Cowboys Confidential

B.W. Webb Picked by the Cowboys

2013-04-27T19:50:00.001-07:00

Valley Ranch Rehab Part 1

2013-01-11T08:30:00.002-08:00

Valley Ranch Rehab (Part 1)

This is my 10 Step Plan to bring Dallas back to its dominating days; this section focuses on the major issues in Valley Ranch.

Step 1: Denial

There are three major issues in Valley Ranch that have everyone thinking that they’re swimming in that river in Egypt:

Issue 1: Structural Flaws in the Organization

Jerry’s strangle hold on the organization has us taking one step forward and two steps back each year. He tries to wear too many hats and this juggling act has turned into a full three ring circus. He needs to step back a bit, even if it’s just handing Stephen the reigns.

Issue 2: Lack of Execution in Situational Football

Jason Garret has never been a head coach before his tenure as interim/permanent head coach and in crunch time it shows. We need a strong battle tested captain to steer the ship, whether Jason becomes one or we go out and find one.

Issue 3: Lack of Depth/Talent in the Trenches

All of our issues on the field this year stem from a lack of talent/depth in the trenches. Every football dynasty, from the Steelers and Niners in the 70s and 80s or the Cowboys and Patriots in the 90s and 2000s, was built from the trenches out.

Step 2: Acceptance

Issue 1: The bloated contracts to overrated players, like Doug Free, Mackenzie Bernadeau, Miles Austin, etc and letting hard working under the radar guys like Chris Canty, Stephen Bowen, etc. walk away have both crippled our roster. Meanwhile, busting on players in the draft year after year, the best example of which is Felix Jones while Ray Rice, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, and Rashard Mendenhall all get drafted after him, has failed to replenish our roster.

Another perfect example of Jerry’s ill-advised moves was finding out the other day that Rob Ryan was fired. As will be discussed in detail throughout, the major flaws on the field for our team come from our terrible play in the trenches, mainly with the offensive line. Our defense was the number 1 ranked defense through the first several weeks of the season while our offense was stagnant. We were unable to run the ball or consistently sustain drives all season and our defense was ravaged with injuries as a result. Six of eleven starters and a seventh if you account for how often teams use three and four receivers and our slot corner also went down, were all lost to injuries for the rest of the season. Josh brent our second tackle in four linemen sets and backup nose tackle was also lost for the season after his terrible mistake this past fall. If anything, he should be commended for having his defense be turned into an intensive care unit and still hanging in enough games to put us in position to nearly make the playoffs. To paraphrase ESPN’s First Take’s Stephen A. Smith, this is exactly why America’s Team is actually America’s Joke.

Issue 2: From calling a timeout when he shouldn’t have and icing his own kicker to taking precious time off the clock when he should have obviously called a timeout immediately, Jason Garrett has had his fair share of crucial errors in judgment. Over his three seasons as head coach he has learned from some of his mistakes, but he has a long way to go. It is clear that having been on the staff of a future hall of famer like Parcels has helped him learn a lot, however managing a game is a craft that must be honed over many seasons.

Issue 3: Offensively our issues were twofold; not being able to run the ball consistently and pathetic protection for our passer. Skinny jeans have bigger pockets then Tony’s had the past few seasons. These inadequacies lead to our slow starts and costly turnovers as well as our inability to consistently maintain extended drives. The slow starts, short drives, and terrible field position ultimately caused our defense to be on the field for far too long too often which resulted in the poor play and numerous injuries the defense suffered through this season. The lack of depth/size/talent of our defensive line was on display in the last few weeks of the season as Jay Ratliff and Sean Lissemore never managed to stay healthy and Josh Brent’s terrible decision left us decimated in the front of our defense.

Step 3: Restructuring

Issue 1: Jerry, I love your fire and gut instincts and business prowess; however you need to take a step back. There needs to be structural change to allow open-mindedness and progress, even if it’s just making Stephen the GM and you maintaining the roles of Owner/President. This will allow you to be you and do what you love and more importantly what you’re good at, building the brand, making splashy/gutsy moves, and all while still overseeing the operations of this organization.This would allow you to avoid the things that make you pull his hair out and age quicker this past decade. You’re the Dick Clark of football, you seemed ageless and vibrant until you had your proverbial stroke and fired Jimmy. You’ve appear to have aged 40 years since you took over the entire operation in the late 90s.

Since you have relieved arguably the most competent coach in the Cowboys’ locker room, Rob Ryan, of his duties there is a now an additional issue of bringing in a new defensive staff and possibly switching schemes entirely all over again. The question now becomes, who is as good as or better than Ryan to bring in as his replacement? A few candidates come to mind who are qualified and run a similar system that could take advantage of the talent we have on defense, Mike Singletary, Mike Nolan, Lovie Smith, Bob Diaco, Kirby Smart, and allegedly Monte Kiffin. Mike Singletary brings head coaching experience and attitude, while Mike Nolan brings extensive defensive knowledge and adaptability. Bob Diaco and Kirby Smart are two defensive gurus in the college ranks who lead the top two defenses to the national championship game in Miami. Lovie Smith is the lone 4-3 coach that I would consider after seeing how dominating his defense has been for so many years at the highest level of competition. Furthermore, I do not believe Monte Kiffin would be a good fit. His tampa two defense would not utilize our secondary’s strengths. We have two phenomenal press corners and we seen from the beginning to the end of this year that those two playing in off coverage is a mistake. Also, his resume as a whole may be impressive, however the 70 year old’s scheme has looked awful in recent years and if it doesn’t work in college anymore how can it work again in the pros?

