dcfanatic
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DCFanatic Radio - March 12 - Cowboys Free Agent Moves
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RealCowboyfan
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So who's Cowboys next target?
dcfanatic
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My guess is one or more of these seven guys will be talked to by the Cowboys.
Isaiah Kacyvenski | LB
Full Name: Isaiah Kacyvenski
Born: October 3, 1977 Syracuse, NY
Height: 6-1
Weight: 252 lbs.
Pronounced: kaz-uh-VIN-ski
Age: 29
Pos: LB
Experience: 7 years
College: Harvard
Insider Analysis
Grade68
Expert's Take: A special teams linebacker who is a key component to core special teams units. Is a tough, versatile linebacker who plays with smarts. Is aggressive, and plays with passion. Understands and knows his assignments. Will attack and take on blocks. Reacts well and shows good quickness in diagnosing and reacting. Better special teams player than position player. Has some stiffness in his movements despite his quickness. Athletic, but not fluid. Makes quick reads and plays under control, but is relentless. Is savvy in zone coverage; overmatched in man-to-man. Lacks closing burst as a pass rusher. Has the good work ethic to be an excellent backup.
We need a replacement for Fowler.
Robaire Smith | DE Complete player profile
Full Name: Robaire Fredrick Smith
Born: November 15, 1977 Flint, MI
Height: 6-4
Weight: 328 lbs.
Pronounced: row-BAYR
Age: 29
Pos: DE
Experience: 7 years
College: Michigan State
Insider Analysis
Grade67
Expert's Take: After being released by Houston, Smith was quickly snatched up by the Titans and inserted in their defensive tackle rotation. He is able to play either tackle spot and also has experience as an end in the 3-4. He has a big, thick body type with very good overall bulk and the ability to two-gap if called upon. Smith is very durable and continually plays hurt, making him a reliable member of Tennessee's defensive line. He competes hard and is a solid contributor against both the run and pass. He has several impressive pass rush moves and can push the pocket from the interior. He moves well laterally, is nifty and light on his feet for such a big man. He is a powerful, jolting tackler capable of springing the ball loose. While he has some good pass-rush moves, if his initial move fails, he rarely gets to the quarterback and isn't a real big sack guy overall. Smith has very ordinary pure speed and doesn't make a lot of plays outside the tackle box. He can wear down and is prone to carrying too much weight, which will cause him to come out of his stance too high late in games. Smith is best suited in a rotation, but he brings a lot of value due to his experience, toughness and versatility.
He could rotate with Fergy and be very successful in the Phillips 34.
Randall Godfrey | LB Complete player profile
Full Name: Randall E. Godfrey
Born: April 6, 1973 Valdosta, GA
Height: 6-2
Weight: 245 lbs.
Age: 33
Pos: LB
Experience: 11 years
College: Georgia
Insider Analysis
Grade63
Expert's Take: Godfrey is a veteran inside linebacker who played and started 13 games this season. He did miss three games due to injury. He has had a very productive NFL career and still has played at a good level, but you can see some drop off in his overall production. He is now a steady player, but he is not nearly as explosive and does not have as much big play ability as he had at one time. He has very good experience at the position and has a good feel for how to play the game. He is a smart and instinctive player that shows solid awareness playing inside. He is quick to read hats and get to his spot versus the run. He is a player that has limited range right now. He is more of a tackle to tackle player and does not make nearly as many plays as he used to out by the numbers. He is still a willing take on player in the box but he does not play with consistent knee bend and he is not as explosive to take on and shed blockers inline. In the past he could run around blocks and still make plays off his athletic ability and quickness, but now when he runs around blocks, he is just out of position. He is still an explosive hitter and tackler. He is more of a two-down player. He came out of the game a lot this season in certain sub-packages. He was a good blitzer early in his career, but he does not avoid traffic as well and can get washed down inside. He does not show explosive closing speed to get to the quarterback. He is very limited in coverage right now. He still possesses very good zone awareness. He can break well forward, but he struggles if he needs to flip and go or if he gets matched up in man coverage. His durability is also a bit of a concern. He has not played a complete 16-game season since 2000. Smaller bumps and bruises will knock him out of games because he does not recover as well physically as he used to. He has value on a good team still looking for a smart veteran that can give solid first and second down effort. He does not have backup value though because he offers nothing of value on special teams.
