SB Nation - Greg Isdaner

The Valley Ranch Review: Running Back to the Postseason; No U.S. Open for Romo

Aaron Novinger — Tue, 12 May 2009 22:00:12 -0000

Darrius Heyward-Bey is a speed-merchant who played at Maryland and went 7th overall in the draft to the Raiders. Which new Dallas Cowboy ran him down in college? Make the jump to watch the video.

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Peter King puts Dallas at number nine in his top ten teams for this year, citing the running game as the key to success.

Maybe this is the year the Cowboys start putting the round peg in round hole. They have 25-, 24- and 22-year-old running backs -- Marion Barber, Tashard Choice and Felix Jones, respectively -- who last year rushed the ball 360 times for 1,623 yards (4.5-yard average) and 12 touchdowns. Meanwhile, their quarterbacks dropped back to pass 578 times. When your backs are that good, they shouldn't be handed the ball on 37 percent of the offense snaps. I'm counting on Jason Garrett to make the run game much more of a presence this year. If he does, it's not a very distant limb to walk out on and say the Cowboys should win their first playoff game since 1996. But I've got to see it to believe it.

NFL analyst Tom Marino gives the Cowboys a "C" for their draft, and sees the special teams value in the later picks. He seems to think highly of Dallas' top two selections.

The Cowboys didn't pick till round number three and caused a few eyebrows to raise with the selection of Western Illinois linebacker Jason Williams. I personally like the selection and believe he'll become a household name in the not to distant future. By the same token, many people really like second selection tackle Robert Brewster. He's a big dancing bear, but he is going to need to get a good deal stronger and re-shape his body. In my opinion, he is strictly a right tackle or guard prospect.

Marino also predicts that Brewster will be the "quickest to start" and "fastest to the Pro Bowl", while Williams is his pick to be the "best (player) in three years". Unfortunately, his love didn't spread to the two former Bearcat corners, DeAngelo Smith and Mike Mickens.

Both corners (Smith and Mickens) from the U of Cincinnati have flashed during their careers, but both have speed limitations. I thought Smith was a little tight, but has versatility and was an adequate returner. Mickens has good hands, ball skills and awareness, but does not have a lot of juice and struggled to become 180 pounds.

DC.com will be profiling both Smith and Mickens later this week.

More after the jump.

Last month, Troy Aikman applauded the Cowboys' release of Terrell Owens. Now, it's Emmitt's turn. The NFL's leading rusher has a different take than his fellow Triplet member, criticizing the team for cutting T.O. Neither Aikman nor Smith sound sold on Roy Williams.

"I don't know if he was a scapegoat or whatever it was, but I tell you what, he was a talent. He was a talent, and he didn't get in any trouble, didn't create any issues. Whenever he had the opportunity to make plays, he pretty much made them. He may have said some things at times that was kind of stupid, but we all do that.

"Bottom line is, I'm not sure (whether cutting T.O. makes the Cowboys better). Who do they have who is going to be that explosive? That's the question. Who do you have that's going to be that explosive? I don't see it."

Undrafted rookie free agent G/C Greg Isdaner gets some love for his helping hand during the Cowboys' facility collapse. The former 38-game starter at West Virginia is...wait for it....an Eagles fan.

"It's been kind of humorous in a way to hear from all my friends that they'd still boo me just because I was with the Cowboys," he said.

So, of the 7 or 8 teams that called after the draft, why Dallas?

The reason he opted for the Cowboys was because of the teaching, their ability to work with big guards and centers and develop them first into contributors, then starters and finally Pro Bowl-caliber superstars.

No U.S. Open for Romo. A triple-bogey on the 16^th sure didn't help. QB#9 can avenge some of that loss by qualifying for the HP Byron Nelson Championship today.

Watch SS Michael Hamlin run down superfast WR Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Hat tip to the DMN blog.

Cowboys Offense: Breaking Down the Training Camp Battles

Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:44:02 -0000

While training camp position battles will undoubtedly be intense on the defensive side of the ball, the fight for roster spots on offense should be a bit less interesting. There should be no competition at quarterback, as Tony Romo will obviously be the starter. The team drafted Stephen McGee in the 4th round when the team had bigger needs, so that ought to be an indication of how much the team likes the former Texas A&M signal caller. Jon Kitna was acquired via trade, and is the only experienced depth at the position. He will be safe for that reason. Rudy Carpenter is coming to camp to minimize arm fatigue, and maybe log enough preseason snaps to impress another team.

