CFZ When upgrading off-season roster- Think needs, not names

[Bobhaze]

Your thread was about identifying need. I didn't see a reference to success rate.

OBJ is not the only WR they tried to acquire. They definitely attempted to trade for Brandin Cooks and were rumored to have inquired about other WRs.

But the bottom line is they didn’t get it done. I was thrilled that this team had back to back 12 win seasons and btb playoff appearances. That’s an accomplishment.

Again, the bottom line is- this front office continues to not be able to put together a roster that can break past the divisional round. If they worked for 30 other organizations they would have been fired multiple times over.

 

[xwalker]

Except that the Jones are so horrific at evaluating players/needs that they fail every year.

Do they?

Parcells had a saying about never being able to have guaranteed talent at all positions to start the season. His point was that teams have to roll the dice at a few spots every year.

 

[xwalker]

But the bottom line is they didn’t get it done. I was thrilled that this team had back to back 12 win seasons and btb playoff appearances. That’s an accomplishment.

Again, the bottom line is- this front office continues to not be able to put together a roster that can break past the divisional round. If they worked for 30 other organizations they would have been fired multiple times over.

Your thread was about 2022. Quit whing about the past.

Teams can't have proven top tier talent at all positions.

The Pollard injury doomed them in the playoff loss.

Were fans/media pointing to RB as a need in 2022? Fans hated paying Zeke big money but his 2022 salary was guaranteed. What were the options? Another veteran didn't make sense with Pollard and Zeke on the roster.

Nobody thought they should draft a RB in the 1st or 2nd. Would a 3rd round RB have made a difference?

 

[xwalker]

Agree with some of this, especially their assessment of Gallup. And they assumed we would be alright after trading Cooper without any upgrade. Had a really good good draft but not near enough in FA.

And, OBJ is NOT exactly what they need IMO.

Why is OBJ (if healthy) not what they need?

He was really good in the 2021 playoffs and made some huge plays in the Super Bowl. Kupp's stats jumped once they traded for OBJ.

 

[Bobhaze]

Your thread was about 2022. Quit whing about the past.

Teams can't have proven top tier talent at all positions.

The Pollard injury doomed them in the playoff loss.

Were fans/media pointing to RB as a need in 2022? Fans hated paying Zeke big money but his 2022 salary was guaranteed. What were the options? Another veteran didn't make sense with Pollard and Zeke on the roster.

Nobody thought they should draft a RB in the 1st or 2nd. Would a 3rd round RB have made a difference?

“Quit whining about the past”….? Telling someone to “stop whining” on an opinion forum is whining.

Why is OBJ (if healthy) not what they need?

He was really good in the 2021 playoffs and made some huge plays in the Super Bowl. Kupp's stats jumped once they traded for OBJ.

We can get what OBJ has left in his soon to be 31 year old tank-after 2 major knee surgeries- for less somewhere else.

 

[StarOfGlory]

If you are the type of poster that believes Dak needs all the help he can get, then building a solid offensive line should be priority #1. This is somewhat complicated for the upcoming year because we don't know how Steele will return from his injury.

We have an absolute rock to build around in Martin. The future HoFer is now 32, and I don't know how much longer he can keep up his elite play. Watching the Jones Boys waste his career is sickening. Tyler Smith is the real deal at LT. Hopefully he will avoid any sophomore jinx and continue on his upward path to Pro Bowl status. Steele showed much promise before the injury and could be our long-term starter at RT. Smith and Steele can grow together and be on that line for 10 years.

This isn't much different from how Philly built their line. Build around an absolute stud (Peters) and identify young talent to grow together (Kelce and Johnson). Granted, they got lucky with Kelce in the 6th round, but that shows that there is talent in the lower rounds if it can be identified and developed properly. Someone was smart enough to see that Kelce could be made into a better version of Jeff Saturday--I think it was Howard Mudd who saw that.