Issue 2: Also, we should look into hiring an experienced offensive head coach that’s familiar with Jason Garrett and what he wants our offense to do and to call plays. How dare Garrett publicly reject the notion of relinquishing running the offense to more experienced hands. In interviews during the season up to and including his run to the national championship, Brian Kelly attributed stepping back and allowing his coordinators to run the show so that he could focus on the team as a whole and work on each and every player's needs. I say restructure the coaching staff contracts to lengthen them and lower their yearly cost and throw the kitchen sink at Norv. Have him come in and be our Passing Game Coordinator and let Callahan be the Running Game Coordinator. Having Norv and Bill calling plays would allow Jason to put his imprint on this team more and focus on the situational football and little details that separates this team from the great ones. Also, this would allow Jason more time to work with the Joneses regarding personnel and staffing as well as adding more experience to the coaching staff to help with game management.

Issue 3: We need to stop throwing money at backup lineman hoping that the fatter wallets will help them get more leverage in blocking. Tony Romo runs for his life nearly every time he drops back to throw. There’s no way half of our line should be starting anywhere in the league, let alone blocking for the quarterback of America’s Team. We need to cut/restructure as many of their outrageous deals as possible and bring in some battle tested talented lineman to give Tony Touchdowns time to work his magic. On the defensive side of the trenches we need to get rid of some of the older lineman on the roster and bring in some more young guns with high motors and character like Sean Lissemore and Tyrone Crawford. I say keep whoever out of Ratliff, Spears, Hatcher and Coleman will restructure and cut the rest, then build our d-line through the draft.

The next section will look into how restructuring our roster and personnel will mold the culture of this organization.

Interview with Miami Hurricanes-RB-Mike James

2013-01-04T18:49:00.000-08:00

Having been a Miami Hurricanes fan since 1984, I have always taken pride in how many players from the program have made it the NFL and made a significant impact. Recently, the stream of players has slowed quite a bit but one diamond in the rough, that I think, if given the chance, will not only make an NFL roster but could be a star, is Mike James.

James has that middle to late round star running back written all over him. His college stats compare quite nicely with another late round pick, Terrell Davis. Only look at guys like Adrian Foster, Alfred Morris, and BenJarvus Green-Ellis to know you can find a franchise back at any time in the draft or after it. The thing about Mike James, to go with his athletic ability, is the character and wisdom of someone much more seasoned than a college senior. Any NFL team looking for a talented high character running back needs to look no further than Mike James from the University of Miami.

What are your official height, weight, bench and speed?

Mike James: I am 5-11 ½ and roughly 222 pounds. I run a low 4.5. Last time I benched I did 225 pounds twenty eight times.

What other school recruited you besides Miami?

MJ: I got offers from a lot of schools including Florida State, USF, all the Big East schools, every school in the ACC, except North Carolina and North Carolina State. I also got an offer from Notre Dame.

Tell me a little about your work that allowed you to be nominated for theAllstate AFCA Good Works Team?

MJ: I enjoy doing community work such as volunteering for Empowered Youth, project manager for the 2012 University of Miami Bone Marrow Drive and serving meals to the homeless, anything to help others in challenging situations. I was just doing what I usually did before playing at Miami. I grew up in a tough situation, but no matter what, you can always help others, as someone always has it worse.

As the two year anniversary of your mother’s passing just happened, I have to ask where you found the strength to play in the Bowl game that year against Notre Dame eleven days after the accident. MJ: Playing in the bowl game was the toughest thing I ever did but being on the field with my teammates eased my mind. I did not want the last image I had for the year, to be my mom laying there after the accident. I just felt I needed to be on the field with my guys and make my mother and family proud.

How challenging have the past two seasons been at Miami? Did you ever regret your decision to go to Miami? Crazy, challenging and unreal happiness, but I don’t regret anything about my time at Miami. I didn’t share that I suffered from turf toe my junior year, as I wasn’t looking for pity and knew with a coaching change I needed to stay on the field.

What was the biggest adjustment between Coach Al Golden and CoachRandy Shannon?

MJ: Attitude. Coach Shannon and Coach Golden have very different styles and very different demeanor. I was brought in by Coach Shannon so I was technically his guy, but Coach Golden has been great too. I’ve learned a lot from both men and can never thank them enough.

What are your feelings of playing special teams?

MJ: I love playing special teams. I love dominating the guy in front of me. I just want to be on the field whether it is as a fullback, tailback or special teams.

Who has been the best player you faced during your football career either at Miami or as an opponent? MJ: Best opponent was Marvin Austin at North Carolina, and the best player I knew as a teammate was Sean Spence(currently with the Pittsburgh Steelers). Sean really packed a punch and is a special talent.

What is something an NFL scout or coach couldn’t learn about you by just watching game film?

MJ: I consider myself an intelligent player who loves to break plays down to learn the inside and out of the play. I often laminate plays to have them with me to study.

With no bowl game to show your skills one last time, what are you doing to stay in shape in preparation for the April Draft?

MJ: Working out every day. Some all-star games like the East/West Shrine and the Raycom College Football All-Star Classic.

Who has big the biggest influence on your football career?

MJ: My mom was the reason I played. She wanted me involved in sports, so I played for her.

If a scout, coach and general manager wanted to see Mike James at his best at Miami what game film would you give them?

MJ: The games from my senior year would be the Georgia Tech, Florida State or the North Carolina game.

Finish this sentence. When Mike James was a kid I pretended to be _________ when I played football with my family and friends?

