Training Camp Battle Predictions

[FuzzyLumpkins]

QB3: None the candidates Stephens et al were inaccurate and in this offense its an extra big no-no.

WR3: Harris beats out Williams. WR learning curve is too steep and Harris has two years experience.

WR5: Coale. This is a shot in the dark but he by far has the best size and athleticism. Could be Beasley for his slot production but I am going to go with Coale because his commitment has never been a question mark.

RB3: Dunbar. Dunbar plays ST and plays it well. That gets him the nod. Lawrence is explosive and could force the issue especially if he can contribute on teams. His size makes me doubt that though.

TE2: Hanna. Two reasons. First he provides a vertical dimension that none of the other candidates do. Vela has provided some very compelling evidence that Witten's effectiveness upfield is eroding but I think some of that may be due to the spleen effecting him in the first games of the year.

TE4/FB: Rosario. Rosario plays special teams is the primary reason but I have doubts about Vickers ability to block. Much of that maybe due to very poor run blocking up front. This will be a good battle.

RT: Free. I know that this is not going to be a popular pick but I think Free will play much better this season. He finally bought into the techniques at the end of last season and his play improved. I think with a full offseason working on the right things will make a big difference. If he can use his feet better I think he will be better. Parnell may well have that breakthrough and that would be great. Either one can be the swing tackle.

C: Costa. If you want the best 5 guys on the field then Costa is going to be one of them. I buy into the second half of 2011 and his 3 games in 2012. I think that shows progression.

OG: Frederick and Bernadeau. Livings got worse as the season went on and Bernadeau got better. Leary might go to RG if he plays well but given a tie I see the vet getting the nod.

OG3/4/5: Leary Killer and Arkin. Cook isn't going to get better and he isn't very good. Arkin is someone's pet cat and I think he will be getting a chance to improve. If he is abysmal in PS then Cook makes it. I still think if Costa goes down then Fred kicks in making Cook redundant.

DL: DL is set in my mind. Spencer Ratliff Hatcher Ware Crawford Hayden Bass Wilber. Lets just hope they can stay healthy.

LB4/5/6: Albright Holloman Magee. Really should be a question of McSurdy Sims or Magee for the last spot. Sims is a concussion risk and marginal. I have gotten the impression that McSurdy is a meow meow but with the end of the depth chart I see going with upside.

S1/2: Church Johnson. Church got the contract and Johnson is healthy and I really think he is going to be good. Athletic physical and a nose for the ball. Wilcox isn't going to make a push this early and Allen is a great backup and a so-so starter. Both those guys obviously make the team.

CB5/S5: Moore. He contributes on teams and can make plays in a pinch. McCray is an excellent ST guys but he is too small to play LB and too slow to play on the backend.

So what you say Zoners? Where am I wrong? Who am I missing?

 

[Teague31]

Lissemore in your DL rotation
I think Hamilton could push McCray off the roster. Dude make too much to be just a ST.

 

[maxdallasfan]

I hope Harris gets a fair shot. Williams draft status may give him the edge though.....but I hope not

 

[Zimmy Lives]

I like the match-ups at both safety positions. Neither Church nor ALlen should go into training camp overconfident.

I also agree that Free will be the RT going into the regular season as long as he is healthy. He always had the ability.

Finally, my biggest dark horse this training camp is Ben Bass. I think he becomes a key contributor this season.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

I hope Harris gets a fair shot. Williams draft status may give him the edge though.....but I hope not

I like Harris but Williams offers too much in the vertical game. Harris will focus on STs, I'm thinking.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Lissemore in your DL rotation
I think Hamilton could push McCray off the roster. Dude make too much to be just a ST.

Good call on Lissemore. Our depth their isn't too shabby.

 

[21Savage]

Oversight on Lissemore?

Common sense tells me Free over Parnell but my gut says otherwise. Given his skill set and already proven to be the stronger player than Free, if he just makes the logical jump in performance that the game experience last year should have provided him, then I think he can be a pretty good player. Big if though.

