Off Season Position Group Evaluations

[Bobhaze]

Before free agency and the draft begins is a good time to look at all position groups to evaluate where upgrades are needed. Before we start, let’s all take the fan glasses off to try to be objective about the talent we actually have, not what we hope we have.

In order to avoid making this too long, I will set up this evaluation by position groups rather than individual positions. For example, instead of evaluating the Guard position, we will look at the entire OL. Each group will be evaluated according to this grading system:

• EXCELLENT- a top 10 NFL position group- no upgrade needed
• ADEQUATE- within 11-20 range- some upgrade/depth needed
• INADEQUATE- bottom third of the league- major upgrades and depth needed

Evaluation by position groups:
OFFENSE

• WR/TE- GRADE: EXCELLENT. This group is the strongest. Three starting WRs that could start for any team coupled with two TEs in Jarwin and Schultz that should provide excellent weapons for this offense. Strongest position group on the team.

• OL- GRADE: ADEQUATE- 3-5 years ago, this was the best position group we had. Now with age, injury and a lack of depth, it’s just adequate. Lots of big IFs. If Tyron Smith can stay healthy, if La’el Collins can return to form, If Zack Martin’s leg is ok...and questions remain about Connor Williams. We may have have found a C in Tyler Biadz. But depth is a question mark. Too many questions. Need some help with depth and maybe even a starter at LT if Ty Smith is finished. At the very least, depth is needed.

• RB- GRADE: ADEQUATE-After Zeke’s declining performance the last two years- the lack of burst, the fumbles, the mental errors, it’s hard to say with objectivity if he’s still a top 5 RB. The stats say otherwise. Tony Pollard has shown flashes at times but he’s obviously not a workhorse type. Probably won’t draft anyone but if Zeke hasn’t improved in 2021, it’s time to cut bait.

• QB- GRADE- INCOMPLETE- if Dak is back, I would say Excellent, because he’s certainly a top 10 QB. If the team moves on to a rookie or journeyman veteran, this position moves down to ADEQUATE or even INADEQUATE. Until the FO decides what they want to do here, it’s impossible to grade.

DEFENSE

• DL- GRADE- INADEQUATE- We do have DLaw, who I think is better than most fans here think, but after that it’s downhill with either question marks like Randy Gregory or unproven guys with hopeful potential like Trysten Hill and Neville Gallimore. This group needs both starters and depth and must be addressed in both the draft an FA.

• LB-GRADE- INADEQUATE- I struggled with this one. Almost gave an ADEQUATE grade. LVE and Jaylon Smith are definitely talented. But LVE is an injury waiting to happen- basically Sean Lee Lite. And Jaylon is an overpaid head case who is a weekly embarrassment. And 34 year old Sean Lee has to be considered finished. No depth. Upgrades from the draft and FA needed.

• SECONDARY- GRADE- INADEQUATE- I expect to see Awuzie X Woods and Lewis leave in FA. Although we drafted a guy in Trevon Diggs who looks to be a good Corner, and found something this past year in Donovan Wilson at SS, this entire position group needs a complete overhaul. We need almost everything. A major need in draft and FA.

• SPECIAL TEAMS- GRADE- ADEQUATE-K Greg Zuerline proved to be a dependable upgrade last year and the team found an upgrade at punter in Hunter Niswander. Cedee Lamb was a major upgrade as a punt returner and Tony Pollard showed some flash as a kick returner. I do have concerns about Lamb risking injury as PR. Apparently 85 year old LC Ladeceuer will return again as a reliable long snapper.

So in review....Here’s how I see our position groups- 1 and possibly 2 groups excellent. 3 groups adequate and all the defensive position groups inadequate.

How do you grade these groups?

 

[Doomsday101]

Before free agency and the draft begins is a good time to look at all position groups to evaluate where upgrades are needed. Before we start, let’s all take the fan glasses off to try to be objective about the talent we actually have, not what we hope we have.

In order to avoid making this too long, I will set up this evaluation by position groups rather than individual positions. For example, instead of evaluating the Guard position, we will look at the entire OL. Each group will be evaluated according to this grading system:

• EXCELLENT- a top 10 NFL position group- no upgrade needed
• ADEQUATE- within 11-20 range- some upgrade/depth needed
• INADEQUATE- bottom third of the league- major upgrades and depth needed

Evaluation by position groups:
OFFENSE

• WR/TE- GRADE: EXCELLENT. This group is the strongest. Three starting WRs that could start for any team coupled with two TEs in Jarwin and Schultz that should provide excellent weapons for this offense. Strongest position group on the team.

