Dallas Cowboys 2010 Draft Needs by Jonathan Bales

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Dallas Cowboys 2010 Draft Needs by Jonathan Bales
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Contributor Written on February 13, 2010
Chris McGrath/Getty Images Despite the Cowboys’ early exit from the ‘09 playoffs, there is no doubting that this roster is loaded with talent. It is hard to identify a weakness on either side of the ball, but there are some areas that can definitely be improved upon. In my opinion, the top five positions that could be upgraded via the draft are:

1. PR/KR

Although Patrick Crayton’s punt return average was superb this season, this number is skewed because of two long returns for touchdowns (one against Seattle, the other versus Atlanta). During these returns, the Cowboys’ return unit created holes so large that my grandmother could have scored a TD (Disclaimer: Grandma did once run a 4.35, albeit wind-aided).

In reality, Crayton is a reliable return-man, but not a game-breaker. I truly believe the two punt return touchdowns the Cowboys scored this season were in spite of Crayton, not because of him.

At KR, the need for an upgrade is even greater. Despite Felix Jones great burst and play-making ability, he looked hesitant on kick returns all season. Combine this with the fact that he is due to see a much larger workload on offense next season, and his chances of being a real threat at kick returner dwindle. Kevin Ogletree was adequate on returns, but again, the big-play threat was not there.

While others may view a return specialist as too limited a role to be considered a primary draft need, I believe the game-changing ability this position could provide is well worth a high draft selection (i.e. as high as round two).




Felix would be best suited concentrating on offense.
2. OT (preferably left tackle)

While the offensive line did a respectable job up until the playoff loss in Minnesota, their age is becoming a concern. While experience and continuity are integral parts of playing on the o-line, at a certain point the future must be addressed. With the average NFL experience of the five starters being nine years, that time is now.

When Marc Columbo went down in the Green Bay game, Doug Free stepped in and did an above-average job at right tackle. However, my film study suggests that left tackle Flozell Adams did not do as superb a job as many others seem to believe.

Through that game in Green Bay, Flozell had already allowed six sacks on the season. While his penalties have always been a problem, they seem a bit less tolerable when he is allowing his quarterback to get mauled. Thus, despite the presence of Doug Free, the Cowboys desperately need a young left tackle to get into the mix, perhaps as early as next season.




Flozell Adams struggled more in '09 than many realize.
3. ILB

I hate to rate this position so high, as I absolutely love the job Keith Brooking did this season. His impact came in more than just his on-field play, as Brooking instantly became a clubhouse leader. The team may not have gotten as far as they did without his leadership, and for that reason, I believe it is imperative that he returns next season. He makes a great duo at inside linebacker with Bradie James, who is more of a leader on the field.

Brooking’s age, however, means he has one, maybe two more seasons left in the tank. A young, versatile ILB would be a great addition to the defense. While Bobby Carpenter has done better in nickel situations than he gets credit for, a young ILB who can play both the run and pass would free up a roster spot.




Keith Brooking's leadership and presence cannot be understated.
4. K

Dallas is going to give David Buehler every chance to win the kicking job this offseason, but he will have to greatly improve his accuracy for that to happen. Plus, Buehler does not really use up an extra roster spot as a kickoff specialist because he is used on the special teams units.

While kicker is a huge need, it may be better for this position to be filled via free agency instead of the draft, assuming Buehler remains just a kickoff specialist.




Buehler would help the Cowboys a lot by winning the kicking job next season.
5. DE/DT

In Wade Phillips’ version of the 3-4 defense, the defensive end position goes unheralded. Sacks are hard to come by, and the main focus for Marcus Spears & Co. is to stop the run. The ends have done an excellent job of that, particularly Spears and Igor Olshansky, and Hatcher and Bowen do solid work on passing downs.

With a hybrid DE/DT, the Cowboys could spell Spears and Olshansky, yet, more importantly, gain a quality backup behind Jay Ratliff. If Ratliff was to get seriously injured, Junior Siavii, the team’s only backup for him, just wouldn’t cut it. Thus, a player who could be an insurance policy for Ratliff, yet still get some playing time on running downs at DE, would be a great asset to the defense.

 

[rkell87]

this number is skewed because of two long returns for touchdowns.

stopped reading

 

[big dog cowboy]

1. PR/KR
2. OT (preferably left tackle)
3. ILB
4. K
5. DE/DT

I'd put those five in this order: OT, PR/KR, K, ILB then DE/DT.

But where is the playmaking safety we desperately need?

 

[Bluefin]

But where is the playmaking safety we desperately need?

