DMN: Blog: The rookie with the best chance to start is ...

[Cbz40]

The rookie with the best chance to start is ...

9:55 AM Wed, May 06, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon


... SS Michael Hamlin, the fifth-round pick out of Clemson.

This isn't based off of anything that happened during the abbreviated rookie minicamp, although the coaches liked what they saw from Hamlin. It's simply a matter of strong safety being the position with the best opportunity.

The Cowboys signed Gerald Sensabaugh to a one-year, $1.75 million deal so they would have a stopgap solution after releasing Roy Williams. Sensabaugh is penciled in as the starter next to FS Ken Hamlin, but he'll have to hold off the rookie during training camp and preseason.

Pat Watkins and Courtney Brown have experience at strong safety. However, that experience showed the coaching staff that they couldn't handle the job.

Hamlin was a center fielder type at Clemson, but he has the size (6-2, 214) to play strong safety, which is where he worked during the rookie minicamp. He's a good leader (two-year captain at Clemson) who has excellent ball skills (14 picks in college) and is a sure tackler.

The Cowboys believe they found a future starter in the fifth round. The question for Hamlin is how soon he can make that happen.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

one of my favorite picks

doesn't work out real well, but he turns it on when he's on the field

 

[Verdict]

It would be a huge bonus if the rookie could force us to cut Sensabaugh and save his cap hit. I don't think it is likely, but not outside the realm of possibility.

 

[Jon88]

The Hamlin duo.

 

[RS12]

It would be a huge bonus if the rookie could force us to cut Sensabaugh and save his cap hit. I don't think it is likely, but not outside the realm of possibility.

Other than the fact Sensabaugh has actually done something on an NFL field.

 

[Stash]

It would be a huge bonus if the rookie could force us to cut Sensabaugh and save his cap hit. I don't think it is likely, but not outside the realm of possibility.

I'd say it is.

Sensabaugh has NFL experience and actually played well for the Jaguars last season.

If he doesn't have his off-field issues (like so many other Jaguars recently), Jacksonville would have re-signed him and he wouldn't have been available.

I think Sensabaugh is a lot better than he's (not) getting credit for.

 

[DCBoysfan]

Other than the fact Sensabaugh has actually done something on an NFL field.

Worst case is that Sensabaugh has a good year and wants a big contract, and moves on and we have a replacement in Hamlin for next year. Or he gets beat out by a rookie and is good depth and is allowed to walk next year.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Worst case is that Sensabaugh has a good year and wants a big contract, and moves on and we have a replacement in Hamlin for next year. Or he gets beat out by a rookie and is good depth and is allowed to walk next year.

yep, we end up, at least this year, with 2 players at SS who will provide both good starting potential, as well as special team's play

 

[DeaconMoss]

Does Kickofff specialist count as starter?

...there is my answer

 

[AsthmaField]

I really liked the Hamlin pick this year... along with the Hodge and J. Williams picks. All three should add a lot of athleticism to the middle of the defense, which is something I've been wanting the team to address.

 

[5Countem5]

I'd say it is.

Sensabaugh has NFL experience and actually played well for the Jaguars last season.

If he doesn't have his off-field issues (like so many other Jaguars recently), Jacksonville would have re-signed him and he wouldn't have been available.

I think Sensabaugh is a lot better than he's (not) getting credit for.

You really think he was cut by Jax due to traffic law violations?

 

[jobberone]

I don't think any will start this year. I hope not anyway.

The player who will get the most snaps outside of STs is likely Phillips. Assuming he makes the team as the #3 TE. If we keep four and he's one he'll have to beat Hannah out IMO.

If Mikens is healthy then he will probably get some snaps as well when we go to 4-5 CBs on the field in SPs but that's a long shot, too.

Sensabaugh is a pretty good player and immediately upgrades the safety postion. Hamlin will have a hard time playing outside of STs and maybe some rare SPs. He's not even a lock to make the team.

 

[Hoofbite]

Does Kickofff specialist count as starter?

...there is my answer

Hell yeah. Theres a 50/50 chance he touches the ball before any other player on the team.

 

[Dallas]

one of my favorite picks

doesn't work out real well, but he turns it on when he's on the field

Agreed.



Though I detest agreeing w/ you. Grrrrrr

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Agreed.



Though I detest agreeing w/ you. Grrrrrr

quiet you!

 

[SLATEmosphere]

It's a good situation. We can essentially rent Sensabaugh one year if he does well this year and not pay him, only if Michael does really well. I'd play him alot just for the fact that we can see who we can replace Sensy with.

 

[AmishCowboy]

I'd say it is.

Sensabaugh has NFL experience and actually played well for the Jaguars last season.

If he doesn't have his off-field issues (like so many other Jaguars recently), Jacksonville would have re-signed him and he wouldn't have been available.

I think Sensabaugh is a lot better than he's (not) getting credit for.

 

[big dog cowboy]

It would be a huge bonus if the rookie could force us to cut Sensabaugh and save his cap hit.

Then what, bring back Roy?

:bang2:

 

[CATCH17]

I know its early but i'd have to say Phillips and Manny Johnson may be the only guys that don't make it on the roster.

 

[DFWJC]

Loved the Hamlin pick but I think you may be surprised by Sensabaugh.