An aggressive two year plan to be competitive

[kskboys]

Here is my thought process…I think Smith can play anywhere. Steele is finished. Guy can’t play. Guyton is not an NFL LT. Any chance he has should start at RT, his position in college. Starting LT is one of the toughest positions in the NFL. Dallas needs their top picks to rebuild that DL which will need a major talent upgrade. They might even lose ODiggyziggy to FA. I really like Richards as a swing guy and they might need him at RT. Bottom line is Smith is the best option unless you want to start Tomato Cans along the DL.

OK, listen carefully, I've explained this several times now. Guyton played ORT for a LEFT HANDED QB. He was ostensibly playing OLT in college. Blind side protector.

Secondly, Guyton was very raw coming in and should not have been playing OLT as a rook. Everyone knew this, but Jerry had once again painted himself into a corner.

Thirdly, NO, Smith cannot play anywhere. W/ his lack of quick feet, he'd be a penalty machine at OLT. This was all over his scouting report, but Jerry convinced you guys that he was an OLT. Smith was never going to be a quality OLT at the NFL level due to physical limitations. Moving him to OLT would be beyond stupid.

Guyton is your OLT. He has all the athleticism required, he simply needs to get stronger and improve on his technique.

Why are people still screaming for Smith to play OLT? He was not good there, and he is stellar at OG. What's next, you want to move Parsons to Center?

 

[kskboys]

We like to run our made men into the ground. Take that value to zero. It’s the Jones way.

Yup, and it has cost us dearly.

 

[fivetwos]

Gotta disagree with you on this one. Picking a RB in round one is IMO a bad long term decision. Especially trading up. Very few RBs have an effectiveness shelf life of more than 5 years. Look at Atl taking Bijan Robinson a couple years ago. They don’t have a great OL so he’s been good but not great.

On the other hand a very talented DL/OL can give you a decade or more of outstanding play. (Zack Martin for example) We can get a really good RB on Day 2 in rounds 2-3 or even in rounds 4-5 on Day 3.It is much easier to find a really good RB than it is to find a guy like Aaron Donald or Jalen Carter or Chris Jones. The Cowboys desperately need help in the trenches, especially on defense.

I know Ashton Jeanty is an exciting and talented player but having some more monsters that can control the LOS is way more needed. Just my opinion.

I’m with you but I just don’t see how Jerry is going to pass on Jeanty…a name player who will sell jerseys. He figures the offense is fixed from there and his Dak decision won’t look as bad. The kid isn’t going to talk him out of that one. More revenue.

The way they’ve handled the RB position over the years is criminal….and case in point that there’s no real philosophy or plan. They are all over the map with it, like many other things.

Bottom line is I can fully see Jerry with that dumb grin on his face bobbing his head up and down and bragging about Dak/Lamb/Jeanty and how Shoddy is going to “hit the ground running” with those three.

He is just never going to catch on that the teams that are still around this time of year have studs on the interior DL, and didn’t try to get there cheaply.

 

[kskboys]

I’m with you but I just don’t see how Jerry is going to pass on Jeanty…a name player who will sell jerseys. He figures the offense is fixed from there and his Dak decision won’t look as bad. The kid isn’t going to talk him out of that one. More revenue.

The way they’ve handled the RB position over the years is criminal….and case in point that there’s no real philosophy or plan. They are all over the map with it, like many other things.

Bottom line is I can fully see Jerry with that dumb grin on his face bobbing his head up and down and bragging about Dak/Lamb/Jeanty and how Shoddy is going to “hit the ground running” with those three.

He is just never going to catch on that the teams that are still around this time of year have studs on the interior DL, and didn’t try to get there cheaply.

Good stuff.

Jerry either doesn't comprehend what puts a team into super bowl contention or doesn't care.

All over the map perfectly describes Jerry's way of drafting. That's why we always have weaknesses that rear up to bite us come playoff time.

 

[Captain-Crash]

probably more

 

[Whyjerry]

OK, listen carefully, I've explained this several times now. Guyton played ORT for a LEFT HANDED QB. He was ostensibly playing OLT in college. Blind side protector.

Secondly, Guyton was very raw coming in and should not have been playing OLT as a rook. Everyone knew this, but Jerry had once again painted himself into a corner.

Thirdly, NO, Smith cannot play anywhere. W/ his lack of quick feet, he'd be a penalty machine at OLT. This was all over his scouting report, but Jerry convinced you guys that he was an OLT. Smith was never going to be a quality OLT at the NFL level due to physical limitations. Moving him to OLT would be beyond stupid.