I agree.

It's a pretty big need to just leave completely off the list.

 

[AmishCowboy]

A lot depends on what the Cowboys see Brewster as, a T or Move to guard. I think the interior of the line needs to be looked at with no reliable backups and Kosier heading in to FA in 2011.

 

[Hostile]

I think the author nailed it.

 

[AmishCowboy]

McShay's new mock has us taking Nate Allen.

 

[Jongb35]

Hate to bring up an old thread, but this is my article and I just found it in here. I realize most people are going to disagree with leaving safety off of the list. While the position could definitely be upgraded, particularly FS, I just don't see it as a desperate need.

A lot of people forget that Ken Hamlin was injured last season, and Ball stepped up and played pretty well in his absence. Hamlin doesn't make a lot of big plays, but he also doesn't give up a lot of big plays. Sometimes it can be a good thing to not hear your free safeties name called too often.

I do think a ball-hawk would help this team, but I just don't see it happening, at least early in the draft. The Boys also drafted Michael Hamlin last season, so there is depth, albeit a big unknown.

I may move safety up into my top five and drop ILB down if we see something from Jason Williams, who clearly has the physical tools to succeed.

 

[Nightshade]

I think the author nailed it.

I'm surprised you'd say that and not replace ILB on this list with Safety and not put Kicker as the number one need through Free agency or the draft.

 

[TheCount]

I'd put those five in this order: OT, PR/KR, K, ILB then DE/DT.

But where is the playmaking safety we desperately need?

I don't think we desperately need anything, including FS. I think the team might approach the draft thinking we've already got a playmaking safety on the roster in Mike Hamlin. Wouldn't surprise me if we didn't draft a safety at all.

 

[Gaede]

I think that's a pretty good writeup...Kick returns were god awful and neither Ogletree nor Felix did anything with them. I agree with needing OT first and then ILB later...Both are fairly significant needs, maybe not this year, but definitely the year after. I like alot of the OTs; not really a fan of alot of the ILBs though.

 

[Jongb35]

Thanks for the feedback fellas. I agree that there are no desperate needs on the roster. Of course there are positions that could be upgraded before others, but the Cowboys are in a nice position of being able to sit back and draft pretty much whoever they deem to be the top player left on their board.

 

[dbair1967]

I think the author nailed it.

I have no idea who he is, but I couldnt disagree more with him.

First, saying Crayton's numbers are only what they were because of 2 long returns is stupid. You could say the same thing about almost any of the leading punt returners.

I also think its laughable to believe the teams biggest need is a punt returner when the team's starting safeties the past two seasons have combined for 2 interceptions, and the starting FS has only 1. The team's single biggest weakness is the inability to get turnovers, and mediocre safety play is probably the main reason IMO.

 

[Jongb35]

I have no idea who he is, but I couldnt disagree more with him.

First, saying Crayton's numbers are only what they were because of 2 long returns is stupid. You could say the same thing about almost any of the leading punt returners.

I also think its laughable to believe the teams biggest need is a punt returner when the team's starting safeties the past two seasons have combined for 2 interceptions, and the starting FS has only 1. The team's single biggest weakness is the inability to get turnovers, and mediocre safety play is probably the main reason IMO.

I am the author, and I have to respectfully disagree. Pointing out the increased average of Crayton's returns due to two outliers is not "stupid," in my opinion. We can't just take an average as a prime indicator of success. Means are frequently misleading, and I think that is the case with Crayton's returns.

Secondly, you know as well as I do that Crayton is not an explosive return man. He does not have the quick-twitch abilities to consistently make big plays. More important to me than a punt return average is if a guy passes the eye test, and while Crayton did a decent job on returns, I do not see a playmaker when I watch him run.

Further, Crayton is very shaky in his ability to catch punts. The Cowboys' signing of Allen Rossum after week five, where Crayton dropped a punt and missed another, is evidence of their lack of confidence in him. If you do not trust my evaluation of Crayton, at least take the organization's opinion into account.

Lastly, sometimes not hearing your free safety's name called all that often can be a good thing. Hamlin does need to make more plays, but he also does a tremendous job of not yielding the big play. He is a cerebral player who you can trust to have the secondary in proper position.

 

[rkell87]

I have no idea who he is, but I couldnt disagree more with him.

First, saying Crayton's numbers are only what they were because of 2 long returns is stupid. You could say the same thing about almost any of the leading punt returners.

