CCBoy
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Now, taking what Mel Kiper has on current projection of first round talent:
7. OT Russell Okung Oklahoma State grade: 95
9. OT Brian Bulaga Iowa grade: 94
14. OT Trent Williams Oklahoma grade: 93
17. G Mike Iupati Idaho grade: 93
20. OT Bruce Campbell Maryland grade: 92
32. OC Maurkice Pouncey Florida grade: 90
Now there is the top talent in this year's offensive line group, going on strength of football skills over this past collegiate season. It is what teams start off with when they adapt them to both the NFL and to their respective teams also.
The combine starts in about a week, and free agency starts in about two weeks. The team has just completed it's own internal evaluations and will be heading in strengthening directions shortly.
The team has to improve in the interior as well as exterior of this group in the future. It has to identify who it wants and close the deal in THIS draft. The first round should go to offensive line...as it has the greatest potential of change to this year's team starters, should injury enter the picture.
Simply, the team just doesn't have enough ammunition to change what would start at the safety position from this year's draft...so the target of opportunity adjusts to offensive line. This year there is enough there to target and move to acquire a team strengthening member...and this doesn't need a Shannahan to get it done.
Team direction already has shown itself to be both strong and directed.
The question for discussion would then become, who would you target and what would you be willing to pay to move to acquire it, in the first round. I don't like accumulating powder to blow on down the stream, just make better choices as you go down the draft. That stated, pull the trigger on who you think matches the functional draft prices come April and the draft.
There will probably be very little outside play in free agency by the Cowboys, but I think that I would ensure that a solid picture of transition inside is there. Even in the line, a two to three year window is the functional measure...minus injury needs.
All present starters on the offensive line will be 31 or older for this next season. There will be contract considerations approaching soon as well, in this current group of starters.
The combine will affect the 'skills' selections in the first round more than the 'big ugglies', with the exceptions being at pressure positions, and the secondary. Speed turns a lot of wheels on draft boards at the 'skills' positions.
The measureables will open eyes to top end potentials, and then the needs will open doors on teams.
If you are looking for 'big ugglies', then you basicly know what you need to know already. Heart still drives the bus, and negotiations for dollars kill potential, if it is a head thing at that point...who do you like?
7. OT Russell Okung Oklahoma State grade: 95
9. OT Brian Bulaga Iowa grade: 94
14. OT Trent Williams Oklahoma grade: 93
17. G Mike Iupati Idaho grade: 93
20. OT Bruce Campbell Maryland grade: 92
32. OC Maurkice Pouncey Florida grade: 90
Now there is the top talent in this year's offensive line group, going on strength of football skills over this past collegiate season. It is what teams start off with when they adapt them to both the NFL and to their respective teams also.
The combine starts in about a week, and free agency starts in about two weeks. The team has just completed it's own internal evaluations and will be heading in strengthening directions shortly.
The team has to improve in the interior as well as exterior of this group in the future. It has to identify who it wants and close the deal in THIS draft. The first round should go to offensive line...as it has the greatest potential of change to this year's team starters, should injury enter the picture.
Simply, the team just doesn't have enough ammunition to change what would start at the safety position from this year's draft...so the target of opportunity adjusts to offensive line. This year there is enough there to target and move to acquire a team strengthening member...and this doesn't need a Shannahan to get it done.
Team direction already has shown itself to be both strong and directed.
The question for discussion would then become, who would you target and what would you be willing to pay to move to acquire it, in the first round. I don't like accumulating powder to blow on down the stream, just make better choices as you go down the draft. That stated, pull the trigger on who you think matches the functional draft prices come April and the draft.
There will probably be very little outside play in free agency by the Cowboys, but I think that I would ensure that a solid picture of transition inside is there. Even in the line, a two to three year window is the functional measure...minus injury needs.
All present starters on the offensive line will be 31 or older for this next season. There will be contract considerations approaching soon as well, in this current group of starters.
The combine will affect the 'skills' selections in the first round more than the 'big ugglies', with the exceptions being at pressure positions, and the secondary. Speed turns a lot of wheels on draft boards at the 'skills' positions.
The measureables will open eyes to top end potentials, and then the needs will open doors on teams.
If you are looking for 'big ugglies', then you basicly know what you need to know already. Heart still drives the bus, and negotiations for dollars kill potential, if it is a head thing at that point...who do you like?