Cowboys Team Report
Jean-Jacques Taylor
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: The Cowboys used their minicamp to test NT Jay Ratliff at DE Marcus Spears' spot. The shift would also get DT Tank Johnson into the lineup. Ratliff began his career as an end. He moved to nose tackle last year after a season-ending injury to Jason Ferguson. Ratliff says he can take advantage of his speed at end. . . .
CB Adam Jones is trying to put his past troubles behind him, and part of the process is dropping the nickname Pacman. His mother gave him the nickname when he was a baby because of his hearty appetite when nursing.
SCOUTING REPORT: At 6-5, Pat Watkins is one of the league's tallest safeties. He doesn't have great speed, but he has tremendous range because of his long strides. He's not a physical tackler, but he has improved at getting runners on the ground. The Cowboys want him to get better at reading routes and route combinations. He's a good special teams player, and the Cowboys think he has the potential to be outstanding. He could reach that level this season if he becomes more physical as a gunner on punt coverage.
WIDE RECEIVER ANALYSIS: Terrell Owens remains one of the best receivers in the NFL. Even at 34 -- he turns 35 in December -- he is one of the best at running after the catch. The Cowboys may lack a deep threat opposite Owens. Terry Glenn probably won't be with the team this season because of a contract dispute. The Cowboys are hopeful Miles Austin, one of the team's fastest players, can be an adequate replacement. Patrick Crayton is an excellent slot receiver who can make tough catches in traffic and in the red zone. He also is a good blocker. Sam Hurd is a capable fourth receiver and a quality special teams player. Grade: B Pro Bowl-caliber players: 1.
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: The Cowboys used their minicamp to test NT Jay Ratliff at DE Marcus Spears' spot. The shift would also get DT Tank Johnson into the lineup. Ratliff began his career as an end. He moved to nose tackle last year after a season-ending injury to Jason Ferguson. Ratliff says he can take advantage of his speed at end. . . .
CB Adam Jones is trying to put his past troubles behind him, and part of the process is dropping the nickname Pacman. His mother gave him the nickname when he was a baby because of his hearty appetite when nursing.
SCOUTING REPORT: At 6-5, Pat Watkins is one of the league's tallest safeties. He doesn't have great speed, but he has tremendous range because of his long strides. He's not a physical tackler, but he has improved at getting runners on the ground. The Cowboys want him to get better at reading routes and route combinations. He's a good special teams player, and the Cowboys think he has the potential to be outstanding. He could reach that level this season if he becomes more physical as a gunner on punt coverage.
WIDE RECEIVER ANALYSIS: Terrell Owens remains one of the best receivers in the NFL. Even at 34 -- he turns 35 in December -- he is one of the best at running after the catch. The Cowboys may lack a deep threat opposite Owens. Terry Glenn probably won't be with the team this season because of a contract dispute. The Cowboys are hopeful Miles Austin, one of the team's fastest players, can be an adequate replacement. Patrick Crayton is an excellent slot receiver who can make tough catches in traffic and in the red zone. He also is a good blocker. Sam Hurd is a capable fourth receiver and a quality special teams player. Grade: B Pro Bowl-caliber players: 1.
posted by The Gryphon at 9:49 AM
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