I also think its laughable to believe the teams biggest need is a punt returner when the team's starting safeties the past two seasons have combined for 2 interceptions, and the starting FS has only 1. The team's single biggest weakness is the inability to get turnovers, and mediocre safety play is probably the main reason IMO.

nailed it

I am the author, and I have to respectfully disagree. Pointing out the increased average of Crayton's returns due to two outliers is not "stupid," in my opinion. We can't just take an average as a prime indicator of success. Means are frequently misleading, and I think that is the case with Crayton's returns.

Secondly, you know as well as I do that Crayton is not an explosive return man. He does not have the quick-twitch abilities to consistently make big plays. More important to me than a punt return average is if a guy passes the eye test, and while Crayton did a decent job on returns, I do not see a playmaker when I watch him run.

Further, Crayton is very shaky in his ability to catch punts. The Cowboys' signing of Allen Rossum after week five, where Crayton dropped a punt and missed another, is evidence of their lack of confidence in him. If you do not trust my evaluation of Crayton, at least take the organization's opinion into account.

Lastly, sometimes not hearing your free safety's name called all that often can be a good thing. Hamlin does need to make more plays, but he also does a tremendous job of not yielding the big play. He is a cerebral player who you can trust to have the secondary in proper position.

discounting his average because he took two to the house is back ***ward thinking sorry. also you said in your OP crayton is a reliable return man which you contradict in this post.

hamlin may not yield a big play but he doesn't make a big play either. im sure a play making safety could make sure the secondary is lined up right just fine.

in your top 5 needs of this team you dont have safety which is easily top 2 because if you look at the D position for position and say if we upgrade here would it make the biggest impact? safety would be your answer.

 

[ShiningStar]

Dallas Cowboys 2010 Draft Needs by Jonathan Bales
Jonathan BalesContributor

Contributor Written on February 13, 2010
Chris McGrath/Getty Images Despite the Cowboys’ early exit from the ‘09 playoffs, there is no doubting that this roster is loaded with talent. It is hard to identify a weakness on either side of the ball, but there are some areas that can definitely be improved upon. In my opinion, the top five positions that could be upgraded via the draft are:

1. PR/KR

Although Patrick Crayton’s punt return average was superb this season, this number is skewed because of two long returns for touchdowns (one against Seattle, the other versus Atlanta). During these returns, the Cowboys’ return unit created holes so large that my grandmother could have scored a TD (Disclaimer: Grandma did once run a 4.35, albeit wind-aided).

In reality, Crayton is a reliable return-man, but not a game-breaker. I truly believe the two punt return touchdowns the Cowboys scored this season were in spite of Crayton, not because of him.

At KR, the need for an upgrade is even greater. Despite Felix Jones great burst and play-making ability, he looked hesitant on kick returns all season. Combine this with the fact that he is due to see a much larger workload on offense next season, and his chances of being a real threat at kick returner dwindle. Kevin Ogletree was adequate on returns, but again, the big-play threat was not there.

While others may view a return specialist as too limited a role to be considered a primary draft need, I believe the game-changing ability this position could provide is well worth a high draft selection (i.e. as high as round two).




Felix would be best suited concentrating on offense.
2. OT (preferably left tackle)

While the offensive line did a respectable job up until the playoff loss in Minnesota, their age is becoming a concern. While experience and continuity are integral parts of playing on the o-line, at a certain point the future must be addressed. With the average NFL experience of the five starters being nine years, that time is now.

When Marc Columbo went down in the Green Bay game, Doug Free stepped in and did an above-average job at right tackle. However, my film study suggests that left tackle Flozell Adams did not do as superb a job as many others seem to believe.

Through that game in Green Bay, Flozell had already allowed six sacks on the season. While his penalties have always been a problem, they seem a bit less tolerable when he is allowing his quarterback to get mauled. Thus, despite the presence of Doug Free, the Cowboys desperately need a young left tackle to get into the mix, perhaps as early as next season.




Flozell Adams struggled more in '09 than many realize.
3. ILB

I hate to rate this position so high, as I absolutely love the job Keith Brooking did this season. His impact came in more than just his on-field play, as Brooking instantly became a clubhouse leader. The team may not have gotten as far as they did without his leadership, and for that reason, I believe it is imperative that he returns next season. He makes a great duo at inside linebacker with Bradie James, who is more of a leader on the field.

Brooking’s age, however, means he has one, maybe two more seasons left in the tank. A young, versatile ILB would be a great addition to the defense. While Bobby Carpenter has done better in nickel situations than he gets credit for, a young ILB who can play both the run and pass would free up a roster spot.