I already made a thread about the Costa thing but it really looks like they want Fred at Center from day one. That said, my projected line will be Smith Leary Fred Bernadeau Parnell

I agree that Bernadeau was better than Livings (there are a lot of people that seem to think otherwise), plus he's younger (27) and more versatile. He's got the chance to show a lot of improvement as well.

If the competition were for the 2nd WR spot then I might go with Harris, but for the 3rd WR (who, if Austin and Bryant are healthy, will only come in to stretch the field or make some plays one on one) then I'll go with Williams. Don't forget they had him as an early 2nd rounder and one of those reasons was that he was ready to produce. Gordon and Wright produced soon as they got on the field in similar capacities.

 

[junk]

I like Harris but Williams offers too much in the vertical game. Harris will focus on STs, I'm thinking.

I think they'll both have a role. Or they should as long as the team doesn't get too cute trying to force the two TE thing.

 

[TheCount]

Neither Church nor ALlen should go into training camp overconfident.

I think the only way Church isn't starting on opening day is if he's not healthy, the team likes him that much.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Oversight on Lissemore?

Common sense tells me Free over Parnell but my gut says otherwise. Given his skill set and already proven to be the stronger player than Free, if he just makes the logical jump in performance that the game experience last year should have provided him, then I think he can be a pretty good player. Big if though.

I already made a thread about the Costa thing but it really looks like they want Fred at Center from day one. That said, my projected line will be Smith Leary Fred Bernadeau Parnell

I agree that Bernadeau was better than Livings (there are a lot of people that seem to think otherwise), plus he's younger (27) and more versatile. He's got the chance to show a lot of improvement as well.

If the competition were for the 2nd WR spot then I might go with Harris, but for the 3rd WR (who, if Austin and Bryant are healthy, will only come in to stretch the field or make some plays one on one) then I'll go with Williams. Don't forget they had him as an early 2nd rounder and one of those reasons was that he was ready to produce. Gordon and Wright produced soon as they got on the field in similar capacities.

I think it would take injuries to see that oline. I jsut don't think that they will go with three guys with a total of 3 starts between them. I don't know though. Garrett seems intent on the youth movement but Jones has been in win now mode for decades. Will certainly be interesting.

 

[brymatt94]

I think Fredrick is set as the starting center.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

QB3: None the candidates Stephens et al were inaccurate and in this offense its an extra big no-no.

WR3: Harris beats out Williams. WR learning curve is too steep and Harris has two years experience.

WR5: Coale. This is a shot in the dark but he by far has the best size and athleticism. Could be Beasley for his slot production but I am going to go with Coale because his commitment has never been a question mark.

RB3: Dunbar. Dunbar plays ST and plays it well. That gets him the nod. Lawrence is explosive and could force the issue especially if he can contribute on teams. His size makes me doubt that though.

TE2: Hanna. Two reasons. First he provides a vertical dimension that none of the other candidates do. Vela has provided some very compelling evidence that Witten's effectiveness upfield is eroding but I think some of that may be due to the spleen effecting him in the first games of the year.

TE4/FB: Rosario. Rosario plays special teams is the primary reason but I have doubts about Vickers ability to block. Much of that maybe due to very poor run blocking up front. This will be a good battle.

RT: Free. I know that this is not going to be a popular pick but I think Free will play much better this season. He finally bought into the techniques at the end of last season and his play improved. I think with a full offseason working on the right things will make a big difference. If he can use his feet better I think he will be better. Parnell may well have that breakthrough and that would be great. Either one can be the swing tackle.

C: Costa. If you want the best 5 guys on the field then Costa is going to be one of them. I buy into the second half of 2011 and his 3 games in 2012. I think that shows progression.

OG: Frederick and Bernadeau. Livings got worse as the season went on and Bernadeau got better. Leary might go to RG if he plays well but given a tie I see the vet getting the nod.

