Draft Hype: A Hapless Endeavor

After the furious player movement that opened the league year, the NFL has gone almost quiet in recent weeks. Unless you’re interested in owners’ meetings or players in attendance of other sporting events, it’s a good time to explore one of your other hobbies. With no games, practice, or even permitted interactions between coaches and players, most football junkies are left to obsess over the upcoming draft. Sadly, all of the energy put into this event by fans, bloggers, and even the biggest of talking head names is an utter waste of time.

In the spring vacuum of football news, information must be generated to give readers their fix, their material. This largely comes in the form of mock drafts, made easy through generators on every major sports website. Any fan with a semblance of an opinion can make a mock draft. Some make them everyday. The news networks use them as teasers before ad breaks. The “gurus” make several revisions and reveal them slowly so there is always somethi- breaking news! Joe Retiredquarterback has dropped the top ranked quarterback after meeting him in Vegas over the weekend and experiencing his weak handshake. “No way a grip like that can handle an NFL ball, much less a Lombardi trohphy.” -@JoeRetiredQB. Looks like there’s been a ‘shake up at the top of the charts.

The main problem with a mock draft is that it is rarely very accurate. It is just not possible for a journalist, much less a fan, to understand what 32 different organizations are going to do throughout such a long and complex process. Between the trades that occur and all the surprise picks each year, there shouldn’t be any hope to get it right. Teams keep secret the way they value players in the name of competition and no matter their history in the draft, these rankings rarely see the light of day. But if they do, you can guarantee they belong to Jerry Jones.

Yet, everybody and their dad still simulates the action in hopes of seeing their preferred players on their team. That guy that keeps talking about his mock draft is like a guy who tells you about his fantasy football team, running down an imaginary roster of names whose collection mean nothing. Until true journalism and social media create an omnipotent force for predicting the draft order, the pre-draft hype won’t deserve interest.

If it isn’t a mock draft, it’s a manufactured authority’s latest position rankings. How so many people watch a suit on TV reveal the next player in their arbitrary rundown is amazing. When more than one list is available, they always seem to conveniently clash for instigation. Folks deserve better than this. Too much of the story is lost when the players get used as little objects to be lined up according to merit. The basis of such has been wrong year after year and ought to be reconsidered. Each year, players are chosen in the late rounds and go on to become stars. The faces of the Super Bowl this past year, Tom Brady and Richard Sherman, were found in the back end of the draft. On the flip side, many first round draft picks are considered busts before their first contract expires. Expectations for these selections have soared and a few famous faces of failure, Ryan Leaf and Jamarcus Russell, will never let us forget the shame of those that didn’t pan out.

Cowboy fans know full well not to expect the expected. Jerry Jones has averaged three trades in every four seasons during his reign as Cowboys’ GM. His pre-draft press conference was already surprising when he downsized the need for a running back and tipped his hand regarding a desire to trade. Worrying about pick number 27 is futile. If the trade is made, every single mock draft that was made in the last three months goes out the window. If not, the selection will not likely be a popular one.

Despite the draft-related pessimism, there is plenty to look forward to tonight. The team of Jason Garrett, Stephen Jones, and Will McClay have shown to be one of the top, if not the best, units in the league at getting a good haul come draft weekend. They showed some serious heart in stopping Jerry from getting Johnny Manziel last year. Instead, they drafted a Pro Bowl player, as has become the usual. All of the roster work that has been done to ensure the ability to draft the best player available will come to a head as the team operates without a specific position of need.

The results of the draft will not be immediate as they take several years to play out. It should be viewed as a launching point into getting to know your team’s new players, or rivals. The fabricated anticipation for the draft, as a culmination of some sort, is performed by the media in a cheap hoax to maintain the public’s attention. Don’t fall for it. Instead, strengthen your handshake and get ready to meet your newest Dallas Cowboys!

Potential Breakout Cowboys in 2015

The 2015 Dallas Cowboy roster has been mostly assembled at this point. A new crop will come through the draft and subsequent rookie free agency, but most of those players rarely pan out, especially in their first season. That makes this a good time to make an educated guess at which players on the current roster could have a breakout season this fall.
Lance Dunbar
With a lot of question about who will replace Demarco Murray as the bell cow back, Dunbar could expand his role as the change of pace back if he can start hitting on those big plays that he teases with every time he touches the ball. While those opportunities are far and few between, they could increase with the returner positions opened up after Dwayne Harris’ departure. In a “running back by committee” scenario, screen passes and big holes could fulfill the lofty expectation teammates such as Dez Bryant see for Dunbar. Like teammate Cole Beasley, he looks too small for the league, but with his speed and the line that will be blocking for him there is no reason to think he can’t become a consistent contributor. Injury and legal questions surround the other backs all but ensuring a chance for Lance Dunbar to become a home run hitter.

Gavin Escobar
A troubling trend seems to be forming at Valley Ranch that sees the Cowboys draft a quality tight end only to see that player kept on the bench by the insatiable Jason Witten. When the player doesn’t have any stats by his name, he ends up a roster sacrifice and on another team where he plays well. Hopefully, this doesn’t happen to Gavin Escobar. He is a serious red zone passing threat, exemplified in a two touchdown game against the Giants. Commitment to the run and an unusually talented offense have limited Escobar thus far, but his tremendous size and soft hands make him a great weapon for Romo. At some point Jason Witten must slow down and it would be a shame if Escobar weren’t there to replace him.

