Is there a big difference between Tyron Smith and Derek Sherrod?

[fishspill]

I really like Sherrod too. I think he's being overlooked by the masses. I have a feeling he's not being overlooked by teams. I think he'll go higher than most experts think is wise, but teams will just think "Yep, that's 'bout right."

 

[realtick]

Right, but the question I have is, what if Free isn't the answer at LT? And then you draft a pure right tackle in the 1st round; you're stuck. You're back to the drawing board. At least with Sherrod, he has left tackle ability, and gives you flexibility INCASE Free isn't the answer at LT. We know Free can play RT as well. Sherrod is a very good run blocker as well. He really reminds me of a young Flozell, but much more athletic.

I think you could run yourself in circles with the what if scenerios.

What if Sherrod is neither a good LT or RT? Why should we act as if he (or any of the prospects) is a sure thing?

The one thing we do know is how Doug Free played last season. I think Free proved himself at the very least an adequate to good in his first full season as a starter and LT. In fact, I believe footballoutsiders.com rated him the 3rd best LT in the entire league last year.

I admit, versatility is nice and attactive, but I don't think the Cowboys should necessarily go into the draft looking for a replacement for Free.

 

[UnoDallas]

admit, versatility is nice and attactive, but I don't think the Cowboys should necessarily go into the draft looking for a replacement for Free.

oh I don't think they are

just that Sherrod shows the potential to be able to play both sides along with Free

I think thats whats he is getting at

I say bring him in an let the boys fight it out during camp

 

[UnoDallas]

this from Wes Bunting

I really like Derek Sherrod. He's the one guy who's kind of fallen under the radar the whole time but if you watch this guy... The one knock on him is that he plays a bit high. That's obvious when you watch on tape. But he does the the ability to bend, to sit into his stance consistently. He's just so talented he can get sloppy with his technique at times.

But when you're talking about a guy who can reach the edge versus speed, who can re-direct with balance, who can stick through blocks and who can get a pop in the run game, he's the full package. I think I have him as the 2nd best OT on my board right now. I think Tyron Smith has the best grade and Sherrod and Carimi have the same grade after him.

I think you can win with Derek Sherrod as a starting left tackle in the NFL

 

[ghst187]

Question for you guys. I know Sherrod was once regarded as the best offensive linemen of this draft, but he's kind of fallen off.

Is there a big difference between Sherrod and Smith? If we do trade down, I think Sherrod would be a nice pickup for us if Smith is off the board. Sherrod also has potential to play LT.

Thoughts?

Sherrod or Carimi plus trade down to acquire an extra 2nd or 3rd round pick > taking Smith at 9

You're talking about a RT anyway, I can't imagine there would be THAT big of a difference between a solid RT like Sherrod or Carimi and a potential pro bowler like Smith....and I'm not overly sold on Smith.
I think the trade down and Sherrod/Carimi is a much safer play than Smith at 9.

 

[28 Joker]

Yeah, Tyron Smith is the better player by a pretty good margin. Although, I like Derek Sherrod and was on his train early. I think Sherrod is a natural LT and will be a solid LT in the NFL. Carimi's best position is going to be RT, imo. By year two, Sherrod would probably give you better LT play than Doug Free.

Smith is already in the 9-13 range. He will be considered seriously by Dallas, Washington (yes Washington), Minnesota, and Detroit. Smith will not escape all these teams due to talent meeting need.

Doug Free was not an elite NFL LT last year, and I don't think he will ever be one. JMO Doug Free isn't Jake Long, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Joe Thomas... not even close. Plus, Free isn't as talented as players like Russell Okung or Trent Williams or Rodger Saffold, ect...

Both Smith and Sherrod would most likely give Dallas better LT play by year number 2, than Doug Free is going to provide the Cowboys. Free is a better run blocker than pass protector, and Free isn't close to being the player that Flozell Adams was at LT, during his long career.

Do you pass on a 20 year old Tyron Smith, just because you might get 4 or 5 serviceable years from Free at LT? I sure don't. Smith is a cornerstone player in the offensive line for the next 12 years. You can't say that about J.J. Watt or Cameron Jordan. Those two players are not Richard Seymour.

Trading down is asking for trouble, and I"d rather have one blue chip player, than two good players or one good player and a 3rd round pick. Trading down (while Phil Loadholt was on the board in 2009) has already cost Dallas big time and is a big reason why they are in the mess they are in now.

Stay at 9 and take Tyron Smith, because he is going to be better than anything the Cowboys have at OT (not even close), and he has the skill set and physical make up to develop into an elite OT.

I can't wait for his pro day, because Smith is probably going to be in the 310-315 range.

 

[TheSport78]

Yeah, Tyron Smith is the better player by a pretty good margin. Although, I like Derek Sherrod and was on his train early. I think Sherrod is a natural LT and will be a solid LT in the NFL. Carimi's best position is going to be RT, imo. By year two, Sherrod would probably give you better LT play than Doug Free.

