What Improvements needed for 07?

[sago1]

Here's Raphael Vela article off his blog about what we need do in 07. The question at this point is how long can we wait for Watkins to develop; he has the tools but needs really show something this year or we in a quandry whether to use first day pick on FS position.

Disagree with any idea that we won't be able resign Gurode. Gurode has played well and will get offers but hopefully nothing like Bentley. We've get 2 big ticket OL players (Adams & Riveria) and should be able afford keep Gurode. Jones will do the necessary and not let him see the lite of FA.

Also I think Colombo doing a really solid job and hope he continues improve. Unless we hear to the contrary, I want Cowboys to resign him; he warrants starting RT money but nothing spectacular and think he really wants still here with the team who give him the real chance to come back when nobody else would do so.

Also Vela doesn't address need for OLB QB pressure no mention possibility we need upgrade at RB position (JJones not Barber).

Anyway, hope you find below interesting:

A Peek At ‘07 By Rafael Vela 117 Comments
The ‘06 Cowboys continue to amaze. The youngsters are gelling. Tony Romo is a revelation. The offensive line has held together.
That said, they’re far from perfect. In the salary cap era, nobody gets close. Free agency wears at a team’s foundation every spring and if you can’t stay ahead of the inevitable damage, you will fall quickly. Ask Pittsburgh.
With that in mind, here’s my list of what Dallas will need to take the next step in its development. I place needs in three categories:
I. Definite:
1. Free Safety — A very good source sent me a report on the Giants game. Of Jeremy Shockey’s TD catch it read, “Dallas doesn’t have a safety who can cover.” If Dallas had a Darren Woodson type at FS, this defense would be sick. I think this will be Dallas’ target position in round one.
2. Center — Al Johnson won’t be back. The two OL free agents brought in last week will try out as C. The Cowboys want Andre Gurode back, but what if somebody makes him a crazy offer in FA? You saw what kind of money LeCharles Bentley got from Cleveland last year. This position could go from strength to a gaping hole overnight.
3. Nose Tackle– Jason Ferguson is over 30. Who backs him up at this key position?
II. Likely, but not definite:
4. Right Tackle — Marc Colombo is solid, but unspectacular. How long will his rebuilt knee last?
5. Cornerback — How long can Aaron Glenn keep up his level of play? He’s 34. And how much confidence does Dallas have in Jacques Reeves?
6. Quarterback — Will Drew Bledsoe remain as a backup? If he doesn’t, Dallas will go shopping for a veteran in free agency. They’ll likely spend a second day pick on a young backup as well.
III. Maybes. Almost certain in the next year or two, but maybe not this coming April
7. Outside Linebacker — Will Greg Ellis come back and can he still play? Will one of the Kevin Burnett/Bobby Carpenter pair step forward?
8. Wide Receiver — Age dictates this need will be filled sooner or later. Terry Glenn is 32 and Terrell Owens will turn 33 on Thursday. A lot will depend on whether Jerry Jones re-ups T.O. in the offseason.

 

[Cowboy4ever]

Here's Raphael Vela article off his blog about what we need do in 07. The question at this point is how long can we wait for Watkins to develop; he has the tools but needs really show something this year or we in a quandry whether to use first day pick on FS position.

Disagree with any idea that we won't be able resign Gurode. Gurode has played well and will get offers but hopefully nothing like Bentley. We've get 2 big ticket OL players (Adams & Riveria) and should be able afford keep Gurode. Jones will do the necessary and not let him see the lite of FA.

Also I think Colombo doing a really solid job and hope he continues improve. Unless we hear to the contrary, I want Cowboys to resign him; he warrants starting RT money but nothing spectacular and think he really wants still here with the team who give him the real chance to come back when nobody else would do so.

Also Vela doesn't address need for OLB QB pressure no mention possibility we need upgrade at RB position (JJones not Barber).

