2013 Official Dallas Cowboys Thread (1 Viewer)

[Ridgelake]

I wonder if Doug Free is gonna take a pay cut, get cut...........

I'd like to see him take a pay cut, stick around, and play like he did before he got paid! Maybe he needs some more motivation?? Is it possible for him to get better at this point?

If he's smart, he'll take a pay cut. With guys like Clabo and Winston STILL on the open market, Free has to know he'd get about the league minimum if he were released.

 

[BigDave]

I wonder if Doug Free is gonna take a pay cut, get cut...........

I'd like to see him take a pay cut, stick around, and play like he did before he got paid! Maybe he needs some more motivation?? Is it possible for him to get better at this point?

If he's smart, he'll take a pay cut. With guys like Clabo and Winston STILL on the open market, Free has to know he'd get about the league minimum if he were released.

I think Free is smarter than the average bear, Clabo just signed with Miami.

That only leaves Winston and we've got 4 more weeks in May before Jerry cuts him June 1st.

IF Winston gets signed elsewhere, then Free is in the drivers seat despite playing terribly. Jerry would be forced to cut him if he doesn't take a pay cut. Then we're will we be????

 

[cobalt_27]

Jerry playing the FA tackle market like a maestro right now.

 

[Bankerguy]

I have heard we have no plans on taking a RT in free agency. Unreal.

 

[cobalt_27]

I have heard we have no plans on taking a RT in free agency. Unreal.

Maybe Escobar is our secret weapon at RT. Couldn't be any worse than Free.

 

[jkruppe]

I have heard we have no plans on taking a RT in free agency. Unreal.

Maybe Escobar is our secret weapon at RT. Couldn't be any worse than Free.

Well, since there's really only Winston left, it doesn't seem likely. I don't think Winston is viewed as an upgrade over Free anyhow. For whatever reason, it doesn't seem they were in a hurry at any point during this process. I actually agree with Cobalt on this one. I don't get how Free can hold this organization hostage while we wait for him to make up his mind. Something odd there.

 

[Ridgelake]

I have heard we have no plans on taking a RT in free agency. Unreal.

Maybe Escobar is our secret weapon at RT. Couldn't be any worse than Free.

Well, since there's really only Winston left, it doesn't seem likely. I don't think Winston is viewed as an upgrade over Free anyhow. For whatever reason, it doesn't seem they were in a hurry at any point during this process. I actually agree with Cobalt on this one. I don't get how Free can hold this organization hostage while we wait for him to make up his mind. Something odd there.

The only material FA upgrade available was Clabo. And now that he's gone, it doesnt make sense to sign anyone.

 

[dhockster]

I have heard we have no plans on taking a RT in free agency. Unreal.

Maybe Escobar is our secret weapon at RT. Couldn't be any worse than Free.

Well, since there's really only Winston left, it doesn't seem likely. I don't think Winston is viewed as an upgrade over Free anyhow. For whatever reason, it doesn't seem they were in a hurry at any point during this process. I actually agree with Cobalt on this one. I don't get how Free can hold this organization hostage while we wait for him to make up his mind. Something odd there.

He only has the power he has because Jerry gave him such a big contract with so much deferred money. Cutting him now does nothing for the cowboys because it is salary cap neutral. They get rid of $10.2 million in salary, but take a hit of $10.2 million in deferred money that has not hit the cap yet. So if they cut him, they have no money to go sign his replacement. If they wait until June 1, some of the deferred hit goes against next years cap, so they would then gain some cap room this year to sign a replacement.

Jerry has structured contracts on this team so that there is very little flexibility in cap management. He's done the NFL equivalent of maxing out all his credit cards and he can't get any new ones.

 

[jkruppe]

I have heard we have no plans on taking a RT in free agency. Unreal.

Maybe Escobar is our secret weapon at RT. Couldn't be any worse than Free.

Well, since there's really only Winston left, it doesn't seem likely. I don't think Winston is viewed as an upgrade over Free anyhow. For whatever reason, it doesn't seem they were in a hurry at any point during this process. I actually agree with Cobalt on this one. I don't get how Free can hold this organization hostage while we wait for him to make up his mind. Something odd there.

