2017 Roster

[jarntt]

I wouldn't be so sure of that just yet. In 2016 the run blocking improved dramatically when Leary took over for Collins. Doug Free was a mess in pass protection, but has always been an above average run blocker. Now the Cowboys may want to try and incorporate Cooper into the mix? I think it is very much up in the air whether or not the run blocking is better or worse in 2017.

As an aside, everyone keeps riding Collins' jock like he has done something. I haven't seen it yet. Let's hope Collins turns it on in 2017, because his play so far has been mediocre. Looking forward to seeing what he can do at RT - I think that is where he winds up.

To me even the year before as soon as he took over for Leary i saw a drop off and I thought he played better in 2015 than he did in 2016. He didn't earn that promotion. I think he looked bad a bunch of times trying to switch off in pass protection and his footwork wasn't quite what we were told. I thought his run blocking was better, but not quite as good as Leary IMO. But in his defense, Collins definitely had some highlight type blocks where he just mauled his guy and he really has only played what amounts to one seasons worth of games. I think that going forward he surpasses Leary from a production point of view which is why letting Leary go was the right move, but I think Leary was borderline Pro Bowl last year. I just think Collins has shown a lot of raw talent and I think if he has a full offseason and doesn't get moved he will be the guy we expected starting this season. If we kick him out to Tackle then we need to expect some more growing pains.

 

[jarntt]

I have faith in Collins, he's shown glimpses of dominance, just needs to put it together. Stay healthy, make it through a full camp and he'll be just fine.

That's a good way to put it. He just needs to be consistent and minimize the bad plays. That likely comes with experience.

 

[es4m11]

I think everyone at the NFL flashes great ability from time to time - they wouldn't be in the NFL otherwise. There are countless examples of guys who look like world-beaters one day and then nothing. I try not to get too caught up in the sizzle and hype. Collins has definitely raised an eyebrow or two at times with plays he has made, but his consistency to this point has been flat out lacking. Leary wasn't the type of guy who made a lot of jaw dropping plays, but he was very reliable when it came to getting his job done.

 

[jarntt]

I think everyone at the NFL flashes great ability from time to time - they wouldn't be in the NFL otherwise. There are countless examples of guys who look like world-beaters one day and then nothing. I try not to get too caught up in the sizzle and hype. Collins has definitely raised an eyebrow or two at times with plays he has made, but his consistency to this point has been flat out lacking. Leary wasn't the type of guy who made a lot of jaw dropping plays, but he was very reliable when it came to getting his job done.

Agree, but he is only 23. Was only 21 when we drafted him and 22 when he first started a game. I feel confident that expecting improvement is not unreasonable. I also think he played OK. Room for improvement is there, but it's not like he was horrible or anything.

 

[es4m11]

I think Collins has plenty of room to grow, and I hope he maximizes his potential. I think he is best suited at RT where he can use his athleticism and strength in space against the bigger, edge setting strong side DEs in the league. I hope to see him transitioned there this off-season now that Free has retired.

 

[PDay8810]

depth may be a concern as it is with most teams should injuries happen, but oline is far down the line of concerns for this team

 

[es4m11]

depth may be a concern as it is with most teams should injuries happen, but oline is far down the line of concerns for this team

Certainly. Dallas is fine with the group as-is. They don't have to draft or sign anyone. I'm fine with Green, Looney, and Cleary as the primary depth. I'm intrigued to see what a healthy Cooper can do playing in the Cowboys system, in between two All-Pros.

IMO, the offense is in place, Dallas has set themselves up nicely to go all defense in this draft, if they want. They could also grab a TE of the future.

 

[huskers1217]

1.2 mill for a long snapper. I'm taking the kid out tonight and having him snap it to me 100x

 

[jarntt]

1.2 mill for a long snapper. I'm taking the kid out tonight and having him snap it to me 100x

If you are talking about Ladouceur for the Cowboys he has never had a bad snap in over 10 years

The NFL's perfect player: how LP Ladouceur has made $10m from long snapping

 

[PDay8810]

Certainly. Dallas is fine with the group as-is. They don't have to draft or sign anyone. I'm fine with Green, Looney, and Cleary as the primary depth. I'm intrigued to see what a healthy Cooper can do playing in the Cowboys system, in between two All-Pros.