Anyway, hope you find below interesting:

A Peek At ‘07 By Rafael Vela 117 Comments
The ‘06 Cowboys continue to amaze. The youngsters are gelling. Tony Romo is a revelation. The offensive line has held together.
That said, they’re far from perfect. In the salary cap era, nobody gets close. Free agency wears at a team’s foundation every spring and if you can’t stay ahead of the inevitable damage, you will fall quickly. Ask Pittsburgh.
With that in mind, here’s my list of what Dallas will need to take the next step in its development. I place needs in three categories:
I. Definite:
1. Free Safety — A very good source sent me a report on the Giants game. Of Jeremy Shockey’s TD catch it read, “Dallas doesn’t have a safety who can cover.” If Dallas had a Darren Woodson type at FS, this defense would be sick. I think this will be Dallas’ target position in round one.
2. Center — Al Johnson won’t be back. The two OL free agents brought in last week will try out as C. The Cowboys want Andre Gurode back, but what if somebody makes him a crazy offer in FA? You saw what kind of money LeCharles Bentley got from Cleveland last year. This position could go from strength to a gaping hole overnight.
3. Nose Tackle– Jason Ferguson is over 30. Who backs him up at this key position?
II. Likely, but not definite:
4. Right Tackle — Marc Colombo is solid, but unspectacular. How long will his rebuilt knee last?
5. Cornerback — How long can Aaron Glenn keep up his level of play? He’s 34. And how much confidence does Dallas have in Jacques Reeves?
6. Quarterback — Will Drew Bledsoe remain as a backup? If he doesn’t, Dallas will go shopping for a veteran in free agency. They’ll likely spend a second day pick on a young backup as well.
III. Maybes. Almost certain in the next year or two, but maybe not this coming April
7. Outside Linebacker — Will Greg Ellis come back and can he still play? Will one of the Kevin Burnett/Bobby Carpenter pair step forward?
8. Wide Receiver — Age dictates this need will be filled sooner or later. Terry Glenn is 32 and Terrell Owens will turn 33 on Thursday. A lot will depend on whether Jerry Jones re-ups T.O. in the offseason.

It would shock me to see Dallas go FS in the 1st next year. I can see CB in the 1st, but I don't think they will give up on Watkins just yet. I think we will go OL in round 1 or 2,, Not sure we draft a WR this year,, where would he go on the Roster,, do you want to get rid of prospects like Austin and Hurd?.. QB on second day, depending on how Baker is developing, we might have the young Qb to groom on the roster already.

This is the best draft position we have been in a lot of years,, we can truely go BPA, as we don't have any glaring holes,, really can draft good prospects and develop them now. BP has done a great job building this team!

 

[YosemiteSam]

A lot will depend on whether Jerry Jones re-ups T.O. in the offseason.

eh? He has a 3 year deal. What do you mean "re-ups" TO? The only thing he can do is cut him and eat the money as they did with VanderCrap.

 

[dfense]

Wow, sounds like the whole team needs replacing. How about 1) Pass rushing LB to compliment Ware. 2) NT depth, a big fat body. 3) Oline depth.

 

[ghst187]

It will go a LONG way if McQ and Proctor are keepers with starting potential at LT and RG. Rivera needs replaced in the offseason or better yet, unseated.
Gurode must be an offseason priority for sure. He has been very good.
I don't know what Colombo's status is but we have to keep that guy. He is getting "nasty".
It sounds like BP likes McQ and Proctor enough to think they will take over as starters at some point in the future. If so, we don't need to break the bank (even though I'd love to pick up Steinbach) or use a high draft pick on an OL, and that is HUGE to free us up in other areas.

