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A look at the Cowboys roster on defense after OTAs and minicamps:
ENDS Chris Canty, Marcus Spears, Jason Hatcher, Stephen Bowen, Marcus Smith, Marcus Dixon
Like with the offensive line, these guys don't really get to show much in shorts, other than Canty being singled out for overpowering guard James Marten. Canty has also been singled out for being a willing participant in all the offseason workouts despite trying to work out a long-term deal. His attitude about the team and improving bode well. The biggest news at this position during the minicamp was Jay Ratliff getting some time at the left end spot thanks in part to Terry Johnson's play at nose tackle. A lineup of Canty, Johnson and Ratliff at times could give the line a spark, especially pressurewise since Ratliff is a better pass rusher than Spears. There was also news that Hatcher is being worked at both end positions, which could help him get on the field with Ratliff taking some of the snaps at left end. Not much has been said about Bowen or the other two Marcuses.
OUTLOOK I don't really expect much change in the starting lineup: Spears is a good early-down player, so he'll probably open at end. But we will likely see quite a bit of Ratliff at end. Hatcher could come on to earn more playing time, but it might just be that he takes some of Bowen's with Ratliff now in the rotational mix. We'll have to see whether either Dixon or Smith can take Bowen's spot on the roster, but I think one (or both) is more likely to end up on the practice squad.
NOSE TACKLES Jay Ratliff, Terry Johnson, Remi Ayodele, Junior Siavii
The main news here is that Johnson seems prepared to make a big contribution. He looks stout, has been praised for his quickness and has even stepped up as a leader after having to learn and condition on the go last year. But Coach Wade Phillips has made it a point that Ratliff is still the starter at the position, and deservedly so. Although Siavii is the biggest man at the position on the roster, not much has been written about him and Ayodele since they haven't been allowed to do any real hitting.
OUTLOOK Johnson's progress is really going to allow Dallas to split the reps at this position, and might eventually mean we see more of him at NT than Ratliff and more of Ratliff at end than Spears. I expect to see the playing time lean toward the Canty-Johnson-Ratliff lineup as the season progresses. Neither Ayodele nor Siavii has a place on this team and probably not on the practice squad.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS DeMarcus Ware, Greg Ellis, Anthony Spencer, Erik Walden, Tearrius George, Justin Rogers, Darrell Robertson, Khari Long
Ellis' pity party over Spencer getting more practice time allowed Spencer to get even more practice time and take advantage of it. He made some nice plays in OTAs that provide hope that Spencer's on his way to being a strong contributor to the pass rush and coverage. Despite Ellis' latest dilemma, there's no indication he won't be a major factor again this year, but he is getting older and the Cowboys need for Spencer to take some of the load away and prove capable of starring at the spot. The other starter is already a star, and if he's truly been able to add weight without losing speed, lineman D-Ware. No other OLB gets much press. George was praised during the rookie minicamp, but wasn't really mentioned after that. And Robertson's the only other one who's really been mentioned, but because he hasn't been able to participate due to the injury that kept him from being drafted.
OUTLOOK The mix of Ware, Ellis and Spencer should only get better this year. Ware and Spencer are still developing, and Ellis showed last year in more ways than one that he's not going out quietly. Look for the three to be on the field together quite a bit in passing situations. After that, it would seem that Walden, Rogers and George have the best shot at earning a roster spot. Walden could end up at inside linebacker, though. I think Dallas will end up keeping four OLBs, but could go with five if warranted. Since Robertson is having trouble with his health, I won't be surprised if he ends up on PUP and then injured reserve this season.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS Zach Thomas, Bradie James, Bobby Carpenter, Kevin Burnett, Tyson Smith
It's been mostly about the "Mo" this offseason as Thomas and Carpenter have been getting the most press. Thomas has shown his awareness on the field in sniffing out plays and his coverage ability, while Carpenter is starting to look like he's got a position, especially in defending the pass from the "Mo" spot. A lot of praise seems to be coming Carpenter's way, but the test will be when things get physical. Burnett continues to hold down the nickel and dime position in the "Mo," so it's not clear whether or not Thomas will be a two-down linebacker or how much actually playing time will be given to Carpenter. James has made a few noted plays in coverage, and Coach Wade Phillips said his staff has worked with James on his drops, so maybe he'll do better in that area. As far as Smith goes, to be honest I don't know if he's an ILB or OLB, but Dallas does seem to be short on ILBs after cutting Alain Karatepeyan.
