Offensive Line - 2011-2012

[hra8700]

MODS I MEANT 2011-2012 PLEASE FIX!

If Doug Free plays well, he'll get a new contract and will be our LOT of the future.

But how about everyone else?

Gurode and Davis will be 33 and 32 respectively making 5.5 and 6 million a year, respectively. They've gotten most or all of their guarantees as far as I can tell.

Kosier's contract is up and he'll be 32.

Colombo will be 32 making a little over 2 million.


I think Gurode will almost definitely stay another year. Costa won't be ready and he'll be fine.

Davis for me is on the fence. If he plays like last year, I don't think he'll be worth the money anymore especially given his age. But if we don't resign Kosier (and I hate resigning 32 year old players, even on OLine...they start declining at just around this age)...I think he'll stay.

I don't like cutting players assuming we will HAVE to get a free agent or playing a rookie draft pick. I think we can not resign Kosier with some comfort, since if Bright can't handle it we could plug in Holland and be fine.

I can see Colombo being traded. He doesn't make too much money, but I don't think he'll be playing at a high enough level to start next year, and he can only play RT so he's not a great backup.

I'd expect Brewster to start at RT next year, while Young continues to develop, then the following season maybe Young moves in at RT and Brewster goes in as RG when BIGG is cut.

Or neither pans out.

With and Oline this old, we need young backups we expect will be their replacements. Do you think we have that? And if so, when will they be ready?

 

[CCBoy]

First off, you make some sense as to use of variables for change...

myself, I would view more based upon real mechanics in the offensive line itself. That is not an area one wishes to have a continual changing group as effectiveness over time diminishes. That is one area where grit and 'guts' still takes the field and wins games. That just doesn't pop out of the spirit of an offensive lineman until he is too lazy to work hard, or the legs are just gone. This group of Cowboy linemen aren't in that category right now. The thirty line isn't nearly as hard and set as is used by a foolish media or some fans. It does give an evaluative aspect that serves to clarify at the bottom parts of some player's careers although.

To topic as you presented, I think that Dallas will shoot for quality this next draft. That probably includes an interior lineman unless Costa and Brewster solve that inside need this season.

 

[AbeBeta]

Colombo trade? Come on. Be realistic

 

[Stash]

I agree with where you're coming from.

And I wouldn't be surprised to see Free get paid right after Austin gets his new deal.

I think Davis needs a big bounce-back season to stick around in 2011 and Colombo may be on his last legs as well.

Factor in Barron likely not being around next year as well and that's quite a bit of potential turnover on the line.

That's why I have entertained the thought of the team keeping 11 linemen this season.

For a Super Bowl contender, I think you have to keep the 5 starters, but I'd hate to be without any of the backups and developing players either and I don't know if you'd be able to get any of them to the practice squad.

 

[LarryCanadian]

I have a feeling the team will have to dip into Free Agency once again for a solid Oline player in next year or two. Just not enough promise showing in the young guys YET (I think the jury is out on Brewster until he gets a year of playing/practicing and backing up under his belt - and Young needs time - IF he doesn't get cut as a bubble guy). We just don't have enough home grown talent - so to speak- developing on the oline. Even our 2 primary backups were brought in via Free Agency in Holland and Barron - whereas Free is the only hit we've had in draft - and we aren't positive that he is solid left tackle yet (but I think he will be).

Just seems that while we hit on Romo and Austin as undrafted guys, we need to pay for Oline talent.

I continue to believe with the players the Cowboys have at QB and skill positions on offense, OLINE is the key to being a potentail Superbowl Contender for next 2-3 year window. I hate to say it, but I think Jerry will have to open his wallet one more time or two if we want to have above average 4-5 year veteran Oline talent join this team.

That being said, Oline players can play extremely well into their mid 30's. So if we hit on an early draft pick or two in next 2 years we might be ok. I do think Oline take a year or two to develop at NFL level (strength and better footwork and schemes are so much tougher), so that might be too late.

I mainly worry, because we are 1 bad injury to Gurode or Free or Bigg away from being in trouble. Imagine in Gurode would Tear his ACL badly in week 6, where would we be for both this season AND the next (takes about 18-24 months to really get back to full form from an ACL etc).

I just think Oline is the most risky position the team has - and I'd love to see a 1st rounder spent there next draft even if it isn't an OT, then take the best Centre/Guard like we almost did this year (Iatotupa? or what was his name?)

Then again, most teams are in exactly the same boat.