MJ: Emmitt Smith and Terrell Davis

After your football career is complete where do you see yourself career wise?

MJ: Right now I am working as a marketing intern for the Miami Dolphins and working on my Masters. I can see myself in the world of sports in some capacity.

If you could have dinner with any three people who would they be?

MJ: Vince Lombardi, as he had the mind of a winner; JFK, just to pick his brain, and Martin Luther King, as he was such a great leader but without any violence.

Describe yourself in a few words?

MJ: Loyal, tough, honest and charismatic.

Can fans follow you on Twitter?

MJ: @Prince_James_5

Follow me on twitter at @ftballdialogue

NFL Fans Are Obsessed with America's Team Designation

2013-01-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

Dallas Cowboys 2009 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As a lifelong Dallas Cowboys football fan, I cannot help but laugh when I read or hear the constant debate regarding their title of “America’s Team.”

I have seen polls on major websites asking the specific question: Are the Dallas Cowboys still America’s team? I have read countless articles by respected journalists throughout the country arguing that the Dallas Cowboys should not be considered America’s team anymore. I have also heard other players saying that the Dallas Cowboys are not America’s team anymore, or even better, talking up their team as America’s team, or even funnier, saying their team is the world’s team instead.

My question to all this is, “Who cares?”

For anyone who knows the true story about the nickname of America’s team, it was not something Dallas gave to themselves because, as we all know, you cannot give yourself a nickname. Did we not learn that watching the Seinfeld episode with George trying to give himself the nickname “T-Bone”?

Instead this nickname was given to the Cowboys by Bob Ryan at NFL Films in 1978 after watching season highlights and noticing how the Dallas Cowboys had so many fans, even for road games. Initially, as the story goes, Coach Landry did not even like the name, but eventually accepted it.

The issue I find funny, and kind of sad, is the obsession with so many parties trying to stake claim to that nickname for their team.

I might be wrong, but I am willing to bet the reason the name sticks with the Dallas Cowboys is simply that they are beloved and hated almost equally, so it means they make money for the league, the networks and all the merchandise arms of the NFL.

The Dallas Cowboys games on Sunday, Monday and Thursday night are traditionally in the top two or three for ratings for the season, and often they are part of games that set record ratings. Dallas Cowboys merchandise sells not only in Texas or the South, it sells everywhere.

This summer I was in Lancaster, Penn., and had to laugh when I noticed all the sports stores we went to had Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys gear. Which one does not belong? The others were all from cities within driving distance of Lancaster, but Dallas had the biggest shelf space and the most merchandise.

This might all explain the recent Forbes evaluation of the NFL franchise that placed Dallas with a valuation of $2.1 billion, the New England Patriots second at $1.64 billion, the Washington Redskins third at $1.6 billion and New York Giants fourth at $1.47 billion.

The difference between first and second is almost half a billion dollars. Even the biggest Cowboys haters have to admit that is a pretty nice price tag for a franchise that has only won one playoff game in recent memory.

I think the players, media and fans who are so concerned with the title of America’s team should focus on their team and leave the rest up to what happens on the field. If they are not careful, maybe they will be given a nickname they don’t like, say, maybe, “Ko Ko”?

Thanksgiving 2012: Seattle Seahawks Vs. Dallas Cowboys on November 27, 1980

2012-11-12T17:20:00.001-08:00

Tom Landry, former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Approaching another Thanksgiving, now as a father of two small children, I cannot help but reflect on the great memories I have from my childhood for this time of year. I grew up in a family with two brothers, one older and one younger and one passion we all shared was football. We played football against our friends and family, we watched our favorite team whenever they were on and read about the games in newspapers and magazines. Football was in our blood especially around Thanksgiving.

I talked with my brothers the other day and asked what if any game stuck out in their memories to see if it matched mine and we all agreed the first great football memory was a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks in 1980 when the Cowboys defeated the Seahawks 51-7. My memories are vivid for several reasons. First, it was one of the last Thanksgivings we had at my grandparent's house as my grandfather would pass away in the summer of 1982, so it was the next to last Thanksgiving we had with him. Regarding the matchup, as a lifelong Cowboys fan the game was as close to perfect as you could get with a total domination by the Tom Landry led Cowboys.

Read the rest

Get Some Help Jerry Jones-- Please!!!!

2012-11-12T17:17:00.003-08:00

Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I consider myself a die-hard Cowboys fan for the past 32 years. My first real football memories are of the 1980 season when I was eight and let me say we are at a crossroads for this franchise. The Cowboys are not lacking talent, as they have several players that would start on many NFL teams. After years of struggle, thanks to Bill Parcells, they solved their quarterback deficiency with Tony Romo. Contrary to many people, I like our coaching staff and believe it is pretty talented with head coach, Jason Garrett, and coordinators Rob Ryan and Bill Callahan. Amazing what a great offensive mind Garrett has when DeMarco Murray is healthy and how suddenly "he can't call a run play" is the cry when he stuck with Felix Jones. Let us all remember the early struggles of some of the best coaches ever. Garrett has the ability; he just needs time and the authority to run a team. Our singular problem is one man, our meddlesome owner, Jerry Jones.

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Call It Maybe (NFL Replacement Officials Parody) - KFAN FM 100.3

2012-09-26T18:49:00.001-07:00

5 Players Who Control the Playoff Future for the Dallas Cowboys

2012-08-27T07:32:00.002-07:00

Tony Romo receiving a snap in the shotgun formation. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Every prognosticator from here to Hawaii will tell you the key to the Cowboys' success is Tony Romo or DeMarcus Ware or Jason Garrett or Rob Ryan, but they are all wrong. Honestly, while players like Tony Romo and DeMarcus Ware are of vital importance, they are not the key.

