Its kinda obvious....

[juck]

that BP is going to completely overhaul the o-line.do u think LA stays?I say hell yes.He is proven.I also think Rivera will step up this year.If we get one in draft and a FA.Next year is looking better and better guys.Our D is going to be stiff.

 

[Doomsday101]

that BP is going to completely overhaul the o-line.do u think LA stays?I say hell yes.He is proven.I also think Rivera will step up this year.If we get one in draft and a FA.Next year is looking better and better guys.Our D is going to be stiff.

That appears to be the 8 mill dollar question. Do we keep Allen? At this stage I would not because I don't think he can play beyond next season and the cost would not be worth it as well as the fact that his play fell off quite a bit this season.

 

[DragonCowboy]

Will Larry Allen be a FA this offseason? And if he won't, will it count against the cap(and how much) if we release him?

 

[ddh33]

Larry Allen is my biggest question mark on the line. I want to see what happens there.

I've seen a couple of mentions that Rivera might have to restructure or be cut, but I think he gets one more year here.

Al Johnson is the other question mark I have. I have a hard time imagining him getting replaced so early.

 

[aikemirv]

I don't neccesarily think that it is obvious that he is going to overhaul it this coming year at all.

He has difficult decisions with Rivera and Allen, cap wise it will be hard to replace them. I think he will upgrade the T spot through the draft but I am not sure about the other positions.

He has difficult decisions with Al Johnson and Gurode - giving up on players before he might not neccessarily want to.

I believe it is still going to be a question mark going into training camp, I think we will still be wondering if LA has anything left or if Rivera can turn it around, or if Pettiti is going to make huge strides in his second year.

The only way it would not be a question mark is if we took all our FA dollars and brought in 3 Olineman with that money.

Bently, Hutchinson and a draft choice in the first or second would make me comfortable but not much else will until I see progress on the field.

 

[Alexander]

that BP is going to completely overhaul the o-line.do u think LA stays?I say hell yes.He is proven.I also think Rivera will step up this year.If we get one in draft and a FA.Next year is looking better and better guys.Our D is going to be stiff.

I don't think it is a foregone conclusion that he does. He could very easily think that Petitti will improve with conditioning work and that a healthy Adams works wonders. I hope that's not the case, but I would not be amazed if it occured this way.

 

[followthestar]

We will address the OL, and I think the situation will be very similar to what we did with the DL this past season. We'll draft OL with two first day picks, IMO. We are not going to keep Allen for more than one season I don't think, but as close as we are to contending seriously for the conference title, I just don't see cutting ties with him or Rivera. I would ask both of them after next season to restructure according to their real worth, however. By then Parcells will have given us a total makeover - I think there's only like 5 or 6 players who were here when he came on board.
You can bet he'll address the OL big time, because I think we all learned Bledsoe can still perform. We also learned we have a formidable stable of HBs, though a bull at FB would help our cause. To put this team over the edge, OL must be our first concern, as I'm sure it will be. In Bill I Trust.

 

[mr.jameswoods]

I don't think he will overhaul the line. It would be foolish to cut players. Replacing a player is one thing but cutting them from your team is something different altogether. A lot of our starters from last season can serve as experienced backups for next season. We have to start respecting the idea of depth. A lot of these players may not function well as starters but could be invaluable as backups because they are familiar with our system.

 

[AbeBeta]

I don't think it is a foregone conclusion that he does. He could very easily think that Petitti will improve with conditioning work and that a healthy Adams works wonders. I hope that's not the case, but I would not be amazed if it occured this way.

This is very possible - but it really hinges on who is available. We can pine for LeCharles Bentley all day but that doesn't change the fact that he likely won't be available. Moreover, we've got so much money tied up in the line right now that another big contract might seriously compromise our ability to do something at another position. My bet is that we give Al, Rob, and Peterman another year to develop.

 

[Rockytop6]

I don't think Allen justifies his salary. He is no doubt the greatest OL in the history of the Boys, and while he remains strong, he has lost a lot of his flexibility. He is good in a limited area and straight line blocking but he doesn't have good balance.

A top line G should be a priority in the draft unless Peterman shows more than he has in the past.
We don't know if Flo's injury will affect his performance in the future or not. He has the ability but not always the heart and the desire. While his injury was the most crippling to our OL yet we don't know how his injury will affect him mentally and physically in the future.
Rivera was a pro bowler until he had back problems. Did surgery fix the problem or will it linger? Will his age make the problem more difficult to overcome?
Johnson is a smart C but he isn't strong enough to man the position. Bentley would be a great pickup in my opinion but I'm afraid BP will stick with Johnson.

