You're GM, what would you do to make this team competitive next year?

da_whiz_kid said:
You're GM and you have to make the team competitive for next year. This involves not getting rid of Romo and discussion of why we can't be competitive, blah blah blah. That discussion is already in most of the threads here. This is about moves you can make to improve the team next year and make them a 9+ win team. Also, this involves keeping Garrett with the possibility of ridding yourself of Callahan. Kiffin is gone, but you have the option of keeping Marinelli as DC. Also, I am not saying this way is the only way, just wondering what everyone else would do if they had to put a competitive team on the field next year. Just an exploration of thoughts, not trying to be argumentative. Boring boring Saturday.

First, I analyze what I feel the team needs next year to succeed.
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Offense
I think depth wise we need to add a tackle to compete with Free. Free seems to be the type of player who performs better when someone is giving him a run for his money. Competition is great and this is a necessary move. In the end you play the best man available.
-Acquire RT to compete with Free(doesn't have to be top tier.
They have a physically superior player behind Free in Jermey Parnell. They just need to commit to playing him. He does not have much experience, but I'm convinced that he would be better than Free after he started a few games. I've watched more footage of Parnell and Free than any players that I've ever studied. Physically, Parnell is up there with the best that I've seen. He is really strong and is also very athletic. Free is weak and they have altered the scheme to help him this year.

At guard it would be wise for the Cowboys to draft a Guard. Get somebody young on the line to compete with the starters but with high upside that could possibly replace a starter. Specifically at the right guard position. Although, I wonder if resigning Waters is an option and if he'd be willing to come back. If so, competition at the Left Guard position would be nice and the depth would make me a lot more comfortable considering the bad knees of Leary.
-Draft a guard, bring more youth to the line and insurance in case of injuries
Yes, they have zero depth at Guard. Leary is playing well and Bernadeau has been playing well the past 4 to 5 games. They are 1 injury away from Phil Costa starting and I don't know if he would play Guard of if Fred would have to move over with Costa at Center.

There are several players in the upcoming draft that I believe would be good at both OT or OG. It would be nice to have that flexibility and could help justify taking that player over a perceived bigger need on defense.

I definitely look at adding a WR in the off season. I'm likely to release Miles Austin. While I like Dez, WIlliams, and Beasley, I think it is essential to add another body to this squad. This can be done through FA. We just need a body that can step in when we need them and be more effective than Austin this year(not hard to do)
-Add one WR for depth purposes
Austin must go. He can't stay healthy and has not been that great when he is on the field. Paying his 5.5M salary would be stupid.

I don't know if a free agent is required at WR. I would prefer the last spot to go to a young developmental type player.

I stay put at RB. Others may not agree, but I do feel like Randle has some game to him and will only improve.
They need to find a replacement for Murray. It would probably not be wise to give Murray a big contract (fa after 2014) based on his injury history. Dunbar and Randle might be the replacements, but I would be tempted to add another RB to the competition with a mid round draft pick.

Defense
At defensive end I am definitely looking to spend money here with whatever room we make available and acquire a rush end. This probably means the release of Ware, but It's not that I think he has lost it, I just think he is better suited for a 3-4. Depth wise, there are some bodies right now I would keep for next year. Selvie will already be here and he is must keep for depth given starting experience in this defense. Actually this is probably where I stop keeping DEs on this team. I resign Spencer to cheap one-year contract(his wiggle room in contract talk is very tight). With Tyrone Crawford coming back we would have Spencer and Crawford on one end with the FA DE and the drafted DE on the other end. Selvie would be good moving around being a body when we need him.
-Release Ware, Sign a FA DE, Draft a DE
I would also release Ware, but I believe that his issues are more significant than the position. They used a 4-man line in obvious passing situations in the 3-4. He is just not effective due to the stinger/neck/shoulder issues and there it is highly likely that he never completely recovers from this problem.

I would focus on 2015 as much as 2014. The probability of rebuilding the defense in by 2015 is much higher than the probability of rebuilding it by 2014. Signing Spencer to a cheap 1 year deal is unlikely to be a big benefit in 2015 and is just keeping a YOUNG player from getting reps in the Cowboys defensive scheme in 2014.

Defensive tackle would be me bringing back Hatcher. Given his age, his contract SHOULD not be that ridiculous (although I believe there was chatter about the contract he wants in the off season). I would draft a DT early in next year's draft. I keep Nick Hayden for depth and bring in a DT to rotate with the starters. Somebody not too expensive but is sold against the run, with some strength penetrating the middle. Basically, if we can't get pressure on the QB, having somebody who could stop the run makes a huge difference in at least making an offense one dimensional through the pass.
-Keep Hatcher, draft a DT, sign a rotating DT
Hatcher is too old and also has stinger/neck/shoulder issues. Pay a YOUNG free agent. It's not as if any of these players have long term experience in the Cowboys defensive scheme.

