CFZ The fastest way we could build a real contender

[Diehardblues]

That comment makes no sense.

You thought TE was a priority position in the draft last year?

 

[Diehardblues]

Owner is ok.. it's the GM who is very ordinary.

Yes and I’m beginning to think Will is ordinary as well. He just is propped up by dumb and dumber .

 

[Diehardblues]

That's because Jerry doesn't know the first thing about evaluating talent. He is an amateur compared to the guys he hired. That's not the case in every other NFL team. Their GM came with a 20 year long list of credentials and achievements that justified their promotions at each level of the field.

They typically started as assistant scouts and their ability and skills got them through scout, regional scout, assistant director, director of player personnel and right up to GM. They earned their way to their titles. When they make decisions, it is based on their own experiences with recommendations from his staff.

Jerry's choices are based on his staff with an added twist of weird perception that what he wants to happen will happen.

I can imagine times when staff members are advising against a pick and Jerry overrules them. I'm not saying it happens really often and I think it happens less now. However, I do think it has happened.

No doubt but regardless who he decides to pick someone had to research the guy for him.

In other words Jethro doesn’t have his own board . He hasn’t watched film. Will and scouting dept tees it up for him . Then he decides what position or player he wants to take .

 

[Diehardblues]

Owner is ok.. it's the GM who is very ordinary.

Actually the owner isn’t for allowing the GM to stay in place .

But he could be an OK owner if not for his most important job bumbling of hiring a GM.

 

[Diehardblues]

I’m on board with the analysis and priorities

Unfortunately, hat’s seven day one/two picks or high quality free agents and we just don’t have the resources for that.

Bob as usual has an outstanding laundry list and well thought out.

But there’s no way our dysfunctional organization has a shot in hell of recognizing and meeting all of these.

Pick a couple of focus on those like a RB and a LB or DT. Plugging the middle of our defense and shoring up our running game would go a long way .

 

[Bobhaze]

No doubt but regardless who he decides to pick someone had to research the guy for him.

In other words Jethro doesn’t have his own board . He hasn’t watched film. Will and scouting dept tees it up for him . Then he decides what position or player he wants to take .

Greg my point about the difference in “credit” and “blame” for Will McClay is this: When a company fails, who is more responsible, the CEO or a VP?

My problem with your argument is not about Will McClay deserving criticism. He does deserve some. But it makes no sense to make him the major reason we have had whiffs in the draft. The draft strategy…meaning when to take certain players is by Jerry and Stephen‘s own account is their choice, not Will McClay. The “credit” side of McClay in my book is not based on draft picks but on draft preparation and draft board work.

McClay is charged with scouting players and ranking them. Each draft there are hundreds of players scouted, ranked, interviewed and considered. McClay’s job is to provide JJ and SJ the best information he can with player draft info. He is NOT the GM. He does not determine who to take or when. Without McClay's talent, we get drafts like we saw in 2000,2001, 2009, etc.

During last year’s draft, when the Cowboys selected Schoonmaker in round 2, it was obvious they were determined to draft a TE and it was also obvious they had coveted Sam LaPorta. Then the lions took him with their 2nd rd pick. There were clearly better players available that were also positions of need but we chose Schoonmaker who was probably a 3rd round grade. Did McClay tell JJ to reach there?

Bottom Line: Will McClay is a critical piece for the Cowboys brain trust because without his influence this is a fantasy football front office. His influence has been critical. Has he made mistakes? Of course. Does he share blame? Of course. But who is most responsible for our draft picks? The GM.

 

[Cowboysheelsreds053]

Dose H. Walker still plays?

 

[blueblood70]

Most of us watched that SB game Sunday night and thought, “As currently constructed, our roster isn‘t nearly good enough to compete with these teams.” We have quite a ways to go to be on that level.

So what would be the fastest way we could be able to build a roster that is complete enough to compete for a championship? (I didn’t say “BEST” way. I said “fastest“ way) I know many Cowboys fans will say “Get a new QB”, but we know that isn’t happening. Others will say, “Get a new GM.” Sadly, that isn’t happening anytime soon either. So what can we do this off-season?

Here are two things we must first understand:

• Without a great QB, you must have a great defense. Period. Or at least one that can get critical stops in critical moments. Dak is a good QB IMO, just not a great one. You can win playoff games with him with a great defense. Without it, forget it.
• Without a great QB, you must also have a very good running game. Thats a non-negotiable. A good running game takes a lot off your QB and also allows your defense to rest while your offense eats some clock.