Rob P could be the future at RT but we don't know for sure. If he develops, and Johnson gets stronger and Rivera comes back 100% and Flo returns 100% and we draft a back up to Allen who can take over in another year, then we could be alright barring any injuries next year. But those are too many questions and too many "IFs" in my book. I think JJ and BP must give attention to the OL.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

that BP is going to completely overhaul the o-line.do u think LA stays?I say hell yes.He is proven.I also think Rivera will step up this year.If we get one in draft and a FA.Next year is looking better and better guys.Our D is going to be stiff.

How is that so obvious?


Most likely LA will be here, Rivera, Flo.....that's three of five starters.

 

[neosapien23]

If Larry will take a more cap friendly contract, then he will stay. The organization will not shell out the big bucks in his current contract. It all depends on Allen. Will he force his way out or has he finally started to come around to Bill Parcells philosophy of running and cardio fitness?

 

[Billy Bullocks]

I don't think Allen justifies his salary. He is no doubt the greatest OL in the history of the Boys, and while he remains strong, he has lost a lot of his flexibility. He is good in a limited area and straight line blocking but he doesn't have good balance.

A top line G should be a priority in the draft unless Peterman shows more than he has in the past.
We don't know if Flo's injury will affect his performance in the future or not. He has the ability but not always the heart and the desire. While his injury was the most crippling to our OL yet we don't know how his injury will affect him mentally and physically in the future.
Rivera was a pro bowler until he had back problems. Did surgery fix the problem or will it linger? Will his age make the problem more difficult to overcome?
Johnson is a smart C but he isn't strong enough to man the position. Bentley would be a great pickup in my opinion but I'm afraid BP will stick with Johnson.

Rob P could be the future at RT but we don't know for sure. If he develops, and Johnson gets stronger and Rivera comes back 100% and Flo returns 100% and we draft a back up to Allen who can take over in another year, then we could be alright barring any injuries next year. But those are too many questions and too many "IFs" in my book. I think JJ and BP must give attention to the OL.

hard to judge what Peterman can do unless Parcells already has done it. THere's not alot of real practice before the draft.

 

[Maikeru-sama]

I don't think it is a foregone conclusion that he does. He could very easily think that Petitti will improve with conditioning work and that a healthy Adams works wonders. I hope that's not the case, but I would not be amazed if it occured this way.

Me and you both.

I doubt that there is a huge overhaul of the offensive line. Thinking short-term here, I would be quite happy just drafting one of the mammath Offensive Tackles in the 1st Round, or in the 2nd, if they should fall.

You cannot build Rome in a day. I dont know if there has ever been a team that has:
Totally rebuilt their offensive line
Totally rebuilt their receiving core
Totally rebuilt their linebacking core

In one Offseason, it is going to take some time and alot of money to get all the peices together, even though it has been 3 years.

I think Right Tackle would be extremely helpful and I would be content if that happened to be the only position that was upgraded.

Becuase after a RT is taken in the draft on Day 1, my immediate thoughts turn to Kicker and Linebacker.

I would say:RT, Kicker, OLB maybe Free Safety (im probably the only guy content with Davis) and then I would say Center.

You guys have to keep in mind that there are alot of Free Agents availalbe. But there are 31 other Squads that are looking to ugrade in some of those areas and some have more money then us or willing to spend more money.

Im just going to take the "Rome wasn't built in a day" Approach to this offseason, so as to not be too hopeful about sweeping changes.

I trust Big Bill when picking defensive players in the draft and I think he will really get some guys in here to play linebacker for us. I doubt he will let us be held hostage at Right Tackle and Kicker again either.

Frankly, a great offseason for me would be Mike Vanderjact and Marcus Mcneil/Jonathan Scott in the draft.

I think that is enough to put this team in the playoffs .

- Mike G.

 

[blindzebra]

I think we definately pick up a FA OT, LB, and kicker.

There is a good chance we add a FA safety and WR too.

The draft looks like LB in the first, OL, WR or NT in the 2nd, whatever we didn't get from those positions in the 3rd.

2nd day we add a CB, DE/OLB tweener, and a combo guy for the OL, either a RT that can play guard or a guard/center to compete with Tarullo.

Between the draft and free agency I see us adding 3 OL and 3 LBs to the mix.