IMO, the offense is in place, Dallas has set themselves up nicely to go all defense in this draft, if they want. They could also grab a TE of the future.

We all knew coming in that Dallas had little to no money and all their chips were in on this draft. I hope their draft success continues and his heavy defense. I saw a mock on the NFL network last night showing Dallas taking TE at 28 and the michgan DE Taco Charlton going 29... I threw up a little at that thought. I sure seems to me a solid DB will be there at 28 but I'd be fine if somehow we drafted Charlton. I just can't see TE in the first two rounds and really, the first three rounds. I think we need 3 DB's from this draft. The thought of Heath playing more than a an occasional sub-package scares the hell outta me. We'll see in about 6 weeks

 

[ROMOTOOWENS]

1.2 mill for a long snapper. I'm taking the kid out tonight and having him snap it to me 100x

I have seen colleges sign players just to do it

 

[tomodach10]

We all knew coming in that Dallas had little to no money and all their chips were in on this draft. I hope their draft success continues and his heavy defense. I saw a mock on the NFL network last night showing Dallas taking TE at 28 and the michgan DE Taco Charlton going 29... I threw up a little at that thought. I sure seems to me a solid DB will be there at 28 but I'd be fine if somehow we drafted Charlton. I just can't see TE in the first two rounds and really, the first three rounds. I think we need 3 DB's from this draft. The thought of Heath playing more than a an occasional sub-package scares the hell outta me. We'll see in about 6 weeks

I agree 3 DB's in this draft and no to TE in the first two rounds. I would love to have Taco in the first.

 

[Godstree]

depth may be a concern as it is with most teams should injuries happen, but oline is far down the line of concerns for this team

 

[Nasty_Magician]

Any idea what our cap is like and what's left out there in free agency?

 

[jarntt]

Any idea what our cap is like and what's left out there in free agency?

Those are all day questions, but try this
PFT’s Free Agent Hot 100

 

[es4m11]

We all knew coming in that Dallas had little to no money and all their chips were in on this draft. I hope their draft success continues and his heavy defense. I saw a mock on the NFL network last night showing Dallas taking TE at 28 and the michgan DE Taco Charlton going 29... I threw up a little at that thought. I sure seems to me a solid DB will be there at 28 but I'd be fine if somehow we drafted Charlton. I just can't see TE in the first two rounds and really, the first three rounds. I think we need 3 DB's from this draft. The thought of Heath playing more than a an occasional sub-package scares the hell outta me. We'll see in about 6 weeks

I want a Pass Rusher & DB in the first two rounds. Don't care the order in which they are drafted. The talent pool at those positions is excellent and the Cowboys have a need at each. As far as DB goes, I would prefer a CB, but there are a number of Safeties I would be happy with too, and would possibly consider moving Byron Jones to CB in certain scenarios.

As for TE, I could live and even be happy with with OJ Howard in the 1st - he might be an All-Pro one day. I would not be upset with Evan Engram in the 2nd - big time potential there, but could be the latest in a line of 2nd round TE disappointments for Dallas. Other than that, I would wait around and see what is available in the 4th and beyond. Personally, I am really high on Rico Gathers.

 

[Bmurph]

Cowboys

• Todd Archer mentions that while the Cowboys prefer to keep La’el Collins at left guard, their recent decision to re-sign Jonathan Cooper gives them options to try Collins at right tackle next season.

 

[Ekspozed]

To be fair, our past TEs werent needed and not really given a chance. IMO if you brought in some talented fresh legs, we'd see an upgrade at that position.

 

[tomodach10]

To be fair, our past TEs werent needed and not really given a chance. IMO if you brought in some talented fresh legs, we'd see an upgrade at that position.

A tight end is still not needed as a first round or second round pick IMO. We need secondary and DE help. There are plenty in this draft.

 

[Nasty_Magician]

Rico Gathers is the question mark at TE, he could still be the tight end of the future. He'll have a year to figure it out, his athleticism is there. Just keep buying time while he learns.