Live from Mobile, AL is this season's first edition of The Draft Narrative Show with all the latest insight and analysis of all the players at the 2016 Senior Bowl! Apologies for the shoddy camera work but hope you can enjoy!
Saturday, January 30, 2016
The Draft Narrative Show Senior Bowl Edition
Live from Mobile, AL is this season's first edition of The Draft Narrative Show with all the latest insight and analysis of all the players at the 2016 Senior Bowl! Apologies for the shoddy camera work but hope you can enjoy!
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Draft Nuggets blog #5 for KTCK 1310 AM The Ticket
Draft Nuggets 2016: Entry #5
By Jeff Bowers of www.draftnarrative.com
Twitter: @sportsnarrative
Winners and Losers from East/West Shrine Game
This year’s East/West Shrine Game played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL ended with a 29-9 victory for the West. However, the only part that really matters is who helped or hurt their causes toward getting drafted into the NFL. Here is a few players who stood out this week:
WINNERS:
Vernon Adams, QB, Oregon – Named the game’s offensive MVP, perhaps no one got more buzz than the diminutive Adams. Going 6 of 9 for 191 yards and 3 TDs, Adams looked sharp from the outset, scrambling away from pressure and completing strike after strike down field. The only thing he didn’t do this week is grow 3 inches, as his 5’11” 201lbs size will have teams dreaming of another Russell Wilson.
Victor Ochi, DE/OLB, Stony Brook – That football factory that is Stony Brook in New York is at it again, this time giving us the pass rusher Ochi. Relentlessly in the backfield most of the week, Ochi proved he belonged at a higher level despite his size (6’1” 244lbs) by using his long 33.5” arms to shed blockers and his speed to turn the corner. Ochi made himself some money this week.
Geronimo Allison, WR, Illinois – The best receiver of the week clearly goes to Geronimo Allison of Illinois. Using his 6’3” 197lbs frame to his advantage, Allison showed great hands and nice route running this week.
Graham Glasgow, C, Michigan – Top linemen of the week goes to Michigan’s Glasgow. At 6’6” 303lbs, Glasgow dominated the interior of the OL all week and even earned a call up to the Senior Bowl. Glasgow has risen to be my 3rd rated center overall
Daniel Lasco, RB, California – Despite guys like Ferguson or Woods getting more carries, I thought Lasco showed the most burst and was my best RB at the Shrine Game. Getting up to speed very quickly on draw plays, Lasco ripped of a 41 yard run in the 1st half that could have him as a 3rd down back steal in the mid to late rounds.
Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina St – Another small school defender who shined this week, Hargrave teamed with Ochi to be a disruptive force on the East’s D Line. At 6’2” 295lbs, Hargrave would be an ideal fit as the rotational 3 technique in the Dallas 4-3.
Mike Caputo, S, Wisconsin – As the game’s defensive MVP, Caputo (6’1” 206lbs) got the rare opportunity to victimize his own Wisconsin QB, Joel Stave, for a 66 yard INT and had another pick as well. Caputo is likely a backup/special teams guy but with a knack for the ball he could find a solid spot of an NFL roster.
Brian Poole, CB, Florida – When you have a 98 yard INT return for a touchdown, you gonna make the highlight reel. That’s exactly what Poole did to Western Kentucky QB Brandon Doughty in the game. Overall, Poole is a stout but shorter corner who will likely need to add weight and convert to FS.
David Onyemata, DE, Manitoba – Canada seems to always produce one solid defensive line prospect every year and this year’s it is Onyemata. At 6’4” and 300 lbs, Onyemata showed nice burst on the outside as well as a strong anchor versus the run. I fully expect for Onyemata to be in someone’s 3-4 DE rotation next season.
LOSERS:
Brandon Doughty, QB, Western Kentucky – Doughty really had a rough week, staring down defenders and missing open receivers down field. Doughty looks like a late round flier or practice squad type.
