Position by position for 2011

[Stautner]

My thoughts on the status of each positiion on the team as we look toward 2011.

QUARTERBACK: Stand pat. Romo should be back and healthy, Kitna, assuming he wants to keep playing, is a great backup, and McGee has shown at least enough to earn a chance to show if he can develop. That said, McGee better show some strong improvement in training camp and preseason or we will need to start looking elsewhere for depth in 2012, including the possible heir apparent to Romo.

RUNNING BACK: Assuming Barber is gone, we will need to find a 3rd teamer with some upside, but Felix and Choice should be fine handling the bulk of the carries. I don't necessarily believe we have a premier RB on the team, but we have capable ones.

FULLBACK: Bring in competition for Gronkowski, but we should be fine if Gronk wins out. He was just a rookie this year and was learning. I believe he will only get better.

WIDE RECEIVERS: If we keep Roy we will be fine with the status quo. If we let Roy go, which I believe is a likely, we will have to develop a solid No. 3 WR. I don't have much confidence that Ogletree or Manny johnson can handle that role, and Hurd is a good player who can fill in as a No. 3 in a pinch, but I don't want him as the every game No. 3, or as one injury away from having to fill in as the No. 2. A free agent may be the best option.

TIGHT END: Assuming Phillips comes back healthy, we will be very strong with the group we have.

OFFENSIVE LINE: We need upgrades, primarily at RT. We also need to upgrade one of the interior linemen, and you can almost take your pick which one. My choice is Davis, who is slow footed and doesn't play with nearly the power a man his size should. Any upgrade beyond 2 people is probably a pipedream.

KICKER: Hopefully Kris Davis solves our problem.

DEFENSIVE LINE: Up in the air depending on who comes back - or is invited back. Olshansky could be out, and if so Bowen/Hatcher may fill the role. I believe Spears will be a free agent, so his status is unknown. As always, there is the option of moving Ratliff to DE, but that would require replacing him with a big bodied NT (Brent is still and unknown), and its uncertain if the team even sees this as a consideration anyway.

INSIDE LINEBACKER: James is aging, and Brooking is likely out. Sean Lee showed a lot of promise at times, but despite his agressive play may be a bit undersized (got plowed over by Beanie Wells). Hopefully Lee can take over Brooking's spot and we can start developing a replacement for James.

OUTSIDE LB: Ware obviously is an outstanding player, but although Spencer is good against the run, he does not generate the pass rush needed to help Ware and the entire team be more more effective pressuring opposing QB's. Maybe Victor Butler or Brandon Williams can help, but this problem needs to be looked at.

CORNERBACK: It's hard to throw our CB's in the trash, but that's my mood after watching them this season. Nevertheless, Newman has been steady (not outstanding) for a long time, Jenkins still has the potential he showed in 2009, and Scandrick actually improved this year, so I don't foresee any big changes at CB. We should consider drafting another CB to develop and to cover our bases in case 2011 turns out the same as 2010.

SAFETY: We need to wipe the slate clean, and start over. Ball is a certainty to be replaced, and Sensabaugh should be hanging only by a thread.

PUNTER: McBriar is as steady as they come.

 

[dbair1967]

My thoughts on the status of each positiion on the team as we look toward 2011.

QUARTERBACK: Stand pat. Romo should be back and healthy, Kitna, assuming he wants to keep playing, is a great backup, and McGee has shown at least enough to earn a chance to show if he can develop. That said, McGee better show some strong improvement in training camp and preseason or we will need to start looking elsewhere for depth in 2012, including the possible heir apparent to Romo.

I actually like McGee alot. If he continues his progression I think we're in really good shape. It wouldnt be a total shock to me if he wins the backup job next yr because if he proves he can do that, they might choose to keep only 2 QB's, with a 3rd developmental guy on the practice squad. Not wanting to run Kitna off, but its an option that might save a roster spot.

RUNNING BACK: Assuming Barber is gone, we will need to find a 3rd teamer with some upside, but Felix and Choice should be fine handling the bulk of the carries. I don't necessarily believe we have a premier RB on the team, but we have capable ones.

I kinda think Barber and Choice might both be gone.

FULLBACK: Bring in competition for Gronkowski, but we should be fine if Gronk wins out. He was just a rookie this year and was learning. I believe he will only get better.

