News: ST: Five Cowboys storylines to follow at the NFL Scouting Combine

[CCBoy]

Five Cowboys storylines to follow at the NFL Scouting Combine
By Clarence E. Hill Jr.

chill@star-telegram.com


Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article10302308.html#storylink=cpy


The NFL’s so-called “Underwear Olympics” begin Tuesday in the form of the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine.

It’s where the league goes to evaluate potential draft picks with a fine-tooth comb, including tests for running, agility, strength and mental aptitude.

But it’s more than measurements, weigh-ins and 40-yard dashes. It’s also the start of unofficial free agency, as agents and general managers meet under the guise of draft talk to lay the groundwork for veteran free-agent signings.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made many deals aboard the gaudy team bus parked outside the downtown Indianapolis Marriott. It will be no different this week.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article10302308.html#storylink=cpy

Here’s a look at five storylines for the Cowboys at the combine:

1 Dez and DeMarco talks
With free agency beginning March 10, time is running out on the Cowboys getting deals for receiver Dez Bryant and running back DeMarco Murray. The combine provides an opportunity to get on the same page as well as lay groundwork for dealing with other free agents, such as Rolando McClain, Doug Free, Bruce Carter, Jermey Parnell and Justin Durant.

2 Tag for Bryant or Murray
With no deals imminent for Bryant or Murray, the Cowboys will almost certainly have to use the franchise tag on one of them. The first day a franchise tag can be used is Monday. The window for teams to use those designations runs through March 2. The Cowboys have said Bryant is a priority, and he will most likely get the tag. But until it happens, Murray remains in play.


3 Cowboys’ draft focus
The biggest needs for the Cowboys are on defense. They could use help at end, tackle, cornerback and linebacker, depending on what they do with McClain, Carter and Durant. They will interview players at the combine accordingly. With Murray possibly leaving in free agency, the Cowboys are likely to draft a running back. There are several options, led by Georgia’s Todd Gurley and Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon.

4 The Jameis Winston watch
No player will be scrutinized at the combine more than controversial Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, who is a strong possibility to go No. 1 overall. Winston has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback, but his off-the-field issues and character concerns raise a lot of questions. His media interview could rival the huge crowds that surrounded Cam Newton, Tim Tebow and Johnny Manziel.

5 The Paul Dawson question

Linebacker Paul Dawson is one of five players from TCU headed to the combine and is easily the most intriguing. Dawson is one of the highest-ranked linebackers in the draft. Mike Mayock of NFL.com has him ranked No. 1 at the position. Dawson is considered a risky first-round pick because of character concerns, but he will get a chance to answer those questions this week.

NFL Scouting Combine

Tuesday-Feb. 23, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article10302308.html#storylink=cpy

 

[Picksix]

Not sure how the Jameis Winston watch is a storyline for the Cowboys. The other four, sure, but for number 5, I'd go with how much they pay attention/talk to some of the other QB's.

 

[CCBoy]

All the naysayers from last season were eternally correct in foreboding a five to six win season for these Cowboys. Why give up the sky is falling routine?

The next two months will have a ton to say about the immediate future. As to quarterback, that investment has to occur at some point...

I assume that the coaching and evaluations of players has progressed to where the future directions will start to be shown.

 

[Chuck 54]

The one thing I'd feel most confident betting on is that theCowboys will not even consider drafting a QB this year. With all the roster adjustments made throughout last season dealing with injuries and moving guys back and forth between the PS and the roster, never once did the Cowboys ever cut Vaughan and try to put him on the practice squad for even a week. That in no way means he's our future QB, but I feel confident there's no way they now part ways with him to draft a mid round or later QB to replace Vaughan. This team will be drafting a lot of defense and go offense only if a key player stands out.

 

[DFWJC]

If the Cowboys use the tag on Dez, I think it'll only be to protect themselves from losing him while they continue to bang out a long-term deal.

That would burn the tag though...so no tag option for Murray in that case.

 

[tyke1doe]

Not sure how the Jameis Winston watch is a storyline for the Cowboys. The other four, sure, but for number 5, I'd go with how much they pay attention/talk to some of the other QB's.

Or Paul Dawson for that matter, unless both drop to the Cowboys pick, which is highly unlikely for Winston. But if Winston falls all the way to No. 27, I don't see how the Cowboys pass on him.

 

[viman96]

1 and 2 are really the same. Winston does not make sense and not sure about Dawson being listed as someone to watch for.

 

[darthseinfeld]

The one thing I'd feel most confident betting on is that theCowboys will not even consider drafting a QB this year. With all the roster adjustments made throughout last season dealing with injuries and moving guys back and forth between the PS and the roster, never once did the Cowboys ever cut Vaughan and try to put him on the practice squad for even a week. That in no way means he's our future QB, but I feel confident there's no way they now part ways with him to draft a mid round or later QB to replace Vaughan. This team will be drafting a lot of defense and go offense only if a key player stands out.

I think your right for this year. Its slim pickings in the draft with maybe 4 players who have starter potential, 2 of which will be long gone, one of which has a huge bust potential and the other looking like a fringe starter type.

I think they add a vet with starting experience as a backup incase something happens to Romo and use this season to take another look at Vaughan

 

[Picksix]

Or Paul Dawson for that matter, unless both drop to the Cowboys pick, which is highly unlikely for Winston. But if Winston falls all the way to No. 27, I don't see how the Cowboys pass on him.

I don't know enough about Dawson. I hear he's a really good athlete and good player, but a little hot and cold. Have to admit, I'm a Big 10 guy living near Seattle, so I didn't see much TCU. Wonder if he could drop to late first like Mosely did last year.

 

[ElGatoGrande]

Or Paul Dawson for that matter, unless both drop to the Cowboys pick, which is highly unlikely for Winston. But if Winston falls all the way to No. 27, I don't see how the Cowboys pass on him.

Cowboys sports writer,,,, just be happy if you get anything of value from the article.

Except, of course, for Sports Sturm and one or two others,,,