So…with that in mind, here’s what we must do this off-season to get to that next level:

• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 2 excellent starting LBs. Big enough to stop the run but quick enough to drop back into some coverages. We cannot go into 2024 with small LBs anymore.
• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 2 excellent DTs. Big, strong run stuffers than can start and be effective immediately. No Day 3 developmental projects. Either first or second rounders that are plug and play and/or one stud FA. I Know lots of people like Hankins as a re-sign FA but he’s just ok. We like him because he’s better than anything we’ve had but that doesn’t make him great or indispensable.
• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 1 excellent starting OL. Our OL is aging and injury prone (Tyron, Zack Martin and Terrance Steele have all missed games last two years) and we are probably losing Tyler Biadaz to FA. We need to either draft a good C or develop one who’s already here and draft another young starter.
• Either by draft of FA- acquire an excellent starting RB- Pollard is likely gone (too expensive) and they misused him last yr anyway. He’s best when he has 12-15 touches max. I would draft a RB in rounds 3-5 that can play right away and pair him with an affordable vet FA in a committee approach. Our current guys like Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn are not worth much IMO. Maybe keep one.
• Make some key June 1 cuts to save cap space.
  • Cut Michael Gallup. No brainer.
  • Cut Cooper Rush. Trey Lance is now the backup and will need lots of preseason action.
  • Cut LVE. He’s a big injury risk and won’t cost much to cut but will save some.
  • Cut Nashon Wright. He’s terrible. That simple.
  • Several others not mentioned

So in short, in order for this team to put together a true contender that can seriously compete in the playoffs, we need to get much better on defense, (need 2 top notch LBs and 2 quality DTs that are ready to play NOW) and much better in the running game (add a quality OL and 2 good RBs that can start and play well NOW) Add improved coaching too.

The changes above give us a chance. Running it back without the above changes? Not a chance.

Well as much as that would be a perfect solution making it happens a whole different thing you realize that Philadelphia had the same problems this year made a lot of the same changes in their coaching Staffs and they're gonna need the same types of players and guess what they're picking ahead of us again in every round and we've seen this in the past plus you gotta add in the other teams it's very difficult to find two quality starting linebackers let's hope for one beast at middle linebacker and then maybe overshown and Clark or somebody on the team can fill in or maybe get a guy that's good but maybe not great...

It's nice to dream though we can dream for the next couple of months and hope that this half this list gets taking care of... I'll take half that's a good start lol

 

[blueblood70]

Greg my point about the difference in “credit” and “blame” for Will McClay is this: When a company fails, who is more responsible, the CEO or a VP?

My problem with your argument is not about Will McClay deserving criticism. He does deserve some. But it makes no sense to make him the major reason we have had whiffs in the draft. The draft strategy…meaning when to take certain players is by Jerry and Stephen‘s own account is their choice, not Will McClay. The “credit” side of McClay in my book is not based on draft picks but on draft preparation and draft board work.

McClay is charged with scouting players and ranking them. Each draft there are hundreds of players scouted, ranked, interviewed and considered. McClay’s job is to provide JJ and SJ the best information he can with player draft info. He is NOT the GM. He does not determine who to take or when. Without McClay's talent, we get drafts like we saw in 2000,2001, 2009, etc.

During last year’s draft, when the Cowboys selected Schoonmaker in round 2, it was obvious they were determined to draft a TE and it was also obvious they had coveted Sam LaPorta. Then the lions took him with their 2nd rd pick. There were clearly better players available that were also positions of need but we chose Schoonmaker who was probably a 3rd round grade. Did McClay tell JJ to reach there?

Bottom Line: Will McClay is a critical piece for the Cowboys brain trust because without his influence this is a fantasy football front office. His influence has been critical. Has he made mistakes? Of course. Does he share blame? Of course. But who is most responsible for our draft picks? The GM.

Maybe Jerry's statements, while we can't believe them all to be 100% fact ,saying they're gonna be all in, meaning they're going to be doing things in this draft that they haven't done in a lot of years.

