Top 5 feel good about/top 5 feel bad about

[Howboutdemcowboys31]

I'm sure throughout the off-season there has probably been a similar thread but I've had some down time since the school year ended. I'm not going to mention guys like Witten or Dez who we know will have great years. Writing about guys who are projected to have some sort of role

Guys I feel great about:

Beasley- I foresee a 50 catch season with a lot of clutch 3rd downs
Lawrence- if Marinelli is excited, I'm excited
Scandrick- battled his whole career for that 1 and 2 spot. He's not giving it up
Carr- sees the writing on the wall, and that it's easy to get cut. Lost weight and will be able to play bump and run this year. Seeing Flowers cut will be a wake up call
Devonte Halloman- he's going to do a damn good job if he stays healthy

Guys that I'm not excited about:

Webb- I trust Sterling Moore, more. Reports Terrence M is looking good
Hitchens- didn't like the draft pick, praying he doesn't have to start
Durant- he's average. Always was always will be. If he starts at MLB I'll be very disappointed
Randle- to me is the 4th best rb on a team that doesn't run often
Mincey- a blah signing for me. I hope he's a rotational guy, some have him starting. Would rather have Lawrence get his lumps in now and have Mincey at 10-15 snaps

 

[xwalker]

I'm sure throughout the off-season there has probably been a similar thread but I've had some down time since the school year ended. I'm not going to mention guys like Witten or Dez who we know will have great years. Writing about guys who are projected to have some sort of role

Guys that I'm not excited about:

Webb- I trust Sterling Moore, more. Reports Terrence M is looking good
Hitchens- didn't like the draft pick, praying he doesn't have to start
Durant- he's average. Always was always will be. If he starts at MLB I'll be very disappointed
Randle- to me is the 4th best rb on a team that doesn't run often
Mincey- a blah signing for me. I hope he's a rotational guy, some have him starting. Would rather have Lawrence get his lumps in now and have Mincey at 10-15 snaps

How much have you reviewed the game footage of these players?

I agree that Webb has not shown much and I didn't see that much in his college game footage.

I've reviewed several complete games of Hitchens and I like the pick; however, I don't want to see a rookie there considering that Carter is on one side and a 2nd year player is likely to be on the other side.

Durant is solid and was better than he's given credit for in 2013. I reviewed him on the All-22 and he was better than I remembered. He was OK at MLB but only lasted about 1 quarter before getting injured. He is good enough if healthy.

Randle didn't play enough for me to really evaluate him. If Ryan Williams stays healthy, then he is likely the odd man out unless they keep 4 RBs. His college game footage was impressive, IMO.

Mincey has talent to be a good player. He has been decent pass rusher in the past and has the ability to play either the Weak or Strong Side DE position. He even played some DT in the Nickel with Jacksonville. I expect him to play the Weak (Right) side on base downs with Lawrence coming in on obvious passing situations. Mincey will have to show that he is all-in mentally in order for it to work here. He was cut in Jacksonville for being late to meetings and for being resistant to some of the changes made by the new DC.

The interesting thing with Mincey is that the DC that cut him, Gus Bradley, was the LB coach in Tampa under Kiffin from 2006-2008. The Cowboys obviously targeted Mincey because they signed him immediately in Free Agency. That indicates that they studied him in the off-season and decided he was the guy they wanted in that price range. I would be shocked if Kiffin didn't call Bradley and get his input on Mincey.


Guys I feel great about:

Beasley- I foresee a 50 catch season with a lot of clutch 3rd downs
Lawrence- if Marinelli is excited, I'm excited
Scandrick- battled his whole career for that 1 and 2 spot. He's not giving it up
Carr- sees the writing on the wall, and that it's easy to get cut. Lost weight and will be able to play bump and run this year. Seeing Flowers cut will be a wake up call
Devonte Halloman- he's going to do a damn good job if he stays healthy

Beasley will have a lot of competition for targets. Escobar and Dunbar appear to be in line for a lot of action also. Murray is expected to get more receptions. Dez will play in the slot more.

The more I review his college game footage, the more that I like the Lawrence pick. He might be the most NFL ready of the Weak-side type DEs in the draft.

Scandrick is a good player but he has some limitations. He is not a good match-up against some WRs. He is 5-10 and doesn't have long arms. They really need Claiborne to step up because he is a better physical match-up against some WRs with his very long arms.