He only has the power he has because Jerry gave him such a big contract with so much deferred money. Cutting him now does nothing for the cowboys because it is salary cap neutral. They get rid of $10.2 million in salary, but take a hit of $10.2 million in deferred money that has not hit the cap yet. So if they cut him, they have no money to go sign his replacement. If they wait until June 1, some of the deferred hit goes against next years cap, so they would then gain some cap room this year to sign a replacement.

Jerry has structured contracts on this team so that there is very little flexibility in cap management. He's done the NFL equivalent of maxing out all his credit cards and he can't get any new ones.

I believe they still have the $5 million or so they got from restructuring Romo. Plus whatever relief they get when Free takes the paycut or gets released after June 1st. Since they don't have to sign rookies yet, it seems like they had the money to make the move if they had wanted to.

I can't believe that we'd lose out on something we really wanted because of waiting for Free to make a decision. No way that guy holds the entire team hostage. More likely that we really didn't think of Clabo or Winston as much of an upgrade over FreeParnell.

 

[cobalt_27]

I have heard we have no plans on taking a RT in free agency. Unreal.

Maybe Escobar is our secret weapon at RT. Couldn't be any worse than Free.

Well, since there's really only Winston left, it doesn't seem likely. I don't think Winston is viewed as an upgrade over Free anyhow. For whatever reason, it doesn't seem they were in a hurry at any point during this process. I actually agree with Cobalt on this one. I don't get how Free can hold this organization hostage while we wait for him to make up his mind. Something odd there.

He only has the power he has because Jerry gave him such a big contract with so much deferred money. Cutting him now does nothing for the cowboys because it is salary cap neutral. They get rid of $10.2 million in salary, but take a hit of $10.2 million in deferred money that has not hit the cap yet. So if they cut him, they have no money to go sign his replacement. If they wait until June 1, some of the deferred hit goes against next years cap, so they would then gain some cap room this year to sign a replacement. Jerry has structured contracts on this team so that there is very little flexibility in cap management. He's done the NFL equivalent of maxing out all his credit cards and he can't get any new ones.

I believe they still have the $5 million or so they got from restructuring Romo. Plus whatever relief they get when Free takes the paycut or gets released after June 1st. Since they don't have to sign rookies yet, it seems like they had the money to make the move if they had wanted to. I can't believe that we'd lose out on something we really wanted because of waiting for Free to make a decision. No way that guy holds the entire team hostage. More likely that we really didn't think of Clabo or Winston as much of an upgrade over FreeParnell.

And herein lies the egregious offense to all that is left of sanity in Valley Ranch.

 

[Bankerguy]

I have heard we have no plans on taking a RT in free agency. Unreal.

Maybe Escobar is our secret weapon at RT. Couldn't be any worse than Free.

Well, since there's really only Winston left, it doesn't seem likely. I don't think Winston is viewed as an upgrade over Free anyhow. For whatever reason, it doesn't seem they were in a hurry at any point during this process. I actually agree with Cobalt on this one. I don't get how Free can hold this organization hostage while we wait for him to make up his mind. Something odd there.

The only material FA upgrade available was Clabo. And now that he's gone, it doesnt make sense to sign anyone.

I agree Clabo was the better player, but he is not ideal for the ZBS we run. Winston is the best system fit. Not a huge fan of his though.

 

[Faust]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap10...e-asked-by-dallas-cowboys-to-take-big-pay-cut

Doug Free asked by Dallas Cowboys to take big pay cut

By Chris Wesseling

Around the League Writer

Now that veteran Tyson Clabo is off the market, the Dallas Cowboys have lost a slice of leverage in their standoff with right tackle Doug Free.

The team isn't about to blink, however. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday on "Total Access" that the Cowboys are playing hardball, asking Free to take a "substantial" pay cut of more than $2 million.

Although a release will count $10 million against the salary cap, the Cowboys can apply half of that total to next year's cap if the transaction comes with a post-June 1 designation.

