ESPN Dallas: Free agent outlook: Nick Cole

[cowboyjoe]

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4680268/free-agent-outlook-nick-cole
By Calvin Watkins
The series you must read continues today with a look at Philadelphia Eagles guard Nick Cole. The Cowboys' starting left guard, Kyle Koiser, is a free agent, and while he did have a good season, he's 32, and the team might go with a younger player: Enter Mr. Cole.


Hunter Martin/Getty ImagesNick Cole can play both guard positions and even center and could be an attractive option for the Cowboys.
NICK COLE, G, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Why sign him? Cole can play both guard positions and even center. He's younger -- turns 27 in July -- and while the team does have fourth-round pick David Arkin, the Cowboys haven't done a very good job developing offensive linemen in the past. So who knows if Arkin can play? Cole can not only replace Kosier, who turns 33 in November, but there's a chance he can take over for Leonard Davis at right guard. The Cowboys have been frustrated with Davis' play in the past -- he was even benched during a game last year -- but did return and finished 2010 strong. In a pinch, Cole can fill in for center Andre Gurode. Cole started one game at center in 2010. The interesting thing about Kosier is the amount of years he would want on a new contract. Do you give Kosier a three-year deal where he'll be 35 at the end of it? Or go for a younger product in Cole?

 

[Hostile]

I would take him over BIGG right now.

 

[Bullflop]

I would take him over BIGG right now.

I'd take Cole, Arkin (and perhaps even my daughter) over Bigg right now. OK, perhaps a slight exaggeration with the daughter thing but you get the idea.

 

[Stash]

I'd love to know what the cost would be in keeping Davis for 2011 over releasing him.

In my opinion, if it saves the team anything, it's worth moving on.

 

[28 Joker]

I would be happy with Nick Cole. I hope the Cowboys sign him. I have seen his name on the list. This is a nice name put out by Watkins.

Give me Cole and Mikell and let's go kick the Eagles around.

I'd take Cole over Leonard Davis, too; it's not even close.

I don't like giving Kosier a three year deal, though.

 

[AmishCowboy]

I know here around Philly they wouldn't be sad to see him go they think he gets pushed around too much

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I know here around Philly they wouldn't be sad to see him go they think he gets pushed around too much

I was going to say, I thought we pretty much worked him in 2009 when Jackson got hurt. He looks like kind of a sloppy fat guy to me.

I'm kind of surprised there isn't more sentiment that Garrett is going to fix Bigg.

 

[funkytown]

I was going to say, I thought we pretty much worked him in 2009 when Jackson got hurt. He looks like kind of a sloppy fat guy to me.

I'm kind of surprised there isn't more sentiment that Garrett is going to fix Bigg.

I would love for Garrett to fix BIGG.

But its not like Garrett is coming in from another team, Garrett has been here. Should have fixed him a long time ago.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I would love for Garrett to fix BIGG.

But its not like Garrett is coming in from another team, Garrett has been here. Should have fixed him a long time ago.

Heh... Preaching to the choir.

But most don't seem to agree.

 

[28 Joker]

He does have some weight on him. By just looking at him, I didn't think he was that big. He does seem to carry his weight well. He did have a knee issue last year. I missed that part. Perhaps, I'm reaching. I don't know. I just know the Cowboys need to do something about their poor, suspect guard play. He does offer versatility and will only play at 27. He should be cheap. Maybe, if you play him in one spot (guard), he plays more consistent. I think he does well with screens. The Cowboys need some reliable, consistency at both guard spots. They need to get younger at both spots, and they need athleticism and pop.

Davin Joseph probably is unrealistic, and he has some injury issues, too. I'm looking for some answers inside.

By the way, Kosier is coming off a significant down year last year when you compare his 2009 and 2010 performances. The article stated the opposite. If he gets a three year deal with anyone, I'll be shocked.

It seems like most of the top level guards have some downside or risk when you look at the money. If anything, Cole will be cheap.

Montrae Holland replaced Leonard Davis last year, and Cole should have more athletic ability than Holland for sure. I know the Eagles used Cole in their screen game.

Teams will continue to line up wide of Davis and make him move his feet. I think Davis will be out of the NFL in two years.

 

[28 Joker]

Not only do the Cowboys need to get younger, stronger, and more athletic at both guard spots, they need some nastiness, too.

David Arkin is a finisher who is said to have quite the nasty streak. Plus, he has very good athleticism. I wish he could play now.

 

[realtick]

He's got to be the shortest guard in the league. Seriously, he looks like an extra in a football movie.

No thanks. He was a backup to Jackson in Philly that was thrusted into starting duty. The Eagles so much of him they drafted a 27-year old rookie OG in first round.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Start the rookie!

 

[28 Joker]

He's got to be the shortest guard in the league. Seriously, he looks like an extra in a football movie.

No thanks. He was a backup to Jackson in Philly that was thrusted into starting duty. The Eagles so much of him they drafted a 27-year old rookie OG in first round.

O.k.

What about Leroy Harris? The Titans want to keep him, but they have a player behind him who can play now. Their head coach called their 2010 offensive line "Super Bowl caliber".