OG3/4/5: Leary Killer and Arkin. Cook isn't going to get better and he isn't very good. Arkin is someone's pet cat and I think he will be getting a chance to improve. If he is abysmal in PS then Cook makes it. I still think if Costa goes down then Fred kicks in making Cook redundant.

DL: DL is set in my mind. Spencer Ratliff Hatcher Ware Crawford Hayden Bass Wilber. Lets just hope they can stay healthy.

LB4/5/6: Albright Holloman Magee. Really should be a question of McSurdy Sims or Magee for the last spot. Sims is a concussion risk and marginal. I have gotten the impression that McSurdy is a meow meow but with the end of the depth chart I see going with upside.

S1/2: Church Johnson. Church got the contract and Johnson is healthy and I really think he is going to be good. Athletic physical and a nose for the ball. Wilcox isn't going to make a push this early and Allen is a great backup and a so-so starter. Both those guys obviously make the team.

CB5/S5: Moore. He contributes on teams and can make plays in a pinch. McCray is an excellent ST guys but he is too small to play LB and too slow to play on the backend.

So what you say Zoners? Where am I wrong? Who am I missing?

Like +1!

It's Romo/Orton or bust, yep.

2013 Harris > WIlliams, check.

Coale over Beasley unpopular but more practical, with upside.

Dunbar has the pure athletic skills but Lawrence the natural running ability, ala' Emmitt Smith take the pure runner. Prior is a Great camp battle; as is Rosario vs Vickers, very interesting both scheme and cap is in question when determining keeper status.

Escobar and Hanna see about the same snaps starting out.

You got it, Free over Parnell, at least to start the season.

Costa is a backup plan waiting to happen.Livings the starting Guard , looks like Leary on the other side, but I still like Kowlaski to fit in the mix.

Lisemore should make the squad, Albright can play DE, Bass is a 1/2 a step away from breaking out.

Ware and Spencer will be Freaks in the 4/3. While Cowboys need better depth at LB, thie starters are off the chart.

Safety is shaky Corner is solid, if Wilcox and Johnson could break out it would change everything.

Thanks gin' FuzzLump

 

[gimmesix]

I hope Harris gets a fair shot. Williams draft status may give him the edge though.....but I hope not

I think we'll see a fair amount of both.

 

[CoCo]

Maybe its just annual TC excitement but it seems like we have some fun battles emerging. More young depth that we hope emerges.

Harris & Williams - I think Williams inexperience will give Harris playing time initially. But I think they'll both play.
Beasley & Coale - Love the underdog story but Beasley's physical limitations will always leave him vulnerable. Its up to Coale to show his upside. I'll play it conservative and say it remains Beasley.
Dunbar & Lawrence - Not excited about either frankly. Stick with the incumbent.
Hanna & Escobar - Like Harris & Williams both will get their PT. But make mine Hanna.
Rosario & Vickers - I see Vickers having almost no shot whatsoever. Cap savings opportunity.
Free & Parnell - Free as the heavy favorite IMO. In part because of knowing what you get (insert bile here). I want stability at tackle so we can take some upside risk inside.
Leary, Costa & Fred - These are the three I have the most hope in. They would likely have growing pains early before finding a groove. What I do not want is a revolving door. I think the more likely group is Leary, Fred & Bern. If Livings is going to struggle physically what is the point. Keep the youth. Not convinced yet that Arkin is done. Hoping Kowalski shows well. Cook has no upside. I think we'll have enough versatility without him.
D-Line - Obviously all the vets make it. Fingers crossed on Ratliff's durability. Wilbur & Bass stay. Hayden, if he shows.
LB - I'll agree on Albright Holloman & Magee. Durrant/Albright gives us the luxury of letting the two rookies develop.
S - Church obviously a lock to start. Frankly, I hope Johnson, Wilcox, Hamilton push Allen & McCray off the roster. But I suspect Hamilton will end up PS and Allen stays. McCray's only shot IMO is if Johnson or Wilcox really bomb. I'll be very disappointed if Allen starts all year but I fear that Johnson/Wilcox will not be quite ready for prime-time early.
Moore as 5th CB is a lock - I hope
The real drama remains O-line and the development race at Safety.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

QB3: None the candidates Stephens et al were inaccurate and in this offense its an extra big no-no.

