Ranking the 2012 Draft Center Prospects for the Cowboys

Dallas needs a center as much as any other need this offseason including pass rusher, cornerback, safety or guard.  The play of the interior offensive line was poor and Phil Costa showed little signs of significant improvement for this upcoming season. In my opinion, Dallas needs a center capable of holding up versus a bull rush from massive tackles, generate a push in the run game and slide in protection to pick up blitzers.

1. Ben Jones from Georgia
2. Peter Konz from Wisconsin
3. Michael Brewster from Ohio State
4. Phillip Blake from Baylor
5. David Snow from Texas

Most draft experts put Konz in the first round and ahead of Jones in their publications which I agree with if we were talking about a zone blocking scheme team across the league. Dallas is mostly a angle scheme and relies more so on winning the individual battle of the man in front of you. In addition, Dallas desperately needs a guy who can hold up versus massive tackles and generate a consistent push in the run game. Those two alone are what pushed Jones ahead of Konz. I just view the kid from Wisconsin as a zone blocking scheme player or teams that want to focus on pass protection first where he excels. Ben Jones is projected to be a top 40 prospect so could be a second round target.

Those are also the reasons Blake from Baylor broke into 4th on my rankings, a underrated player with lots of raw power and is much better in the run game than pass protection. He is limited athletically for a center, will struggle to hit a moving target and must improve his balance to consistently play with the power he's capable of. I can see Blake coming off the board in the 4th or 5th round area.

The next balanced center after Konz is from The Ohio State University, Mike Brewster is more comfortable in pass protection but shows more even skills in the run game to be able to start quickly in the NFL. He is taller than most centers standing 6-5 and can allow defenders to get behind him off the snap with quickness but also has good hand placement to not let tackles get inside his pad level. Brewster figures into my top 100 prospects overall.

Wrapping up the top 5 is former Longhorn David Snow, a experienced versatile lineman who can do lots of things well but nothing great. He will provide depth and versatility getting the job done but will get exposed in one on one match ups with starting tackles especially on the nose. I expect Snow to be available in the 5th to 6th round range.

All in all, there are 3 centers capable of starting in year 1 in the NFL, Jones fits the Cowboys profile best while Konz and Brewster are projected to be much better than what Phil Costa produced for Tony Romo in 2011.

Senior Bowl Targets

Really excited to see all the elite pass rushing prospects in Mobile, Quintin Coples, Melvin Ingram and Courtney Upshaw.  All 3 are different type of players, the talent is Coples, Ingram is the technican who lacks the speed measurables while Upshaw is consistent and strong.

Coples appears to be an ideal fit for a 4-3 defensive end, he's got top 10 talent but his production took a dip his senior year. I'm not sure he can play nor has the attitude to play 5-technique 3-4 defensive end. He has shown experience playing in coverage which suggest he could play OLB in a 3-4 scheme.

Ingram is going to fall in the draft but he's a excellent player, the combine and measurements are going to kill him. Super small arms and height and weight are going to make him a 3-4 olb unless a 4-3 team comfortable with undersized ends (Colts & Eagles)  expresses interest.  Look for him on film more, get more attention from Oline and if he's got the burst to close as he's got the best technique and multiple moves.

Upshaw is the ideal safe pick for a 3-4 tteam in need of a rush linebacker. hes got good technique, lots of strength and power to hold vs run and penetrate. His burst is average and just may have the speed to get the sack but can cause havoc.  A solid player but not sure I see an elite player here. His production is going to be high but doubt he's going to have the explosion number to suggest a high first round player.

Alameda Ta'amu from Washington, a very solid ideal 3-4 nose tackle who has a high motor, tough and high character. He is not on level with Phil Taylor, last years Cleveland's top rookie first round pick. Ta'amu is not as athletically gifted as Taylor but can be a solid day 1 starter for a 3-4 team in need of a nose tackle. His strength is elite and has some quickness to get penetration inside with a good bull rush. He checked in at the senior bowl, 6-2 1/2 and 341 pounds but surprisingly carries the weight well. Ideally I want him a few inches taller so he can locate the ball easier but he generates leverage and can push the pocket. A solid 2nd round grade, hard to see him falling to the 3rd especially to the cowboys pick. Brandon Boykin, cornerback from Georgia, the 2nd best corner in Mobile behind Janoris Jenkins but Boykin was very close. He's very physical and stuck on his receivers all over the field, played the press well and stay low to the ground. Dallas has so many needs but must rebuild the defense. You start from the line and work your way out to the premium positions. Using this logic, here is my cowboy dream mock draft. 1st. Courtney Upshaw, OLB from Alabama. 2nd. Brandon Boykin, cornerback from Georgia. 3rd. Alameda Ta'amu, nose tackle from Washington. Upshaw vs Anthony Spencer -> Upshaw as pass rusher and capable of plus run defender with his strength. Boykin vs Any 2011 Cowboy Cornerback -> Boykin the obvious winner, a improved pass rush will help. He fits Rob Ryan's scheme better than Newman. Ta'amu vs Jay Ratliff -> This is double bonus, Ratliff has a end will be an even better player especially against the pass. Ta'amu will help improve run D and make it harder for QBs to step up in pocket helping the edge rushers.