OUTLOOK Having Thomas' football savvy and coverage ability at the "Mo" spot can do nothing but help this unit. He and James should form a very strong interior. And it's nice to see that Carpenter could be on his way to becoming Thomas' successor. Those three, along with Burnett, could give us a solid mix of starters and depth and allow us to substitute some to keep the unit fresh, especially Thomas. If Smith is an ILB, then he's out of luck since this position is full. Of course, he's out of luck if he's an OLB, too.
CORNERBACKS Terence Newman, Anthony Henry, Adam Jones, Mike Jenkins, Orlando Scandrick, Alan Ball, Quincy Butler, Evan Oglesby
The depth at this position made for some interesting moves in minicamp: Henry playing linebacker and covering the tight end in the dime, and Jones getting some starting reps in the base defense. Henry reportedly handled covering the tight ends very well, so it's certain that Dallas will use that grouping, but I'm not sure Jones will end up starting because of his layoff and because of his duties as a return man (he might get some relief snaps as a starter, though). Jones showed he can be a dynamic defender, but he also blew some coverages while adapting to the defense and shaking off the rust. After a subpar showing at the rookie minicamp, Jenkins seems to showing that he's also got top-notch coverage ability, which puts Dallas in a great situation. Beyond that, I remember Butler getting an interception, but the others haven't been mentioned much outside of Scandrick's strong showing in minicamp.
OUTLOOK We've come a long way, baby. After enduring having to sometimes start Jacques Reeves and play Nate Jones, Dallas has had four players stand out at this position in minicamp, and another rookie show lots of potential. Those five are definitely in, and Ball will probably take the sixth spot, with it being reported that he has added some size to go along with his speed. The Cowboys will end up cutting some players here who will likely make other teams' rosters, unless Butler gets hurt again.
SAFETIES Roy Williams, Ken Hamlin, Pat Watkins, Courtney Brown, Dowayne Davis, Tyler Everett
Much ado has been made about Williams' offseason comments and his teammates' comments about his coverage abilities, but I agree with Williams, it's time to put up or shut up. Secondary coach Dave Campo said Williams is motivated by the criticism he's received, and we can hope that provokes him to return to being an intimidator. Having Anthony Henry take over some of Williams' coverage responsibilities in obvious passing situations is a good move, but it would be a good move concerning most safeties in the league. It's a no-brainer that a corner in coverage is going to do better than a safety. The other starting safety isn't getting criticized, but also has not been around while trying to hit the jackpot on a contract. That's led to us hearing more about Watkins and Brown. Both players have added weight and appear to be getting better, but Brown seems to be getting the better reviews as he adapts to the position. He and Watkins are making good use of their speed, but we'll have to see how both do in supporting the run. Everett was switched to safety from corner, but we really haven't heard much about how he or Davis is doing, although I believe I remember Everett making a play or two.
OUTLOOK Even though many are down on Williams, he's going to be the starting strong safety on this team. He's a great run-support player and isn't that bad in coverage when given limited duties. Having better corners and cover linebackers should help limit his responsibilities and allow him to do more of what he does best - terrorize receivers over the middle and play the run. Hamlin being out has helped the backups, which is probably a good thing because I'm not sure Dallas will be able to work out a long-term deal with Hamlin, who apparently wants to be the highest-paid safety in the league. Hopefully as the July 15 deadline gets closer, Hamlin will be more willing to compromise. Those four have the roster spots at this position locked up. Everett might have an outside shot at making the practice squad, though.