Now you have to fill in the rest. Is Biadasz the answer at center? He's no Fredbeard, but he had a solid year. I always said that Connor Williams was played out of position, and he too looks solid. Could have saved a pick for somewhere else if we kept him. Connor graded out better this year than Biadasz. Left guard? I don't know. I don't think the left guard of the future is on this roster. I wouldn't be against using two picks between 2-6 to find that guy and get him ready on the same timeline that Steele and Smith are on. Hmm...seems like Philly did that with Seamalo. Looked ordinary, but coached him up and is a damn good player now. Oh, they used a pick and found a stud in Landon Dickerson. Not too shabby.

Also, instead of waiting forever to find Peter's replacement, they drafted Dillard. He didn't work out well, but in that same draft they used their 7th on a rugby player who never played a down of football in his life as a LT project. Jordan Mailata is a certified beast. Of course, they have a great o-line coach in Stoutland who knows how to make linemen. Oh, and Dillard is good enough to play the swing tackle role now.

Can we still get any rubber out of Peters and Tyron? I don't know. Can we take that chance with two injury-riddled players? I have no faith on any other lineman on this roster.

LT-Smith
LG-??
C-Biadasz (I believe in him)
RG-Martin
RT-Steele (I hope post-injury)
Backups--Peters??? Tyron???

We have some great pieces on the line, but it's not good enough. I want a top-3 line. Dak needs it. Dak ain't going anywhere, so get over it and get him the best line that we can. Smith and Steele can grow together like Kelce and Johnson did. Make the investment on the o-line and don't look back.

 

[xwalker]

“Quit whining about the past”….? Telling someone to “stop whining” on an opinion forum is whining.

We can get what OBJ has left in his soon to be 31 year old tank-after 2 major knee surgeries- for less somewhere else.

How do you know the cost for OBJ? Twitter rumors?

It's only whining once you done it too many times.

Me: Once
You: 27 x 365 x 10 = 266,085

 

[rambo2]

Here is what I don't understand:
They are afraid to sign any higher priced free agents.
Will McClay seems to be very good at evaluating talent, not just in the draft but also existing players.
Trust Will and get more active in free agency....

Who were your magic free agents to sign last year? I suspect that they will spend more money this year. Hopefully, they can make you happy. They will sign a receiver, linebacker, and a defensive tackle. Hopefully, you will like it. Hopefully, no more dumpster diving jokes and they will never win with Jerry comments.

 

[Captain-Crash]

it doesn't matter Bob, we are not going all in. We will pick up some old reject with a name who can only play a few plays per game. Fat hankins or fat cox. shrugs it is what it is. Maybe an old washed-up QB as a backup will be the splash. smh, you guys watched for years and still don't see it. sheesh

 

[CouchCoach]

Right now, Booger is thinking of one name, Beckham. Because he is a name at a skill position.

 

[Bobhaze]

How do you know the cost for OBJ? Twitter rumors?

It's only whining once you done it too many times.

Me: Once
You: 27 x 365 x 10 = 266,085

Dude you’ve posted 7 times in a thread you think is “whining”. I don’t understand your obsession with correcting my opinions. No one follows me around to dissect my opinions on this forum like you. So…I guess thanks for your continued interest in my opinions…?

 

[Bobhaze]

If you are the type of poster that believes Dak needs all the help he can get, then building a solid offensive line should be priority #1. This is somewhat complicated for the upcoming year because we don't know how Steele will return from his injury.

We have an absolute rock to build around in Martin. The future HoFer is now 32, and I don't know how much longer he can keep up his elite play. Watching the Jones Boys waste his career is sickening. Tyler Smith is the real deal at LT. Hopefully he will avoid any sophomore jinx and continue on his upward path to Pro Bowl status. Steele showed much promise before the injury and could be our long-term starter at RT. Smith and Steele can grow together and be on that line for 10 years.

This isn't much different from how Philly built their line. Build around an absolute stud (Peters) and identify young talent to grow together (Kelce and Johnson). Granted, they got lucky with Kelce in the 6th round, but that shows that there is talent in the lower rounds if it can be identified and developed properly. Someone was smart enough to see that Kelce could be made into a better version of Jeff Saturday--I think it was Howard Mudd who saw that.