OFFSEASON WISH LIST

1. Switch Tyron Smith & Doug Free.  You can't have the most important position on the offensive line be a liability like Free was most of the season.  Smith improved tremendously from week 1 to the end of the season and should be rewarded with that earning the top responsibility of protecting Romo's backside. 

2. Resign Laurent Robinson, he's going to ask for 4-5 million per year which is too much but if they can sign him for 3 million a year. He gets comparisons to Patrick Crayton but Robinson has more speed but also has durability concerns over his career. With Dez Bryant not being a dependable although talented player and Miles Austin coming off a injury riddled year. They need Robinson back as the offensive threat changes completely

3. Upgrade both the interior offensive/defensive lines. I know they need to upgrade the entire defense, secondary and linebackers but thats what happens when you constantly miss in the draft and overpay for average players in free agency. Dallas needs another special player in this draft and another day 1 starter from round II at the very least.  Considering their draft history, that might be pushing it. Anyway, Dallas needs to land a impact player on either the offensive/defensive line and there are no centers worthy at 14 and I will never select a guard that high, that leaves the defensive line. I do not see any impact players worthy of that selection at nose tackle or at linebacker but I do at 3-4 defensive end. Give me Michael Brockers from LSU, a stud run stuffing with pass rush potential or Quinton Coples from North Carolina who is more developed but questionable motor. Then in the second round, continue to upgrade the D-line with Washington's Alameda Ta'amu, a powerful 2-gap nose tackle to man the inside of Rob Ryan's 3-4. The third round is a toss up as to go guard/center on offense or stick with the defense, if they go offense, Michael Brewster, center from Ohio State or defense, Vinny Curry from Marshall to replace Anthony Spencer.

I know what you're saying, what about cornerback and safety? Dallas only has so many draft picks to fill all the holes they have but you must build from the line and work your way out. You can get by with a solid secondary if you have a excellent front seven.

What about the interior of the offensive line, we all saw how terrible Phil Costa was and the revolving door at left guard. Same story here, only so many assets to fill those holes but target center first and then the guards.

4. Do you sign 3 solid free agents or make a splash for one big free agent in hopes of filling a huge hole.
   The 3 solid free agents I would add are:
        D'Qwell Jackson, ILB from Cleveland, familiar with Rob Ryan's scheme and an average starter alongside Lee.
        Jeremy Zuttah, OG from Tampa Bay, young athletic guard who is athletic although can be pushed back by stronger tackles and needs to be more aware.
       Scott Mruczkowski, center from the Chargers, has been a backup most of his career but versatile to play all 3 inside positions and I think be a plus starter for you inside.
   The big free agent I would target are:
        Antonio Garay, nose tackle of the chargers, a pro-bowl caliber player who's had his most productive seasons the last two years but is 32.
        LaRon Laundry, safety from the Redskins, he's coming off two injury shortened seasons including a ruptured achilles injury. Due to this, reported he may be seeking a short-term prove it type contract, 1-year incentive laden deal hoping it to strike it rich next year. When healthy, he's a aggressive, hard-hitting safety who can bring an attitude to a defense desperately in need of it.
        Michael Griffin, safety from the Titans.  The former first round pick out of Texas has been a solid player over the past 5 seasons but looks like should be making more plays considering his skills. He had excellent seasons in 2008 (7 INTs, 11 passes knocked away) and 2010 (4 picks with 11 passes defended). I describe Griffin as a good player about to earn "great" player money where as the previous 2 are already great players.