Smith is already in the 9-13 range. He will be considered seriously by Dallas, Washington (yes Washington), Minnesota, and Detroit. Smith will not escape all these teams due to talent meeting need.

Doug Free was not an elite NFL LT last year, and I don't think he will ever be one. JMO Doug Free isn't Jake Long, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Joe Thomas... not even close. Plus, Free isn't as talented as players like Russell Okung or Trent Williams or Rodger Saffold, ect...

Both Smith and Sherrod would most likely give Dallas better LT play by year number 2, than Doug Free is going to provide the Cowboys. Free is a better run blocker than pass protector.

Do you pass on a 20 year old Tyron Smith, just because you might get 4 or 5 serviceable years from Free at LT? I sure don't. Smith is a cornerstone player in the offensive line for the next 12 years. You can't say that about J.J. Watt or Cameron Jordan. Those two players are not Richard Seymour.

Trading down is asking for trouble, and I"d rather have one blue chip player, than two good players or one good player and a 3rd round pick. Trading down (while Phil Loadholt was on the board in 2009) has already cost Dallas big time and is a big reason why they are in the mess they are in now.

Stay at 9 and take Tyron Smith, because he is going to be better than anything the Cowboys have at OT (not even close), and he has the skill set and physical make up to develop into an elite OT.

I can't wait for his pro day, because Smith is probably going to be in the 310-315 range.

I agree mostly with this. The fact is, the Cowboys are not one offensive lineman away from being a contender. We have a whole bunch of needs:

ILB, CB, S, DE, OG, OC, OT, RB, and maybe OLB

I would rather trade down, pickup an extra 2nd or 3rd round pick, and see the draft play out like this:

Round 1: Cameron Jordan or JJ Watt
Round 2: Derek Sherrod and Danny Watkins (if we have an extra 2nd)
Round 3: ILB Greg Jones, S Quinton Carter or a CB like Brandon Burton

 

[supercowboy8]

If your going off of production and competition then its 1.Carimi 2. Sherrod.
Both started several years at LT playing against NCAA top competition.

Now if you going off of petential which IMO is a easy way to draft a bust then its 1. Smith 2, Castanzo 3. Sherrod, 4.Solder 5th Carimi.

 

[TheSport78]

If your going off of production and competition then its 1.Carimi 2. Sherrod.
Both started several years at LT playing against NCAA top competition.

Now if you going off of petential which IMO is a easy way to draft a bust then its 1. Smith 2, Castanzo 3. Sherrod, 4.Solder 5th Carimi.

I'm all for drafting production over potential. But it's nice to have a player who's been productive that has a bunch of upside, like Sherrod. Carimi isn't as athletic and will never be a LT in the NFL, while Sherrod will be IMO.

 

[28 Joker]

I agree mostly with this. The fact is, the Cowboys are not one offensive lineman away from being a contender. We have a whole bunch of needs:

ILB, CB, S, DE, OG, OC, OT, RB, and maybe OLB

I would rather trade down, pickup an extra 2nd or 3rd round pick, and see the draft play out like this:

Round 1: Cameron Jordan or JJ Watt
Round 2: Derek Sherrod and Danny Watkins (if we have an extra 2nd)
Round 3: ILB Greg Jones, S Quinton Carter or a CB like Brandon Burton

I respect your opinion, but I think that strategy is spreading you thin. Now, the Cowboys could very well do this, and I think that it would be a big mistake. Good luck to the team that drafts J.J. Watt in the top 20; that is all I have to say about that.

This offensive line has collapsed in two divisional playoff games, and Tony Romo isn't getting any younger. I would focus my resources in this draft and draft two cornerstone players in rounds one and two.

9. Tyron Smith OT USC

40. Steve Wisniewski C Penn State

Cameron Jordan, J.J. Watt, and Danny Watkins are not cornerstone players in your offensive line. However, Smith is the foundation, and Wisniewski is a big rock. Both of these offensive linemen are going to be ready to step in and start for you. If Free goes down, you can swing Smith to LT and have a better chance to beat the speed off the edge, than Carimi's college experience at LT will give you (IMO). If Gurode goes down, you don't have to play Phil Costa beside two players who are going to be 33 by November.

This Dallas offensive line is old, and the Cowboys will not get past the divisional round if they don't get serious about adding top, young talent on their offensive line. In fact, the Packers remind me of the 1988 49ers, and I could see them winning multiple Super Bowls and going for the Dynasty.

I would put my top two picks into the offensive line. One would start at RT and could swing to LT in a tight pinch (Sam Young?; he isn't going over there). One could start at LG and swing to center easily if need be.

The Cowboys are two drafts away, imo. Fix the offensive line which has been holding the team back. Dallas lost a bye in 2009 because their offensive line is really bad in short yard or goal line situations.

The interior needs to be addressed now, and Mark Colombo should have been replaced in 2009.

 

[28 Joker]

If your going off of production and competition then its 1.Carimi 2. Sherrod.
Both started several years at LT playing against NCAA top competition.

