A scouts perspective

A scouts perspective

Thursday, September 1, 2011

PRESEASON OVER, LETS GET DOWN TO 53

Okay, worthless preseason and one of the most chaotic offseason/training camp are complete.  Lets see what sleepers make the team and overpaid underperforming veterans get cut.

Quarterbacks (3)
Romo, Kitna, McGee - Easiest position to decide outside of punter.

Runningbacks (4)
Felix Jones
Tashard Choice
DeMarco Murray
Phillip Tanner
- This is probably the most difficult position, Choice is strangely the wild card.  Simply put, Tanner earned his roster spot and will do whatever is asked of him on gameday meaning, special teams. I also like his toughness and has good feel for the position. Choice is the insurance policy, he could be inactive if Felix & Murray perform at a high level.  Dallas should listen to trade offers for Choice, take the draft picks!

Fullback (1)
Chris Gronkowski
- Shaun Chapas did not show me enough to bump Gronkowski off  although injury to Marty B could open the door for Jason Pociask.

Wide Receiver (5)
Miles Austin
Dez Bryant
Kevin Ogletree
Dwayne Harris
Jesse Holley
- Hard to say a season ending injury is a good thing but I wanted to put Raymond Radway on the team and could not find a spot for him. The injured reserve will allow him to rehab and compete for a roster spot in 2012. The best 4 receivers make the team as well as the second best special teams player on the entire roster.

Tight Ends (3)
Jason Witten
John Phillips
Marty B
- Phillips moves ahead of Bennett and should never look back. Jason Pociask could also make this team if feel need another tight end and put Phillips in the H back role during Bennett's recovery.

Offensive Line (9)
Doug Free
Tyron Smith
Ryan Young
Bill Nagy
David Arkin
Kyle Kosier
Montrae Holland
Phil Costa
*Offensive Tackle to be acquired later*
- Jeremy Parnell fails to land the 3rd offensive teackle job, Cowboys should check the waiver wire to land their game day active backup tackle. I think Dallas would be wise to have a center on the practice squad or keep Kevin Kowalski's number available.

Defensive Line (7)
Marcus Spears
Jason Hatcher
Kenyon Coleman
Clifton Geathers
Jay Ratliff
Josh Brent
Sean Lissemore
- Spear's injury and release of Olshansky allows Lissemore to make the team but could change week to week. Rob Ryan should look to sign any ex-Brown or Raider lineman familiar with his scheme. Coleman moves into starting lineup and scouts are intrigued by Geather's potential.

Linebackers (9)
Demarcus Ware
Anthony Spencer
Victor Butler
Alex Albright
Bradie James
Sean Lee
Keith Brooking
Kenwin Cummings
Brandon Williams
- Dallas has no backup outside linebackers capable of stuffing the run except for possibly Brandon Williams which is disturbing.  Thats the only reason William's makes the team, I like Albright's ability to rush the passer but his productivity isn't impressive. Cummings should develop into a special teams demon while Albright isn't active much of the season.

Cornerbacks (5)
Terrence Newman
Mike Jenkins
Orlando Scandrick
Alan Ball
Bryan McCann
- I was torn on keeping McCann or the rookie Josh Thomas, gave the nod to McCann since Dallas has no capable kick returners without Radway. I want Thomas on the practice squad immediately, hopefully he falls through.

Safeties (4)
Gerald Sensabaugh
Abram Elam
Barry Church
Danny McCray
- Church made more plays this preseason than I saw of him all of last season which isn't saying much but I liked what I saw from him. McCray is a special teams leader and did nothing to lose his roster spot.

Special Teams (3)
David Buehler
Mat McBriar
LP Ladouceur
- General rule is when you have 4 options but none are that impressive, just stick to what you had before. I would rather have Dan Bailey over Buehler especially due to lack of importance on kickoffs this year. But this is my prediction on what Jerry Jones & Co. will do.