Camp Battles - who starts

[Wood]

I cant remember a year with so much intrigue to who will be starting at several positions. Bear in mind that Wade is an old salt.....he really backs veteran players. Big Nate felt this was a down-fall of Dallas training camp in that the best player wasn't always starting (ie. Austin backing up Crayton) because of Wade heavy allegiance to veteran players.

Open competition battles:

1) Free vs. Barron - I think this immediately becomes biggest battle to watch with the winner protecting blind side of Romo. Barron has better size and more experience but Free has better work ethic. Will be interesting to see who wins out with Houck influence on each. Edge: Free

2) Ball vs. Hamlin - On paper Hamlin has superior size and play making ability but Ball seems to persevere. Apparently Ball has closed on gape on size with Hamlin as he is rumored to be up around 190 lbs. The guy who creates more turnovers in camp wins this job. Edge: even

3) Hatcher vs Spears - look for spirited play by both as Spears & Hatcher see writing on wall. Hatcher has developed slower than anticipated but really came on late last year. Edge: Spears


4) Lee vs Jason Williams - might actually be most compelling battle. Both very talented guys. According to Wade - Williams is fastest defensive player outside the CBs. Lee made total of 4 mistakes (according to his coaches) during this entire time at Penn State....amazing stat. Edge: Lee


4)Deon Anderson vs. Sicko - factoring in off field problems and cowboys wanting more flexibility Sicko has chance to challenge Anderson here. I believe anderson was only in on about 15 offensive plays game. Edge: Sicko


Should be open competition but won't be:

1) Dez Bryant vs. Roy Williams - why not let these two go at it and just put better player on the field. I dont think Jerry is fooling anyone by starting Roy...it was a bad trade...deal with it and move on.

2) John Phillips vs Martellus Bennett - Bennett has supreme talent but seems more interested in non-football activities. Phillips loves football and got better as season went on. The most talented guy doesnt always translate and if Bennett exhibit similar qualities in 2010...then Phillips should earn back-up spot but most likely wont.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

FB: Deon Anderson vs Scott Sicko

not much of a battle here imo, Deon is going through off the field issues now, but I think he's safe for another year. Deon has a huge advantage in the blocking category and Sicko doesn't bring anything our TEs don't already have.

OT: Barron vs Brewster

This imo will be the battle, not Barron vs Free. Barron has all they physical tools and experience, while Brewster has the much better work ethic (not to mention some pretty good physical tools himself). One guy will be the swing tackle, the other will be inactive for most the season.

DE: Spears vs Bowen vs Hatcher

Assuming Spears isn't dealt, any of the 3 could start at DE. Bowen was the more productive, but Phillips is very loyal to established players and as long Spears is on the roster he will likely start. But don't be suprised if Bowen or Hatcher play more snaps.

ILB: JWilliams vs Sean Lee

Should be interesting to see who gets more playing time as a nickel LB. While I wouldn't be suprised to see both play in the nickel, only one can play in the dime packages.

FS: Alan Ball vs Mike Hamlin

Alan Ball will almost certainly get the first crack, but I think Mike Hamlin is more of a play maker. His deep range concerns me, but I think he will supplant Ball after the season starts

 

[natesboys051]

FB: Deon Anderson vs Scott Sicko

not much of a battle here imo, Deon is going through off the field issues now, but I think he's safe for another year. Deon has a huge advantage in the blocking category and Sicko doesn't bring anything our TEs don't already have.

OT: Barron vs Brewster

This imo will be the battle, not Barron vs Free. Barron has all they physical tools and experience, while Brewster has the much better work ethic (not to mention some pretty good physical tools himself). One guy will be the swing tackle, the other will be inactive for most the season.

DE: Spears vs Bowen vs Hatcher

Assuming Spears isn't dealt, any of the 3 could start at DE. Bowen was the more productive, but Phillips is very loyal to established players and as long Spears is on the roster he will likely start. But don't be suprised if Bowen or Hatcher play more snaps.

ILB: JWilliams vs Sean Lee

Should be interesting to see who gets more playing time as a nickel LB. While I wouldn't be suprised to see both play in the nickel, only one can play in the dime packages.