Now if you going off of petential which IMO is a easy way to draft a bust then its 1. Smith 2, Castanzo 3. Sherrod, 4.Solder 5th Carimi.

Drafting and playing a young, talented player like Smith (with big time upside), is one of the safest picks you can make. Goodbye Mark Colombo...If Carimi can't play RT in the NFL (I think he probably can), he's going to be a bust for sure, because he will have trouble with speed of both edges, imo. His run blocking at RT will be his strength.

The SEC has more speed than the Big Ten. It isn't even close. Most experts put Carimi over Sherrod, but Wes Bunting is one who doesn't. Sherrod is for sure more athletic than Carimi (a Big Ten power player). I think Sherrod will be the better NFL player, because he has the athletic ability to play LT in the NFL. Sherrod hasn't reached his ceiling, either. Carimi is as good as he is going to get.

 

[TheSport78]

I respect your opinion, but I think that strategy is spreading you thin. Now, the Cowboys could very well do this, and I think that it would be a big mistake. Good luck to the team that drafts J.J. Watt in the top 20; that is all I have to say about that.

This offensive line has collapsed in two divisional championship games, and Tony Romo isn't getting any younger. I would focus my resources in this draft and draft two cornerstone players in rounds one and two.

9. Tyron Smith OT USC

40. Steve Wisniewski C Penn State

Cameron Jordan, J.J. Watt, and Danny Watkins are not cornerstone players in your offensive line. However, Smith is the foundation, and Wisniewski is a big rock. Both of these offensive linemen are going to be ready to step in and start for you. If Free goes down, you can swing Smith to LT and have a better chance to beat the speed off the edge, than Carimi's college experience at LT will give you (IMO). If Gurode goes down, you don't have to play Phil Costa besides two players who are going to be 33 by November.

This Dallas offensive line is old, and the Cowboys will not get past the divisional round if they don't get serious about adding top, young talent on their offensive line. In fact, the Packers remind me of the 1988 49ers, and I could see them winning multiple Super Bowls and going for the Dynasty.

I would put my top two picks into the offensive line. One would start at RT and could swing to LT in a tight pinch (Sam Young?; he isn't going over there). One could start at LG and swing to center easily if need be.

The Cowboys are two drafts away, imo. Fix the offensive line which has been holding the team back. Dallas lost a bye in 2009 because their offensive line is really bad in short yard or goal line situations.

The interior needs to be addressed now, and Mark Colombo should have been replaced in 2009.

I respect your opinion as well, but I just think this:

Cameron Jordan, Derek Sherrod and Danny Watkins > Tyron Smith and Wisniewski

We're bad in the trenches, period. We're bad on both sides of the ball. Olshansky wouldn't be a starter on any other team in the league. Well, maybe the Browns lol.

I honestly don't see a huge difference between Sherrod and Smith. Yes, Smith has more upside, but he also has a more likely bust factor, due to him not being that productive in college. Sherrod was a starter at LT ever since he was a freshman and was very productive.

Danny Watkins intrigues me because he's mature, has a nasty mean streak who can play guard and center. I get the feeling that he'll be committed to football. Heck, he's only been playing football for what, 2 or 3 years? He doesn't have a lot of tread on the tires. What do you think?

 

[supercowboy8]

Drafting and playing a young, talented player like Smith (with big time upside), is one of the safest picks you can make. Goodbye Mark Colombo...If Carimi can't play RT in the NFL (I think he probably can), he's going to be a bust for sure, because he will have trouble with speed of both edges, imo. His run blocking at RT will be his strength.

The SEC has more speed than the Big Ten. It isn't even close. Most experts put Carimi over Sherrod, but Wes Bunting is one who doesn't. Sherrod is for sure more athletic than Carimi (a Big Ten power player). I think Sherrod will be the better NFL player, because he has the athletic ability to play LT in the NFL. Sherrod hasn't reached his ceiling, either. Carimi is as good as he is going to get.

If Smith doesn't can't play RT on the NFL then he is a bust to. If you can't play RT then you can't play LT. I'm good with all three as long as its not at 9. If we draft a OT I just hope we trade back and add some extra picks and get a starting caliber RT.

 

[28 Joker]

I respect your opinion as well, but I just think this:

Cameron Jordan, Derek Sherrod and Danny Watkins > Tyron Smith and Wisniewski

We're bad in the trenches, period. We're bad on both sides of the ball. Olshansky wouldn't be a starter on any other team in the league. Well, maybe the Browns lol.

I honestly don't see a huge difference between Sherrod and Smith. Yes, Smith has more upside, but he also has a more likely bust factor, due to him not being that productive in college. Sherrod was a starter at LT ever since he was a freshman and was very productive.

Danny Watkins intrigues me because he's mature, has a nasty mean streak who can play guard and center. I get the feeling that he'll be committed to football. Heck, he's only been playing football for what, 2 or 3 years? He doesn't have a lot of tread on the tires. What do you think?