At linebacker we'll definitely have Lee, Carter, Durant, and Holloman back. I think keeping Wilber to backup Durant is key for depth. Now I eo have some concerns with Carter's play, but I am willing to give him one more year as I think improved defensive line play will make everybody on defensive play better. Given that and Carter being a little slow to learn the new scheme, he should have it down next year. With that being said, I am definitely drafting another LBer and early to not only provide depth, but gives us options at the end of the season if Carter does not pan out or Sean Lee has another season-ending injury(I know it's not season-ending now, but it sure feels like it).
-Draft a linebacker
Don't force a pick at this position. It is a position where you can find reasonable starters in free agency relatively cheaply if needed.

At CB I am def keeping Sterling Moore. I think CB squad with Carr, MO, Scan, and Moore is very strong, especially given the improved line play.
There is no reason not to bring Moore to training camp. They really need to look at some bigger developmental DBs. The NFL is getting more and more really big WRs.

I give another "big" signing to a Free Safety to play next to Church. We need somebody with some range and speed back there and is good against the pass. Personally, I would think about playing Church closer to the line and possibly at the WLB position, but I'm a GM and should not be able to make that decision. lol But I think having Wilcox backup Church and Heath backup the FS gives us solid depth and options in the future when it comes to making a decision with Church. I think Wilcox has potential to be what Church is another year behind him should help him learn and gives us depth. Depth has killed us, over and over again.
-Sign a FS
This is a difficult call for me. I believe that at least 1 of Wilcox, Heath and possibly Matt Johnson will eventually (i.e. by 2015) be good; however, will all of the issues on this defense, it would be nice to have a veteran FS to really bring everything together. It's not as if Church is a long time veteran starter at the other spot.

You can say sign a FS, but that player has to be available. Jairus Byrd is the top free agent FS. He is a guy that wants to break the bank. The other top free agent Safeties appear to be more of the SS type.

Moves to Make (*italics are must make moves)
Draft OL, DL and possibly Safety with the top 3 picks unless another position is by far a better player at the pick. Use trades to align BPA with one of these 3 positions if possible.

Cut Ware and Austin. Use the money to sign as many YOUNG (28 or younger) free agent defensive players as possible.
DE: 1 of Micheal Johnson, Michael Bennett or if he is not re-signed/franchised Greg Hardy.
DT1-tech: 1 of Linval Joseph or Arthur Jones
DT3-tech: 1 of Henry Melton or Lamarr Houston

Also consider low to mid tier free agents DE Corey Wootton and DT Clinton McDonald

Ultimate:
Greg Hardy: 5 years, 50M, 1st year cap hit 3.6M
Linval Joseph: 5 years, 25M, 1st year cap hit 1.8M
Henry Melton: 5 years, 50M, 1st year cap hit 3.6M
Corey Wootton: 5 years, 25M, 1st year cap hit 1.8M

1st round: OT Greg Robinson (6-5, 320) I start him at RG with Parnell at RT in 2014
2nd round: DE Kony Ealy (6-5, 275)
3rd round: DT Kelcy Quarles (6-3, 298)
4th round: CB/S Stanley Jean-Baptiste (6-2, 220)
5th round: WR L'Damian Washington (6-4, 205, 4.39 forty)
6th round: OG Spencer Long (6-4, 315) Season ending injury in 2013
7th round: RB De'Anthony Thomas or Silas Redd
 
what i wouldnt do is keep the tampa 2.

Sadly our GM has just come out and said he thinks its the future.........................and we are keeping it. You couldnt make this stuff up could you. All time futility and we wanna keep it.

And its got nowt to do with injuries, the scheme is outdated. And dont mention seattle either, they run a scheme that is so far *******ized from a tampa 2 its not recognisable.
 
Risen Star said:
I don't think there's anything that can be done to make the Cowboys a serious contender next year. I'd suggest a complete multi year rebuild but first I'd recommend firing me and bringing in an actual legitimate GM with personnel success on his resume. Someone like Eric DeCosta from Baltimore would be ideal.

Before I left though I would fire the Director of Personnel as the fraud he's always been.
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Agreed that it needs gutted.

And I wouldn't offer Dez a second contract. No need to hamstring the cap with that contract while gutting the team.
 