J.J. Wilcox
Having learned how to play safety on the job, J.J. Wilcox is coming into his own as a defender. With experience at receiver, the team hopes to utilize his hand skills and turn him into a ball hawk. He has shown a tendency to really lay some wood on opponents and even create some unnecessary contact. The problem in his game so far has been taking poor angles. Game tape should help make that an easy fix and the Cowboys could finally have their replacement for Darren Sharper. Not too many safeties in the league are stars, but don’t doubt that Wilcox could catapult himself into that conversation if he starts taking the right angles and finishing the plays he is always so close to making.

Demarcus Lawrence
A bit of cheater on this list, Demarcus Lawrence began breaking out last year. After missing most of his rookie season with an injury, he came in when the weather was getting cold and did nothing but improve each game. He eventually took over the end of the Lions game in the playoffs. With another season of training and learning from Coach Marinelli, Lawrence should become what the front office saw in him when they traded up to get him in the second round. He will need an impressive season to warrant the term breakout, but 10 or more sacks is not out of the question for the young fella. Greg Hardy should help alleviate some pressure and show him some tips as he develops into a star.

Morris Claiborne
This is it. His last chance. It’s out on a limb to put Mo Claiborne on this list, but considering the Cowboys have had the best statistical drafting results in the entire league for the last decade, it can’t be thought that the Cowboys traded up so far to get him without good reason. He has had ample time to prepare mentally for Marinelli’s scheme so that will not be an excuse for the questioned mind of Mo Claiborne. The ball skills he showed in college could really help to backfire opposing quarterbacks who target him. He has never been off the charts when measuring his athleticism, but the Marinelli defense doesn’t not require that out of cornerbacks. If Claiborne can’t repair the damaged reputation that his injuries and poor play have earned him, then he will forever be remembered as one of the rare draft busts of this Dallas Cowboys era. No pressure, Mo.

<

This Week in Cowboy Football 4/4

It has been an eventful week for the Dallas Cowboys, especially considering the usual quiet this time of year. As is so often in life, the team’s action gave reason for satisfication, but also caution.

The biggest news of the week was the re-signing of middle linebacker Rolando McClain. His physical presence paired next to Sean Lee’s athleticism ought to be a dazzling sight this fall. A strong linebacking corps will aid the pass rush as well as the secondary. With McClain anchoring a now deep and talented unit, that expectation can be had. A group of the Cowboy fanbase are uneasy about the issues McClain has had, but they can be comforted by yet another team friendly deal. Should McClain have an issue that keeps him from playing, Hitchens, Wilber or Brinkley should be able to slide in keep things flush, while the team won’t be paying a player who isn’t playing.

In the financial side of things, Tony Romo restructured his contract yet again. The move opened up eight figures to cover expenses. Rolando McClain and Greg Hardy stand to command a good slice of the salary cap should they max out their performance on the field and vicariously their salaries. The rookie class will need about $5 million to get everyone signed. Now that Romo has helped open things up, there will be room to cover all this. If Hardy and McClain don’t pan out, the savings can help the team in the future. The worrisome side of Romo’s restructure fears the extended commitment to the franchise quarterback. Behind the young offensive line, he should be fine until he wants to retire. But if severe injury occurs this season and the tough-as-nails veteran somehow can’t go on, the team will be out more money. However, history has shown us that Tony Romo will do anything in his power to help the Dallas Cowboys. And let’s be honest, the team will be reeling no matter the situation when Romo hangs em up.

In an intriguing bit of news, the Cowboys signed a 6’6″, 250lb defensive lineman from the British American Football league named Efe Obada. With the wingspan of Jadaveon Clowney and an explosive burst that would impress most any coach at The Combine, he stands to be a serious talent if he can prove to be coachable. He is raw and new to the game, but will have time to learn. Possibly too much of a project for most teams, the former London grocer will have his shot with the Dallas Cowboys.

Jason Garrett, The Man

In honor of this past weekend’s birthday boy, and in effort to fill the offseason lull without senseless draft hype, it’s perfect time to take a few moments and appreciate the man largely responsible for the positive change that has been occurring for the Dallas Cowboys organization. Since becoming head coach in 2010, Jason Garrett has been an agent of change in regards to the way the Cowboys do business. Holding one of the most difficult jobs in professional sports, Garrett has found a middle ground between tradition and innovation, consistency and surprise. He has towed the line between being the Yes Man that makes Jerry Jones feel important and being the whisper of reason in his ear when he needs a nudge in the right direction. Working with Stephen Jones, he has had success in performing the GM duties that trouble the 21st-century version of Jerry Jones. Said success has further warranted the Jason and Stephen team to make more decisions. At this point, the perception has become that Jerry okays decisions before they are made, but that his crack team in the front office are performing a majority of the duties.

Jason Calvin Garrett was born on March 28,1966 in Abington, PN. He did his schooling in Ohio until attending college at Princeton to major in history. He became quarterback of the football team and earned the Ivy League Player of the Year Award. He still holds the record for completion percentage, displaying the focus on efficiency for which he strives.

The young Princeton grad signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent in 1989. When that didn’t pan out, he took the helm for the San Antonio Riders of the WLAF in 1991, but finished the season in Canada as a member of the Ottawa Rough Riders. Something happened in 1992 as Jason bounced back from a downward trend and, by 1993, had found himself not only in the NFL, but on the Super Bowl Champion Dallas Cowboys. No doubt he uses stories from his experience that year to encourage young players not to give up.