ENDS Chris Canty, Marcus Spears, Jason Hatcher, Stephen Bowen, Marcus Smith, Marcus Dixon
Like with the offensive line, these guys don't really get to show much in shorts, other than Canty being singled out for overpowering guard James Marten. Canty has also been singled out for being a willing participant in all the offseason workouts despite trying to work out a long-term deal. His attitude about the team and improving bode well. The biggest news at this position during the minicamp was Jay Ratliff getting some time at the left end spot thanks in part to Terry Johnson's play at nose tackle. A lineup of Canty, Johnson and Ratliff at times could give the line a spark, especially pressurewise since Ratliff is a better pass rusher than Spears. There was also news that Hatcher is being worked at both end positions, which could help him get on the field with Ratliff taking some of the snaps at left end. Not much has been said about Bowen or the other two Marcuses.
OUTLOOK I don't really expect much change in the starting lineup: Spears is a good early-down player, so he'll probably open at end. But we will likely see quite a bit of Ratliff at end. Hatcher could come on to earn more playing time, but it might just be that he takes some of Bowen's with Ratliff now in the rotational mix. We'll have to see whether either Dixon or Smith can take Bowen's spot on the roster, but I think one (or both) is more likely to end up on the practice squad.
NOSE TACKLES Jay Ratliff, Terry Johnson, Remi Ayodele, Junior Siavii
The main news here is that Johnson seems prepared to make a big contribution. He looks stout, has been praised for his quickness and has even stepped up as a leader after having to learn and condition on the go last year. But Coach Wade Phillips has made it a point that Ratliff is still the starter at the position, and deservedly so. Although Siavii is the biggest man at the position on the roster, not much has been written about him and Ayodele since they haven't been allowed to do any real hitting.
OUTLOOK Johnson's progress is really going to allow Dallas to split the reps at this position, and might eventually mean we see more of him at NT than Ratliff and more of Ratliff at end than Spears. I expect to see the playing time lean toward the Canty-Johnson-Ratliff lineup as the season progresses. Neither Ayodele nor Siavii has a place on this team and probably not on the practice squad.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS DeMarcus Ware, Greg Ellis, Anthony Spencer, Erik Walden, Tearrius George, Justin Rogers, Darrell Robertson, Khari Long
Ellis' pity party over Spencer getting more practice time allowed Spencer to get even more practice time and take advantage of it. He made some nice plays in OTAs that provide hope that Spencer's on his way to being a strong contributor to the pass rush and coverage. Despite Ellis' latest dilemma, there's no indication he won't be a major factor again this year, but he is getting older and the Cowboys need for Spencer to take some of the load away and prove capable of starring at the spot. The other starter is already a star, and if he's truly been able to add weight without losing speed, lineman D-Ware. No other OLB gets much press. George was praised during the rookie minicamp, but wasn't really mentioned after that. And Robertson's the only other one who's really been mentioned, but because he hasn't been able to participate due to the injury that kept him from being drafted.
OUTLOOK The mix of Ware, Ellis and Spencer should only get better this year. Ware and Spencer are still developing, and Ellis showed last year in more ways than one that he's not going out quietly. Look for the three to be on the field together quite a bit in passing situations. After that, it would seem that Walden, Rogers and George have the best shot at earning a roster spot. Walden could end up at inside linebacker, though. I think Dallas will end up keeping four OLBs, but could go with five if warranted. Since Robertson is having trouble with his health, I won't be surprised if he ends up on PUP and then injured reserve this season.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS Zach Thomas, Bradie James, Bobby Carpenter, Kevin Burnett, Tyson Smith
It's been mostly about the "Mo" this offseason as Thomas and Carpenter have been getting the most press. Thomas has shown his awareness on the field in sniffing out plays and his coverage ability, while Carpenter is starting to look like he's got a position, especially in defending the pass from the "Mo" spot. A lot of praise seems to be coming Carpenter's way, but the test will be when things get physical. Burnett continues to hold down the nickel and dime position in the "Mo," so it's not clear whether or not Thomas will be a two-down linebacker or how much actually playing time will be given to Carpenter. James has made a few noted plays in coverage, and Coach Wade Phillips said his staff has worked with James on his drops, so maybe he'll do better in that area. As far as Smith goes, to be honest I don't know if he's an ILB or OLB, but Dallas does seem to be short on ILBs after cutting Alain Karatepeyan.