• OL- GRADE: ADEQUATE- 3-5 years ago, this was the best position group we had. Now with age, injury and a lack of depth, it’s just adequate. Lots of big IFs. If Tyron Smith can stay healthy, if La’el Collins can return to form, If Zack Martin’s leg is ok...and questions remain about Connor Williams. We may have have found a C in Tyler Biadz. But depth is a question mark. Too many questions. Need some help with depth and maybe even a starter at LT if Ty Smith is finished. At the very least, depth is needed.

• RB- GRADE: ADEQUATE-After Zeke’s declining performance the last two years- the lack of burst, the fumbles, the mental errors, it’s hard to say with objectivity if he’s still a top 5 RB. The stats say otherwise. Tony Pollard has shown flashes at times but he’s obviously not a workhorse type. Probably won’t draft anyone but if Zeke hasn’t improved in 2021, it’s time to cut bait.

• QB- GRADE- INCOMPLETE- if Dak is back, I would say Excellent, because he’s certainly a top 10 QB. If the team moves on to a rookie or journeyman veteran, this position moves down to ADEQUATE or even INADEQUATE. Until the FO decides what they want to do here, it’s impossible to grade.

DEFENSE

• DL- GRADE- INADEQUATE- We do have DLaw, who I think is better than most fans here think, but after that it’s downhill with either question marks like Randy Gregory or unproven guys with hopeful potential like Trysten Hill and Neville Gallimore. This group needs both starters and depth and must be addressed in both the draft an FA.

• LB-GRADE- INADEQUATE- I struggled with this one. Almost gave an ADEQUATE grade. LVE and Jaylon Smith are definitely talented. But LVE is an injury waiting to happen- basically Sean Lee Lite. And Jaylon is an overpaid head case who is a weekly embarrassment. And 34 year old Sean Lee has to be considered finished. No depth. Upgrades from the draft and FA needed.

• SECONDARY- GRADE- INADEQUATE- I expect to see Awuzie X Woods and Lewis leave in FA. Although we drafted a guy in Trevon Diggs who looks to be a good Corner, and found something this past year in Donovan Wilson at SS, this entire position group needs a complete overhaul. We need almost everything. A major need in draft and FA.

• SPECIAL TEAMS- GRADE- ADEQUATE-K Greg Zuerline proved to be a dependable upgrade last year and the team found an upgrade at punter in Hunter Niswander. Cedee Lamb was a major upgrade as a punt returner and Tony Pollard showed some flash as a kick returner. I do have concerns about Lamb risking injury as PR. Apparently 85 year old LC Ladeceuer will return again as a reliable long snapper.

So in review....Here’s how I see our position groups- 1 and possibly 2 groups excellent. 3 groups adequate and all the defensive position groups inadequate.

How do you grade these groups?

I would agree pretty much with your assessment. I will say the injuries along the OL makes it very hard to grade out RB, without holes to run into it is hard for any RB to have much success. Now as the one killer last year which had not been an issue before was the fumbles early in the season by Zeke. I expect that to be cleaned up and I do think with a healthy line in front of him and Pollard that the run game will be much improved over last year and QB given better protection that last year.

 

[Aven8]

Spot on. The defense just doesn’t have any talent and we have almost the entire secondary leaving in FA. I have my feeling though they are going to resign Woods however. They like him for whatever reason. I think Awuzie could be back too only because we only have Wilson, Diggs, and Brown under contract. Awuzie was a 2nd round pick and they hate giving up on guys.

 

[Bobhaze]

I would agree pretty much with your assessment. I will say the injuries along the OL makes it very hard to grade out RB, without holes to run into it is hard for any RB to have much success. Now as the one killer last year which had not been an issue before was the fumbles early in the season by Zeke. I expect that to be cleaned up and I do think with a healthy line in front of him and Pollard that the run game will be much improved over last year and QB given better protection that last year.

I agree with your assessment in a hopeful kind of way. But I also hope the FO doesn’t think like us and just pin everything on hope. This OL is declining and we need to be better prepared for that.

 

[Aven8]

I agree with your assessment in a hopeful kind of way. But I also hope the FO doesn’t think like us and just pin everything on hope. This OL is declining and we need to be better prepared for that.

I don’t think Mike and Philbin will allow that. When in GB they had the best pass blocking Oline in football for years.

