Broaddus: Too many teams covet OL for one to fall to the Cowboys w/audio

[Idgit]

If you the pick in the first round is not an OL, you won't see the Cowboys select one until the 4th round or later, if at all.

There is a better selection of DL, S, WR, TE, QB, RB in the second round and beyond than there are OL. Plus you add in the penchant for selecting a small school, injured project, and that makes it less likely that an OL gets selected later on.

Like I have said for a while, the same 5 OL will be starting on opening night!

I sort of agree. I know it's sacrilege to not think our current starters are awful, but the reality is you're not going to be sure to upgrade RT or RG next season with a college player from the 3rd or 4th round or below.

If you can't find your guy in the first or second, we might be better off signing Moore and/or Clabo and rolling the dice that Leary can develop into a young starter. I don't see the point of forcing another player onto the roster to develop when you're already bringing Parnell, Leary, and Kowalski along. You've got young players to back up your aging OGs in that scenario, and two young OTs with a veteran swing T (assuming you get Free to take the pay cut).

Interesting sidenote, Broaddus said he talked to Free last week and that Doug said he hasn't heard anything from the Cowboys and has not been asked to take a pay cut. I'm sure they're waiting to see how the draft breaks down before doing anything.

Anyway. I'm not saying I want us to not do anything. Just saying that if we don't do it early, we're unlikely to help ourselves much this coming season. And it's possible for the board to break in a way that we don't do anything in round one. Round two, though, I expect us to be able to maneuver to take a good ZBS prospect someplace.

 

[Idgit]

I'm hoping for Cooper, Warmack or Richardson to be there at 18. If none of them are available when the Cowboys pick I would not be opposed to a trade down to the bottom of the 1st if it was a favorable opportunity.

That's right where I am. And I'll add, I actually like several players for us in almost any mid-20s trade down scenario.

I have a feeling I'll be pretty happy with us in the first round no matter what direction we go in. We have no control over whether or not a player high on media draft lists slides to us, but we're going to be able to help our team a lot in this year's draft if we just don't get cute. Good depth everywhere where we've got needs, and, other than along the DL, our needs aren't at positions where there's going to be a ton of competition for players.

 

[DFWJC]

It will be rotational but I'd rather see some of the young guys get a fair shot at starting for once.

Dallas has a history of preferring experience over youth but at some point the young guys, especially middle to late rounders, have to get on the field.

I agree that they wait longer than some to play their draft picks.
But in the last three years, the only one I can think of that should have been on the field sooner and more often was Harris.

• Claiborne occupied the 2nd rounder (in additon to his pick), so that's one possible pick not playing
• Lee came in injured, but was out there right away when healthy
• Arkin was hurt and then a bit overwhelmed. But he is one that some will argue should at least have a chance. he has ot had one offensive snap yet.
• Carter came injured and was out there when healthy
• Crawford could maybe have gotten in earlier, but was rotating by the second half of the year
• Kyle Wilber was not good enough yet. Still I'm curious
• Danny Coale was hurt all year
• Matt Johnson was hurt all year

Injuries have played a huge role in th edelay of rookies recently.

 

[ThreeandOut]

I sort of agree. I know it's sacrilege to not think our current starters are awful, but the reality is you're not going to be sure to upgrade RT or RG next season with a college player from the 3rd or 4th round or below.

If you can't find your guy in the first or second, we might be better off signing Moore and/or Clabo and rolling the dice that Leary can develop into a young starter. I don't see the point of forcing another player onto the roster to develop when you're already bringing Parnell, Leary, and Kowalski along. You've got young players to back up your aging OGs in that scenario, and two young OTs with a veteran swing T (assuming you get Free to take the pay cut).

Interesting sidenote, Broaddus said he talked to Free last week and that Doug said he hasn't heard anything from the Cowboys and has not been asked to take a pay cut. I'm sure they're waiting to see how the draft breaks down before doing anything.

Anyway. I'm not saying I want us to not do anything. Just saying that if we don't do it early, we're unlikely to help ourselves much this coming season. And it's possible for the board to break in a way that we don't do anything in round one. Round two, though, I expect us to be able to maneuver to take a good ZBS prospect someplace.

I think this applies to the second round as well. The Cowboys want that second round pick to be an immediate contributor. They generally only have 7 OL's active on game day, so they're not going to take an OL in the second round unless they think he's going to crack the top 7 his first year. I think their criteria is that they either need an immediate starter or a player that can play multiple positions as a backup to take OL in the first two rounds.

 

[Idgit]

I think this applies to the second round as well. The Cowboys want that second round pick to be an immediate contributor. They generally only have 7 OL's active on game day, so they're not going to take an OL in the second round unless they think he's going to crack the top 7 his first year. I think their criteria is that they either need an immediate starter or a player that can play multiple positions as a backup to take OL in the first two rounds.

