Draft Nuggets 2013:
Entry #6
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@sportsnarrative
Addressing the
Cowboys Needs:
With the season over and a champion crowned, the business of
the NFL offseason has officially begun. With just short of 3 weeks to the NFL
Combine and 5 weeks until the start of free agency, the Cowboys have a number
of needs to address before the start of next season. These needs surely include:
1.
Guard
2.
Defensive Tackle
3.
Defensive End
4.
Safety
5.
Offensive Tackle
Going in order, we will examine all of the options available
for Dallas and try to find the best course of action going forward.
The Need at Guard:
Instead of drafting the #1 guard (David DeCastro) and the #1
center (Peter Konz) in the 2012 NFL draft, Jerry opted to trade his first 2
picks to get CB Morris Claiborne of LSU. To address the need at guard, Dallas
signed 30 year old Nate Livings from the Bengals to a 5yr $19 million dollar
deal and 26 year old Mackenzy Bernadeau from the Panthers to a 4yr $11 million
dollar deal. While Livings proved to be a serviceable player at left guard,
Bernadeau could only be classified as a major disappointment. Credited for
allowing 24 QB pressures and 6 sacks, the right guard and emergency center kept
Romo consistently running for his life and failed to open holes in the running
game. Between him and the under-performing and often penalized right tackle
Doug Free, the Cowboys right side of the offensive line was one of worst in the
entire NFL. In addition to all the pass protection issues, the Cowboys’
offensive line rated dead last in yards per rushing attempt to the right side,
greatly contributing to the statistically worst season for running the football
in Cowboys history. So an upgrade at right guard is an imperative this
offseason.
Free Agency:
The Cowboys will almost assuredly be limited under the
salary cap in this free agency period. Between the $5 million dollar penalty
imposed for the Miles Austin contract and the decisions on big pieces like Tony
Romo and Anthony Spencer, Dallas needs to carry a laser-like focus where they
spend their money on free agents. Guard could very well be a great area to
address in this way, as there are several quality free agent guards under the
age of 30 available. The only uncertainty in dabbling in this market is the
increasing cost of interior linemen (see Carl Nicks and Ben Grubbs last year)
and whether or not any of these players even reach the open market. Here is
what may be available on March 12th
1.
Andy
Levitre, Buffalo Bills, Age 27 – Levitre has been the model of
consistency since being drafted in 2009. (Note: Buffalo traded up with your
Dallas Cowboys to take Levitre in the 2nd round. Ouch!) Andy has
played and started in all 64 games of his four year career and even filled in
at tackle in 2011. The only question around Levitre is how much will it cost
and will Buffalo let him get away.
2.
Louis
Vasquez, San Diego Chargers, Age 26 – This former Texas Tech Red
Raider and Corsicana native was one of the few bright spots on a pedestrian
O-line out in San Diego. Vasquez is going to be due a nice contract this
off-season. Can the pull of coming back to Texas draw him to Dallas? Jerry can
only hope so.
3.
Kevin
Boothe, New York Giants, Age 30 – Boothe’s best strengths are
his run-blocking and versatility to play both guard and center. His only
determent is being on the wrong side of 30. Could be a nice Plan C if Dallas
gets outbid for the previous two names.
4.
Brandon
Moore, New York Jets, Age 33 – Moore has been a warrior on the
Jets line for many years, but his age is a real downer.
5.
Ramon
Foster, Pittsburgh Steelers, Age 27 – Foster does have youth and
is good in pass protection, but isn’t exactly a road grader in the run game.
6.
Donald
Thomas, New England Patriots, Age 27 – Thomas has been a reserve
behind Mankins and Connolly, but has played well in his limited chances. Has a chance
to be a starter on a number of teams.
7.
Tyronne
Green, San Diego Chargers, Age 27 – If Vasquez is retained by
SD, Green might be a casualty as a result. Green was dreadful in 2011, but
played better last year. Marginal starter
8.
Matt
Slauson, New York Jets, Age 27 – Slauson is solid in
pass-protection but was a rotational player on running downs. Probably not an
option at right guard.
9.
Chad
Rinehart, Buffalo Bills, Age 28 – Rinehart was a solid guard in
2011, but missed most of 2012 with an ankle problem. Could be a cheaper option
to compete against Bernadeau.
10.