 

[Doomsday101]

I agree with your assessment in a hopeful kind of way. But I also hope the FO doesn’t think like us and just pin everything on hope. This OL is declining and we need to be better prepared for that.

I agree and have concerns about Tyron Smith. Outside of that with the starters I like what we have. As for depth yes it is a concern

 

[Bobhaze]

When I look at the current roster before draft and FA- without the fan glasses- I see a team that needs upgrades and depth in so many areas that if we don’t have an excellent offseason of talent acquisition, this roster looks like a mediocre bunch at best.

On the positive side, if we do have an excellent offseason, this can be a playoff team. A lot rides on the next 3 months.

 

[jterrell]

Evaluation by position groups:
OFFENSE

• WR/TE- GRADE: EXCELLENT. This goes without saying. I believe this is a top 3 unit and we bring everyone back beyond the 3rd TE and 5th WR. I'd draft a guy late-ish but this is far down my list of needs. Blake Bell is n a elite blocker and I'd seriously consider resigning him.

• OL- GRADE: ADEQUATE- Agreed. This group can rise to excellent for sure but it can also drop to Inadequate as we saw at times last year. Have to figure out a reliable Swing OT that can play the 3 games a year you expect Tyron to miss. Was glad they finally shuffled Martin outside as you need to start getting your best 5 OL on the field regularly. A need area for me. I like the depth as in emergency level guys 8-9-10 but I'm not a fan of the insane drop off after the top 3 players to 4-7.

• RB- GRADE: ADEQUATE-I am not a big fan of Tony Pollard which makes me somewhat unique but I think he gets a pass because people are mad at Zeke's salary. I haven't seen any real growth to TP's game in vision and power. His receiving skills are underwhelming based upon his collegiate skills. Zeke had a pretty bad year but taking him off the field right now makes us worse by a lot. I'd be willing to draft a guy as early as round 3 comp pick. I like Zeke alot and he is special but unless he is a true unicorn like Emmitt and AD he will be release din 24 months. So you better beef up RB room with quality youth.

• QB- GRADE- INCOMPLETE- Agree on this grade as well. Dak plus a good back up is excellent and a top 10 group. But who knows what the depth chart will actually be. Dak plus DiNucci is merely adequate given what we saw of DiNucci. I'd sign Dak now and re-sign Gilbert as my QB2. Draft a QB late and let DiNucci and the draftee battle. Churn the QB3 spot until I find a guy.

DEFENSE

• DL- GRADE- ADEQUATE- This is tough and my first "grade change". I think with DLaw, Gregory, Armstrong, Anae you have a workable DE group. You are lighter inside because you haven't yet signed AWoods but you hold his rights and AWoods, THill, Gallimore is 3 out of 4 legit players in a DT rotation. I definitely need one more guy and ideally a really good one more but this group could hit excellent with the right draft pick or signing. I assume Gerald McCoy will be back on an incentive-laden deal as he mentored Gallimore last year. Adequate in this division makes you the worst of the 4 teams which is why it feels so truly awful. WFT and NYG have some real dogs and PHI was loaded before everyone got injured. rich and old. DAL only has one plus starter here but lots of potential with Gregory/Hill/Gallimore to be better next season.

• LB-GRADE- INADEQUATE- Whew yea this one is tough. Leaning your way here because the 3rd and 4th LB are very possibly gone and you haven't shown any depth that can play. LB2 hasn't shown he can actually stay healthy. It is a pretty big need to get a guy here who can be at least LB3 year 1. LB group overhaul is probably a two year job but you gotta tackle it this year. Jaylon is overpaid but you probably ave to wait 12-24 months to handle that as without him this is the worst LB group in the NFL.

• SECONDARY- GRADE- INADEQUATE- This group would be inadequate if we signed everyone back. So it's somewhere below that at the moment. Currently we have a CB2 (Diggs), CB3(AB and a SS with some weaknesses to his game(Wilson), Awuzie and Lewis are stop gaps at best but require brand new deals... CB1 gets mocked to Dallas so often because this is a mega need. FS is just non-existent at this time and XWoods didn't do much last year to change that problem. Two DBs is rather a minimum draft requirement and if you add 4 people will just nod knowingly.