Keenan Reynolds, RB, Navy – The only thing that went south for the Navy QB turned runner is that he pulled a hamstring. Charlie Weis of the East team was fully ready to feature Reynolds in a variety of roles but the injury negated that chance. Reynolds will need to have a solid outing at the Combine to make up for this missed opportunity.
Tajae Sharpe, WR, UMass-Amhearst – While many praised Sharpe for his size and speed combination (6’3” 188lbs), I was far more concerned with his propensity for body catching and his tiny (7.75”) hands. While he did get a call up to the Senior Bowl, I just don’t see how a wide receiver can succeed at the pro level like that.
COWBOYS VISITS:
While I could not find a complete list of prospects the Cowboys visited with, here is a few names as reported by www.walterfootball.com
Vernon Adams, QB, Oregon
Tyrone Holmes, DE, Montana
Romeo Okwara, DE, Notre Dame
By Jeff Bowers of www.draftnarrative.com
Twitter: @sportsnarrative
Winners and Losers from East/West Shrine Game
This year’s East/West Shrine Game played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL ended with a 29-9 victory for the West. However, the only part that really matters is who helped or hurt their causes toward getting drafted into the NFL. Here is a few players who stood out this week:
WINNERS:
Vernon Adams, QB, Oregon – Named the game’s offensive MVP, perhaps no one got more buzz than the diminutive Adams. Going 6 of 9 for 191 yards and 3 TDs, Adams looked sharp from the outset, scrambling away from pressure and completing strike after strike down field. The only thing he didn’t do this week is grow 3 inches, as his 5’11” 201lbs size will have teams dreaming of another Russell Wilson.
Victor Ochi, DE/OLB, Stony Brook – That football factory that is Stony Brook in New York is at it again, this time giving us the pass rusher Ochi. Relentlessly in the backfield most of the week, Ochi proved he belonged at a higher level despite his size (6’1” 244lbs) by using his long 33.5” arms to shed blockers and his speed to turn the corner. Ochi made himself some money this week.
Geronimo Allison, WR, Illinois – The best receiver of the week clearly goes to Geronimo Allison of Illinois. Using his 6’3” 197lbs frame to his advantage, Allison showed great hands and nice route running this week.
Graham Glasgow, C, Michigan – Top linemen of the week goes to Michigan’s Glasgow. At 6’6” 303lbs, Glasgow dominated the interior of the OL all week and even earned a call up to the Senior Bowl. Glasgow has risen to be my 3rd rated center overall
Daniel Lasco, RB, California – Despite guys like Ferguson or Woods getting more carries, I thought Lasco showed the most burst and was my best RB at the Shrine Game. Getting up to speed very quickly on draw plays, Lasco ripped of a 41 yard run in the 1st half that could have him as a 3rd down back steal in the mid to late rounds.
Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina St – Another small school defender who shined this week, Hargrave teamed with Ochi to be a disruptive force on the East’s D Line. At 6’2” 295lbs, Hargrave would be an ideal fit as the rotational 3 technique in the Dallas 4-3.
Mike Caputo, S, Wisconsin – As the game’s defensive MVP, Caputo (6’1” 206lbs) got the rare opportunity to victimize his own Wisconsin QB, Joel Stave, for a 66 yard INT and had another pick as well. Caputo is likely a backup/special teams guy but with a knack for the ball he could find a solid spot of an NFL roster.
Brian Poole, CB, Florida – When you have a 98 yard INT return for a touchdown, you gonna make the highlight reel. That’s exactly what Poole did to Western Kentucky QB Brandon Doughty in the game. Overall, Poole is a stout but shorter corner who will likely need to add weight and convert to FS.
David Onyemata, DE, Manitoba – Canada seems to always produce one solid defensive line prospect every year and this year’s it is Onyemata. At 6’4” and 300 lbs, Onyemata showed nice burst on the outside as well as a strong anchor versus the run. I fully expect for Onyemata to be in someone’s 3-4 DE rotation next season.
LOSERS:
Brandon Doughty, QB, Western Kentucky – Doughty really had a rough week, staring down defenders and missing open receivers down field. Doughty looks like a late round flier or practice squad type.
