Bear's Philosophical Approach to the Offseason:

[silverbear]

Here's a preliminary take on how to approach this offseason:

1) Backup quarterback... an aging vet would be ideal, but I have a hunch the Boys will be looking at a Jordan Palmer or Kevin Kolb in the 2nd or 3rd round range... Damon Huard would be my top choice among the vets, but I have a notion he's gonna want to go somewhere that he has a chance to start...

2) Wide receiver depth... despite the whispers, I don't think the Boys will get rid of TO this offseason, but he and TG are on the wrong side of 30... I like Hurd and Austin just fine, but I think the Boys might well look for an influx of talent at this position... perhaps a first day draft pick (Sidney Rice, Dwayne Bowe, Robert Meachem, Jason Hill, Johnnie Lee Higgins or Paul Williams), perhaps a Kelley Washington in free agency... I think the Boys ought to focus more on speed than size, they have enough big receivers but could stand to get faster...

3) Offensive line... specifically, the interior of the offensive line (guard and center)... Gurode will do as a starting center, but I figure Al Johnson will be gone, so there will be a need for quality depth at the position... at guard, like most on here I believe that Marco Rivera will be cut, so finding a quality replacement to start will be of fairly high importance... I wouldn't be surprised if the Boys brought in one free agent interior lineman (Vince Manuwai, Kris Dielman, Derrick Dockery) and drafted one on the first day of the draft (C/OG Samson Satele, OG Manny Ramirez, C/OT Kyle Young)...

4) Pass rusher (either at DE, or at OLB)... this will probably be a top priority this offseason... the draft will offer some of those classic 'tweeners who fit so well in a 3-4 in the 2nd or 3rd round range, including Anthony Spencer of Purdue, Tim Crowder of Texas or Dan Bazuin of Central Michigan... but when it comes to free agency, one name leaps out at me-- Adalius Thomas of the Ravens, who would be PERFECT for what the Cowboys need...

If it's a pure 3-4 DE they're looking for (candidly, Spears and Canty were a bit of a disappointment this year), then free agency features Cory Redding, while the draft offers Adam Carriker of Nebraska...

5) Free safety (or a cornerback who could allow Anthony Henry to move to FS)... there are a number of interesting options in free agency, like Ken Hamlin and Deon Grant, and a number of interesting draft prospects as well (Michael Griffin of Texas, John Wendling of Wyoming, Aaron Rouse of Virginia Tech, Sabby Piscitelli of Oregon State, Josh Gattis of Wake Forest, Kevin Payne of Lousiana-Monroe)...

6) Kicker... I think Martin Grammatica has earned another shot in training camp next summer, but I'd be quite ecstatic if the Boys spent a first day pick on Mason Crosby out of Colorado, who's not only a reliable, accurate field goal kicker with range, he's also one of the best kickoff guys to come along in quite a while...

7) Nose Tackle... Terdell Sands is the only intriguing prospect available in free agency, and I wonder if he's not a little too tall for the position... in the draft, Amobi Okoye would be a nice late first round pickup, Paul Soliai along about the fourth round...

Here's a draft and free agency plan that I think would address many of the Boys' deficiencies, starting with the draft:

Trade down the first round pick, into the 2nd, gaining another 3rd in the process...

2a) Samson Satele, C/OG, Hawaii... 6-3, 316 pounds, 5.2 sec. 40... has played center, guard and tackle in college... is a fine pass blocker... technician with a nasty streak...

2b) Jordan Palmer, QB, UTEP... 6-5, 230 pounds, 4.9 sec. 40... a pure pocket passer who is quite raw... has a similar "gunslinger" mentality to Tony Romo...

3a) Paul Williams, WR, Fresno State... 6-2, 210 pounds, 4.35 sec. 40... has the size you want and the speed to stretch a defense, but he had a lousy senior year...

3b) Dan Bazuin, OLB/DE, Central Michigan... 6-3. 275 pounds, 4.65 sec. 40... had 26.5 sacks and 41.5 tackles for losses in his last 2 seasons, covering 24 games played...

4) Kevin Payne, S, Lousiana-Monroe... 6-1, 225 pounds, 4.55 sec. 40... a Partick Crayton-esque jack of all trades in college, could offer some potential as a kick returner as well...

