ESPN Mosley: The Big Question: Flozell's days numbered? *Merge*

[WoodysGirl]

Mar 23
1:00
PM ET

By Matt Mosley


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Is it time for the Cowboys to replace Flozell Adams at left tackle?

ORLANDO, Fla. -- On some afternoons, Cowboys left tackle Flozell Adams is still among the best in the league. But those afternoons aren't as frequent as they used to be. Adams, 34, is certainly a declining player at this point in his career, and he attempts to make up for it by tripping players and jumping out of his stance early. I think the Cowboys can get one more season out of Adams, but it's time to start thinking about his long-term replacement.

[+] Enlarge Jeff Hanisch/US PresswireVeteran tackle Flozell Adams' play has declined in recent seasons.


High-ranking members of the organization have indicated to me recently that re-stocking the offensive line is the highest priority in next month's draft. But there are some within the organization who believe that Doug Free is capable of taking over for Adams soon. If Adams struggles early in the 2010 season, don't be surprised if Free becomes his permanent replacement. The Cowboys loved how Free played at right tackle when Marc Colombo was injured for half of the '09 season. They know that Free lacks Adams' brute strength, but he's already a better foot athlete, which means he operates well in space.

I think quarterback Tony Romo gained a lot of trust in Free last season, which is an important step in the process. The Cowboys are also excited to find out whether former third-round draft pick Robert Brewster can bounce back from a torn pectoral muscle. Coach Wade Phillips told me Monday that Brewster is one of the players from the '09 draft who everyone's curious about. He's being projected as a right tackle, so the Cowboys potentially have replacements at left and right tackle in the fold. But that won't keep them from trying to upgrade. It wouldn't surprise me if the Cowboys stay at No. 27 and take the best offensive tackle or guard available.

And if Adams falters this season, Free will be ready to go. This transition could take place a lot sooner than most folks think.

 

[TheCount]

I would be SHOCKED if Flo gets replaced next season by Free at any point, barring injury. The staff will "never" bench a starter on this team for poor play alone. Especially an established starter.

 

[RS12]

Ever get the feeling Mosley is looking under every rock to justify an expense account for a Florida trip. Same old rehashed, horse is dead material. Come on, write about anything we havent covered ad nauseam.

 

[iceberg]

man, once people get something bulldogged in, they won't let it go. it's like 2-3 topics are available and that's it. we must write about that ad nausem and then, we the fans, have to pick up on it and debate it to an even greater heights of annoyance.

 

[Arch Stanton]

I really would be surprised if Flo's position on the team isn't or hasn't been discussed. I believe Flo is due a roster bonus sometime in June. That'll give Jerry et al time to assess what talent they have acquired from the Draft. However I believe they'll err on the side or caution and keep him.

 

[Sasquatch]

I've seen a couple of mocks with us selecting Roger Saffold at #27. It seems a bit high, but with the uncertainty of Adams's future, Free's ability to play LT, and Brester's ability to play RT it might make sense to draft someone who could either back up LT or LG at that spot even if it is a bit of a reach.

 

[CATCH17]

A couple things.

If Free is the future than you release Flo now because of the uncapped year.

I don't like having 2 finesse players on the same side of the line (Free and Kosier).

 

[Nexx]

god lord, please let this guy go. the scouting report on flo has been the same for the last 5 years. player in decline, has to jump to get in position to block speed rushers which he has a hard time with. im tired of it. there will be no progress unless this guy is let go!!! otherwise we are spinning our tires and getting nowhere fast.

 

[Doomsday101]

I would not release Flo, if someone is to take that spot have them earn that spot. I like Free and think he should get the oppertunity to battle for the position but to hand over the job without showing yourself to be better I think puts Romo and this offense at a big risk. I agree Flo is on the downhill side but I also think he does a better job than what some claim.

 

[Big Dakota]

I would be SHOCKED if Flo gets replaced next season by Free at any point, barring injury. The staff will "never" bench a starter on this team for poor play alone. Especially an established starter.

Don't worry, if Flo plays poorly an injury of some sort will follow shortly.

