Why is no one begging the Cowboys to draft OL?

[vlad]

I know some fans/writers and a GM have suggested it, or hinted one might be the pick. But I am hearing way too much noise about OLB, WR, FS. How in the world are those needs over upgrading our chronically suckfest OL? I don't think FS is going to be as much of an issue due to

a) much more collapsing of the pocket from the defense
b) Patrick Watkins development

Plus I'd rather rely on experienced FS from FA, that is a position where experience is a key factor, lining people up, like Woody did for Roy when he was getting constantly scorched

While I'll always say get a star QB, WR, RB first, we have all three of those to at minimum a reasonable level, and in some cases like WR, an elite level. I think we should build from the inside out, and in this case, draft an OL.

Maybe its just me, but I think Romo will look like a much better QB if he is actually allowed to step into his throws, or read through his progressions. That will help the running game as teams won't load the box. That keeps the defense fresher. That keeps Glenn/Witten/TO/Crayton happy because Romo has shown the ability to distribute the ball. Oh yeah, wearing down the defensive front ain't bad either.

Last year I was hoping we'd find a RG/RT/LT to draft high, that's what I'm hoping we do this year. I wouldn't mind one bit if we spent the first 3 picks on those three positions if the players are of value.

Just wondering if I'm completely nuts in thinking this is the best place to upgrade to really take our team to that next level? let me know, i'd be interested in any opinions. thanks...

 

[theogt]

Because Flo is a lock at LT, Gurode is a lock at C, Colombo should be locked up at RT, we can fill RG in free agency, and Kosier is fine at LG.

 

[K-Mart]

Maybe because there won't be a Tackle worth #22 and unless you're name is Shawn Andrews, there probably isn't a Guard worth #22. (Some will argue Blaylock)...does that about sum it up?

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

If we dongt get one of Stinchcomb, Steinbock, Dockery or Davis i guarantee you the call for Blaylock will sunder the earth.

 

[theogt]

If we dongt get one of Stinchcomb, Steinbock, Dockery or Davis i guarantee you the call for Blaylock will sunder the earth.

Indeed. I've got my pitchfork ready.

 

[austintodallas]

If we dongt get one of Stinchcomb, Steinbock, Dockery or Davis i guarantee you the call for Blaylock will sunder the earth.

That is heavy stuff man.

 

[Chuck 54]

Unless there's a top WR or one of the premier pass rushers shockingly on the board at #22, I actually believe we'll move down, down, quite a bit down in round 1. I think we'll end Day 1 with a WR, OL, CB, & LB due to the trade down.

The draft is deep at OL and WR, so there will be quality guys at OG and WR in round 2...we may end up moving all the way out of round 1 this year. Everything changes based on FA signings, but unless we sign someone, I'd bet almost anything that we'll pick up a OG and WR early.

Those who think we're looking at safety are missing the boat in my opinion...I think there's no way we draft a FS, especially not now that Nelson had a disappointing time in the 40...he was quite a bit slower than people expected, and he didn't look good at all when running...that doesn't mean his 40 time is nearly as important as his production on the field, but it does mean we're not going to gamble at #22 with him.

 

[K-Mart]

Unless there's a top WR or one of the premier pass rushers shockingly on the board at #22, I actually believe we'll move down, down, quite a bit down in round 1. I think we'll end Day 1 with a WR, OL, CB, & LB due to the trade down.

The draft is deep at OL and WR, so there will be quality guys at OG and WR in round 2...we may end up moving all the way out of round 1 this year. Everything changes based on FA signings, but unless we sign someone, I'd bet almost anything that we'll pick up a OG and WR early.

Those who think we're looking at safety are missing the boat in my opinion...I think there's no way we draft a FS, especially not now that Nelson had a disappointing time in the 40...he was quite a bit slower than people expected, and he didn't look good at all when running...that doesn't mean his 40 time is nearly as important as his production on the field, but it does mean we're not going to gamble at #22 with him.

I disagree....i think if available he is the perfect "center fielder" that we could use in our defense...the guy covers a lot of ground....that being said i don't see the boys passing on Blaylock if he's there.....as much as i don't like it...