While their 2009 roles have yet to be defined, we do know that Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice will occupy the team’s three running back roster spots. No disrespect to Ray Ray’s little brother (Keon Lattimore), but he will be at camp for the sole purpose of preserving the bodies of Bash, Dash, and Tash. The only way we will see any movement at running back is if Minnesota, in an attempt to clear cap space for Brett Favre, offers us Adrian Peterson for a bag of K-balls.

Most of the offense is locked up, but there are still a few spots up for grabs. Let’s look at this year’s offensive contestants for Survivor:Dallas.

Wide Receiver

Starters: Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton/Miles Austin

Survivor Contestants: Sam Hurd, Isaiah Stanback, Kevin Ogletree, Julian Hawkins, Manuel Johnson, Travis Wilson

Cowboys will likely keep: 5-6

Breakdown: Sam Hurd will probably make the squad again. He is a good special teams player, and of the group he has the body and skill set that most closely mirrors that of Roy Williams. Hurd would be the most natural fit to step in for Williams at the "X" in the event of an injury. Travis Wilson has nice measurables, but his mouth is bigger than his game. It is unlikely that his arrogance will fly in the recently cleansed Cowboy locker room. I think Manuel Johnson has a real shot. His play far outshines his measurables, and the team could possibly view him as an eventual heir to Patrick Crayton’s role.

I think the guy to watch here is Kevin Ogletree. Ogletree is an accomplished receiver with top notch NFL speed. Ogletree was widely ranked among the top 20 wide receiver prospects, but saw his stock drop due only to a 2007 ACL tear. Ogletree has to be viewed as the favorite if the team keeps six wideouts, and still a possibility is the team keeps only five. At the end of the day, I still think Isaiah Stanback makes the team. The team did little to bolster it’s kick return options behind Felix Jones in the off season, leaving Stanback as the best remaining alternative. Stanback would also be the best option if the ‘Boys want to tinker with some wildcat action, and most importantly, Jerry Jones likes him.

Tight End

Starters: Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett

Survivor Contestants: John Phillips, Rodney Hannah, Jamar Hunt

Cowboys will likely keep: 3

Breakdown: I know Martellus Bennett is not technically a starter, but he will be a key part of the offense, so he’s not going anywhere. I was a little surprised that the Cowboys drafted a tight end at all. As high as the club had appeared to be on Rodney Hannah, I figured he would get his chance to step in with the departure of Tony Curtis. Nonetheless, the University of Virginia has a history of producing well-rounded tight ends, and John Phillips is no different. This battle is really between Phillips and Hannah. Jamar Hunt’s best quality is his ability to serve as a long snapper. You don’t mess with a good thing, so unless the Cowboys are desperate for roster spots, I don’t see the team dumping L.P. Ladouceur.

Offensive Line

Starters: Flozell Adams, Kyle Kosier, Andre Gurode, Leonard Davis, Marc Colombo

Survivor Contestants: Doug Free, Pat McQuistan, Montrae Holland, Ryan Gibbons, Cory Procter, Matt Spanos, Robert Brewster, Travis Bright, Michael Turkovich, Greg Isdaner

Cowboys will likely keep: 8-10

Breakdown: It’s hard to divide this thing by position since there are so many tackle/guard and guard/center guys on the roster. Regardless of his camp performance, Robert Brewster’s draft position buys him a roster spot, so he’s in. The only true tackles in the group are Free and Turkovich, so if Free can hold off the undrafted Turkovich he’s in as well. Hopefully Montrae Holland mixed an occasional salad into the rotation this off season. If he’s in shape, he’s easily the best guard among the backups. Holland gets good push in the run game, and is by far the most experienced (35 career starts) of the group. I know no one wants to hear this, but Cory Procter will probably be back. Procter and Matt Spanos are the only players in the group with experience at center. If Procter outshines Spanos, he’s probably coming back. This may be a "put up or shut up" year for McQuistan as well, who has logged zero starts in three seasons with the team.

Fullback

Starter: Deon Anderson

Survivor Contestants: Asaph Schwapp, Julius Crosslin

Cowboys will likely keep: 1

Breakdown: Deon Anderson is not a Lorenzo Neal-type lead blocker, but he is a good all-around fullback who does most everything pretty well. I have not seen enough tape on Schwapp to make an educated evaluation, but I was not impressed by the few clips I did see. For a 257-pound guy, Schwapp doesn’t get a ton of push, and can be driven back into the hole rather easily. Again, maybe I just saw the worst handful of clips of his entire career. Crosslin played pretty well for the team last preseason, but it’s hard to envision Anderson being overtaken by any fullback currently on the roster.

Who will survive?

Dallas Cowboys Undrafted Rookie FA Update

Aaron Novinger — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:51:05 -0000

More photos » by LM Otero - AP

Will he or won't he? There seems to be some confusion about where Texas Tech UDFA Graham Harrell will sign. Reports said with the Cowboys, but it appears it might actually be the Browns.