Keith Brooking's leadership and presence cannot be understated.
4. K

Dallas is going to give David Buehler every chance to win the kicking job this offseason, but he will have to greatly improve his accuracy for that to happen. Plus, Buehler does not really use up an extra roster spot as a kickoff specialist because he is used on the special teams units.

While kicker is a huge need, it may be better for this position to be filled via free agency instead of the draft, assuming Buehler remains just a kickoff specialist.




Buehler would help the Cowboys a lot by winning the kicking job next season.
5. DE/DT

In Wade Phillips’ version of the 3-4 defense, the defensive end position goes unheralded. Sacks are hard to come by, and the main focus for Marcus Spears & Co. is to stop the run. The ends have done an excellent job of that, particularly Spears and Igor Olshansky, and Hatcher and Bowen do solid work on passing downs.

With a hybrid DE/DT, the Cowboys could spell Spears and Olshansky, yet, more importantly, gain a quality backup behind Jay Ratliff. If Ratliff was to get seriously injured, Junior Siavii, the team’s only backup for him, just wouldn’t cut it. Thus, a player who could be an insurance policy for Ratliff, yet still get some playing time on running downs at DE, would be a great asset to the defense.

Other than getting the team right, yes he does get Dallas Cowboys right, it gets wrong after that.

Come on a PR/K return guy is more important than either a saftey who can make the plays and get the turnovers we so desperately need, OR if you dont agree with that, getting someone so our QB doesnt get killed and this is what you think is important. NO, and it gets worse.

You claim Crayton gets TD's in spite of himself but not because it was message received after the benching? No, DeCamillis put a good unit out there and he got Crayton going a lot better than he was 1 season ago. Im beginning to think if you get someone a little better, coach D will get more usage out of him, but its not the most glaring need right now, when you have to consider we dont want our QB killed. The Minnesota game brought this need to light and its a good thing it happened. Maybe the scouts are looking into OT people than ever before.


Than he goes to OT, finally remembering the game is won in the trenches. Sorry to little to late, you can make the case for defense or offense, but both have got to take need before PR man plain and simple.

Third is ILB, wow, cant have enough linebackers in a 3-4, way to rewrite the same thing over and over and over, welcome to the Dallas defense and any 3-4, linebackers, awesome.

Fourth is kicker. Awesome, we lost ours and lost some games to a non reliable kicker, and now its the 4th most need, possibly so, does it rate a high draft need. You can find a kicker, we have a kicker, this can be done before or after the draft, just throw a net out there and bring some in, oh wait we've done that plus a consultant to help Buehler. GOOD THING THE TEAM FORGOT WE GOT A KICKER.

Awesome, lets pay for the consultant, PLUS draft, PLUS sign a FA, plus bring in any guy off the street to compete for a job that could be taken by the guy we drafted last season. THis is a glaring need PEOPLE, HIGH DRAFT. Sorry no. Does not rate above another CB, which might be needed if Newman goes down to back up Jenkins and Scandrick. Doesnt outrank a WR we can draft at this point to bring in more competition in a spot that is held by our TE. I think that rates more than a kicker. Get in the endzone, and your kicker isnt as needed. We left a lot of points on the field that a WR could have put up for us instead of falling back on the kicker. I just dont see this as the 4th possible problem on the team.

Im not going to get into the 5th one because it makes no sense, we have Spears, Hatcher, Bowen and Igor, yet he wants to bring in someone to spell all them plus Ratliff? HUH. No, either get something for them in a trade, or resign who you have to at a good price. Its simple, not a glaring need.

Also back to the linebackers, you do remember Hodge, both Williams still have to make the year without injuries. WE still have some players from the last draft and some that made the PS, and some we lost that can come in and compete and some might be ready to take over, cough Mike Hamlin at saftey, cough cough.

Its a nice mix nuts we'll be bringing to the camps this offseason and I hope this draft is small but quality this year to fix some glaring needs, but not PR/K at that high, if you can get someone that can contribute or might be ready in the season, than great, if not Crayton is the number 3 guy and still plays WR decently. All this brings back memories of Skylar Green.

 

[Alexander]

I don't think we desperately need anything, including FS. I think the team might approach the draft thinking we've already got a playmaking safety on the roster in Mike Hamlin. Wouldn't surprise me if we didn't draft a safety at all.

You could also say the team might think we have an ILB of the future with Jason Williams and Stephen Hodge on the roster.

I would put safety ahead of ILB simply because it is a sore spot, has been a sore spot for seemingly forever and will continue to be so until it is definitely addressed. Let's be dreadfully honest--is Alan Ball truly a starting quality free safety option? Is Michael Hamlin? I know the team might be high on him, but there has to be some level of skepticism.