Keenan Reynolds, RB, Navy – The only thing that went south for the Navy QB turned runner is that he pulled a hamstring. Charlie Weis of the East team was fully ready to feature Reynolds in a variety of roles but the injury negated that chance. Reynolds will need to have a solid outing at the Combine to make up for this missed opportunity.
Tajae Sharpe, WR, UMass-Amhearst – While many praised Sharpe for his size and speed combination (6’3” 188lbs), I was far more concerned with his propensity for body catching and his tiny (7.75”) hands. While he did get a call up to the Senior Bowl, I just don’t see how a wide receiver can succeed at the pro level like that.
COWBOYS VISITS:
While I could not find a complete list of prospects the Cowboys visited with, here is a few names as reported by www.walterfootball.com
Vernon Adams, QB, Oregon
Tyrone Holmes, DE, Montana
Romeo Okwara, DE, Notre Dame
Monday, January 25, 2016
Carson Wentz Rising Stock
Jared Goff and Paxton Lynch are the names you know, but Carson Wentz has silently moved into the conversation of best QB's in the upcoming NFL Draft. Just how early will the North Dakota State Bison come off of the board, and should he be on the Cowboys' radar? Jeff Bowers let's us know.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Draft Nuggets Blog #4 for KTCK 1310AM The Ticket
Draft
Nuggets 2016: Entry #4
Total Underclassmen Declaring for NFL Draft
The deadline for underclassmen to declare themselves eligible for
the 2016 NFL Draft was Jan 18th. Over the past decade, the number of
underclassmen has been steadily increasing each year. That was until last
season, when the league changed the advisory evaluation they gave to potential
prospects in an effort to slow that growth. In 2014 a record 102 underclassmen
declared for the NFL Draft. Last season with the less optimistic evaluation
process in place, that number dropped to 84. But this season the number is back
up, reaching a total of 107 including 11 players who graduated early. Of the
186 prospects who declared early in the past 2 years, 34% did not get drafted.
Here is the official list of underclassmen in the 2016 NFL Draft
Class (Bold Indicates Top 50 Prospect):
Underclassmen who
already graduated:
1. Roberto Aguayo, K,
Florida State
2. Travis Blanks, LB, Clemson
3. Zac Brooks, RB, Clemson
4. Eric Enderson, P, Delaware
5. Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
6. Keith Marshall, RB, Georgia
7. Tyvis Powell, DB, Ohio State
8. Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
9. Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
10. Corey Tindal, DB, Marshall
11. Vincent Valentine, DT, Nebraska
2. Travis Blanks, LB, Clemson
3. Zac Brooks, RB, Clemson
4. Eric Enderson, P, Delaware
5. Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
6. Keith Marshall, RB, Georgia
7. Tyvis Powell, DB, Ohio State
8. Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
9. Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
10. Corey Tindal, DB, Marshall
11. Vincent Valentine, DT, Nebraska
Underclassmen who were
granted special eligibility:
1. Bralon Addison, WR,
Oregon
2. Dominique Alexander, LB, Oklahoma
3. Mackensie Alexander, DB, Clemson
4. Eli Apple, DB, Ohio State
5. Demarcus Ayers, WR, Houston
6. Peyton Barber, RB, Auburn
7. Vonn Bell, DB, Ohio State
8. Caleb Benenoch, T, UCLA
9. Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
10. Dariusz Bladek, G, Bethune-Cookman
11. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
12. Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
13. Daniel Braverman, WR, Western Michigan
14. Beniquez Brown, LB, Mississippi State
15. Artie Burns, DB, Miami
16. Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
17. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
18. Trenton Coles, DB, Duquesne
19. Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas
20. Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska
21. Jack Conklin, T, Michigan State
22. Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
23. Kamalei Correa, DE, Boise State
24. Su'a Cravens, LB, Southern California
25. Elijah Daniel, DT, Murray State
26. Terrell Davis, LB, British Columbia
27. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
28. Thomas Duarte, TE, UCLA
29. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
30. Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
31. Kendall Fuller, DB, Virginia Tech
32. Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
33. Jared Goff, QB, California
34. T.J. Green, DB, Clemson
35. David Grinnage, TE, North Carolina State
36. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
37. Vernon Hargreaves, DB, Florida
38. Jerald Hawkins, T, Louisiana State
39. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
40. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
41. Willie Henry, DT, Michigan
42. Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State
43. Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford
44. Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana
45. Xavien Howard, DB, Baylor
46. Germain Ifedi, T, Texas A&M
47. Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
48. Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State
49. Cayleb Jones, WR, Arizona
50. Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
51. Jayron Kearse, DB, Clemson
52. Denver Kirkland, T, Arkansas
53. Darius Latham, DT, Indiana
54. Kenny Lawler, WR, California
55. Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
56. Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
57. Roger Lewis, WR, Bowling Green
58. Steve Longa, LB, Rutgers
59. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
60. Jalin Marshall, WR, Ohio State
61. Alex McCalister, DE, Florida
62. Brett McMakin, LB, Northern Iowa
63. Keanu Neal, DB, Florida
64. Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Maryland
65. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi
66. Marquez North, WR, Tennessee
67. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
68. Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA
69. Joe Powell, DB, Globe
70. C.J. Prosise, RB, Notre Dame
71. Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
72. Alex Redmond, G, UCLA
73. Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas
74. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
75. Demarcus Robinson, WR, Florida
76. Rashard Robinson, DB, Louisiana State
77. Aldrick Rosas, K, Southern Oregon
78. Zack Sanchez, DB, Oklahoma
79. Isaac Seumalo, G, Oregon State
80. Wendell Smallwood, RB, West Virginia
81. Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
82. Tyrell Smith, T, Massachusetts
83. Ronnie Stanley, T, Notre Dame
84. Kelvin Taylor, RB, Florida
85. Ron Thompson, DE, Syracuse
86. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
87. Laremy Tunsil, T, Mississippi
88. Quinn van Gylswyk, K, British Columbia
89. Nick Vigil, LB, Utah State
90. Cleveland Wallace, DB, San Jose State
91. Dwayne Washington, RB, Washington
92. Stephen Weatherly, LB, Vanderbilt
93. De'Runnya Wilson, WR, Mississippi State
94. Daryl Worley, DB, West Virginia
95. Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona
96. Avery Young, T, Auburn
2. Dominique Alexander, LB, Oklahoma
3. Mackensie Alexander, DB, Clemson
4. Eli Apple, DB, Ohio State
5. Demarcus Ayers, WR, Houston
6. Peyton Barber, RB, Auburn
7. Vonn Bell, DB, Ohio State
8. Caleb Benenoch, T, UCLA
9. Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
10. Dariusz Bladek, G, Bethune-Cookman
11. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
12. Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
13. Daniel Braverman, WR, Western Michigan
14. Beniquez Brown, LB, Mississippi State
15. Artie Burns, DB, Miami
16. Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
17. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
18. Trenton Coles, DB, Duquesne
19. Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas
20. Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska
21. Jack Conklin, T, Michigan State
22. Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
23. Kamalei Correa, DE, Boise State
24. Su'a Cravens, LB, Southern California
25. Elijah Daniel, DT, Murray State
26. Terrell Davis, LB, British Columbia
27. Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
28. Thomas Duarte, TE, UCLA
29. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
30. Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia
31. Kendall Fuller, DB, Virginia Tech
32. Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
33. Jared Goff, QB, California
34. T.J. Green, DB, Clemson
35. David Grinnage, TE, North Carolina State
36. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
37. Vernon Hargreaves, DB, Florida
38. Jerald Hawkins, T, Louisiana State
39. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
40. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
41. Willie Henry, DT, Michigan
42. Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State
43. Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford
44. Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana
45. Xavien Howard, DB, Baylor
46. Germain Ifedi, T, Texas A&M
47. Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
48. Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State
49. Cayleb Jones, WR, Arizona
50. Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
51. Jayron Kearse, DB, Clemson
52. Denver Kirkland, T, Arkansas
53. Darius Latham, DT, Indiana
54. Kenny Lawler, WR, California
55. Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
56. Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
57. Roger Lewis, WR, Bowling Green
58. Steve Longa, LB, Rutgers
59. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
60. Jalin Marshall, WR, Ohio State
61. Alex McCalister, DE, Florida
62. Brett McMakin, LB, Northern Iowa
63. Keanu Neal, DB, Florida
64. Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Maryland
65. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi
66. Marquez North, WR, Tennessee
67. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
68. Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA
69. Joe Powell, DB, Globe
70. C.J. Prosise, RB, Notre Dame
71. Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
72. Alex Redmond, G, UCLA
73. Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas
74. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
75. Demarcus Robinson, WR, Florida
76. Rashard Robinson, DB, Louisiana State
77. Aldrick Rosas, K, Southern Oregon
78. Zack Sanchez, DB, Oklahoma
79. Isaac Seumalo, G, Oregon State
80. Wendell Smallwood, RB, West Virginia
81. Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
82. Tyrell Smith, T, Massachusetts
83. Ronnie Stanley, T, Notre Dame
84. Kelvin Taylor, RB, Florida
85. Ron Thompson, DE, Syracuse
86. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
87. Laremy Tunsil, T, Mississippi
88. Quinn van Gylswyk, K, British Columbia
89. Nick Vigil, LB, Utah State
90. Cleveland Wallace, DB, San Jose State
91. Dwayne Washington, RB, Washington
92. Stephen Weatherly, LB, Vanderbilt
93. De'Runnya Wilson, WR, Mississippi State
94. Daryl Worley, DB, West Virginia
95. Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona
96. Avery Young, T, Auburn
Draft Nuggets #3 for KTCK 1310AM The Ticket
Draft
Nuggets 2016: Entry #3
The Cowboys Salary Cap Part II
With just $9.8 million dollars free under the cap and many holes to
plug, the Cowboys will likely make some moves with current players under
contract. For some, that might mean take a pay cut or get released while others
might need to take more bonus money to reduce their cap number. Here’s a look
at a few of the candidates for both:
Restructure or
Release:
-
Brandon Carr, CB, Age 29
o
2016 Cap Figure: $13.8 million
o
Savings if released: $9.1 million
The biggest issue with releasing
Brandon Carr is having someone to replace him. While he is not really living up
to the deal he signed in free agency, he has been a very serviceable player at
corner. If he plays hardball (as he did last year) he might just find himself
cut. But maybe the Cowboys could find a way to rework the deal. Status: Plan
B if he reworks the deal
-
Doug Free, RT, Age 32
o
2016 Cap Figure: $5.5 million
o
Savings if released: $4 million
Doug Free had a pretty solid 2015
(all things considered) but is 32 years old. Word is the Cowboys probably wish
to keep Martin and Collins at guard so I expect Free to be back. Though perhaps
for only 1 more year until Chaz Green gets up to speed. Status: Days are
numbered
-
Barry Church, S, Age 27
o
2016 Cap Figure: $3.25 million
o
Savings if released: $2.75 million
This one might come as a surprise
for many Cowboys fans, but let’s look at the reality. Church’s coverage skills
declined as the 2015 year went on, both he and Wilcox are probably best suited
to play “in the box” and if Byron Jones’s best position is deemed to be FS,
there is a redundancy. I would be surprised if Church gets released but I could
also understand it. Status: Unlikely but possible
Restructure for
Space:
-
Tony Romo, QB, Age 35
o
2016 Salary Cap Figure: $20.8 million (13.5% of
total cap)
o
Possible Savings: $11.3 million
On paper, this seems like a