Guyton is your OLT. He has all the athleticism required, he simply needs to get stronger and improve on his technique.

Why are people still screaming for Smith to play OLT? He was not good there, and he is stellar at OG. What's next, you want to move Parsons to Center?

Well look at you. You feel pretty passionate about this. I respect you as a poster so we have to agree to disagree. I am just trying to be practical and get focused on the DL. You take care.

 

[Whyjerry]

probably more

I am old enough to remember when Bill DeBlasio killed Staten Island Chuck.

 

[Gambit]

Here’s a truth long forgotten in Dallas: The fastest way to build a great roster is to start with the trenches.

Not sure Id fully agree with premise it's forgotten. Rather the return on draft capital hasn't been as good as we. As fans would like. Especially on DL. There has been investments made though.

Don’t take the bait in drafting a RB at 12. Don’t do it. This is a deep draft for RBs and we can get a really good one on Day 2. Drafting a RB in round one is a waste because unless you find a generational talent, they will be washed in 5-6 years.

I mostly agree with this. I even more fully agree with it seeing the needs we have elsewhere. That being said, wouldn't fault them if they take Jeanty.

Since we are stuck with Dak for at least 3 years, build a monster OL and running game. The top 6 rushing teams in this league all made the playoffs in 2024 and it‘s a trend. A strong running game is exactly what Dak needs. A great running game opens play action back up, something we haven’t been able to use effectively in a while.

Actually, this trend is down from previous 20 years. A small percentage but it is down. In large part because it's become a passing league. And I'm not sure. What criteria is being used for top 6 rushing offenses, but I'm guessing it's a team stat, so running QBs numbers would be factored in.

But your point remains, build a team from inside out and you improve your chances greatly.

Consider two key June 1 cuts that can save future cap space. Many won’t like this but I would release Trevon Diggs as a June 1 cut and Terance Steele in 2026 as a June 1 cut. Diggs IMO will never be the same with his knee and he costs way too much to be just above average. Deron Bland is better anyway. Steele is already in decline and we could possibly move Tyler Guyton to RT at some point which is a more comfortable position for his skills. Tough decisions have to made and this FO isn’t ruthless enough with its roster.

I've no problem releasing Diggs. He won't be the same and it'll be a year til he returns.

Terrance improved 2nd half of season, and I strongly suspect the Solari line is not a good fit for him at all. His strength is running blocking. Let's get back to that, stop chucking ball 40 times a game, and you won't need to create an unnecessary need at a time when needs are great.

This draft lines up with some of our needs, we should take advantage of it. I'd focus on FA for DL and LB. Draft 2 RB, one early one late. Draft a WR CB and 2 DL. I think the Bass and Hoffman's and Richards of the line are good, not great, but OL is easier than DL to find later rounds.

 

[chasecooley5308]

" we like our guys"

 

[SuperBowlz]

The roster Brian Schottenheimer has inherited as of this moment is not going to strike fear in any opponents eyes. There are obviously a few talented players here but if we plan on getting to at least that elusive conference championship, here‘s a mini-vision to get that done. Holes are abundant but they can be addressed fairly quickly. I think it will realistically take two years to develop.

Heres the big picture plan and it starts in the trenches where all great teams are built. Quite simply, the Cowboys need to get waaaaaay more physical. The two teams playing the SB this year (and most years) have a dominant DT (chiefs have Chris Jones, egirls have Jalen Carter) Time for us to recognize this and take action.

• Here’s a truth long forgotten in Dallas: The fastest way to build a great roster is to start with the trenches. A dominant OL/DL is a foundation! Focus on developing a monster of an OL and DL. We need at least 2 new starting OL and at least 2 beast DL run stoppers/pocket collapsers. This year’s draft is deep in DTs who could immediately have an impact.
• Don’t take the bait in drafting a RB at 12. Don’t do it. This is a deep draft for RBs and we can get a really good one on Day 2. Drafting a RB in round one is a waste because unless you find a generational talent, they will be washed in 5-6 years. Hello Zeke.
• Add at least two upgrades a year with FAs. I don’t care what a talking Jones guy tells us that we are a “draft and develop” team only, without at least 2-3 mid-level FAs a year added to your roster, you cannot be a serious contender. The next two years we should look at adding help at LB, WR, and perhaps OL if the draft doesn’t give us immediate impact.
• Since we are stuck with Dak for at least 3 years, build a monster OL and running game. The top 6 rushing teams in this league all made the playoffs in 2024 and it‘s a trend. A strong running game is exactly what Dak needs. A great running game opens play action back up, something we haven’t been able to use effectively in a while.
• Consider two key June 1 cuts that can save future cap space. Many won’t like this but I would release Trevon Diggs as a June 1 cut and Terance Steele in 2026 as a June 1 cut. Diggs IMO will never be the same with his knee and he costs way too much to be just above average. Deron Bland is better anyway. Steele is already in decline and we could possibly move Tyler Guyton to RT at some point which is a more comfortable position for his skills. Tough decisions have to made and this FO isn’t ruthless enough with its roster.