Great mentor to help these young LB'ers learn the Phillips 34 defense.
Edwin Mulitalo | OG Complete player profile
Full Name: Edwin Moliki Mulitalo
Born: September 1, 1974 Daly City, CA
Height: 6-3
Weight: 350 lbs.
Pronounced: moo-lee-TAHL-oh
Age: 32
Pos: OG
Experience: 8 years
College: Arizona
Insider Analysis
Grade58
Expert's Take: When healthy, Mulitalo is a mauling pure guard who has a nasty streak. He carries too much weight, is getting up in age and now must be considered a durability risk, although he has played hurt and missed little time throughout his career before tearing his triceps in October and going on injured reserve. He was released to open up salary cap room and because the Ravens were happy with their other younger guards. Mulitalo has decent height for the position and is very wide with great overall bulk. He is a finisher who shows very good toughness and aggression. He can stun defenders off the ball and drive them backwards. For someone with such mass, he moves pretty well and has some quickness and redirection skills. He is experienced and has a good feel for defensive-line stunts and games. Mulitalo is a better run blocker than he is in pass protection, but he still struggles getting out to the second level or hitting a linebacker on the move. He is best in a small area. When he bends at the waist -- and this occurs more and more as the game goes along -- he becomes very top heavy and loses his leverage. He is strictly a guard and offers no versatility. If healthy, Mulitalo has a place in the league on a power running team and possibly in a starter's role. But with the strain he puts on his lower body and recent injury history, he is probably best suited as a third guard.
If the Cowboys want a power running game he might be worth a look to see what's left in the tank. He is a monster and could replace either Guard if an injury comes up.
Carlos Polk | LB Complete player profile
Full Name: Carlos Devonn Polk
Born: February 22, 1977 Memphis, TN
Height: 6-2
Weight: 262 lbs.
Age: 30
Pos: LB
Experience: 6 years
College: Nebraska
Drafted: Year:2001 Round:4 Pick:17, Chargers
Insider Analysis
Grade 54
Expert's Take: Polk is coming off the most productive season of his NFL career. He finished the 2006 season with 45 total tackles and two sacks. He received more playing time this season because of Shawne Merriman's four game suspension and Shaun Phillip's calf injury. He has excellent overall size for the position. He is a solid run down outside linebacker at the point of attack. He has very good size and strength to take on blocks in line. He primarily plays on the strong side because of his ability to come off the ball hard and get into the tight end with good pop. He can be disruptive when he comes off the ball low and knocks the tight end back at the snap. He has improved his hand use to counter and shed blocks. He is more of a power pass rusher. He does not show edge quickness or closing speed as a pass rusher off the edge. His sacks are going to come off counters, which he shows an above-average swim move. He is not a player that plays very well laterally. His overall play speed and range are just adequate. He is not going to make plays versus the run from the backside. His stops come in line or at the point of attack. He is stiff and limited in man or zone coverage. He is a core special team's player. He is either a 3-4 outside linebacker or a strong side linebacker in a 4-3 defense. Best spot is to just put him over the tight end and let him come off the ball.
Young guy who played in the Phillips 34 at SD. Let him fight for a spot because in the 3-4 you never have enough LB'ers and we need a replacement for Al Singleton.
Kendyl Jacox | C Complete player profile
Full Name: Kendyl LaMarc Jacox
Born: June 10, 1975 Dallas, TX
Height: 6-2
Weight: 325 lbs.
