An outlook on the Dallas Cowboys' needs for the 2006 NFL Draft
Dec 27 2005
from Mike Jeffris
Draft Needs of the Dallas Cowboys
An outlook on the Dallas Cowboys' needs for the 2006 NFL Draft:
Quarterback - With their hands full of picks, this organization will look to the NFL Draft to pump youth back into their offense, starting with quarterback (provided a talented quarterback is available, of course). Jerry Jones never seriously addressed this position after future Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman retired. And with this team looking to rebuild their offense, now’s the perfect time.
Offensive Tackle - Early-season injuries killed Parcells' ‘run heavy’ game plan. It also killed any hopes of allowing Bledsoe more time in the pocket. Bringing in a proven veteran player at this position through free agency would provide depth relief for Dallas if injury should arise again, as well as allow the Cowboys to address other positions of need in the draft’s first day. Center - The seasoned veterans of the interior line had an extremely difficult time of creating running lanes for their backs, who averaged 3.5 yards per carry, ranking 30th in the league. A mid-to-late second-round pick would give Dallas that beast they so desperately need to support Parcells' run game, which currently ranks in the top five in attempts.
Wide Receiver - Dallas has some very talented players at this position but age and durability are a concern. Bringing in a speedy receiver to play opposite Terry Glenn would provide depth as well as be just what Patrick Crayton needs to excel in the slot.
Free Safety - Roy Williams is at his best inside the box, rushing the quarterback, and cracking running backs before they ever get started. Drafting a cover safety would allow Roy to do just that. Linebacker - Dallas has a long list of talented prospects at this position, and with Dat Nguyen contemplating retirement, opting for veteran leadership could be the better decision over drafting another prospect player in the later rounds.
Kicker - The Cowboys lost some close games this year due to poor play from their kickers. Jerry Jones needs to stop scraping the barrel of kicker sludge and just pay the extra money for a proven veteran kicker in free agency.
Overall - Bill Parcells decided to roll with an entirely new defensive scheme in Dallas in 2005 and it paid off huge, bringing a 6-10 team in 2004 to being contenders in the playoff race in 2005 on their defensive play alone. Parcells will now look to put the finishing touches on this team as he prepares to address the offensive side of the ball. He did an amazing job of bringing in talent, through the draft and free agency, to revamp a defense that excelled in their first year and I expect the same results as he reshapes this offense.
from Mike Jeffris
Draft Needs of the Dallas Cowboys
An outlook on the Dallas Cowboys' needs for the 2006 NFL Draft:
Quarterback - With their hands full of picks, this organization will look to the NFL Draft to pump youth back into their offense, starting with quarterback (provided a talented quarterback is available, of course). Jerry Jones never seriously addressed this position after future Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman retired. And with this team looking to rebuild their offense, now’s the perfect time.
Offensive Tackle - Early-season injuries killed Parcells' ‘run heavy’ game plan. It also killed any hopes of allowing Bledsoe more time in the pocket. Bringing in a proven veteran player at this position through free agency would provide depth relief for Dallas if injury should arise again, as well as allow the Cowboys to address other positions of need in the draft’s first day. Center - The seasoned veterans of the interior line had an extremely difficult time of creating running lanes for their backs, who averaged 3.5 yards per carry, ranking 30th in the league. A mid-to-late second-round pick would give Dallas that beast they so desperately need to support Parcells' run game, which currently ranks in the top five in attempts.
Wide Receiver - Dallas has some very talented players at this position but age and durability are a concern. Bringing in a speedy receiver to play opposite Terry Glenn would provide depth as well as be just what Patrick Crayton needs to excel in the slot.
Free Safety - Roy Williams is at his best inside the box, rushing the quarterback, and cracking running backs before they ever get started. Drafting a cover safety would allow Roy to do just that. Linebacker - Dallas has a long list of talented prospects at this position, and with Dat Nguyen contemplating retirement, opting for veteran leadership could be the better decision over drafting another prospect player in the later rounds.
Kicker - The Cowboys lost some close games this year due to poor play from their kickers. Jerry Jones needs to stop scraping the barrel of kicker sludge and just pay the extra money for a proven veteran kicker in free agency.
Overall - Bill Parcells decided to roll with an entirely new defensive scheme in Dallas in 2005 and it paid off huge, bringing a 6-10 team in 2004 to being contenders in the playoff race in 2005 on their defensive play alone. Parcells will now look to put the finishing touches on this team as he prepares to address the offensive side of the ball. He did an amazing job of bringing in talent, through the draft and free agency, to revamp a defense that excelled in their first year and I expect the same results as he reshapes this offense.
posted by The Gryphon at 10:40 AM
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