That is cool. I disagree about Smith not being "very productive" in college. Smith was one of the best offensive linemen in the Pac Ten. He played RT, because he wasn't playing at Wisconsin, Colorado, or Mississippi State. USC has way more talent than those schools. It gets to be a log jam.

I agree with the defensive line being in bad shape, but there is going to be exact value to begin to rebuild the offensive line. How many first round picks is Dallas going to put on that defense? It's always something... How about finding the next Chris Canty in round 3 or 4? That DE better be Richard Seymour, because Smith's upside at OT is very high.

Again, Cameron Jordan and J.J. Watt are not cornerstone players; DeMarcus Ware and Richard Seymour are cornerstone players. That is why Von Miller is going to go so high, due to the emergence of Ware. Seymour went number 4, I think.

I just really think the New York Jets built the best offensive line in football by taking D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold very high and in the same draft. They have been two the AFC Championship Game two years in a row. Those two players are the foundation to their line. A great offensive line can hide a whole lot of sins on your defense.

Smith is compared favorably to Ferguson, and Wisneiwski is going to be a better player than J.J. Watt, imso. I think his impact on offense (in 2012/at center) would have more boom than Cameron Jordan is going to give you on defense. A really good center is critical on offense. He's up to 313, and Dallas was at Penn State's Pro Day. That gives me some hope. I wouldn't be surprised if Wisniewski carried a first round grade like Shawn Lee.

I like Watkins, too. However, in the long run, which is how the Cowboys should approach this draft, Wisniewski (will play at 22 years old) is going to be the better investment, in the long run. Centers are really hard to find, especially the good ones. Gurode came out of round two and will play at 33 this year and 34 in 2012. Gurode's run blocking dropped big time last year and passing on Wisniewski would be another big mistake. Bunting thinks that he can make some Pro Bowls. You have to be in a position to draft these players, because there isn't very many of them. When will Dallas be in a position to draft an OT as talented and with the upside that Smith has to offer, again? Maybe, next year, if they pass on Smith, except he will not be there. He will be blocking Ware and Spencer if you run into him.

Plus, the Eagles, Giants, and Commanders need centers bad, and you can get a real good one and keep him away from your direct competition. It's a double win when you go OL in rounds 1 and 2. You address your biggest weakness. Also, you take the top rated and most talented OL in the draft and the number 2 rated center. In fact, the entire division needs offensive line help, and the rest of the division is most likely going to go for it in this draft. By starting that tackle run at 9, you hurt the Giants and Eagles, who need OTs, too. The Giants have Smith rated very high from one source that I read.

At the worst, Smith is going to be a top of the line RT, who excels in space and will have size and the power you like. He is a great run blocker, too. Smith played in a zone scheme at USC and was not a finished product. His athletic ability on the second level is ridiculous, and he is the exact prototype to get Felix Jones in space, to the outside, and to the second level, something that Dallas' right side couldn't do last year. (tosses, toss sweep, stretches, power o, screens...) Smith opens the entire field for Felix Jones and the playbook.

There is a reason why all Smith had to do was show up and measure in and lift at the combine, in order to jump into the number 1 or 2 slot at his position. Smith has the tape to back up his still developing physical body, and he does have the huge upside to his game. Smith plays with a wide base and is an athletic freak at the OT position. He is the prototype NFL, new age LT.

Both Smith and Sherrod are 6-5 and have long arms, Smith's length is freakish. They have that ideal height in common, and I think it will help them when compared with taller, leggy players like Solder or Carimi. Smith and Sherrod are going to be able to play with leverage better due to their height, and DEs/OLBs like Ware and Freeney are going to have a tougher time getting under them or bending and getting by them.

I still have to respectfully disagree. There is a significant gap in the level of athletic ability and overall level of play when you compare the two OTs, Smith and Sherrod. I think where they are going to be drafted will show you that. Smith is a more physical player than Sherrod for one thing, and he is a better run blocker. Smith's second level run blocking is outstanding. Sherrod needs to get stronger too, but he wasn't the physical player that Smith was at RT for USC.

I think both are going to be LTs in the NFL and both are much safer picks than Solder or Carimi. However, Smith has played RT in the Pac Ten, where speed lives. It is a speed conference like the SEC. Smith was a real good fit at RT in their scheme, at his weight.

Dallas has the luxury of playing him at RT during his first year if they choose to do that. Smith played at 285 at USC, and he will most likely play at 310-315 in Dallas (or where ever) and will be bigger and stronger than he was at USC. Plus, he's bringing that great athlietic ability with him.

Now, Solder is probably going to be better than Sherrod if he hits, but I view him more of a risk. He's a tall, leggy guy. He got beat inside at the Senior Bowl too many times.

I think when you are in the top 10, you are there for a reason. You are not very good. You better draft a cornerstone player.