 

[sago1]

We need a major of the OL now. Unless OL upgraded by addition of 2 starters (C & RT) & a quality OG added (draft) to replace either Allen or Riveria if either injuried/performance poor, we are in trouble & will revisit this whole issue again & again. We've been trying to upgrade OL using piecemeal methods for last 2 years; enough is enough. Jerry Jones said Cowboys would do everything to make this team SB contender now, but it won't mean a thing if he doesn't start with the OL now. Below is how I see each OL player but realize many of you think addition of only 1 player will do.

1 . Adams (31) coming back from knee injury, costs $7M against the cap;
2. Allen (35) on downside of career; was best OL player (for what that worth) but costs $7.2M against the cap (save $3M if he's cut) but who replaces him?
3. Johnson enters 3rd season as starter; Parcells gives a player 3 yrs to show enough to keep him. Most think Johnson lacks size but okay on mental aspects; I've read/heard Johnson's size not the problem, rather he must improve mental/technique understanding of position. Can we afford wait another year & what does Gurode bring to the table?
4. Can Riveria (34) return to form after 05 back injury/op? Paid him $9M to sign with us; it's not an option to cut/trade/retire him as cap hit would be really bad. So we live with him but no reason we can't obtain another OG & make him a backup.
5. We all know about Pettiti so nothing left to say. Think he could become solid RT this year, but we can't take the chance. Keep him as a backup but we must add a RT.

If we can afford it & draft well, we must add a FS, OLB, PK, RT, OG, C & WR & I'd also prefer they be young enough to be able to actually play at least 2 years for us before they die on the field (if they are FA signees).

 

[Billy Bullocks]

We need a major of the OL now. Unless OL upgraded by addition of 2 starters (C & RT) & a quality OG added (draft) to replace either Allen or Riveria if either injuried/performance poor, we are in trouble & will revisit this whole issue again & again. We've been trying to upgrade OL using piecemeal methods for last 2 years; enough is enough. Jerry Jones said Cowboys would do everything to make this team SB contender now, but it won't mean a thing if he doesn't start with the OL now. Below is how I see each OL player but realize many of you think addition of only 1 player will do.

1 . Adams (31) coming back from knee injury, costs $7M against the cap;
2. Allen (35) on downside of career; was best OL player (for what that worth) but costs $7.2M against the cap (save $3M if he's cut) but who replaces him?
3. Johnson enters 3rd season as starter; Parcells gives a player 3 yrs to show enough to keep him. Most think Johnson lacks size but okay on mental aspects; I've read/heard Johnson's size not the problem, rather he must improve mental/technique understanding of position. Can we afford wait another year & what does Gurode bring to the table?
4. Can Riveria (34) return to form after 05 back injury/op? Paid him $9M to sign with us; it's not an option to cut/trade/retire him as cap hit would be really bad. So we live with him but no reason we can't obtain another OG & make him a backup.
5. We all know about Pettiti so nothing left to say. Think he could become solid RT this year, but we can't take the chance. Keep him as a backup but we must add a RT.

If we can afford it & draft well, we must add a FS, OLB, PK, RT, OG, C & WR & I'd also prefer they be young enough to be able to actually play at least 2 years for us before they die on the field (if they are FA signees).

Flozell is so vital...we saw that this year. He is a good LT. Period.

I agree on the Pettiti thing, we need to decide if he is the future or not. If we bring in an average RT for average price as a backup, Pettiti has to step up. If we invest heavily at RT, the guy needs to be a player.

Just like the defense, I think BP knows what needs to be done.

 

[demdcowboys#1]

La, Flo, Rivera. We get a C and RT from either FA or the draft. Most likely FA, LeCharles Bentley and Jon Runyan would be awesome pickups for those positions!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kojak]

So where does Colombo fit into the equation on the o-line? Was he signed for more depth? I thought when he was signed Parcells told him to look more down the road with the team as to actually playing this year.

 

[FLcowboy]

That appears to be the 8 mill dollar question. Do we keep Allen? At this stage I would not because I don't think he can play beyond next season and the cost would not be worth it as well as the fact that his play fell off quite a bit this season.

Allen stays, probably because of the cap hit. A serviceable tackle will be brought in, but my bet is Petitti starts next year, and becomes a very good player.

There is still the question of Jacob Rogers. Is he or is ne not still on the roster? If he comes back, and can get out of Parcells' doghouse, he might be the answer also.

I think the draft brings in a WR, a safety, a DE, and two linebackers.