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Today, we are results driven. Where did the Cowboys improve this year according to the BTB Community?
As we close in on training camp, it's time to put this series to bed once and for all. Over the course of this month, we've been discussing the potential areas where the Cowboys have improved their team. Let's look at the final results:
Quarterback - 53% Yes
Dallas obviously has a top shelf quarterback in Tony Romo, but it looks as though many here believe that there is something to Dustin Vaughan or Jameill Showers. The competition for the number two quarterback between Vaughan and Brandon Weeden will be interesting to watch during camp. Weeden had his struggles last season but it looks like this coaching staff believes he has improved. Though there isn't much shuffle at the position, BTB seems to suggest that the improvement will come from each individual's performance.
Running Back- 62% No
Though BGN has suggested we have delusions of grandeur about DeMarco Murray's departure, that is certainly not the case. The running back position is the single biggest question mark according going into camp. Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle will be the two battling it out at the top, but Ryan Williams looks to figure into the equation, too. If the Cowboys are not content with what they get in camp, look for another name to possibly be added to the mix. I've gone on record about my disapproval for the RBBC approach and hope that a lead back reveals himself soon.
Fullback- 41% No, 39% Put the position to death
The Cowboys still have Tyler Clutts on the roster and for some reason feel that at fullback is necessary to their scheme. However, this season may finally come down to getting rid of the position altogether. The fullback is a dying breed and hasn't really ever been needed here since Daryl "Moose" Johnston was around. Clutts may be a good locker room guy and all, but what's the value to the team that can only dress 46 players?
Tight End- 50% Same
Agree 100% with the BTB community. The Cowboys are fortunate to have a sure-fire Hall-of-Famer at tight end and last season Jason Witten found even more reasons he's the complete package. Gavin Escobar found the end zone a few times last season and he remains a big target for Tony Romo, we will see if he can take his game to a different level. James Hanna is a reliable player that can make plays with the ball but has his role cut out for him on special teams. Geoff Swaim is a blocking tight end that the Cowboys will have to see a lot from in order to keep him on the 53. Trading up in the seventh round doesn't hold that much weight. This position is in the same position as last year. As long as Witten is playing at a high level, things will be status quo.
Wide Receiver- 73% Yes
The Cowboys lost Dwayne Harris, but as a receiver he was never much to get excited about. Dallas has been able to give extra reps to Devin Street this offseason. Terrance Williams is receiving glowing remarks from the quarterback as well. Lucky Whitehead will look to replace Harris in the return game but he has some skill in the passing game, too. Cole Beasley is a third-down converting machine and will continue to get an increased role on offense. A.J. Jenkins is a former first-round pick just looking to stick anywhere he can. And last but certainly not least, the Cowboys locked up arguably the NFL's best receiver in Dez Bryant. All smiles on Derek Dooley's face as the Cowboys depart for camp in Oxnard.
Offensive Tackle- 67% Yes
Dallas has two Pro Bowl-caliber tackles in Tyron Smith and Doug Free when healthy. They addressed the position in the draft by getting guys like Chaz Green and Laurence Gibson. Then there was some chatter about the improvement that Darrion Weems has shown. The Cowboys are certainly in a better position than many teams around the league. BTB is on the money here once again, the battles in camp should be fun to watch.
Offensive Guard- 98% Yes
An obvious positive for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason will be finding out who is better between La'el Collins and incumbent Ronald Leary. Then you have All-Pro Zack Martin on the right side of the line with Mackenzy Bernadeau backing him up. That, my friends, is called depth. Score one for the good guys.
Center- 49% Same, 46% Yes
This position is going to be the same but that isn't a problem at all. Dallas has the league's second-best center behind Nick Mangold and Travis Frederick is only getting better. Frederick is one of the most intelligent players on the team and went straight to the Pro Bowl last season. Behind Frederick is Mackenzy Bernadeau, who seems to be the Cowboys' Swiss army knife for the offensive line. Dallas is great shape for years to come.
Defensive End- 98% Yes
Another obvious improvement for the Cowboys. Not only did they go out and snag free agency's best 4-3 end in Greg Hardy. They also drafted Randy Gregory in the second round, a top 10 talent before a failed drug test dropped his status. You pair them off with second-year DeMarcus Lawrence and sprinkle in some Jeremy Mincey, Ben Gardner, Ryan Russell and Jack Crawford for a nice rotation. Though Dallas' struggled last season in getting sacks, they made sure they threw everything at the position for success in 2015.
Defensive Tackle- 64% Yes
Much like quarterbacks, BTB sees improvement here based on the individual performances. The Cowboys didn't add anyone to the unit, but instead, they have guys that didn't get to play last season looking for roles. Chris Whaley was a really good player at Texas, fresh off a red-shirt season, he looks to be ready. Tyrone Crawford is the guy Rod Marinelli needs to anchor his defensive line. Nick Hayden has a relentless spirit on the gridiron that certainly works well for this unit. Terrell McClain will figure to compete for the starting one-tech role with Hayden. At the bottom you have Ken Bishop and Davon Coleman, two guys who will play a lot in preseason. All in all, it's not far-fetched to see improvement coming at the position.
Linebacker- 83% Yes
Though we will have to wait to see Rolando McClain and Sean Lee on the field together, this is a big yes for the fact that they have Sean Lee. You also have Anthony Hitchens who came on very strong last season. They signed Jasper Brinkley, Andrew Gachkar and Keith Rivers as veteran insurance policies. Dallas addressed the position in the draft by getting my pet cat Damien Wilson and OCC's new favorite Cowboy Mark Nzeocha. Kyle Wilber is still roaming around looking for a position but the Cowboys have plenty of linebackers for Matt Eberflus to work with. Once McClain returns from his suspension, this corps should look pretty good.
Cornerbacks- 93% Duh!
Dallas re-worked Orlando Scandrick's deal and he's been a very good player for them over the last few seasons. The Cowboys also drafted one of the best corners in the draft with Byron Jones, who also has abilities at safety. Brandon Carr looks to be on the rise for improvement this year after struggling with personal issues off the field. The Cowboys signed Corey White to off-set the departure of Sterling Moore. Morris Claiborne will be ready for camp and with less pressure on him than in year's past. Tyler Patmon seems to just make plays anytime his number is called. The Cowboys have certainly fortified forces in the secondary for 2015.
Safety- 50% Same
Couldn't agree more here because it will be practically the same guys in the starting roles unless Dallas decides to move Jones over to free safety. Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox have not been the problem for the Cowboys, it's been the pass rush. Now with that sewed up, the safeties should be in better position to make plays and hold up their end. Danny McCray and Jeff Heath have experience to come in on spot duty if need be and will be an asset to Rich Bisaccia in the kicking game. It's practically the same, but has room for improvement once we find out where Corey White and Byron Jones are going to be.
Special Teams- 49% No
On one hand, the Cowboys have a pretty consistent duo in L.P. Ladouceur and Dan Bailey. On the other, you have to find a way to fill the holes left by Dwayne Harris. The Cowboys had to sign a handful of guys to repair a hole left by one. McCray is a good tackler, Gachkar has also done some good things on teams in the past. Chris Jones hasn't had much competition at his position but he's been a solid punter for them, nothing more, nothing less. This all comes down to what happens in the return game. If Lucky Whitehead proves that he's the guy, then a lot of worries will cease but they are certainly warranted right now.
BTB has spoken and unless we're talking about running back, fullback or special teams; there is a lot to be confident about for the 2015 season.
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