I agree, that's the criteria they're probably looking at. The 'good' news there is that we've got holes at RT and RG, which gives us a lot of flexibility in round two to get in position where there's a good fit. And then there are good ZBS options in VFA still available for whichever slot we don't fill if we're still looking to upgrade.

I'd think, if we get the OG, we might be comfortable with Parnell/Free at RT. If it's the OT that ends up dropping to us, I think we'll bring in Moore and then either start him at RG or see what happens with Leary in camp before deciding what we do at LG going into the season. My hope is that the move Bernadeau to C full time and let him fight with Costa for the starter's spot and have him be the interior OL first backup on game day if he doesn't win out.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

I agree that they wait longer than some to play their draft picks.
But in the last three years, the only one I can think of that should have been on the field sooner and more often was Harris.

• Claiborne occupied the 2nd rounder (in additon to his pick), so that's one possible pick not playing
• Lee came in injured, but was out there right away when healthy
• Arkin was hurt and then a bit overwhelmed. But he is one that some will argue should at least have a chance. he has ot had one offensive snap yet.
• Carter came injured and was out there when healthy
• Crawford could maybe have gotten in earlier, but was rotating by the second half of the year
• Kyle Wilber was not good enough yet. Still I'm curious
• Danny Coale was hurt all year
• Matt Johnson was hurt all year

Injuries have played a huge role in th edelay of rookies recently.

I think Garrett is trying to change the old mentality of playing experience over youth.

I would love to see guys like Arkin, Crawford, Wilber, Beasley, Leary, Bass and Hanna get more snaps this year as well as see what Coale and Johnson can do! I'm pretty excited about the potential of this draft class as well!

 

[xwalker]

On possibly picking a defensive lineman with the first round pick:
“I think the need at defensive tackle is really more important. Now not to say they couldn’t take a defensive end. (Bjoern) Werner seems like he’s the guy that’s sliding. I think Ansah is a very intriguing player. He and Dion Jordan from Oregon are very intriguing type of players, probably more in that 10 to 12 range. … If it came down to (Werner) or a defensive tackle, say (Sheldon) Richardson from Missouri, I think the defensive tackle spot seems to be the one they need, the one-technique or the three-technique to kind of be that guy in this Monte Kiffin 4-3, you know the guy that is going to get up the field. It will allow them a little more flexibility if they can grab a guy like Richardson.”


The Cowboys only have 2 DEs that have played in the NFL and 1 of them is on a 1 year Franchise deal. Well they do have Crawford, but I don't think he played any snaps at DE in the 4-man nickel line.

Is DT really a significantly bigger need than DE?

 

[ThreeandOut]

I agree, that's the criteria they're probably looking at. The 'good' news there is that we've got holes at RT and RG, which gives us a lot of flexibility in round two to get in position where there's a good fit. And then there are good ZBS options in VFA still available for whichever slot we don't fill if we're still looking to upgrade.

I'd think, if we get the OG, we might be comfortable with Parnell/Free at RT. If it's the OT that ends up dropping to us, I think we'll bring in Moore and then either start him at RG or see what happens with Leary in camp before deciding what we do at LG going into the season. My hope is that the move Bernadeau to C full time and let him fight with Costa for the starter's spot and have him be the interior OL first backup on game day if he doesn't win out.

The good thing is that there are still a lot of options out there in free agency. If they did get a guard in the draft, they could go with Parnell/Free or they still have Winston/Clabo out there. And as you noted, Moore is still an option at OG if they don't take one in the draft.

 

[ShiningStar]

i think this is basically said every year and every year you have those guys that slide for no reason. It just happens. I think this year Dallas should let the draft come to them than pick up a guy or two in the remaining FA and get ready for the camps.

Lets start making productive players instead of looking for the replacements. A few changes and a few tweaks and this team can compete. I think we have done some of them and I really love the new coaches brought in. I dont think there is one player that is going to make our draft the stellar draft of yester years and if you really believe in youth than lets starting using what we have.

 

[ThreeandOut]

The Cowboys only have 2 DEs that have played in the NFL and 1 of them is on a 1 year Franchise deal. Well they do have Crawford, but I don't think he played any snaps at DE in the 4-man nickel line.

Is DT really a significantly bigger need than DE?

You can definitely make the argument for DE. A lot of this hinges on the what positions Albright/Wilbur (SOLB or DE) and Crawford (DT or DE) will play in this new defense.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

On possibly picking a defensive lineman with the first round pick:
“I think the need at defensive tackle is really more important. Now not to say they couldn’t take a defensive end. (Bjoern) Werner seems like he’s the guy that’s sliding. I think Ansah is a very intriguing player. He and Dion Jordan from Oregon are very intriguing type of players, probably more in that 10 to 12 range. … If it came down to (Werner) or a defensive tackle, say (Sheldon) Richardson from Missouri, I think the defensive tackle spot seems to be the one they need, the one-technique or the three-technique to kind of be that guy in this Monte Kiffin 4-3, you know the guy that is going to get up the field. It will allow them a little more flexibility if they can grab a guy like Richardson.”


