Scout’ Eye: Top Storylines Ahead Of Cowboys OTAs

[RS12]

• Looking at the young corners on this team, will guys likeTerrance Mitchell, Dashaun Phillips or Tyler Patmon put Webb’s spot in question? During the rookie minicamp, I thought Mitchell and Patmon were outstanding, but how will they respond when they have to deal with the likes of Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams and the quickness ofCole Beasley? My gut says this front office will carry six corners and four safeties when they break camp in Oxnard. Who gets the nod behind Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne andOrlando Scandrick? That should come down to these kids and possibly Sterling Moore who -- might be an option to play some safety as well.

• It sounds like J.J. Wilcox will get the first shot to line up opposite Barry Church at safety. I have said all along that what this defense needed was a guy that could play as more of a center fielder with range. I am not sure Wilcox can provide that type of play, but I have been proven wrong before. The best candidate for the job in my view would beMatt Johnson, but until he proves he can step on the field and line up without getting injured, then I have to reserve my thoughts that he can handle the job. Keep an eye onJakar Hamilton and rookie Ryan Smith. Both of these kids played big time football in the SEC and have been up to the task in those types of games for their programs. As much as I loved the tape of Ahmad Dixon as a hitter, he really lacks in the ability to cover unless he can drive on the ball in front of him

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/a...oys-OTAs/e494f9b9-3b72-441b-8b5d-115254f235c0

 

[guag]

I can't see us keeping 6 corners. We need to keep as many DL as possible IMO and would rather go longer there than at CB. Unless Patmon or Phillips wow us in TC, I think it will be Carr, Oscan, Claiborne, Mitchell, and Moore/Webb.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

I can't see us keeping 6 corners. We need to keep as many DL as possible IMO and would rather go longer there than at CB. Unless Patmon or Phillips wow us in TC, I think it will be Carr, Oscan, Claiborne, Mitchell, and Moore/Webb.

They should go with the best players. I personally think they have more potential in the secondary than defensive line.

 

[guag]

They should go with the best players. I personally think they have more potential in the secondary than defensive line.

After all the injuries to the line last year, I guess I'm just really paranoid about not having a decent DL rotation as the season goes on.

 

[Hoofbite]

After all the injuries to the line last year, I guess I'm just really paranoid about not having a decent DL rotation as the season goes on.

The bottom couple players at the DL position likely wouldn't be that much better than a street guy so not keeping one or even two won't hurt even if the team is put into a situation to need them.

 

[morasp]

I don't get the Wilcox comment. From what I saw he absolutely could be a centerfield safety.

 

[Alexander]

I don't get the Wilcox comment. From what I saw he absolutely could be a centerfield safety.

Better than anyone else on this roster? Yes.

Optimally? Not sure about that.

 

[Alexander]

I can't see us keeping 6 corners. We need to keep as many DL as possible IMO and would rather go longer there than at CB. Unless Patmon or Phillips wow us in TC, I think it will be Carr, Oscan, Claiborne, Mitchell, and Moore/Webb.

I would go five and I would keep additional DL because we will have to hope rotation makes up for the talent deficiencies. DL are harder to find off the veteran scrap heap than corners in case of injuries also.

 

[Cumart21]

Can't wait to read the player evaluations from today's OTA.

 

[morasp]

Better than anyone else on this roster? Yes.

Optimally? Not sure about that.

I'm interested to see what he looks like his second year. I keep going back to that pass break up in the end zone he had.

 

[Alexander]

I'm interested to see what he looks like his second year. I keep going back to that pass break up in the end zone he had.

That was a great play. I still think he is learning the position, since he really is only a few years away from playing RB. His keys need work.

 

[jobberone]

Hamilton only played a year of SEC ball, some at GA Military, and the final year at SC St. He's got NFL bloodlines with a brother playing RB for the Jets. He has the talent to play in the league but I don't know about the mental aspect. He can also play free safety.

I like Johnson at FS followed by Wilcox. I have no idea if either can play it well.