In short, the Cowboys are drawing out the process, realizing Free has little leverage of his own. The longer the decision looms, the fewer options Free will have on the open market to make up the difference in salary.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys still can turn to veteran free agents Eric Winston or Winston Justice as an alternative to Jermey Parnell. The best-case scenario for both sides is for Free to accept the reduced salary. Just ask James Harrison how his refusal of the Pittsburgh Steelers' pay cut worked out.

Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.

 

[Faust]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000167894/article/2013-nfl-draft-fallout-dallas-cowboys

2013 NFL Draft Fallout: Dallas Cowboys

Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

The 2013 NFL Draft transformed 32 NFL rosters. Around The League will examine the aftershocks in our Draft Fallout series. Next up: The Dallas Cowboys.

The Big Question: Will ignoring defense hurt Cowboys?
Ignoring might be a little strong. But the Cowboys didn't take a defensive player until their fourth pick, Georgia Southern safety J.J. Wilcox. They went with another small-school defensive back in the fourth round, William & Mary cornerback B.W. Webb. They added an outside linebacker in the sixth round.

The Cowboys continue to insist that the transition to defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin's 4-3 defense will be smooth. They say their defensive line is a strength. But we were perplexed to see them pass on a great value in Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd in the first round, instead trading down for nasty center Travis Frederick. This partly is why I called 2013 a "no-win" draft for team owner Jerry Jones.

Jay Ratliff hasn't been effective or healthy for two years. He's an overpaid starter. And who is going to start next to him at defensive tackle? Is Jason Hatcher changing to a new position?

The depth at the position seriously is lacking. I'd be worried about the team's run defense. The Cowboys also have a scary lack of depth at the rest of the front seven positions. There was a dramatic defensive change schematically in Dallas this offseason, which usually is followed by adding a lot of new players to fit the new scheme.

Instead, Dallas is counting on all the same players to learn new positions.

Three Takeaways1. Second-round tight end selection Gavin Escobar should be on the field plenty as a rookie. He's more talented than the candidates for the No. 3 wide receiver role, including third-round pick wide receiver Terrance Williams.

2. Williams probably will be asked to play more than he should as a rookie. There aren't a lot of great options for Tony Romo off the bench, plus Miles Austin or Dez Bryant usually miss some games.

3. Running back Joseph Randle, a fifth-round pick, is the favorite to back up DeMarco Murray. A running theme with all these picks, including the ones in the secondary: The Cowboys needs them to contribute right away.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

 

[Faust]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-s...s-cowboys-cheerleaders-164820850.html#more-id

Grandmother tries out for Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders

 

[Ministry of Pain]

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2013/5/9/4313378/report-are-cowboys-playing-hardball-with-doug-free

I'm sure you all are on top of the Free situation. I thought this was in depth, also shows their feelings about Clabo/Winston. This report was just put out yesterday.

 

[Texasmouth]

I actually like the guy they were rotating in with Free. I thought he was better than Free and seemed to have a lot more energy and spring in his step.

Maybe they already have a side deal worked out with Winston. A friend of mine is a huge Chiefs fan and he said we will regret signing him.

 

[BigDave]

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has undergone surgery to repair the retina in his left eye.

Jones had sunglasses on while talking to reporters at the first day of rookie minicamp Friday. He did take the glasses off long enough to reveal the swollen eye.

The 70-year-old Jones said the eye should be fine. He said he didn't know when it was injured, and it could have been as long as 15 years ago.

The outspoken owner and general manager joked that the injury ''had me where I wasn't hitting the curve ball like I know that I can.''

That explains his eye for talent

 

[BigDave]

Not sure how the Boys nation feels about our RB's, but I'm a little nervous.

Even if we fix our O line, we have a suspect RB game.

Murray when healthy is a great back. BUT, can we count on him staying healthy based on his history in college and inthe pros so far. I really don't think we have a great plan B if or when he goes down.

Do any of these retreads have a place in our system as a good experienced #2 RB that could provide a breather for Murray and replace him if he misses a few games? Who do you like out of this group still out there????