I start looking at QBs, we do not have to draft one this season to take over but I seriously start evaluating my next starting QB, because Romo may have 2 good years left maybe. RB I would draft one and good RBs will be in every round so there is no push to have to draft one very high. I would however draft a RT and a OG, to be the starters, to finish off this Oline(even though the Oline has been playing very well these past weeks, I believe they have finally come together, but with that ol injury bug hanging around our franchise you never know). WR, yes I would draft one asap in the draft, I would look at Benjamin Harrison of Fla. St. first, then my cousin ODell Beckham from LSU, his teammate Jarvis Landry, oh at RB I would look at one of my high school friends son Lache Seastrunk if he decides to come out . After that I would focus on defense, defense, defense, I would trade Ware for more picks, I would even trade Murray if it would aquire me more picks, and I would look at more players that could possibly add more picks , the more picks we can get the more defensive players we could add.
 
xwalker said:
Ultimate:
Greg Hardy: 5 years, 50M, 1st year cap hit 3.6M
Linval Joseph: 5 years, 25M, 1st year cap hit 1.8M
Henry Melton: 5 years, 50M, 1st year cap hit 3.6M
Corey Wootton: 5 years, 25M, 1st year cap hit 1.8M

1st round: OT Greg Robinson (6-5, 320) I start him at RG with Parnell at RT in 2014
2nd round: DE Kony Ealy (6-5, 275)
3rd round: DT Kelcy Quarles (6-3, 298)
4th round: CB/S Stanley Jean-Baptiste (6-2, 220)
5th round: WR L'Damian Washington (6-4, 205, 4.39 forty)
6th round: OG Spencer Long (6-4, 315) Season ending injury in 2013
7th round: RB De'Anthony Thomas or Silas Redd
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I like your approach to this.

I feel the same for many of snippets you made.

For this team to contend next season it's going to have to replace as many of the below average players as possible. The worst of the lot being Nick Hayden, who ranks as the worst DT in the NFL. Replace him with even an average player and you've made a big jump in improvement at the position.

Selvie and Bruce Carter are two other guys that need to be replaced.
 
I would do a lot of the things really, but one thing that I know I'd do for sure is work on both lines.

The huge improvement we've seen on the offensive line has payed big dividends on offense. Romo was better protected than he's been in years, and maybe better than he ever has been. Suddenly, Dallas can run the ball again. Imagine that. The offense as a whole isn't why Dallas isn't in the playoffs. Add a good defense to what Dallas had on offense this year and this is no doubt a playoff team. Denver, Detroit, Green Bay, and Chicago comes to mind as games Dallas would have won had they played good defense.

Frederick has made an enormous impact on the offensive line and Tyron Smith is playing like one of the best OL in the league period. I would add one more good to very good guard to continue to solidify the OL. One more good guy inside would turn the line into a very good unit, which will effect everything on offense.

Defense has been the problem and the biggest problem the defense has is the DL... particularly since Dallas is running a 4-3. Go all out to acquire good players at DE and DT in any way possible. A good DL would help the defense immensely and would make everyone else in the back 7 look better.

By just adding good players along both lines... without even changing anything else... would turn a few of the losses into wins.

There is a lot of other things that need to be done too, but until the DL is NFL quality, it isn't going to matter.
 
Follow up to my previous post.

I would prefer to run the Seattle type of defense.

It's a 4-3 hybrid with big man coverage type CB, 1 big physical Safety and 1 very athletic FS. Their DL is more about depth than superstars. They have to fast LBs and 1 bigger SLB.

It's hybrid in that they will sometimes 2-gap depending on the situation.
 
xwalker said:
Follow up to my previous post.

I would prefer to run the Seattle type of defense.

It's a 4-3 hybrid with big man coverage type CB, 1 big physical Safety and 1 very athletic FS. Their DL is more about depth than superstars. They have to fast LBs and 1 bigger SLB.

It's hybrid in that they will sometimes 2-gap depending on the situation.
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I'm all for it if they will do it. Big if.
 
MichaelWinicki said:
I like your approach to this.

I feel the same for many of snippets you made.

For this team to contend next season it's going to have to replace as many of the below average players as possible. The worst of the lot being Nick Hayden, who ranks as the worst DT in the NFL. Replace him with even an average player and you've made a big jump in improvement at the position.

Selvie and Bruce Carter are two other guys that need to be replaced.
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Hayden is definitely not a preferred starting DT; although, I wouldn't put much stock in a PFF ranking.

Selvie would be a good 3rd DE.

Holloman will push Carter at WLB in training camp, IMO. Holloman practiced more at SLB in the 2013 TC is I recall correctly; however, I think Wilber and Durant will compete for that position in the 2014 TC. Oddly, I thought Durant's best play was when he started at MLB in the Packers game. He was unfortunately injured and out for the 2nd half. I think he will be the primary backup for Lee next season.
 
xwalker said:
Hayden is definitely not a preferred starting DT; although, I wouldn't put much stock in a PFF ranking.