5) Paul Soliai, DT, Utah... 6-4, 340 pounds, 5.05 sec. 40... a massive, clog-up-the-middle widebody...

Then, in free agency, I'd target:

Adalius Thomas, OLB, Ravens... 6-2, 270 pounds, 4.65 sec. 40... this guy will be in HEAVY demand, but the Boys would be justified in blowing a big chunk of their cap room on acquiring his services... then again, there's always the possibility the Ravens will franchise him, as the Colts are almost certain to do with Dwight Freeney...

Ken Hamlin, FS, Seahawks... 6-2, 210 pounds, 4.5 sec. 40... OR Deon Grant, FS, Jags... 6-2, 210 pounds, 4.45 sec. 40... we've all talked about how Roy Williams badly needs a savvy free safety with range, to allow him to play up in the box... well, I also think that the Boys need a field general in that position, a veteran who has been around, seen it all... either Hamlin or Grant would complete their secondary, IMO...

Vince Manuwai, OG, Jags... 6-2, 325 pounds, 5.2 sec. 40... OR Kris Dielman, OG, Chargers... 6-4, 310 pounds, 5.3 sec. 40... OR Derrick Dockery, OG, Skins... 6-6, 340 pounds, 5.3 sec. 40... any one of these 3 would most likely be able to step right into Marco Rivera's starting job at ROG without much of a problem...

Cory Redding, DE, Lions... 6-4, 295 pounds, 4.85 sec. 40... OR Terdell Sands, NT, Raiders... 6-7, 340 pounds, 5.0 sec. 40... Redding fits the profile for a 3-4 DE, with a bit of pass rush potential, while Sands would be a nice backup for Jason Ferguson at NT...

Damon Huard, QB, Chiefs... 6-3, 216 pounds, 4.95 sec. 40... after having some success in relief of Trent Green this year, Huard may want a starting job somewhere, but if he could be convinced to accept a backup role, he'd be a terrific fit in Dallas...

Kelley Washington, WR, Bengals... 6.3, 216 pounds, 4.45 second 40... a nice combo of size and speed, Kelley's career has been set back by injuries thus far...

Now, even with nearly 25 mil in cap room, the Boys won't be able to plug all the holes listed above in free agency... if they could fill their top 3 priorities as listed above-- pass rusher, interior offensive line and free safety-- with top talent, they'd be doing well... but if an Adalius Thomas is taken off the market, they might take the money they had earmarked for him and use it to address 2 or more holes with a bit lesser talents...

 

[SkinsandTerps]

1. An experienced vet would be nice for several reasons. A couple being; One being yet another vet QB to help mold Romo potentially, and obviously having a that could start if needed.

2. I think the Cowboys should draft a WR or look into potentially Mike Williams (I have read he may be available).

3. OL, same place we were last off-season talking about this. I do think it needs to be addressed, but maybe with a spin. IMO, a guy or two that is not a big name guy or a backup even. But a guy that played on a team with a solid OL.

4. Pass rush can be improved with a better secondary and pass rush can be improved in the 3-4 with a dominant NT. I said last year the Cowboys needed a real NT. They didnt get one. I am sure some of you wish they did.

5. Why Ryan Clark wasnt considered, I will never know, especially after playing for the Giants and Cowboys. But same as the OL comment, I am sure the Pats, Steelers, among other teams, had some guys hanging in limbo that were on their PS or bench that could have been contributors and added cheap depth.

6. The kicker position is a freakin' crap shoot. I think that Arena League guys dont get enough of a fair shot sometimes in this situation. You never know. Two of the best kickers were late round or undrafted (Josh Brown and David Akers).

7. See my response to pass rush.

 

[silverbear]

1. An experienced vet would be nice for several reasons. A couple being; One being yet another vet QB to help mold Romo potentially, and obviously having a that could start if needed.

That's my thinking too, but for some reason I have a hunch the Boys will look to draft a backup to develop...

2. I think the Cowboys should draft a WR or look into potentially Mike Williams (I have read he may be available).

Oh Good Gawd, NOOOOOOOO... not BMW... LOL...

3. OL, same place we were last off-season talking about this.

Well, not exactly the same place, but similar... last year, we were talking about replacing Larry Allen, and for my money, Kyle Kosier was adequate if not impressive doing that... this time around, we need to replace Rivera... it's too bad, really, he hurt his back almost immediately after we signed him, now he needs more back surgery... we never really did get the multi-time Pro Bowler we thought we were getting, through no fault of our own...