 

[Clove]

Everyone knows where I stand, but i'm smart enough to know that you don't just reach for a 2nd rounder in the 1st, but if someone great falls to us, and we are seriously wanting that guy to start, then I'm all for an offensive lineman.

 

[Redball Express]

I know some fans/writers and a GM have suggested it, or hinted one might be the pick. But I am hearing way too much noise about OLB, WR, FS. How in the world are those needs over upgrading our chronically suckfest OL? I don't think FS is going to be as much of an issue due to

a) much more collapsing of the pocket from the defense
b) Patrick Watkins development

Plus I'd rather rely on experienced FS from FA, that is a position where experience is a key factor, lining people up, like Woody did for Roy when he was getting constantly scorched

While I'll always say get a star QB, WR, RB first, we have all three of those to at minimum a reasonable level, and in some cases like WR, an elite level. I think we should build from the inside out, and in this case, draft an OL.

Maybe its just me, but I think Romo will look like a much better QB if he is actually allowed to step into his throws, or read through his progressions. That will help the running game as teams won't load the box. That keeps the defense fresher. That keeps Glenn/Witten/TO/Crayton happy because Romo has shown the ability to distribute the ball. Oh yeah, wearing down the defensive front ain't bad either.

Last year I was hoping we'd find a RG/RT/LT to draft high, that's what I'm hoping we do this year. I wouldn't mind one bit if we spent the first 3 picks on those three positions if the players are of value.

Just wondering if I'm completely nuts in thinking this is the best place to upgrade to really take our team to that next level? let me know, i'd be interested in any opinions. thanks...

I think why we don't hear much about needing to draft OL high yet is that until several moving parts stop moving, it's difficult to announce it as a priority, at least for the team itself to do it.

First, Columbo must be signed and that deal stabilized.

Second, the injury to Marco Rivera has to be analyzed and that might take right up until the draft and not even until June 1st at those possible cuts or before the July TC. If Rivera can recover enough to give us even a part-time situation at G next season, that's probably better than just outright cutting him.

So whether he recovers and plays and starts or whether he recovers and has to be helped get thru the season or must go because he just isn't getting better.. all is TBD.

And then of course, there is FA and what might be available to help at either G or T, depending on the asking price and who has to be replaced..Rivera or Columbo or both.

It's not clear yet.



Then, I doubt that even if the worst case scenario existed and it seems that Columbo isn't returning AND Rivera isn't going to return in time this season to play, either..

..that you announce your plans that those positions are your top priority going into the draft.

Because that is going to allow other teams to call your draft for you and try to manipulate your decisions to trade up to get one of those T's or G's at #22 or trade out of the position to move back if needed and try to take those guys later in the first round or early 2nd Rd..where they are better value.

:bang2:

Dallas probably certainly wants to get younger and better at those positions, but where you take them and what you give up is state secret.

Dallas would love to have somebody fall to #22 that some team behind them really covets and would like to drop back to the end of the 1st round and still get a top OL prospect and pick up a bonus #3 rd. pick or some assorted deal according to the trade values they all play the game with.



And that deal may certainly happen. But Dallas will not divulge it maybe wants to do that until their pick starts to happen and the phones start ringing to make a trade. And there maybe somebody right here at #22 that is a top OL player that's done the falling and bingo..

..no trade needed and they have the player they need.

But I agree with your view.



Dallas must finish the job Parcells started and never finished, rebuilding the OL.

It's top priority. And I think because of the age of Flo and his contract up next year and the injuries to Rivera this year again and the uncertainty of the depth along the OL behind them...

OL will be a top priority over the next 2 years to re-invent. I don't think it can be completely done in one year. But like the DL was rebuilt in 2 drafts..so can the OL.

We'll see.

:starspin

RedBall Express

 

[bbgun]

Draft some? Sure. First round? Probably not. That's just not their style.

 

[CCBoy]

you had a jewel...Rome wasn't built in a day, so neither will the Cowboy's offensive line-

This might be a very good draft, to actually move around in the first round, with the objective of improving the offensive line...

go up high enough, and the Cowboys could claim Levi Brown-say, by offering Houston Julius Jones, this year's first and second round picks.