 

[CATCH17]

I would not release Flo, if someone is to take that spot have them earn that spot. I like Free and think he should get the oppertunity to battle for the position but to hand over the job without showing yourself to be better I think puts Romo and this offense at a big risk. I agree Flo is on the downhill side but I also think he does a better job than what some claim.

Normally I would agree but it being an uncapped year just makes sense to release him.

The Cowboys should have a good idea if Free is the future LT or not.

If they don't have some type of clarity by now than you need to get another prospect in there.

To me Flo and Hamlin have to leave this year.

 

[catch28]

god lord, please let this guy go. the scouting report on flo has been the same for the last 5 years. player in decline, has to jump to get in position to block speed rushers which he has a hard time with. im tired of it. there will be no progress unless this guy is let go!!! otherwise we are spinning our tires and getting nowhere fast.

You cannot just let your LT go without a backup plan! Free MIGHT be able to play LT but no one knows for sure because he hasn't played it yet. Also Flo is will be better this year than any rookie we bring in. Draft a LT with #27 and let him learn for a year. Flo gets 1 more season then its time to move on.

 

[21Savage]

Normally I would agree but it being an uncapped year just makes sense to release him.

The Cowboys should have a good idea if Free is the future LT or not.

If they don't have some type of clarity by now than you need to get another prospect in there.

To me Flo and Hamlin have to leave this year.

What if Free is the man but he gets injured?

How much money are you losing with Free starting and Flo sitting as opposed to the other way?

 

[Doomsday101]

Normally I would agree but it being an uncapped year just makes sense to release him.

The Cowboys should have a good idea if Free is the future LT or not.

If they don't have some type of clarity by now than you need to get another prospect in there.

To me Flo and Hamlin have to leave this year.

By the same token it is an upcapped year which makes keeping him worth it. I don't want to go into the unknown and end up wishing we had not pulled the trigger. If Free can take the spot great but the fact is even if Free does we have no depth at all behind that position and it is a critical position that protects the blind side of Romo.

 

[NeonNinja]

I like hearing that restocking the oline is a top priority for the draft, let's hope we can get some top OL guys.

 

[Stash]

By the same token it is an upcapped year which makes keeping him worth it. I don't want to go into the unknown and end up wishing we had not pulled the trigger. If Free can take the spot great but the fact is even if Free does we have no depth at all behind that position and it is a critical position that protects the blind side of Romo.

This is how I see it too.

If Free earns the job - great. Let Flozell be overpaid veteran insurance - in an uncapped year.

And devote the majority of this draft into the offensive line - tackle, guard and center.

Build for the future while also pushing the current starters - a group I feel has become too comfortable in their starting roles the past several seasons.

 

[CATCH17]

By the same token it is an upcapped year which makes keeping him worth it. I don't want to go into the unknown and end up wishing we had not pulled the trigger. If Free can take the spot great but the fact is even if Free does we have no depth at all behind that position and it is a critical position that protects the blind side of Romo.

Oh I know. I would've already had Jared Gaither in here if I were GM.

I'll take a physically gifted 23 year old who has shown he can play at a high level and call it a day.


I hope we are holding out so we can get him at a lower price.

 

[Doomsday101]

Oh I know. I would've already had Jared Gaither in here if I were GM.

I'll take a physically gifted 23 year old who has shown he can play at a high level and call it a day.


I hope we are holding out so we can get him at a lower price.

Maybe Dallas does go after him but if they don't having Flo as insurance I think it critical. I think we do pick some help on the OL in the draft but it would be a long shot for a rookie to step in and do the job.

 

[big dog cowboy]

The staff will "never" bench a starter on this team for poor play alone. Especially an established starter.

That is so true it hurts.

 

[casmith07]

I really would be surprised if Flo's position on the team isn't or hasn't been discussed. I believe Flo is due a roster bonus sometime in June. That'll give Jerry et al time to assess what talent they have acquired from the Draft. However I believe they'll err on the side or caution and keep him.

I would be surprised if everyone's position on the team hasn't been discussed. If you're truly assessing your product on the field as a unit and not a collection of individuals, you should AT LEAST bring up everyone's name.