Agree, but must admit there are some things I like about Gronk. Needs to get a little stronger and improve his pass protection, but he has some upside.

WIDE RECEIVERS: If we keep Roy we will be fine with the status quo. If we let Roy go, which I believe is a real possibility, we will have to develop a solid No. 3 WR. I don't have much confidence that Ogletree or Manny johnson can handle that role, and Hurd is a good player who can fill in as a No. 3 in a pinch, but I don't want him as the every game No. 3, or as one injury away from having to fill in as the No. 2.

If Garrett is HC, I think RW is gone. I think our 3rd WR may be a mid level free agent that we sign, or perhaps a middle round draft pick.

TIGHT END: Assuming Phillips comes back healthy, we will be very strong with the group we have.

Yep, set here.

OFFENSIVE LINE: We need upgrades, primarily at RT. We also need to upgrade one of the interior linemen, and you can almost take your pick which one. My choice is Davis, who is slow footed and doesn't play with nearly the power a man his size should

I think 2 new starters is a certainty, 3 is a possibility.

KICKER: Hopefully Kris Davis solves our problem.

I still think Buehler will be the guy.

DEFENSIVE LINE: Up in the air depending on who comes back - or is invited back. Olshansky could be out, and if so Bowen/Hatcher may fill the role. I believe Spears will be a free agent, so his status is unknown. As always, there is the option of moving Ratliff to DE, but that would require replacing him with a big bodied NT (Brent is still and unknown), and its uncertain if the team even sees this as a consideration anyway.

Brent's the WC here, if he can play NT on early downs, Ratliff could move to DE. Lissemore could be a factor here too. Doesnt sound like they're keeping Spears (even though I'd like to see him stay) so I'm guessing its a lock Bowen will be back. Probably will see a draft pick or two used on DL too.

INSIDE LINEBACKER: James is aging, and Brooking is likely out. Sean Lee showed a lot of promise at times, but despite his agressive play may be a bit undersized (got plowed over by Beanie Wells). Hopefully Lee can take over Brooking's spot and we can start developing a replacement for James.

Lee's gonna be a good one. James needs to watch himself because Garrett obviously isnt going to like some of his comments, he might find himself gone. Might be a free agent signed to add depth or be a starter next to Lee.

OUTSIDE LB: Ware obviously is an outstanding player, but although Spencer is good against the run, he does not generate the pass rush needed to help Ware and the entire team be more more effective pressuring opposing QB's. Maybe Victor Butler or Brandon Williams can help, but this problem needs to be looked at.

Spencer's the biggest question mark on the team IMO. If they think this yr is more indicative of his level of play, he might be a goner or at the least, we'll see major competition via Butler or perhaps an early draft pick. Alot of good 3-4 OLB's in this draft.

CORNERBACK: It's hard to throw our CB's in the trash, but that's my mood after wtching them this season. Nevertheless, Newman has been steady (not outstanding) for a long time, Jenkins still has the potential he showed in 2009, and Scandrick actually improved this year, so I don't foresee any changes at CB. We should consider drafting another CB to develop and cover our bases in case 2011 turns out the same as 2010.

Depending on what happens with the FS position, AOA could be moved back to CB to provide legit depth and some competition. Drafting someone at CB is likely if AOA isnt moved back to CB.

SAFETY: We need to wipe the slate clean, and start over. Ball is a certainty to be replaced, and Sensabaugh should be hanging only by a thread.

Agree, I wouldnt bring Ball or Sensabaugh back, unless it was for 1yr minimum level deals. Even then they wouldnt be handed any starting jobs. It would be a huge bonus is either McCray or Church would develop into a possible starter. I think we'll see a veteran safety and a draft pick added.

PUNTER: McBriar is as steady as they come.

Yep, one of the best

 

[RoyTheHammer]

First of all.. great post Staut. Like your analysis on pretty much every position. Spot on.

I agree we should definately bring in some competition at FB, because Gronk was definately shaky this year, but i also think we could benefit from some competition at QB too. McGee wasn't overly impressive in his efforts this season and i think we could bring in another prospect with more potential at this point.

As for RB, i think Felix has the ability to be great, just don't know if he'll ever get more than 10-15 touches a game. I say give him 20-25 touches a game next year and see what he can do. Give him a chance though, because he has special ability.

