Scouts Inc.: Cowboys offseason needs

[Gryphon]

By Gary Horton
Scouts Inc.

In early February, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper released his team needs by conference, first the NFC version, then the AFC version. With the 2009-10 season in the books -- congrats, New Orleans Saints -- Gary Horton of Scouts Inc. is doing the same. While Kiper's articles focus on college players who may be good fits in Rounds 1-3 of the 2010 NFL draft, Horton focuses on the three key needs for each squad, by conference. This is the NFC version. To access the AFC version, click below. Keep checking back throughout the busy offseason and NFL draft season for more information from a variety of Insider voices on team needs, draft buzz and more.

NFC | AFC
NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Top needs:
1. OT: The Cowboys are old and slow on the perimeter of the offensive line and they are really susceptible to speed rushers off the edge. Both tackles, Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo, lack quickness and they are near the end of their careers. Backup OT Doug Free could possibly step into this lineup, but even if he turns out to be a good player the Cowboys need better and more athletic guys at both OT positions.

2. DS: Starters Ken Hamlin and Gerald Sensabaugh are solid veterans who do not make a lot of mistakes, but they also don't make a lot of impact plays. They need a free safety with range who is a big-play difference-maker -- and in today's NFL those guys can make a defense!

3. WR: Roy Williams has not lived up to his $9 million a year salary, but the Cowboys did get good years out of surprise WR Miles Austin and No. 3 WR Patrick Crayton, and they have high hopes for young Kevin Ogletree ... but where is the guy that holds it all together, is on the same page as QB Tony Romo, and makes the clutch catch when they need one?

Other needs: ILB, CB, DT

 

[Bob Sacamano]

By Gary Horton
Scouts Inc.

In early February, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper released his team needs by conference, first the NFC version, then the AFC version. With the 2009-10 season in the books -- congrats, New Orleans Saints -- Gary Horton of Scouts Inc. is doing the same. While Kiper's articles focus on college players who may be good fits in Rounds 1-3 of the 2010 NFL draft, Horton focuses on the three key needs for each squad, by conference. This is the NFC version. To access the AFC version, click below. Keep checking back throughout the busy offseason and NFL draft season for more information from a variety of Insider voices on team needs, draft buzz and more.

NFC | AFC
NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Top needs:
1. OT: The Cowboys are old and slow on the perimeter of the offensive line and they are really susceptible to speed rushers off the edge. Both tackles, Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo, lack quickness and they are near the end of their careers. Backup OT Doug Free could possibly step into this lineup, but even if he turns out to be a good player the Cowboys need better and more athletic guys at both OT positions.

2. DS: Starters Ken Hamlin and Gerald Sensabaugh are solid veterans who do not make a lot of mistakes, but they also don't make a lot of impact plays. They need a free safety with range who is a big-play difference-maker -- and in today's NFL those guys can make a defense!

3. WR: Roy Williams has not lived up to his $9 million a year salary, but the Cowboys did get good years out of surprise WR Miles Austin and No. 3 WR Patrick Crayton, and they have high hopes for young Kevin Ogletree ... but where is the guy that holds it all together, is on the same page as QB Tony Romo, and makes the clutch catch when they need one?

Other needs: ILB, CB, DT

uhh, Miles Austin

 

[Cover 2]

I disagree with ILB and CB being a need. Now we could upgrade the #4 corner spot, but it's not something I consider a huge need. I would add guard to the list though.

 

[sonnyboy]

uhh, Miles Austin

Beat me to it. But he's pretty much on the mark with our needs. Except that I'd put OG ahead of WR.

 

[Gryphon]

Dallas Cowboys Position Analysis: Wide Receiver
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/342739-dallas-cowboys-position-analysis-wide-receiver
by Jeffrey Prince

Will Roy Williams be back next year?

One of the most talked about positions for the past few years has been wide receiver. Once a position of need, now it's a position of strength for the Dallas Cowboys.

However, there is still one guy a majority of Cowboys' fans aren't yet sold on.

And his name is...


Roy E. Williams

One of the most negatively-viewed players on the Cowboys roster these days.

Bust? Some say it is so.

However, some still hesitate to appoint him with that title. Those are people we like to call extreme optimists. They continue to wait to see if something good will come from this former first round pick.

Yet, the realist, like myself, realizes the dude has been given plenty of opportunities to produce.

In seven NFL seasons, Williams has been able to produce only one 1,000+ yard season. He's been a Cowboy for a year and a half, and has yet to produce chemistry and gain the trust of his quarterback, Tony Romo. The routes have to be dumbed down for Williams and he's constantly dropping passes.

He should be sent packing as part of any trade Jerry Jones can dream up this offseason.

However, Jones has too much invested in Roy. If you remember, last year Jones gave up a first, third, and sixth round pick for him. Since Jones won't admit a mistake, you can be rest assured Williams will be your number one receiver next season as much as you like it or not.