Amazingly, the fundamentals of football still matter, especially if you don’t have an elite QB, which very few teams do. (Jalen Hurts is nothing special but he’s surrounded by a great OL and running game) The teams that can block and tackle the best are always going to be competitive. So let’s build a big, physical monster of a team the next two years!

Speaking to Jalen Carter... it's kind of hard criticizing the Lions because they've really created a nice team. Great OLine, excellent WR's, excellent TE and a great one-two punch at RB. The problem is their D and the long list of hurt players. Getting to my point... they had two 1st and they used the higher one on a RB and the 2nd on a MLB. They should have NEVER let Philly get Jalen Carter. Pass on the RB and pair Hutchinson up with Carter. I still don't get that one. He was the #1 rated player in the draft and slipped because of character concerns but he is really damn good and probably the best DT in the league now.

 

[Bobhaze]

Not sure Id fully agree with premise it's forgotten. Rather the return on draft capital hasn't been as good as we. As fans would like. Especially on DL. There has been investments made though.

I mostly agree with this. I even more fully agree with it seeing the needs we have elsewhere. That being said, wouldn't fault them if they take Jeanty.

Actually, this trend is down from previous 20 years. A small percentage but it is down. In large part because it's become a passing league. And I'm not sure. What criteria is being used for top 6 rushing offenses, but I'm guessing it's a team stat, so running QBs numbers would be factored in.

But your point remains, build a team from inside out and you improve your chances greatly.

I've no problem releasing Diggs. He won't be the same and it'll be a year til he returns.

Terrance improved 2nd half of season, and I strongly suspect the Solari line is not a good fit for him at all. His strength is running blocking. Let's get back to that, stop chucking ball 40 times a game, and you won't need to create an unnecessary need at a time when needs are great.

This draft lines up with some of our needs, we should take advantage of it. I'd focus on FA for DL and LB. Draft 2 RB, one early one late. Draft a WR CB and 2 DL. I think the Bass and Hoffman's and Richards of the line are good, not great, but OL is easier than DL to find later rounds.

Good post. Appreciate the thought put into it.

 

[atlantacowboy]

We are so far away from the top teams in NFL like KC, Phil, Det, Buff and Balt.

And probably even a ways behind many others like Wash, LAR, GB &Minn..

Our greatest hope is probably beyond the Shotty and Dak era.

Exactly. This team has no chance to remake itself until it can get out from under the Dak Prescott contract.

 

[noshame]

How would you convince one of the 31 other teams to not only want Dak Prescott and his 4 year, $60 million AAV, $231 million guaranteed deal, but actually give the Cowboys something to get him? Don’t say there’s always a team out there desperate for a quarterback or a GM stupid enough to trade for him. There is no NFL team run by someone as stupid as Jerry Jones.

Dak could beg to be traded and it wouldn’t matter. There’s no market for a quarterback of his skills, which are considerable by NFL standards, with a contract that pays him more than any player in the league now or ever. Any ideas?

Well, it's the point that he gets beat out here. In a trade, all I would want is them to cover part of his salary and no compensation, pick or player wise.
You never know if some QB gets hurt and they've got nothing as a backup, they might at least cover a part of his salary.
Hopefully, he would agree to restructure parts of his contract between Dallas and the team he's being traded just to have a chance. Also I think in year 3, he's cutable, isn't he?

 

[KingCorcoran]

Well, it's the point that he gets beat out here. In a trade, all I would want is them to cover part of his salary and no compensation, pick or player wise.
You never know if some QB gets hurt and they've got nothing as a backup, they might at least cover a part of his salary.
Hopefully, he would agree to restructure parts of his contract between Dallas and the team he's being traded just to have a chance. Also I think in year 3, he's cutable, isn't he?