At WR, i think if we let Roy go, we should either be signing a capable 3rd WR or drafting one in the middle rounds. Can't leave our 3rd WR spot to Hurd or Ogletree who have proven nothing in multiple seaons though.

At TE, i too am very anxious to see Phillips back. Hopefully he can get back healthy, because he was looking awesome before he got injured.

At kicker, i think we'll be good with Buehler next year. I think he'll continue to improve and show us why he belongs here. Kris Brown will be adequate competition in TC.

OL we definately need improvement. Im hoping for at least one, and hopefully 2 high draft picks at the position if the right guys are there for us, and possibly a FA signing there as well. We desperately need to fix that area. I'd love to get Cimiri or Solder in the first round and Pouncy/Wisniewski/Moffit in the 2nd/3rd round.

On defense i think we need more quality depth at many of the positions, but i think a solid true NT and a playmaking safety could really help this defense play a whole lot better. Like top 10 in the entire league next season better. Im hoping to come away with a good solid NT prospect in the draft (a 330+ lb run stuffing, pocket pushing, strong as an ox type) and a playmaking safety in FA somewhere, because there aren't really any top quality safety prospects in the draft as far as i can tell right now.

Looking forward to this offseason and getting football started next year though. We can only get better from here.

 

[Stautner]

I'm like a lot of other people who like the idea of finding a big, strong, run stuffing, pocket collapsing NT and moving Ratliff to DE, but I don't recall ever hearinig anyone with the team talk about this as a possibility. Has anyone heard anything i haven't?

 

[RoyTheHammer]

I'm like a lot of other people who like the idea of finding a big, strong, run stuffing, pocket collapsing NT and moving Ratliff to DE, but I don't recall ever hearinig anyone with the team talk about this as a possibility. Has anyone heard anything i haven't?

Unfortunately, no. The only way i don't think its a necessity for us, is if we hire a DC that goes back to utilizing the NT the way we used to with Rat, as a guy who slashes in and forces the play to one side or the other. I don't think that's the most effective way to play the 34 though. I'd like to see us get some meat in there, a guy who's capable again of anchoring the line, stuffing the run, and collapsing the pocket.

 

[Stautner]

Unfortunately, no. The only way i don't think its a necessity for us, is if we hire a DC that goes back to utilizing the NT the way we used to with Rat, as a guy who slashes in and forces the play to one side or the other. I don't think that's the most effective way to play the 34 though. I'd like to see us get some meat in there, a guy who's capable again of anchoring the line, stuffing the run, and collapsing the pocket.

I can't help but think Ratliff would be a beast as a DT in a traditional 4-3. Since we aren't likely to go that direction we will probably never know.

 

[dbair1967]

I can't help but think Ratliff would be a beast as a DT in a traditional 4-3. Since we aren't likely to go that direction we will probably never know.

I think that would be his best position too. I think he'd get 8-10 sacks yr easily in the right 4-3 scheme.

 

[Hostile]

My thoughts on the status of each positiion on the team as we look toward 2011.

QUARTERBACK: Stand pat. Romo should be back and healthy, Kitna, assuming he wants to keep playing, is a great backup, and McGee has shown at least enough to earn a chance to show if he can develop. That said, McGee better show some strong improvement in training camp and preseason or we will need to start looking elsewhere for depth in 2012, including the possible heir apparent to Romo.

I am fine with keeping McGee, but I also want to develop QBs on the PS. I like Stanzi from Iowa and McElroy from Bama in particular.

RUNNING BACK: Assuming Barber is gone, we will need to find a 3rd teamer with some upside, but Felix and Choice should be fine handling the bulk of the carries. I don't necessarily believe we have a premier RB on the team, but we have capable ones.

I agree and I hope the 3rd RB handles a lot of Special Teams duties and that can include returns.

FULLBACK: Bring in competition for Gronkowski, but we should be fine if Gronk wins out. He was just a rookie this year and was learning. I believe he will only get better.

I tend to agree with this. I will say that I liked the Ewing kid from Wisconsin.

WIDE RECEIVERS: If we keep Roy we will be fine with the status quo. If we let Roy go, which I believe is a likely, we will have to develop a solid No. 3 WR. I don't have much confidence that Ogletree or Manny johnson can handle that role, and Hurd is a good player who can fill in as a No. 3 in a pinch, but I don't want him as the every game No. 3, or as one injury away from having to fill in as the No. 2. A free agent may be the best option.