WR3: Harris beats out Williams. WR learning curve is too steep and Harris has two years experience.

I agree, but trend I like to see is williams getting more playing time and making more plays as the year goes on. he has natural ability, but learning curve for most WRs in the league is about 3 years. he needs to let his ability to take over and for coaches to put him in situations and routes that maximize that this year.

WR5: Coale. This is a shot in the dark but he by far has the best size and athleticism. Could be Beasley for his slot production but I am going to go with Coale because his commitment has never been a question mark.

I think we end up keeping 6 WRs, so there is a battle between Coale, Beasly, Armstrong for the last two spots. I wouldn't be surprised that coale doesn't make it.

RB3: Dunbar. Dunbar plays ST and plays it well. That gets him the nod. Lawrence is explosive and could force the issue especially if he can contribute on teams. His size makes me doubt that though.

everyone says we keep 4 RBs, but I doubt it. why? I think dunbar brings another element that Murray and Randle don't have and its a change of pace.

TE2: Hanna. Two reasons. First he provides a vertical dimension that none of the other candidates do. Vela has provided some very compelling evidence that Witten's effectiveness upfield is eroding but I think some of that may be due to the spleen effecting him in the first games of the year.

I agree, hanna will win the #2, but I look for escobar to have more TDs but less yards, as he will be an end zone target. witten is a wiley veteran. look for him to have a bounce back year, if having caught over 90 passes again and beating that is a bounce back

TE4/FB: Rosario. Rosario plays special teams is the primary reason but I have doubts about Vickers ability to block. Much of that maybe due to very poor run blocking up front. This will be a good battle.

I am on the fence on rosario as he doesn't bring to the table anything different than hanna, witten and escobar. I like to keep a blocking TE instead. how often will the 4th TE see game time? how many plays? so lets have something different.

RT: Free. I know that this is not going to be a popular pick but I think Free will play much better this season. He finally bought into the techniques at the end of last season and his play improved. I think with a full offseason working on the right things will make a big difference. If he can use his feet better I think he will be better. Parnell may well have that breakthrough and that would be great. Either one can be the swing tackle.

C: Costa. If you want the best 5 guys on the field then Costa is going to be one of them. I buy into the second half of 2011 and his 3 games in 2012. I think that shows progression.

OG: Frederick and Bernadeau. Livings got worse as the season went on and Bernadeau got better. Leary might go to RG if he plays well but given a tie I see the vet getting the nod.

I think Livings will start and benadeau was very inconsistent. I didn't see the same thing as you did. I think Fredrick is the starting center, and leary another staring guard.

OG3/4/5: Leary Killer and Arkin. Cook isn't going to get better and he isn't very good. Arkin is someone's pet cat and I think he will be getting a chance to improve. If he is abysmal in PS then Cook makes it. I still think if Costa goes down then Fred kicks in making Cook redundant.

DL: DL is set in my mind. Spencer Ratliff Hatcher Ware Crawford Hayden Bass Wilber. Lets just hope they can stay healthy.

LB4/5/6: Albright Holloman Magee. Really should be a question of McSurdy Sims or Magee for the last spot. Sims is a concussion risk and marginal. I have gotten the impression that McSurdy is a meow meow but with the end of the depth chart I see going with upside.

S1/2: Church Johnson. Church got the contract and Johnson is healthy and I really think he is going to be good. Athletic physical and a nose for the ball. Wilcox isn't going to make a push this early and Allen is a great backup and a so-so starter. Both those guys obviously make the team.