Running Backs:

Beanie Wells ARI Javarris James ARI Michael Turner ATL Damien Berry BAL EX Lonyae Miller BAL EX Bobby Rainey BAL EX Corey McIntyre BUF Kahlil Bell CHI Eddie Williams CLE RFA Brandon Jackson CLE Felix Jones DAL Chris Gronkowski DEN Jerome Harrison DET Kevin Smith DET Cedric Benson GB Ryan Grant GB Brandon Saine GB Alvester Alexander IND Deji Karim IND Mewelde Moore IND Keith Toston JAX EX Brock Bolen JAX Richard Murphy JAX Peyton Hillis KC Ahmad Bradshaw NYG Kregg Lumpkin NYG Baron Batch PIT EX Issac Redman PIT RFA Jackie Battle SD Curtis Brinkley SD Brandon Jacobs SF D.J. Ware TB Darren Evans TEN Javon Ringer TEN James Davis WAS

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Not sure how the Boys nation feels about our RB's, but I'm a little nervous.

Even if we fix our O line, we have a suspect RB game.

Murray when healthy is a great back. BUT, can we count on him staying healthy based on his history in college and inthe pros so far. I really don't think we have a great plan B if or when he goes down.

Do any of these retreads have a place in our system as a good experienced #2 RB that could provide a breather for Murray and replace him if he misses a few games? Who do you like out of this group still out there????

Running Backs:

Beanie Wells ARI Javarris James ARI Michael Turner ATL Damien Berry BAL EX Lonyae Miller BAL EX Bobby Rainey BAL EX Corey McIntyre BUF Kahlil Bell CHI Eddie Williams CLE RFA Brandon Jackson CLE Felix Jones DAL Chris Gronkowski DEN Jerome Harrison DET Kevin Smith DET Cedric Benson GB Ryan Grant GB Brandon Saine GB Alvester Alexander IND Deji Karim IND Mewelde Moore IND Keith Toston JAX EX Brock Bolen JAX Richard Murphy JAX Peyton Hillis KC Ahmad Bradshaw NYG Kregg Lumpkin NYG Baron Batch PIT EX Issac Redman PIT RFA Jackie Battle SD Curtis Brinkley SD Brandon Jacobs SF D.J. Ware TB Darren Evans TEN Javon Ringer TEN James Davis WAS

Id pick up Ahmad Bradshaw in a heartbeat. Then Peyton Hillis.

I'd also like to bring in Charles Woodson to play FS.

 

[cobalt_27]

Not sure how the Boys nation feels about our RB's, but I'm a little nervous.

Even if we fix our O line, we have a suspect RB game.

Murray when healthy is a great back. BUT, can we count on him staying healthy based on his history in college and inthe pros so far. I really don't think we have a great plan B if or when he goes down.

Do any of these retreads have a place in our system as a good experienced #2 RB that could provide a breather for Murray and replace him if he misses a few games? Who do you like out of this group still out there????

Running Backs:

Beanie Wells ARI Javarris James ARI Michael Turner ATL Damien Berry BAL EX Lonyae Miller BAL EX Bobby Rainey BAL EX Corey McIntyre BUF Kahlil Bell CHI Eddie Williams CLE RFA Brandon Jackson CLE Felix Jones DAL Chris Gronkowski DEN Jerome Harrison DET Kevin Smith DET Cedric Benson GB Ryan Grant GB Brandon Saine GB Alvester Alexander IND Deji Karim IND Mewelde Moore IND Keith Toston JAX EX Brock Bolen JAX Richard Murphy JAX Peyton Hillis KC Ahmad Bradshaw NYG Kregg Lumpkin NYG Baron Batch PIT EX Issac Redman PIT RFA Jackie Battle SD Curtis Brinkley SD Brandon Jacobs SF D.J. Ware TB Darren Evans TEN Javon Ringer TEN James Davis WAS

Id pick up Ahmad Bradshaw in a heartbeat. Then Peyton Hillis.

I'd also like to bring in Charles Woodson to play FS.

Hillis is a meathead, and Bradshaw's foot is a mess. Woodson likely will cost a ton, and we're not competing for a SB this year, so let the kids get some reps. I wouldn't mind having him, but big picture, I wouldn't bother. Kick the tires on Michael Turner, if we must.

