Gimme's roster analysis: Offense, Part I

[gimmesix]

OFFENSE
Quarterback
ON ROSTER Tony Romo, Kyle Orton, Stephen McGee, Rudy Carpenter, Nathan Dick, Larry Smith
THE REPLACEMENTS Jon Kitna's balky back probably kept Dallas from holding on to an over-the-hill passer past his expiration date. And it also allowed them to go out and get Kitna 2.0. Kitna has a better completion percentage (60.3 to 58.3) in his career than Orton, but Orton's passer rating (79.4 to 77.4) is better and Orton has been better at protecting the ball (80 TDs/57 ints. to 169/165). Neither quarterback proved to be more than a place-holder as a starting quarterback, but both are what Dallas was looking for: a player with starting experience who gives the Cowboys a chance to win if Romo gets hurt.
POSITION BATTLE There really isn't one. Orton is the clear No. 2 guy and Dallas really didn't bring in competition to knock McGee off the roster in the final year of his contract. Dick could win a training camp spot in his tryout this weekend, though, and end up on the practice squad as a developmental QB to contend for a roster spot in 2013.

Fullback
ON ROSTER Lawrence Vickers, Shaun Chapas, Isaiah Greenhouse
THE REPLACEMENTS When Tony Fiametta chose not to accept Dallas' attempt to sign him for less than he would be tendered as a restricted free agent, it allowed the Cowboys to go out and get a better blocker. While the Cowboys lost a few years (wear and tear) and possibly some upside in the process, they gained a masher with a better health history. Vickers offers little as a runner and receiver (although he's had limited success at both), but last year showed the importance of having a banger at this position.
POSITION BATTLE Chapas and Greenhouse might be vying for a practice squad spot, and a tie will probably go to the draft pick who will have to show lots of progress as a blocker if he wants a shot at unseating Vickers in 2013.

Running back
ON ROSTER DeMarco Murray, Felix Jones, Phillip Tanner, Dorell Scott, Lance Dunbar, Bryce Beall
THE REPLACEMENTS The top three backs from last year return but with Murray as the starter from the get-go.
POSITION BATTLE Tanner will have to hold off the next RB trying to make an impression like he did last year. The best bet to unseat him for the third spot appears to be the shifty Dunbar, but if Tanner performs like he did last preseason, it's not likely he'll get beat.


Wide receiver
ON ROSTER Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Danny Coale, Kevin Ogletree, Andre Holmes, Raymond Radway, Dwayne Harris, Cole Beasley, Tim Benford, Donavan , Saalim Hakim, David Little
THE REPLACEMENTS Several players will be trying to make up for the loss of last year's breakout receiving star Laurent Robinson. Jerry Jones has raved about Holmes, and he has a similar profile to Robinson. But if the Cowboys prefer to keep Bryant and Austin on the outside in three-receiver sets, Coale might be the best bet. Coale appears to fit the ideal of a slot receiver. He runs precise routes, has good hands and is not afraid to go over the middle. His reliability might give him the edge over seemingly superior athletes Holmes, Radway and Ogletree.
POSITION BATTLE Since the third-receiver position has been covered, the remaining question is who fills out the corps. Holmes and Coale are likely locks to join Bryant and Austin, which leaves Harris, Radway and Ogletree fighting with the rest for one to two spots. If Radway is fully recovered from his injury, one spot is his if he plays like he did last preseason. Harris has an edge for the other spot because of his contributions as a return man. And Ogletree should be on his way out if the six mentioned live up to expectations.

Tight end
ON ROSTER Jason Witten, John Phillips, James Hanna, George Bryan, Andrew Szczerba
THE REPLACEMENTS Replacing Martellus Bennett as a receiver shouldn't be too hard, but stepping into his shoes as a blocker will take some effort. The player who should be able to do it is Phillips, if he returns to his preinjury form. Phillips lacks Bennett's power, but is assignment sound and knows how to use what he's got. Plus, he's more reliable as a receiver even if he isn't as talented as Bennett and Hanna.
POSITION BATTLE Hanna seemed to be a lock for the third spot until Dallas picked up Bryan a few hours later. Hanna offers the speed and vertical threat that none of Dallas' other tight ends possesses, but Bryan better fits the mold of what the Cowboys expect from their tight ends. He's a better blocker and reliable target with good hands. Hanna will have to show his hands are reliable and his blocking is adequate to hold off Bryan.

 

[BAT]

I think Phillips' will be pushed by Bryan. Hanna will play the F and I see no one else on the roster that will be legitimate competition.

 

[RS12]

The fact that Hanna runs like a deer and was drafted probably gives him a leg up IMO. Phillips and Bryan battle it out as they are both Ys.

 

[gimmesix]

I think Phillips' will be pushed by Bryan. Hanna will play the F and I see no one else on the roster that will be legitimate competition.

I think it's a good point on the F position, but Phillips has and can play that position as well, and Hanna is going to have to show he can be a reliable blocker coming from that spot.

From what I've read, I think he needs a lot of work in that area and I'm doubtful Dallas will carry a tight end who is primarily just a receiver. (But it wouldn't surprise me to see Dallas carry four and continue to work with Hanna on his blocking because of his ability as a receiver.)

 

[gimmesix]

The fact that Hanna runs like a deer and was drafted probably gives him a leg up IMO. Phillips and Bryan battle it out as they are both Ys.

I don't think Garrett plays favorites with draft picks, so he'd have to beat out Bryan or at least be as good as him.

I don't see either beating out Phillips, but I could be wrong.

 

[masomenos]

I don't think Garrett plays favorites with draft picks, so he'd have to beat out Bryan or at least be as good as him.

I don't see either beating out Phillips, but I could be wrong.

It's unlikely that he plays favorites with draft picks but draft picks are likely to be his favorite.

A lot of times a team will keep a less polished player who has high upside over a more polished player who has reached or is near his assumed potential. In that sense, a draftee is more likely to make the roster because he is more likely to have a favorable projection.

 

[jterrell]

very nice work.

a couple notes.

coale on paper is arguably the best pure athlete of that back up group and was drafted the highest. his issue apparently is he didn't show as much athleticism on film. i believe it is radway vs holmes for 1 spot and coale vs harris for one spot.

we've all written off o-tree but apparently coaches have been very impressed with his off-season work. we'll see and if he does show its a plus for a fan base that have forgotten about his 4.2 speed.

i actually think darrell scott is the rb with a chance to unseat tanner. he has nfl measurables.

 

[jterrell]

It's unlikely that he plays favorites with draft picks but draft picks are likely to be his favorite.

A lot of times a team will keep a less polished player who has high upside over a more polished player who has reached or is near his assumed potential. In that sense, a draftee is more likely to make the roster because he is more likely to have a favorable projection.

we keep udfa over late draft picks virtually every year.

wouldn't be much of an upset for bryan to beat out hanna imho.

 

[ringmaster]

I think it's a good point on the F position, but Phillips has and can play that position as well, and Hanna is going to have to show he can be a reliable blocker coming from that spot.

From what I've read, I think he needs a lot of work in that area and I'm doubtful Dallas will carry a tight end who is primarily just a receiver. (But it wouldn't surprise me to see Dallas carry four and continue to work with Hanna on his blocking because of his ability as a receiver.)

Jason Garrett did say that Hanna would play the F-back in the offense during a press conference so he does needs some work on his blocking but that will never be his strong suit as you said he adds an element to the offense no other TE on the roster posess and that is deep speed.