I think that means some maneuvering, I think they might take, I don't know if they have 11 picks in the draft, they're going to package them up and get the5-6 best players they can get... I mean that's my take. It doesn't mean I'm reading him correctly, I'm not sure they're going to go out and have enough money and free agency to break the bank because we truly are up against the cap this year especially not knowing what we're going to do with Prescott's contract that they're going to have to do the very best they've done in the draft in a very long time and that means no projects, no guys coming back from injuries, no guys that you're grooming for the future like this last draft, No guys with high mileage like, ssy Corum, you literally going to have to go out and try to hit on almost every pick..

So my take all opinion is when they met all in I think they're going to be a lot more risky and what they do this offseason as far as making some trades moving up in the draft and get their target players versus just filling in the roster with what they think they need to fix a 12 win team three straight years I think they have a better idea they better get real players in here that can play day one...

 

[LittleD]

I’m on board with the analysis and priorities

Unfortunately, hat’s seven day one/two picks or high quality free agents and we just don’t have the resources for that.

With Dak and other high priced players gone and a year of tank, we would be in position to buy all the groceries we need.

 

[Diehardblues]

Greg my point about the difference in “credit” and “blame” for Will McClay is this: When a company fails, who is more responsible, the CEO or a VP?

My problem with your argument is not about Will McClay deserving criticism. He does deserve some. But it makes no sense to make him the major reason we have had whiffs in the draft. The draft strategy…meaning when to take certain players is by Jerry and Stephen‘s own account is their choice, not Will McClay. The “credit” side of McClay in my book is not based on draft picks but on draft preparation and draft board work.

McClay is charged with scouting players and ranking them. Each draft there are hundreds of players scouted, ranked, interviewed and considered. McClay’s job is to provide JJ and SJ the best information he can with player draft info. He is NOT the GM. He does not determine who to take or when. Without McClay's talent, we get drafts like we saw in 2000,2001, 2009, etc.

During last year’s draft, when the Cowboys selected Schoonmaker in round 2, it was obvious they were determined to draft a TE and it was also obvious they had coveted Sam LaPorta. Then the lions took him with their 2nd rd pick. There were clearly better players available that were also positions of need but we chose Schoonmaker who was probably a 3rd round grade. Did McClay tell JJ to reach there?

Bottom Line: Will McClay is a critical piece for the Cowboys brain trust because without his influence this is a fantasy football front office. His influence has been critical. Has he made mistakes? Of course. Does he share blame? Of course. But who is most responsible for our draft picks? The GM.

I understand but missing on 1st round picks regardless if the position was a need or priority , etc is a direct hit on scouting. And we’ve missed on at least 4 1st round picks on defense with Will. That doesn’t count the rest.

I think we could do better than Will. That doesn’t mean we could have done worse . We certainly have . But it’s not enough.

We can’t miss on all of these early picks especially on defense . I’d argue it’s why we have the weaknesses we do and what’s preventing our franchise from more success.

If your argument is without him we’d be worse . That’s fine . But I’d say let’s keep trying to find a better Scout. This one isn’t getting the job done . Much like like our VP and GM. Too many misses.

It’s time for Will to take some heat too.

 

[Chasing6]

Well, we know it all starts up front so I would spend picks and resources building the lines.
Then pray Lance developes fast.

Lance is a waste of time, a 4th round pick and $5M.

 

[noshame]

Lance is a waste of time, a 4th round pick and $5M.

And what is your option?

 

[FVSTONE]

Most of us watched that SB game Sunday night and thought, “As currently constructed, our roster isn‘t nearly good enough to compete with these teams.” We have quite a ways to go to be on that level.

So what would be the fastest way we could be able to build a roster that is complete enough to compete for a championship? (I didn’t say “BEST” way. I said “fastest“ way) I know many Cowboys fans will say “Get a new QB”, but we know that isn’t happening. Others will say, “Get a new GM.” Sadly, that isn’t happening anytime soon either. So what can we do this off-season?

Here are two things we must first understand:

• Without a great QB, you must have a great defense. Period. Or at least one that can get critical stops in critical moments. Dak is a good QB IMO, just not a great one. You can win playoff games with him with a great defense. Without it, forget it.
• Without a great QB, you must also have a very good running game. Thats a non-negotiable. A good running game takes a lot off your QB and also allows your defense to rest while your offense eats some clock.