Does anyone really think Tony Romo or DeMarcus Ware will not be their Pro Bowl selves on the field this season? I certainly expect them to play at their normally high level all year as they have for their entire careers.

Does anyone think Jason Garrett or Rob Ryan will just phone it in and not really game plan for an opponent? I don’t think so.

Instead, the guys I have zeroed in on that will likely control whether the Cowboys have a playoff year or not are Kyle Orton, Kevin Ogletree, John Phillips, Dan Connor and Orlando Scandrick.

Read the rest on Bleacher Report

Jerry Jones' Biggest Mistake Wasn't Firing Jimmy Johnson

2012-08-27T07:30:00.005-07:00

With the passing of Al Davis, and possibly with the exception of Daniel Snyder, no owner in the NFL is more highly scrutinized than Jerry Jones. Of course, most of it is justified as Jones came into the league and did his own thing without much regard to the established protocol in the NFL.

From replacing a legendary coach in Tom Landry, to hiring a college coach with no pro experience, to attempting to strike his own deals with NIKE and trying to start his own Dallas Cowboys TV channel, the message has always been clear—Jerry does what Jerry wants and lets the chips fall where they may.

One thing is certain. Jones' No. 1 motive is to win. When reminded of that, most Cowboys fans can tolerate his antics. Now, if you ask any Cowboys fan under the age of 60 what was the worst move Jones has ever made, most would say parting ways with Jimmy Johnson, but I disagree.

Read the rest on Bleacher Report

53 Man Roster Projection

2012-08-27T07:26:00.001-07:00

English: Dallas Cowboys wordmark (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here is my latest projection of the Dallas Cowboys final roster going into the season.

Like any good team, the bottom few on this roster should continue to change, as Garrett and staff deem necessary. I know this list will be debatable, so please feel free to post a comment or to shoot me an email or a tweet, as I always love feedback.

Quarterbacks: Tony Romo and Kyle Orton (2)

Salary-wise, McGee and Carpenter are the same at $615,000, so no cap difference and cutting a QB with starting experience is risky. If the Cowboys can re-sign Carpenter to the practice squad, since he has eligibility left for the squad, they should release McGee. However, they won’t do it until Carpenter is on the practice squad.

Garrett grew up with three QBs on a roster, and I think he likes it that way, even if one is on the practice squad. This projection assumes Carpenter is on the practice squad.

Read the rest on Bleacher Report

The Last Rodeo for 5 Dallas Cowboys

2012-08-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 16: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys chats with Martellus Bennett #80 of the Dallas Cowboys before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Every year as training camp concludes, teams prepare to pare down their rosters for the start of the regular season. If you stop and examine the team, you can see the guys that are the long-term fixtures with the franchise, and others who are really auditioning for the following season elsewhere in the league.

How, you may ask?

Notice what players the team lets go into the season without a new deal, or at least starting the discussions for a new deal. I call this the Martellus Bennett effect. You know the guy that is holding the roster space, but in no way does the team want to spend the money required to keep him around any longer than his current deal.

The players I am talking about are those that have either failed to meet the expectations of where they were drafted, or are too injury-prone to warrant a big investment in their future. Often the teams take the approach that they cannot do better right now, but hope to upgrade that position next year with a more reliable player.

Read the rest on Bleacher Report at

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1305048-the-last-rodeo-for-five-dallas-cowboys

2012 Dallas Cowboys Championship Window Still Wide Open

2012-08-27T07:21:00.002-07:00

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 bumps fist with Owner Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys before a game against the St. Louis Rams at the Cowboy Stadium on October 23, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Rams 34 to 7. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

I’m always intrigued when I hear talk of championship windows closing on a roster that has never produced a championship.

I know the Cowboys owner and part-time spin doctor, Jerry Jones, recently said that he felt the window was closing on this team. Some players disagreed on whether the window was closing, partially closing or still wide open.

If you ask me, it just sounds like a lot of hot air coming through that open window, regardless of how open it still is or not.

Being a life-long Cowboys fan, I thought I would break down exactly where the team stands, by reviewing the vital positions to any successful NFL team. You know the spots that, every year, teams are trying to fill with top flight talent to then patch up the other spots.

First up is quarterback, as no position in football and maybe sports, is as vital to a team’s success as the man under center. The Cowboys have one of the best in the league in Tony Romo.

Romo, who turned 32 in April, is coming off his best statistical year of his career and entering his seventh year as the Cowboys starting quarterback. For whatever reason, the general sports media enjoys pinning all losses by the team on Tony, regardless of whether it’s valid or not.

Read the rest on Bleacher Report:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1300462-2012-dallas-cowboys-championship-window-still-wide-open

Dallas Cowboys: Newcomers Impacting the Cowboys 2012 Season | Bleacher Report

2012-08-17T17:18:00.001-07:00

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looks on from the sidelines as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Miami Dolphins during the Thanksgiving Day game at Cowboys Stadium on November 24, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Miami Dolphins 20-19. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Few teams were as active as the Cowboys when free agency started this spring, but the question is: Was the money spent wisely, and if so, who makes the immediate impact for the team?

Any team can throw money around, but only the truly successful ones make the financial commitment to the right guys. It was obvious Dallas had some glaring needs that had to be addressed in order to make the next step and become serious playoff contenders.