Miles Austin

What can you not like about this guy?

I'll keep this one short and sweet. Here is your true number one receiver. An emerging superstar.

He'll more than likely be franchised this offseason. Which shouldn't bother Austin, since he's looking at an extreme pay raise. If he produces next year like he did this past season, Austin can look forward to an extremely rich and lengthy contract.


Patrick Crayton

I think Crayton fit into his role nicely this past season as the number three receiver. He also found some ways to reach the endzone on a few punt returns this season.

It's safe to assume Crayton will be back to fill his role as the team's number three receiver.


Sam Hurd

Hurd hasn't developed into the receiver the Cowboys want him to be.

However, he's developed into a great special teams player. Add the fact he's a restricted free agent this offseason, the Cowboys have a tough decision to make.

If the 'Boys believe Hurd can develop into a solid receiver and maintain his special teams skills, I can see Jones bringing him back. He will more than likely be given a second round tender, and I don't see any team giving up a second round pick to sign Hurd.


Kevin Ogletree

This kid has a lot of promise.

He's extremely quick, and has great hands. The 'Boys will definitely keep Ogletree, as he will try and break into the top three on the depth chart heading into the 2010-2011 season.


Final Analysis

There is a lot of promise at this position. Miles Austin and Kevin Ogletree will bring Cowboys' fans a lot of excitement next season.

Will Roy E. Williams break through his funk and develop into a true number one receiver? Let's hope. He'll be brought back, but you can bet if he doesn't produce the first few weeks of next season, he could definitely be benched.

Cowboy's owner Jerry Jones has been quoted as saying he's extremely content with the wideout position heading into next season, so don't look for many moves here.

Keep an eye out for Manuel Johnson to break into the depth chart during the offseason if Jones decides to ship out Williams, Crayton, or Hurd.

 

[TheSport78]

I disagree with ILB and CB being a need. Now we could upgrade the #4 corner spot, but it's not something I consider a huge need. I would add guard to the list though.

I think ILB and CB are needs for the FUTURE. James and Brooking will be the starters next year but we have no idea what Jason Williams and Stephen Hodge are. I would love Brandon Spikes in the 2nd round to backup Brooking this year and take over for him in 2011. Newman isn't a spring chicken and Ball is a restricted free agent. I think Dallas should draft a CB every year no matter what!

 

[NextGenBoys]

We need a play making safety more than anything IMO.

We get that, and it all falls into place. If/when this defense forces turnovers on a regular basis, we're near unbeatable, unless we play our "D" game, which has been known to happen.

Tightening up our coverage underneath means more interceptions, and more sacks.

We cant play that way with Hamlin/Sense back there. Mainly Hamlin though.

 

[Vintage]

No Kicker?

lulz.

 

[NextGenBoys]

No Kicker?

lulz.

BBF..

 

[HoleInTheRoof]

Man, everyone is on Ogletree . . .

I might start homerbating to him . . .

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Dallas most pressing need is a future LT and LG! I think they'll address safety as well. Inside linebacker is a need too for the 3-4.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

I think ILB and CB are needs for the FUTURE. James and Brooking will be the starters next year but we have no idea what Jason Williams and Stephen Hodge are. I would love Brandon Spikes in the 2nd round to backup Brooking this year and take over for him in 2011. Newman isn't a spring chicken and Ball is a restricted free agent. I think Dallas should draft a CB every year no matter what!

One could only dream... He's physical, athletic and fast! Most of all he's NASTY!

 

[NextGenBoys]

I think ILB and CB are needs for the FUTURE. James and Brooking will be the starters next year but we have no idea what Jason Williams and Stephen Hodge are. I would love Brandon Spikes in the 2nd round to backup Brooking this year and take over for him in 2011. Newman isn't a spring chicken and Ball is a restricted free agent. I think Dallas should draft a CB every year no matter what!

I dont think Spikes falls to the 2nd round, regardless of what Mock's have him going at right now.

We haven't even started pre-draft work-outs, let alone the combine.

 

[DanTanna]

Roy Williams is [strike]a huge bust[/strike] just misunderstood.

 

[NextGenBoys]

Roy Williams is [strike]a huge bust[/strike] just misunderstood.

So far he has been an enormous bust.

That doesn't mean he'll never turn it around though. And if/when he does, he's a real asset to this team.

 

[jobberone]

I agree with the needs. And while I agree that the defense needs a ballhawking FS to fill itself out, the offense is what has failed this team. It got plenty of yards but failed to score as it should. This is a long term problem for the Cowboys.

If Jones wants to see the Cowboys back in a SB then he will address the offense. What's the problem with the offense? It's not scoring enough points. From there you can point fingers in a couple of directions. It's not the TEs although Bennett needs to pick it up. Hopefully that was a sophomore slump. The RBs aren't the problem. Ditto the QB although he can improve some. It's the WR position and the OL.

