OLine Future Options

[cowboy_ron]

I’m going to list some different OL combos to start the 2013 season.

In all scenarios, the following conditions apply:
1. Bernadeau must be replaced as the starting RG.
2. Must have an experienced RG next to Parnell.
3. Must have a backup Center that is pushing to start. Cook cannot run block. A draft pick would be preferred; although Kevin Kowalski might be an option and Bernadeau might be better at OC than at OG.
4. Must have at least 1 backup OG that is pushing to start at some point. Draft picks would be preferred. Leary might be an option. Kowalski and David Arkin are in the mix, I guess.
5. Must find a legit backup OT. Darrion Weems is the only candidate currently on the roster. They could use a draft pick here also. Maybe a dual purpose OT/OG type.

Option 1: Most ready on day 1, but limited upside.
LT Tyron Smith - Just turned 22. He should continue to get better.

LG Nate Livings - Could be the best option to start the season at LG.

OC Phil Costa - Could be the best option to start the season at OC. Need to draft a backup OC in the top 3 rounds.

RG Brandon Moore - He is an experienced RG that played 4 years for Callahan.

RT Jermey Parnell - Parnell has the physical ability and now a little bit of experience.


Option 2: No Free Agents
LT Tyron Smith

LG Ronald Leary - NFL level physical ability, but he looked a bit lost in preseason.

OC Phil Costa - Need to draft a backup OC in the top 3 rounds.

RG Nate Livings. - Moved to RG to keep veteran next to Parnell.

RT Jermey Parnell - Parnell has the physical ability and now a little bit of experience.


Option 3: Draft Pick becomes a Starter
LT Tyron Smith

LG Draft Pick – If drafting an OG early, it would be good to have one that can play OC also.

OC Phil Costa - Need to draft a backup OC in the top 3 rounds.

RG Nate Livings or Brandon Moore, or other Veteran (Matt Slauson, Jets).

RT Jermey Parnell - Parnell has the physical ability and now a little bit of experience.


Summary:

The backup and future starter at Center is the most difficult position to find. There are multiple options in the Draft and Free Agency at OG and backup OT, but Near-Zero Centers in FA and only about 3 really good options in the draft.

Tyron Smith has limited upside?

 

[burmafrd]

Hard time moving on huh? A shame.

those that forget the past are doomed to repeat it
Something you might think about

 

[xwalker]

Nice OP and thread xwalker. Assuming that the team is going with Parnell next year and Free is gone (which is looking more and more likely every game into the RT rotation/audition), what do you think of the likelihood that they'll consider Cook as 3rd OT next year? That's where he's had most of his NFL experience. I just don't know much of anything about his stints with the Vikings and Dolphins.

That's a good question.

He was a Center in college. He played RT for most of 2 season with the Vikings. I think they were desperate to replace him as a starter. He lost his starting job to Rookie Phil Loadholt who, from what I can gather, struggled in his Rookie season.

I guess my answer would be that he could be the 4th OT and possible swing Tackle and backup Center on game day; however,if he had to start at RT, I think the Cowboys would be in big trouble.

I'm hopeful that they draft an OT, even if it's in the late rounds. There are several mid to late round OTs that Physically look really good.

 

[xwalker]

Tyron Smith has limited upside?

No, Tyron Smith was in all options, not just the "limited upside" option.

The options to start the season were:
Option 1 - Brandon Moore at OG
Option 2 - Leary at OG
Option 3 - Draft Pick at OG

At age 32, Brandon Moore's upside is limited compared to Leary or a Draft pick.