5. Terence Newman

11. DeMarcus Ware (Thanks Detroit)

Those two players were cornerstone players. Greg Ellis was not that type of player. Ebuneezer Ekuban was not. Roy Williams was not.

Cameron Jordan and J.J. Watt are as good as they are going to get, and they are not cornerstone players. Carimi is as good as he is going to get. You can't make him more athletic. Jordan is polished. Watt will be over drafted. I wouldn't put Watt in Jordan's tier. I agree with Bunting when he separates them and rates Jordan higher.

Smith was very successful against Jordan in the running game and more than held his own against him and did it as a 19 year old junior.

Tyron Smith can give Dallas the same value at 9 (in the offensive line) that B.J. Raiji gave the Packers' defense at number 9.

Again, the last time Dallas traded down and left a real good value at OT on the board, they ended up with Robert Brewster and Jason Williams. Ouch..

Stay at 9, take the best offensive linemen in the draft, with ridiculous upside, and let the center fall to you at 40, because he probably will.

I'm not preaching at you. I just really have a conviction about this draft on the offensive line. That 2009 draft needs to be corrected now. There is a generation growing up, and they don't think of the Cowboys as champions.

The dynasties had really good to great offensive lines.

Browns 1950s

Packers 1960s

49ers 1980s

Cowboys 1990s

Patriots 2000s

The Steelers had Mike Webster and must have had more up there. The 1970s Cowboys had to be good up front, too. Rayfield Wright was a Hall of Fame RT.

I'm just about ready to concede the divsion to the Giants and Eagles and the NFL to the Packers. I think picking a DE or CB at 9 could seal the Cowboys fate.

 

[28 Joker]

If Smith doesn't can't play RT on the NFL then he is a bust to. If you can't play RT then you can't play LT. I'm good with all three as long as its not at 9. If we draft a OT I just hope we trade back and add some extra picks and get a starting caliber RT.

Smith is the best pass blocker in this draft. He can play RT for the worst RT in the NFL last year.

Smith is in the 9-13 range right now.

If you trade back, you most likely will not get him.

You will get an inferior OT.

 

[TheSport78]

That is cool. I disagree about Smith not being "very productive" in college. Smith was one of the best offensive linemen in the Pac Ten. He played RT, because he wasn't playing at Wisconsin, Colorado, or Mississippi State. USC has way more talent than those schools. It gets to be a log jam.

I agree with the defensive line being in bad shape, but there is going to be exact value to begin to rebuild the offensive line. How many first round picks is Dallas going to put on that defense? It's always something... How about finding the next Chris Canty in round 3 or 4? That DE better be Richard Seymour, because Smith's upside at OT is very high.

Again, Cameron Jordan and J.J. Watt are not cornerstone players; DeMarcus Ware and Richard Seymour are cornerstone players. That is why Von Miller is going to go so high, due to the emergence of Ware. Seymour went number 4, I think.

I just really think the New York Jets built the best offensive line in football by taking D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold very high and in the same draft. They have been two the AFC Championship Game two years in a row. Those two players are the foundation to their line. A great offensive line can hide a whole lot of sins on your defense.

Smith is compared favorably to Ferguson, and Wisneiwski is going to be a better player than J.J. Watt, imso. I think his impact on offense (in 2012/at center) would have more boom than Cameron Jordan is going to give you on defense. A really good center is critical on offense. He's up to 313, and Dallas was at Penn State's Pro Day. That gives me some hope. I wouldn't be surprised if Wisniewski carried a first round grade like Shawn Lee.

I like Watkins, too. However, in the long run, which is how the Cowboys should approach this draft, Wisniewski (will play at 22 years old) is going to be the better investment, in the long run. Centers are really hard to find, especially the good ones. Gurode came out of round two and will play at 33 this year and 34 in 2012. Gurode's run blocking dropped big time last year and passing on Wisniewski would be another big mistake. Bunting thinks that he can make some Pro Bowls. You have to be in a position to draft these players, because there isn't very many of them. When will Dallas be in a position to draft an OT as talented and with the upside that Smith has to offer, again? Maybe, next year, if they pass on Smith, except he will not be there. He will be blocking Ware and Spencer if you run into him.

Plus, the Eagles, Giants, and Commanders need centers bad, and you can get a real good one and keep him away from your direct competition. It's a double win when you go OL in rounds 1 and 2. You address your biggest weakness. Also, you take the top rated and most talented OL in the draft and the number 2 rated center. In fact, the entire division needs offensive line help, and the rest of the division is most likely going to go for it in this draft. By starting that tackle run at 9, you hurt the Giants and Eagles, who need OTs, too. The Giants have Smith rated very high from one source that I read.

At the worst, Smith is going to be a top of the line RT, who excels in space and will have size and the power you like. He is a great run blocker, too. Smith played in a zone scheme at USC and was not a finished product. His athletic ability on the second level is ridiculous, and he is the exact prototype to get Felix Jones in space, to the outside, and to the second level, something that Dallas' right side couldn't do last year. (tosses, toss sweep, stretches, power o, screens...) Smith opens the entire field for Felix Jones and the playbook.