Selvie would be a good 3rd DE.

Holloman will push Carter at WLB in training camp, IMO. Holloman practiced more at SLB in the 2013 TC is I recall correctly; however, I think Wilber and Durant will compete for that position in the 2014 TC. Oddly, I thought Durant's best play was when he started at MLB in the Packers game. He was unfortunately injured and out for the 2nd half. I think he will be the primary backup for Lee next season.
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Very disappointed in Carter... But that's a universally shared thought by Cowboy fans I'm sure.

Agree on Selvie. He shouldn't be a starter, but for say 15 snaps a game he would be serviceable, instead of the 40-some he's getting per game now.
 
da_whiz_kid said:
You're GM and you have to make the team competitive for next year. This involves not getting rid of Romo and discussion of why we can't be competitive, blah blah blah. That discussion is already in most of the threads here. This is about moves you can make to improve the team next year and make them a 9+ win team. Also, this involves keeping Garrett with the possibility of ridding yourself of Callahan. Kiffin is gone, but you have the option of keeping Marinelli as DC. Also, I am not saying this way is the only way, just wondering what everyone else would do if they had to put a competitive team on the field next year. Just an exploration of thoughts, not trying to be argumentative. Boring boring Saturday.

First, I analyze what I feel the team needs next year to succeed.

Offense
I think depth wise we need to add a tackle to compete with Free. Free seems to be the type of player who performs better when someone is giving him a run for his money. Competition is great and this is a necessary move. In the end you play the best man available.
-Acquire RT to compete with Free(doesn't have to be top tier.

At guard it would be wise for the Cowboys to draft a Guard. Get somebody young on the line to compete with the starters but with high upside that could possibly replace a starter. Specifically at the right guard position. Although, I wonder if resigning Waters is an option and if he'd be willing to come back. If so, competition at the Left Guard position would be nice and the depth would make me a lot more comfortable considering the bad knees of Leary.
-Draft a guard, bring more youth to the line and insurance in case of injuries

I definitely look at adding a WR in the off season. I'm likely to release Miles Austin. While I like Dez, WIlliams, and Beasley, I think it is essential to add another body to this squad. This can be done through FA. We just need a body that can step in when we need them and be more effective than Austin this year(not hard to do)
-Add one WR for depth purposes

I stay put at RB. Others may not agree, but I do feel like Randle has some game to him and will only improve.

Defense
At defensive end I am definitely looking to spend money here with whatever room we make available and acquire a rush end. This probably means the release of Ware, but It's not that I think he has lost it, I just think he is better suited for a 3-4. Depth wise, there are some bodies right now I would keep for next year. Selvie will already be here and he is must keep for depth given starting experience in this defense. Actually this is probably where I stop keeping DEs on this team. I resign Spencer to cheap one-year contract(his wiggle room in contract talk is very tight). With Tyrone Crawford coming back we would have Spencer and Crawford on one end with the FA DE and the drafted DE on the other end. Selvie would be good moving around being a body when we need him.
-Release Ware, Sign a FA DE, Draft a DE

Defensive tackle would be me bringing back Hatcher. Given his age, his contract SHOULD not be that ridiculous (although I believe there was chatter about the contract he wants in the off season). I would draft a DT early in next year's draft. I keep Nick Hayden for depth and bring in a DT to rotate with the starters. Somebody not too expensive but is sold against the run, with some strength penetrating the middle. Basically, if we can't get pressure on the QB, having somebody who could stop the run makes a huge difference in at least making an offense one dimensional through the pass.
-Keep Hatcher, draft a DT, sign a rotating DT

At linebacker we'll definitely have Lee, Carter, Durant, and Holloman back. I think keeping Wilber to backup Durant is key for depth. Now I eo have some concerns with Carter's play, but I am willing to give him one more year as I think improved defensive line play will make everybody on defensive play better. Given that and Carter being a little slow to learn the new scheme, he should have it down next year. With that being said, I am definitely drafting another LBer and early to not only provide depth, but gives us options at the end of the season if Carter does not pan out or Sean Lee has another season-ending injury(I know it's not season-ending now, but it sure feels like it).
-Draft a linebacker

At CB I am def keeping Sterling Moore. I think CB squad with Carr, MO, Scan, and Moore is very strong, especially given the improved line play.