Pronounced: JAY-cox
Age: 31
Pos: C
Experience: 9 years
College: Kansas State
Insider Analysis
Grade52
Expert's Take: Jacox is a nine-year veteran with a huge body and limited athletic ability. He has average initial quickness off the line of scrimmage and lacks agility in space. He will over-extend too often on the second level and is not effective down field. Jacox can win if he can lock on early in the play and wall off defenders. He does not have great snap with his initial punch, but it's tough to disengage from him once he is into a defender. He is a competitive player but is inconsistent to finish blocks. He does have good awareness to react to stunts and twists effectively and appears to have a feel for hand use and placement. Jacox can anchor effectively versus power bull rushers, but he has a tough time with quick stunts or counter moves in pass protection. He was thrust into a starting position after a rash of injures last season but is a backup only. He does have value being a swing player (OG/OC), and you can finish a game with his toughness and experience.
Need a replacement for Al Johnson as the backup Center and he played for Jason Garrett in Miami.
Matt Bowen | S Complete player profile
Full Name: Matthew Sean Bowen
Born: November 12, 1976 Glen Ellyn, IL
Height: 6-1
Weight: 203 lbs.
Age: 30
Pos: S
Experience: 7 years
College: Iowa
Insider Analysis
Grade55
Expert's Take: Bowen is a seven year veteran who is great to have on a team to mentor young, inexperienced players. He missed a good portion of the 2006 season with an injury and was unable to make an impact. He has good size and adequate strength for the safety position. Bowen has been primarily a backup player who brings toughness and intelligence as his best assets. He does a solid job making checks and adjustments in the secondary and rarely makes a mental mistake. He uses his hands well in block protection and is a willing tackler. He is not a blow-up type hitter, but he is reliable to fill the alley in run support. He is best in coverage as a deep zone player. He reads routes well as they develop and keeps leverage on receivers playing off the hash. Bowen can get exposed when having to man-up versus slot receivers, as he does not have enough quickness or explosive speed to match up effectively. The Buffalo staff was very satisfied with rookie safeties Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson, and the veteran experience that Bowen brought was not as valuable with those two entering their second season.
He could help Pat Watkins a lot more than Keith Davis can as the backup FS.
Isaiah Kacyvenski | LB
Born: October 3, 1977 Syracuse, NY
Height: 6-1
Weight: 252 lbs.
Pronounced: kaz-uh-VIN-ski
Age: 29
Pos: LB
Experience: 7 years
College: Harvard
Insider Analysis
Expert's Take: A special teams linebacker who is a key component to core special teams units. Is a tough, versatile linebacker who plays with smarts. Is aggressive, and plays with passion. Understands and knows his assignments. Will attack and take on blocks. Reacts well and shows good quickness in diagnosing and reacting. Better special teams player than position player. Has some stiffness in his movements despite his quickness. Athletic, but not fluid. Makes quick reads and plays under control, but is relentless. Is savvy in zone coverage; overmatched in man-to-man. Lacks closing burst as a pass rusher. Has the good work ethic to be an excellent backup.
We need a replacement for Fowler.
Robaire Smith | DE Complete player profile
Born: November 15, 1977 Flint, MI
Height: 6-4
Weight: 328 lbs.
Pronounced: row-BAYR
Age: 29
Pos: DE
Experience: 7 years
College: Michigan State
Insider Analysis
Expert's Take: After being released by Houston, Smith was quickly snatched up by the Titans and inserted in their defensive tackle rotation. He is able to play either tackle spot and also has experience as an end in the 3-4. He has a big, thick body type with very good overall bulk and the ability to two-gap if called upon. Smith is very durable and continually plays hurt, making him a reliable member of Tennessee's defensive line. He competes hard and is a solid contributor against both the run and pass. He has several impressive pass rush moves and can push the pocket from the interior. He moves well laterally, is nifty and light on his feet for such a big man. He is a powerful, jolting tackler capable of springing the ball loose. While he has some good pass-rush moves, if his initial move fails, he rarely gets to the quarterback and isn't a real big sack guy overall. Smith has very ordinary pure speed and doesn't make a lot of plays outside the tackle box. He can wear down and is prone to carrying too much weight, which will cause him to come out of his stance too high late in games. Smith is best suited in a rotation, but he brings a lot of value due to his experience, toughness and versatility.