There is a reason why all Smith had to do was show up and measure in and lift at the combine, in order to jump into the number 1 or 2 slot at his position. Smith has the tape to back up his still developing physical body, and he does have the huge upside to his game. Smith plays with a wide base and is an athletic freak at the OT position. He is the prototype NFL, new age LT.

Both Smith and Sherrod are 6-5 and have long arms, Smith's length is freakish. They have that ideal height in common, and I think it will help them when compared with taller, leggy players like Solder or Carimi. Smith and Sherrod are going to be able to play with leverage better due to their height, and DEs/OLBs like Ware and Freeney are going to have a tougher time getting under them or bending and getting by them.

I still have to respectfully disagree. There is a significant gap in the level of athletic ability and overall level of play when you compare the two OTs, Smith and Sherrod. I think where they are going to be drafted will show you that. Smith is a more physical player than Sherrod for one thing, and he is a better run blocker. Smith's second level run blocking is outstanding. Sherrod needs to get stronger too, but he wasn't the physical player that Smith was at RT for USC.

I think both are going to be LTs in the NFL and both are much safer picks than Solder or Carimi. However, Smith has played RT in the Pac Ten, where speed lives. It is a speed conference like the SEC. Smith was a real good fit at RT in their scheme, at his weight.

Dallas has the luxury of playing him at RT during his first year if they choose to do that. Smith played at 285 at USC, and he will most likely play at 310-315 in Dallas (or where ever) and will be bigger and stronger than he was at USC. Plus, he's bringing that great athlietic ability with him.

Now, Solder is probably going to be better than Sherrod if he hits, but I view him a more of a risk. He's a tall, leggy guy. He got beat inside at the Senior Bowl too many times.

I think when you are in the top 10, you are there for a reason. You are not very good. You better draft a cornerstone player.

5. Terence Newman

11. DeMarcus Ware (Thanks Detroit)

Those two players were cornerstone players. Greg Ellis was not that type of player. Ebuneezer Ekuban was not. Roy Williams was not.

Cameron Jordan and J.J. Watt are as good as they are going to get, and they are not cornerstone players. Carimi is as good as he is going to get. You can't make him more athletic. Jordan is polished. Watt will be over drafted. I wouldn't put Watt in Jordan's tier. I agree with Bunting when he separates them and rates Jordan higher.

Smith was very successful against Jordan in the running game and more than held his own against him and did it as a 19 year old junior.

Tyron Smith can give Dallas the same value at 9 (in the offensive line) that B.J. Raiji gave the Packers' defense at number 9.

Again, the last time Dallas traded down and left a real good value at OT on the board, they ended up with Robert Brewster and Jason Williams. Ouch..

Stay at 9, take the best offensive linemen in the draft, with ridiculous upside, and let the center fall to you at 40, because he probably will.

I'm not preaching at you. I just really have a conviction about this draft on the offensive line. That 2009 draft needs to be corrected now. There is a generation growing up who don't think of the Cowboys as champions.

The dynasties had really good to great offensive lines.

Browns 1950s

Packers 1960s

49ers 1980s

Cowboys 1990s

Patriots 2000s

The Steelers had Mike Webster and must have had more up there. The 1970s Cowboys had to be good up front, too. Rayfield Wright was a Hall of Fame RT.

I'm just about ready to concede the divsion to the Giants and Eagles and the NFL to the Packers. I think picking a DE or CB at 9 could seal the Cowboys fate.

I enjoyed reading this. I think we can both agree that the OL needs some serious upgrading. Here's how I see the current "starters:"

Doug Free: Played adequate, and is a good, but not elite player at the LT position. He has the ability to play both tackle spots, but may be better suited for the right side. He'll be a Cowboy for the next 5 years.

Kyle Kosier: He's a free agent, who I think will be back, only because the Cowboys have no one to replace him with. I think if Dallas hits on a great guard/center prospect like Wisniewski or Danny Watkins, Kosier will become expendable. If we don't address interior line early in the draft, which would be a big mistake, I see Dallas re-signing Kosier to a 2 year deal.

Andre Gurode: How many years does he have left? He seems to be regressing, but he's still the 2nd best lineman on the team. I say he has 1 or 2 solid seasons left, but we need to start grooming his replacement. Watkins? Wisniewski, anyone?

Leonard Davis: In a perfect world, Bigg shouldn't be a Cowboy in 2011, but we have no one to replace him with. You won't see Jerry dishing out serious cash for an interior lineman anymore. I'm afraid Jerry will give Davis one more year under Garrett to see if he can bring the best out of Bigg. I think it's a mistake, like a "Colombo mistake" we made last season.

Marc Colombo: The guy is done. I've been on record saying that the Cowboys released the wrong lineman last offseason: Flozell Adams, not Marc Colombo. I was a big supporter in releasing Colombo LAST year, and moving Flozell to RT. Oh well. We need to find his replacement in the draft, and whether that is Tyron Smith or Derek Sherrod, I would be happy with both.

