Cowboys’ Recent Releases Shape Draft Approach
We knew it was only a matter of time. With speculation swirling and the draft right around the corner, these recent releases of Flozell Adams and Ken Hamlin were less than shocking. What this means is the Cowboys have clear cut positions to address with their picks this year.
Safety and Offensive lineman are the main priorities with their first few picks in the 2010 draft. What many thought (including myself), was the Cowboys would draft the best player available (within reason) with their first couple of picks. However, with these recent developments, the Cowboys actually have needs.
Which is more important? I think that question lingers on the minds of many Cowboys fans. I don’t really think you can look at it from that standpoint though. It will really comes down to who’s still on the board when the Cowboys get to pick at no. 27.
I personally think if a quality player is available at both positions, lineman should be more important than safety. Our roster suggests our secondary is actually not as thin as you might think. Like I’ve said on other blogs, Alan Ball came in and played better than Ken Hamlin. The former 7th round pick, not only has a chance to start, but also to get paid if he performs well.
The other guy is the less popular Hamlin, Michael Hamlin. He was a fifth round pick in 2009. He played a minimal role last year with an injury plagued season. All I keep hearing though, is this guy is for real. He’s a serious playmaker and could give Ball and whoever else we draft, a run for their money this season to start.
Now when you flip the script and think about our lineman that could potentially fill the void, besides Doug Free, I draw a blank. The verdict is still out on Free too, because all his starts last year were at right tackle not left. He was mauled by Jared Allen in the playoffs at left tackle.
Granted Jared Allen is arguably the best in the game, but we better be sure we have someone guarding our quarterback’s blindside with no viable backup quarterback in place. Well, no proven backup at least. I want Jerry to make good on his word to create serious competition at those positions (Safety & Lineman) because to me they’re two of the most important positions on the field.
We can’t rule out Jerry Jones trading up to grab a player he’s really high on, but I just don’t get that feel from this offseason. Jones is always unpredictable and trying to read his mind is useless. Safety or Lineman? You’ve heard my position, what do you think?
NFL OT Changes: For Three Or Not For Three
The NFL has finally decided to take a look at the way overtime procedures take place. At the owners meetings, they will only be looking to change the way overtime is played in the playoffs. If you ask me this is long overdue. The fact that both teams don’t get an opportunity to score has always bugged me.
One of the big proposed changes would be that the team who receives the ball on the opening drive would only be able to win with a touchdown. If they kick and make a field goal, the other team has a chance to answer that field goal or win the game with a touchdown. If tied at the end of the first overtime, they would proceed with the original first team to score wins blueprint. The new proposed changes would have the most effect on the opening drive.
This makes perfect sense to me. All great games have a rebuttal rule. Unless a flawless opening drive occurs that results in a six spot, each quarterback should be able to touch the football.
For three or not for three…that is the question. Do we really think that teams should win on a first score first win basis, even if it’s only a measley three pointer? I’m surprised it has taken this long to even question this joke of a rule. I do understand the argument though.
In the current overtime rules, it’s not like the team without the ball to start is completely hopeless. There was this thing in the origins of football people used to play called DEFENSE. We have become such an offense minded league, we forget that teams can make a stop and give their offense the chance to win.
Ask Aaron Rogers how fun it was to get the ball first this year against the Cardinals. You could even ask Matt Hasselbeck how fun it was in 2004 against the Packers. I think we all remember his “We want the ball and we’re going to score” comment that ended in a nighmare. Either way, I can see the arguments for keeping the current system.
The current system has it’s flaws as does the changes to the overtime rules they’re proposing. If nothing else, the changes would be most beneficial to the fans. That’s what it’s all about right? Its all about the money and they say the customers always right.
Fans love offense. The owners would be remiss in their work, if they didn’t take heed of the fans clamoring for change. Will it be a flawless system? No. Will it be an exciting new change? Yes. Should we implement this system into the regular season? Absolutely not. This should only be used for the big stage. A stage where champions are made…the postseason.
The owners should take a long look at the pros/cons of this change. They should decide what’s best for the fans and the league. A three year trial period would give ample time to decide if this is a solution or just another problem. The Not so Fun League could really help their image with this intriguing adjustment.
Greg Ellis, Cowboys, Reunion?
Greg Ellis was released from the Oakland Raiders Monday, only one year into his two year contract. It’s not hard to imagine considering Ellis is 34 years old and the Raiders are probably trying to get younger. Ellis says a reunion with the team that drafted him could be a possible landing spot.
Ellis didn’t have a terrible year though. He had seven sacks last season, despite having to deal with injuries. Either way, Ellis has expressed a desire to finish things where he started it. He wants to come back to big D. Ellis wants to wear that star and Cowboys blue again. Despite his age, I think the Cowboys should see if they can work a reasonable contract out.
The front office should consider bringing Ellis back for a couple of reasons, one is his experience. We drafted some younger guys last year like Victor Butler, who we hope will be a solid back up and maybe a starter one day. Ellis gives us an opportunity for them to develop and learn what being an NFL player is all about. With his knowledge of the game, he can help bring these younger guys along and teach them things only veterans know.
Another reason the boys’ should pick up Ellis, is the depth it brings. If we can get Ellis at a reasonable price, we should grab him because the guy can still get after the quarterback. He would be a perfect third down pass rusher. Ellis says he’s ready for a reserve role. Anytime you can get a proven pass rusher it’s a plus. When you add that to the fact he spent twelve years with us, the loyalty factor comes in to play.
Ellis can still play the game at a high level. Maybe not on every snap like the old days, but he’s still got what it takes to bring a quarterback down. If nothing else, he would give us great depth and make people work harder knowing they have a guy who could possibly take their job. I think he would be a great pickup. He gave us twelve solid years, the least we could do is give him one more to see what he’s made of.
Emmitt…Hall Of Fame Bound
As if there was any question, Emmitt Smith was elected into the Hall of Fame earlier this month. A man who was touted too little and not fast enough, has his name atop the all time rushing list.  A model teammate, he finished his career with three Super Bowls, an MVP (1993), an offensive Rookie [...]
DeMarcus Dominates Decade
Earlier this month All Pro linebacker DeMarcus Ware was honored on the All Decade Team. Despite playing only five seasons in the decade, Ware took the league by storm racking up 64.5 sacks. Drafted 11th overall in the 2005 draft, Ware was considered a hybrid because he could play defensive end or outside linebacker. He [...]
