DC: Mailbag: Word On Jasper Brinkley? Possibly Keeping Four Tight Ends?

[jobberone]

Mailbag: Word On Jasper Brinkley? Possibly Keeping Four Tight Ends?
Tuesday, August 04, 2015 11:38 AM CDT

CASEY ADDISON
YORK, UK
Why is it that no one mentions Jasper Brinkley when talking about the linebackers? Did he get cut, somehow retire without me knowing it just like Rivers did?

Bryan: Jasper Brinkley has been running with the 2’s and has been steady. When you watch him play – that’s just how he is. Never going to be out of place nor make many mistakes. Has been getting some reps on special teams as well.

David: I’d guess the reason why you haven’t heard much about Brinkley is because Anthony Hitchens has taken on the role of starting middle linebacker while Sean Lee works his way back to full-team practice. The Cowboys brought in Brinkley to solidify their linebacker corps, but I’d guess they want to take every opportunity to determine what type of playmakers they have at the position.

JOHN FISHER
VENICE, FL
It sounds like Geoff Swaim is making an impression. If he were to make the 53, whose job is most in danger: Hanna, Escobar, or Clutts?

Bryan: Swaim has done a nice job on his routes but really hasn’t done much as a blocker so we will see how that plays out in these preseason games. To be quite honest I believe he is a real long shot to make the 53-man roster but if he does that spot will likely come from the receivers.

David: It wouldn’t be terribly surprising to me if they keep all four tight ends – because I certainly don’t see them cutting Hanna or Escobar. Of the three options you gave me, I’d guess Clutts is the most likely to be cut. But I don’t really believe that, either, as we’ve seen how much this staff values the fullback spot. I think Bryan is right that they’ll likely account for it by only keeping five wide outs, and I’d also guess Swaim needs to make quite an impression.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2...per-brinkley-possibly-keeping-four-tight-ends

 

[Teague31]

I still think Hanna gets traded. Last year of his contract and I have a hard time believing they gave up a pick next year just to try Swaim out for a few months

 

[lkelly]

I still think Hanna gets traded. Last year of his contract and I have a hard time believing they gave up a pick next year just to try Swaim out for a few months

Could be that the team looks at injuries during the preseason and sends Hanna to a TE needy team for a conditional late round pick next year.

On the other hand, it wouldn't be the first time that a team traded a late round future pick for a player that they didn't keep. That may be a better decision than hanging on to a player who can't play in an attempt to justify that trade. That weakens this year's roster.

 

[links18]

Good problem to have I guess.....

 

[darthseinfeld]

Interesting what they say about going short at WR to keep 4 TE's. I wonder if that forces them to play Escobar more

 

[conner01]

I still think Hanna gets traded. Last year of his contract and I have a hard time believing they gave up a pick next year just to try Swaim out for a few months

I think that depends on swain
He is going to have to show good blocking ability to give them the confidence to trade Hanna
I don't think the pick is anything to worry that much about
Swain needs to play equal or better than Hanna I think

 

[Aven8]

I never get the hate on Hannah. He reminds me of a Dallas Clark/Cooley type. Unfortunately we are really awful at getting players involved as well, after the top 4 skill position wise, so who really knows!

 

[Hardline]

Swaim will also have to show something on special teams in order to justify keeping him on the 53.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

I never get the hate on Hannah. He reminds me of a Dallas Clark/Cooley type. Unfortunately we are really awful at getting players involved as well, after the top 4 skill position wise, so who really knows!

At some point though you have to chalk it up to simply having too many options. The second or third string tight end is probably our 4th or 5th option at best. This team will never see the potential of Escobar or Hanna until Witten leaves.

I never understood the hate for Hanna myself. Or maybe it's not hate just a lack of respect. The guy is solid every time he gets on the field. I don't know why anyone would want a 6th or 7th rounder in return. I'd rather just keep him in case of a injury and let him leave if he chooses to.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Swaim will also have to show something on special teams in order to justify keeping him on the 53.

Yeah I think he's practice squad bound to be honest.

 

[StarBoyz83]

I see no reason at all to keep te's now keeping 4 rb's is understandable.

 

[Hoofbite]

I see no reason at all to keep te's now keeping 4 rb's is understandable.

You and me both.

The team is better of with 3 WRS on the field, and their reluctance to move away from the receiving and blocking designations with TEs has actually been counterproductive. If you're going to go with 2 TEs, your TEs must be able to do both.

 

[BAZ]

Yeah I think he's practice squad bound to be honest.

If you were a division rival wouldn't you try and coax him over just so it costs the Cowboys two picks?

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

If you were a division rival wouldn't you try and coax him over just so it costs the Cowboys two picks?

Ehh.....I personally wouldn't. I know teams can be petty but at the end of the day we're talking about a practice squad guy who as of right now is our 4th best tight end right now.

I personally don't understand the insistence on getting him but maybe there's this potential they see. But i'd like of them to allow for Escobar and Hanna to develop before they attempt to develop someone else.

 

[Bullflop]

Broaddus obviously believes Swaim won't be able to cut it as a blocker (which is the reason why he was drafted in the first place.) They also bought in TE Brandon Bardon from Vanderbilt, indicating they're still in the process of locating someone who can provide the help they crave for that spot. I believe Swaim is in trouble in terms of remaining with this team. We're more than likely not 'shaking the bushes' for no apparent reason.

Thus far, Swaim has shown he can run decent routes but that won't be enough to satisfy a need for TE blocking depth on this team. Bardon is a mere 215 lbs. at 6'-4", which would seem to be a reach in terms of being a blocking TE. He has displayed good hands, however. At 215 lbs., it's hard to picture him as the blocking answer we're looking for at the TE position and WR opportunity appears extremely saturated now.