 

[28 Joker]

I enjoyed reading this. I think we can both agree that the OL needs some serious upgrading. Here's how I see the current "starters:"

Doug Free: Played adequate, and is a good, but not elite player at the LT position. He has the ability to play both tackle spots, but may be better suited for the right side. He'll be a Cowboy for the next 5 years.

Kyle Kosier: He's a free agent, who I think will be back, only because the Cowboys have no one to replace him with. I think if Dallas hits on a great guard/center prospect like Wisniewski or Danny Watkins, Kosier will become expendable. If we don't address interior line early in the draft, which would be a big mistake, I see Dallas re-signing Kosier to a 2 year deal.

Andre Gurode: How many years does he have left? He seems to be regressing, but he's still the 2nd best lineman on the team. I say he has 1 or 2 solid seasons left, but we need to start grooming his replacement. Watkins? Wisniewski, anyone?

Leonard Davis: In a perfect world, Bigg shouldn't be a Cowboy in 2011, but we have no one to replace him with. You won't see Jerry dishing out serious cash for an interior lineman anymore. I'm afraid Jerry will give Davis one more year under Garrett to see if he can bring the best out of Bigg. I think it's a mistake, like a "Colombo mistake" we made last season.

Marc Colombo: The guy is done. I've been on record saying that the Cowboys released the wrong lineman last offseason: Flozell Adams, not Marc Colombo. I was a big supporter in releasing Colombo LAST year, and moving Flozell to RT. Oh well. We need to find his replacement in the draft, and whether that is Tyron Smith or Derek Sherrod, I would be happy with both.

Well stated and short and to the point. I agree with you on your offensive line analysis.

Davis was an average player last year, and the Cowboys have been getting diminishing returns since at least December 2008, when Davis first started showing major weaknesses in pass protection. It has been a slow, steady decline since then. Now, his run blocking, much better than Kosier's last year, is average and dropped off the table last year, when compared to 2009. Will it get better at age 33? I wouldn't hold my breath.

Colombo...We are on the same page for sure, and I was pounding that dump Colombo drum after that divisional debacle (Vikings). Why is he still here? ..Because the Cowboys organization dropped the ball in the 2009 draft...I hope they liked watching Loadholt block Ware and Spencer while Ray Edwards made Colombo look like a scrub. Colombo was never a good enough player to pass on a real good value like Loadholt. The Cowboys had his name on the card and opted to trade down.. Ouch...Hey, we got Jason Williams and Robert Brewster...Yippi...

Kosier didn't grade out overall as well as Davis last year according to Pro Football Focus. His run blocking was below average and rated poorly or in the red or negative. I would let him walk, or give him Holland's backup money. You are right, though. They will most likely resign him, and I don't like the thought of three interior players being 33 years old. That is old, and we are not talking about Larry Allen or Nate Newton here, either, in regards to Davis and Kosier.

I like Gurode more than others, but again, he's 33. I feel pretty good about him starting next year and would feel better if he had two new, young, strong, athletic guards playing next to him. His run blocking dropped off the table last year, too. Although, PFF rated him the 6th best run blocking center. He graded out (overall grade) above average and very comparable to his 2009 year according to them. He graded out very well in the screen game and in pass protection. However, I sure don't like the prospects of Phil Costa playing beside two old, average players like Davis and Kosier.

If his replacement falls into your lap, I take him in round 2. Center is really important position, and again, tough to find. If your center gets hurt, it can wreck your season, especially in Dallas. If you don't have one, you have major problems in your offensive line.

Wisniewski looks like a bull at 313, and he is a smart, young, technically sound player. He has good athletic ability for the position and fits the Gurode mold. Dallas will rate him high, I think. I could be wrong, but I don't think so. He has some upside in the NFL with adding that strength and size. Watkins may be the better NFL guard, but Wisniewski is going to be a really good NFL center.

The Cowboys passed on 5 starting offensive linemen in that 2009 draft, including Phil Loadholt. What a disaster. I sound like a broken record, but Phil Loadholt, Andy Levitre, Sabastian Vollmer, Antione Caldwell, and Luis Vasquez were passed up. Dorell Scott (DL form Clemson) went in round 4.

How in the world do you pick 12 players (7 on defense by the way) and end up with ZERO defensive linemen and 1 project, small school offensive linemen, who is now on the practice squad, after the entire league wouldn't claim him on waivers?

Then, I 'm supposed to just accept J.J. Watt or Cameron Jordan or a CB while a blue chip OT goes to Washington, Minnesota, or Detriot.

