Combine Weekend
This weekend is the NFL combine. On that note I think it is important to discuss the draft/offseason strategy that I believe the Cowboys should be implementing. I want to break down both cuts, the draft, and free agency.
I know deciding what players are to be cut is a very difficult decision, but we all know it is a part of the game. This offseason we will more then likely see Drew Bledsoe get cut. Now, I know Bledsoe still believe he can be a starting quarterback in this league and I believe him. I would love to see him go somewhere like Chicago to try to beat out Grossman. However, I think he is going to wind up retiring because he does not want to play somewhere unless he is going to be handed the starting job. I don't think he is going to find that. Other iminant cuts on the offensive side of the ball include Al Johnson, Jason Fabini, and Marco Rivera. These two offensive lineman did not see much time last year. Johnson was a second round pick and now that Gurode has really stepped up at center there is not much of a need for Johnson. Fabini, who was signed last year, was used as a blocking tight end in goal line situations. He gets payed way too much money to do that job. Rivera started at right guard last year and was obviously the weekest link on the offensive line. He makes a lot of money and has had a number of back problems over the years. They really need to replace him as the starter and I realy see no use for him as a backup. There has been a lot of speculation that either Terry Glenn or Terrell Owens will get cut, but I doubt it. On the defensive side of the ball I think Keith Davis, Al Singleton, and Aaron Glenn are going to be given the boot. Singleton is just the odd man out in a crowded linebacker group, Glenn is just way too old, and Davis has been an headache and I would assume that the saftey position is going to go in a different direction.
In the draft I would like to see the Cowboys pick Justin Blaylock, a guard from Texas. He would make an excellent replacement for Marco Rivera and he would bring some youth to a line that could use it. The report on him says he does not get pushed back but has some lateral movemet issues. I have not done much reseach as to the deeper rounds of the draft, but I would think the Cowboys should look into getting a free saftey, wide receiver, and even more offensive line depth. People have been saying that we should pick a quarterback, but I think getting a veteran player would be a better alternative.
As far as free agency goes I would love to see the Cowboys land Nate Clements to play corner. They could then move Anthony Henry to saftey as she has planned. Clements is a six year veteran, so he is in his prime and it is very doubtful that Buffalo is going to make a big push to retain him. Clements has been in the pro bowl and he would really sure up all the problems the boys have been having in coverage. Marc Colombo should also be a major concern for the Cowboys. He had a great season at right tackle last year and it would really be a shame to see him go. Another major issue the Cowboys have is who is going to replace Bledsoe as the backup quarterback. Damon Huard's name is getting tossed around a lot and I agree. He did a solid job filling in for Trent Green last year and he would provide some veteran leadership.
If the Cowboys can get all that done, I see no reason that they should not be playing in the Super Bowl come 2008.
I know deciding what players are to be cut is a very difficult decision, but we all know it is a part of the game. This offseason we will more then likely see Drew Bledsoe get cut. Now, I know Bledsoe still believe he can be a starting quarterback in this league and I believe him. I would love to see him go somewhere like Chicago to try to beat out Grossman. However, I think he is going to wind up retiring because he does not want to play somewhere unless he is going to be handed the starting job. I don't think he is going to find that. Other iminant cuts on the offensive side of the ball include Al Johnson, Jason Fabini, and Marco Rivera. These two offensive lineman did not see much time last year. Johnson was a second round pick and now that Gurode has really stepped up at center there is not much of a need for Johnson. Fabini, who was signed last year, was used as a blocking tight end in goal line situations. He gets payed way too much money to do that job. Rivera started at right guard last year and was obviously the weekest link on the offensive line. He makes a lot of money and has had a number of back problems over the years. They really need to replace him as the starter and I realy see no use for him as a backup. There has been a lot of speculation that either Terry Glenn or Terrell Owens will get cut, but I doubt it. On the defensive side of the ball I think Keith Davis, Al Singleton, and Aaron Glenn are going to be given the boot. Singleton is just the odd man out in a crowded linebacker group, Glenn is just way too old, and Davis has been an headache and I would assume that the saftey position is going to go in a different direction.
In the draft I would like to see the Cowboys pick Justin Blaylock, a guard from Texas. He would make an excellent replacement for Marco Rivera and he would bring some youth to a line that could use it. The report on him says he does not get pushed back but has some lateral movemet issues. I have not done much reseach as to the deeper rounds of the draft, but I would think the Cowboys should look into getting a free saftey, wide receiver, and even more offensive line depth. People have been saying that we should pick a quarterback, but I think getting a veteran player would be a better alternative.
As far as free agency goes I would love to see the Cowboys land Nate Clements to play corner. They could then move Anthony Henry to saftey as she has planned. Clements is a six year veteran, so he is in his prime and it is very doubtful that Buffalo is going to make a big push to retain him. Clements has been in the pro bowl and he would really sure up all the problems the boys have been having in coverage. Marc Colombo should also be a major concern for the Cowboys. He had a great season at right tackle last year and it would really be a shame to see him go. Another major issue the Cowboys have is who is going to replace Bledsoe as the backup quarterback. Damon Huard's name is getting tossed around a lot and I agree. He did a solid job filling in for Trent Green last year and he would provide some veteran leadership.
If the Cowboys can get all that done, I see no reason that they should not be playing in the Super Bowl come 2008.
posted by Sheppard at 4:08 PM
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