I give another "big" signing to a Free Safety to play next to Church. We need somebody with some range and speed back there and is good against the pass. Personally, I would think about playing Church closer to the line and possibly at the WLB position, but I'm a GM and should not be able to make that decision. lol But I think having Wilcox backup Church and Heath backup the FS gives us solid depth and options in the future when it comes to making a decision with Church. I think Wilcox has potential to be what Church is another year behind him should help him learn and gives us depth. Depth has killed us, over and over again.
-Sign a FS

Moves to Make (*italics are must make moves)
Draft
*Defensive End
*Defensive Tackle
Linebacker
Guard
Off. Tackle(possibly)
Wide Receiver(possibly)
-Obviously BPA in the draft, but keep an eye in these players, especially the on the DL in the first 3 rounds

FA
*Defensive End
Safety
Defensive Tackle
Wide Receiver
Off. Tackle(Possibly)

Resign
Spencer
Hatcher

Release
Ware
Austin

Restructure(REALLY I just suck at this cap thing and am basing this off everybody else's cap analysis)
Carr
Romo

I would try and make a run for Gary Kubiak. But if Callahan were to stay, I hope there is some realization that this team does need to run more with Murray here and the effectiveness of our run blocking.

*improve pass rush
*Improve pass protection
*improve depth
*release old and expired heroes

What would you do? Where would you make your moves? How would you improve the team for next year?

In the end as long as we work on the trenches the team will compete next year and the years after. And if we could make life easier on the QB, when we do draft one, the transition will be much easier for that QB to succeed. I strongly believe you build those trenches first, because if that QB does not work out when he is in there, the protection will only help and the option to run the ball is there.
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Fire this so called salary cap wizard (stephen-chuckles-jones) and sign someone who actually knows how to handle it.

You cant cut austin before june 1st. and after that signing a relevant fa is too late.
you cant cut ware because of the same salary cap ramifications as with austin.
 
mahoneybill said:
Jarius Byrd if we can get him.
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Good call. He would go a long way in improving our deep coverage.

Also, add two defensive linemen in first three rounds of the draft.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, put Monte Kiffin out to pasture and hire a DC (Lovie Smith, Pat Narduzzi) who can scheme against modern offenses and has the ability to make in-game adjustments.
 
COACHING STAFF
Well we kind of missed the boat on all of the hot coaching candidates last year with the likes of Andy Reid and Bruce Arians, and there isn't exactly an abundance of similar candidates this year. With that said, I'd make overtures towards the following, in this order:

1) David Shaw
2) Kevin Sumlin
3) Bill O'Brien

If the first two couldn't be pried away from the college ranks and O'Brien had already signed on the dotted line with the Texans, then I would pull a Jeff Lurie. By that I mean I would retain Jason Garrett with the public understanding that failing to make the playoffs would result in his dismissal. I would empower him to do whatever he needed to do with the coaching staff (i.e. remove play calling from Callahan, etc.) but let it be known that my strong preference would be to return to the 3-4 defense. I believe doing so would extend Ware's career and reinvigorate Bruce Carter's career.

FREE AGENCY
Restructure: All the usual suspects with an emphasis on DeMarcus Ware. His days of 19-20 sack seasons are history, but he could still be a 12 sack guy if we weren't asking him to put his hand in the dirt every play. I'd hate to release him only to see him have a bounce back year in New England or somewhere else.

Release:
  • Miles Austin

Allow to Leave:
  • Jason Hatcher (not signing a 32 y/o to a long term deal and not about to franchise someone who would play the 5-technique in a 3-4 front)
  • George Selvie (simply not a fit in a 3-4)
  • Ernie Sims (no room for aging and injury prone LB's)

Resign:
  • Dan Bailey
  • Anthony Spencer (it was a buyers market for healthy pass rushers last year; Spencer's injury should lower his demand to the point where he could be resigned to a one year, incentive laden contract. He would be a fit in the return to the 3-4 and would serve as a stopgap for a year...you can't upgrade every position in one offseason)

Sign: I would take a wait and see / bargain shop approach with...
  • Cedric Thornton, DE (dependent upon which RFA tender he receives)
  • Art Jones, DE (market dependent)
  • Terrence Cody, NT (market dependent)
If the market is too steep, I'd pass on all three.

DRAFT
Let it come to me and avoid falling into the trap of taking players I've grown fond of through the pre-draft process, irrespective of value by round.
 
xwalker said:
Offense

RE: Jermey Parnell I do remember you talking about Parnell prior to the season starting and for the most part agree with you, but do have to wonder why he has not started at this point (free's contract? performance at practice?). With that being sad, Free is weak, hence the two GIFs floating around with him on skates.

RE: Guard I think this was the more obvious need on offense. They got to get another one.

There are several players in the upcoming draft that I believe would be good at both OT or OG. It would be nice to have that flexibility and could help justify taking that player over a perceived bigger need on defense.


Austin must go. He can't stay healthy and has not been that great when he is on the field. Paying his 5.5M salary would be stupid.