Fulfilling the third string quarterback duties, Jason earned a Super Bowl ring that first year as the Cowboys ran over the entire league. He would attain a second one in 1995 when the team avenged their predecessors from the 70’s as they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers to win a then league-best fifth Super Bowl. He would hold the position for the rest of the decade, moving up to second string on the depth chart in 1998. He started five games, going 3-2, while Troy Aikman was out during the ’98 season. His shining moment came when he came in the traditional Thanksgiving game and led a 2nd half comeback over the Green Bay Packers in a game that has become a favorite memory of Cowboy historians. For a coach that preaches the importance of seizing oppurtunity, he sure set a precedent that day.

In a dark time for him, Garrett was the back-up quarterback for the New York Giants from 2000-2003. In 2004, he went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then the Miami Dolphins before retiring. It was in Tamp Bay that he first met and worked with Monte Kiffin and the whole Tampa-2 gang that he brought in to set the tone of the Cowboys return to the 4-3 scheme in 2013.

In 2005 and 2006 he broke into coaching as the quarterbacks coach for the Dolphins under Nick Saban. It was then that the two formed a bond, allowing Garrett to call on him to retrieve his opinion on players like Rolando McClain. When Bill Parcells retired, and Wade Phillips fell into the Cowboy head coaching spot, Garrett returned to the team with which he had spent the majority of his entire football career. He was made the offensive coordinator, and although the roster was built by Parcells, the unit soared to 3rd best in the league behind the red hot Tony Romo. This success brought several interviews and offers for head coaching positions around the league for Garrett, but he always stayed a Cowboy. It certainly didn’t hurt that he was being paid better than any other coordinator at the time.

After the team imploded in the fall of 2010, Jason Garrett was made the interim head coach when Phillips was shown the door. Finally, in 2011 he was made the official head coach and saw the team achieve increasingly frustrating 8-8 seasons capped with playoff teases. This past season the team broke out and won the division and a wildcard playoff game to earn Garrett a 5-year extension.

Jason Garrett is steeped in Cowboys history and can remind the fans from yesteryear of Tom Landry in his poise and influence. Bringing back the 4-3 defense and focusing on the running game show his focus on the past. Managing the media spin in his words and through his players’ indicate an understanding of the reality of the present. Stern cap decisions and commitment to drafting the right players show a focus on the future. Jerry Jones would love to have Garrett be the last coach he ever hires, and nothing looks like that can’t be true.

A unique aspect to Garrett’s style is the respect he shows to his players, while maintaining high expectations for them. He acts as a leader, not as a boss. To get a better understanding of his message, listen to the famous training camp speech from 2013. He speaks like a motivational speaker with some football coach flare. He is positive and demanding. The philosophy he lays out is applicable outside of football in most any industry or even one’s personal life.

Looking around the league, it’s hard to find too many coaches that are clearly better at their job. Bill Bellicheck has done what he does for a long time now, but any of the handful of others you would likely hear are mostly thought of because they have been to a Super Bowl or two. None of them could out-coach Garrett handidly. As the team has grown, so has Garrett’s in-game decision making. The days of icing his own kicker are over and as Garrett grows, so will the team. In many ways, it looks as if the sky is the limit for the red haired one.

This Week in Cowboy Football 3/28

It’s been a slow week after the excitement that kicked off free agency. The team has not signed or released anyone this week. What news that hit the presses came from the owners’ meetings in Arizona. Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett have answered some questions, but no news of real importance was covered.

As the rules committee went over this year’s revisions, it was affirmed that under the tweaked rules going forward, Dez Bryant still did not catch the ball in Green Bay. Jason Garrett voiced his opinion on the matter. In classic form, he supported his players and the game, but found a way to make his case to the big wigs. Appealing to their wallets, he said the ruling “robbed the league of an instant-classic.” He knows how to get the attention of his boss and has delivered enough to earn more trust than his predecessors.

While many pour of draft analysis and highlight reels, others are assessing the roster to get an idea of what kind of player the team is looking for as they ready for the season at hand. The acquisition of Greg Hardy followed by Anthony Spencer’s public flirting with old fling Rob Ryan and his New Orleans Saints suggests the team feels set at defensive end. With Nick Hayden, Tyrone Crawford, Terrell McClain, Josh Brenth, Ken Bishop, Chris Whaley, and Amobi Okoye the team has plenty of bodies at defensive tackle. That turns the attention of the famous plan to fix the defense to the back seven. Sean Lee will be lining up on the weak side to preserve his health and Rolando McClain should sign a contract after the judgement is made on a possible 18-day jail sentence for the unfortunate middle linebacker. Plenty of depth at linebacker leaves the Cowboys only in search of a difference making starter. The secondary is where questions and open roster spots abound. It is there we can expect some new faces in the draft and afterwards.

On offense, the team will add depth at most every position outside of tight end. The right quarterback could be brought in to compete with Vaughn and Weeden. Another running back would only challenge the four currently on the roster and make the position extremely competitive. The top receivers in Bryant, Williams, and Beasley could use some insurance behind them. Lastly, the offensive line will return all five starters but be without the depth they did last season. Expect a big boy blocker and a ball carrier.