While I can point a finger with realistic accuracy I don't know what the exact problems are. Ok, surely we have a problem with RW. He's not the number one WR on the team. And we aren't without talent. Miles is going to be a superstar IMO. Crayton is solid. Olgetree looks like a player. RW looks lost at times. He's definitely not producing at a number one level disregarding the trade and money aspects.

So what do you do? You cannot fire him yet. You have to hope he finds the key to the kingdom somehow. If not you sit him. Is Ogletree a number two. Not yet although he can make some strides. But I wouldn't depend on him to pick up the slack just yet. Not all of it. And drafting a WR, while I agree with it and I mean early on, is not all the answer either. At least not year one. Takes too long to develop almost every rookie WR. Maybe we'll get lucky. I do say I think it will be a mistake for Jones not to draft a good WR in this draft.

The OL is a trickier position for the average fan like me to appraise. Let's look at it by position.

OT is not an immediate problem in my eyes. Sure Flozell gave up a few too many sacks this year. That's it. He shuts down most big name guys like Peppers. Dumervil (sic) gave him some problems. So yes we could do better but I'll bet you they're not going to find a guy to unseat him even in the first round. Not at 27. BUT. We need to find his replacement. Colombo, when well, is better than Free, but not by a large margin. At least Free is a slightly better than solid starter. So we need another backup OT preferably a true LT (and I'm not saying Free isn't one just not sure yet).

OG is not a big problem IMO. Bigg is way better than solid. Kosier is competent. We could do better at LG. This is a position that is already taken care of in Brewster or can be addressed at 27.

Center is a problem. No, not at starter. We have a very marginal backup. End of story.

And one more parting shot at the OL. It could be better. When you look at it individually I have a hard time tearing it up. But with my eyeball I can see there are critical breakdowns not related to mechanics but ones in overall function. Too many mental breakdowns which makes me wonder about the coaching. Or do we have pinheads blocking up front?

And that's a wrap.

 

[Future]

OLine depth, Flo's replacement, a playmaking safety, a playmaking wr, and a run stuffing DT...

...our needs have been the same for like 5 years.

 

[TheSport78]

I dont think Spikes falls to the 2nd round, regardless of what Mock's have him going at right now.

We haven't even started pre-draft work-outs, let alone the combine.

True but this draft is huge for Dallas. I could see Jerry trading a bunch of future picks and players and we end up drafting 3 or 4 players this year. With the 09' draft class basically being on IR or being a non-factor for the majority of the year (excluding Buehler), and with free agency being irrelevant with the uncapped year, Jerry should wheel and deal to get premium players. If this means trading your 4th and 5th to move up in the 2nd to draft Brandon Spikes or some other coveted player, then so be it. This team only has so many spots open. Earl Thomas or Mike Iupati in the 1st and Brandon Spikes in the 2nd...yikes!

 

[NextGenBoys]

True but this draft is huge for Dallas. I could see Jerry trading a bunch of future picks and players and we end up drafting 3 or 4 players this year. With the 09' draft class basically being on IR or being a non-factor for the majority of the year (excluding Buehler), and with free agency being irrelevant with the uncapped year, Jerry should wheel and deal to get premium players. If this means trading your 4th and 5th to move up in the 2nd to draft Brandon Spikes or some other coveted player, then so be it. This team only has so many spots open. Earl Thomas or Mike Iupati in the 1st and Brandon Spikes in the 2nd...yikes!

I agree with this draft being huge for Dallas. We cannot afford to miss on several prospects. If we have a draft this year like 08, no doubt in my mind we win a Super Bowl in the next three years.

I'm normally against trading up, but I dont have a problem with being a bit aggressive this year. I'm always for trading down however, unless a cant miss is on the board.

 

[TheSport78]

I agree with this draft being huge for Dallas. We cannot afford to miss on several prospects. If we have a draft this year like 08, no doubt in my mind we win a Super Bowl in the next three years.

I'm normally against trading up, but I dont have a problem with being a bit aggressive this year. I'm always for trading down however, unless a cant miss is on the board.

No doubt man. As long as we address our main needs like offensive line and safety, I'll be pretty happy. I feel like Jerry thinks last year's draft class will really be THIS year's draft class, combined with players in this draft that Dallas really covets. That's why I can see Jerry trading up more than usual.

Another thing that really makes me nervous is when beat writers and some fans talk about how we need offensive line DEPTH. We need WAY more than depth. I honestly do not think we can win a Super Bowl with Flozell AND Colombo as our starting offensive tackles. In the playoffs you're most likely playing extremely good or elite defenses, and Dallas got exposed in Minnesota. I hope we address OT early.