I don't know if a free agent is required at WR. I would prefer the last spot to go to a young developmental type player.
I do see what you are saying. I think for me I look at Dez and wonder will his back become a problem next year and in the future? It would be nice just to have a little more depth at this position. Nothing too ridiculous. I think if Dallas makes some adjustments and runs more in games I am less worried about adding a WR. If they continue to go pass, WR can become something we could need depth for. What developmental players would you look to add come the offseason? Draft or FA.

They need to find a replacement for Murray. It would probably not be wise to give Murray a big contract (fa after 2014) based on his injury history. Dunbar and Randle might be the replacements, but I would be tempted to add another RB to the competition with a mid round draft pick. Aaaah, I see. Yea I don't think I give Murray a big contract either post 2014, and it would be smart to add someone. With that being said, this is the RB position. Although that statement holds no weight considering the bodies we've put out there after Emmitt.

Defense

I would focus on 2015 as much as 2014. The probability of rebuilding the defense in by 2015 is much higher than the probability of rebuilding it by 2014. Signing Spencer to a cheap 1 year deal is unlikely to be a big benefit in 2015 and is just keeping a YOUNG player from getting reps in the Cowboys defensive scheme in 2014.
I guess for me Spencer would be a stop gap for that one year. He gets a chance to play for the contract he wanted this past offseason. WE also have Tyrone Crawford who although I'm still weary of, needs to prove himself. Working with Marinelli, he may be a productive player. I guess for me I was looking to add some players to the weakside (through draft and free agency). I think we have some guys who could play strongside especially in rotation. In 2015, we can go DE in the draft and get younger on that side.


Hatcher is too old and also has stinger/neck/shoulder issues. Pay a YOUNG free agent. It's not as if any of these players have long term experience in the Cowboys defensive scheme.
I would pay Hatcher, if Hatcher was cheap. I did not include this in my original assessment, but if Hatcher did demand say a unworthy contract, this would be a position I look to add FA to come in and play along with the rookie we draft. I also tried to consider how many players Dallas could really sign given their cap situation. But is they could add a FS, DT, and DE to start and contribute mightily, I'm definitely all for it.


Don't force a pick at this position. It is a position where you can find reasonable starters in free agency relatively cheaply if needed.
I feels you on this one. I think I just looked at the injuries we had here and thought it would be good to get some more depth along with some more youth. But feel LB can be acquired otherwise. I look forward to see how Holloman plays.


This is a difficult call for me. I believe that at least 1 of Wilcox, Heath and possibly Matt Johnson will eventually (i.e. by 2015) be good; however, will all of the issues on this defense, it would be nice to have a veteran FS to really bring everything together. It's not as if Church is a long time veteran starter at the other spot.
Yea, I don't think Church is meant for that spot and is MUCH better closer to the line. WLB possibly? I like Wilcox and think he should play that SS spot, but I just really feel if it's one thing this defense has always missed was a FS with good range. Luxury pickup I guess, but it sure would be nice. How do you feel about TJ Ward? J. Byrd would be an awesome signing.



Moves to Make (*italics are must make moves)
Draft OL, DL and possibly Safety with the top 3 picks unless another position is by far a better player at the pick. Use trades to align BPA with one of these 3 positions if possible.

Cut Ware and Austin. Use the money to sign as many YOUNG (28 or younger) free agent defensive players as possible.
DE: 1 of Micheal Johnson, Michael Bennett or if he is not re-signed/franchised Greg Hardy.
DT1-tech: 1 of Linval Joseph or Arthur Jones
DT3-tech: 1 of Henry Melton or Lamarr Houston

Also consider low to mid tier free agents DE Corey Wootton and DT Clinton McDonald

Ultimate:
Greg Hardy: 5 years, 50M, 1st year cap hit 3.6M
Linval Joseph: 5 years, 25M, 1st year cap hit 1.8M
Henry Melton: 5 years, 50M, 1st year cap hit 3.6M
Corey Wootton: 5 years, 25M, 1st year cap hit 1.8M

^^^ THIS WOULD JUST MAKE ME SCREAM FOR JOY. ^^^

1st round: OT Greg Robinson (6-5, 320) I start him at RG with Parnell at RT in 2014
2nd round: DE Kony Ealy (6-5, 275)
3rd round: DT Kelcy Quarles (6-3, 298)
4th round: CB/S Stanley Jean-Baptiste (6-2, 220)
5th round: WR L'Damian Washington (6-4, 205, 4.39 forty)
6th round: OG Spencer Long (6-4, 315) Season ending injury in 2013
7th round: RB De'Anthony Thomas or Silas Redd
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AsthmaField said:
I would do a lot of the things really, but one thing that I know I'd do for sure is work on both lines.

