I would basically try and work it so we have one year to find out who really wants to be a part of the team and win a Super Bowl and who doesn't. The big problem with Dallas is that there's way too many distractions with the team and we have a bunch of players who think that just because they play for Dallas and have gone to a Pro Bowl, that opposing teams will roll over for them. And there's a lot of hype on these Pro Bowlers who have yet to win a game.
I don't think you need to treat players like Parcells treated Owens, but I think a meeting should take place where the players are informed that we simply won't allow for distractions on this team. And if you're causing a distraction, you'll be gone. Also, the days of complaining to the owner about the coaching staff are over.
And that's not a rip on Owens. I firmly believe he didn't do anything wrong with the Mr. Blue Suit article, it was just hack journalism that Jerry should've handled and nipped in the bud in the first place.
After that's taken care of, we have 11 picks. In the first four picks I would look to draft a cover safety (I like Rashad Johnson), an O-Linemen who can play center and guard, a backup QB who is hungry to be a starter someday in the league, and a nose tackle (for depth purposes).
From there, I would look at an OLB (Ellis may whine again and should be cut, plus he doesn't have much left in the tank, so we need a backup for Ware and Spencer), an offensive tackle if Free and McQ aren't where they are supposed to be.
I would sign either Bart Scott or Ray Lewis, whichever is available. Both are leaders on the field. I'd also get Henry prepared to play between safety and corner. Cut Roy Williams (safety) and save $2.2 mil.
People can bash Jerry, but he's assembled quite a bit of talent over the past 5 years, much of which came through the draft. The problem isn't really talent, it's getting the talent to make a geniune concerted drive towards the Super Bowl and to stop doing selfish things that hurt the Cowboys' chances at reaching football nirvana.
If that means making a big, surprising cut...so be it.
YAKUZA