Now you have to fill in the rest. Is Biadasz the answer at center? He's no Fredbeard, but he had a solid year. I always said that Connor Williams was played out of position, and he too looks solid. Could have saved a pick for somewhere else if we kept him. Connor graded out better this year than Biadasz. Left guard? I don't know. I don't think the left guard of the future is on this roster. I wouldn't be against using two picks between 2-6 to find that guy and get him ready on the same timeline that Steele and Smith are on. Hmm...seems like Philly did that with Seamalo. Looked ordinary, but coached him up and is a damn good player now. Oh, they used a pick and found a stud in Landon Dickerson. Not too shabby.

Also, instead of waiting forever to find Peter's replacement, they drafted Dillard. He didn't work out well, but in that same draft they used their 7th on a rugby player who never played a down of football in his life as a LT project. Jordan Mailata is a certified beast. Of course, they have a great o-line coach in Stoutland who knows how to make linemen. Oh, and Dillard is good enough to play the swing tackle role now.

Can we still get any rubber out of Peters and Tyron? I don't know. Can we take that chance with two injury-riddled players? I have no faith on any other lineman on this roster.

LT-Smith
LG-??
C-Biadasz (I believe in him)
RG-Martin
RT-Steele (I hope post-injury)
Backups--Peters??? Tyron???

We have some great pieces on the line, but it's not good enough. I want a top-3 line. Dak needs it. Dak ain't going anywhere, so get over it and get him the best line that we can. Smith and Steele can grow together like Kelce and Johnson did. Make the investment on the o-line and don't look back.

Good post.
Upgrading OL has to be one of the main ways this team can get better. As much as I’ve loved Tyron Smith I think it’s time to move on. He’s completely undependable at this point in his career, having missed over 40 regular season games the last 6 seasons.

And as you said, Zack Martin is entering his 10th season in 2023 and he has less time to continue being the dominant force he has been for so long. It would be a shame to have two HOF OL in Tyron Smith and Zack Martin and only have (to this point) 3 wild card wins to show for it.

 

[75boyz]

I'd go, needs/priority wise in this order:
1.Starting QB
2. Starting healthy RB
3. WR
4. OT
5. LB
6. CB

jmo

 

[75boyz]

Dude you’ve posted 7 times in a thread you think is “whining”. I don’t understand your obsession with correcting my opinions. No one follows me around to dissect my opinions on this forum like you. So…I guess thanks for your continued interest in my opinions…?

Mods should acknowledge xwalker surveillance and act accordingly.
LOL!
I promise I'm kidding Bob,

But the egos here of some...it's at an all time delusional plague level.
It's okay to tell them to get over themselves!!

 

[conner01]

First you have to fill the have to needs. MCGovern is probably gone, brown is probably gone and Zeke should be gone
WR is a big need and I think specifically a guy outside with size. Lamb is much more of a threat from the slot
DT needs an upgrade and we will also need LB help since LVE and Barr are likely gone

 

[MapleLeaf]

1. WR who can take the top off the defence and actually get separation and fight for the ball.
2. DT who can plug up the middle.
3. LB who can stack and shed.
4. 20 touch RB who has young legs and will pound the rock for 4 ypc average, and block like his hair is on fire.

Those are the full time players.

Specialists.

A. WR who can get open and be the passing version of the handoff. Out of the slot he is always good for 5 yards rain or shine and in the biggest moments.
B. We need a kicker who is not streaky. We went with a guy with a big leg, but he showed why he was moving around quite a bit at this point of his career. Accuracy issues that are mostly mental plague this guy.
C. 15 touch speed back. Gets tough yard on the perimeter, can block.

I will roll the dice on the O-line if we can get 1, 4, A and C on the team.

On defence I think 2 and 3 is a must. This will go the furthest in protecting Parsons and extending his career. Solidifying the run defence swings the need for opposing offences to push their mix more towards passing. If Lawrence and Williams can man the outsides, then our most talented pass rusher can de-emphasize the run and focus on winning the penetration game from various positions. The games Quinn can run with Parsons grows exponentially if the middle is covered and there is a quality LB who can get to the edge while stacking and shedding.

 

[Cebrin]

Trenches should be priority #1.Keeping Hankins would be nice, but drafting or hitting FA for a player with run stuffing ability is still needed for depth. None of our other DT's seem to be strong enough to shed blocks on run downs consistently. OL depth, and drafting is needed as well. WR is just behind that.

