What is this team's roster building philosophy for the draft and FA?

[Bobhaze]

One of the biggest problems this franchise has had for decades is mystifying to me: They don’t keep a roster building philosophy to build around very long on either side of the ball and seem very dependent on coordinators to influence the draft.

Looking at our roster - especially on defense - there are clearly multiple philosophical styles reflected in players drafted and acquired over the years, which may be one reason the defense has never been able to be consistently good, and the offense seems to morph back and forth between being built for a strong running game to being a pass first offense.

IMO, there are several reasons why we seemingly are rudderless on philosophy:

1. We’ve had 3 different defensive coordinators in 5 years since Rod Marinelli left in 2019. Thats Mike Nolan, Dan Quinn, and now Mike Zimmer. And we’ve drafted players for each of those coordinators’ philosophies. So going into this draft, are we seeking speed, quickness, and versatility on defense as Dan Quinn clearly wanted? Or Mike Zimmer’s bigger upfront approach? And what if Zimmer is here a year?
2. In the 8 years Dak has been here, he’s played for 3 different OCs including Scott Linehan, Kellen Moore and now Brian Schottenheimer who is essentially just the OC in name only for Big Mac. The offensive philosophy in 2016-19 was clearly built around having a big talented OL that could anchor a running game that helped the defense and the QB. Then Mike McCarthy came here and the offense became more pass first oriented. What are we building around. now?
3. As a side note, in the 24 seasons of the 21st century, the Cowboys have used a 4-3 defense (Campo years) followed by a 3-4 defense (Parcells, Wade years) followed by a return to the 4-3 since 2011. And have employed 7 different DCs in this century.

All the better organizations of the last 20-30 years have a philosophy to build their roster around, and they draft and acquire free agents accordingly. Pittsburgh for example has been committed to the 3-4 defense for four decades and they draft accordingly. They have a very clear philosophy. The ravens also have had a consistent 3-4 defensive philosophy for nearly 3 decades. Look at how the niners are built- they value physicality on both sides of the ball.

So what exactly is the Cowboys roster building philosophy now? I’m not sure any of us have a clear idea. But what’s worse, I’m not sure the guys named Jones who are making all the big decisions really know either.

If this team plans on keeping Dak, (and it appears they do) they better recognize they need a bigger, more physical front 7 on defense and better have an excellent running game to compete with the big boys in the playoffs. IMO, Dak is good enough with that kind of support for this team to do better in the playoffs. But if this FO thinks Dak is capable of carrying this team on the strength of his arm and talent alone, we are headed for another frustrating season.

And with all the coaching staff on expiring or one year contract deals, what if the staff is blown up in 2024? A whole new philosophy?

 

[foofighters]

Isn't it obvious? Jerry thinks he knows football but he doesn't. He's just running around yelling, "YEEHAW!"

 

[Bobhaze]

Without a roster building philosophy, this organization is playing fantasy football.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

One of the biggest problems this franchise has had for decades is mystifying to me: They don’t keep a roster building philosophy to build around very long on either side of the ball and seem very dependent on coordinators to influence the draft.

Looking at our roster - especially on defense - there are clearly multiple philosophical styles reflected in players drafted and acquired over the years, which may be one reason the defense has never been able to be consistently good, and the offense seems to morph back and forth between being built for a strong running game to being a pass first offense.

IMO, there are several reasons why we seemingly are rudderless on philosophy:

1. We’ve had 3 different defensive coordinators in 5 years since Rod Marinelli left in 2019. Thats Mike Nolan, Dan Quinn, and now Mike Zimmer. And we’ve drafted players for each of those coordinators’ philosophies. So going into this draft, are we seeking speed, quickness, and versatility on defense as Dan Quinn clearly wanted? Or Mike Zimmer’s bigger upfront approach? And what if Zimmer is here a year?
2. In the 8 years Dak has been here, he’s played for 3 different OCs including Scott Linehan, Kellen Moore and now Brian Schottenheimer who is essentially just the OC in name only for Big Mac. The offensive philosophy in 2016-19 was clearly built around having a big talented OL that could anchor a running game that helped the defense and the QB. Then Mike McCarthy came here and the offense became more pass first oriented. What are we building around. now?
3. As a side note, in the 24 seasons of the 21st century, the Cowboys have used a 4-3 defense (Campo years) followed by a 3-4 defense (Parcells, Wade years) followed by a return to the 4-3 since 2011. And have employed 7 different DCs in this century.

