a weapon if he's Aubrey a guy like him other teams would seek they're all important on the field it doesn't matter where your talent comes from but many close games are won and lost because of the kicker missed extra points missed easy field goals that you're supposed to make but the clutch ones it's not sad that he's on that list however lists are opinions I didn't look at that list yet I'm gonna go ahead and take a look at it so that way I can disagree with Bob again lol...

This team is far from talentless there's literally stars and I don't care if you don't like our quarterback he's a star in this league when he's healthy he still hasn't had a losing season when he started and finished the season he just had a all pro season 2 years ago one of his best seasons so I looked at the list don't act like the guy he throws it to and lamb is not a superstar top three in this league Tyler Smith blocking I can see our center being a future star as well if you can't see it sorry but then you got Parsons and overshone and when healthy yes I know there's a question mark with digs and possibly bland and is not chump change to have OSA as a three tech and it's just off the top of my head I'm just spilling guys... And I've seen some up and coming guys I see some talent in liafu etc

they need a good draft finish off the offseason strong and I'm not that worried about this team I don't know what it looks like yet or even what the holes are mom saying we got too many holes to fill well why don't we wait till September 1st see what the roster looks like and then we can be a little bit more accurate in that judgment there's a lot of work to do a lot of available players players are gonna be cut there could be a trade there's a lot of things that are gonna happen before game one but don't act like there aren't pillars and cornerstone stars on this team there are sprinkled on every face like you just said.

Key players

Offense
Dak, lamb, Smith, and likely Beebee

Defense
Parsons, Overshown, Osa, Diggs, Bland, and up and coming Liafu.

ST
MY opinion one of the best in the league

Aubrey, Turpin, Anger and Sieg.. with Goodwin covering ..top 3 easily..



And on that just general roster question that was asked in my opinion

Defense.

Lbers-I think what they did so far in free agency with the linebackers I think it's better than last year when you get Overshown back from injury, liafu back in his second year, a defensive coordinator that's a linebacker whisperer, I think that position is better than last year and we're not done yet...

Safety's -may not look exciting or elite, BUT as a group I believe they're solid both starters and backups; Dono, Hooker, Bell and Thomas..

DL- I know it looks like a weakness but they still have a group that they can work with they brought in Fowler who's going to be solid maybe better than what we had last year because tank didn't even play and with all the injuries we really didn't have much so behind him Kneeland with a backup possibly with the guy we got from the saints...OSA, Mazi, Rogers, Wheat, Joseph, and others. BUT one solid draftee and its nice rotation.

CB-Biggest hole on Defense must be addressed in draft and a vet post draft..and hope Diggs and butler get healthy quick and carson and elam are better than expectations. Muk-hybris floater from CB to S.

I guess my biggest point is I think we're looking for elite players but I look at this sort of like defense in the NBA or basketball sometimes you don't have great defenders like a lockdown guy but the coaches put together a concept of team defense the way they play as a whole the concept the scheme the creativity used to get the maximum out of these players I believe that's what's gonna happen early until we get healthy and people are overreacting acting like we don't have any talent on this team we have talent they just need to put it together but the coaching staff changes I'm all three phases I believe is gonna help this team more than anything..
 
Bobhaze said:
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.
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Not a terrible list I agree with some of it not all of it but I can tell you this the linebacker I know you don't feel this way I know overshone will be back he's our future I know he plays more of an outside weak type linebacker but we also have the second year player I believe he's gonna take a step especially with the new defensive coordinator being a linebacker whisperer this new scheme is going to be focus on the linebackers playing well and hopefully yes the defensive line in front of them.

And I truly believe our linebacker room right now as we speak looks better than last year I think the depth is there you may not like these two free to say brought in but I do I think there going to be one of them is going to be the starter the guy we got from Chicago and you're gonna have good rotations with Murray..

So, Sanborn starting MLB with green dot, Liafu with him as base starter, Murray, buddy Johnson, and clark backing up but when Overshown comes back that solid room. morgenson and harries ST types ?

I would change your thought and say yes we need to draft a middle linebacker someone can run a defense for the future but not need to be an immediate starter and impact player... And hopefully given capital me and the way he works with linebackers maybe he can even help Clark....3.

Also safety,

come on dude, they just signed the depth, these guys could be future if they can stay healthy we have two solid safeties that are starting they're not washed they may not be elite ,they may not move the needle for you, but bell and Thomas and possibly the hybrid guy could end up being Muk could be the futures..


Don't lessen the impact of this new coaching staff on all phases especially on defense I can see them being better just by getting healthy and having a better top to bottom coaching staff that are not lame ducks they're not trying to work with what was leftover...

But yeah some of that list we definitely need a number 2 wide receiver and a starting running back in this draft maybe bring in a veteran wide receiver for insurance after the draft which we have 5 months still to allow this front office to build this team up.. There's a lot of guys at defensive tackle particularly at nose tackle that they can hope to groom but yeah they need to address that but they do have a lot of bodies right now.. remember rogers could be surprise and Joseph is back behind Mazi with OSA and Thomas as rotational 3T and wheats hybrid similar to Golstons role....
 
"Build around" - to me means players you want to be on the field once you've built a competitive roster around.

Barring a miracle it's going to take several years to truly reconstruct this roster. There isn't anyone on the roster that I would say was off limits. Not because they aren't good players now but who knows what they will be by the time it's rebuilt.

I think Parsons is worth more in a trade to build the roster than he is to be a part of the roster a few years from now. He's the first piece I would look to move.
 
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