So…with that in mind, here’s what we must do this off-season to get to that next level:

• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 2 excellent starting LBs. Big enough to stop the run but quick enough to drop back into some coverages. We cannot go into 2024 with small LBs anymore.
• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 2 excellent DTs. Big, strong run stuffers than can start and be effective immediately. No Day 3 developmental projects. Either first or second rounders that are plug and play and/or one stud FA. I Know lots of people like Hankins as a re-sign FA but he’s just ok. We like him because he’s better than anything we’ve had but that doesn’t make him great or indispensable.
• Either by draft or FA- acquire at least 1 excellent starting OL. Our OL is aging and injury prone (Tyron, Zack Martin and Terrance Steele have all missed games last two years) and we are probably losing Tyler Biadaz to FA. We need to either draft a good C or develop one who’s already here and draft another young starter.
• Either by draft of FA- acquire an excellent starting RB- Pollard is likely gone (too expensive) and they misused him last yr anyway. He’s best when he has 12-15 touches max. I would draft a RB in rounds 3-5 that can play right away and pair him with an affordable vet FA in a committee approach. Our current guys like Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn are not worth much IMO. Maybe keep one.
• Make some key June 1 cuts to save cap space.
  • Cut Michael Gallup. No brainer.
  • Cut Cooper Rush. Trey Lance is now the backup and will need lots of preseason action.
  • Cut LVE. He’s a big injury risk and won’t cost much to cut but will save some.
  • Cut Nashon Wright. He’s terrible. That simple.
  • Several others not mentioned

So in short, in order for this team to put together a true contender that can seriously compete in the playoffs, we need to get much better on defense, (need 2 top notch LBs and 2 quality DTs that are ready to play NOW) and much better in the running game (add a quality OL and 2 good RBs that can start and play well NOW) Add improved coaching too.

The changes above give us a chance. Running it back without the above changes? Not a chance.

Sorry Bobby, if Prescot is in the equation it's never going to happen for the Cowboys. Prescot has proven time and time again that he's incapable of even managing a big game, so having that great defense to lean on would be all for not it. Prescot's rookie season was something special, but for some unknown reasons the young man has flamed out and the only way to get this team on track again is to find a draft partner who is willing to give up their high pick in the draft for multiple picks from the Cowboys. This past draft is close to being a bust for the Boys when they burned their 1st and 2nd on the two Michigan players so trading our 1st and 2nd and wherever else the brain trust might have to throw would be worth it to jump ahead of some teams and draft a QB who is a winner and has that BIG GAME college experience.

• Move on from Prescot.
• Allow Rush or Lance to take the reins for the 2024 season.
• Sit the brand new shiny QB for a year, to learn the in's and out's of being a professional in the NFL.
• Prescot gone, cuts made, use cap space for game changing FAs.
• BAM, come 2025 season, Cowboys hit the road to the SB with a NEW LOOK and a FRESH START that reeks nothing but WINNERS!

 

[Bobhaze]

Well, we know it all starts up front so I would spend picks and resources building the lines.
Then pray Lance developes fast.

I wouldn’t mind seeing Dak traded (he would have to approve destination and the team(s) approved would have to agree to his big contract) but we all know JJ won’t do that. Which makes the Trey Lance trade last year completely stupid or at least mystifying.

Why spend a 4th round pick in a trade for a QB you don’t plan to at least try as a viable option going forward? With only one year left on his rookie deal? Just don’t get it. If he wanted Lance for leverage with Dak, it seems hollow when the guy hasn’t even taken a snap for you yet.

If this FO was serious about Lance being a possible replacement for Dak, why aren’t they trying to trade Dak? Maybe they are? Maybe Dak won’t approve? Who knows? But what I’ve read says they are planning to give Dak an extension and it will be announced soon. If so, what exactly is the plan for Trey Lance?

 

[Bobhaze]

Sorry Bobby, if Prescot is in the equation it's never going to happen for the Cowboys. Prescot has proven time and time again that he's incapable of even managing a big game, so having that great defense to lean on would be all for not it. Prescot's rookie season was something special, but for some unknown reasons the young man has flamed out and the only way to get this team on track again is to find a draft partner who is willing to give up their high pick in the draft for multiple picks from the Cowboys. This past draft is close to being a bust for the Boys when they burned their 1st and 2nd on the two Michigan players so trading our 1st and 2nd and wherever else the brain trust might have to throw would be worth it to jump ahead of some teams and draft a QB who is a winner and has that BIG GAME college experience.

