Is the OL "good to go"?

[Verdict]

The Cowboys have added Martin to replace Cooper. That may be a slight downgrade.

The Cowboys have added the OT from the Patriots, which is presumably the swing tackle.

The Cowboys have added Looney again for depth.

So the question I pose is "are we done"? Conceivably we could go with what we have, if forced to do that. But don't forget that Tyron also seems to have a chronic back issue.

I know that we have the flexibility to do whatever we want now in the draft and not force a pick on the OL. But if we go with what we have, what do we have? I think it would be safe to assume we would have a top 15 line, but I'm not sure past that.

I think the Cowboys would like to make this line the identity of this team (along with Zeke). You don't do that with the two guys we just added. The Patriots OT is fine for depth but if he is a starter he won't be one of the best in the league by a long shot.

If we draft a stud guard (first or second round) the odds are this line will be a top five talent unit. We could go OT or G with the first round pick and this line would be stacked with a lot of flexibility. Moreover it would be insurance if we choose to let Martin walk after this year.

If we go OT in the second it's dicier unless we get a guy like Orlando Brown who fell due to combine and not performance. We could get a really good guard in the second, most likely.

After that your guard could be more of a project which is also fine but you can't count on it being a hit by a long shot.


I think there is a very high chance we go OL in the first. Probably higher than any other position, although the talent when we pick may alter the plan. But I think that's the target. The Cowboys would get the most bang for the buck in this area by either taking the OT at #19 or trading back slightly and getting a dominant guard in the first.

I know we have other needs but the needs have to line up with BPA, at least within reason. All of the linebackers are probably going to be a reach at #19. WR will probably also be a reach with no sure fire first rounder in the bunch.

Sounds like DT may also line up as BPA at #19. Best case scenario a QB remains at #19 and we get a kings ransom for a slight trade back and still get a good player (potentially a guard) or LB in the trade back.

 

[jazzcat22]

DT at #19 is a must, but that is just me.

I do not see taking an OL in the 1st 3 rounds, unless one falls to us and can't pass up.
I think we are set at OL but still take a G & T in the mid to late round, add depth to develop.

Martin to me is equal to Cooper, just because Cooper and his injuries, and he did not WOW at LG.
Then there is he option of Fleming at RT and Collins back to LG. It will be interesting to see Alexander as the new OL coach and his impact there.

Defense, IMO D in the 1st 3 rounds, I am tired of a D that gives up what the O accomplishes...well, when the O is playing well and scoring points. But when they do struggle, I want a D that can take over the game, get the ball back for the O and great field position. That is how you win championships.

 

[Big D]

Tyrons back will not magically heal. The clock is ticking on him and we can't ignore it as you see what happens to the offense when he's out or less than 100%. We need a replacement ASAP.

 

[Stash]

The Cowboys have added Martin to replace Cooper. That may be a slight downgrade.

The Cowboys have added the OT from the Patriots, which is presumably the swing tackle.

The Cowboys have added Looney again for depth.

So the question I pose is "are we done"? Conceivably we could go with what we have, if forced to do that. But don't forget that Tyron also seems to have a chronic back issue.

I know that we have the flexibility to do whatever we want now in the draft and not force a pick on the OL. But if we go with what we have, what do we have? I think it would be safe to assume we would have a top 15 line, but I'm not sure past that.

I think the Cowboys would like to make this line the identity of this team (along with Zeke). You don't do that with the two guys we just added. The Patriots OT is fine for depth but if he is a starter he won't be one of the best in the league by a long shot.

If we draft a stud guard (first or second round) the odds are this line will be a top five talent unit. We could go OT or G with the first round pick and this line would be stacked with a lot of flexibility. Moreover it would be insurance if we choose to let Martin walk after this year.

If we go OT in the second it's dicier unless we get a guy like Orlando Brown who fell due to combine and not performance. We could get a really good guard in the second, most likely.

After that your guard could be more of a project which is also fine but you can't count on it being a hit by a long shot.


I think there is a very high chance we go OL in the first. Probably higher than any other position, although the talent when we pick may alter the plan. But I think that's the target. The Cowboys would get the most bang for the buck in this area by either taking the OT at #19 or trading back slightly and getting a dominant guard in the first.

I know we have other needs but the needs have to line up with BPA, at least within reason. All of the linebackers are probably going to be a reach at #19. WR will probably also be a reach with no sure fire first rounder in the bunch.

Sounds like DT may also line up as BPA at #19. Best case scenario a QB remains at #19 and we get a kings ransom for a slight trade back and still get a good player (potentially a guard) or LB in the trade back.

These are the two top positions on my list.

For the record, I think that your assessment of Martin being a "slight downgrade" from Cooper is exceeding generous.

But for me, in terms of value matching need, I think it's Vea, Hernandez, or Wynn providing the best bang for the buck in round one.

 

[Stash]

DT at #19 is a must, but that is just me.