Division Watch
Across the division there has been slowed action as well. The Giants are quietly trying to get stronger and harness the magic they did four years ago, and four years before that. The Eagles are still the talk of the hype specialists and media spinners selling hope in a system so bizarre that “it must work”. The Redskins are still trying to dig themselves out of despair, but with little success as they seem happy to move on from the quarterback they gave up so much to acquire.

Stephen and the Cap

While we look back on the beginning of free agency and wait for the draft to complete the 2015 roster, it’s a good time to look at how Stephen Jones has become a very good manager of the salary cap. We can look back at the process that has brought the team to where it is and appreciate the evidence for confidence going forward. Stephen Jones has attacked the troubled financial situation the team was in on several fronts. It is safe to assume that the Jones family has the resources to figure out a way to get on top of most any financial situation, and the NFL salary cap is a rather simple one in comparison to other economic markets. Stephen has become a chip off the old block in that regard.

Looking back at just a few milestones, Stephen Jones’ input can be seen increasing since 2010. When the team signed Brandon Carr to an expensive contract he expressed acknowledgement of the overpay, but that it was necessary. Since then, the team has made more prudent moves in free agency. No players from the top of their market have been signed until Greg Hardy last week. His case is a special one, and his contract involves little risk for the team.

The players who have been signed have been seen as quality backups or temporary starters to fill the role until a homegrown player was ready. Examples include Mackenzie Bernardeau, Will Allen, Justin Durant, and George Selvie. Rolando McClain was another player the team gave a second chance to while risking hardly anything. He played very well when on the field and if the team and his agent can find the right contract he could be a force in the middle of the defense with Sean Lee. If not, he will have served his role far better than expected, spelling the team while Lee recovered from injury and Hitchens got his wits about him as a pro.

The Cowboy players who became free agents, and commanded more money than what they could produce on the field, have been released or allowed to sign elsewhere. Demarcus Ware was the most coldhearted decision Stephen had to make and although it was the right one, the pain will only be erased the day he retires a Cowboy on a one-day contract. After this offseason the list of talented, but overly expensive veterans, who have not been retained, has grown long and includes Miles Austin, Jason Hatcher, Demarco Murray, Bruce Carter, Jeremy Parnel, and Dwayne Harris. Good teams have to allow players to move on, as it is all a part of The Process.

The highest paid players have often participated in restructuring their contracts to allow for more spending money in the current year. The downside is that it commits the team to the player for longer term. The clearest example is that this year Romo’s league-high $27 million could be brought down significantly to afford other players, but it would require the team be committed to him for several years. If they cough up the big cash this year, then should Romo suffer a career-ending injury or win a Super Bowl and want to retire on top, the team won’t be paying him to sit at home. Tyron Smith restructured this year, but he seems to be a safe long term bet. Jason Witten, Miles, Austin, Demarcus Ware and others have restructured in the past.

Stephen jones operates the salary cap with trust in the team’s ability to build through the draft. Since 2010 the Cowboys have been one of the best drafting teams in the league. Garrett’s new focus on the draft and the expertise of Will McClay have paid of handsomely. The three first round offensive linemen (Smith, Frederick, and Martin) are the highlights but Wilcox, Hitchens, Carter, Murray, Randle, Crawford, Lawrence, Williams, Harris, and Escobar have all proven to be contributors capable of making an impact. Jerry Jones famously trusted his team of Stephen, Garret, and McClay in this new era, highlighted by the choice to skip drafting the available Johnny Manziel. While not every player has been retained, keeping and maximizing their high picks has paid off. Without this base, there would not be faith to let skilled vets go.

A smart way to maximize the cap space is to find bargain players. A player with a skilled history of on field production can be gotten below market value if there are debilitating factors like injury, off the field issues, or a recent down year. Henry Melton and Anthony Spencer were gotten on the cheap after knee injuries. Rolando McClain signed a cheap deal after his unique double retirement. Greg Hardy was signed for an extremely cheap minimum and will literally have to prove it to get his payday. Should he earn the incentives, his contribution will have been worth the price. These players haven’t necessarily always been kept. Like a cheap free agent veteran, the guys who get “prove it” deals are only there until a draftee is ready to step in.

After the team has created a base of solid draft picks, they then need to turn attention to signings those players with expiring rookie contracts to new deals. The earlier you lock in a player at an expensive position, the cheaper he can be had. Tyron Smith’s contract for 10 years pays less than the top players at his position and will be of incredible value as he continues to grow toward being arguably the best left tackle in football, while getting paid well below market value. Many have pointed to when the team helped him with some personal and financial issues as a rookie that urged him to give back to the team. The rest of the young line, Terrence Williams, and Demarcus Lawrence could be players who take team friendly deals in the future. Barry Church and Orlando Scandrick were homegrown guys who received solid deals early and now play at a level on the field that makes them a bargain to have.

It is remembered that Al Davis chased the fastest players out of college and it failed to produce. Jason Garrett calls his players the Right Kind of Guys to highlight the importance of the mind in football, not just the body. They are NFL athletes so it is understood they’ll be physically capable. But having guys who buy into the mission and will to do their best, leading the way for the team to do the same, is how you succeed in a sport based so heavily on the group. It is important to note that RKG does not necessarily mean a choir boy like Jason Witten, Brandon Carr or Tony Romo, but a player passionate enough to take the responsibility of an impact play into his hands. There is no difference between Witten and Dez in this regard, even if there is a higher risk that Dez ends up on the negative side of a tabloid media story. The Greg Hardy signing brings attention to this point. His legal issue is messy, but it brought him in at low price and will have an already demonically inspired player ready to “release the Kraken.” No matter what they do off the field, Garrett requires his players do everything in their power to be ready for gameday and contribute to their team the best way they can. Getting suspended or into other distracting issues is not a way to be kept on this team.