If the organization screws this draft up, it's going to get uglier than last year, imo. Again, I think they are 2 drafts away and not one player away. I'd fix the offensive line first, because Dallas has the weapons on offense (like the Colts) to win the Super Bowl, but they have an old offensive line that will land them in third place inside their own division. When a college team is rebuilding, the offensive line is the number one priority. The Jets were not perfect on defense last year, and their offensive line hid some weaknesses that they had on that defense. You can control the game with your offensive line. I still remember the Jets line wearing down the Vikings and running all over them. Dallas couldn't block the Vikings front in the running game on a good day, but they were able to do it in 2007, not even close now.

Dallas needs to be able to run (right or left or middle) or pass at will, so they can control the football and keep the defense off the field. You will never win a championship with that atrocious short yardage or goal line run blocking, alone.

That is why I'm dogged in wanted to address the offensive line. Value and need are going to collide on those early picks, and I don't want a inferior player like Gabe Carimi or Marcus Gilbert at RT and Kosier back at LG, so Dallas can draft another defensive player in the first round. That's not going to cut it, imo. The clock is ticking on Tony Romo, and Dallas is built to win now. It isn't 2006, anymore.

Tyron Smith won the Morris Trophy for the best offensive linemen in the PAC TEN. The defensive linemen vote on that award. He really does remind me of D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who was below 300 pounds at Virginia and considered a "finesse" player. Ferguson is a top 3 LT in the NFL, and he was the second best run blocking LT in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus.

The last OT to go in the 9-12 range was Ryan Clady, and he was named All Pro in his second year.



Also, I forgot the Oakland Raiders of the 1970s and early 1980s. They had three Hall of Famers on their offensive line. (Art Shell, Gene Upshaw, and Jim Otto).

Would the Cowboys trade down if Art Shell was on the board or pick a CB or 34 end? They might...LOL

The Commanders of the 1980s(-infant 1990s) won three Super Bowls and played in four. They had "The Hogs".

 

[burmafrd]

I agree mostly with this. The fact is, the Cowboys are not one offensive lineman away from being a contender. We have a whole bunch of needs:

ILB, CB, S, DE, OG, OC, OT, RB, and maybe OLB

I would rather trade down, pickup an extra 2nd or 3rd round pick, and see the draft play out like this:

Round 1: Cameron Jordan or JJ Watt
Round 2: Derek Sherrod and Danny Watkins (if we have an extra 2nd)
Round 3: ILB Greg Jones, S Quinton Carter or a CB like Brandon Burton

we are already a contender so your initial premise is wrong. We NEED FS and OT upgrades. SHOULD get OG, ILB, DE. Depending on what the staff thinks of our backups. If we improve strongly at RT and FS there is no reason to think we cannot seriously contend next season.

 

[burmafrd]

I respect your opinion as well, but I just think this:

Cameron Jordan, Derek Sherrod and Danny Watkins > Tyron Smith and Wisniewski

We're bad in the trenches, period. We're bad on both sides of the ball. Olshansky wouldn't be a starter on any other team in the league. Well, maybe the Browns lol.

I honestly don't see a huge difference between Sherrod and Smith. Yes, Smith has more upside, but he also has a more likely bust factor, due to him not being that productive in college. Sherrod was a starter at LT ever since he was a freshman and was very productive.

Danny Watkins intrigues me because he's mature, has a nasty mean streak who can play guard and center. I get the feeling that he'll be committed to football. Heck, he's only been playing football for what, 2 or 3 years? He doesn't have a lot of tread on the tires. What do you think?

Smith is in a different class of athlete than Sherrod.
Olshansky is not that bad, do not be ridiculous.

 

[burmafrd]

I enjoyed reading this. I think we can both agree that the OL needs some serious upgrading. Here's how I see the current "starters:"

Doug Free: Played adequate, and is a good, but not elite player at the LT position. He has the ability to play both tackle spots, but may be better suited for the right side. He'll be a Cowboy for the next 5 years.

Kyle Kosier: He's a free agent, who I think will be back, only because the Cowboys have no one to replace him with. I think if Dallas hits on a great guard/center prospect like Wisniewski or Danny Watkins, Kosier will become expendable. If we don't address interior line early in the draft, which would be a big mistake, I see Dallas re-signing Kosier to a 2 year deal.

Andre Gurode: How many years does he have left? He seems to be regressing, but he's still the 2nd best lineman on the team. I say he has 1 or 2 solid seasons left, but we need to start grooming his replacement. Watkins? Wisniewski, anyone?

Leonard Davis: In a perfect world, Bigg shouldn't be a Cowboy in 2011, but we have no one to replace him with. You won't see Jerry dishing out serious cash for an interior lineman anymore. I'm afraid Jerry will give Davis one more year under Garrett to see if he can bring the best out of Bigg. I think it's a mistake, like a "Colombo mistake" we made last season.

Marc Colombo: The guy is done. I've been on record saying that the Cowboys released the wrong lineman last offseason: Flozell Adams, not Marc Colombo. I was a big supporter in releasing Colombo LAST year, and moving Flozell to RT. Oh well. We need to find his replacement in the draft, and whether that is Tyron Smith or Derek Sherrod, I would be happy with both.

Dead on as regards what we have right now.