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10:35 AM Tue, Jun 23, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon/Blogger Bio | E-mail | News tips
Here's a quick look at the position battles that will get the most attention during training camp and the preseason:
Mike Jenkins vs. Orlando Scandrick: The front office and coaching staff are high on both second-year cornerbacks, who split time opposite Terence Newman during off-season workouts. Jerry Jones said the '08 first- and fifth-round picks could play "equally," indicating they might rotate in the base defense. The best-case scenario is that Scandrick pushes Jenkins, who arrived in the league with a questionable work ethic, to fulfill his potential. Both will be significant parts of all the sub packages.
Patrick Crayton vs. Miles Austin: Crayton had a pretty good year as the No. 2 receiver in 2007, convincing the Cowboys to give him a four-year, $14 million contract extension. The Cowboys have yet to make a long-term commitment to Austin, but they're enamored with his big-play potential. So enamored that Jerry mentioned that he thinks Austin could come close to matching T.O.'s production. But Crayton got all the reps as the No. 2 WR during OTAs, even before Austin strained his hamstring and was sidelined for the rest of the off-season workouts. The Cowboys know what they'll get from Crayton. Austin has a higher ceiling, but he has to stay healthy to have a chance to crack the starting lineup.
Bobby Carpenter vs. Jason Williams: Carpenter finally has a chance to contribute to Wade Phillips' defense. The nickel/dime LB role is his job to lose at this point. Williams, the third-round pick with freakish athleticism, has miles to go mentally to make the decision difficult for the coaches. It will be Williams' job at some point. The question is whether he can claim it as a rookie. Veteran Keith Brooking and rookie Stephen Hodge are also in the running.
Kyle Kosier vs. Montrae Holland: If Kosier is completely healthy at the beginning of training camp, this probably won't be much of a competition. However, if he struggles upon returning from foot surgery, Holland should be ready to challenge for the left guard spot. Holland had a hard time learning the offense on the fly after his post-training camp trade to the Cowboys last season. He should be comfortable in the scheme after a full off-season, when he worked with the starting offense.
Victor Butler vs. Brandon Williams: With Greg Ellis gone, the Cowboys need one of their fourth-round picks to be ready to contribute in pass-rushing situations (maybe 10-15 snaps per game to give Anthony Spencer some rest). They're both coming off of double-digit sack seasons in BCS conferences. Williams impressed the coaches with his explosive first step during OTAs, while Butler couldn't participate because his Oregon State class hadn't graduated. But Butler made a strong impression by displaying a firm grasp of the defensive schemes, proving that he'd studied hard during his time away from Texas.
Tim MacMahon/Blogger Bio | E-mail | News tips
Here's a quick look at the position battles that will get the most attention during training camp and the preseason:
Mike Jenkins vs. Orlando Scandrick: The front office and coaching staff are high on both second-year cornerbacks, who split time opposite Terence Newman during off-season workouts. Jerry Jones said the '08 first- and fifth-round picks could play "equally," indicating they might rotate in the base defense. The best-case scenario is that Scandrick pushes Jenkins, who arrived in the league with a questionable work ethic, to fulfill his potential. Both will be significant parts of all the sub packages.
Patrick Crayton vs. Miles Austin: Crayton had a pretty good year as the No. 2 receiver in 2007, convincing the Cowboys to give him a four-year, $14 million contract extension. The Cowboys have yet to make a long-term commitment to Austin, but they're enamored with his big-play potential. So enamored that Jerry mentioned that he thinks Austin could come close to matching T.O.'s production. But Crayton got all the reps as the No. 2 WR during OTAs, even before Austin strained his hamstring and was sidelined for the rest of the off-season workouts. The Cowboys know what they'll get from Crayton. Austin has a higher ceiling, but he has to stay healthy to have a chance to crack the starting lineup.
Bobby Carpenter vs. Jason Williams: Carpenter finally has a chance to contribute to Wade Phillips' defense. The nickel/dime LB role is his job to lose at this point. Williams, the third-round pick with freakish athleticism, has miles to go mentally to make the decision difficult for the coaches. It will be Williams' job at some point. The question is whether he can claim it as a rookie. Veteran Keith Brooking and rookie Stephen Hodge are also in the running.
Kyle Kosier vs. Montrae Holland: If Kosier is completely healthy at the beginning of training camp, this probably won't be much of a competition. However, if he struggles upon returning from foot surgery, Holland should be ready to challenge for the left guard spot. Holland had a hard time learning the offense on the fly after his post-training camp trade to the Cowboys last season. He should be comfortable in the scheme after a full off-season, when he worked with the starting offense.
Victor Butler vs. Brandon Williams: With Greg Ellis gone, the Cowboys need one of their fourth-round picks to be ready to contribute in pass-rushing situations (maybe 10-15 snaps per game to give Anthony Spencer some rest). They're both coming off of double-digit sack seasons in BCS conferences. Williams impressed the coaches with his explosive first step during OTAs, while Butler couldn't participate because his Oregon State class hadn't graduated. But Butler made a strong impression by displaying a firm grasp of the defensive schemes, proving that he'd studied hard during his time away from Texas.