CB5/S5: Moore. He contributes on teams and can make plays in a pinch. McCray is an excellent ST guys but he is too small to play LB and too slow to play on the backend.

So what you say Zoners? Where am I wrong? Who am I missing?

i think the battle to watch in pre-season is johnson vs. allen vs. wilcox. allen is veteran and knows the system, but he is older and less athletic. if johnson and wilcox pick up their game and learn quickly, I look for johnson to be the starter, wilcox the back up and perhaps by mid year wilcox getting more playing time.

 

[xwalker]

.....

QB3: None the candidates Stephens et al were inaccurate and in this offense its an extra big no-no.
Agree.

WR3: Harris beats out Williams. WR learning curve is too steep and Harris has two years experience.
Both will play. It will be somewhat situational/matchup dependent.

WR5: Coale. This is a shot in the dark but he by far has the best size and athleticism. Could be Beasley for his slot production but I am going to go with Coale because his commitment has never been a question mark.
It's going to be difficult for Coale because he is still recovering from the ACL injury. I don't think he practiced in the OTAs/mini-camp.

RB3: Dunbar. Dunbar plays ST and plays it well. That gets him the nod. Lawrence is explosive and could force the issue especially if he can contribute on teams. His size makes me doubt that though.
I think Dunbar and Randle might share RB2 duties. They should be able to slide Lawrence to the Practice Squad. He was available for all teams as a UDFA and didn't get a significant bonus. Tanner is reported to have completely reshaped his body and improved his speed. Keeping 4 RBs is not out of the question.

TE2: Hanna. Two reasons. First he provides a vertical dimension that none of the other candidates do. Vela has provided some very compelling evidence that Witten's effectiveness upfield is eroding but I think some of that may be due to the spleen effecting him in the first games of the year.
Both will play. It will be somewhat situational/matchup dependent.

TE4/FB: Rosario. Rosario plays special teams is the primary reason but I have doubts about Vickers ability to block. Much of that maybe due to very poor run blocking up front. This will be a good battle.
Agree, no FB. Probably on Rosario, although they could cut him and re-sign him after a game or two when a roster spot inevitably opens up.

RT: Free. I know that this is not going to be a popular pick but I think Free will play much better this season. He finally bought into the techniques at the end of last season and his play improved. I think with a full offseason working on the right things will make a big difference. If he can use his feet better I think he will be better. Parnell may well have that breakthrough and that would be great. Either one can be the swing tackle.
I think they might start the season with Free and Parnell rotating.

C: Costa. If you want the best 5 guys on the field then Costa is going to be one of them. I buy into the second half of 2011 and his 3 games in 2012. I think that shows progression.
Yes, this could happen. I know all of Frederick's snaps in OTAs/mini-camp were at Center; however, historically, the 2nd week of training camp is when the depth chart and positions start to resemble the final roster.

OG: Frederick and Bernadeau. Livings got worse as the season went on and Bernadeau got better. Leary might go to RG if he plays well but given a tie I see the vet getting the nod.
Yes, this could happen. I have a feeling that Garrett will want to get Costa into the starting lineup either at OC or OG. I'm curious to see Costa at OG also. I don't really buy into the concept that he is too small for OG.

OG3/4/5: Leary Killer and Arkin. Cook isn't going to get better and he isn't very good. Arkin is someone's pet cat and I think he will be getting a chance to improve. If he is abysmal in PS then Cook makes it. I still think if Costa goes down then Fred kicks in making Cook redundant.
I see 6 interior guys. Bern, Livings, Frederick, Costa, Leary and Kowalski; although, Arkin does appear to be somebody's pet cat. They've only carried 3 OT the past few years but I expect Weems to make it as the 4th guy this year.

DL: DL is set in my mind. Spencer Ratliff Hatcher Ware Crawford Hayden Bass Wilber. Lets just hope they can stay healthy.
Lissemore over Hayden if they keep 8. Hayden is the top candidate for a possible 9th spot although Sheffield could make a push for that spot also. Hayden and Sheffield are both in that category of players that would probably remain available to re-sign after a game or two if they don't make the initial cut.