I don't have a problem with keeping 6 CBs but then 4 safeties makes for 10. If you keep 9 DL, 10 DB and 6 LB you are probably ok. You can add or subtract from any position on that list but I suspect 25 defensive players is about right. The last 3-4 D spots will likely be the best possible future starters and STs players as usual.

 

[starfrombirth]

The bottom couple players at the DL position likely wouldn't be that much better than a street guy so not keeping one or even two won't hurt even if the team is put into a situation to need them.

1. Selvie
2. Melton
3. McClain
4. Crawford
5. Gardner
6. Coleman
7. Bishop
8. Demarcus
9. Ceasar
10. Bass

Granted - some of them are rookies and 2nd years but I would take any of them over a street FA. That doesn't even count Hayden or Mincy who aren't listed here.

 

[Alexander]

More interested to see how the fringe UDFAs like Coleman, Patmon and especially Brian Clarke do.

Clarke was a finalist for the Gene Upshaw award and carries a reputation for being nasty. Bloomsburg has produced some decent linemen the last few years.

 

[Hoofbite]

1. Selvie
2. Melton
3. McClain
4. Crawford
5. Gardner
6. Coleman
7. Bishop
8. Demarcus
9. Ceasar
10. Bass

Granted - some of them are rookies and 2nd years but I would take any of them over a street FA. That doesn't even count Hayden or Mincy who aren't listed here.

You'd take them because they're on the team. That's about all you can say because #1 and Hayden were in fact street free agents.

 

[Alexander]

You'd take them because they're on the team. That's about all you can say because #1 and Hayden were in fact street free agents.

I fail to see how anyone can look at Hayden and take him over anyone. He is just a familiar face that just happened to be the only one of the Keystone Kops DL we had in camp who was able to stay healthy and walk on a field all sixteen games. In normal years, he is cut in preseason and nobody cares or even remembers who he is.

 

[jazzcat22]

I fail to see how anyone can look at Hayden and take him over anyone. He is just a familiar face that just happened to be the only one of the Keystone Kops DL we had in camp who was able to stay healthy and walk on a field all sixteen games. In normal years, he is cut in preseason and nobody cares or even remembers who he is.

I agree. I think his name stood out and got called for being in on plays, because Ware even though injured still had to be accounted for on every play, as well as Hatcher with the year he was having. Selvie was playing very well too. So who was the guy they were looking at to stop last from getting pressure, stopping the run. He played well at times, but I believe with all the competition, he won't make the team, but he could surprise everyone, and show us something. But odds are against it.

I can see us keeping an extra DL over and extra CB. I can see keeping a 7th LB over a 10th DB.

 

[Alexander]

I can see us keeping an extra DL over and extra CB. I can see keeping a 7th LB over a 10th DB.

The only thing about the extra lineman is if they can do more than be a reserve. CBs have an advantage as they play more on special teams. What we need to do is hope someone like Moore keeps playing at a decent level since he is flexible between CB and S, saving an insurance spot. DL, at least good ones, are not going to last on practice squads. A veteran CB can be found and put in if disaster strikes. Veterans like Dimitri Patterson and Drayton Florence were signed off the street in the summer and were actually starting games in the fall.

 

[starfrombirth]

You'd take them because they're on the team. That's about all you can say because #1 and Hayden were in fact street free agents.

I'd take them because I've seen game tape of all of them (except for Ceasar - Just good hearsay) and thought they all played well... Challenge you to find someone who says Selvie didn't outperform all expectations last year. Hayden, yes he was less than desired, although, I do think he will do better if he's not playing 800 snaps! I watched game film of all the rookie's and am very impressed. Now to be fair, other players have looked good in college and sucked at this level but they at least have a good body of work to recommend them. They may or may not work out but at this time, I definitely think they are a long shot from street free agents.

Also .... you will note, I didn't include Hayden as being kept.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I fail to see how anyone can look at Hayden and take him over anyone.

Agreed. And for him to lead all the defensive lineman in snap... ugh.