Read the rest on Bleacher Report

Dallas Cowboys: Newcomers Impacting the Cowboys 2012 Season | Bleacher Report:

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Tony Romo: Dallas Cowboys QB Is Real Deal, Some People Just Can't Accept It | Bleacher Report

2012-08-17T17:10:00.001-07:00

Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys gets a pass of just over the out stretched arm of Texans line backer Xavier Adibi in the Cowboys win over the Houston Texans Sunday Sept. 26, 2010. Reliant Stadium. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of my recent pieces on Bleacher Report:

The way the national media picks and chooses who to ”pull for” and “pull against” sometimes amazes me because rarely is it based on logic, fact or reason.

Any time I hear the less-informed knock Tony Romo, I think of the saying, “If you repeat a lie enough. it becomes the truth.”

There are a few different categories in football when it comes to quarterbacks. The first level is composed of the guys with rings: Tom Brady, Eli and Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger.

After that group, there is a group led by Tony Romo and Phillip Rivers who have had long enough careers that show they are franchise quarterbacks, but for whatever reason have not had playoff success.

The debate should be about who is the best QB not to have won a Super Bowl, Romo or Rivers—nota claim that “the reason the Cowboys lose is always because of Romo.”

Compare Romo’s career numbers to any of the rest of the guys who don’t have rings, and he stands tall against them all.

The national media loves to say Michael Vick is clearly better than Romo.

Really?

Look at their numbers including games missed due to injury. If Romo is a bust because of his playoff record is 1-3, then why does Vick get a pass for being 2-3? If playoff records really matter, then why hasn’t someone signed Donovan McNabb, as he sports a 9-7 record? (I’m not here to knock Mike Vick because I feel he’s a dynamic QB in his own right.)

The other thing that always comes up with Romo is his playoff failures.

Yeah, that’s a great one. I love, again, how facts and memories are different with their games.

Read the rest right here:

Tony Romo: Dallas Cowboys QB Is Real Deal, Some People Just Can't Accept It | Bleacher Report:

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Pre-Season Mock

2012-08-16T17:19:00.001-07:00

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 03: Logan Thomas #3 of the Virginia Tech Hokies runs with the ball against the Michigan Wolverines during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 3, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Pre-season games have started so of course time for the next installment of what round one might look like in the spring once the dust is settled on the football seasons. Some changes in two months and I’m sure many more to follow but right now if the draft where held today here is my take on round one. Breaking from tradition I did project a few trades just for fun and discussion.

Arizona (from Minnesota)*: Logan Thomas QB Virginia Tech….Beast of a man who could have a Cam Newton like year and spring board to the top of all draft boards. Everyone will know the name Logan Thomas after the season.

Miami: Robert Woods WR USC….What do you buy a team with no real weapons at wide receiver how about the best wide receiver in college.

Cleveland: Star Lotulelei DT Utah….This will be the first pick of the new ownership and it will finally address the need to upgrade the talent on defense.

Jacksonville: Eric Reid FS LSU….Still some spots to fill but need to address the center of the field and a top flight free safety will help all facets of defense.

Indianapolis: Barkevious Mingo OLB LSU….Went mainly all offense in 2012 but will need to flip it in 2013 and upgrade linebacker depth and Mingo will be heir apparent to Freeney and/or Mathis

Minnesota (from Arizona)*: David Amerson CB North Carolina State…Considered Claiborne last year but get the big physical corner this year.

St. Louis: Jarvis Jones OLB Georgia….Rams have Laurinaitis in the middle but could use a guy like Jones at strong side. Instant upgrade.

Seattle: Matt Barkley QB USC….Barkley falls in the lap of his old coach and is too tempting to pass up especially with the less than stellar play of Matt Flynn, height limitation of Russell Wilson and pending departure of Jackson.

Buffalo (from St. Louis via Washington)*: Tyler Wilson QB Arkansas…Chan Gailey keeps saying Vince Young looks great. Enough said. Franchise QB finally for Buffalo.

Tampa Bay: Jackson Jeffcoat DE Texas….Talented player who has a great pedigree with Dad, Jim, and will fill the role that Bowers was taken for but can’t seem to stay healthy.

Tennessee: Chris Faulk OT LSU ….Talented player who gets taught by two Hall of Famers…pretty good.

Cincinnati: Alex Okafor DE Texas...They address upgrading defensive tackle in 2012 and now get a premiere defensive end. Bengals will bring the heat.

Carolina: Keenan Allen WR California….Future #1 target of Cam Newton but until then he is Steve Smith’s running mate

Oakland: Johnthan Banks CB Mississippi State…Betting that there was a reason Spencer was allowed to leave San Fran and Bartell allowed to leave St. Louis. Just a hunch corner may be a need.

St. Louis (from Buffalo)*: Barrett Jones OG Alabama…Similar to DeCastro in the 2012 draft Jones is a leader of a super talented Bama line and now will open holes and protect the quarterback for the Rams.

Chicago: Manti Te’o ILB Notre Dame….As Urlacher battles to stay healthy at the end of his career the Bears need to have his replacement being groomed.

Kansas City: Tyler Bray QB Tennessee….Finally KC invests a pick on a franchise QB.

New Orleans: Sam Montgomery DE LSU…Moves in behind Will Smith and pushes for playing time early as the Saints hope to revamp and change the culture of their defense.

NY Jets: Sean Porter OLB Texas A&M…Jets linebackers have gotten old and an influx of talent is needed. Porter is a nice player who should take a starting spot immediately.

Atlanta: Margus Hunt DE SMU….One of these years John Abraham is going to call it a career. Be nice to have a freak like Hunt on the roster to have learn from and eventually replace Big John.