All the better organizations of the last 20-30 years have a philosophy to build their roster around, and they draft and acquire free agents accordingly. Pittsburgh for example has been committed to the 3-4 defense for four decades and they draft accordingly. They have a very clear philosophy. The ravens also have had a consistent 3-4 defensive philosophy for nearly 3 decades. Look at how the niners are built- they value physicality on both sides of the ball.

So what exactly is the Cowboys roster building philosophy now? I’m not sure any of us have a clear idea. But what’s worse, I’m not sure the guys named Jones who are making all the big decisions really know either.

If this team plans on keeping Dak, (and it appears they do) they better recognize they need a bigger, more physical front 7 on defense and better have an excellent running game to compete with the big boys in the playoffs. IMO, Dak is good enough with that kind of support for this team to do better in the playoffs. But if this FO thinks Dak is capable of carrying this team on the strength of his arm and talent alone, we are headed for another frustrating season.

And with all the coaching staff on expiring or one year contract deals, what if the staff is blown up in 2024? A whole new philosophy?

simple. the philosophy is what best fills the seats, helps jerseys fly off the rack. get us to playoffs. its year to year. not long term. it changes based on what happened the year before, what do I need to generate hope and sell tickets and maximize money

 

[Nova]

Without a roster building philosophy, this organization is playing fantasy football.

I wish they were playing fantasy football. At least we'd make some splash acquisitions.

These guys are just kind of coasting.

 

[StarLord]

I believe the philosophy is they are all in. But seriously, enjoyed your post.

 

[75boyz]

Whatever it is, I hope the draft philosophy sure improves over last year's epic fail.

 

[Bobhaze]

I wish they were playing fantasy football. At least we'd make some splash acquisitions.

These guys are just kind of coasting.

With no accountability for failure at the top of this franchise, where is urgency to win? I know JJ is nearly 82 but based on his comments and actions so far this off-season, it’s “business as usual”. And in some ways that approach is understandable because it has certainly worked monetarily for the Jones family regardless of playoff results.

 

[MarkP88]

Bob, you already know this, but they have no philosophy. There is zero understanding that in today's NFL, you need to be nimble and not rely on the outdated model of trying to keep a core of players together as long as possible. You just can't do that with the salary cap. You have to pick which positions, philosophically, are most important and those are the ones where if you have a great player, you keep him. Otherwise, be ready, willing, and able to let guys go. The fact that there is even a tiny bit of worry about losing guys like Biadisz or Armstrong tells it all. If you can't replace them, time to pack it in.

I'll even extend this into a bit of heresy and say they should be asking themselves if they need to spend $30 million a year on a WR who is very, very, very good but who isn't a guy who changes the game the minute he steps on the field, like Tyreek Hill. (To be clear, I'm not saying *don't* re-sign Lamb, but at least have a philosophy about team construction that dictates that yes, he should be re-signed.)

But this is all stuff we all know. I feel idiotic just typing it up. I guess I just like to vent.

 

[jujoboys]

I have a feeling that the free agent period is going to be about collecting comp picks for 2025. Stephen and Jerry are probably already calculating what the potential comp picks will be for the following. Going all in for comp picks:

Tyron Smith
Stephon Gilmore
Tyler Biadasz
Jayron Kearse
Jourdan Lewis
Tony Pollard
Dorrance Armstrong

 

[Bobhaze]

Bob, you already know this, but they have no philosophy. There is zero understanding that in today's NFL, you need to be nimble and not rely on the outdated model of trying to keep a core of players together as long as possible. You just can't do that with the salary cap. You have to pick which positions, philosophically, are most important and those are the ones where if you have a great player, you keep him. Otherwise, be ready, willing, and able to let guys go. The fact that there is even a tiny bit of worry about losing guys like Biadisz or Armstrong tells it all. If you can't replace them, time to pack it in.