I have no idea when he can be released. He’s guaranteed $231 million come hell or high water. The importance of the quarterback position means every team has a plan in place. Something earth shattering would have to happen for a team to consider acquiring Dak Prescott as viable alternative.

Many here like to point to the Eagles as some sort of example on how to run a NFL franchise. I think that’s overstated. One valid point is they do not have a future Hall of Famer at quarterback. He’s paid a lot, $51 million per season, 4 years remaining and a no trade clause. They’ve gone to work to build a team around him. Obviously they can compete for a Super Bowl.

Dak is a very good NFL quarterback. Arguably better at most things than Hurts. So if quarterback talent isn’t the Cowboys’ problem the issue must lie elsewhere. Dak is good enough, Dallas Cowboys’ ownership is not good enough, to compete in the contemporary NFL. It is going to be a difficult season. Schottenheimer is new to command. He inherits a team with question marks at many positions. Washington’s ownership got close enough to believe an aggressive off season will get them past Philly. Giants coaching staff on the hot seat and ownership desperately trying to get out from under last year’s “Hard Knocks” debacle.

NFC is the eight home game conference this coming season, the NFCE has to play the AFCW and NFCN, that’s games with six playoff teams from last season. If Jerry Jones doesn’t have a good off season plan and execute it the Cowboys are headed for 4th place. This is the time of year when NFL fans will rationalize anything. Right now perception is everything, reality is only just a word. Nonetheless, the reality is, except for Dak Prescott and two or three others, the Cowboys have no players they can count on. They are not in a position to even consider getting rid of him.

 

[kskboys]

Well look at you. You feel pretty passionate about this. I respect you as a poster so we have to agree to disagree. I am just trying to be practical and get focused on the DL. You take care.

Passionate about getting the facts out there, I absolutely am. Everything I stated was fact, several statements copied from scouting reports.

Yes sir, you take care also!!!!

 

[kskboys]

Well, it's the point that he gets beat out here. In a trade, all I would want is them to cover part of his salary and no compensation, pick or player wise.
You never know if some QB gets hurt and they've got nothing as a backup, they might at least cover a part of his salary.
Hopefully, he would agree to restructure parts of his contract between Dallas and the team he's being traded just to have a chance. Also I think in year 3, he's cutable, isn't he?

W/ Dak's bloated salary, there's a good chance we'd now have to give up picks to trade him. Just more gross mismanagement.

 

[kskboys]

Exactly. This team has no chance to remake itself until it can get out from under the Dak Prescott contract.

I truly don't think so. I think it's the next 3 years of mediocrity, w/ the upside being losing a lot more than average to get some talented players in here for the next round.

 

[kskboys]

Speaking to Jalen Carter... it's kind of hard criticizing the Lions because they've really created a nice team. Great OLine, excellent WR's, excellent TE and a great one-two punch at RB. The problem is their D and the long list of hurt players. Getting to my point... they had two 1st and they used the higher one on a RB and the 2nd on a MLB. They should have NEVER let Philly get Jalen Carter. Pass on the RB and pair Hutchinson up with Carter. I still don't get that one. He was the #1 rated player in the draft and slipped because of character concerns but he is really damn good and probably the best DT in the league now.

As much as I love Gibbs and believe he was more than worth his draft pick, Carter should've been the pick.

Hold it......................................................Carter went 9th, Gibbs was 12th. I think you got some misinformation there.

 

[gimmesix]

OK, listen carefully, I've explained this several times now. Guyton played ORT for a LEFT HANDED QB. He was ostensibly playing OLT in college. Blind side protector.

Just because he was the blindside protector doesn't make it the same. The footwork on the right side is opposite of the footwork on the left side. Hand placement is different. Etc. Some players never do well making the switch because their brains don't operate that way. I think when we moved Matt Waletzko to the right side, we set him back in his development. La'el Collins took some time getting acclimated to the right side after being a left tackle in college. It's not an easy switch.

 

[kskboys]

Just because he was the blindside protector doesn't make it the same. The footwork on the right side is opposite of the footwork on the left side. Hand placement is different. Etc. Some players never do well making the switch because their brains don't operate that way. I think when we moved Matt Waletzko to the right side, we set him back in his development. La'el Collins took some time getting acclimated to the right side after being a left tackle in college. It's not an easy switch.

Yes sir, that's why he needs tech work. That's why he was not ready to start.

However, what you're leaving out is that Guyton has the physical ability to be a top 5 OLT.