Harris is another 27 year old, and his best football is ahead of him. He should come at a reasonable cost. You buy low and hope he reaches his potential. If he could just be like Kosier, you have a bargain.

Harris is stronger than Kosier, and he is athletic. This guy has a strong anchor in pass protection, too. I have seen him recover and pancake in pass protection. I know PFF killed him, but that is when you want to buy, right? Buy low and hit pay dirt. Harris has one year of starting experience under his belt and can play all three interior offensive line positions. He has started one game at RT. Harris gets to the second level very good; he just needs to maul guys when he gets there.

Harris is worth a look, because the Titans were so high on him. The Titans' QB play was horrendous.

 

[realtick]

O.k.

What about Leroy Harris? The Titans want to keep him, but they have a player behind him who can play now. Their head coach called their 2010 offensive line "Super Bowl caliber".

Harris is another 27 year old, and his best football is ahead of him. He should come at a reasonable cost. You buy low and hope he reaches his potential. If he could just be like Kosier, you have a bargain.

Harris is stronger than Kosier, and he is athletic. This guy has a strong anchor in pass protection, too. I have seen him recover and pancake in pass protection. I know PFF killed him, but that is when you want to buy, right? Buy low and hit pay dirt. Harris has one year of starting experience under his belt and can play all three interior offensive line positions. He has started one game at RT. Harris gets to the second level very good; he just needs to maul guys when he gets there.

Harris is worth a look, because the Titans were so high on him. The Titans' QB play was horrendous.

Not sure if you're meaning to replace Kosier, because he's about the last thing I'd be worried about on our offensive line. If any of the OGs need replacement it's Leonard Davis. Kosier is a technician and you can win with him on your offensive line. Davis' game is detiorating and trending downward; he's not going to get better with more coaching.

I don't know much about Leroy Harris. How could you possibly know he's stronger than Kosier? Besides, strength while important is secondary to technique. Having said that, I'm not opposed to bringing in more talent, if Harris is skilled, bring'em in.

I'd still like to see if Dallas can salvage something out of Robert Brewster by seeing what they have with him at OG.

 

[28 Joker]

Not sure if you're meaning to replace Kosier, because he's about the last thing I'd be worried about on our offensive line. If any of the OGs need replacement it's Leonard Davis. Kosier is a technician and you can win with him on your offensive line. Davis' game is detiorating and trending downward; he's not going to get better with more coaching.

I don't know much about Leroy Harris. How could you possibly know he's stronger than Kosier? Besides, strength while important is secondary to technique. Having said that, I'm not opposed to bringing in more talent, if Harris is skilled, bring'em in.

I'd still like to see if Dallas can salvage something out of Robert Brewster by seeing what they have with him at OG.

I do think Leroy Harris could play RG and replace Davis due to his strength. However, I don't think Kosier would be a good option at RG at all. Harris would be a perfect replacement for Kosier, too. He has his starting experience at LG. Harris could fill in for Gurode if needed, too.

I agree with you about the importance of using technique, using leverage, and playing low, but I'd rather have the technique and strength and the athletic ability. Honestly, I think both guards need to be replaced right now, but I'm all for replacing Davis first, especially if they only replace one. I was calling for Colombo to get the boot after the 2009 Vikings playoff fiasco. I see big trouble coming on that interior if the Cowboys play three 33 year old offensive linemen on that interior. My gut tells me the Cowboys know this, and Davis is going to get cut.

Coach Garrett talked about the offensive linemen needing to play with the proper technique (hand placement), the proper leverage, and the proper pad level. Plus, he talked about needing to play physical. Leonard Davis is the opposite of all those things. Is there any upside to Leonard Davis? No. It can only get worse, imo.

Kosier's injury history has to be a concern, and he does turn 33 in November. When Kosier misses games, Romo gets pounded into the ground. If the Cowboys bring back Kosier on a short term deal, they better have a backup plan ready to go, imo.

I've watched Harris and Kosier. Harris is thick in his lower half. You are not going to move him in pass protection. His base is stronger than Kosier's. He is really strong.

I don't think the Cowboys have time to count on Brewster. He could replace Holland, though. Brewster isn't a player like Arkin. He is more like Davis' foot speed. Space is not Brewster's friend, just like Davis, imo.

The Cowboys should ask themselves these questions in regards to a guy like Harris?

Does he (Leroy Harris) make us younger in the offensive line? Yes

Does he make us stronger in the offensive line? Yes

Does he make us more athletic in the offensive line? Yes

Does he have upside? Yes

Is he going to cost a mint to sign? No

Harris is 6-3, 303 and has a really nice blend of athleticism and strength. He is similar to Arkin in athletic ability, but he is NFL ready. He has the strength. Again, his best football is ahead of him.

I would sign him. I watched him play a bunch, and honestly, I never thought he was the liability that PFF made him out to be. Munchak wants him back. I know Chris Johnson fed off cutbacks to his left, and Harris did his job sealing those plays off. Munchak wants to use screens for Chris Johnson this year. The Titans were not a screen team last year at all.