FS: Alan Ball vs Mike Hamlin

Alan Ball will almost certainly get the first crack, but I think Mike Hamlin is more of a play maker. His deep range concerns me, but I think he will supplant Ball after the season starts

drop the mock draft....no one cares nor is impressed....

 

[theogt]

drop the mock draft....no one cares nor is impressed....

Odd comment.

 

[Bleu Star]

Odd comment.

Agree.

 

[KingintheNorth]

1) Free vs. Barron - Free would have to fall on his face in camp or Barron would have to ridiculously blow up for Free to lose this job.

2) Ball vs. Hamlin - Ball has experience and better cover skills. He's also a very willing hitter. Hamlin's future is at Strong Safety.

3) Hatcher vs Spears - Spears. Fans are down on him but he is very well respected by his teammates. He's the better player (skill set) and his pride took a hit this year. He may play lights out this season.


4) Lee vs Jason Williams - A tie, kind of. Williams sees more time at the nickel linebacker. Lee will be the primary back-up for Brooking AND James. If those guys need a breather or get hurt, Lee plays in the regular packages.


4)Deon Anderson vs. Sicko - I think Gronkowski could be in this mix too. If either Sicko or Gronkowski have a great camp, Cricket is done.


1) Dez Bryant vs. Roy Williams - I think fans forget how much NFL teams use multiple receiver sets. The 3rd WR or the nickel CB is pretty much a starter in today's game. Roy needs to perform this year to justify his contract. Motivation is a powerful tool. Personally, I'm excited about the possibilities.

2) John Phillips vs Martellus Bennett - Bennett has too much talent to ever fall behind Phillips on the depth chart. Phillips will get some love but if he ever permanently surpasses Bennett on the depth chart, Bennett's eccentric behavior will no longer be tolerated.

 

[TheRat]

1) Free vs. Barron - I think this immediately becomes biggest battle to watch with the winner protecting blind side of Romo. Barron has better size and more experience but Free has better work ethic. Will be interesting to see who wins out with Houck influence on each. Edge: Free

Free actually has better size. Barron is 6'7 and 300lbs that is pretty skinny. Free is bigger at 6'6 315 and still has quicker feet.

Furthermore, Barrron sucks. It shouldn't even be close. If Barron wins the job Romo is in trouble.

3) Hatcher vs Spears - look for spirited play by both as Spears & Hatcher see writing on wall. Hatcher has developed slower than anticipated but really came on late last year. Edge: Spears

Um no. It is Hatcher vs. Bowen (Lissemore could potentially force himself into contention). Spears is dead man walking. He'll get cut or traded by the end of training camp unless the coaches think that Hatcher or Bowen are significantly worse than Spears, which they are not.

4)Deon Anderson vs. Sicko - factoring in off field problems and cowboys wanting more flexibility Sicko has chance to challenge Anderson here. I believe anderson was only in on about 15 offensive plays game. Edge: Sicko

Again Wrong battle. Sicko is a pass catcher, not a lead blocker. The competion is between Anderson vs. John Phillips/Bennett, whom lined up in the backfield quite a bit last season.

1) Dez Bryant vs. Roy Williams - why not let these two go at it and just put better player on the field. I dont think Jerry is fooling anyone by starting Roy...it was a bad trade...deal with it and move on.

Are you for real? It is most definitely open competition. Dez may not be the "starter" in name, but for all practical purposes he'll be the starter because he'll end up getting more playing time than Roy. If Wade or Jerry keeps Dez sitting on the bench while Roy keeps on running the wrong routes and dropping passes, then they deserve to be dragged out in the street and shot. No coach or GM in their right mind would do something like that.

 

[Hoofbite]

Odd comment.

Agree.

Must be drunk.

 

[JohnsKey19]

I cant remember a year with so much intrigue to who will be starting at several positions. Bear in mind that Wade is an old salt.....he really backs veteran players. Big Nate felt this was a down-fall of Dallas training camp in that the best player wasn't always starting (ie. Austin backing up Crayton) because of Wade heavy allegiance to veteran players.