He could rotate with Fergy and be very successful in the Phillips 34.
Randall Godfrey | LB Complete player profile
Born: April 6, 1973 Valdosta, GA
Height: 6-2
Weight: 245 lbs.
Age: 33
Pos: LB
Experience: 11 years
College: Georgia
Insider Analysis
Expert's Take: Godfrey is a veteran inside linebacker who played and started 13 games this season. He did miss three games due to injury. He has had a very productive NFL career and still has played at a good level, but you can see some drop off in his overall production. He is now a steady player, but he is not nearly as explosive and does not have as much big play ability as he had at one time. He has very good experience at the position and has a good feel for how to play the game. He is a smart and instinctive player that shows solid awareness playing inside. He is quick to read hats and get to his spot versus the run. He is a player that has limited range right now. He is more of a tackle to tackle player and does not make nearly as many plays as he used to out by the numbers. He is still a willing take on player in the box but he does not play with consistent knee bend and he is not as explosive to take on and shed blockers inline. In the past he could run around blocks and still make plays off his athletic ability and quickness, but now when he runs around blocks, he is just out of position. He is still an explosive hitter and tackler. He is more of a two-down player. He came out of the game a lot this season in certain sub-packages. He was a good blitzer early in his career, but he does not avoid traffic as well and can get washed down inside. He does not show explosive closing speed to get to the quarterback. He is very limited in coverage right now. He still possesses very good zone awareness. He can break well forward, but he struggles if he needs to flip and go or if he gets matched up in man coverage. His durability is also a bit of a concern. He has not played a complete 16-game season since 2000. Smaller bumps and bruises will knock him out of games because he does not recover as well physically as he used to. He has value on a good team still looking for a smart veteran that can give solid first and second down effort. He does not have backup value though because he offers nothing of value on special teams.
Great mentor to help these young LB'ers learn the Phillips 34 defense.
Edwin Mulitalo | OG Complete player profile
Born: September 1, 1974 Daly City, CA
Height: 6-3
Weight: 350 lbs.
Pronounced: moo-lee-TAHL-oh
Age: 32
Pos: OG
Experience: 8 years
College: Arizona
Insider Analysis
Expert's Take: When healthy, Mulitalo is a mauling pure guard who has a nasty streak. He carries too much weight, is getting up in age and now must be considered a durability risk, although he has played hurt and missed little time throughout his career before tearing his triceps in October and going on injured reserve. He was released to open up salary cap room and because the Ravens were happy with their other younger guards. Mulitalo has decent height for the position and is very wide with great overall bulk. He is a finisher who shows very good toughness and aggression. He can stun defenders off the ball and drive them backwards. For someone with such mass, he moves pretty well and has some quickness and redirection skills. He is experienced and has a good feel for defensive-line stunts and games. Mulitalo is a better run blocker than he is in pass protection, but he still struggles getting out to the second level or hitting a linebacker on the move. He is best in a small area. When he bends at the waist -- and this occurs more and more as the game goes along -- he becomes very top heavy and loses his leverage. He is strictly a guard and offers no versatility. If healthy, Mulitalo has a place in the league on a power running team and possibly in a starter's role. But with the strain he puts on his lower body and recent injury history, he is probably best suited as a third guard.
If the Cowboys want a power running game he might be worth a look to see what's left in the tank. He is a monster and could replace either Guard if an injury comes up.
Carlos Polk | LB Complete player profile
Born: February 22, 1977 Memphis, TN
Height: 6-2
Weight: 262 lbs.
