CCBoy
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 47,017
- Reaction score
- 22,609
Cowboys Offseason: Comparing Draft Targets To Free Agency Targets
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016...omparing-draft-targets-to-free-agency-targets
...Cornerback
The cornerback position is one that has continued to be a problem for the Cowboys. In 2012, Dallas thought they got it right when they moved up to draft Morris Claiborne and signed Brandon Carr in free agency. Instead, both moves have backfired. Four years later, the Cowboys find themselves with a few decisions to make. Byron Jones performed tremendously in 2015, but the idea of him transitioning to play free safety just makes too much sense. Orlando Scandrick will be back in 2016 from an ACL injury.
Because Carr is set to make $9.1 million next year, the Cowboys could designate him as a post June 1st cut and save $9 million in the process. This decision would add dead money in 2017, but the reality is that Carr isn't worth what he's getting paid for and if the Cowboys are all in for 2016, then this move would be necessary. Claiborne's rookie contract is up and while he did play better in 2015, the Cowboys would be wise to let him walk and go separate ways.
Free Agency best candidates: Trumaine Johnson, Sean Smith, and Brandon Boykin.
Draft best candidates: Jalen Ramsey (Florida State), Vernon Hargreaves III (Florida), and Mackensie Alexander (Clemson).
Verdict: Free Agency
Again this goes with the 'all-in' mentality the Cowboys would and should have for the 2016 season. Out of the three prospects, I like Ramsey the most, mainly because of his expertise in man as well as his versatility and fluidity. However, it's no secret that rookie defensive backs struggle. Knowing that, the Cowboys should look to sign either Johnson or Smith. Both fill a void and both won't be that expensive. If the Cowboys want another slot cornerback option, Boykin makes sense.
Defensive End
While Randy Gregory didn't have a sack in his rookie campaign, it should be said that he was extremely impressive in spurts. DeMarcus Lawrence came on towards the end of the season, which is a real good sign for the future. The Cowboys will have a decision to make with Greg Hardy. I have been in favor of Hardy not returning. Hardy had three sacks in his first two games, but he finished with just three in his last nine games. The Cowboys may also lose Jack Crawford, as the 27-year-old had the best year of his career. Regardless of what the Cowboys do with Hardy and Crawford, Dallas needs more pressure.
Free Agency best candidates: Derrick Shelby and Adrian Clayborn.
Draft best candidates: Joey Bosa (Ohio State).
Verdict: Free Agency
Depending on how Bosa tests, I don't see him fitting what Rod Marinelli wants in his edge rushers. According to NFL Draft Scout, Bosa is projected to run a 4.72 40-yard dash. Footbology's Marcus Mosher talked about the Cowboys' recent draft trends and how they prefer defensive ends who are extremely athletic. Let's compare Ryan Russell (Cowboys' fifth-round pick in 2015) to Bosa. Russell ran a 4.57 40-yard dash, while Bosa is projected to run a 4.72 40-yard dash.
Regardless, I think Bosa will be a great player, but I think the Cowboys don't need to invest a first-round pick in a defensive end like Bosa. I believe it's the interior of the defensive line that is the problem, which is something they can invest in later. Luckily for Dallas, the defensive tackle class is extremely deep.
Shelby or Clayborn makes sense for the Cowboys, as both could come in and play a a role in some sub-packages. Either one wouldn't be that expensive, which is something that may attract the Cowboys. By bringing in one of these guys and letting Hardy walk, the Cowboys save a media circus and will finally be able to see what they have in their defensive end duo of the future in Gregory and Lawrence...
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2016...omparing-draft-targets-to-free-agency-targets
...Cornerback
The cornerback position is one that has continued to be a problem for the Cowboys. In 2012, Dallas thought they got it right when they moved up to draft Morris Claiborne and signed Brandon Carr in free agency. Instead, both moves have backfired. Four years later, the Cowboys find themselves with a few decisions to make. Byron Jones performed tremendously in 2015, but the idea of him transitioning to play free safety just makes too much sense. Orlando Scandrick will be back in 2016 from an ACL injury.
Because Carr is set to make $9.1 million next year, the Cowboys could designate him as a post June 1st cut and save $9 million in the process. This decision would add dead money in 2017, but the reality is that Carr isn't worth what he's getting paid for and if the Cowboys are all in for 2016, then this move would be necessary. Claiborne's rookie contract is up and while he did play better in 2015, the Cowboys would be wise to let him walk and go separate ways.
Free Agency best candidates: Trumaine Johnson, Sean Smith, and Brandon Boykin.
Draft best candidates: Jalen Ramsey (Florida State), Vernon Hargreaves III (Florida), and Mackensie Alexander (Clemson).
Verdict: Free Agency
Again this goes with the 'all-in' mentality the Cowboys would and should have for the 2016 season. Out of the three prospects, I like Ramsey the most, mainly because of his expertise in man as well as his versatility and fluidity. However, it's no secret that rookie defensive backs struggle. Knowing that, the Cowboys should look to sign either Johnson or Smith. Both fill a void and both won't be that expensive. If the Cowboys want another slot cornerback option, Boykin makes sense.
Defensive End
While Randy Gregory didn't have a sack in his rookie campaign, it should be said that he was extremely impressive in spurts. DeMarcus Lawrence came on towards the end of the season, which is a real good sign for the future. The Cowboys will have a decision to make with Greg Hardy. I have been in favor of Hardy not returning. Hardy had three sacks in his first two games, but he finished with just three in his last nine games. The Cowboys may also lose Jack Crawford, as the 27-year-old had the best year of his career. Regardless of what the Cowboys do with Hardy and Crawford, Dallas needs more pressure.
Free Agency best candidates: Derrick Shelby and Adrian Clayborn.
Draft best candidates: Joey Bosa (Ohio State).
Verdict: Free Agency
Depending on how Bosa tests, I don't see him fitting what Rod Marinelli wants in his edge rushers. According to NFL Draft Scout, Bosa is projected to run a 4.72 40-yard dash. Footbology's Marcus Mosher talked about the Cowboys' recent draft trends and how they prefer defensive ends who are extremely athletic. Let's compare Ryan Russell (Cowboys' fifth-round pick in 2015) to Bosa. Russell ran a 4.57 40-yard dash, while Bosa is projected to run a 4.72 40-yard dash.
Regardless, I think Bosa will be a great player, but I think the Cowboys don't need to invest a first-round pick in a defensive end like Bosa. I believe it's the interior of the defensive line that is the problem, which is something they can invest in later. Luckily for Dallas, the defensive tackle class is extremely deep.
Shelby or Clayborn makes sense for the Cowboys, as both could come in and play a a role in some sub-packages. Either one wouldn't be that expensive, which is something that may attract the Cowboys. By bringing in one of these guys and letting Hardy walk, the Cowboys save a media circus and will finally be able to see what they have in their defensive end duo of the future in Gregory and Lawrence...