• SPECIAL TEAMS- GRADE- EXCELLENT- I am giving this group the bump up. Greg Z showed you can rely on his kicking and the new punter was a great find. CeeDee was fun to watch and LP is as rock solid as they come. This isn't an elite group in the top 5 but I do think it sneaks into the top 10 for excellent by the guidelines. The ST coach is very coveted and giving him more weapons out of this draft is good idea. The Univ of North Texas WR would be a fun ST guy.

 

[Bobhaze]

Evaluation by position groups:
OFFENSE

• WR/TE- GRADE: EXCELLENT. This goes without saying. I believe this is a top 3 unit and we bring everyone back beyond the 3rd TE and 5th WR. I'd draft a guy late-ish but this is far down my list of needs. Blake Bell is n a elite blocker and I'd seriously consider resigning him.

• OL- GRADE: ADEQUATE- Agreed. This group can rise to excellent for sure but it can also drop to Inadequate as we saw at times last year. Have to figure out a reliable Swing OT that can play the 3 games a year you expect Tyron to miss. Was glad they finally shuffled Martin outside as you need to start getting your best 5 OL on the field regularly. A need area for me. I like the depth as in emergency level guys 8-9-10 but I'm not a fan of the insane drop off after the top 3 players to 4-7.

• RB- GRADE: ADEQUATE-I am not a big fan of Tony Pollard which makes me somewhat unique but I think he gets a pass because people are mad at Zeke's salary. I haven't seen any real growth to TP's game in vision and power. His receiving skills are underwhelming based upon his collegiate skills. Zeke had a pretty bad year but taking him off the field right now makes us worse by a lot. I'd be willing to draft a guy as early as round 3 comp pick. I like Zeke alot and he is special but unless he is a true unicorn like Emmitt and AD he will be release din 24 months. So you better beef up RB room with quality youth.

• QB- GRADE- INCOMPLETE- Agree on this grade as well. Dak plus a good back up is excellent and a top 10 group. But who knows what the depth chart will actually be. Dak plus DiNucci is merely adequate given what we saw of DiNucci. I'd sign Dak now and re-sign Gilbert as my QB2. Draft a QB late and let DiNucci and the draftee battle. Churn the QB3 spot until I find a guy.

DEFENSE

• DL- GRADE- ADEQUATE- This is tough and my first "grade change". I think with DLaw, Gregory, Armstrong, Anae you have a workable DE group. You are lighter inside because you haven't yet signed AWoods but you hold his rights and AWoods, THill, Gallimore is 3 out of 4 legit players in a DT rotation. I definitely need one more guy and ideally a really good one more but this group could hit excellent with the right draft pick or signing. I assume Gerald McCoy will be back on an incentive-laden deal as he mentored Gallimore last year. Adequate in this division makes you the worst of the 4 teams which is why it feels so truly awful. WFT and NYG have some real dogs and PHI was loaded before everyone got injured. rich and old. DAL only has one plus starter here but lots of potential with Gregory/Hill/Gallimore to be better next season.

• LB-GRADE- INADEQUATE- Whew yea this one is tough. Leaning your way here because the 3rd and 4th LB are very possibly gone and you haven't shown any depth that can play. LB2 hasn't shown he can actually stay healthy. It is a pretty big need to get a guy here who can be at least LB3 year 1. LB group overhaul is probably a two year job but you gotta tackle it this year. Jaylon is overpaid but you probably ave to wait 12-24 months to handle that as without him this is the worst LB group in the NFL.

• SECONDARY- GRADE- INADEQUATE- This group would be inadequate if we signed everyone back. So it's somewhere below that at the moment. Currently we have a CB2 (Diggs), CB3(AB and a SS with some weaknesses to his game(Wilson), Awuzie and Lewis are stop gaps at best but require brand new deals... CB1 gets mocked to Dallas so often because this is a mega need. FS is just non-existent at this time and XWoods didn't do much last year to change that problem. Two DBs is rather a minimum draft requirement and if you add 4 people will just nod knowingly.

• SPECIAL TEAMS- GRADE- EXCELLENT- I am giving this group the bump up. Greg Z showed you can rely on his kicking and the new punter was a great find. CeeDee was fun to watch and LP is as rock solid as they come. This isn't an elite group in the top 5 but I do think it sneaks into the top 10 for excellent by the guidelines. The ST coach is very coveted and giving him more weapons out of this draft is good idea. The Univ of North Texas WR would be a fun ST guy.

Nice work.

 

[Doomsday101]

When I look at the current roster before draft and FA- without the fan glasses- I see a team that needs upgrades and depth in so many areas that if we don’t have an excellent offseason of talent acquisition, this roster looks like a mediocre bunch at best.