IMO, a guy or two that is not a big name guy or a backup even. But a guy that played on a team with a solid OL.

Naw, I think the Boys could justify spending major dollars for a top talent here... upgrading the offensive line will make things easier on Julius Jones and Marion Barber, not to mention on Tony Romo... but it will also take a lot of pressure off of the defense as well... to my mind, upgrading the offensive line is the quickest avenue to taking that next step forward...

And wouldn't it be FUN if the Boys addressed their needs at OG by stealing Derrick Dockery away from y'all??

4. Pass rush can be improved with a better secondary and pass rush can be improved in the 3-4 with a dominant NT. I said last year the Cowboys needed a real NT. They didnt get one. I am sure some of you wish they did.

Personally, I think Jason Ferguson was just fine at NT, but I don't like what's behind him... I also think the flip side of your argument is true, that a better pass rush will make the secondary better...

5. Why Ryan Clark wasnt considered, I will never know, especially after playing for the Giants and Cowboys.

Clark was more of a strong safety for the Skins (though he has played FS with the Steelers, who already had Troy Polamalu at SS), and to the best of my recollection, has never played for the Boys...

But same as the OL comment, I am sure the Pats, Steelers, among other teams, had some guys hanging in limbo that were on their PS or bench that could have been contributors and added cheap depth.

Last year, the Boys followed pretty much the approach you're advocating here, looking to bolster a number of positions with "B" type talent, rather than one or two with "A" type talent... this year, I think they don't need to fill quite so many holes, and so can make a case for spending big for a couple-three top talents...

6. The kicker position is a freakin' crap shoot. I think that Arena League guys dont get enough of a fair shot sometimes in this situation. You never know. Two of the best kickers were late round or undrafted (Josh Brown and David Akers).

Well, the Boys might agree with you; they've just signed K Carlos Martinez (from the Dallas Desperados) to a futures contract for next season...

Thanks for offering your thoughts, it's fun debating my team with a fan of another team, getting some outside input...

 

[visionary]

bear,
i agree with most of what you said.
my feeling is that if BP comes back we will be very active in FA bacause this will be his last push and if he comes back he and jj will give it their all, we will strike early and overpay a little. so i think we get:

FA:

-OG: one of the 3 you listed
-Strong push for Adalius Thomas
-Back-up QB
-Resign gurode, colombo, gramatica others on the roster

Draft:

-OL, CB, passrusher/LB, back-up NT, developmental QB (one guy no one taks about is the back-up to troy smith at ohio state named justin zwick, came in as the most highly touted HS player in ohio, platooned with TS and then TS took over more for athletic abiloity than QB ability)

i think WR (if TO and TG both come back) and FS (if watkins can out on a few pounds) are adequately addressed for now. cant fill all holes in one season. next year will be one to take WR high if TO and/or TG are gone.

 

[Clove]

My biggest dollars and draft choices are directed at OGs, Tackle and passrush,period. I like Thomas in FA, if not him, then you have to go get the best da** passrusher in the draft, period. We need 2 guards and a tackle. If Kosier and Flozell beat them out, then so be it.

I would lke to see Flozell replaced, Kosier reduced to 2nd string, and Rivera replaced. We need either a great OLB (Free Agent) or draft an outstanding passrusher -- If you can't find a suitable OLB/dominant passrusher in the draft, then draft a passrusher and he can come in on obvious passing downs.

From there, I would look at WR -- CB -- QB -- FS -- RB -- SS (sorry Roy, but if I can find someone better than you, I'll take him, but not early in the draft)

 

[SkinsandTerps]

I agree that a draft pick wouldnt be a bad thing, since more than half dont add up to much anyway. Worth the crapshoot for a key position. Hell, the Giants still had Lardass as a backup.

I meant Giants and Commanders (Regarding Clark). It sucks that I am half in the bag when you and I debate topics most of the time.


And I recall BMW being a fan favorite here recently. He just need a real coach. I think with some time to play with/behind proven Vets like Glenn and Owens, he might have a different approach to his work ethic.

Ehh, I dont think Ferguson is dominant. He doesnt require a double team most of the time. He gets them but he doesnt demand them like some players.