 

[Pass2Run]

Thi

Here is what I don't understand:
They are afraid to sign any higher priced free agents.
Will McClay seems to be very good at evaluating talent, not just in the draft but also existing players.
Trust Will and get more active in free agency....

This whole thing about "higher-priced" free agents is just bellyaching nonsense, though.. You have to be more specific than that.

Which high-priced free agent are they "afraid" to sign? And why do we need them? Why would the money be worth it?

This is what all the whiny babies talk about, but they still have no specific answers. It's really kind of dumb because we were pretty close last year, and, they had saved cap money for future signings of the players who got us in the mix.

The Chiefs didn't go sign a bunch of guys who cost a lot for the sake of it.

There's no magic blueprint... but all the know-it-alls would have you think that there's some magic formula or blue print that if only Jerry was smart enough to follow, well, then, by golly, we could win a Super Bowl.

It's just not true. Look at the Chiefs.

 

[Bobhaze]

Thi

This whole thing about "higher-priced" free agents is just bellyaching nonsense, though.. You have to be more specific than that.

Which high-priced free agent are they "afraid" to sign? And why do we need them? Why would the money be worth it?

This is what all the whiny babies talk about, but they still have no specific answers. It's really kind of dumb because we were pretty close last year, and, they had saved cap money for future signings of the players who got us in the mix.

The Chiefs didn't go sign a bunch of guys who cost a lot for the sake of it.

There's no magic blueprint... but all the know-it-alls would have you think that there's some magic formula or blue print that if only Jerry was smart enough to follow, well, then, by golly, we could win a Super Bowl.

It's just not true. Look at the Chiefs.

You're right in saying “there isn’t a magic formula” other than the winning owners of the last 27 SBs all hired someone else to be their GM. Having the owner also as the GM clearly isn’t a good formula here.

Yes I know that isn’t going to change but I say it again because we always have to pretend “our way” is viable here in Dallas. I did greatly enjoy having back to back 12 win playoff seasons for the first time in forever. That is an accomplishment worth celebrating somewhat.

But I can’t pretend this organization has been “close” when we‘ve missed the playoffs 15 of the last 27 seasons, and in the 12 seasons we did make the playoffs, we’ve never gotten closer than top 8.

Maybe there’s no magic bullet. But surely we can do better than we’ve done the last 27 years.

 

[Chuck 54]

When trying to upgrade an NFL roster, one of the traps some organizations (and many fans) fall into is chasing names (well known players) instead of first identifying needs, then finding the right players who can fit those needs.

In other words instead of just saying, “We need a WR and OBJ is available”, it‘s better to know what skills are needed in the WR position we need before just throwing out a big name WR (that used to be good) There may be a younger, better option available no one has heard of. This is true of multiple positions, not just WR.

More specifically, if we look honestly at this roster as it was constituted at the end of the ‘22 season, here are a list of needs that need to be addressed in BOTH the DRAFT and FA, and possibly TRADES as well:

SOME OF OUR BIG NEEDS

• Stopping the run/inside pass rush (Interior DL)
• Getting better tackling from run defense and open field plays (DL, LB, S, Corner)
• Strengthening our ability to run the ball (OG, C, OT)
• Big play capability from skill positions (RB, WR, TE)
• Consistent pass coverage from multiple secondary positions (Corner, S)
• Backup QB who can be developed

Again, this is an incomplete list of needs, but it’s a good start. So instead just throwing out names, we should first look at the needs, THEN find a suitable player who fits all other parameters.

How about….

• we need a LG….because currently we don’t have one (and G depth)
• we need a wr, either a big play speed guy or a possession guy like we had in Beasley to move the chains
• We need a LB who can step in for LVE when needed because D suffered badly without him
• we need a CB who can start at either slot or outside (still need depth unless we want to count on same depth guys as this year)
• we need another DT because Gallimore looks like a failed pick
• I‘d like to add a true blocking TE
• I’d like to add a FB because I’m sick of keeping our RB in for pass pro and seeing him met in the hole by a blitz