 

[Bankerguy]

Woodson is done and cant even get an offer right now.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

You guys now know it is inevitable that Felix Jones has a 200 yard game against us right? He might not do anything else all season but I bet he torches us.

 

[Ariakis]

Hillis is a meathead, and Bradshaw's foot is a mess. Woodson likely will cost a ton, and we're not competing for a SB this year, so let the kids get some reps. I wouldn't mind having him, but big picture, I wouldn't bother.

I don't know why you say that. We have a top QB and a starting 22 that can compete with the better teams ... just not enough depth to absorb many key injuries. I wouldn't write this team off especially in the NFC East with no team likely to run away with it. Like most years under Jerry's stewardship we should be in the 7-10 win range depending how things fall. I would say the odds are better that we win 11+ than fewer than 7 as well.

If adding a veteran safety, OL, or RB can provide that much needed depth to absorb a short-term injury then why wait? We have no QB of the future so if the time isn't now it isn't any time soon at all ...

 

[dhockster]

Cowboys just cut Doug Free's base salary for 2013 to $3.5 million from $7.0 million.

Looks like he will be playing for the Cowboys this year.

 

[BigDave]

Cowboys just cut Doug Free's base salary for 2013 to $3.5 million from $7.0 million.

Looks like he will be playing for the Cowboys this year.

I don't mind him at that price. Sure we could have cut him and signed Winston. But, Free is a know commodity, seemed to work in rotation with Parnell and it works for me at $3.5ML..

Now we need to take that money and use it for a backup RB veteran off the street. I just don't think Murray stays healthy and we can trust a rookie to step in as our main RB. Jerry will probably wait until Murray gets hurt, see that the rookie can't handle it and scape off the bottom of the barrell RB's left.

 

[Routilla]

Cowboys to sign former 1st round DL.

 

[Sabertooth]

So can Williams put up the type of numbers that Laurent Robinson put up two seasons ago.?

 

[Sabertooth]

So can Williams put up the type of numbers that Laurent Robinson put up two seasons ago.?

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

So can Williams put up the type of numbers that Laurent Robinson put up two seasons ago.?

That's asking a lot form a rookie but Romo has or doesn't have chemistry with some guys. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason.

Ill tell you one thing - I want us to sign Robinson back when he washes out in Jax

HOLD THE MUTHA EFFIN PHONE - He's a FA!!!!!!

We need to sign him. NOW. Bad ankle or not.

ETA - Looks like were interested.

 

[cobalt_27]

Cowboys to sign former 1st round DL.

DumbDumb

Dumb

 

[Bankerguy]

So can Williams put up the type of numbers that Laurent Robinson put up two seasons ago.?

That's asking a lot form a rookie but Romo has or doesn't have chemistry with some guys. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason.

Ill tell you one thing - I want us to sign Robinson back when he washes out in Jax

HOLD THE MUTHA EFFIN PHONE - He's a FA!!!!!!

We need to sign him. NOW. Bad ankle or not.

ETA - Looks like were interested.

Major concussion issues...no need for him imo.Cobalt. I dont understand the Hargrove signing either.

 

[Routilla]

How much did Hargrove cost, could he be a cheap beast on the DL rotation?

 

[simmonjm]

Cowboys to sign former 1st round DL.

DumbDumb

Dumb

Why are you so against this signing? I have to imagine that this late in the FA game Hargrove was signed for peanuts.

 

[Ridgelake]

Hargrove was a FA vet minimum 1 year deal. He goes to camp. No salary guarantee unless he makes the opening day roster. No downside. Only upside. Works for me.

 

[Bankerguy]

Hargrove was a FA vet minimum 1 year deal. He goes to camp. No salary guarantee unless he makes the opening day roster. No downside. Only upside. Works for me.

Great points....but why all of the sudden deviate from the RKG approach?

 

[cobalt_27]

Cowboys to sign former 1st round DL.

DumbDumb

Dumb

Why are you so against this signing? I have to imagine that this late in the FA game Hargrove was signed for peanuts.

If we're happy about putting warm bodies on the roster for a minimal contract, then so be it. My preference would be to find good football players who (a) weren't involved in bounty scheme and (b) doesn't have permanent brain damage, as Hargrove continues to claim is the case.