OL... Your 'Boys would be justified, but not maybe needed. Is it coaching ? Personally, I think they need some consistency.

Sorry its been out of order, but its late for me and alcohol does have its effects after some point.

Hope this post wasnt too incoherent.

 

[silverbear]

It sucks that I am half in the bag when you and I debate topics most of the time.

Yeah, if you stayed in the bag all the time, you'd be better prepared to deal with these situations... and you'd avoid all those pesky hangovers in the process...

And I recall BMW being a fan favorite here recently.

Only among the lunatic fringe...

I think with some time to play with/behind proven Vets like Glenn and Owens, he might have a different approach to his work ethic.

I think it's been pretty well established that he doesn't HAVE a work ethic, LOL...

Ehh, I dont think Ferguson is dominant. He doesnt require a double team most of the time. He gets them but he doesnt demand them like some players.

Not dominant, but perfectly serviceable...

Hope this post wasnt too incoherent.

Not by Skins fan's standards...

 

[Biggems]

Nice post by the original poster...i don't agree with everything you said, but well thought out and well written...

one thing, and i found this out a few days ago on this very site....Manuwai resigned with the Jags....he is off the market.

1. OL - Specifically RG, LT, and depth
2. DB - Depth in Secondary
3. DL - We need at least one DE and 2 DTs
4. LB - We need at least 2 LBs if we stay in the 3-4
5. WR - We lack depth


Get rid of these players and save about 10 million in cap space:
OG Marco Rivera
OT Jason Fabini
LT Flozell Adams
FB Lousaka Polite
CB Jacques Reeves
LB Al Singleton
QB Drew Bledsoe
S Keith Davis

UFA
1. QB Tim Rattay TB
2. RG Eric Steinbach Cincy
3. LT Tony Pashos Balt
4. WR Shawn McDonald St. Louis
5. DT Terdell Sands Oak
6. DE Cory Redding Det
7. LB Tully Banta-Cain NE

Draft
1. DT Amobi Okoye Louisville
2. CB Josh Wilson Maryland
3. S Eric Weddle Utah
4. CB Travarous Bain Hampton
5. OG Kasey Studdard Texas
6. LB Zak DeOssie Brown
7. OL Ed McCarthey Yale
7. TE Zac Herold Nebraska-Omaha

 

[SkinsandTerps]

Even in the bag, I have better responses than most posters. Now thats jaw dropping. And I dont have the hangover problem, water with alcohol is always key (thus far).

You know you wanted Big Mike. Hell, I was sold on some levels. I thought he would grow under Key. But again I digress.

But, but, but...Dominant is KEY (Not Keyshawn for the slow people) at that position.


haha. Just because I am a Commanders fan doesnt mean I dont have high standards (cant pack everyone in one package). I asked a supposedly "diehard" Cowboys fan 3 days ago who was the Cowboys Kickers that missed the block... You know he said Vander...

 

[SkinsandTerps]

Draft
2. CB Josh Wilson Maryland

I am cleary not a fan of this idea. But he is a fine player.



BTW - silverbear, I think its sad that the lazy people dont take the extra 30 seconds to read/comprehend your posts/threads.

 

[Kobal]

Agree with you SB.

I think OL & DL is the most critical area.

 

[Rack]

I really don't have a problem with our WR depth. None whatsoever. If we bring in another guy, it'll likely mean Austin or Hurd are gone. I don't see us keeping 6 WRs. And I think both Austin and Hurd have tremendous potential.

We have our two starters, an experienced backup (Crayton), and 2 developmental guys that can both play special teams. We're fine at WR.


The only way I'd bring in another guy is if a potential superstar fell to us in the first round. Someone like Calvin Johnson. And we all know it won't happen so I don't want us drafting another WR or bringing in a FA.

 

[silverbear]

Nice post by the original poster...i don't agree with everything you said, but well thought out and well written...

Hey, thanks...

one thing, and i found this out a few days ago on this very site....Manuwai resigned with the Jags....he is off the market.

Yup, he sure is... somebody linked me to the Jags' announcment on 12/26... oh well, scratch one from the list...

Get rid of these players and save about 10 million in cap space:
OG Marco Rivera
OT Jason Fabini
LT Flozell Adams
FB Lousaka Polite
CB Jacques Reeves
LB Al Singleton
QB Drew Bledsoe
S Keith Davis

Rivera, Singleton and Bledsoe are all likely to be gone, the rest should be back next year...

