DC.com: Draft Could Reverse Aging Of O-Line

[CCBoy]

Silver Lining
Draft Could Reverse Aging Of O-Line
Josh Ellis
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer


http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/news.cfm?id=63386D15-ACBA-FF5E-D79AE3ADBF8D011E




INDIANAPOLIS - Following a 6-10 season, the Cowboys obviously have many needs, and Jerry Jones listed them fully when speaking to the media on Friday.

The very first thing to come to his mind, however, was offensive line, the owner/general manager mentioning "numbers" as the real motivating factor for adding talent to the front five through the draft. Either the owner was referring to the lack of depth on the line, or dollar figures, or another important set of digits.

31. It's the median age of the Cowboys' starting five offensive linemen, with 27-year-old left tackle Doug Free the only player beneath the unit's average.

"Certainly we have some guys who are a little bit older," coach Jason Garrett said on Thursday. "A lot of ways, age is a number. You've got to look specifically, how old are these guys? Have they been banged up? Are they playing old? Are they playing young? Are they spry? Do they have a lot of tread on the tires? All those things. You evaluate it individually and you do it collectively as well and you do that throughout the football team."...

 

[CCBoy]

This is the draft that I'm looking for:

Round 1: Tyron Smith, OT, USC -- I've never looked forward to a weigh in and workout as much as I do to his. If he's 310 lbs. or heavier, I think Smith firms a spot on Dallas' short list. The Cowboys should have trade down options, and I won't complain if they leave the first with a player like Gabe Carimi or Derek Sherrod. At nine, they may get their pick of the tackles. Will Tryon Smith's workout give them a reason to stay there?

Round 2: Danny Watkins, G, Baylor -- He's been a hot name for a few weeks. Offensive tackles are more valuable than guards. Consequently, guards tend to fall a bit on draft day. Mike Iuputi was an exception last year, but he was about 15-20 lbs. heavier than Watkins and a few years younger.

* "One of the slight surprises was the weight of USC OT Tyron Smith,who was listed anywhere from 280 to 285 on the USC roster. However, he measured in at an even 6-5, was 307-pounds and looked far and away like the most athletic offensive tackle at the weigh-in. Plus, his nearly 37-inch arms are also very intriguing and I have a tough time seeing how this guy isn’t the first offensive tackle off the board come April."

(the above taken from cowboyszone, by Vela)

http://www.cowboyszone.com/2011/02/combine-commences-underwear-olympics.html

 

[Eddie]

Hold it ... 31 is infant age for the OL. OLmen don't reach their prime until their mid 30's.

 

[jnday]

Hold it ... 31 is infant age for the OL. OLmen don't reach their prime until their mid 30's.

Sarcasm ?

 

[Frozen700]

Sarcasm ?

no he's serious.....

and i agree

 

[big dog cowboy]

The Cowboys should have trade down options, and I won't complain if they leave the first with a player like Gabe Carimi or Derek Sherrod. At nine, they may get their pick of the tackles. Will Tryon Smith's workout give them a reason to stay there?

How the QB situation falls out may determine what we are able to do. One thing for certain, Jerry will always answer the phone when it rings.

 

[Doomsday101]

no he's serious.....

and i agree

Really depends on the player your talking about, injuries have a way of closing a career much sooner than some generic avg

 

[Hoofbite]

Age isn't the problem.

Flat out sucking is the problem and replacing Colombo and Davis with a sack of potatoes could help reverse that.

 

[jnday]

no he's serious.....

and i agree

How is that working out for the Cowboys the last couple of years ?

 

[Chuck 54]

I don't know anyone who sees any of the OTs going in the top 10. If a fan wants an OT in round 1, then he should want the Cowboys to drop down below 15 to take an OT.

Top 10 is the exclusive area for DL, QB, CB, and "maybe" a super blue chip LB.

For Dallas, I say DL, CB, or trade down, quite far down to pick up an extra #2; then take an OT and use your two #2's at DL and CB/OG.

 

[garyv]

bothers me quite abit. I don't want anybody injured in the 1st Round.

 

[jnday]

Really depends on the player your talking about, injuries have a way of closing a career much sooner than some generic avg

There are a few linemen that can play at an effective level well into their 30s , but the majority can not maintain their level of play. I don`t know why fans think that a 32 or 33 year old linemen is just hitting their prime. Look at the Cowboys current line . Declining play is normal for an over 30 linemen , not the exception. You make a very valid point that injuries have a way of adding up and considering that every play consist of 300lb guys hitting each other , it is unrealistic to assume lineman can play at a high level until he is in his mid 30s.

 

[TheSport78]

The main priority for the Cowboys should NOT be upgrading the defense, but protecting it's quarterback that is returning from injury. I was on the DL in the 1st round bandwagon up until recently. This draft is ridiculously deep at defensive line, so you can find a good one in the 2nd or 3rd round.

The OL talent significantly drops off in the 2nd and 3rd round. Tyron Smith is a special player who will make EVERYONE on offense better. It'll help get Felix Jones in space more, it'll bring athleticism to the offensive line, which is deeply needed, and this will help our QB go through his reads to get the ball to our playmakers like Dez and Miles.

I read a report that the Cowboys are definitely going defense in the 1st round. I think this would be a grave mistake.