The Dallas Cowboys are back in contention as one of the better teams in the league. It has been a long time since they consistently made the playoffs, but they are building like a team who would do so. While it has been a combination of things like the culture change under Garrett, Jerry’s management adjustments, Will McClay’s drafting, a return to the 4-3 defense, and just a stronger roster overall, everything has been made possible by the cap management work of Stephen Jones.

This Week in Cowboy Football 3/21

This Week in Cowboy football
The Dallas cowboys roster for 2015 got a lot clearer this week. The re-signing of defensive tackle Nick Hayden and the signings of defensive back Corey White and linebacker Andrew Gachkar rounded out the defensive side of the ball. Nothing compares to the possible impact the signing of Greg Hardy could have on the Cowboy defense this fall. He is a Pro Bowl pass rusher with some ugly baggage, but the contract is unprecedented in the extent to which it goes in protecting the team should Hardy be suspended or not produce on the field.

Cornerback Sterling Moore signed a contract with the Buccaneers and defensive end George Selvie became the newest player to jump ship to an NFC East rival in the Giants. While popular with the fan base, both players did not portray the consistent play needed to last in the Cowboys’ system, at least at the price they command. Selvie’s departure came on the heels of the Hardy signing. Moore’s signing indicates that the team is still figuring out the cornerback situation, which is heavily impacted by Brandon Carr’s contract, Morris Claiborne’s uncertainty, and the question marks behind them on the depth chart.

Stephen Jones and the rest of the front office should still be hunting their own in Anthony Spencer and Rolando McClain. Both players would bring consistency to the front 7 and can make huge plays. McClain is looking less likely to sign, but nothing has indicated that he is about to sign with anyone else. Spencer will need to accept a very reasonable contract to return. Beyond that, the organization will be focusing on scouting the players in the draft.

What to Ignore
Anything about the Greg Hardy case. It is a settled legal issue and not really anyone’s business. It shouldn’t affect him as a player, although he is facing an unlikely 6-game ban. Trashing a sports figure won’t stop domestic violence. It is up to all of us to be nonviolent, especially with those that we love.
Comments made by the Giants’ owner about “mediocre” players in free agency. They’re mostly just sour grapes taking the form of false wisdom. The subsequent signing of George Selvie proved the hypocrisy of his words.
Mock drafts. The “experts” turn in a failing percentage and the random yahoos on the internet create abstract trades and base decisions on highlight reels. The Cowboys would do well to scout all positions and identify their best fits. It’s a big job and Will McClay has been really earning his money recently as the head of the Cowboys scouting department. In the end, just be patient and find something nice to do. The draft will come and we can meet the newest Cowboys at that time.

All in for Romo?

A debate exists amongst football fan bases when their team has an improved season and makes some noise in the postseason whether or not the team should go all in to maximize their chance at a championship. For the Cowboys in 2015 this is an especially good version of said debate. The situation sees a former dynasty being rebuilt by true decendants in Jason Garret and Stephen Jones along the lines of a vision known as The Process. Add to the mix a newly lightened salary cap, recently strong draft history, and an aging quarterback with only a few years left to win the big one. With so much being slowly built to ensure a positive future for the team, should the Cowboys revert back to the Jerry Jones brand of high risk taking and go all in to win a championship for Romo? Even if it gambles the future of the team?

To make such a decision, it would be wise to follow first evaluate the team and decide what pieces would need upgrading, and figure out how to go about acquiring those pieces.

Evalaute
The idea is not to build the roster like an All Madden team or a Dream Team. Everyone knows what happened to the Dream Team in the NFL and saw the undefeated Patriots lose the Super Bowl. Instead, identify the weak spots and bringing them up to par. Improve on your strengths and keep an ace up your sleeve. When you become a top quality team, and you can match up against the others on that level, then and only then is the team is truly a Super Bowl contender.
The points of weakness on the Cowboys roster stand out at defensive line, cornerback, and running back. The linebacking corps will be all shored up if Rolando McClain re-signs, but until that happens it should be considered as well.
The strengths of the team are offensive line, receivers, and kicker. They have already taken care of these areas. Doug Free and Ronald Leary were re-signed to keep the starters intact on the offensive line, but some depth will be needed as the swing tackle Jeremy Parnell got paid like a starter to join Jacksonville. Dez Bryant was tagged while they work out his long-term deal and Cole Beasley was signed to a multiyear deal to continue giving fits to opposing defenses on third down. On special teams, kicking ace Dan Bailey should enjoy the continuity of his place holder, punter Chris Jones, being retained.
As far as an ace up the sleeve, one can see several options on the roster already. Gavin Escobar has shown he can be a huge passing treat in the red zone. Lance Dunbar has the kind of speed and elusiveness to make a few home-run plays. On defense, J.J. Wilcox has done nothing but improve in his new position. His hard hitting ways and focus on the ball could see him grow into something special. Morris Claiborne has his back against the wall to ever show he can be the talent his draft pedigree suggests. It doesn’t look likely, but if the mental side of the game “clicks” while quarterbacks target him, his splash play potential could see him exemplify why he was “Pick 6” in 2012. Lastly, if you hang around the best Cowboys site on the internet, BtBBtB, you will pick up a lot of faith in second year DE Ben Gardner from the very football savvy crowd over there. He didn’t play a single snap last year due to injury. He may turn into the next Unicorn Matt Johnson, or he may become Jared Allen.