Age: 30
Pos: LB
Experience: 6 years
College: Nebraska
Drafted: Year:2001 Round:4 Pick:17, Chargers
Insider Analysis
Expert's Take: Polk is coming off the most productive season of his NFL career. He finished the 2006 season with 45 total tackles and two sacks. He received more playing time this season because of Shawne Merriman's four game suspension and Shaun Phillip's calf injury. He has excellent overall size for the position. He is a solid run down outside linebacker at the point of attack. He has very good size and strength to take on blocks in line. He primarily plays on the strong side because of his ability to come off the ball hard and get into the tight end with good pop. He can be disruptive when he comes off the ball low and knocks the tight end back at the snap. He has improved his hand use to counter and shed blocks. He is more of a power pass rusher. He does not show edge quickness or closing speed as a pass rusher off the edge. His sacks are going to come off counters, which he shows an above-average swim move. He is not a player that plays very well laterally. His overall play speed and range are just adequate. He is not going to make plays versus the run from the backside. His stops come in line or at the point of attack. He is stiff and limited in man or zone coverage. He is a core special team's player. He is either a 3-4 outside linebacker or a strong side linebacker in a 4-3 defense. Best spot is to just put him over the tight end and let him come off the ball.
Young guy who played in the Phillips 34 at SD. Let him fight for a spot because in the 3-4 you never have enough LB'ers and we need a replacement for Al Singleton.
Kendyl Jacox | C Complete player profile
Born: June 10, 1975 Dallas, TX
Height: 6-2
Weight: 325 lbs.
Pronounced: JAY-cox
Age: 31
Pos: C
Experience: 9 years
College: Kansas State
Insider Analysis
Expert's Take: Jacox is a nine-year veteran with a huge body and limited athletic ability. He has average initial quickness off the line of scrimmage and lacks agility in space. He will over-extend too often on the second level and is not effective down field. Jacox can win if he can lock on early in the play and wall off defenders. He does not have great snap with his initial punch, but it's tough to disengage from him once he is into a defender. He is a competitive player but is inconsistent to finish blocks. He does have good awareness to react to stunts and twists effectively and appears to have a feel for hand use and placement. Jacox can anchor effectively versus power bull rushers, but he has a tough time with quick stunts or counter moves in pass protection. He was thrust into a starting position after a rash of injures last season but is a backup only. He does have value being a swing player (OG/OC), and you can finish a game with his toughness and experience.
Need a replacement for Al Johnson as the backup Center and he played for Jason Garrett in Miami.
Matt Bowen | S Complete player profile
Born: November 12, 1976 Glen Ellyn, IL
Height: 6-1
Weight: 203 lbs.
Age: 30
Pos: S
Experience: 7 years
College: Iowa
Insider Analysis
Expert's Take: Bowen is a seven year veteran who is great to have on a team to mentor young, inexperienced players. He missed a good portion of the 2006 season with an injury and was unable to make an impact. He has good size and adequate strength for the safety position. Bowen has been primarily a backup player who brings toughness and intelligence as his best assets. He does a solid job making checks and adjustments in the secondary and rarely makes a mental mistake. He uses his hands well in block protection and is a willing tackler. He is not a blow-up type hitter, but he is reliable to fill the alley in run support. He is best in coverage as a deep zone player. He reads routes well as they develop and keeps leverage on receivers playing off the hash. Bowen can get exposed when having to man-up versus slot receivers, as he does not have enough quickness or explosive speed to match up effectively. The Buffalo staff was very satisfied with rookie safeties Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson, and the veteran experience that Bowen brought was not as valuable with those two entering their second season.
He could help Pat Watkins a lot more than Keith Davis can as the backup FS.
CrazyCowboy
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Those are some interesting names for sure.
sago1
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1. W/o knowing enough about those "experts" who were cited, I'd go with Robaire Smith as next player we should go after since his signing would fill a big need as Ferguson's backup and his age provides the opportunity to have him around for several years--possibly as Ferguson's successor--if we've got no body else who can step up.