100% agree with you on every word here. The only thing I will add is, get the ball to Dez. I would really like to see us us Fades when deep in the redzone. Between Dez, Roy if we keep him, and Martellus we should be winning the jump ball so to speak.

TIGHT END: Assuming Phillips comes back healthy, we will be very strong with the group we have.

The group I trust the most.

OFFENSIVE LINE: We need upgrades, primarily at RT. We also need to upgrade one of the interior linemen, and you can almost take your pick which one. My choice is Davis, who is slow footed and doesn't play with nearly the power a man his size should. Any upgrade beyond 2 people is probably a pipedream.

I think so too because continuity and chemistry matters at OL more than any other place on the field.

KICKER: Hopefully Kris Davis solves our problem.

Or Buehler matures enough to work out his foibles. I do not want to carry two Kickers.

DEFENSIVE LINE: Up in the air depending on who comes back - or is invited back. Olshansky could be out, and if so Bowen/Hatcher may fill the role. I believe Spears will be a free agent, so his status is unknown. As always, there is the option of moving Ratliff to DE, but that would require replacing him with a big bodied NT (Brent is still and unknown), and its uncertain if the team even sees this as a consideration anyway.

I do not know the status of Osi Umenyiora with the Giants, but someone told me he would love to play with Ware. I like dreams like that though in a 3-4 he is kind of small.

INSIDE LINEBACKER: James is aging, and Brooking is likely out. Sean Lee showed a lot of promise at times, but despite his agressive play may be a bit undersized (got plowed over by Beanie Wells). Hopefully Lee can take over Brooking's spot and we can start developing a replacement for James.

I am more concerned with this position than most on the team, but I am not sold on this crop of ILBs. We may need to fix this in FA. But who?

OUTSIDE LB: Ware obviously is an outstanding player, but although Spencer is good against the run, he does not generate the pass rush needed to help Ware and the entire team be more more effective pressuring opposing QB's. Maybe Victor Butler or Brandon Williams can help, but this problem needs to be looked at.

I actually think this one will work itself out.

CORNERBACK: It's hard to throw our CB's in the trash, but that's my mood after watching them this season. Nevertheless, Newman has been steady (not outstanding) for a long time, Jenkins still has the potential he showed in 2009, and Scandrick actually improved this year, so I don't foresee any big changes at CB. We should consider drafting another CB to develop and to cover our bases in case 2011 turns out the same as 2010.

Say it with me, Patrick Peterson.

SAFETY: We need to wipe the slate clean, and start over. Ball is a certainty to be replaced, and Sensabaugh should be hanging only by a thread.

I hate to be flip, but Deunta Williams leg break in their bowl game may be a blessing in disguise if we can steal him late. I could also see Newman moving to FS to prolong his career. Word is Champ Bailey wants to do this as well, but I think his price will be out of the park high.

PUNTER: McBriar is as steady as they come.

I agree.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

I think that would be his best position too. I think he'd get 8-10 sacks yr easily in the right 4-3 scheme.

In any 43 scheme.. for sure i agree with you gentlemen. I just don't know that we're going to go that direction, or that we have the personel to do it right now as far as our LB's go.

 

[Stautner]

In any 43 scheme.. for sure i agree with you gentlemen. I just don't know that we're going to go that direction, or that we have the personel to do it right now as far as our LB's go.

The LB's would be the problem if we wanted to change. No true MLB type, and Ware and Spencer would move up to DE and leave us with big holes at OLB.

 

[dbair1967]

The LB's would be the problem if we wanted to change. No true MLB type, and Ware and Spencer would move up to DE and leave us with big holes at OLB.

This is one of the reasons I hated seeing us cut Jason Williams, who offered some flexibility in that he looks like an ideal 4-3 OLB.

I think Sean Lee could play MLB or even SOLB in the 4-3.

Ware would be fine at RDE, but I think Spencer would be nothing more than a rotational/nickel rush guy.

Spears would be a good 4-3 LDE, its the position he played at LSU under Saban.

 

[Chief]

Devin McCourty was reportedly on Dallas' radar last April, so they were looking at CBs back then.

With the play of the secondary in 2010 -- and Jenkins' drastic fall -- CB needs to be a priority, along with both safety positions and at least two offensive line positions.