 

[silverbear]

I am cleary not a fan of this idea. But he is a fine player.



BTW - silverbear, I think its sad that the lazy people dont take the extra 30 seconds to read/comprehend your posts/threads.

Hey, sometimes I don't comprehend my posts, LOL...

 

[silverbear]

Agree with you SB.

I think OL & DL is the most critical area.

The game's won or lost in the trenches...

 

[dbair1967]

Here's a preliminary take on how to approach this offseason:

1) Backup quarterback... an aging vet would be ideal, but I have a hunch the Boys will be looking at a Jordan Palmer or Kevin Kolb in the 2nd or 3rd round range... Damon Huard would be my top choice among the vets, but I have a notion he's gonna want to go somewhere that he has a chance to start...

I'd probably go the veteran route, but wouldnt opposeusing a 1st day pick at QB either...Romo looks promising, but he isnt a sure thing either

2) Wide receiver depth... despite the whispers, I don't think the Boys will get rid of TO this offseason, but he and TG are on the wrong side of 30... I like Hurd and Austin just fine, but I think the Boys might well look for an influx of talent at this position... perhaps a first day draft pick (Sidney Rice, Dwayne Bowe, Robert Meachem, Jason Hill, Johnnie Lee Higgins or Paul Williams), perhaps a Kelley Washington in free agency... I think the Boys ought to focus more on speed than size, they have enough big receivers but could stand to get faster...

I wouldnt be opposed to using a high day one at WR...I wouldnt spend any free agent sollars on a WR, save signing Crayton

3) Offensive line... specifically, the interior of the offensive line (guard and center)... Gurode will do as a starting center, but I figure Al Johnson will be gone, so there will be a need for quality depth at the position... at guard, like most on here I believe that Marco Rivera will be cut, so finding a quality replacement to start will be of fairly high importance... I wouldn't be surprised if the Boys brought in one free agent interior lineman (Vince Manuwai, Kris Dielman, Derrick Dockery) and drafted one on the first day of the draft (C/OG Samson Satele, OG Manny Ramirez, C/OT Kyle Young)...

Manuwai already signed a contract extension in Jacksonville...you can have "false start" Dockery, he is mediocre at best...I agree Rivera will probably be gone, but that might depend on who the HC is...if Parcells stays, I could see him sticking with his guy

4) Pass rusher (either at DE, or at OLB)... this will probably be a top priority this offseason... the draft will offer some of those classic 'tweeners who fit so well in a 3-4 in the 2nd or 3rd round range, including Anthony Spencer of Purdue, Tim Crowder of Texas or Dan Bazuin of Central Michigan... but when it comes to free agency, one name leaps out at me-- Adalius Thomas of the Ravens, who would be PERFECT for what the Cowboys need...

if we were upgrading the defensive system I'd agree, otherwise it makes no difference...

5) Free safety (or a cornerback who could allow Anthony Henry to move to FS)... there are a number of interesting options in free agency, like Ken Hamlin and Deon Grant, and a number of interesting draft prospects as well (Michael Griffin of Texas, John Wendling of Wyoming, Aaron Rouse of Virginia Tech, Sabby Piscitelli of Oregon State, Josh Gattis of Wake Forest, Kevin Payne of Lousiana-Monroe)...

I would be ok with either...though I think getting a good CB in the draft where we pick might be a reach...I still think Watkins will end up ok though

6) Kicker... I think Martin Grammatica has earned another shot in training camp next summer, but I'd be quite ecstatic if the Boys spent a first day pick on Mason Crosby out of Colorado, who's not only a reliable, accurate field goal kicker with range, he's also one of the best kickoff guys to come along in quite a while...

Jones has already said this wont happen, and I dont blame him

7) Nose Tackle... Terdell Sands is the only intriguing prospect available in free agency, and I wonder if he's not a little too tall for the position... in the draft, Amobi Okoye would be a nice late first round pickup, Paul Soliai along about the fourth round...