Acquire
A few edge rushing options remain on the market. Greg Hardy would be the biggest name, but his checkered past has kept him jobless so far. Some established veterans in Abraham and Freeney are available, but the best bet may be the Cowboys’ own Anthony Spencer. Inside, a major space eater in B.J. Raji, is on the market but would come at a high price. Strong veteran leaders would be nice to lead the young guys while making an impact on the field, but could come with a heavy price tag.
At cornerback, the best player still on the market is Tramon Williams. He is seeking a big payday but that price tag drops every day he doesn’t get signed. A better option could be long time Marinelli player Charles Tillman. He is aging and has had injury issues, but his pure presence could be a major impact on the young guys like Patmon, Claiborne, and whoever is drafted. Teaching these guys his signature “Peanut Punch” could really improve the defense.
The running back situation is not necessarily a hazard but is not as strong as it was last year. The main issue is that every back on the squad has question marks. McFadden has underwhelmed as a Raider, Williams has an injury history, Randle’s off the field issues are a growing concern, and Lance Dunbar seems too small to carry a heavy load. Bringing in a big hitter could return this position to a strength of the team and behind the great offensive line see a running game that pays dividends throughout the team. The big star story is Adrian Peterson coming to Dallas. This is a stretch considering the situation, but if it somehow came together, the team could release Randle and really feel like they are a top team in the league, led by an offense few could match.

By most fans’ account, the team needs to improve the defense majorly to make it to the Super Bowl. The team is currently courting Greg Hardy, a move which would immediately bring real hope that the defensive line could get after the quarterback this season. A re-signing of Rolando McClain and some added talent in the secondary could make this unit a top ten force in 2015. But this brings back the pressing question: is it worth gambling the financial future to pay for help now?

Tony Romo will be the highest paid football player this year making $27 million. While this seems enormous, it will get the team “over the hump” so to say with his contract. They will not be chained to him if a sudden injury ends his career. However, they can restructure his contract and push a bunch of that guaranteed money into the next few years. This would allow the team to pay a couple more defensive players and cover the rookie class. The numbers are too complicated for a laymen to acquire and figure out. That is why Stephen Jones gets the title “genius” from the people who follow his work closely. But when calculating the risk, the inner Jerry Jones in all of us, who wants to go down swinging, says, “Pull the trigger, son. The downside would be only temporary, but the glory of a championship lasts forever!”

This Week in Cowboy Football 3/14

Recap
A flurry of activity occurred this week to ring in the NFL league year and, despite all the news, things were not very exciting for Cowboys fans. Until you get down to the meat of things.

Originally, this article was supposed to recount one of the most masterful sports business tales in recent history. Demarco Murray was in attendance at the Mavericks/Cavs game in Dallas on the opening night of free agency, with friend Miles Austin, while in contact with Coach Garrett. One could see Cowboy superfan Lebron James mosey up to Demarco after his spectacular performance to shed some advice about money vs. championships. Garrett would then tell Murray they could increase the offer a smidge and he would agree. But not so. Instead, the story includes “backstabbing” phone calls, recruitment, and a tragic end for the Dallas Cowboys. This is exactly why not to focus on the hype. Murray’s future performance is not set in stone and the Cowboys have plenty of routes to maintain their running game. Darren McFadden was signed Friday to join Randle, Dunbar, and Williams. Take a breath and move on. The team has. And they have done so with a lot more money left to spend.

Before the Murray move, a foundation of departures prepared Cowboy Nation for the bad news. Wide receiver and special teams standout Dwayne Harris got paid to join a division rival in the New York Giants. He had put up some great numbers as a returner in the past, although they dipped this past year. He was a gunner in the punt game and led the special teams in tackles. What’s more is his role on the offense was often that of a blocker and what a blocker he was! On several of Demarco Murray’s big runs last year Harris could be seen as the most tenacious blocker on the team. He also can catch a big pressure pass, netting a game winning touchdown reception against Minnesota in 2013. He will be missed.

Lovie Smith did not succeed in drawing Rod Marinelli to Tampa Bay to revive the Tampa 2 defense. Instead, he syphoned Bruce Carter and Henry Melton, the latter a former player of his in Chicago, to build his team. Neither was particularly expected to re-sign
with Dallas but either one would have been welcomed back so long as their contract didn’t push out someone more important.

The linebacking corps lost another favorite in Justin Durant as he signed with the Atlanta Falcons. A veteran to the Marinelli system, he offered the luxury of playing all three linebacker positions and was playing lights out before his injury last season. His injury history may have caused the Cowboys to be slow in re-signing him. Value aside, the Cowboys have holes to fill at linebacker.

Lastly, Jeremy Parnell got big money to become a Jaguar. He offered value as a swing tackle, and will again cause the team to fill his void sometime soon in free agency and/or the draft. Expect the former.