I would like to see Spears kept. Hatcher is JAG and Olshansky isn't very good.

 

[dbair1967]

Devin McCourty was reportedly on Dallas' radar last April, so they were looking at CBs back then.

With the play of the secondary in 2010 -- and Jenkins' drastic fall -- CB needs to be a priority, along with both safety positions and at least two offensive line positions.

I would like to see Spears kept. Hatcher is JAG and Olshansky isn't very good.

I'd cut Olshansky to keep Spears in a heart beat.

 

[Stautner]

This is one of the reasons I hated seeing us cut Jason Williams, who offered some flexibility in that he looks like an ideal 4-3 OLB.

I think Sean Lee could play MLB or even SOLB in the 4-3.

Ware would be fine at RDE, but I think Spencer would be nothing more than a rotational/nickel rush guy.

Spears would be a good 4-3 LDE, its the position he played at LSU under Saban.

Almost certainly a moot point, but i like Lee more as a 4-3 SOLB because even though he is very active and tough, i don't know that he is as strong as an ideal MLB would be. Agree completely about Spencer. He's kind of a tweener. Playing head to head with OT's I'm afraid he would get buried.

 

[casmith07]

How do people here feel about Austin Pettis as the 3rd WR?

 

[casmith07]

Devin McCourty was reportedly on Dallas' radar last April, so they were looking at CBs back then.

With the play of the secondary in 2010 -- and Jenkins' drastic fall -- CB needs to be a priority, along with both safety positions and at least two offensive line positions.

I would like to see Spears kept. Hatcher is JAG and Olshansky isn't very good.

I wanted Devin McCourty so bad last draft, but then we got Dez and I was all

 

[RoyTheHammer]

I wanted Devin McCourty so bad last draft, but then we got Dez and I was all

Both turned out to be very good players. Tough to say who i'd rather have right now. Dez has the potential to be a very special player though. Hard to pass that up.

 

[UnoDallas]

RUNNING BACK: Assuming Barber is gone, we will need to find a 3rd teamer with some upside, but Felix and Choice should be fine handling the bulk of the carries. I don't necessarily believe we have a premier RB on the team, but we have capable ones.

I kinda think Barber and Choice might both be gone - glad someone sees it

RB Micheal Bush is a FA

TIGHT END: Assuming Phillips comes back healthy

Assuming to mush I draft the TE from Ia

INSIDE LINEBACKER: James is aging, and Brooking is likely out.

ISLB Rocky McIntosh a FA - always have liked him

OUTSIDE LB: Ware obviously is an outstanding player, but although Spencer is good against the run, he does not generate the pass rush needed to help Ware and the entire team be more more effective pressuring opposing QB's. Maybe Victor Butler or Brandon Williams can help, but this problem needs to be looked at.

OLB Thomas Howard a FA - I would love to have JJ grab him

 

[Oh_Canada]

I'd cut Olshansky to keep Spears in a heart beat.

Second that motion.

 

[Stautner]

RUNNING BACK: Assuming Barber is gone, we will need to find a 3rd teamer with some upside, but Felix and Choice should be fine handling the bulk of the carries. I don't necessarily believe we have a premier RB on the team, but we have capable ones.

I kinda think Barber and Choice might both be gone - glad someone sees it

RB Micheal Bush is a FA

TIGHT END: Assuming Phillips comes back healthy

Assuming to mush I draft the TE from Ia

INSIDE LINEBACKER: James is aging, and Brooking is likely out.

ISLB Rocky McIntosh a FA - always have liked him

OUTSIDE LB: Ware obviously is an outstanding player, but although Spencer is good against the run, he does not generate the pass rush needed to help Ware and the entire team be more more effective pressuring opposing QB's. Maybe Victor Butler or Brandon Williams can help, but this problem needs to be looked at.

OLB Thomas Howard a FA - I would love to have JJ grab him

Michael Bush probably wont come in without a guarantee he will be allowed to compete for a starting job. I don't really want that kind of contoversy going on.

Why is it assuming too much that Phillips can come back healthy? After all, he will have had almost a full year to recover, and even if he isn't completely 100% it's not like we will be hard up at TE while he gets stronger. I can't imagine why we would use a draft pick on a TE.

As for Thomas Howard, he's a solid 4-3 OLBer, but he does nothing for us. He is too small and has no track record as a pass rusher for 3-4 OLBer.