I think Watkins gets another year to develop so I doubt a FS will be drafted. Perhaps a cheap vet is signed again. I think Watkins will come around.
IF we don't have to go to great lengths to upgrade the OL next offseason...
the top positions for help are:
1) passrusher, another demarcus Ware would be GREAT. Adalius Thomas would be a catalytic offseason signing, but pricey. Lamar Woodley or Moses are good draft picks but would require moving up.
2) WR, TO and TG are old, Crayton will always be a #3. Hurd and Austin are probably never going to be top flight guys. Going after a WR on day one of the draft is VERY warranted IMO. I'm all for moving up to get Calvin J or Dwayne Jarrett. Both are flat out unstoppable with ridiculous hands.
3) CB, I like Aaron Ross personally. I think he'll be a little under the radar like Vasher was but could be just like Vasher in his development. Plus, he returns punts. I love Aaron Glenn, but the dude is old. Reeves is okay too, but you just can't have too many starting caliber CBs, plus I'm starting to wonder if Glenn shouldn't replace Henry at CB and Henry move to FS.
4) RB?? I'm not sure if JJ gives us anything that Tyson Thompson doesn't honestly. I've resolved that JJ is what he is...a guy that will reliably underwhelm but have enough flashy games to tease you, just like his brother. There are always good RBs that fall in the draft. Maybe we make a move at this position, maybe we don't. It could use an upgrade though if someone falls into our lap.
5) NT, Fergi can probably play a few more years. Can Stanley turn into our guy? Alan Branch (Michigan) is a BEAST but will require a top 15 draft pick.
6) Backup QB, should be a guy that could use a few years to develop. I think a draft pick is warranted or a unheralded FA or UDFA signing. We have to find someone that is closer to Romo's style than Bledsoe's. My pick is Kolb out of Houston if he lasts to the second or third round of the draft, which he probably won't. I would consider Jordan Palmer on day 2 too.
7) K...?? Will Grammatica continue being reliable? If he doesn't, the guy from UCLA is awesome and will be the #2 kicker taken, which could mean he'll land in the later rounds of draft day 2. I remember us passing on Josh Brown, he sure has proven his worth as 6th round status for Seattle.

We should have money to sign a few guys if we so choose. My top two FA targets are OG Steinbach and LB Adalius Thomas. I think we'll have enough money to sign one of them if we want and they get away from their current teams. If we don't feel like we need a large upgrade on the OL and our young guys can play, then Steinbach would probably be overkill and finding a dynamic defensive player like Thomas would prove its worth. The combo of Ware, Roy, and Thomas wrecking havoc on offenses has a salivating effect.

We really don't have a lot of needs, but I look for us to continue our current path of signing quality, lower priced FAs and going BPA in the draft. It has worked out well for us so far.

 

[EndGame]

While I think with time Watkins will work out, I could see Dallas trying to sign a middle to top FS in free agency, and then targetting a nose tackle in the first round of the draft. NT is the type of position you pick in the first round ... not FS.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

As always, he gives some interesting thoughts!

 

[Portland Fanatic]

3) CB, I like Aaron Ross personally. I think he'll be a little under the radar like Vasher was but could be just like Vasher in his development. Plus, he returns punts. I love Aaron Glenn, but the dude is old. Reeves is okay too, but you just can't have too many starting caliber CBs, plus I'm starting to wonder if Glenn shouldn't replace Henry at CB and Henry move to FS.
.

I don't think for this year, but I really think Henry could be a top FS in the league starting next year...then draft a top CB.

Henry is solid at CB, but would be that much better at FS...

 

[DasTex]

eh? He has a 3 year deal. What do you mean "re-ups" TO? The only thing he can do is cut him and eat the money as they did with VanderCrap.

His contract is basically three 1 yr. contracts. We could release him at the end of the season and not really face any major set backs on the cap.

 

[FLcowboy]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the need for a running back. I'm having serious doubts about Jones. He is not the producer everyone thought he would be going down the stretch.

 

[ghst187]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the need for a running back. I'm having serious doubts about Jones. He is not the producer everyone thought he would be going down the stretch.

you didn't read my post I guess....

 

[Bryan8284]

I think NT can be found anywhere in the draft.

Though a guy like Ngata shows first round talent is first round talent.

Ferguson was a 7th, never know.

WR, yes to a guy, but he wouldn't see the field. Owens-Glenn-Crayton, the new guy would be a backup to Glenn I'm sure like Hurd and Austin are fighting over.

RB? Can't say no to Adrian Peterson or someone solid. Poor JJ shows a lot of promise and has seemingly hit a wall, most of the time hitting his own blockers.