2. Jacox would be a a pretty decent backup for Gurode & he also helps the name cause he can help out at the OG positions. Garrett's knowledge of his play will determine if we interested.
Frankly I don't think Cowboys would have much interest in the other players although Polk might be a possibility--particularly re any concern about Ellis--and we do need add another OLB. On other hand, I'm inclined think Cowboys will draft an OLB this year unless Phillips thinks Ware/Burnett/Ellis/Carpenter can bring the pressure we need and also contain outside round/provide coverage.
Robair & Jacox would be only 2 FAs I see a need go after. We'd solve 2 backup problems areas and not have to use draft picks. Robair even offers the opportunity to replace Ferguson down the road--depending of course on his play while he's alternating.
2. Jacox would be a a pretty decent backup for Gurode & he also helps the name cause he can help out at the OG positions. Garrett's knowledge of his play will determine if we interested.
Frankly I don't think Cowboys would have much interest in the other players although Polk might be a possibility--particularly re any concern about Ellis--and we do need add another OLB. On other hand, I'm inclined think Cowboys will draft an OLB this year unless Phillips thinks Ware/Burnett/Ellis/Carpenter can bring the pressure we need and also contain outside round/provide coverage.
Robair & Jacox would be only 2 FAs I see a need go after. We'd solve 2 backup problems areas and not have to use draft picks. Robair even offers the opportunity to replace Ferguson down the road--depending of course on his play while he's alternating.
silverbear
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dcf, the only two you have on your master list who aren't on mine are Kacyvenski and Bowen... the only one on my list that you don't have is Seth McKinney...
We seem to think a lot alike on this one...
Give me either Jacox or McKinney, and either Godfrey or Polk, and I'll be content to take down the tents and get ready for the draft... I think that's certainly doable within the Boys current cap situation...
I like Mulitalo and Smith too, but could learn to live with just 2 of those 4... my thinking being to leave a cushion to get serious about signing first Newman to an extension, then assuming he holds up next season, Romo... an extension for Colombo could factor in there, if it proved warranted at some point late in the coming season...
I'm growing increasingly fond of this "keep your own talent, and keep your head in free agency" approach... of course, it works better and better the better your talent base is going in, doesn't it??
Leonard Davis, Brad Johnson, Randall Godfrey and Kendyl Jacox... 3 short term plug-ins, quality depth, and 1 long-term starter... that would be a decent haul for a 9-7 playoff team... as a bonus, I'd enjoy it if Godfrey finished his career back with the Boys; I hated to see him go the first time...
Of course, that makes getting some help at safety a bit higher priority in the draft, but there are a few pretty good ones out there...
We seem to think a lot alike on this one...
Give me either Jacox or McKinney, and either Godfrey or Polk, and I'll be content to take down the tents and get ready for the draft... I think that's certainly doable within the Boys current cap situation...
I like Mulitalo and Smith too, but could learn to live with just 2 of those 4... my thinking being to leave a cushion to get serious about signing first Newman to an extension, then assuming he holds up next season, Romo... an extension for Colombo could factor in there, if it proved warranted at some point late in the coming season...
I'm growing increasingly fond of this "keep your own talent, and keep your head in free agency" approach... of course, it works better and better the better your talent base is going in, doesn't it??
Leonard Davis, Brad Johnson, Randall Godfrey and Kendyl Jacox... 3 short term plug-ins, quality depth, and 1 long-term starter... that would be a decent haul for a 9-7 playoff team... as a bonus, I'd enjoy it if Godfrey finished his career back with the Boys; I hated to see him go the first time...
Of course, that makes getting some help at safety a bit higher priority in the draft, but there are a few pretty good ones out there...
RealCowboyfan
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I would like to see Edwin Mulitalo compete with Kyle Kosier for the starting position.