Come on. We can do a lot better than this in Dallas.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Cowboys to sign former 1st round DL.

DumbDumb

Dumb

Why are you so against this signing? I have to imagine that this late in the FA game Hargrove was signed for peanuts.

If we're happy about putting warm bodies on the roster for a minimal contract, then so be it. My preference would be to find good football players who (a) weren't involved in bounty scheme and (b) doesn't have permanent brain damage, as Hargrove continues to claim is the case.

Come on. We can do a lot better than this in Dallas.

He is a good player. Do you think his concussion lawsuit has anything to do with his BS suspension for bounty gate?

 

[cobalt_27]

Cowboys to sign former 1st round DL.

DumbDumb

Dumb

Why are you so against this signing? I have to imagine that this late in the FA game Hargrove was signed for peanuts.

If we're happy about putting warm bodies on the roster for a minimal contract, then so be it. My preference would be to find good football players who (a) weren't involved in bounty scheme and (b) doesn't have permanent brain damage, as Hargrove continues to claim is the case.

Come on. We can do a lot better than this in Dallas.

He is a good player. Do you think his concussion lawsuit has anything to do with his BS suspension for bounty gate?

No. I think his BS claim of permanent brain damage combined with his BS involvement in the bounty scandal all paints the picture of a guy I don't want under any circumstances.Besides, let's not kid ourselves into thinking he's all that good, anyway. He's not going to make this team any better.

 

[cobalt_27]

Cowboys to sign former 1st round DL.

DumbDumb

Dumb

Why are you so against this signing? I have to imagine that this late in the FA game Hargrove was signed for peanuts.

If we're happy about putting warm bodies on the roster for a minimal contract, then so be it. My preference would be to find good football players who (a) weren't involved in bounty scheme and (b) doesn't have permanent brain damage, as Hargrove continues to claim is the case.

Come on. We can do a lot better than this in Dallas.

He is a good player. Do you think his concussion lawsuit has anything to do with his BS suspension for bounty gate?

Yes, of course it does. And, his BS claim of permanent brain damage combined with his BS involvement in the bounty scandal paints the picture of a guy I don't want under any circumstances.Besides, let's not kid ourselves into thinking he's all that good, anyway. He's not going to make this team any better.

 

[Tyrion]

What makes you think his claim of suffering brain damage is BS?

 

[cobalt_27]

What makes you think his claim of suffering brain damage is BS?

I'm a neuropsychologist when I'm not being a football dork. The evidence to support CTE is really shaky and is mostly being advanced by a group in Boston whose financial and career interests benefit from telling this alarming story, and the media in turn love creating hysteria about it, as well. There are likely a lot of things going on that cause CTE, that contribute to behavioral disturbances, and are associated with suicide. Way down on the list would be concussions, according to most neurologists, neuropsychologists, and other scientists/clinicians in our related professions. In Hargrove's case, I have a hard time taking his claim seriously, given that he's now decided to return to the environment that supposedly caused him permanent harm. I not only don't buy it, but it actually rankles me quite a bit.Bottom line, this CTE business is a money grab for everyone involved.

 

[Faust]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap10...dnt-know-of-cyst-until-after-inking-108m-deal

Tony Romo: Cyst found after I signed $108M contract

 

[Bankerguy]

I am really hoping our defense takes shape. If they can stay healthy and get decent safety play, it could be solid. Loving coach Rod with the DL.

 

[Bob Magaw]

reconstructed cowboys draft board for 2013 from blogging the boys site (they also did this in 2010), made possible from background screen captures during jerry jones on camera interviews in dallas war room... reported by PFT, but below is direct link...

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2013/5/30/4378574/dallas-cowboys-2013-draft-board-leaked-almost-complete-7-round-board

 

[Faust]

reconstructed cowboys draft board for 2013 from blogging the boys site (they also did this in 2010), made possible from background screen captures during jerry jones on camera interviews in dallas war room... reported by PFT, but below is direct link...