Open competition battles:

1) Free vs. Barron - I think this immediately becomes biggest battle to watch with the winner protecting blind side of Romo. Barron has better size and more experience but Free has better work ethic. Will be interesting to see who wins out with Houck influence on each. Edge: Free

2) Ball vs. Hamlin - On paper Hamlin has superior size and play making ability but Ball seems to persevere. Apparently Ball has closed on gape on size with Hamlin as he is rumored to be up around 190 lbs. The guy who creates more turnovers in camp wins this job. Edge: even

3) Hatcher vs Spears - look for spirited play by both as Spears & Hatcher see writing on wall. Hatcher has developed slower than anticipated but really came on late last year. Edge: Spears


4) Lee vs Jason Williams - might actually be most compelling battle. Both very talented guys. According to Wade - Williams is fastest defensive player outside the CBs. Lee made total of 4 mistakes (according to his coaches) during this entire time at Penn State....amazing stat. Edge: Lee


4)Deon Anderson vs. Sicko - factoring in off field problems and cowboys wanting more flexibility Sicko has chance to challenge Anderson here. I believe anderson was only in on about 15 offensive plays game. Edge: Sicko


Should be open competition but won't be:

1) Dez Bryant vs. Roy Williams - why not let these two go at it and just put better player on the field. I dont think Jerry is fooling anyone by starting Roy...it was a bad trade...deal with it and move on.

2) John Phillips vs Martellus Bennett - Bennett has supreme talent but seems more interested in non-football activities. Phillips loves football and got better as season went on. The most talented guy doesnt always translate and if Bennett exhibit similar qualities in 2010...then Phillips should earn back-up spot but most likely wont.

1.Free has the edge since he's been with the team but Barron obviously has more NFL starting experience. This should be a great battle all summer.Edge Free


2.I think it will be a close battle throughout. I think Ball's versatility will actually hurt him in his quest to become a starter. Unless one of the younger CBs step up at 4th CB, Ball will remain at the swing 4th CB/FS spot. Edge Hamlin

3.Hatcher has improved but Spears IMO has proven to be the better overall player. Edge Spears

4.The only way Cricket loses his spot is if this legal situation is more serious than we all think. The team will not go into the season without 1 traditional FB on the roster. He's also a good STs player. Not sure how Sicko has a chance to stick on the roster when you've already got 3 good TEs on the depth chart who can each catch and block equally effective.

5.I'd prefer to see Williams get that nickel spot given his speed. Lee seems to be more of an all-around player who wont hurt you on passing downs. Williams i would think because of his speed could actually be a weapon in this nickel role.


Dez vs Roy

I actually think the best player WILL get the nod, whether that's Roy or Dez. If Dez tears it up in camp, i truly believe he'll be starting WR.

Bennett vs Phillips

This should be a great battle. Could go either way.

 

[brymatt94]

Won't lee play backup at "mo" while Williams backups at "mike"? either way im sure both will battle for nickel and will sub in when needed.

 

[rkell87]

Won't lee play backup at "mo" while Williams backups at "mike"? either way im sure both will battle for nickel and will sub in when needed.

for practical purposes yes but i think lee starts if either starter goes down, i think williams only sees starting time if both ILBs go down

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Look for Bennett to become a beast this year... I think he feels the pressure and will understand what time it is!

 

[Hoofbite]

Look for Bennett to become a beast this year... I think he feels the pressure and will understand what time it is!

Doubt it.

With Dez, I'm not sure Dallas will have as much 2TE as they had last year.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Doubt it.

With Dez, I'm not sure Dallas will have as much 2TE as they had last year.

We will see... Like I said I believe Bennett will be much improved in 2010.

 

[Hoofbite]

We will see... Like I said I believe Bennett will be much improved in 2010.

He might be but I'm just not expecting "beast" level production.

 

[Gzus]

drop the mock draft....no one cares nor is impressed....

Great second post for a troll who joined the zone 3 years ago....

 

[THUMPER]

drop the mock draft....no one cares nor is impressed....

Are you one of his ex-girlfriends or something?

 

[Gzus]

FB: Deon Anderson vs Scott Sicko

not much of a battle here imo, Deon is going through off the field issues now, but I think he's safe for another year. Deon has a huge advantage in the blocking category and Sicko doesn't bring anything our TEs don't already have.

OT: Barron vs Brewster

This imo will be the battle, not Barron vs Free. Barron has all they physical tools and experience, while Brewster has the much better work ethic (not to mention some pretty good physical tools himself). One guy will be the swing tackle, the other will be inactive for most the season.