I don't think Carr was dogging it last season. He just tried to do too much and got away from doing what he is good at. A small weight loss seems like a good idea.

Holloman is one of my favorite players on the team. I really thought that they would have him primarily at MLB after Lee was out. I thought MLB would be between him and Durant; however, up to this point Holloman has only been practicing at SLB from my understanding. What's even more important, IMO, is who are the 2 LBs in the Nickel? I see that being 2 of Durant, Carter and Holloman.

 

[jday]

I'm sure throughout the off-season there has probably been a similar thread but I've had some down time since the school year ended. I'm not going to mention guys like Witten or Dez who we know will have great years. Writing about guys who are projected to have some sort of role

Guys I feel great about:

Beasley- I foresee a 50 catch season with a lot of clutch 3rd downs
Lawrence- if Marinelli is excited, I'm excited
Scandrick- battled his whole career for that 1 and 2 spot. He's not giving it up
Carr- sees the writing on the wall, and that it's easy to get cut. Lost weight and will be able to play bump and run this year. Seeing Flowers cut will be a wake up call
Devonte Halloman- he's going to do a damn good job if he stays healthy

Guys that I'm not excited about:

Webb- I trust Sterling Moore, more. Reports Terrence M is looking good
Hitchens- didn't like the draft pick, praying he doesn't have to start
Durant- he's average. Always was always will be. If he starts at MLB I'll be very disappointed
Randle- to me is the 4th best rb on a team that doesn't run often
Mincey- a blah signing for me. I hope he's a rotational guy, some have him starting. Would rather have Lawrence get his lumps in now and have Mincey at 10-15 snaps

Good thread -

Guys I feel great about:

Beasley - Like you, I'm interested in seeing Cole Beasley in an expanded role, but as Walker pointed out, he will have a lot of competition for touches, which is actually a good thing. 50 touches might be asking for a bit much, though.
Devon Street - What I believe may separate Street from the current encumbent 2nd receiver Terrance Williams is YAC. He has moves you would expect from a RB, which is suprising for guy with his length - 6'3".
Barry Church - With Lee's injury, I believe he's the next man up, in terms of being the leader of the defense. Furthermore, they are moving him to SS, which, I believe, is a much more natural fit for him.
The entire OL - With the addition of the athletic Zack Martin, Linehan should be able to move the ball in a lot of different ways, which should keep opposing defenses guessing.
The entire DL - For this group, "great" and "excited" aren't really appropriate words for how I feel. I'm going to say I am intrigued by this group at this point. As a result of the cap, Jerry and company were hamstringed from bringing in guy's that are absolute locks, in terms of talent. So they did the next best thing. They brought in guy's that at some point in their career, have showed something and are hoping the Marinelli effect will resurrect that "something" back to life on a consistent basis. That Dl, at this point, is shrouded in mystery, but it could possibly turn out to be a strength for the team - and if that happens (admittedly, that's a huge "if") and the offense is as good as I think they will be, this team overall could be awesome to watch this year. I wouldn't count on it, but it does give us something to hope for.

Guys that I'm not excited about:

Matt Johnson - So much potential, and yet made of glass.
B.W. Webb - From what I've read, he doesn't make the final 53.
Brandon Carr - He's a good 2nd corner, but I really don't like counting on this guy to slow down true #1 receivers. I don't trust him like we once trusted Terrance Newman.
The FS position - Of all the guy's competing for the starting role, I'm not sure any of them are actual starter material. I am hoping that 1 of them, particularly Wilcox, proves me wrong.
Jeremy Mincey - Aside from his unimpressive showing in terms of stats over the years, he is on the wrong side of 30, making him a progress stopper for the young guys on this team.

 

[xwalker]

I feel good about most of the players on the roster; although, some of them may need another year before they're really ready.

I'm not a fan of Doug Free and would like to see Parnell or Weems challenge him in training camp. I think they would both be much better run blockers.

I'm not a fan of Hayden. I appreciate his efforts last season which included playing through an injury, but he is just not very talented.

I really like Wilcox, but he is going to be under a lot of pressure. I think he will be really good at some point, but I don't know if that will be game 1 of 2014.

Backup Safeties. They have several guys with good physical ability, but I don't know if any of them are really ready to play right now.