To make up for the roster voids, the team began by signing minor players. Fullbacks Jed Collins and Ray Agnew were signed as well as former Minnesota Viking middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley. None of these signings will light up the fan base, but sound developments in the offseason are often rather quiet.

Several former Cowboy free agents are still on the market. The most hotly pursued is middle linebacker Rolando McClain. He will now be the focus of the front office and his signing would make the offseason feel like an overall positive, despite the other departures. After him, the team could come to terms with guys like Sterling Moore, Anthony Spencer, George Selvie, or even Nick Hayden.

If the team needs to make more cap space, there are a few moves that could create room. The restructuring of Romo’s contract would invest more in his questioned future, but free up a ton of cash for this year. Brandon Carr will likely need to rework his deal to keep from being designated as a post June 1st cut. Either way, some money will come from his situation. The least likely to happen very soon would be a for long-term deal with Dez be signed that would save some of his $12 million tag.

What to ignore
Ignore any speculation on any major move to upgrade the running back position. Darren McFadden has been in the football wasteland known as Oakland, CA. He is every bit as talented as Murray, while older. With the support of the other members of the backfield and the offensive line, McFadden and the Cowboy running game will be a strength of the team. Now, if a running back is the best player on the board during the draft, then they will upgrade the talent. But don’t expect Adrian Peterson’s Dallas dreams to come true. His karma isn’t that good.
With Murray an Eagle, the hype train will be in full motion throughout the media. Murray did not get a reward contract for past performance from Dallas for a reason. A single snap won’t be played for months, so there is no reason to pay attention to what might happen in Chip Kelly’s offense. As Garrett would tell his players, “block out the noise.”
The raiding of the Cowboys roster is the consequence of being a good team. Much of what has happened was expected and the roster turnover is not any more than the league average. Some big names were lost, but they were all overpaid elsewhere and their spots can be filled. That is the idea of The Process.
Remember that the teams who “win” free agency rarely do the same in the ensuing season. The Buccaneers won free agency last season and they have a top ten draft pick this year. It can be good to add one big time player, if affordable. Jimmy Graham in Seattle could have a big impact, but again, we will have to wait and see.

Division Watch
The Giants have been quietly building their roster with solid players in the backfield. Mentioned earlier, they brought in Dwayne Harris who will not only add to their potent receiver group but aid their special teams, too.
The Redskins have been upgrading their defense along the line and at cornerback. Cowboy fans may have green eyes watching this approach, but not likely for the specific players acquired.
The Eagles have been the attraction of the league, firebombing their roster. Turnover at quarterback, running back, and receiver will see a very different face to the Chip Kelly offense. What more will they do? Who knows, but they will be an interesting watch this September.