Denver: Xavier Rhodes CB Florida State…Like Abraham in Atlanta, Champ Bailey can’t play forever and Rhodes gives them a player to groom as his replacement.

San Francisco: Johnathan Hankins DT Ohio State..The team has talent on defense but can always look to get younger especially in the middle of the defensive line. Hankins goes to play for Mr. Michigan.

Dallas: Justin Hunter WR Tennessee…Unlikely to find a true number three this year taking Hunter gives them that and the insurance in case things continue down the wrong path with Dez Bryant.

Houston: T.J. McDonald FS USC….Texans can use that ball hawking safety in the mold of former Cardinals great Tim McDonald so why not his son.

Detroit: William Gholston DE Michigan State….Many believe Kyle Vanden Bosch has no more than another year maybe two left in the tank. Time to get his replacement ready.

Philadelphia: Luke Joeckel OT Texas A&M… Jason Peters may never get to 100% so might as well grab Joeckel who could start either tackle spots until the dust settles with Peters.

San Diego: Jake Matthews OT Texas A&M…..Talented team but they realize you can never have enough young offensive linemen

New England: Marcus Lattimore RB South Carolina…Pats finally break down and take a real starting running back. Lattimore will allow a more balanced offense when needed.

Pittsburgh: Jonathan Cooper OG North Carolina….Another team that kind of got caught short handed when it came to offense linemen a few year ago (Flozell anyone) and I’m sure that won’t happen again.

NY Giants: Tyler Eifert TE Notre Dame….Giants will learn why most Cowboys fans celebrated the departure of Martellus Bennett.

Baltimore: Taylor Lewan OT Michigan….The Ravens can finally end the Bryant McKinnie experiment and get a talent and young tackle in Lewan.

Green Bay: Michael Buchanan DE Illinois…Ryan Pickett is getting older and a replacement will be needed soon. Buchanan is a big boy who can push to start day one and team with Jerel Worthy as the future ends of the Packers.

Projecting trade *

Tony Romo: You Know My Name

2012-06-05T18:22:00.001-07:00

Sportscenters Sopranos Parody Perhaps The Most Topical Bit In The Histor...

2012-06-04T19:10:00.001-07:00

Tony Romo: Dead or Alive

2012-06-04T18:44:00.001-07:00

Players to Watch---Khaled Holmes

2012-05-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

Dallas Cowboys 2009 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Dallas Cowboys appeared to have addressed some needs this off-season with some masterful moves in both the NFL draft and free agency but I feel they also ignored a few areas first and foremost the center spot. They must either feel new offensive line coach, Bill Callahan, can get incumbent center, Phil Costa, to play better or when they were finally ready to grab a center none of what remained where any better than Costa. Since we are in a period of almost no real football news, I thought it might be helpful to look at apparent areas of weaknesses and see what guys playing this fall on Saturdays deserve a little extra attention from all Dallas Cowboys fans. The first guy on my radar is Khaled Holmes (the number 48^th rated prospect via NFL Draft Scout), the starting center at USC, and pivot man for Heisman front-runner Matt Barkley.

Holmes is about to become a three year starter on the USC offensive line and should be able to really distinguish himself this year against some other prominent draft prospects such as Aaron Tipoti (136^th) and the Cal Bears on September 22^nd, against Utah on October 4^th and their standout tandem of Star Lotulelei (#3 rated) and Dave Kruger (280^th), and against UCLA on November 17^th and Cassius Marsh (69^th). Besides being a Rimington Award candidate Holmes also is an Academic All American candidate and has already received his bachelor degree and is now working on his master’s degree. Holmes also comes from a football family with a father who played at Michigan in the 1970s and a brother, Alex, who played at USC in 2003 and 2004 and for the Dolphins in 2005. Any guess who was on the staff with the Miami Dolphins during that year? Right Coach Garrett who I am sure is very familiar with Khaled and will become even more familiar if we continue to have blunders at center during pivotal moments this season. Certainly a player to watch this fall on Saturdays for all Cowboys fans is Khaled Holmes.

Shots at the draft

2012-05-04T19:50:00.001-07:00

I thought I might share a few pictures from the draft last week. Check out "Draft Shots" at the top of the page for more pictures.

Grading the draft …Seriously?

2012-05-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

National Football League Draft (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Someone needs to explain to me why the “experts” bother with grading the NFL draft especially seconds after it’s over. Come on just because a team doesn’t grab the guy that specific expert thinks it needed the team gets bad press and their fans are depressed as their team is singled out as having a bad draft. Let’s be honest unless you are in the war-room, work for the team or have spent time working for a team you can’t say with 100% certainty if a player will or won’t work for a team and even those people make countless mistakes.

Those of us that have a great passion for all things football can certainly do our due diligence and give our best educated guess but to say this team gets a D but this team gets a B because they took guys the “expert” liked over other guys the “expert” might not know is simply stupid. I’d much rather see the experts come out and say for each team I like this pick because XYZ and I didn’t like this pick because of ABC. No team picked all guys that are bad so a true draftnik should be able to find the value of a good picks and simply question the other picks.

Being a Cowboys fan I don’t remember anyone giving them an A for signing Miles Austin and Tony Romo years ago and that turned out pretty well. That’s because you don’t know how a player will adjust to the NFL. For all the “franchise” QBs taken in round one like Ryan Leaf, Heath Shuler, Patrick Ramsey, there are undrafted quarterbacks like Tony Romo, Jake Delhomme and Kurt Warner who come out of nowhere to lead there teams to the playoffs and sometimes the Super Bowl.

