ESPN: Five things the Cowboys needs
Dallas Cowboys
Safety -- Ken Hamlin had an excellent season and was the starting free safety for the NFC in the Pro Bowl, but he is a free agent and could get priced out of Dallas. Strong safety Roy Williams is a true in-the-box safety whose skill set is more like that of a weakside linebacker than safety, so having someone reliable in deep patrol is paramount for this defense. The Cowboys have two first-round picks and their overall needs are relatively minor, but they do need to re-sign Hamlin or another free agent since the draft is very light at safety and expecting an immediate fix from the draft at this spot would be unwise.
Cornerback -- Dallas has a fine set of starting cornerbacks led by Terence Newman, who is among the best corners in the league. However, every team needs more than just two cornerbacks in case of injury and to fill out their sub package defenses. Dallas is lacking in depth and Jacques Reeves was consistently picked on throughout the season, and it would be a surprise if the Cowboys did not use one of their first-round picks this year on a talented cornerback. This is an ideal situation for a first-rounder to come into because he can learn his trade slowly on a winning team. There is also a chance Anthony Henry could move to free safety, which would put the Cowboys in a position to acquire two corners.
Running back -- Julius Jones is as good as gone because his contract is up and he looks to be very replaceable. Marion Barber is a beast of a runner who deserves the chance to carry the load more regularly, but he has split carries since his college days and the Cowboys will surely bring in a faster, more elusive runner to complement the physical Barber and the draft is loaded with such backs. Assuming they use an early pick on this position, the Cowboys' running back situation could very well be improved a year from now despite the loss of Jones.
Wide receiver -- Terrell Owens is a superstar and had a terrific season in 2007, and Terry Glenn has been extremely productive when healthy, but are over 30 years old and Glenn was worthless last season because of a serious knee injury. It is possible Glenn will become a salary cap casualty, and Dallas must get younger at this position to ensure that QB Tony Romo has difference makers to throw to for years to come. Dallas did re-sign Patrick Crayton, but he has proven to be best as a No. 3 wideout.
Offensive tackle -- Starting LT Flozell Adams is an unrestricted free agent and if he departs Dallas would have to trust second-year tackle Doug Free to hold down that important spot. Free shows potential but obviously is unproven. The Adams situation is tricky because he is still a very good player but is up in age, and Dallas may choose to spend its money elsewhere. There are also a lot of very good offensive tackle prospects in this year's draft, which will factor into the decision. Even if Adams is brought back, expect the Cowboys to pick up another lineman for depth.
Safety -- Ken Hamlin had an excellent season and was the starting free safety for the NFC in the Pro Bowl, but he is a free agent and could get priced out of Dallas. Strong safety Roy Williams is a true in-the-box safety whose skill set is more like that of a weakside linebacker than safety, so having someone reliable in deep patrol is paramount for this defense. The Cowboys have two first-round picks and their overall needs are relatively minor, but they do need to re-sign Hamlin or another free agent since the draft is very light at safety and expecting an immediate fix from the draft at this spot would be unwise.
Cornerback -- Dallas has a fine set of starting cornerbacks led by Terence Newman, who is among the best corners in the league. However, every team needs more than just two cornerbacks in case of injury and to fill out their sub package defenses. Dallas is lacking in depth and Jacques Reeves was consistently picked on throughout the season, and it would be a surprise if the Cowboys did not use one of their first-round picks this year on a talented cornerback. This is an ideal situation for a first-rounder to come into because he can learn his trade slowly on a winning team. There is also a chance Anthony Henry could move to free safety, which would put the Cowboys in a position to acquire two corners.
Running back -- Julius Jones is as good as gone because his contract is up and he looks to be very replaceable. Marion Barber is a beast of a runner who deserves the chance to carry the load more regularly, but he has split carries since his college days and the Cowboys will surely bring in a faster, more elusive runner to complement the physical Barber and the draft is loaded with such backs. Assuming they use an early pick on this position, the Cowboys' running back situation could very well be improved a year from now despite the loss of Jones.
Wide receiver -- Terrell Owens is a superstar and had a terrific season in 2007, and Terry Glenn has been extremely productive when healthy, but are over 30 years old and Glenn was worthless last season because of a serious knee injury. It is possible Glenn will become a salary cap casualty, and Dallas must get younger at this position to ensure that QB Tony Romo has difference makers to throw to for years to come. Dallas did re-sign Patrick Crayton, but he has proven to be best as a No. 3 wideout.
Offensive tackle -- Starting LT Flozell Adams is an unrestricted free agent and if he departs Dallas would have to trust second-year tackle Doug Free to hold down that important spot. Free shows potential but obviously is unproven. The Adams situation is tricky because he is still a very good player but is up in age, and Dallas may choose to spend its money elsewhere. There are also a lot of very good offensive tackle prospects in this year's draft, which will factor into the decision. Even if Adams is brought back, expect the Cowboys to pick up another lineman for depth.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:35 PM
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