gimmesix
Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life
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Since we're in a lull right now as far as off-season moves go, I thought it would be a good time to break down by position our needs in the draft.
Quarterback
Dallas has two on roster after trading for Jon Kitna, and could just take two into the season. But Kitna's age makes it important for the Cowboys to begin trying to develop a replacement. It doesn't have to be someone ready to make a quick transition to pro ball, but someone with intriguing talent who can be brought along slowly over the next couple of years.
NEED Sixth- or seventh-round pick
Fullback
Although Dallas could always use a better fullback than Deon Anderson, I believe the progress at the tight end position shown by Martellus Bennett will affect how this position is addressed. If the idea is to get your best players on the field, the Cowboys will not be using the fullback much this season. So I don't expect Dallas to use the draft to bring in competition for the spot, especially since Anderson is a quality special teams player.
NEED UDFA
Tailback
This position is fully stocked with Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. The Cowboys could use some competition for Alonzo Coleman's practice squad spot, but I wouldn't expect them to use a draft pick on someone they know they'll have to try to put on the PS.
NEED UDFA
Wide receiver
This might be the hardest position to gauge because we don't really know what we can expect from the players already on the roster. If we've got a No. 2 in Miles Austin (or one of the others), then the need is not as high. Since we don't know, I tend the think the need is high. We likely have one roster spot at this position completely open (if we carry six), and another potentially open if Isaiah Stanback shows he cannot remain healthy. Another shoulder injury for him this year (or other kind that keeps him off the field), and Dallas has to give up on him.
NEED Second- to fourth-round pick, possibly another in fifth through seventh rounds
Tight end
The one-two punch appears to be strong, based on the ability we saw from Martellus Bennett last season. Tony Curtis was tossed aside, but Rodney Hannah appears to at least be his equal, showing very good receiving ability last preseason. Since we don't have enough evidence to know if Hannah is up to the blocking responsibilities, it wouldn't hurt to bring in some competition for his spot. But based on what we've seen from him, it might be a waste to bring in a draft pick when we're not likely to keep more than three at the position.
NEED UDFA
Offensive line
The Cowboys lack of quality depth showed when Kyle Kosier was lost to injury for the season. Dallas did add a veteran in Montrae Holland who looks like he can be quality depth or even a challenge to start if he stays in shape. But Holland is the only interior backup who proved worth keeping, and one, Joe Berger, was allowed to run off to Miami without a fight. Cory Proctor, who showed his lack of starting ability, knows the ins and outs of both the guard and center positions, but that's all he really brings to the team. So Dallas definitely needs to find a center/guard who can challenge for his spot and eventually (hopefully) for a starting spot. At the tackle spots, the jury is still out on Doug Free's future, but Pat McQuistan's stock really fell and it's possible Dallas also will bring in someone to challenge for his spot.
NEED Second- to fourth-round pick, possibly another in fifth through seventh rounds
Defensive end
Signing Igor Olshansky pretty much has solidified this position, but Dallas can use some challengers because Stephen Bowen and Marcus Spears will be unrestricted free agents after this season. The need isn't pressing, though, because Jay Ratliff also can play end, possibly better than any player Dallas has manning the position. It still wouldn't be surprising to see Dallas bring in a late-round draft pick here to challenge for Bowen's spot.
NEED Sixth- to seventh-round or UDFA
Nose tackle
Jay Ratliff is great and has a nonstop motor, but Dallas can't play him every defensive snap or he'll most likely wear down and not be as effective. If the Cowboys don't add anyone at this position, they could give Marcus Spears a few snaps to spell Ratliff, but that doesn't appear to be a real good option. Finding a nose tackle who can spell Ratliff needs to be a priority.