Grading the draft…really?

Pick One….Morris Claiborne

2012-04-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

Once the draft started and each pick was turned into the commissioner, I started to think could we really land the top corner in the draft. Granted like everyone in the free world I heard we wanted Mark Barron from Alabama but thought that was probably because the Cowboys never thought the Jim Thorpe award winner would be available.

After I saw the screen change and it said Dallas was on the clock my first thought was “did they do it or did they trade up for a safety?” Then my next thought was “boy I hope we didn’t give away the farm especially if it was for a safety.” Once Commissioner Goodell said the Cowboys select Morris Claiborne to say I was thrilled would be an understatement. Let’s be honest our secondary was horrible last year and while the lion’s share of the blame goes to Terrance Newman, the fact is that Mike Jenkins struggled to stay healthy and except for this year his toughness has always been questioned (remember him hiding in a Giants game), was entering a contract year and would be looking for big money next year getting a player of Claiborne talent was a home run.

As for the cost of a second round pick while it’s always tough to give up picks two things should be noted. First the second round pick from last year was Bruce Carter who didn’t see the field until late in the year so expecting an immediate impact player from our second round isn’t always the way we do things and second if you were to use the draft value chart Dallas actually made out as a fourth pick is usually also part of the deal.

Dallas now has the luxury of trading Mike Jenkins for possibly an additional pick although since he would likely leave at the end of the season via free agency and move to another team which would likely get us a compensatory pick the following year I hope they don’t just take a late round pick. I for one would rather roll the dice that we will get a 4^th round pick in 2014 for him then take a 7^th pick in 2012 for him.

If I am the Cowboys I would reach out to Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Butch Davis and Greg Schiano), Miami Dolphins (Jeff Ireland) and the San Francisco 49’ers where Mike Jenkins old college head coach, Jim Leavitt is on staff, and gauge the interest of the three teams. I think a conditional 2013 draft pick makes the most sense to me for both parties….but who am I just a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan since birth.

Best Remaining Players

2012-04-27T16:10:00.002-07:00

The Next Fifty

1. Cordy Glenn OT 6-5 345 Georgia

2. Courtney Upshaw OLB/DE 6-1 272 Alabama

3. Jerel Worthy DT 6-2 309 Michigan State

4. Rueben Randle WR 6-2 210 LSU

5. Stephen Hill WR 6-4 215 Georgia Tech

6. Devon Still DT 6-4 303 Penn State

7. Peter Konz C 6-5 314 Wisconsin

8. Coby Fleener TE 6-6 247 Stanford

9. Jonathan Martin OT 6-5 312 Stanford

10. Amini Silatolu OG 6-3 311 Midwestern State

11. Jeff Allen OG 6-3 307 Illinois

12. Bobby Massie OT 6-6 316 Mississippi

13. Lavonte David OLB 6-0 233 Nebraska

14. Andre Branch DE 6-4 259 Clemson

15. Vinny Curry DE 6-3 266 Marshall

16. Brandon Thompson DT 6-2 311 Clemson

17. Mike Adams OT 6-7 323 Ohio State

18. Kendall Reyes DT 6-4 299 Connecticut

19. Alameda Ta’amu DT 6-2 348 Washington

20. Brock Osweiler QB 6-6 242 Arizona State

21. Derek Wolfe DT 6-5 295 Cincinnati

22. Dwayne Allen TE 6-3 255 Clemson

23. Trumaine Johnson CB 6-1 204 Montana

24. Kirk Cousins QB 6-2 214 Michigan State

25. Lamar Miller RB 5-10 212 Miami (Fla)

26. Mychal Kendricks ILB 5-11 239 California

27. Alshon Jeffery WR 6-2 216 South Carolina

28. Josh Robinson CB 5-10 199 UCF

29. Ronnell Lewis OLB 6-1 253 Oklahoma

30. Mitchell Schwartz OT 6-5 318 California

31. Casey Hayward CB 5-11 192 Vanderbilt

32. Janoris Jenkins CB 5-10 193 North Alabama

33. Nick Foles QB 6-5 243 Arizona

34. Brian Quick WR 6-3 220 Appalachian State

35. Lamichael James RB 5-8 194 Oregon

36. Brandon Brooks OG 6-4 353 Miami (OH)

37. Kelechi Osemele OG 6-5 333 Iowa State

38. Dwight Bentley CB 5-10 182 Louisiana-Lafayette

39. Zach Brown OLB 6-1 244 North Carolina

40. Josh Norman CB 6-0 197 Coastal Carolina

41. Isaiah Pead RB 5-10 197 Cincinnati

42. Mike Martin DT 6-1 306 Michigan

43. Brandon Taylor S 5-11 202 LSU

44. Bernard Pierce RB 6-0 218 Temple

45. Tyrone Crawford DE 6-4 275 Boise State

46. Orson Charles TE 6-2 251 Georgia

47. Bobby Wagner ILB 6-0 241 Utah State

48. Nick Toon WR 6-1 215 Wisconsin

49. Chris Polk RB 5-10 215 Washington

50. Joe Adams WR 5-10 179 Arkansas

Round Two Mock

2012-04-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 25: Linebacker Lavonte David #4 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers is greeted by Head Coach Bo Pelini on senior day before playing a game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Memorial Stadium November 25, 2011 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Iowa 20-7. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

For my own benefit and anyone else who else would want to read it. Connecting dots and making an educated guess as to what teams should be done.