FS, I like Watkins, but Landry in the draft would be nice, though I'd prefer a vet to give Watkins time.

OL - a tackle in the first or 2nd, sign Dielman or Steinbach to replace Rivera, then resign Gurode and Columbo if possible.

Hopefully McQ or Proctor or these new guys can step up and save us money and the draft pick, even better.

CB - Glenn wants to play until he's 40 he said, I'd keep him until he slows down which doesn't seem it is starting yet.

Draft a CB to move Henry to FS? A lot of risk if the draftee doesn't get his game up fast.

 

[BLT]

how was kicker not on his list? gramatica made 2 FGs and now hes the answer? we still need to take care of it

 

[j_welcome]

1) Free Safety - It is too soon to give up on Watkins. He is just a rookie, and will definitely get better. Having a 6'5 safety with his speed and tackling ability will be beneficial for years to come. If he can get better in coverage, we can use him to defend on goal line loft passes to the back of the end zone.
2) DT - Ferguson is getting up there in age, true. I do not know that we spend too much on this position either. Years ago, Ferguson was a very low draft pick, must the same as Stanley was last year. Give Stanley a chance to develop another year and come back then.
3) CB - I was wondering too how much longer Glenn would last. He is no spring chicken. I think we get at least another year or two out of him. I wouldn't want DAL to bring in someone high dollar, as he is the #3 CB.
4) T - Our issues on the line are not in our Tackle positions. You ask how long Columbo can he last, I ask how much better is he going to get. He hasn't played much in the last couple years. Flozell is still a very good tackle, it just takes time for big men to come back from knee injuries.
5) LB - We have so much depth at LB, it would be foolish to pay more money in that position. If Ellis can't return and Carpenter/Singleton don't pan out, we still have Burnett we can move to the other side. Too much depth here to draft/sign someone.

Unless we win the Superbowl and have the #32 pick. I would like to see us trade out of the first round. This would get us a pick in 2008 that will be more useful to us. Our biggest weaknesses coming up are in the OG/WR/QB.

OG - Rivera is getting older and is nowhere near what he was with the Packers. This position should be our top pick. I do not think that OG warrants a 1st round draft pick, so we could drop to the 2nd round and take the best available.
WR - Glenn/Owens are getting old, but easily have two years left in them. We also still have Crayton. Do not waste draft pick here this year, instead take the extra 1st rounder in 2008 and get a stud WR for Glenn/Owens to groom their final year.
QB - Bledsoe will be gone, but there will be plenty of other guys out there (Plummer, Leftwich, etc...) looking for a job that can be signed for pretty cheap. They are backups, so they don't have to be the best players. They just have to get in and contribute.

 

[SDogo]

With a team like Dallas has I'm a huge fan of taking the best avaliable player approach regardless of position.

 

[1fisher]

how was kicker not on his list? gramatica made 2 FGs and now hes the answer? we still need to take care of it

thought he was 3 of 4 with the GAME WINNER?

 

[j_welcome]

Gramatica is probably not the long term answer. It would be great if he was though. As we saw last year, we shouldn't throw money at kickers. There are only a couple we should throw money at (Viniteiri, Gould), and I don't see them being FA.

 

[Cowboy4ever]

thought he was 3 of 4 with the GAME WINNER?

Not to mention a Pro Bowl kicker before he was injuried. IF he returns to form.. he would def be the answer for a few more years.

 

[ZeroClub]

Good thread. Lots of good thoughts.

If the OL seems well set (with McQuistan and Procter showing significant promise, Gurode and Columbo being re-signed), I'd be in favor of BPA with tie-breakers going in favor of NT, WR, a dynamic punt returner (who happens to play CB or WR), RB, and LB.

The Skyler Green experience hasn't happened. When you look at what Devin Hester has meant to the Bears, maybe he was worth a 2nd round pick after all. The Cowboys could use someone like that.

 

[Apollo Creed]

Are there any free agent Free Safeties out there for 07? I'd give up a number 1 and a starter to the Ravens for Ed Reed our secondary would be legendary.