What do the Cowboys NEED?

[robert70x7]

There are some question marks moving forward trying to figure out what the Cowboys need through free agency and the draft. I was looking at the roster today and realized if the popular cuts happen, then we will be down to 36 players under contract for 2012 heading into free agency. We'll have to replace 17 players through FA, and it'll be interesting how we spread the ca room out over those 17 players. Here's what I have:

Release:
Jon Kitna (void)
Kyle Kosier
Keith Brooking
Terrance Newman
Kai Forbath

Question Mark:
David Buehler - Bailey wasn't nearly as good on kickoffs this year, which is the only reason why I see Buehler coming back.

With those cuts, here's the roster breakdown:

QB: Romo, McGee (2)
RB: Jones, Murray, Tanner (3)
FB: Phillips? (0.5)
WR: Austin, Bryant, Harris, Radway (4)
TE: Witten, Phillips (1.5)
OT: Smith, Free (2)
OG: Arkin, Nagy (2)
OC: Costa, Kowalski (2)
DE: Spears, Coleman, Hatcher (3)
DT: Ratliff, Lissemore, Brent (3)
OLB: Ware, Butler, Albright (3)
ILB: Lee, Carter (2)
CB: Jenkins, Scandrick (2)
S: Sensabaugh, Church, McCray (3)
K: Bailey, Buehler (2)
P: (0)
LS: Ladoucer (1)

There are some obvious voids here and I wanted to start a discussion about how the roster will/should shape up with the potential of young guys stepping up, and us not being able to afford luxury players (Buehler) if we have to make a big free agent splash.

Needs

• True FB
• 3rd WR
• 3rd TE/H-Back/ST
• #1 Caliber OG
• Starting OC
• Back up OL (x2)
• Pass rushing DE/OLB (x2)
• A Bulldozer at NT
• Nickel LB/ST (x2)***
• #1 or #2 CB
• Nickel CB
• CB/ST
• Starting FS
• P

*** This is based on a depth chart with 2 QBs, if 3 QBs needed, replace.

Would you replace anything on this list, if so what? When I was putting together mock drafts, I found myself not addressing all the needs of the team and I want this to give a clearer picture at what exactly we need.

 

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

A legit #2 corner, a pass rusher opposite Ware, a safety, a center, and a guard.

 

[burmafrd]

A legit #2 corner, a pass rusher opposite Ware, a safety, a center, and a guard.

sounds about right; though I would frankly look hard at getting another guard in the draft. If we get Nicks or one in FA.

 

[robert70x7]

sounds about right; though I would frankly look hard at getting another guard in the draft. If we get Nicks or one in FA.

I'm looking big picture (53 man roster). I'm with the masses in that DeCastro will be our pick at 14 and I am hoping Holland can come back from his injury! Offensive line depth is definitely an issue and with them being so young, it makes me wonder if we keep Kosier.

 

[cbow44]

Defense, defense and more defense. This current group has quit on 2 differnt, highly regarded DC's.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Defense, defense and more defense. This current group has quit on 2 differnt, highly regarded DC's.

I think there was one individual (Newman) who quit.

But I can't say that for the entire defense. I think that's an over-statement.

This year's version played much better than last year.

However there is room for improvement.

Keep in mind that the offense had 5 rushing TDs... total.

There's are more than defensive issues with this squad.

 

[cbow44]

I think there was one individual (Newman) who quit.

But I can't say that for the entire defense. I think that's an over-statement.

This year's version played much better than last year.

However there is room for improvement.

Keep in mind that the offense had 5 rushing TDs... total.

There's are more than defensive issues with this squad.[/quo

Not counting Ware, how many sacks did this defense have. Either they quit or their just not very good. And how many interceptions not counting Newman's. The longer the season went the worse it got.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Not counting Ware, how many sacks did this defense have. Either they quit or their just not very good. And how many interceptions not counting Newman's. The longer the season went the worse it got.

I think playing the "Well don't count Ware" isn't reasonable. I mean how good is any defense if you take away their best player?

Regardless the team was 7th in sacks which hardly sucks.

Am I happy with the pass defense? Nope. 23rd ranked pass defense isn't good.

What's more disappointing– the 23rd ranked pass defense or an offense that only had 5 rushing TD's?

I think both are pretty bad.

If the best player availabe at #14 is DeCastro, then he has to be the pick.

 

[cbow44]

I think playing the "Well don't count Ware" isn't reasonable. I mean how good is any defense if you take away their best player?

Regardless the team was 7th in sacks which hardly sucks.

Am I happy with the pass defense? Nope. 23rd ranked pass defense isn't good.

What's more disappointing– the 23rd ranked pass defense or an offense that only had 5 rushing TD's?

I think both are pretty bad.

If the best player availabe at #14 is DeCastro, then he has to be the pick.

So we get rid of Newman and we will be fine? Thats just ridiculous. All I'm saying is the defense is in worse shape than the offense by a large margin. And if the best player available is a defensive player he has to be the pick.

 

[robert70x7]

So we get rid of Newman and we will be fine? Thats just ridiculous. All I'm saying is the defense is in worse shape than the offense by a large margin. And if the best player available is a defensive player he has to be the pick.

You would be hard pressed to name a cornerback off the top of your head that was worse than Terence Newman last year. He has got to go, it will open up cap room for us next year to address a free agent corner (Carr, Grimes, Finnegan.)