OUTLOOK Having Thomas' football savvy and coverage ability at the "Mo" spot can do nothing but help this unit. He and James should form a very strong interior. And it's nice to see that Carpenter could be on his way to becoming Thomas' successor. Those three, along with Burnett, could give us a solid mix of starters and depth and allow us to substitute some to keep the unit fresh, especially Thomas. If Smith is an ILB, then he's out of luck since this position is full. Of course, he's out of luck if he's an OLB, too.
CORNERBACKS Terence Newman, Anthony Henry, Adam Jones, Mike Jenkins, Orlando Scandrick, Alan Ball, Quincy Butler, Evan Oglesby
The depth at this position made for some interesting moves in minicamp: Henry playing linebacker and covering the tight end in the dime, and Jones getting some starting reps in the base defense. Henry reportedly handled covering the tight ends very well, so it's certain that Dallas will use that grouping, but I'm not sure Jones will end up starting because of his layoff and because of his duties as a return man (he might get some relief snaps as a starter, though). Jones showed he can be a dynamic defender, but he also blew some coverages while adapting to the defense and shaking off the rust. After a subpar showing at the rookie minicamp, Jenkins seems to showing that he's also got top-notch coverage ability, which puts Dallas in a great situation. Beyond that, I remember Butler getting an interception, but the others haven't been mentioned much outside of Scandrick's strong showing in minicamp.
OUTLOOK We've come a long way, baby. After enduring having to sometimes start Jacques Reeves and play Nate Jones, Dallas has had four players stand out at this position in minicamp, and another rookie show lots of potential. Those five are definitely in, and Ball will probably take the sixth spot, with it being reported that he has added some size to go along with his speed. The Cowboys will end up cutting some players here who will likely make other teams' rosters, unless Butler gets hurt again.
SAFETIES Roy Williams, Ken Hamlin, Pat Watkins, Courtney Brown, Dowayne Davis, Tyler Everett
Much ado has been made about Williams' offseason comments and his teammates' comments about his coverage abilities, but I agree with Williams, it's time to put up or shut up. Secondary coach Dave Campo said Williams is motivated by the criticism he's received, and we can hope that provokes him to return to being an intimidator. Having Anthony Henry take over some of Williams' coverage responsibilities in obvious passing situations is a good move, but it would be a good move concerning most safeties in the league. It's a no-brainer that a corner in coverage is going to do better than a safety. The other starting safety isn't getting criticized, but also has not been around while trying to hit the jackpot on a contract. That's led to us hearing more about Watkins and Brown. Both players have added weight and appear to be getting better, but Brown seems to be getting the better reviews as he adapts to the position. He and Watkins are making good use of their speed, but we'll have to see how both do in supporting the run. Everett was switched to safety from corner, but we really haven't heard much about how he or Davis is doing, although I believe I remember Everett making a play or two.
OUTLOOK Even though many are down on Williams, he's going to be the starting strong safety on this team. He's a great run-support player and isn't that bad in coverage when given limited duties. Having better corners and cover linebackers should help limit his responsibilities and allow him to do more of what he does best - terrorize receivers over the middle and play the run. Hamlin being out has helped the backups, which is probably a good thing because I'm not sure Dallas will be able to work out a long-term deal with Hamlin, who apparently wants to be the highest-paid safety in the league. Hopefully as the July 15 deadline gets closer, Hamlin will be more willing to compromise. Those four have the roster spots at this position locked up. Everett might have an outside shot at making the practice squad, though.
to The Zone.