LB group. I think several of them would be fine if inserted into a lineup with 2 quality veteran LBs beside them; however, as an overall group they have question marks. Is Carter mentally ready to play in this defense. Durant is solid, but is projected to MLB despite having always played on the outside. Holloman has upside but is still young and only played LB in his final year in college. All 3 have had injury issues. Wilber looked decent but he is converting from DE. He did play LB in college which should help. I like Hitchens but I don't really want to see a rookie in the lineup with uncertainty at the surrounding spots.

Surprisingly, I feel good about the DLine. I've reviewed McClain on the All-22 from 2011 and 2013 and I think he could have a break-out year. Melton is good if healthy. Selvie is good enough. I think Lawrence is more ready than many rookies. Crawford should be a good if he can stay healthy. I really like Bishop and Coleman based on their college game footage. Mincey has physical talent. If he gets it together mentally, then he can be a good rotational DE. If one of the guys like Martez Wilson or Rayford step up and utilize their physical talent then the DL could overachieve.

The offense looks loaded with quality starters and depth.

 

[BIGDen]

I feel good about most of the players on the roster; although, some of them may need another year before they're really ready.

I'm not a fan of Doug Free and would like to see Parnell or Weems challenge him in training camp. I think they would both be much better run blockers.

I'm not a fan of Hayden. I appreciate his efforts last season which included playing through an injury, but he is just not very talented.

I really like Wilcox, but he is going to be under a lot of pressure. I think he will be really good at some point, but I don't know if that will be game 1 of 2014.

Backup Safeties. They have several guys with good physical ability, but I don't know if any of them are really ready to play right now.

LB group. I think several of them would be fine if inserted into a lineup with 2 quality veteran LBs beside them; however, as an overall group they have question marks. Is Carter mentally ready to play in this defense. Durant is solid, but is projected to MLB despite having always played on the outside. Holloman has upside but is still young and only played LB in his final year in college. All 3 have had injury issues. Wilber looked decent but he is converting from DE. He did play LB in college which should help. I like Hitchens but I don't really want to see a rookie in the lineup with uncertainty at the surrounding spots.

Surprisingly, I feel good about the DLine. I've reviewed McClain on the All-22 from 2011 and 2013 and I think he could have a break-out year. Melton is good if healthy. Selvie is good enough. I think Lawrence is more ready than many rookies. Crawford should be a good if he can stay healthy. I really like Bishop and Coleman based on their college game footage. Mincey has physical talent. If he gets it together mentally, then he can be a good rotational DE. If one of the guys like Martez Wilson or Rayford step up and utilize their physical talent then the DL could overachieve.

The offense looks loaded with quality starters and depth.

Great post as usual. I feel the same way about the DL. I noticed that you didn't mention Gardner. Does he not impress you or are you simply more impressed/intrigued by the other young guys?

 

[Fredd]

Good

* Lawrence - so far, so good...I like that they talk about his power which usually takes the longest for a rookie to develop
* Street - he has done well in the non-pad workouts...looking to see if he pushes anyone
* Fred - he is getting in fights, getting nasty...LOVE that
* Mo - glad to hear that he looks to be in shape...it will make the competition for two spots (amongst the 3) very interesting
* Escobar - signs look good so far; let's see if linehan uses him

honorable mention: Dunbar (just stay healthy and use that speed)

Not so good

* Orton - starts and ends here - him not showing up for anything and not communicating with the team in unconscionable to me; just quit already you drunken buffoon!
* Webb - the rooks are going to make this guy expendable if he doesn't come out strong in TC
* Randle - I thought he had the same running style as Murray and would be a good back-up...but, if he is getting pushed down the roster by others, yikes
* Melton - love the guy, just wish I could see him on the field (I am impatient, that's all - I am REALLY looking forward to seeing him in pads)
* Hitchens - I want to see more of this guy, so, like Melton, the jury is still out for me until I see him in action

 

[jterrell]

5 guys I feel good about:
1. Dez... duh.
2. Escobar. Low bar for him from the fan base but I can see him excel as a Jimmy Graham type, out wide of Witten.
3. OL as a whole. Circumstance and investment has made this a strength.
4. TWill. WR generally take time to develop but the cards are aligned for this kid to really blow up.
5. Mo Claiborne. This is a player with enormous potential that should take the next step this year to legit starter.