Kory
Lichtenstriger, Washington Redskins, Age 28 – While great in
run-blocking this season, his 10 penalties in 2012 is not something Dallas
needs to add to the #1 most penalized O-Line.
Analysis:
If the Cowboys only major free agent addition this year was
Levitre or Vasquez that would be alright by me. Getting one of those two guys
would free up Dallas to focus on the conversion to the 4-3 with their draft and
sure up the offensive line for years to come. While a few of the other options
could also be appealing and cheaper, none really possess that ability to ensure
a fix up front. After just going through a season with a marginal free agent
ineffectively filling the right guard spot, going through that again would be
insanity. But if money is needed elsewhere, perhaps the draft can provide the
answer.
The Draft:
This year’s draft class contains quite a few options at
guard. But just as we asked last year, would Jerry draft the “steak” over the
“sizzle” with an early Day 1 or Day 2 pick? With so many other needs involved
in switching defenses, the focus on fixing the offensive line will be an
interesting topic of conversation throughout the off-season. Here’s an early
assessment of the available guard class in this year’s draft:
1.
Chance
Warmack, Alabama, 6’3´320lbs– An impressive combination of size
and speed, Warmack has a chance to be one of the highest drafted guards in a
number of years. In fact, there is some question of whether he even makes it to
the Cowboys at pick #18. Regardless, Warmack will be a fixture in someone’s
O-Line for many, many years. Projected Top 20
2.
Jonathan
Cooper, North Carolina, 6’3” 295lbs – Cooper’s stock has been on
a steady rise though out the year and has this athletic guard projected as a
mid to late 1st rounder. The only question will be if he has the
size to play in the NFL, weighing only 295 lbs at UNC. That size could be very
effective in a zone-blocking scheme or could see Cooper switching to Center in
his pro career. Projected 1st Round
3.
Dallas
Thomas, Tennessee, 6’5” 310lbs – The Vols tackle was moved to left
guard his senior year and thrived in that role. Could probably use a little
more bulk at the next level, but looks like a plug-in starter from Day 1. Projected
Late 1st- Early 2nd
4.
Barrett
Jones, Alabama, 6’5” 311lbs – Jones started at guard, tackle and
center in his outstanding career at Alabama. While projected as a center, he
could easily be put a guard as a rookie and start immediately in the NFL, much
like Atlanta did with Peter Konz last year. Projected Early 2nd
round
5.
Larry
Warford, Kentucky, 6’3” 340lbs – Warford is a big ol dude and
moves other men against their will in the run game. Has some weaknesses in pass
protection, but should be a solid contributor early in his career. Projected
Late 2nd-Early 3rd
6.
Justin
Pugh, Syracuse, 6’5” 301lbs – Pugh showed at the Senior Bowl
that he is not a tackle prospect in the NFL. But with a little more bulk, he
has the makings of a solid guard in the NFL. A shoulder injury in 2012 and
short arms could push his draft stock down. Projected 3rd – 4th
Round
7.
Brian
Winters, Kent State, 6’4” 310lbs – Winters biggest asset is his
durability and toughness, playing in all 49 games of his collegiate career.
Fighting through a dislocated shoulder that has to be checked out by teams,
Winters proved his is a warrior and should be a serviceable pro. Projected 4th
rounder
8.
Alvin
Bailey, Arkansas, 6’5” 319lbs – Bailey was the anchor of the
Razorback line this season, often switching from right and left guard to always
be at the point of attack. Though he struggles in space, Bailey shows nice
quickness inside and a solid anchor in both pass and run blocking. Could use a
little more seasoning, but projects to a starter. Projected 4th
round
Analysis:
Dallas could easily spend two of their first four draft
choices on the offensive line and be well served. But given Jerry’s history of
drafting, the chances of that happening seem slim. Warmack and Cooper are
definite options in the 1st round and Jones and Warford are options
in the 2nd round. But, as some of the other needs may take
precedent, the Cowboys may not address their offensive line in the draft until
the 3rd or 4th round, if they do at all.
Norm’s Analysis:
Should Dallas decide to go after Levitre they may not draft
a guard at all, preferring to spend draft picks on the defensive line, safety
and other spots on the offensive line like center and/or tackle. But somehow or
some way this massive hole must be plugged NOW! And it must be plugged by a
quality player rather than some cheap spare part.
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