Even with all the dead money hanging over this team, Jerry Jones will still be able to target a top free agent if he so desires but his track record of using his football money wisely is not real good. Marcus Spears, 5-years for $19.2 million & Gerald Sensabaugh, 5-years for $22.5 million just to name a few...

Cowboys not going to make playoffs but here's why they will next year.

Gameplan is set, win 3 games and you make the playoffs.  It sounds simple but we know its not going to be easy and we all should know this team does not have the mental strength nor the defense to make that a reality.

I sure as hell hope I'm wrong but a lifelong cowboy fan and a football realist I don't see it happening.  But, that doesn't mean this season was a waste.  Actually this season was far from it, I argue some significant building blocks were established this year for a contender.

Dallas now have 3 high level players on defense up from 2 in 2010.  Sean Lee showed signs of becoming a solid contributor in his rookie season but he increased his game to a pro-bowl level early on in 2011. Of course the knock that continues to plague Lee is durability, it struck again this season with the broken wrist. However when he is on the field, there is little doubt to his impact. A inside force capable of shedding blocks to make plays in the run game and shoot the gaps for tackles behind the line. He is average in coverage but is good in zone coverage, making plays on the ball especially interceptions can offset giving up a few catches. (you hear that Terrence Newman)

Jerry Jones finally guessed right in the draft, Tyron Smith at least. His improvement in one season is tremendous, the footwork and toughness especially. The plan was for Doug Free to man the left side and allow Smith to grow at his more comfortable right tackle position. However with Free's below average performance, that plan could get accelerated for 2012 and switch Free & Smith. Tyron still has a ways to go but he's shown a lot for Jones and Tony Romo to be excited about for the next few years.

They have found a kicker...aslong as you don't ice him with a timeout. Dan Bailey made 26 consecutive field goals during most of the season including 3 game winning kicks. Jerry & Co. tried to committ another awful GM move by keeping David Buehler for just kickoffs even with the 5 yard bump up for kickoffs, unfortunately for Buehler he's on injured reserve. Bailey has secured the job and proved to be a consistent kicker as long as you don't call a timeout right before he lines up for one.

Struck gold in the 3rd round with Demarco Murray, another in a long line of Cowboy runningbacks who begin their career with tremendous stats but rarely carry over. Julius Jones in 2004 (averaging 102 yards over 8 games), Marion Barber in 2006 & 2007 with 24 TDs & Felix Jones in 2008 & 2009 with big plays over 20 yards. Murray looks the part of a full-time back with a burst, vision, and physical runner who can break tackles, then throw in that he's a comfortable receiver too.

Factor in the goldmine steal of Laurent Robinson on the waiver wire who seems to have settled in nicely as the teams 3rd receiver, an area of weakness prior to the season that Kevin Oglretree failed miserably at. You can argue at this point Robinson has moved ahead of Dez Bryant in terms of receivers Romo looks to.

You have a young stud inside linebacker you can build around, an offensive tackle who should move to left tackle to solidify blindside pass protection, a kicker you can trust when the game is on the line (no timeouts), a top young runningback and a young wide receiver as a security blanket.

4 games down, what do we know?

Lets start off with the record, 2 wins and 2 losses.  Just what we all expected.

Be honest, when the cowboys season started everyone had the jets game as a loss, then a win against the 49ers.  Next up were two teams Romo's cowboys have struggled against so you would take a split on the Redskins & Lions.  You end up with a 2-2 record.  Now I will look at how Dallas played in those games but for the moment we are just looking at the record.

Next question, where the strengths and weaknesses of this team prior to the start of the regular season?  We thought the offense would be strong in the passing game, have a solid pass rush and a pro-bowl punter.  Onto the perceived weaknesses; 1) the running game was a huge question mark with Felix Jones getting the starting job away from Marion Barber and Tashard Choice & DeMarco Murray failing to push Jones for carries. 2)  The Dallas offensive line youth movement, could two rookies Tyron Smith & Bill Nagy along with first time starter Phil Costa at center re-energizethe team up front?  3) The kicking situation, being the only team in the NFL keeping two active kickers in Dan Bailey & David Buehler after battling with 3 others in camp? 4)  The entire dallas defense ability to defend the run or the pass, could Rob Ryan fix the worst defense in Cowboys history adding only Abram Elam & Kenyon Coleman?

1) Running game through 4 games

Total Rushing Yards:    347 yards on 101 carries.  Average of 3.4 yards.

Felix Jones    241 yards on 56 carries with a 4.3 yards per carry.  1 touchdown

Here are some stats to wrap your head around the Cowboys lack of running success.

