Dallas must find an elite player in the first round.

I'm not overly impressed with the first round prospects, not many elite players.

Offensively: I want Decastro, he is willing to play center and took snaps with Luck at Stanford's pro-day. I don't see elite with him but he should be a day 1 starter and be a 10-year starter as a more than capable piece.

Defensively: Michael Brockers from LSU is my top defensive lineman prospect, he has the potential to be a young foundation piece for the dline similar to what Tyron Smith has done for the Oline. He's going to be a excellent run defender day 1 and has tools to become a Richard Seymour impact player in a 3-4.
Fletcher Cox does something for me, not nearly as impressive as Brockers, Cox is more aggressive looking to cause havoc which can open up lanes behind him. He's going to have to play under control and maintain his gap assignments.
I have ZERO interest in Dontari Poe, he's the biggest workout warrior I've ever seen who is thought so highly of without producing on the football field against a lesser level of competition. I prefer Alameda Ta'amu from Washington as a nose tackle in the 2nd round, he would instantly upgrade Dallas interior Dline.
As far as the pass rushers, Coples from UNC is the most talented natural pass rusher but he's much more of a 4-3 left defensive end and no indication Dallas will change defensive schemes for one player. Coples motor is questionable and even gave himself a "C+" grade for effort in his senior season at UNC, what a dumb ass to admit that.
I have very little interest in Courtney Upshaw from Alabama, he's got below average burst and closing speed which will already hurt him getting after the QB, then factor in limited pass rush technique, he's only a bull rusher who will struggle to turn the corner against pro tackles. He's going to be a solid 3-4 strongside linebacker and if Dallas' roster was in better shape, he would be a solid pick but I feel Dallas must find another foundation piece.
Moving onto Melvin Ingram from South Carolina, he's the most polished with regard to technique and consistent motor. He's built more like a defensive lineman but is athletic enough to play in space as a stand up LB in a 3-4. I like his quickness off the snap and has good body style with strong lower body. Its obvious I really like Ingram but he has one gigantic red flag, actually the more accurate term would be small red flag. Ingram & Upshaw both have below average arm length and size of their hands, it calls into question both player's ability to consistently generate pressure if NFL tackles have the edge to get their hands on them first. The track record for successful NFL pass rushers ALL have arm length and hand size bigger than these prospects. It is not a deal breaker but the track record and lack of elite physical traits are enough for me to look elsewhere. If you had to make me pick one, obviously I'm going with Ingram as I'd rather have a player who has better technique if he's an elite talent.
The two prospects I'm interested in are Bruce Irvin from West Virginia and Shea McCellin of Boise State. Irvin is a poor man's Von Miller whom the Broncos took last year in the first round out of Texas A&M. Irvin is a undersized athletic pass rusher with a excellent quickness to turn the corner and get after the QB. He has turned some teams off with character concerns and not being invited to the Senior Bowl for unknown reasons failing to showcase his talent in front of NFL coaches in Mobile. However he projects to be an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker pass rusher who will be available in round 2, perhaps even 3 and be utilized as a exclusive 3rd down pass rusher and create havoc. McCellin is one of my most favorite prospects this year, basically he does everything very well and has performed for 3 straight seasons at Boise as consistently the best defender on a defensive line that has 2 other NFL prospects on it. Yet, McCelin gets no love due to his size in the first round at 6-3, 260. He tested average at the combine except for a 4.63 forty yard dash which was amongst the best for linebackers. This kid knows how to play the game, uses quickness and technique to get his opponent off balance and generate pressure. His technique is very good, not quite on Ingram's level but few prospects are as polished as he in any year.

As far as the secondary, the corners that interest me are Morris Claiborne from LSU in the first round, he's not on Patrick Peterson's level but he's excellent and qualifies as an elite prospect. I have removed Kirtzpatrick and Janoris Jenkins from my board due to character red flags, Dallas does not need any more knuckleheads counted on to make a difference on this mentally weak football team. The next corner that intrigues me is Brandon Boykin from Georgia in the 2nd round and then Dwight Bentley from La-Lafayette who would be an excellent nickel corner with a great attitude. The Texas A&M kid Jude has starter ability but goodness he can't stay healthy, if Dallas had a more solid roster I would risk selecting him in the 2nd or 3rd round but this team cannot take that chance.

Wrapping up the discussion is safety, I have pushed Mark Barron from Alabama to the bottom of the first round and out of my top 15 list. He's a safety who is excellent in 2 phases of four necessary to be a elite safety in the NFL (Run Support, Blitz, Center-fielder, Cover half in Cover 2 scheme). While getting a player who can do two of those skills is considered good, Dallas needs to come away with better than that with this year's first round pick. Barron was not tested consistently in coverage coming out of the SEC and is much more a in the box safety. A good general rule with safeties is you can find a solid one in the later rounds and should reserve the first round for someone who can do 3 of the 4 phases outlined earlier. The prospect I would target is George Illoka from Boise State who should come off the board in late 2nd to early 3rd round, a better cover safety than Barron but will struggle in man coverage but capable at defending the run.

Simple question, pay more money for two average players or one pro-bowl caliber player? Which did the Cowboys do?

The cowboys offensive lineman signings Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau total a yearly salary of $6.55 million.  Free agent center Scott Wells, pro-bowl center of the Packers signed yesterday with the Rams 4-years for $24 million, $13 million guaranteed. The cowboys paid $6 million more in bonus' and $550k more in yearly salary for two average guards than one pro-bowl caliber center. I don't know the yearly cap figures for Livings & Bernadeau, just simple math of all their contracts agreed upon in free agency.

I would rather be very strong at center, draft the top guard in Decastro and hope Kosier or the kids show something in training camp for the other guard spot.  The cowboys can't fix all their holes but that doesn't mean you reach for quantity instead of quality. 

The cowboys got into salary cap trouble overpaying average players in free agency (Roy Williams and Igor Olshansky) and resigning players who did not deserve top dollar extensions (Marion Barber III, Miles Austin, Marcus Spears, Anthony Spencer, Terrence Newman, Gerald Sensabaugh and Doug Free although at time of his deal thought he did deserve it). #JerryJonestheGMstillsucks

Free Agent Targets: Pass Rushers

Need 3-4 pass rushers
1. Mario Williams - He has less than a season of experience as a 3-4 OLB but he's a top pass rusher. He will also command franchise player money coming off an injury projecting to a position he has limited snaps in.
2. John Abraham - Aging player but couldn't tell from his on field production, 9.5 sacks a season ago and projects as a situational pass rusher to keep fresh. Its going to take a 2-year deal commanding 3-4 million a season, pass rushers are always valued in the NFL.
3. Mark Anderson - Former Chicago Bear and came on strong for the Patriots last year as a pass rusher notching 10 sacks. He would be more affordable than John Abraham as a situational pass rusher in either a 4-3 or 3-4 front.

Dallas franchised Anthony Spencer but that should not stop any effort to upgrade their ability to rush the passer within financial reason. That rules out Mario but do not ever count out Jerry Jones on making a play on a star player at a premier position.

The smart plan is reach out to Mark Anderson and find out his asking price, if its within 2 million a year over a couple of seasons, I bring Anderson in here. I also select a pass rusher in the draft to bring out competition and honestly build up the market for a trade of Anthony Spencer prior to training camp.

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.