DE: Spears vs Bowen vs Hatcher

Assuming Spears isn't dealt, any of the 3 could start at DE. Bowen was the more productive, but Phillips is very loyal to established players and as long Spears is on the roster he will likely start. But don't be suprised if Bowen or Hatcher play more snaps.

ILB: JWilliams vs Sean Lee

Should be interesting to see who gets more playing time as a nickel LB. While I wouldn't be suprised to see both play in the nickel, only one can play in the dime packages.

FS: Alan Ball vs Mike Hamlin

Alan Ball will almost certainly get the first crack, but I think Mike Hamlin is more of a play maker. His deep range concerns me, but I think he will supplant Ball after the season starts

Sicko v. Anderson:
I would love to see Sicko make the team and this is his best chance. Deon has experience on the team but he isn't a threat to run or catch a pass so in an offensive sense they guy is nothing more than a blocker. Sicko makes this position an offensively viable threat which I think would benefit the Cowboys by adding an additional weapon.

Barron v. Brewster: The Boys are really high on Brewster so I think he has the edge. Both will likely be able to contribute as swing tackles.

Spears v. Bowen v. Hatcher: Any one of them could end up starting. As long as Spears is on the roster he'll start.

Williams v. Lee: Both are gonna be backups at ILB. I think Lee will get the nod over Williams b/c of his draft status. Either way both are the future ILBs.

Ball v. Hamlin: Ball is the front runner but Hamlin has a good shot at taking it as long as he stays healthy and performs this offseason.

 

[burmafrd]

If Brewster could outperfrom Barron that would mean we truly had a wasted trade, You do remember that Brewster has not PRACTICED in over a year.

I think its very possible that we have a lot less 2 TE sets this season if Roy picks it up at all and Bryant shines like he could. Frankly I think if Phillips shows himself close to Bennett we look for a way to trade him. Jerruh and company are clearly not willing to put up with much more from Bennett.

FB spot is interesting. Deon's lack of any other threat then blocking makes him very vulnerable. If Sicko or the Gronk come close to his blocking ability he is gone.

 

[CF74]

I cant remember a year with so much intrigue to who will be starting at several positions.

Open competition battles:

1) Free vs. Barron - Edge: Free

2) Ball vs. Hamlin - Edge: even

3) Hatcher vs Spears - Edge: Spears

4) Lee vs Jason Williams - Edge: Lee

4)Deon Anderson vs. Sicko - Edge: Sicko

Should be open competition but won't be:

1) Dez Bryant vs. Roy Williams -

2) John Phillips vs Martellus Bennett - Bennett

Open competition battles:

You forgot to say who gets the edge between RW and Dez..

1) Free vs. Barron - Edge: Free I will say by Mid-Season we will know exactly what we have in Free and all doubts will be dispelled..
Colombo vs Barron - Edge: Colombo but will be watching Colombo very closely to see if he's 100% again..

Barron will be the swing tackle and I suspect Brewster will be behind him..

2) Ball vs. Hamlin - ??? Edge: Ball, Hamlin is a SS.
Ball vs AOA- Edge: Ball but AOA might be chomping at the bit by the end of the season...

3) Hatcher vs Spears - Edge: Spears

4) Lee vs Jason Williams - Edge: Williams

5)Deon Anderson vs. Sicko - ??? Are we dumping the fullback position and going H-back? If so I like the option of another threat but if we still want a traditional FB and Anderson can beat the rap, he will be back in this scenario. I prefer Sicko though..

Anderson vs Gronkowski - Edge: Gronkowski due to Crickets law issues..


Should be open competition but won't be:
It will be because it is. Granted even if Dez out performs during camp RW is still the man for the time being. Once game time rolls around he has to produce or else he will lose reps gradually.

1) Dez Bryant vs. Roy Williams - Edge: RW but again if he doesn't get it together I can see him benched after about 10 games or so...

2) John Phillips vs Martellus Bennett - Edge: Bennett I believe Phillips plays so well because he has two studs above him and he's a competitor. Dude could start for many teams imo...

drop the mock draft....no one cares nor is impressed....

I believe you are confused here, it's not a "Mock Draft" as these players are currently on the team. It's about who gets a starting or back up position from training camp battles. Hope that clears it up so you can post more in the future...:laugh2: