Probably the same players most have listed but my list is longer. Realize they won't all make the impact I'd like to see but if just a few can really upgrade their play on both sides of the ball might be enough to get us over the hump in December & the playoffs. Here goes:
Offense: Glenn, Stanbach, Austin, Hurd, Anderson.
WR is our most pressing need. It's huge if Glenn can play the whole season/playoffs in top form. Need Stanbach with his size/speed to flash #2 future starter potential--particularly important if Glenn can't come back. Hurd & Austin must step up as they entering their 3rd seasons, particularly if either Amendola or hopefully Bradford look good in preseason games.
It's vital that our WR core steps it up so at least 1 hopefully 2 of these guys
Anderson's our only FB & he needs continue development into a good blocker/good receiver who brings even more versatility to our offense. He's also a valued ST already.
Defense: Spears, Hatcher, Burnett, Carpenter, Watkins, Brown, Spencer & Tank Johnson
Spears must step it up or he could lose his job to Hatcher who also must show he's ready to take over. Burnett must stay healthy & challenge for a starting job; Carpenter needs to show the talent Cowboys saw in him in college & show he's potential starter to replace short-termer Zack Thomas In WILB. If neither can show starter potential, we might be forced address this position in 09 draft within the first 3 rounds.
At FS Watkins has the talent but must finally show in his 3rd season he has the starter ability many saw, including Parcells, early in 07. If we unable resign Hamlin, the door is open for Watkins (or Brown) to take over if either can take that big step. If not, we forced use cap space we'd rather use elsewhere to resign Hamlin who wants $$$$. Loved the Brown pick & surprised when Wade moved him to FS. Now that he's muscled up & healthy, apparently he looking pretty good in OTAs according to Breer who seems impressed by him. His size/speed could make him a good SS initially as main backup to RWilliams.
Spencer looked pretty good in first few games as he transitioned to OLD & later in the season brought got pretty good pressure on the QB including a few sacks. He's already better then Ellis against the run & frankly better in pass coverage & sounds like Cowboys plan to give him lot more playing time so his development not slowed. Wear and tear on Ellis will be limited if he finally understands his career will be extended with the possibility of another contract with some of the money he wants.
Tank Johnson now has the opportunity to work in our offseason weight conditioning program and claims he's in the best physical conditioning he's ever been. Really great if he clearly shows he can be big contributor at NT both against the run & bringing pressure up the middle. Won't have to address NT position in 09 if he & Ratliff can get it done.