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2013/5/30/4378574/dallas-cowboys-2013-draft-board-leaked-almost-complete-7-round-board

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000208089/article/dallas-cowboys-sevenround-draft-board-leaked

Dallas Cowboys' seven-round draft board leaked

By Chris Wesseling

Around the League Writer

For the second time in four years, the folks at Bloggingtheboys.com have reconstructed the Dallas Cowboys' draft board via screen shots of video taken from interviews with team owner Jerry Jones.

The result is a fascinating peek into the thought process of one NFL team.

The Cowboys had just 18 players with a first-round grade. All but Tyler Eifert, Sharrif Floyd, Bjoern Werner, Xavier Rhodes and Cordarrelle Patterson were off the board before Dallas was slated to pick at No. 18 overall. This bolsters the notion that the team's brass already had decided to trade down well before their pick came around. It's interesting to note that three of the 18 players whom the Cowboys gave first-round grades ended up with the Minnesota Vikings.

If the Cowboys were high on the Vikings' draft haul, they didn't think much of the Buffalo Bills' first-round selection. Quarterback EJ Manuel carried a fourth-round grade in Dallas, behind the likes of Ryan Nassib, Matt Barkley and Geno Smith (all graded as second-rounders). The Cowboys similarly were down on Kyle Long (No. 20 overall), Desmond Trufant (No. 22) and Datone Jones (No. 26), all graded as third-rounders. Cornerback Johnthan Banks, the No. 43 overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, received a sixth-round grade.

Several teams reportedly had late-round grades on No. 31 overall pick Travis Frederick. In fact, the Cowboys didn't even grade their new starting center as a first-rounder. Frederick, second-round pick Gavin Escobar (tight end) and third-round pick Terrance Williams (wide receiver) were all graded as second-rounders. Fifth-round selection Joseph Randle (running back) carried a third-round grade, which explains the team's expectation that he will beat out Phillip Tanner and Lance Dunbar for backup duties behind DeMarco Murray.

Among the players taken off the Cowboys' board presumably due to injury or character concerns were first-rounders Jarvis Jones, Alec Ogletree and Matt Elam. Also conspicuously absent were running backs Marcus Lattimore and Christine Michael, wide receivers Robert Woods and Keenan Allen and defensive back Tyrann Mathieu.

It's incredible that Blogging the Boys has been able to cobble this list together twice now without an adjustment from Jones. While the inside access is appreciated by fans and beat writers, it's a good bet the Cowboys will put the kibosh on Jones' whiteboard interviews, citing competitive disadvantage.

Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Cowboys signed TE Dante Rosario, formerly of the Chargers.
Rosario, 28, served as San Diego's third tight end behind Antonio Gates and Randy McMichael last year, catching ten passes for 95 yards and three touchdowns. He chipped in five special teams tackles. Rosario will compete for a roster spot in Dallas. Jason Witten, James Hanna, and second-round pick Gavin Escobar are the Cowboys' top three tight ends.

 

[Frank Black]

Rotoworld:

Cowboys signed TE Dante Rosario, formerly of the Chargers. Rosario, 28, served as San Diego's third tight end behind Antonio Gates and Randy McMichael last year, catching ten passes for 95 yards and three touchdowns. He chipped in five special teams tackles. Rosario will compete for a roster spot in Dallas. Jason Witten, James Hanna, and second-round pick Gavin Escobar are the Cowboys' top three tight ends.

Meh.

 

[Bankerguy]

I see no reason to have 4 TEs.

 

[Ridgelake]

I see no reason to have 4 TEs.

I think they are going away from a FB. So to have 4 guys to play 2 TE spots seems reasonable to me. Every other position has at least 2 guys deep. Why not TE too?

Look at this another way. Its either Rosario or the FB (Vickers). Which do you prefer? Oh, and Rosario almost certainly is a vet minimum deal that won't guarantee unless he makes the opening day roster. Also, is he better than the TE who I've never heard of that they released to make room for him? Probably.

Seems like a reasonable signing to me. Nothing special. No real risk. A 4th or 5th year guy when all we have is Witten and no one with more than 1 year in the league.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I'd rather have Vickers but agree in that he's a likely upgrade over the schmo we released him for.