Felix Jones has not run for a single first down in the 1st quarter of any game this season also averaging only 1.9 yards a carry.  Jones runs for an average of 3.3 yards per carry when Dallas is leading the game.  The cowboys leading rusher has rushed for only 33 yards on 11 carries inside the opponents red zone.  Finally, below are the success rate for the running game in short yardage situations (% on 3rd or 4th down with 2 or fewer yards for 1st down or TD & 1st, 2nd goal from opponent 2-yard line or closer)

Running Left: 33%
Running Center: 33%
Running Right: 50%

Status: Under performing

2) Offensive Line Youth Movement

Ranked 11th in NFL in sacks (7) and QB hits allowed (20)

Doug Free bounced back from consecutive below average performances versus the 49ers and Redskins. Bill Nagy has performed pretty well, better in pass protection than getting a push in the running game. Phil Costa improved not having any errors on the shotgun snaps after committing three against the Skins, he's been solid but not shown any great strength to open up running lanes up the middle. Tyron Smith has exceeded expectations for the 9th overall pick not allowing a sack until getting bull rushed on the 2nd to last play against the Lions. His athleticism, strength and toughness have impressed coaches and players holding down the right tackle job requiring little to no help thus far.

Status: Average with room for improvement

3) The kicking situation

Dan Bailey leads the NFL in most field goals made with 12 missing only a 21 yarder vs the 49ers. He nailed a clutch 48 yard field goal to send that game into overtime before eventually winning it. He also leads the league in most field goals made going a perfect 5 for 5 in the 40-49 yard range.

Kickoff Stats:

Buehler10 kickoffs with 5 touchbacks. Given up 24.0 average on kickoff returns.

Bailey 13 kickoffs with 5 touchbacks. Is 8th in the NFL in fewest yards allowed on returns with 22.0

Status: Exceeding expectations

4)  The entire Dallas defense

Before we get to the stats that tell the story, even casual observers can see a difference in this defense. Most improved player easily is 2nd year linebacker from Penn State Sean Lee, a high football IQ and athletic middle linebacker who's made plays stuffing the run at the line and in coverage knocking down a team high 6 passes and hauling in two interceptions. Oh yea, he's also showcasing that natural playmaking ability with two fumble recoveries including the game sealing recovery against the Redskins in week 3.

Rob Ryan's unit has given up 101 points this season averaging 25.2 points per game which ranks 23rd. However if you remove both of Romo's interceptions returned for touchdowns against the Lions, that ranking improves to 12th.

A stats that are clear as day is the Dallas Cowboys defense ranks 3rd in the NFL in yards given up (291.8 per gm) behind the Bengals & Steelers. Also, they rank 1st in the NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed (247) and of course yards per game (61.8).  Finally, they are tied at 3rd in the league with the Saints in sacks with 13.

Status: Far exceeding expectations

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.

Youth movement or is Jerry Jones broke?

Dallas cuts Andre Gurode to save more than 5 million dollars off the salary cap paving the way for a complete offensive line overhaul.  Most sports writers and fans completely buy into the Cowboys PR spin on the move, Gurode's release is due to Phil Costa's improvement and Coach Garrett's no non-sense approach to competition with veterans.

This could be true but I don't buy it.  Jerry Jones is broke, he wants to win but the bottom line is forcing his hand in this one. The new stadium isn't paying as well as he hoped and no naming rights meeting his crazy demands means less funds coming his way.

Does it really matter the reason for the veteran overhaul?  I say yes, means that Jerry Jones is still running the show in Dallas, Jason Garrett may get more input since Bill Parcells but doesn't change the fact that Jones is still pulling the strings.

Do you really think Coach Garrett would cut a solid starting offensive lineman that already is going to have two rookies starting on it? Even if the backup Costa had shown enough to win the starting job, a knee injury puts his availability for the season opener in question. Not to mention the opener is against Rex Ryan and the Jets complex blitzing scheme. Should we even consider the fact that for Dallas to be competitive early on in the season, this offense is going to have to put at least 25 points on the board per game. Anyone feel comfortable with a running game that failed repeatedly in short-yardage and redzone with now Felix Jones as the main guy.

Bottom line is this, I don't think Garrett would make this move when the best part of his team is built around a solid passing offense and jeopardize it shaking up the offensive line. This was all Jerry Jones just like it always has been.