What We Know

With the kickoff to the NFL business year comes a wave of free agent signings, trades, and contract restructures. It can be overwhelming to keep track of the shuffle. Now is a good time to look at what we do know about the team and what it will do in 2015.
Coaches
Jason Garrett, Rod Marinelli, and Scott Linehan were all re-signed to their respective coaching positions. Bill Callahan and Monte Kiffin are no longer with the team. The latter two had lesser roles last season, although Callahan’s work with the offensive line cannot be overlooked. He will be in Washington this year, a most unfortunate reality. The consistency at the top of the coaching staff is indicative of a team with a clear vision.
Offense
The 2015 version of the Cowboys offense should look very similar to the one in 2014. Romo will return under center looking to repeat his MVP-caliber performance. No matter who ends up behind him on the depth chart, it will not matter as no one else gives the team a chance to win it all. Dez Bryant received the franchise tag and will assume his lead of the receiving corps, with Terrence Williams and Cole Beasley behind him. Beasley struck a 4-year deal with the team just recently. A decision must be made about free agent Dwayne Harris if he is to return as the 4th receiver and return specialist. Jason Witten and his fellow tight ends James Hanna and Gavin Escobar will return as well. Along the offensive line, all five starters will return. The three first round draft picks, newly restructured Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Zack Martin will stay in the company of right guard Ronald Leary, who was retained as a restricted free agent, and the elder statesmen of the group Doug Free, who just struck a deal that will keep him a Cowboy until age 34, averaging $5 million per year.
The elephant in the room is the decision Demarco Murray will make as an unrestricted free agent. He will no doubt receive higher offers than Dallas can allocate his way, but will the difference be made up by the Dallas Discount? The answer will arrive soon. Other than Murray, the Cowboy backfield will feature Ryan Williams, the off-the-field trouble known as Joseph Randle, and Lance Dunbar who was also brought back. The floor for this position doesn’t look so low, but keeping Murray in Dallas would go a long way in assuring the Cowboy offense continued success in 2015.
Defense
The Dallas defense will see some change this offseason, particularly up front. Jeremy Mincey, Tyrone Crawford, and Demarcus Lawrence will return to the line as assumed pieces of Marinelli’s rotation. A group of guys, highlighted by Ben Gardner and Terrell McClain, are behind them on the depth chart with a chance to earn their play. The whole mess will be sorted out over the summer, but first, expect some quiet free agent signings and some fresh faces through the draft.
The linebacking corps will see some change as well. Sean Lee returns from injury and will be joined by Anthony Hutchens, Kyle Wilber, and Keith Rivers. The Cowboys hope to get a contract done with Rolando McClain, who resurrected his career last year. Justin Durant may very well return as well as he should be a cheap signing and has been a great contributor. Bruce Carter is a free agent, like Durant and McClain, but will likely get a big payday elsewhere. He has shown he can succeed in both a 3-4 and a 4-3 scheme, as well as make timely interceptions.
Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox should return as the safeties unless a very talented one shows up in the draft or free agency. However, it isn’t likely as there are not many on the market or in the draft and the Cowboys are going to be bargain hunting. Fans may be underwhelmed by this reality, but Barry Church has been solid for years and the coaches believe Wilcox can continue to improve as he is still relatively new to safety, and defense in general.
Orlando Scandrick will lead the 2015 Cowboy cornerbacks. The team surprisingly passed on an option to retain Sterling Moore. It doesn’t mean they can’t still get a deal done in free agency. Brandon Carr has been asked to take a pay cut and many expect he will. If not, he can be designated as a June 1st cut. Morris Claiborne will return from injury to make a last ditch effort at restoring his reputation. Tyler Patmon will be given a chance to earn playing time. Still, an infusion of talent is expected through free agency and/or the draft.
Players Returning from Injury
The 2015 Cowboys will feature some very notable players returning from injury. The biggest of course is Sean Lee. Depending on who the team signs at linebacker, Lee could be moved out to weakside linebacker where many hope his nose for the ball could flourish and his body would be a bit safer from the traffic in which a middle linebacker must navigate.
The much beleaguered Morris Claiborne will try to take advantage of his final chance to prove he can be a solid cornerback in this league. The coaches and front office have spoken highly of him. We will learn this fall whether or not those words were just to save face. He’s going to have to earn a starting role in training camp if he wants a real shot at another contract with Dallas, or anyone, in 2016.
The Cowboys acquired Ryan Williams from the Arizona Cardinals last year who sat out the entire season due to injury. He was drafted highly and, when healthy, poses a real threat to defenses, especially behind the Cowboys’ impressive offensive line. By the time he gets on the field at mini camp in May, it will be much more clear how much action he will see.
Last year’s draft pick Ben Gardner made some noise coming out of Stanford. He didn’t play a single snap but looks to make his impact this season. The coaches were touting him very highly in training camp. Hopefully, he can fulfill their expectations. Another down roster player who will return is offensive tackle Darrion Weems. He is poised to become the new swing tackle but will need to prove his health and roster spot in training camp.
Free Agency
With free agency beginning today, a flurry of activity will light up the league. Typically, the teams who stack flashy signings do not have great seasons so this is really just a lot of hype for nothing. The Cowboys have retracted from this type of business behavior since Garrett took over. They will add a couple of decent guys on defense for a low amount of money later this week. What is more important is what happens with the Cowboys’ own free agents, most notably Demarco Murray. If he is lured out of Texas by a big contract, there will be a hole at running back, and in many a heart.
Several big name free agents have been linked to Cowboys, but it is unlikely any of them make it to big D. Folks love to imagine the best players playing for the biggest teams and reporters exploit this to get eyeballs on their sensationalized stories. Additionally, tons of players are from Texas so it always sounds plausible. The only way anyone will see Adrian Peterson or Brian Orakpo don a star on their helmet would be if the team found itself in a sudden need for a player at their position and they signed a very cheap contract.
The Draft
The Dallas Cowboys will draft the best player available when their time comes in the draft. Draftees have played a major role in the rebuilding of the team, in strong part to this strategy. By signing free agents to fill out the roster, they can focus on getting the best talent available rather than choosing a player to fulfill a need, which rarely maximizes the value of the draft selection.
The players who attend Dallas Days can indicate who they might be interested in as they have historically drafted attendees of this event early and often. When It comes to Jerry Jones and the draft there is no guarantee. He loves to surprise, having traded more often than not in his reign as GM. The first round trade back in 2013 worked out very well and the general consensus was relief when Jones opted out of drafting Johnny Manziel last year. Keep those fingers crossed this positive trend continues.
Training Camp
Training camp will again take place in Oxnard, CA. The dates are yet to be announced, but it will take place later this summer. Under Garrett, and strongly reinforced by Marinelli, the best players will play. No one’s starting spot is safe, except probably Romo and Witten. A competitive environment can be expected, as has become the usual. Hopefully there won’t be any injuries or serious violence while some solid players emerge in Oxnard. For those who follow it closely, it is obvious that training camp has become a unifying experience for the Dallas Cowboys.
Schedule
The schedule has yet to come out, but based on last season’s results, we know which teams they will play. Six games will be played against the three divisional teams. The Cowboys will play the four teams in both AFC East and NFC South. The other two games will be against the division winners in the NFC that they do not already play: the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks. Later this offseason, feature articles will be focused on each opponent.
A successful 2014 has restored the public’s focus on the Dallas Cowboys, as the wins and expectations stacked higher and higher. The more casual fans have returned. Combined with the high public demand for all things Cowboys, this all but guarantees that the team will be featured in the maximum amount of nationally televised games in 2015. Considering the big name teams they face outside of the always intriguing NFC East, we know we can expect some serious spotlight on match ups with the Patriots, Seahawks, and Packers in addition to the Giants, Eagles, and Redskins.

For further reading, take a look at why you can expect to see a Dallas Discount.

Check back Saturday for a summary of pertinent Cowboy activity, a guide on what to ignore, and a watchful eye on the division.