The alternative, is to trade down low in the first round, and gain enough to trade for a high second round selection, and then take the likes of Justin Blalock and then Tony Ugoh...

Then, offensive line interior depth could be acquired in about the fourth round, with players such as:

Manuel Ramirez Tx Tch
T.J. Downing Oh St.
Corey Hilliard Tx
Josh Beckman BC-who could backup at center also*

 

[big dog cowboy]

The line doesn't need rebuilt. We need a RG this year. Next year we may need a LT depending on McQ. The only variable to this is if we are stupid and let Colombo get away.

 

[CCBoy]

The line doesn't need rebuilt. We need a RG this year. Next year we may need a LT depending on McQ. The only variable to this is if we are stupid and let Colombo get away.

This could be accomplished by resigning Colombo, and then signing Leonard Davis in free agency...getting Dallas a classical right mammoth guard, with versatility to bump out to both tackle positions. With Gurode resigning, and Kosier grading out within the top ten at left guards in the league, I would think that the Dallas offensive line would have both the experience as well as size to dominate this season...additionally, a couple of good selections in this year's draft, could ensure that the group would have quality depth behind this starting group, as well project into the near future.

Taking Tony Ugoh in the second, with slight movement, and then a Manuel Ramirez or even Josh Beckman, in the fourth round level, would probably give a real upgrade to the section. I like both Ramirez as well as Beckman, who would be able to replace Al Johnson as the backup at center, additionally.

 

[Biggems]

im not much for begging.....though if she is really hot, i might throw in an extra please or two

 

[Clove]

The Cowboys OLine stunk last year, period. How many games did we cuss Flo out for missing blocks completely, Rivera getting pushed around, Gurode and Kosier getting confused on simple stunts? Flozell blocking down and allowing guys to come free on the qb?

It was rediculous, and if we think our line is in good shape by only exchanging Rivera, we are in for a rude awakening. I really do like Flozell, but this guy will make 2 good plays and then a horrible play that will cost us 1st downs.

I hope that McQuistan is the answer and quick, because I can tolerate Kosier, but I have no patience for a guy that's been in the league this long, and can't sustain blocks on running downs, and completely whiffs on blocks in the passing game.

 

[Doomsday101]

I know some fans/writers and a GM have suggested it, or hinted one might be the pick. But I am hearing way too much noise about OLB, WR, FS. How in the world are those needs over upgrading our chronically suckfest OL? I don't think FS is going to be as much of an issue due to

a) much more collapsing of the pocket from the defense
b) Patrick Watkins development

Plus I'd rather rely on experienced FS from FA, that is a position where experience is a key factor, lining people up, like Woody did for Roy when he was getting constantly scorched

While I'll always say get a star QB, WR, RB first, we have all three of those to at minimum a reasonable level, and in some cases like WR, an elite level. I think we should build from the inside out, and in this case, draft an OL.

Maybe its just me, but I think Romo will look like a much better QB if he is actually allowed to step into his throws, or read through his progressions. That will help the running game as teams won't load the box. That keeps the defense fresher. That keeps Glenn/Witten/TO/Crayton happy because Romo has shown the ability to distribute the ball. Oh yeah, wearing down the defensive front ain't bad either.

Last year I was hoping we'd find a RG/RT/LT to draft high, that's what I'm hoping we do this year. I wouldn't mind one bit if we spent the first 3 picks on those three positions if the players are of value.

Just wondering if I'm completely nuts in thinking this is the best place to upgrade to really take our team to that next level? let me know, i'd be interested in any opinions. thanks...

I don't beg anymore. I hope we do look at OL in the draft though

 

[Yeagermeister]

I said it all last yr that we need oline early and often in the draft.

 

[BARRYRAY]

Depends on whether we go FA on a vet which is my preference, o-line is one of th hardest for a rook to start--visions of Rob Petiti, let's get some vets, also let's see how Columbo pans out...

 

[Yeagermeister]

Depends on whether we go FA on a vet which is my preference, o-line is one of th hardest for a rook to start--visions of Rob Petiti, let's get some vets, also let's see how Columbo pans out...

Pettiti was already hurt and playing a position he'd never played before so using him is a bad example.