• Move on from Prescot.
• Allow Rush or Lance to take the reins for the 2024 season.
• Sit the brand new shiny QB for a year, to learn the in's and out's of being a professional in the NFL.
• Prescot gone, cuts made, use cap space for game changing FAs.
• BAM, come 2025 season, Cowboys hit the road to the SB with a NEW LOOK and a FRESH START that reeks nothing but WINNERS!

Your bullet list has merit. And I understand your feelings about Dak. I am ready to move on as well. But it is crystal clear this FO won’t move on from Dak. Which makes a true complete rebuild not a real option. If they cut Dak, his cap hit is crippling. If they don’t extend him, they have major problems getting under next year’s cap.

This is a pickle the Jones boys put themselves in. And with their refusal to admit mistakes and cut their losses, they compound them even more by doubling down on their mistakes. I hope I’m wrong but the “All in” mantra likely means JJ will double down and in essence be saying, “My way will work”. It‘s always how he thinks.

 

[Diehardblues]

I wouldn’t mind seeing Dak traded (he would have to approve destination and the team(s) approved would have to agree to his big contract) but we all know JJ won’t do that. Which makes the Trey Lance trade last year completely stupid or at least mystifying.

Why spend a 4th round pick in a trade for a QB you don’t plan to at least try as a viable option going forward? With only one year left on his rookie deal? Just don’t get it. If he wanted Lance for leverage with Dak, it seems hollow when the guy hasn’t even taken a snap for you yet.

If this FO was serious about Lance being a possible replacement for Dak, why aren’t they trying to trade Dak? Maybe they are? Maybe Dak won’t approve? Who knows? But what I’ve read says they are planning to give Dak an extension and it will be announced soon. If so, what exactly is the plan for Trey Lance?

Great question. And I’d agree they are planning on resigning Dak.

My hunch is Cooper Rush is gone after his 2 yr contract expires in 2024. And Lance will be our backup . That’s prob the immediate plan . Beyond that prob hopeful Lance could develop into more.

Most of all I just think they thought got a steal and a potential heir apparent. If not didn’t invest too much.

And with Dak a new contract coming up no hurry to develop him. Have prob 2-4 more years.

 

[noshame]

I wouldn’t mind seeing Dak traded (he would have to approve destination and the team(s) approved would have to agree to his big contract) but we all know JJ won’t do that. Which makes the Trey Lance trade last year completely stupid or at least mystifying.

Why spend a 4th round pick in a trade for a QB you don’t plan to at least try as a viable option going forward? With only one year left on his rookie deal? Just don’t get it. If he wanted Lance for leverage with Dak, it seems hollow when the guy hasn’t even taken a snap for you yet.

If this FO was serious about Lance being a possible replacement for Dak, why aren’t they trying to trade Dak? Maybe they are? Maybe Dak won’t approve? Who knows? But what I’ve read says they are planning to give Dak an extension and it will be announced soon. If so, what exactly is the plan for Trey Lance?

Well, if you're gonna trade Dak, first of all, you've gotta have a dance partner. Believe it or not, other teams do watch his performance against good defenses. So we might be in a little trouble there.
I would hope we'll see a lot of Lance in pre season. At least to see ability to read, and throw on the run.
See how much he's developed, you never know.

Then, you've got Rush. I have no doubt in my mind he could have won every single game that Dak won this year and probably lost the same games Dak lost.
Buy it's gonna be a hellish schedule, and I can see 20 ways this season plays out.
Most aren’t good.lol

 

[Creeper]

I think you are absolutely right Bob. Even with a great QB this team would still need a better defense. The front 7 of Dallas scares no one. Teams just scheme to take Micah out of the game and no one else steps up.

First thing is build the defense from the inside out. They have CBs and Safeties that are good enough. With a strong DL the DBs would be exceptional. To me this is a quick fix. Free agency allows them to get or or preferably 2 stud DTs to fix the problem immediately. They can draft LBs or sign 1 veteran so they can move their safeties back to play safety. The hardest part about this plan is getting Jerry to change his attitude about spending on quality free agents.

I think the offense needs a real WR2. Gallup is not it. They have to make a decision about Tyron, and they need some RBs. But again, they can draft RBs or pay Pollard $6 million. I might be okay with signing Pollard and drafting a bigger power back to split snaps with him.

But I think it starts with fixing the defense, and not some half-baked schemes to use older players who take vet minimum to play. Fix it right or the problem is not going away.

 

[Chasing6]

And what is your option?

Option for an emergency QB? Sign an undrafted free agent.