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9:37 AM Thu, May 21, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/email-icon.jpg E-mail http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/email-icon.jpg News tips
That's what the Sporting News Real Scouts crew thinks. They rank new Cowboy Igor Olshansky as the No. 11 defensive end in the league, which would make his four-year, $18 million contract a bargain.
Here's where Cowboys landed on other positions Real Scouts has already ranked (top 20 players at each position):
Offensive tackles: "12. Flozell Adams, Cowboys. Adams is aging but still has tremendous size and strength. Though the Cowboys struggled in pass protection last year, there's reason to believe a healthy Tony Romo and improved balance on offense will spark a return to form for Flozell the Hotel."
Guards: "10. Leonard Davis, Cowboys. Like most of the Dallas lineman, Davis is huge (6-6, 355). He's a mauler as a run blocker who physically overpowers his opponents. He's fairly athletic and can do some good things as a move blocker, and he makes excellent use of his hands in pass protection."
Centers: "9. Andre Gurode, Cowboys. He made the Pro Bowl last year, but it was based more on reputation than production, like the Titans' Kevin Mawae. Gurode is a physical run blocker, not a finesse player. He'll need to be more productive in '09 than he was in '08 to get the Cowboys back to the playoffs. The measure of that will be the success of their running game between the tackles."
Tight ends: "1. Jason Witten, Cowboys. Though his 81 receptions for 952 yards and four touchdowns in '08 were considered a bit of a down year, he still has 177 catches the past two seasons. He has missed just one game in six seasons and has a career 11.5 yards per catch average. The departure of Terrell Owens means Witten will be targeted even more in '09, and his blocking ability also will help the running game balance the offense."
Wide receivers: "12. Roy Williams, Cowboys. In addition to trying to learn a new offense in midseason, Williams played out of position at flanker and was hampered by a foot injury in '08. Back in good health and at split end, Owens' old spot, we expect better things for Williams. He won't duplicate Owens' production but should be better than he was last year."
Quarterbacks: "10. Tony Romo, Cowboys. The Cowboys' plan to run more in '09 speaks to the strength of their running backs and the relative inexperience and lack of depth at wide receiver. It also raises a flag with regard to the coaches' confidence in Romo after an up-and-down '08 campaign. He will be on a short leash as Dallas looks to limit turnovers and costly errors."
Running backs: Did not have Cowboy in top 20.
Tim MacMahon http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/email-icon.jpg E-mail http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/email-icon.jpg News tips
That's what the Sporting News Real Scouts crew thinks. They rank new Cowboy Igor Olshansky as the No. 11 defensive end in the league, which would make his four-year, $18 million contract a bargain.
11. Igor Olshansky, Cowboys. His move to Dallas reunites him with Wade Phillips, the defensive coordinator during Olshansky's first three years with the Chargers. He knows the 3-4 well, has great strength and has learned to use his hands well and play with leverage.
You won't find Chris Canty on the list, presumably because he'll primarily play defensive tackle for the Giants after going to New York for $42 million over six years.Here's where Cowboys landed on other positions Real Scouts has already ranked (top 20 players at each position):
Offensive tackles: "12. Flozell Adams, Cowboys. Adams is aging but still has tremendous size and strength. Though the Cowboys struggled in pass protection last year, there's reason to believe a healthy Tony Romo and improved balance on offense will spark a return to form for Flozell the Hotel."
Guards: "10. Leonard Davis, Cowboys. Like most of the Dallas lineman, Davis is huge (6-6, 355). He's a mauler as a run blocker who physically overpowers his opponents. He's fairly athletic and can do some good things as a move blocker, and he makes excellent use of his hands in pass protection."
Centers: "9. Andre Gurode, Cowboys. He made the Pro Bowl last year, but it was based more on reputation than production, like the Titans' Kevin Mawae. Gurode is a physical run blocker, not a finesse player. He'll need to be more productive in '09 than he was in '08 to get the Cowboys back to the playoffs. The measure of that will be the success of their running game between the tackles."
Tight ends: "1. Jason Witten, Cowboys. Though his 81 receptions for 952 yards and four touchdowns in '08 were considered a bit of a down year, he still has 177 catches the past two seasons. He has missed just one game in six seasons and has a career 11.5 yards per catch average. The departure of Terrell Owens means Witten will be targeted even more in '09, and his blocking ability also will help the running game balance the offense."
Wide receivers: "12. Roy Williams, Cowboys. In addition to trying to learn a new offense in midseason, Williams played out of position at flanker and was hampered by a foot injury in '08. Back in good health and at split end, Owens' old spot, we expect better things for Williams. He won't duplicate Owens' production but should be better than he was last year."
Quarterbacks: "10. Tony Romo, Cowboys. The Cowboys' plan to run more in '09 speaks to the strength of their running backs and the relative inexperience and lack of depth at wide receiver. It also raises a flag with regard to the coaches' confidence in Romo after an up-and-down '08 campaign. He will be on a short leash as Dallas looks to limit turnovers and costly errors."
Running backs: Did not have Cowboy in top 20.