no-brainer. Getting an extra 11 million under the cap is great. However,
restructuring the deal means pushing more of his base salary into bonus money, thereby
delaying the impact on the contract to later seasons. With his age and health
increasingly becoming an issue, it might be best to take the hit in 2016 and
not hamstring your future. Status: Take your medicine in 2016
-
Tyron Smith, LT, Age 25
o
2016 Salary Cap Figure: $14 million
o
Possible Savings: $10.1 million
I think this deal is already in the
works. Guarantee your 25 year old tackle his money and free up money now, as
there are little concerns Tyron will not see the end on this deal. Status:
Write the check
-
Dez Bryant, WR, Age 27
o
2016 Salary Cap Figure: $13 million
o
Possible Savings: $6.2 million
This deal also makes sense, unless
the foot injury is worse than expected or the offseason doesn’t go well off the
field for Dez. But I would expect this deal to on the table in the spring. Status:
Very likley
-
Tyrone Crawford, DT, Age 26
o
2016 Salary Cap Figure: $8.75 million
o
Possible Savings: $4.75 million
Much like the Tyron Smith deal,
this makes a lot of financial sense. However, because of his 2015 disappointing
season (due to injury mostly) the Cowboys might be a touch hesitant to
guarantee him more money. But in the end I think it gets done. Status: Yes
but not until needed
-
Orlando Scandrick, CB, Age 28
o
2016 Salary Cap Figure: $7.78 million
o
Possible Savings: $5.2 million
Just like with Crawford, it makes
sense if Scandrick returns to form and is healthy. Status: When/If needed
-
Sean Lee, LB, Age 29
o
2016 Salary Cap Figure: #5.95 million
o
Possible Savings: $2.6 million
This seems like a long shot. With
Lee seemingly hurt every year, I don’t see it making sense to restructure
unless he is willing to take less in bonus money. Status: Too risky
Total Possible Salary Cap Money: $41.95 million
If the Cowboys release Carr and
restructure Smith, Dez, Scandrick and Crawford, they could easily free up
enough money to be players in free agency.
Coming up next time: Cowboys Needs Position by Position
Monday, January 18, 2016
Draft Nuggets #2 for KTCK 1310AM The Ticket
Draft Nuggets 2016: Entry #2
By Jeff Bowers of www.draftnarrative.com
Twitter: @sportsnarrative
The Cowboys Salary Cap Part I
Before a General Manager can begin to construct a plan for the offseason, he must first take a hard assessment of the team he has. That includes pending free agents, salary cap space, renegotiations and more. Here is an example of what such an assessment of the Dallas Cowboys might look like:
Estimated 2016 Salary Cap: $154 million
Current Contract Commitments (Top 51 players): $144.71 million
Cap Space Available: $9.83 million
With roughly $9.8 million dollars under the cap before any moves are made, the Cowboys rank 26th in cap space available. However, considering where this team has been in years past, it could be worst. In addition, this team has several players it could either re-work or just release and free up plenty of money to be competitive in free agency. While I don’t see this team chasing the big name free agents that could be available, I do see them signing a few key veterans or perhaps bringing back some of their own free agents to fill in the gaps on the roster.
Key Cowboys Free Agents
1. Mo Claiborne, CB, 25 years old – Despite the fact that he has never lived up to his draft position (6th overall), I think the Cowboys would like to bring Claiborne back after a very solid 2015 (especially given lack of depth and a decision to be made on Carr). However, I’m not sure why Claiborne would want to come back to Dallas. He was drafted and seems best suited for a Man Cover scheme where he is left on an island and not asked to read and react or set the edge versus the run. Perhaps he stays due to loyalty or money, but if I was his agent I would advise him to move on.Status: Hopefully returns
2. Greg Hardy, DE, 27 years old – With only 6 sacks on the season, Hardy really deliver for all the PR grief Dallas took to sign him. I can’t see Jason Garrett wanting to keep him around. HOWEVER, if the market on him dips to perhaps another 1 year “prove it” type deal for much less money than he made this year, I wouldn’t rule it out either. Status: Only at the right price