On the positive side, if we do have an excellent offseason, this can be a playoff team. A lot rides on the next 3 months.

True but I think if we can get through the season with minimal injuries that this team is very good on offense. Defense is a concern but the drop off that I saw last year from pervious season I think had a lot to do with Nolan. I think Quinn puts the defense back into a system they are more comfortable with and while we need to upgrade some areas I do think going back to a scheme that players have had better success with is a good starting point. Right now I think this defense without changes could be a middle of the pack defense instead of a bottom ranked defense as we were last season, especially in the run defense which was historically bad. Offenses did not have to throw much on Dallas when they could run the ball down our throat all day long setting themselves up in great down and distance situation keeping our defense off balance all day long.

 

[J-man]

Nice post Bob, I agree with just about all of it.

I'll say that I agree with the o-line assessment, as it is currently. But I feel that if those big guys do return healthy, they will go back to the excellent category in a hurry. And I think some of the depth issues look a little better after last season. Upgrades and future replacements are definitely still needed though.

I think the plan is to cut Zeke after '21, so a replacement will probably be selected this draft & much higher than people realize.
Not going to touch the QB stuff at this point, incomplete was a good answer.
It's easy to say inadequate for the entire defense as a whole based on their results.
But I also think we have a couple of good pieces in place on each level, that they would be considered at least adequate, if they can add the right upgrades to compliment them.
i.e. I think if they get a real 1T for the d-line, the likes of Gallimore and co. would look much better. Add a good FS to compliment Wilson and the secondary looks much better. And same for LB, add one that can stay healthy and they're better.
Adding just a couple of good players, in the right spots and it would make the entire defense a whole lot better.
*I think either Awuzie or Lewis, or both are resigned. They can't change every position in 1 year.

Lamb shouldn't be returning punts on a regular basis, only when we need a big play.

p.s. LP is not 85, he's only 84 and that's why he's still adequate.

 

[jazzcat22]

I don’t think Mike and Philbin will allow that. When in GB they had the best pass blocking Oline in football for years.

When they never got holding calls against our defense, they were perfect. MM needs to get those refs on out side now. IF the NFL will allow them to switch from GB & Pittsburgh.

 

[fivetwos]

If Elliott ever decided to prioritize football over weed and celebrity, he could be a top player again.

A guy with his talent should have been a HOF player.

You also have to want it, and he clearly doesnt.

 

[Verdict]

I don’t think Mike and Philbin will allow that. When in GB they had the best pass blocking Oline in football for years.

What if the Cowboys went OT in round 1 after a trade back, took Creed Humphrey in the second round and defense the rest of the way after that? How would you feel about that?

 

[Bobhaze]

What if the Cowboys went OT in round 1 after a trade back, took Creed Humphrey in the second round and defense the rest of the way after that? How would you feel about that?

If a top LT is available and ranked on the draft board much higher than a Corner, I think we would be wise to take one. Yes we defense in droves but there aren’t very many impactful defenders early in this draft.

 

[CouchCoach]

Let's come back to this mid summer and check against your grades, which I completely agree with adding Incomplete for coaching.

The one request of yours, objectivity, isn't with the FO so I give them an Inadequate. Not only are they subjective, they have ego tied up in it. "We like OUR guys".

You show me a GM with a half full glass and I'll show you a team at .500 or below. The reason that only one guy has been able to remain relevant for as long as FA has been around is because he's always half empty glass and looking to improve. I don't think Belichick ever looks at it with satisfaction and says to himself "it is done". And I think his players all know that, no one relaxes. The Cowboys FO is too content and content begets complacency which is why they want to give the appearance of doing something when in reality, doing very little.

If they keep the QB, any FA D help will not be coming and it will be all on the draft. They're not good enough in the draft to fix this D in one draft and this draft is not a D draft, even at the top of it.

 

[Killerinstinct]

Even if we pretend Dak is a top 10 QB how is that excellent? That's like scoring a 75 on a test and thinking it is an excellent grade.

 

[Risen Star]

Did Bob just say our QB position is excellent if Prescott comes back?

 

[Bobhaze]

Did Bob just say our QB position is excellent if Prescott comes back?

He did. Course he’s crazy half the time.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

I agree with everyone pretty much. I think the ceiling of the linebacker group and defensive line can be average at best as currently constructed. But yeah I'd have to say you were pretty much spot on.