LB4/5/6: Albright Holloman Magee. Really should be a question of McSurdy Sims or Magee for the last spot. Sims is a concussion risk and marginal. I have gotten the impression that McSurdy is a meow meow but with the end of the depth chart I see going with upside.
Yes. If they keep 7, then it's between Sims and McSurdy. They could probably cut Sims and bring him back after a game or two. They could probably slide McSurdy to the practice squad. I thought that Sims was really good considering the situation last year and he is still only 28; however, the concussion issue is a significant problem.

S1/2: Church Johnson. Church got the contract and Johnson is healthy and I really think he is going to be good. Athletic physical and a nose for the ball. Wilcox isn't going to make a push this early and Allen is a great backup and a so-so starter. Both those guys obviously make the team.
Church definite. I would put Johnson in the lead for the 2nd spot, but I really have no idea. I think Wilcox is a starter by next year and is not completely out of the question to play this year. Allen might be the starter for game 1 just due to experience.

CB5/S5: Moore. He contributes on teams and can make plays in a pinch. McCray is an excellent ST guys but he is too small to play LB and too slow to play on the backend.
Yes on Moore. Hopefully, Hamilton makes it over McCray as the 5th Safety.

So what you say Zoners? Where am I wrong? Who am I missing?

 

[jaybird]

I like Harris but Williams offers too much in the vertical game. Harris will focus on STs, I'm thinking.

true this, Harris will see the field with rugalarity early on. look for Williams to make a push late.

 

[Doomsday101]

I look forward to seeing players getting out there and fighting for jobs. Honestly not pulling for one more than the other after all right now they are all Dallas Cowboys and I hope they push each other so that we can come up with the best 53 possible. There are some players especially the rookies whom I'm interesting in seeing but when all is said and done I just want the best team we can put together.

 

[Future]

I think they'll both have a role. Or they should as long as the team doesn't get too cute trying to force the two TE thing.

Yea. One thing people arent really talking about that much is that they essentially play two different positions. Williams plays outside, and Harris is better in the slot I think. So the packages will dictate who is on the field more than the depth chart necessarily will.

 

[Ultimategamer5567]

QB3: None. WR3: Harris; Williams will need time to develop while Harris flashed some nice play last year. WR5: Beasley; I don't buy into Coale staying healthy during TC. RB3: Dunbar; he's the only RB on the roster besides Murray and Randle I think can be productive. TE2: Honestly, I have no clue here. Hanna may well be a star in this league; he has the speed and size to be a mismatch nightmare. But Escobar is a second-round pick with high expectations. We shall see. TE4/FB: Rosario. I think Vickers is done as a Cowboy. RT: Parnell; Free's weaknesses have been brutally exposed and I do not see him making a "comeback". Parnell is still green and has some deep potential to get better. C: Frederick; He's both smart, talented and very strong. All things you want in a center. Costa will likely be his primary back-up. OG: Livings and Leary: Leary's one of my pet cats and if reports are correct his issues last year were mental and he has improved in that area and already has the physical side of an NFL starter, while our running game IIRC was much better on the left side with Livings who is in my opinion a better player than Bernadeau, OG3/4/5: Costa, Kowalski and Cook. DL: DE: Spencer and Ware. DT: Hatcher and Ratliff. Backups: DE Crawford and Wilber; DT: Lissemore and Bass. I think if healthy we can have a decent rotation and from what we've heard Crawford sounds like the real deal. If he can play well as a rotation man and Lissemore stays healthy, I expect around 40-45 sacks and a much better pass rush. LB4/5/6: Durant, Holloman and Sims: My starters are Albright-Lee-Carter. S1/2 Church and Wilcox: The Church music will sing and hopefully he can stay healthy, because we need him. And Wilcox... I... just... have... a... feeling. CB5/S5: Moore. This guy is SOLID depth.