The huge improvement we've seen on the offensive line has payed big dividends on offense. Romo was better protected than he's been in years, and maybe better than he ever has been. Suddenly, Dallas can run the ball again. Imagine that. The offense as a whole isn't why Dallas isn't in the playoffs. Add a good defense to what Dallas had on offense this year and this is no doubt a playoff team. Denver, Detroit, Green Bay, and Chicago comes to mind as games Dallas would have won had they played good defense.

Frederick has made an enormous impact on the offensive line and Tyron Smith is playing like one of the best OL in the league period. I would add one more good to very good guard to continue to solidify the OL. One more good guy inside would turn the line into a very good unit, which will effect everything on offense.

Defense has been the problem and the biggest problem the defense has is the DL... particularly since Dallas is running a 4-3. Go all out to acquire good players at DE and DT in any way possible. A good DL would help the defense immensely and would make everyone else in the back 7 look better.

By just adding good players along both lines... without even changing anything else... would turn a few of the losses into wins.

There is a lot of other things that need to be done too, but until the DL is NFL quality, it isn't going to matter.
Click to expand...

This is exactly how I feel about this team and what it needs to do to improve.
 
Chris in Arizona said:
Good call. He would go a long way in improving our deep coverage.

Also, add two defensive linemen in first three rounds of the draft.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, put Monte Kiffin out to pasture and hire a DC (Lovie Smith, Pat Narduzzi) who can scheme against modern offenses and has the ability to make in-game adjustments.
Click to expand...

Agree on the DL adds.

Don't know that he would do it, but having Lovie/Marinelli combo would be a real plus
 
da_whiz_kid said:
.....
Click to expand...
Offense

RE: Jermey Parnell I do remember you talking about Parnell prior to the season starting and for the most part agree with you, but do have to wonder why he has not started at this point (free's contract? performance at practice?). With that being sad, Free is weak, hence the two GIFs floating around with him on skates.
It was reported last year that Callahan wanted to start Parnell but that "management" wanted to keep Free as the starter. The compromise was having them alternate for the final 4 games of the season after Parnell had started 1 game at LT and the final 3 quarters plus overtime of another at LT. I heard on the radio early this season that the OL coach or coaches would play Parnell but "management" preferred to stay with Free. I don't know if "management" is Garrett or Jerry.

Parnell was injured in training camp and If I recall correctly, only played in 1 preseason game (Bengals) and was visibly limping then. Despite the injury he was bullying defenders around. He drove 1 of their DL all the way to the sideline. I also recall him winning against All-Pro Geno Atkins.

I spend a lot of time studying OLinemen. This includes the Cowboys and the majority of the OLinemen in the draft every year. My all time favorite Cowboys player is Erik Williams. I enjoy Parnell's style of play as much as any OLineman that I've studied in the past few years. He will make mistakes, mostly from being overly aggressive, but his ability to physically bully defenders is fun to watch. I think Jerry was telling the truth when he said that Woicik measured Parnell's "punch" as the best that he's ever measured. The measurement is a combination of speed and power.

RE: Guard I think this was the more obvious need on offense. They got to get another one.

There are several players in the upcoming draft that I believe would be good at both OT or OG. It would be nice to have that flexibility and could help justify taking that player over a perceived bigger need on defense.


Austin must go. He can't stay healthy and has not been that great when he is on the field. Paying his 5.5M salary would be stupid.

I don't know if a free agent is required at WR. I would prefer the last spot to go to a young developmental type player.
I do see what you are saying. I think for me I look at Dez and wonder will his back become a problem next year and in the future? It would be nice just to have a little more depth at this position. Nothing too ridiculous. I think if Dallas makes some adjustments and runs more in games I am less worried about adding a WR. If they continue to go pass, WR can become something we could need depth for. What developmental players would you look to add come the offseason? Draft or FA.
5th round: WR L'Damian Washington (6-4, 205, 4.39 forty)

Also add some low level free agents or UDFAs.
They need to find a replacement for Murray. It would probably not be wise to give Murray a big contract (fa after 2014) based on his injury history. Dunbar and Randle might be the replacements, but I would be tempted to add another RB to the competition with a mid round draft pick. Aaaah, I see. Yea I don't think I give Murray a big contract either post 2014, and it would be smart to add someone. With that being said, this is the RB position. Although that statement holds no weight considering the bodies we've put out there after Emmitt.