1. St. Louis Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech

2. Indianapolis: Coby Fleener TE Stanford

3. Baltimore: Peter Konz C Wisconsin

4. Denver: Jerel Worthy DT Michigan State

5. Cleveland: Rueben Randle WR LSU

6. Jacksonville: Courtney Upshaw DE Alabama

7. St. Louis: Cordy Glenn OT/OG Georgia

8. Carolina: Jonathan Martin OT Stanford

9. Buffalo: Bobby Massie OT Mississippi

10. Miami: Mike Adams OT Ohio State

11. Seattle: Amini Silatolu OG Midwestern State

12. Kansas City: Jeff Allen OG Illinois

13. St. Louis: Andre Branch DT Clemson

14. Philadelphia: Vinny Curry DE Marshall

15. NY Jets: Mychal Kendricks ILB California

16. New England: Devon Still DT Penn State

17. San Diego: Mitchell Schwartz OT California

18. Chicago: Brandon Thompson DT Clemson

19. Philadelphia: Lavonte David OLB Nebraska

20. Tennessee: Trumaine Johnson CB Montana

21. Cincinnati: Kendall Reyes DT Connecticut

22. Detroit: Josh Robinson CB UCF

23. Atlanta:: Ronnell Lewis OLB Oklahoma

24. Pittsburgh: Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama

25. Denver: Brock Oswelier QB Arizona State

26. Houston: Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina

27. Green Bay: Lamar Miller RB Miami (Fla.)

28. Baltimore: Brandon Brooks OG Miami (OH)

29. San Francisco: Casey Hayward CB Vanderbilt

30. New England: Isaiah Pead RB Cincinnati

31. NY Giants: Kelechi Osemele OG Iowa State

Chuck's Dallas Cowboys Draft

2012-04-25T18:08:00.002-07:00

If I were to be asked who do I know that loves and studies the Cowboys as much as I do it would be without question my buddy, Chuck. I'm always email him for the latest gossip, rumors or his gut feeling on the team. He eats, drinks and sleeps Dallas Cowboys football and when asked "how do you think the other teams will do in the draft" he responds with "I don't care I only am concerned about the Cowboys." Well he sent me his wish list for the next three days and had to share. Feel free to leave a comment or shoot him an email.

#14 David DeCastro - OG - Stanford - 6'5" - 315

The can't miss, no-brainer in my opinion. Plug and play from day one, watch the Pro Bowl appearances build and don't worry about one guard spot for a decade. Given this team's struggles in assembling an offensive line, you take the sure thing when it comes to you - and be thankful!

#45. Josh Norman - CB - Coastal Carolina 6'1", 203

Small-school athlete with good size/speed ratio. A natural athlete with loose hips. An aggressive playmaker with both eyes and hands for the interception. Should be a good fit in an aggressive Rob Ryan defense and will have time to adapt to the pro game.

#81 - Philip Blake - C - Baylor - 6'3" - 312

Finish the job started with the drafting of DeCastro and complete the rebuilding of the offensive line. Blake would provide an immediate upgrade over last year's starter Phil Costa. He combines great strength and durability with surprising mobility and the ability to get to the second level in the running game. He will be a bit older than other prospects but combines starting readiness with the potential to be even better.

#113 - Hebron 'Loni' Fangupo - NT - BYU, 6'1", 325

A naturally thick, prototypical nose tackle which I feel that Rob Ryan wants in the middle of his defense, if not to supplant Jay Ratliff, to relieve him in obvious running downs.

#135 - Akiem Hicks - DE (5T) - Regina (Canada) - 6'5", 325

A naturally huge man with uncommon athleticism and agility. Equipped with extra long arms to help separate from opposing blockers. Brings versatility as he has lined up in numerous positions along the defensive line. Looked good at East-West Shrine Game against higher level of competition. A bit raw but has great potential to improve.

#152 - Brett Roy - OLB - Nevada - 6'3", 260

Hard-working warrior who eats, sleeps, and breathes football. Leaves it all on the field on every snap. Not the prototypical athlete but effort overcomes any deficiencies there. An emotional leader who will inspire those around him. Has position versatility having played several front 7 positions.

#186 - Aaron Henry - FS - Wisconsin - 6'3", 215

A solid free safety candidate that this team still needs. An intelligent, high-character player with excellent ball skills (6 INT's the past two years). A great candidate to play deep safety in a Rob Ryan defense.

#222 - Matt McCants - OT - Alabama-Birmingham, 6'6", 310

A developmental offensive tackle who looks the part with great size, long arms, and the frame to add solid weight. Shows good mobility to pull and lead block. His game needs refinement but the tools are there and the Cowboys would do well to add another tackle.

UDFA's

Chase Ford - TE - Miami 6'6" 258 - History of injuries but played well at Shrine game

Adrian Hamilton - OLB - Prairie View A&M - 6'2" - 246 - Small school stud who achieved a record-breaking number of sacks against inferior competition

Coty Sensabaugh - CB - Clemson - 6'0" - 185 - Cousin of current starting safety Gerald, a bit raw and has not started a lot of games but has solid upside potential

Shawn Loiseau - ILB - Merrimack (Massachusetts) - 6'0" - 240 - Feisty, emotional leader who plays the game very physically. Can contribute immediately on special teams.

Matt Conrath - DE - Virginia - 6'7" - 277 - Developmental 5 technique prospect

TJ Graham - WR - NC State - 5'11" - 176 - Speed-burner, possible return man candidate

Jonas Gray - RB - Notre Dame - 5'10" - 230 - Power back with all the tools, late-season injury leaves him undrafted

Patrick Witt - QB - Yale - 6'3" - 220 - Highly intelligent developmental prospect

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