5 guys I worry about:
1. Henry Melton. Not sure he is as good as the fan base believes.
2. JJ Wilcox. Could be another season of growing pains from this elite level athlete learning to play.
3. DeMarco Murray. Worry only in sense of his health. Talent level is so good when healthy it is a huge blow when he is out.
4. MLB... we got nothing here that comes close to Sean Lee.
5. DeMarcus Lawrence. People that think he'll compare to even present day Ware early are probably fooling themselves. It takes time and the fan base seldom gives any of these guys any slack at all.

 

[yentl911]

Guys I feel good about

Murray - the O is totally different with him in the game and is a difference maker. Has a chance to have a special season.
T. Williams - a gifted young player that should make huge strides this season after a superb rookie year. Will be able to play faster due to better understanding of the schemes.
Escobar - I think this kid is going to be great and the coaches will find a way to use his size and great hands. Should be stronger this year.
Church - best open field tackler on the team and a season removed from Achilles injury - how many huge runs did he stop with great tackling. With a better supporting cast he could excel.
Tyron Smith - might be the best young LT in the game and only getting better.

Feel bad about

J. Randle - just don't see anything there. Waste of a pick
Carr - his play was horrid last year and he seems to have lost his edge. I hope I'm wrong but I think Scan and Mo end up starting by mid season
Free - surprised me last year with some solid play but relies on finesse and can get tossed around from time to time. Weak link on o-line
Back up QB - if Romo goes down this team is done whether its Weeden or Orton

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Bad...

1. Honestly, I can't believe it's coming up on 20 years.
2. There were two possible Super Bowls that we blew in those 20 years
3. I don't trust Garrett
4. I don't trust Romo
5. I don't believe in Jerry


Good...
1. I think, like any team, a break here and a break there and we win Super Bowl before 20 year anniversary happens.
2. I feel like there are at least 2 more Super Bowls wins in my life time. Go one up on stealers.
3. Garrett is good, real good. And yet it doesn't translate on the field. Players will have to make up for his mistakes. It's asking a lot but it has happened before.
4. If all the stars align and with a little luck we could win it all with him as QB. Divine intervention might do it. Lol
5. If we ever win Super Bowl again it will be despite Jerry.

 

[Hoods]

Bad...

1. Honestly, I can't believe it's coming up on 20 years.
2. There were two possible Super Bowls that we blew in those 20 years
3. I don't trust Garrett
4. I don't trust Romo
5. I don't believe in Jerry


Good...
1. I think, like any team, a break here and a break there and we win Super Bowl before 20 year anniversary happens.
2. I feel like there are at least 2 more Super Bowls wins in my life time. Go one up on stealers.
3. Garrett is good, real good. And yet it doesn't translate on the field. Players will have to make up for his mistakes. It's asking a lot but it has happened before.
4. If all the stars align and with a little luck we could win it all with him as QB. Divine intervention might do it. Lol
5. If we ever win Super Bowl again it will be despite Jerry.

Your good list sort of looks like your bad list.

 

[xwalker]

2. I feel like there are at least 2 more Super Bowls wins in my life time. Go one up on stealers.

stealers...

Well, they did steal at least one SB with help from the officials.

 

[jazzcat22]

GOOD - 1-5...Jerry
BAD - 1-5...Jerry
J/K

My take is more on the team itself as opposed to individual players.

GOOD
1. JJ & FO, and showing the desire and will to change their approach. Will McClay getting more of a say so is a big plus.
2. JG & the coaching staff, as it now seems they have a better staff than before, and can work with all the young players, instead of over payed older players.
3. OL, looks to be the best group since the 90's.
4. DL, all the younger players in a rotation, and see how they improve together. I think it happens sooner than later.
5. Offense, the potential of becoming one of the NFL's best and potential of scoring a lot of point.

BAD
1. OL and needing more depth
2. LB situation, this group needs to learn and perform at an excelerated rate in TC.
3. Defense overall, as many changes, new players, many drafted and undrafted players will be on the team, so learning curve and rookie mistakes will happen and at key moments.
4. Health, as Lee's injury started it off, this team hasn't stayed healthy for past 2 years or more. And until they make it through TC, we will all be holding ours breath.
5. Consistency, they need to be this on both sides of the ball, and need to show this. String together some wins, none of this win / loss / win / loss crap.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Your good list sort of looks like your bad list.