The Cowboys only have 2 DEs that have played in the NFL and 1 of them is on a 1 year Franchise deal. Well they do have Crawford, but I don't think he played any snaps at DE in the 4-man nickel line.

Is DT really a significantly bigger need than DE?

D-line and o-line are both critical areas that need an upgrade. I think a DT or DE would be very welcome in the 1st round.

 

[jjktkk]

If the quality linemen are not available Garrett and Jerry gets what they deserve for not fixing the problem in last year's draft. They had the potential to walk away from the draft with at least two starting linemen, but they wanted to trade up.

zzzzzzzzzzz

 

[Mr Cowboy]

On possibly picking a defensive lineman with the first round pick:
“I think the need at defensive tackle is really more important. Now not to say they couldn’t take a defensive end. (Bjoern) Werner seems like he’s the guy that’s sliding. I think Ansah is a very intriguing player. He and Dion Jordan from Oregon are very intriguing type of players, probably more in that 10 to 12 range. … If it came down to (Werner) or a defensive tackle, say (Sheldon) Richardson from Missouri, I think the defensive tackle spot seems to be the one they need, the one-technique or the three-technique to kind of be that guy in this Monte Kiffin 4-3, you know the guy that is going to get up the field. It will allow them a little more flexibility if they can grab a guy like Richardson.”


The Cowboys only have 2 DEs that have played in the NFL and 1 of them is on a 1 year Franchise deal. Well they do have Crawford, but I don't think he played any snaps at DE in the 4-man nickel line.

Is DT really a significantly bigger need than DE?

there is a definitely a big need at DT and DE, but the biggest need is for OG, one who can come in and play immediately, and play well. The need for the DL need can be met later in the draft, since it will be for a rotational type player, not one who will be expected to start and play every play.

Obviously if one of the starter goes down to injury, on the DL, these players role will increase. But on the OL, if one of the bad starting OL goes down, they are likely to be replaced with even worse OL sitting behind them. That is why IMO, it is vital to get one of these OG in the first round.

 

[seamus18]

I would love to get one of the guards in the first round, but if that isn't possible, I really hope they can get either Sheldon Richardson or Kenny Vaccaro. 2 Huge needs, and both would be great additions.

 

[cowboysooner]

there is a definitely a big need at DT and DE, but the biggest need is for OG, one who can come in and play immediately, and play well. The need for the DL need can be met later in the draft, since it will be for a rotational type player, not one who will be expected to start and play every play.

Obviously if one of the starter goes down to injury, on the DL, these players role will increase. But on the OL, if one of the bad starting OL goes down, they are likely to be replaced with even worse OL sitting behind them. That is why IMO, it is vital to get one of these OG in the first round.

You can generally find good guard play later in the draft than you can find good defensive line play. At least most years the guard pool is less picked over than the defensive line pool by the middle of the second round.

Outside of a playmaking safety, the Cowboys have the hard stuff to find (2 outside pass rushers, 2 good cover corners, 2 3 down linebackers, LOT, quarterback, #1 receiver.

 

[TheCount]

Yeah, would be nice if there were some better skill players this year. Then again, if there WERE better skill players, Jerry would probably pick one of them over OL anyway. So we lose either way.

 

[Macnalty]

Try and remember these last couple of weeks before the draft are full of rumours and lies about players, remember how they tarnished Cam Newton as being selfish and not a team player in the week before the draft and the same thing about RG3.

 

[xwalker]

You can generally find good guard play later in the draft than you can find good defensive line play. At least most years the guard pool is less picked over than the defensive line pool by the middle of the second round.

Outside of a playmaking safety, the Cowboys have the hard stuff to find (2 outside pass rushers, 2 good cover corners, 2 3 down linebackers, LOT, quarterback, #1 receiver.

I think the biggest concern is that the Cowboys have had problems drafting OLinemen in the past decade. Who is the last good OL outside of the 1st round?

 

[Mr Cowboy]

You can generally find good guard play later in the draft than you can find good defensive line play. At least most years the guard pool is less picked over than the defensive line pool by the middle of the second round.

Outside of a playmaking safety, the Cowboys have the hard stuff to find (2 outside pass rushers, 2 good cover corners, 2 3 down linebackers, LOT, quarterback, #1 receiver.

you would hope this to be true, but not for the Cowboys. Safety is another position that the Cowboys have had a hard time filling.........

 

[cowboysooner]

I think the biggest concern is that the Cowboys have had problems drafting OLinemen in the past decade. Who is the last good OL outside of the 1st round?

You can't draft like that. You can't say Rogers and peterman did not work out so I'm not going to try anymore. I don't love the second round guards for a zbs but our whole draft strategy can't be cooper or bust. It will probably bust.