I'll even extend this into a bit of heresy and say they should be asking themselves if they need to spend $30 million a year on a WR who is very, very, very good but who isn't a guy who changes the game the minute he steps on the field, like Tyreek Hill. (To be clear, I'm not saying *don't* re-sign Lamb, but at least have a philosophy about team construction that dictates that yes, he should be re-signed.)

But this is all stuff we all know. I feel idiotic just typing it up. I guess I just like to vent.

Good points! I’m like you in the thinking that having a $30 mil WR is crazy if having him doesn’t make you a tough out in the playoffs. Like you, I’m not saying don’t keep Lamb but I also believe keeping him doesn’t make us measureably better.

I‘m old school about football in this regard: The best teams still tend to be the ones who are the best at blocking and tackling. KC has the best QB by far but they also have a defense that can tackle in space as evidenced by their defense holding the ravens to 10 points (when Mahomes could only get 17) and the niners vaunted offense to 22. The niners have the most physical team in the league.

So IMO, the Cowboys need to get appreciably bigger and more physical on both sides of the ball.

 

[plasticman]

I think they will be looking for players who can contribute almost immediately. I get the feeling that Jerry is through building for the future. His mentality will be the future doesn't go past 2024.

I think they will be looking for heavy bodies up front for mostly rotational purposes. They will look for some "specialists" and special team contributors in the later rounds.

 

[Bobhaze]

I think they will be looking for players who can contribute almost immediately. I get the feeling that Jerry is through building for the future. His mentality will be the future doesn't go past 2024.

I think they will be looking for heavy bodies up front for mostly rotational purposes. They will look for some "specialists" and special team contributors in the later rounds.

I guess what frustrates me about how they draft is they seem to be all over the map on what they are looking for, and are extremely non-commital about anything.

 

[Coogiguy03]

I'm not sure what their plan is, they can't be blind and not see what we see as fans. I just think they feel they're doing the right thing, to other owners, they would never do the things our owners do

 

[Diehardblues]

Unfortunately as fans we just have to give it up. We of course can retain some hope but we can’t continue to look for change or sense of urgency when it’s not coming from the top.

We can still critique and provide all of our personal expertise in what our personnel needs are, decisions and directions we should go.

But the discussion in why we aren’t doing the things we should be , philosophy etc is moot. It’s been established. Unless some fans are still in denial.

 

[kskboys]

Without a roster building philosophy, this organization is playing fantasy football.

Easy to describe: WillyNilly.

Or:
Chicken w/ head cut off.
Seat of pants.
Wing and a prayer.
Doodlebug poop.
Cheap Whiskey.

 

[kskboys]

I'm not sure what their plan is, they can't be blind and not see what we see as fans. I just think they feel they're doing the right thing, to other owners, they would never do the things our owners do

After all this time I've concluded that Jerry doesn't care. How else could he consistently make bad choices that derail this team?

 

[kskboys]

I wish they were playing fantasy football. At least we'd make some splash acquisitions.

These guys are just kind of coasting.

No salary cap room.

 

[Coogiguy03]

After all this time I've concluded that Jerry doesn't care. How else could he consistently make bad choices that derail this team?

Because he'll never believe anything bad about this team, he has something positive to say about every player or coach. It's time that the Jones family let someone else take over hell just give it to Jimmy

 

[Diehardblues]

Easy to describe: WillyNilly.

Or:
Chicken w/ head cut off.
Seat of pants.
Wing and a prayer.
Doodlebug poop.
Cheap Whiskey.

Yep

Forrest Gump:
“I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze. But I, I think maybe it's both.”

With Jethro we’re just floating around accidental- like.