NEED Second- to fourth-round pick
Inside linebacker
The starters are set, but the depth is questionable and lacking. Bobby Carpenter staying on this roster likely depends on his play during the preseason. I think he has a good chance of fairing well in the nickel position but can't be counted on to be an every-down linebacker because he's not physical enough. So that makes it a pretty good need to add someone who can step in physically for Keith Brooking or Bradie James, especially if Brooking's older body isn't up to the challenge of starting. Matt Stewart is sort of a wild card here, but I don't think Dallas should count on him considering he hasn't played in two years.
NEED Second- to fourth-round pick
Outside linebacker
The trio of DeMarcus Ware, Greg Ellis and Anthony Spencer isn't going anywhere this year. Ellis is needed for the time being until we see more pass rush ability from Spencer, who has proven to be solid against the run. The only other depth Dallas has at the position, though, appears to be special-teammers, so there is room to add another potential pass rusher who can give Ware a few plays off.
NEED Third- to sixth-round pick
Cornerback
With Anthony Henry gone, Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick will get to challenge for the starting role, with the loser becoming the third corner. However, depth beyond that is a concern, and is definitely needed. Alan Ball will probably stick around, but appears to be a replaceable player, but there is roster room for probably two more cornerbacks.
NEED Fifth- to seventh-round pick, possibly two
Safety
The signing of Gerald Sensabaugh seems to give Dallas hope that it has the starting spots secured. But there are concerns about the depth, with Dallas at least needing one player to compete with Patrick Watkins, Courtney Brown and Tra Battle for a spot. None of those guys has proven that he's not expendable, with Watkins and Battle mostly showing special teams ability and Brown not displaying the potential he's shown in practice.
NEED Fourth- to sixth-round pick
With all things being equal (meaning players of the same value at each position available in each round), here's what I would probably end up with based on our needs:
Second Wide receiver
Third Nose tackle
Fourth Center/guard
Fourth Inside linebacker
Fifth Cornerback
Fifth Outside linebacker
Fifth Safety
Sixth Offensive lineman
Sixth Quarterback
Seventh Cornerback
Seventh Wide receiver
Let me be clear that if there is a superior player at a different position, I would take that person over a player I believe we might need more. I don't believe in making reaches to fill needs.
Quarterback
Dallas has two on roster after trading for Jon Kitna, and could just take two into the season. But Kitna's age makes it important for the Cowboys to begin trying to develop a replacement. It doesn't have to be someone ready to make a quick transition to pro ball, but someone with intriguing talent who can be brought along slowly over the next couple of years.
NEED Sixth- or seventh-round pick
Fullback
Although Dallas could always use a better fullback than Deon Anderson, I believe the progress at the tight end position shown by Martellus Bennett will affect how this position is addressed. If the idea is to get your best players on the field, the Cowboys will not be using the fullback much this season. So I don't expect Dallas to use the draft to bring in competition for the spot, especially since Anderson is a quality special teams player.
NEED UDFA
Tailback
This position is fully stocked with Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. The Cowboys could use some competition for Alonzo Coleman's practice squad spot, but I wouldn't expect them to use a draft pick on someone they know they'll have to try to put on the PS.
NEED UDFA
Wide receiver
This might be the hardest position to gauge because we don't really know what we can expect from the players already on the roster. If we've got a No. 2 in Miles Austin (or one of the others), then the need is not as high. Since we don't know, I tend the think the need is high. We likely have one roster spot at this position completely open (if we carry six), and another potentially open if Isaiah Stanback shows he cannot remain healthy. Another shoulder injury for him this year (or other kind that keeps him off the field), and Dallas has to give up on him.
NEED Second- to fourth-round pick, possibly another in fifth through seventh rounds
Tight end
The one-two punch appears to be strong, based on the ability we saw from Martellus Bennett last season. Tony Curtis was tossed aside, but Rodney Hannah appears to at least be his equal, showing very good receiving ability last preseason. Since we don't have enough evidence to know if Hannah is up to the blocking responsibilities, it wouldn't hurt to bring in some competition for his spot. But based on what we've seen from him, it might be a waste to bring in a draft pick when we're not likely to keep more than three at the position.