I do not see taking an OL in the 1st 3 rounds, unless one falls to us and can't pass up.
I think we are set at OL but still take a G & T in the mid to late round, add depth to develop.

Martin to me is equal to Cooper, just because Cooper and his injuries, and he did not WOW at LG.
Then there is he option of Fleming at RT and Collins back to LG. It will be interesting to see Alexander as the new OL coach and his impact there.

Defense, IMO D in the 1st 3 rounds, I am tired of a D that gives up what the O accomplishes...well, when the O is playing well and scoring points. But when they do struggle, I want a D that can take over the game, get the ball back for the O and great field position. That is how you win championships.

I think you're way off on Martin-Cooper. Way, way, way off.

 

[Hennessy_King]

These are the two top positions on my list.

For the record, I think that you assessment of Martin being a "slight downgrade" from Cooper is exceeding generous.

But for me, in terms of value matching need, I think it's Vea, Hernandez, or Wynn providing the best bang for the buck in round one.

If we draft a guard in round 1. We will have lost the draft. If this coaching staff can't put a offensive line together with 3 all pros on it. We have no chance. **** the patriots get their offensive lineman every season from the local lumber yards.

 

[Verdict]

These are the two top positions on my list.

For the record, I think that you assessment of Martin being a "slight downgrade" from Cooper is exceeding generous.

But for me, in terms of value matching need, I think it's Vea, Hernandez, or Wynn providing the best bang for the buck in round one.

It also depends on who is there at OT.

 

[jwooten15]

Will Hernandez or Quenton Nelson at #19 and it'll be The Great Wall, yet again!

 

[erod]

I like Collins at left guard because he's better there, and he can shift out to LT if Tyron gets hurt. Let Fleming play RT, and get another G or T in the draft.

Recently, Sitton from the Packers said that switching sides on the line is like wiping your butt with the other hand. Ewww. That's a problem.

 

[Diehardblues]

Moving Collins back to LG with Fleming at RT should help solidly the OL. Possibly draft OL later in draft for backup.

We should be good to go.

 

[Stash]

If we draft a guard in round 1. We will have lost the draft. If this coaching staff can't put a offensive line together with 3 all pros on it. We have no chance.

I understand your point, and the frustration, but need matches talent in this draft.

I'd ask three questions:

Who's your starting left guard today?

Who's your top priority in round 1?

And how much do you think that your player would be playing?

**** the patriots get their offensive lineman every season from the local lumber yards.

They've got the best offensive line coach in the game coaching theirs. It provides them with an enormous advantage over the rest of the league. They're the anti-Cowboys when it comes to the offensive line.

 

[Hennessy_King]

Will Hernandez or Quenton Nelson at #19 and it'll be The Great Wall, yet again!

Our first great wall wasn't stacked with 1st round picks. They need to find a late round pick that can play or cheap FA that can possible start. In 92,93 we didn't even have a lineman on the team drafted before round 3 and 2 undrafted FA's

 

[Stash]

Moving Collins back to LG with Fleming at RT should help solidly the OL.

We should be good to go.

With no swing tackle if anyone gets hurt.

And hoping Fleming can be as good a starter as Collins.

That doesn't sound "good to go" for me.

 

[Hennessy_King]

I understand your point, and the frustration, but need matches talent in this draft.

I'd ask three questions:

Who's your starting left guard today?

Who's your top priority in round 1?

And how much do you think that your player would be playing?



They've got the best offensive line coach in the game coaching theirs. It provides them with an enormous advantage over the rest of the league. They're the anti-Cowboys when it comes to the offensive line.

If it were up to me I would trade up for Derwin James or Roquan Smith and have them on the field every play. This team needs a playmaker on defense more than anything else.

 

[Stash]

Will Hernandez or Quenton Nelson at #19 and it'll be The Great Wall, yet again!

I like Nelson too, but let's face facts.

 

[Hennessy_King]

With no swing tackle if anyone gets hurt.

And hoping Fleming can be as good a starter as Collins.

That doesn't sound "good to go" for me.

You have to put the best 5 on the field and pray no one gets hurt. We should draft another tackle later in the draft.

 

[Sydla]

I think if they add an OG in the 2nd or 3rd round and find a project OT in the later rounds, we are set.

It all really comes down to two players IMO - Smith and Fleming.

Smith if he can stay healthy or Fleming if he can be adequate as a backup. If the answer to both of those questions is no........... we are FUBARd.

 

[LittleD]

Will Hernandez or Quenton Nelson at #19 and it'll be The Great Wall, yet again!

Yep, with Hernandez we can run the ball down their throats at will. Got to reinforce that "Great Wall" again.

 

[CPanther95]

Might want to spend a few more 1st round picks on it before moving on to something else.

 

[Stash]

If it were up to me I would trade up for Derwin James or Roquan Smith and have them on the field every play. This team needs a playmaker on defense more than anything else.

Roquan Smith getting run over on each and every play? No thanks.