3. Mackenzy Bernadeau, G/C, 30 years old – Bernadeau has proven to be a quality insurance policy at both guard and center the last 2 years. However, paying a 30 year old veteran to be an insurance policy isn’t good business. This is the kind of spot you’d ideally like to find a late-round or undrafted free agent to fill and develop in that spot cheaply. But that hasn’t always worked out for the Cowboys. Status: Only if necessary
4. Rolando McClain, MLB, 26 years old – After being suspended for the first 4 games and then playing his way into shape, McClain finally had a quality back half of the season. I think he only returns on another 1 year, no risk type deal. If someone else wants to pay him more, then good luck to him and them. Status: Bargain bin stop gap only
5. Lance Dunbar, RB, 25 years old – Dunbar just cannot stay healthy. He has shown great promise but only has 85 carries and 52 receptions in 4 years. If he wants to return, maybe a 1 or 2 year deal to see if he can play all 16 Status: Sign but short term
Other Free Agents (with commentary)
- Jeremy Mincey, DE, 32 (yes if cheap)
- Matt Cassell, QB, 33 (no)
- Kyle Wilbur, LB, 26 (no)
- James Hanna, TE, 26 (as depth only)
- Danny McCray, SS, 27 (ST player so maybe)
- Jack Crawford, DE/DT, 27 (yes please)
- Jeff Heath, FS, 24 (no, must get better at this spot)
- Tyler Clutts, FB, 31 (no)
- Ron Leary, G, 26 (Yes, but he will likely get too much $)
- Charles Brown, T, 28 (no)
- Robert Turbin, RB, 26 (Maybe if cheap)
- Josh Thomas, CB, 26 (depth only)
Coming up next: Cowboys Salary Cap Part II including possible cuts and restructures
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Draft Nuggets 2016 #1 for KTCK The Ticket in Dallas, TX
Draft Nuggets 2016: Entry #1
By Jeff Bowers of www.draftnarrative.com
Twitter: @sportsnarrative
The Draft Season Begins
At last, the College Football season has come to a close (congratulations to the Alabama Crimson Tide) and the NFL Playoffs are in full swing. But for those teams not still competing (like the Cowboys), it is officially the start of the NFL Offseason and this blog will be your guide as the Cowboys seek to build a championship team in 2016! Let’s begin by looking at the calendar of events through the NFL Draft:
January 18 – Deadline for underclassmen to declare themselves eligible for the NFL Draft
January 19-23 – East/West Shrine Game in St Petersburg, FL and NFLPA Bowl in Carson, CA
January 26-30 – Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL
January 31 – Pro Bowl in Honolulu, HI
February 7 – Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, CA
February 16 – First day for clubs to designate players with Franchise of Transitional tag
February 23-29 – NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN
March 1 – College Pro-Days begin
March 7 – Deadline to designate players with Franchise or Traditional tags
March 12 – Teams may begin to exclusively negotiate with their own unrestricted free agents
March 15 – Start of the new league year and opening of free agency and trades
March 20-23 – Annual League meetings in Boca Raton, FL
April 4 – Teams with new Coaching Staffs may begin offseason workouts
April 18 – Teams with returning Coaching Staffs may begin offseason workouts
April 22 – Deadline to sign offer sheets for restricted free agents
April 27 – Deadline for clubs to exercise Right of First Refusal on restricted free agents
April 28-30 – NFL Draft in Chicago, IL
Between then and now, we will take an in-depth look at all the Cowboys needs, each position of players available in the draft and free agency and so much more. Stay tuned to this blog and to the Norm&D Invasion for all the latest!
Ahead in Entry #2: A look at the Cowboys Salary Cap and potential Free Agents
Sunday, January 10, 2016
The Sports Narrative Show 1-5-16
Welcome to 2016 and America's favorite 3 hour live sports show on YouTube: The Sports Narrative Show! On this episode:
- We review the Dallas Cowboys 2015 season and look ahead to the future in 2016
- We recap Week 17 in the NFL and preview the upcoming Wildcard matchups this weekend
- We look back at the Sugar and Orange Bowls in college football and get you ready for the Championship Game between Alabama and Clemson as well as discuss all the other bowl action
- Mick's Pub, News and Notes and so much more
So check us out LIVE Tuesday Jan 5 starting at 830pm central and please help join the cause and support the dream
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