I agree with the rest. I know PR might "not" be as Crayton is acceptable, but kickoff returns are a problem. If Felix Jones is primed for more work, do you continue? We already saw Ogletree was average at best there. If there is a good quality player who can do both, I see no reason to ignore that as a need.

 

[Jongb35]

My intention wasn't to discredit Crayton's touchdowns, but to point out that such big outliers do affect the average, so we cannot go solely by average. Of course, the main thing you want from your return men is the ability to take it back to the house. I just believe that Crayton will not consistently be able to do that. So I don't think it is a contradiction to say that he can be reliable without being a consistent playmaker. We don't need steady. We need a game breaker.

Further, Crayont has zero chance of returning kickoffs. IMO, a guy who can do both is definitely worth a roster spot. Felix Jones is so hesitant back there, and evene if he wasn't, his importance to the offense makes him too risky to put back deep.

Good thoughts though. Nice critiques.

 

[Jongb35]

Other than getting the team right, yes he does get Dallas Cowboys right, it gets wrong after that.

Come on a PR/K return guy is more important than either a saftey who can make the plays and get the turnovers we so desperately need, OR if you dont agree with that, getting someone so our QB doesnt get killed and this is what you think is important. NO, and it gets worse.

You claim Crayton gets TD's in spite of himself but not because it was message received after the benching? No, DeCamillis put a good unit out there and he got Crayton going a lot better than he was 1 season ago. Im beginning to think if you get someone a little better, coach D will get more usage out of him, but its not the most glaring need right now, when you have to consider we dont want our QB killed. The Minnesota game brought this need to light and its a good thing it happened. Maybe the scouts are looking into OT people than ever before.


Than he goes to OT, finally remembering the game is won in the trenches. Sorry to little to late, you can make the case for defense or offense, but both have got to take need before PR man plain and simple.

Third is ILB, wow, cant have enough linebackers in a 3-4, way to rewrite the same thing over and over and over, welcome to the Dallas defense and any 3-4, linebackers, awesome.

Fourth is kicker. Awesome, we lost ours and lost some games to a non reliable kicker, and now its the 4th most need, possibly so, does it rate a high draft need. You can find a kicker, we have a kicker, this can be done before or after the draft, just throw a net out there and bring some in, oh wait we've done that plus a consultant to help Buehler. GOOD THING THE TEAM FORGOT WE GOT A KICKER.

Awesome, lets pay for the consultant, PLUS draft, PLUS sign a FA, plus bring in any guy off the street to compete for a job that could be taken by the guy we drafted last season. THis is a glaring need PEOPLE, HIGH DRAFT. Sorry no. Does not rate above another CB, which might be needed if Newman goes down to back up Jenkins and Scandrick. Doesnt outrank a WR we can draft at this point to bring in more competition in a spot that is held by our TE. I think that rates more than a kicker. Get in the endzone, and your kicker isnt as needed. We left a lot of points on the field that a WR could have put up for us instead of falling back on the kicker. I just dont see this as the 4th possible problem on the team.

Im not going to get into the 5th one because it makes no sense, we have Spears, Hatcher, Bowen and Igor, yet he wants to bring in someone to spell all them plus Ratliff? HUH. No, either get something for them in a trade, or resign who you have to at a good price. Its simple, not a glaring need.

Also back to the linebackers, you do remember Hodge, both Williams still have to make the year without injuries. WE still have some players from the last draft and some that made the PS, and some we lost that can come in and compete and some might be ready to take over, cough Mike Hamlin at saftey, cough cough.

Its a nice mix nuts we'll be bringing to the camps this offseason and I hope this draft is small but quality this year to fix some glaring needs, but not PR/K at that high, if you can get someone that can contribute or might be ready in the season, than great, if not Crayton is the number 3 guy and still plays WR decently. All this brings back memories of Skylar Green.

Bowen, Spears, and Hatcher are all restricted free agents. The time to address a position is not when there is a glaring hole. Those guys are not all going to be on the team in 2011, and maybe not even this season.

The same rationale is why I listed ILB. It is not a huge need right now, but it will be in the near future.

There is not one GLARING need on the team, even safety.

 

[Alexander]

The same rationale is why I listed ILB. It is not a huge need right now, but it will be in the near future.

By this rationale, you can also say that center and guard are need areas for the future. Kosier is the final year of his contract, Gurode is getting up in age and we have very little inside depth to speak of.