Defense

I would focus on 2015 as much as 2014. The probability of rebuilding the defense in by 2015 is much higher than the probability of rebuilding it by 2014. Signing Spencer to a cheap 1 year deal is unlikely to be a big benefit in 2015 and is just keeping a YOUNG player from getting reps in the Cowboys defensive scheme in 2014.
I guess for me Spencer would be a stop gap for that one year. He gets a chance to play for the contract he wanted this past offseason. WE also have Tyrone Crawford who although I'm still weary of, needs to prove himself. Working with Marinelli, he may be a productive player. I guess for me I was looking to add some players to the weakside (through draft and free agency). I think we have some guys who could play strongside especially in rotation. In 2015, we can go DE in the draft and get younger on that side.
IMO, stopgap veterans have been a problem for the Cowboys. They've had too many of these types of players which limited them from developing young players. Once the stopgap is gone, you have to start over. One thing that I like about this season is that they are giving playing time to many young players. In the Wade era, they would have continued to play Will Allen at Safety instead of Wilcox/Heath.

Hatcher is too old and also has stinger/neck/shoulder issues. Pay a YOUNG free agent. It's not as if any of these players have long term experience in the Cowboys defensive scheme.
I would pay Hatcher, if Hatcher was cheap. I did not include this in my original assessment, but if Hatcher did demand say a unworthy contract, this would be a position I look to add FA to come in and play along with the rookie we draft. I also tried to consider how many players Dallas could really sign given their cap situation. But is they could add a FS, DT, and DE to start and contribute mightily, I'm definitely all for it.
See stopgap above. Must develop younger players. The probability of injury increases with a age. Keeping the roster young is one method that the Cowboys can implement to decrease the probability of injuries.
Don't force a pick at this position. It is a position where you can find reasonable starters in free agency relatively cheaply if needed.
I feels you on this one. I think I just looked at the injuries we had here and thought it would be good to get some more depth along with some more youth. But feel LB can be acquired otherwise. I look forward to see how Holloman plays.
I wonder if they would move Carter to SLB if Holloman is one of the top 3 LBs in training camp.

This is a difficult call for me. I believe that at least 1 of Wilcox, Heath and possibly Matt Johnson will eventually (i.e. by 2015) be good; however, will all of the issues on this defense, it would be nice to have a veteran FS to really bring everything together. It's not as if Church is a long time veteran starter at the other spot.
Yea, I don't think Church is meant for that spot and is MUCH better closer to the line. WLB possibly? I like Wilcox and think he should play that SS spot, but I just really feel if it's one thing this defense has always missed was a FS with good range. Luxury pickup I guess, but it sure would be nice. How do you feel about TJ Ward? J. Byrd would be an awesome signing.
I have not watched much footage of TJ Ward. I think he plays more of a Strong Safety role in Cleveland.

If they implement the Seattle type of defense that Kiffin said they wanted to implement, I see Church as a very similar player to the Seahawks SS Kam Chancellor. If they have 3 quality Safeties, I like Church at LB in the nickel, but he is not big enough to be a full time WLB. Just watch how often Carter has to take on an OLineman. That's not something that you want Church doing in the running game.

Moves to Make (*italics are must make moves)
Draft OL, DL and possibly Safety with the top 3 picks unless another position is by far a better player at the pick. Use trades to align BPA with one of these 3 positions if possible.

Cut Ware and Austin. Use the money to sign as many YOUNG (28 or younger) free agent defensive players as possible.
DE: 1 of Micheal Johnson, Michael Bennett or if he is not re-signed/franchised Greg Hardy.
DT1-tech: 1 of Linval Joseph or Arthur Jones
DT3-tech: 1 of Henry Melton or Lamarr Houston

Also consider low to mid tier free agents DE Corey Wootton and DT Clinton McDonald

Ultimate:
Greg Hardy: 5 years, 50M, 1st year cap hit 3.6M
Linval Joseph: 5 years, 25M, 1st year cap hit 1.8M
Henry Melton: 5 years, 50M, 1st year cap hit 3.6M
Corey Wootton: 5 years, 25M, 1st year cap hit 1.8M

^^^ THIS WOULD JUST MAKE ME SCREAM FOR JOY. ^^^
Hardy will probably get franchised, but the others are realistic. The Giants don't always retain their free agents and the Bears have something like 29 free agents this off-season. It's only reasonable if they cut Ware. They could still fit it in in 2014 by restructuring Ware, but that would push 11M into future years.
1st round: OT Greg Robinson (6-5, 320) I start him at RG with Parnell at RT in 2014
2nd round: DE Kony Ealy (6-5, 275)
3rd round: DT Kelcy Quarles (6-3, 298)
4th round: CB/S Stanley Jean-Baptiste (6-2, 220)
5th round: WR L'Damian Washington (6-4, 205, 4.39 forty)
6th round: OG Spencer Long (6-4, 315) Season ending injury in 2013
7th round: RB De'Anthony Thomas or Silas Redd
 
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