Agreed. It's that fine of a line.

stealers...

Well, they did steal at least one SB with help from the officials.

Agreed.

Holmgren was livid at Seattle rally. (Feel gad for him he would have been first coach to win with two different teams.

Refs later admitted to costing Seattle SB.

 

[jazzcat22]

Agreed. It's that fine of a line.





Agreed.

Holmgren was livid at Seattle rally. (Feel gad for him he would have been first coach to win with two different teams.

Refs later admitted to costing Seattle SB.

Steelers won 2 SB's with help from the refs, one against Dallas too.

 

[xwalker]

Agreed.

Holmgren was livid at Seattle rally. (Feel gad for him he would have been first coach to win with two different teams.

Refs later admitted to costing Seattle SB.

Nonetheless, the steel workers that they were named after probably don't appreciate that spelling.

 

[BIGDen]

Nonetheless, the steel workers that they were named after probably don't appreciate that spelling.

Many Cowboys fans will continue to intentionally spell it that way because of the huge breaks they've received from the refs over the years that have directly led to them "stealing" championships. It's a slight against the team, not whomever they were named after (like the foreskins, vagiants, eagirls, etc.). I'm pretty sure no one is attacking native Americans when they mock the Commanders by calling them the foreskins. Now that Commanders name itself is a whole other story...

 

[TwoDeep3]

Better:

Jerry didn't do a press conference today
Stephen didn't make a comment on the ease of managing the cap while facing more dead money next year
Garrett wasn't called upon to make a game management decision today
Linehan has been in charge of the offense
There were no posts that I saw giving credit to Marinelli for taking a spastic nerd and turning him into Butkus.

Worse:

Knowing Garrett will be called upon to make a game management decision this season
The defensive line, save for a few bright spots, appears to be manned by walk on geriatrics with limps
Someone is taking Cole Beasley seriously as an outside receiver
Jerry is still the GM and Stephen is waiting in the wings
Rowdy's transgender sexual reassignment operation has been postponed.

 

[5Stars]

Better:

Jerry didn't do a press conference today
Stephen didn't make a comment on the ease of managing the cap while facing more dead money next year
Garrett wasn't called upon to make a game management decision today
Linehan has been in charge of the offense
There were no posts that I saw giving credit to Marinelli for taking a spastic nerd and turning him into Butkus.

Worse:

Knowing Garrett will be called upon to make a game management decision this season
The defensive line, save for a few bright spots, appears to be manned by walk on geriatrics with limps
Someone is taking Cole Beasley seriously as an outside receiver
Jerry is still the GM and Stephen is waiting in the wings
Rowdy's transgender sexual reassignment operation has been postponed.

lmao Dude!

(stupid cowboy fans)

 

[casmith07]

Five Good:

1. McClain - if the indications coming out of the mini camps are true, we'll be a-okay on the defensive front with a healthy Melton, Lawrence, and Selvie, Crawford and Bass.
2. Crawford - speaking of, here's another guy I feel good about on the defensive front. Hopefully the achilles will get loosened up and he'll be good to go this year.
3. Murray - I think this year Murray has a big, big year. 5+ ypc average, 100 ru.yds/game average.
4. Frederick - will make a statement for best center in the league this year.
5. Ladouceur - 100% perfect snap career will continue.

Five Meh:

1. Jones, C. - early indications were that a camp leg was keeping things interesting. This is one position that if we don't switch this year, I would like to see us spend a draft pick to upgrade next year.
2. Carter - the jury is out on Bruce Carter, but I think he will show us why he deserves to stick around. More comfort in the system, more reliance on his instincts, and better defensive line play will allow him to play his style of ball and attack.
3. Webb - I just don't think he makes the team. I would rather go with some other players at this position and see what kind of strides they make in practice.
4. Weeden - interceptions against 2nd and 3rd stringers either means that our depth on defense is crazy improved and good, or Weeden sucks. I'll let you decide which it is.
5. Rod Marinelli - the 4-3 was a mess last year. Here's to hoping that he shows me something. Jury is out, and I want to see results in preseason and then in the regular season, of course.

 

[casmith07]

* Mo - glad to hear that he looks to be in shape...it will make the competition for two spots (amongst the 3) very interesting

Not that much of a competition. We need all three guys to play and play well.