I'd probably just assume wait and see what happens with Stanley...I wouldnt use any 1st day picks on NT's

Trade down the first round pick, into the 2nd, gaining another 3rd in the process...

this would be a yr I'd actually consider moving up...we need an impact player somewhere IMO...probably wont get one where we pick, and we definitely wont get one by moving down

2b) Jordan Palmer, QB, UTEP... 6-5, 230 pounds, 4.9 sec. 40... a pure pocket passer who is quite raw... has a similar "gunslinger" mentality to Tony Romo...

could live with him

3a) Paul Williams, WR, Fresno State... 6-2, 210 pounds, 4.35 sec. 40... has the size you want and the speed to stretch a defense, but he had a lousy senior year...

nah, I'll pass

3b) Dan Bazuin, OLB/DE, Central Michigan... 6-3. 275 pounds, 4.65 sec. 40... had 26.5 sacks and 41.5 tackles for losses in his last 2 seasons, covering 24 games played...

havent seen him play any

4) Kevin Payne, S, Lousiana-Monroe... 6-1, 225 pounds, 4.55 sec. 40... a Partick Crayton-esque jack of all trades in college, could offer some potential as a kick returner as well...

ditto

5) Paul Soliai, DT, Utah... 6-4, 340 pounds, 5.05 sec. 40... a massive, clog-up-the-middle widebody...

ok, not sure if he is a 5th rd pick talent, but wouldnt be opposed to a 2nd day pick used on DT

Then, in free agency, I'd target:

Adalius Thomas, OLB, Ravens... 6-2, 270 pounds, 4.65 sec. 40... this guy will be in HEAVY demand, but the Boys would be justified in blowing a big chunk of their cap room on acquiring his services... then again, there's always the possibility the Ravens will franchise him, as the Colts are almost certain to do with Dwight Freeney...

again see my comments above...if nothing changes with the scheme, it isnt worth the money

Ken Hamlin, FS, Seahawks... 6-2, 210 pounds, 4.5 sec. 40... OR Deon Grant, FS, Jags... 6-2, 210 pounds, 4.45 sec. 40... we've all talked about how Roy Williams badly needs a savvy free safety with range, to allow him to play up in the box... well, I also think that the Boys need a field general in that position, a veteran who has been around, seen it all... either Hamlin or Grant would complete their secondary, IMO...

Grant had a good yr in Jacksonville, but Hamlin? he isnt very good in coverage from what I remember

Vince Manuwai, OG, Jags... 6-2, 325 pounds, 5.2 sec. 40... OR Kris Dielman, OG, Chargers... 6-4, 310 pounds, 5.3 sec. 40... OR Derrick Dockery, OG, Skins... 6-6, 340 pounds, 5.3 sec. 40... any one of these 3 would most likely be able to step right into Marco Rivera's starting job at ROG without much of a problem...

Manuwai already re-upped and Dockery is JAG, and a fat JAG at that

Kelley Washington, WR, Bengals... 6.3, 216 pounds, 4.45 second 40... a nice combo of size and speed, Kelley's career has been set back by injuries thus far...

I'd rather keep Crayton, who runs better routes and has better hands

David

 

[Oh_Canada]

My plan right now would be to rid myself of all of those indicated in Biggems post except possibly for Reeves and Rivera....yes that Marco Rivera...not because I like him, I don't....but he would cost too much to cut and keeping him for depth is not a bad thing.

I would heavily explote the possibility of dealing Roy.

Move Carp inside.

Trading down sounds good...you have to hope someone like Adrian Peterson or Dwayne Jarrett falls in the draft for this to happen.

With two picks in the second I would select:

Ben Grubbs and Johnnie Lee Higgins

Two picks in the third

Anthony Spencer will be a monster in the 3-4 and the explosive Josh Wilson (Aaron Glenn II) so I don't have to watch breathlessely as TNew returns kicks anymore.

Others I would look at Doug Free (OT), Lorenzo Booker (more speed thank you), Kevin Kolb, Paul Soliai, and Turk McBride

FA

Adalius Thoms is nice though I think he's going to cost a fortune.

Antwan Peek would be my backup. The guy was improving and had six sacks in the 3-4 two years ago and than suffered when the Texans moved back to the 4-3.

Kris Dielman would be the target at G, but not sure how much he would cost and whether it could be done. If not than Steinbach would be the second choice, followed by Damion McIntosh.

Backup QB....Tim Rattay or Jake Plummer

Cory Redding would be great as an end in the 3-4....though I don't think he's going anywhere.