NEED UDFA
Offensive line
The Cowboys lack of quality depth showed when Kyle Kosier was lost to injury for the season. Dallas did add a veteran in Montrae Holland who looks like he can be quality depth or even a challenge to start if he stays in shape. But Holland is the only interior backup who proved worth keeping, and one, Joe Berger, was allowed to run off to Miami without a fight. Cory Proctor, who showed his lack of starting ability, knows the ins and outs of both the guard and center positions, but that's all he really brings to the team. So Dallas definitely needs to find a center/guard who can challenge for his spot and eventually (hopefully) for a starting spot. At the tackle spots, the jury is still out on Doug Free's future, but Pat McQuistan's stock really fell and it's possible Dallas also will bring in someone to challenge for his spot.
NEED Second- to fourth-round pick, possibly another in fifth through seventh rounds
Defensive end
Signing Igor Olshansky pretty much has solidified this position, but Dallas can use some challengers because Stephen Bowen and Marcus Spears will be unrestricted free agents after this season. The need isn't pressing, though, because Jay Ratliff also can play end, possibly better than any player Dallas has manning the position. It still wouldn't be surprising to see Dallas bring in a late-round draft pick here to challenge for Bowen's spot.
NEED Sixth- to seventh-round or UDFA
Nose tackle
Jay Ratliff is great and has a nonstop motor, but Dallas can't play him every defensive snap or he'll most likely wear down and not be as effective. If the Cowboys don't add anyone at this position, they could give Marcus Spears a few snaps to spell Ratliff, but that doesn't appear to be a real good option. Finding a nose tackle who can spell Ratliff needs to be a priority.
NEED Second- to fourth-round pick
Inside linebacker
The starters are set, but the depth is questionable and lacking. Bobby Carpenter staying on this roster likely depends on his play during the preseason. I think he has a good chance of fairing well in the nickel position but can't be counted on to be an every-down linebacker because he's not physical enough. So that makes it a pretty good need to add someone who can step in physically for Keith Brooking or Bradie James, especially if Brooking's older body isn't up to the challenge of starting. Matt Stewart is sort of a wild card here, but I don't think Dallas should count on him considering he hasn't played in two years.
NEED Second- to fourth-round pick
Outside linebacker
The trio of DeMarcus Ware, Greg Ellis and Anthony Spencer isn't going anywhere this year. Ellis is needed for the time being until we see more pass rush ability from Spencer, who has proven to be solid against the run. The only other depth Dallas has at the position, though, appears to be special-teammers, so there is room to add another potential pass rusher who can give Ware a few plays off.
NEED Third- to sixth-round pick
Cornerback
With Anthony Henry gone, Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick will get to challenge for the starting role, with the loser becoming the third corner. However, depth beyond that is a concern, and is definitely needed. Alan Ball will probably stick around, but appears to be a replaceable player, but there is roster room for probably two more cornerbacks.
NEED Fifth- to seventh-round pick, possibly two
Safety
The signing of Gerald Sensabaugh seems to give Dallas hope that it has the starting spots secured. But there are concerns about the depth, with Dallas at least needing one player to compete with Patrick Watkins, Courtney Brown and Tra Battle for a spot. None of those guys has proven that he's not expendable, with Watkins and Battle mostly showing special teams ability and Brown not displaying the potential he's shown in practice.
NEED Fourth- to sixth-round pick
With all things being equal (meaning players of the same value at each position available in each round), here's what I would probably end up with based on our needs:
Second Wide receiver
Third Nose tackle
Fourth Center/guard
Fourth Inside linebacker
Fifth Cornerback
Fifth Outside linebacker
Fifth Safety
Sixth Offensive lineman
Sixth Quarterback
Seventh Cornerback
Seventh Wide receiver
Let me be clear that if there is a superior player at a different position, I would take that person over a player I believe we might need more. I don't believe in making reaches to fill needs.