LarryCanadian

 

[Manwiththeplan]

2011-2012 offensive line

LT- Doug Free, Sam Young
LG- Michael Pouncey, Kyle Kosier
C- Andre Gurode, Phil Costa
RG- Leonard Davis
RT- Robert Brewster, Alex Barron

I think we resign Barron cheap cause he'll atleast have a realistic shot to compete for a starting job here. 1 year deal worth a couple million.

FWIW, if there are no cap penalties for players released next year, I'd cut Bigg and go after Robert Gallery to play guard.

 

[canters]

I believe the OL is and has been in transition since the end of last season when Flo' was deemed over the hill.

Kosier is gone after this year, due to age and contract, IMO.

Bigg will be gone if he plays like he did last year. I don't think Gurode is necessarily safe either, unless he plays well this year. If not for the fact that it is nearly impossible to replace 3 starters in one off season, I would venture to say all 3 of the above are not here for long.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

2011-2012 offensive line

LT- Doug Free, Sam Young
LG- Michael Pouncey, Kyle Kosier
C- Andre Gurode, Phil Costa
RG- Leonard Davis
RT- Robert Brewster, Alex Barron

I think we resign Barron cheap cause he'll atleast have a realistic shot to compete for a starting job here. 1 year deal worth a couple million.

FWIW, if there are no cap penalties for players released next year, I'd cut Bigg and go after Robert Gallery to play guard.

There's some merit to what you posted.

I think the writing is on the wall for the Cowboys to invest an early round draft pick in a guard.

Obviously being able to resign Barron is going to be a key (that is if they want to resign Barron and he wants to come back).

I'd flop Barron and Young though. I don't think Young has the feet for LT. I think it's going to be RT or nothing.

If the Cowboys do not resign Barron, I could see like a 1st and 3rd round picks being used on offensive linemen.

And the 2nd rounder? Time to draft another CB.

 

[The Realist]

Kosier is the heart, soul, and brain of the OL.

I'd be shocked if we don't resign him.

I think we draft a developmental guard 2-4 to be groomed behind Kosier.

Possibly add a swing tackle if we lose Barron in FA.

I don't see Jerry letting Barron walk unless he stinks it up.

 

[Verdict]

My, what a difference a week makes! Many of us, (including me), were worried about the offensive line a week ago and now we are penciling in the same players as future starters. I guess its better than the alternative, which is watching the players regress, rather than progress.

 

[Nightshade]

I don't see Jerry letting Barron walk unless he stinks it up.

I dont' think it was ever in the plans for Barron to start.

SSWING baby SSSWWWWINNNNGGGG!

 

[laythewood28]

My, what a difference a week makes! Many of us, (including me), were worried about the offensive line a week ago and now we are penciling in the same players as future starters. I guess its better than the alternative, which is watching the players regress, rather than progress.

Very true. Some people started fading.

 

[baj1dallas]

I think there is a lot better chance we resign Kosier than Bigg. We aren't very likely to trade Columbo, if he falls off that much then his value is going to be pretty low. I wouldn't be all that surprised if Kosier sticks, especially since there's a lack of depth at guard. Holland signed a 2 year deal, he will finish that out. Costa will stick as a backup C/G also imo.

I really don't see the Cowboys re-signing Barron. He is a bandaid. Brewster (swing) and Young (RT) are the future, along with Free.

 

[JohnsKey19]

I think it's finally time to bite the bullet and somehow come away with 2 OL in next year's draft within the first 2 rounds. We MUST add 2 blue chippers to improve the overall talent/youth/athleticism of the OL. Barring a Dez Bryant situation where an elite level talent falls into our laps, OL should be the Cowboys sole focus.

 

[The Realist]

I dont' think it was ever in the plans for Barron to start.

SSWING baby SSSWWWWINNNNGGGG!

I know it was never in the plans to have him start on the left side.

RT with Colombo falling apart physically?

Stranger things have happened.

 

[Nightshade]

I know it was never in the plans to have him start on the left side.

RT with Colombo falling apart physically?

Stranger things have happened.

You're right about Barron being a possible replacement for Columbo. But I've read Barron's not that strong at the point of attack and is more of a finesse player so I'm looking forward to seeing how he does against the power rushers he'll face on the right... in the next couple of pre-season games.

 

[The Realist]

You're right about Barron being a possible replacement for Columbo. But I've read Barron's not that strong at the point of attack and is more of a finesse player so I'm looking forward to seeing how he does against the power rushers he'll face on the right... in the next couple of pre-season games.

Free and Barron can really run.

Barron was 4.8 or so at the combine.

Would be interesting to see OL that can get to 2nd and 3rd level.