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First, the Graham Harrell rumors about his signing with the Cowboys were confusing. They were rumors, after all. Harrell's first rookie minicamp will be as a Brown.

Here's the 8 undrafted free agents the Cowboys have agreed to terms with so far. Expect this list to be continued as more players are confirmed.

We knew about these guys:

WR Julian Hawkins, Boise State

WR Kevin Ogletree, Virginia (He was ranked the #7 undrafted prospect by draftcountdown.com)

G Greg Isdaner, West Virginia (Russ Lande at The Sporting News ranked Isdaner the #18 prospect still available for Day 2 of the draft.)

Dallas has dipped into The Fighting Irish's player pool.

Notre Dame FB Asaph Schwapp will report to Dallas.

The Dallas Cowboys have come to terms with Notre Dame fullback Asaph Schwapp, TheRanchReport.com has learned.

Schwapp, considered the strongest player on the Fighting Irish team, only had 44 career rushers for 98 yards but is considered a devastating blocker at the point of attack.

OL Mike Turkovich, Notre Dame

According to DC.com, "Turkovich (6-5, 305) was a two-year starter with experience at guard and tackle."

Here's two more:

OG Travis Bright, BYU

From dmn's blog:

Bright (6-5, 316) also has medical issues, having had a rod inserted to stabilize his broken leg two years ago. He's a mauler who can bench press 540 pounds.

TE Jamar Hunt, UTEP

From dmn's blog:

Hunt (6-7, 260) caught 31 passes for 367 yards and two TDs as a senior. He turned 26 years old in December.

QB Rudy Carpenter, Arizona St.

From DC.com's Josh Ellis:

Carpenter threw for 81 touchdowns and 10,491 yards in college. He had long been thought of as a draftable prospect, but had arguably his worst season as a senior, passing for just 16 touchdowns to go with 2,493 yards. Carpenter is 6-3, 225, the same size as the Cowboys' fourth-round pick, Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee. The Cowboys typically carry four quarterbacks through training camp in order to keep everyone's arm fresh.

Cowboys strike deals with three undrafted free agents

Dave Halprin — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:00:14 -0000

The draft may be over, but the business of signing college players isn't. Now it's time for the undrafted free agents, affectionately known as UDFAs. Remember, Tony Romo was an UDFA. Stephen Jones says he expects 7-9 UDFAs to be bagged by the weekend. They've already started the process with WR Kevin Ogletree out of Virginia (The Ranch Report).

Scott Wright on Ogletree.

Strengths:
Good size and bulk...Great timed speed...Smooth and a terrific route runner...Excellent hands...Good body control and ball skills...Great leaper...Gets off the line well...Nice instincts and awareness...Very smart...Mature...Tough...Has a strong work ethic...Decent production.

Weaknesses:
Isn't a vertical threat...Doesn't get much separation...Not very elusive and won't do much after the catch...Not real strong...Could be more physical and aggressive...A sub par blocker...Has durability concerns.

They've also inked West Virginia guard Greg Isdaner (The Ranch Report).

Scott Wright on Isander.

Strengths:
Adequate height...Excellent bulk...Strong and powerful...Very smart with great awareness...Understands angles and positioning...Uses his hands well...Technically sound...Good work ethic...Lots of experience.

Weaknesses:
Has short arms...Not stout at the point of attack...Doesn't get a great push in the run game...Not very light on his feet...Stiff and isn't very agile...Substandard balance...Struggles in space...Durability concerns.

Also, the Idaho Statesman notes a deal with WR Julian Hawkins of Boise State.

Wide receiver Julian Hawkins has agreed to a deal with the Dallas Cowboys, he and his agent said.

"This is a total dream," Hawkins said. "It's a dream finally coming true - not just for me, but for my whole family."

A few older stories on Hawkins here and here.

One guy who won't be joining the Cowboys is Missouri QB Chase Daniel, who opted to sign with the Redskins.

After going undrafted this weekend, former Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel studied the depth charts of the four teams that offered him free agent contracts. In the end, after doing some homework, Washington won over Dallas, the team Daniel grew up cheering.

If you know of any others, or stumble across them during the day, add them in this thread and I will do an updated post later.

Being Billy Devaney - G

Tackle Box — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:10:51 -0000

First let me say, sorry for getting the BBD up so late. This has been a rough week and I've had absolutely zero time to myself. It's going to be border-line hectic for the next couple of weeks so I'm just going to have to ask you to hang in there with me. Deal? I hope so...

Now, at this time, I've come to the conclusion that we need to take the BBD series in a slightly different direction. As far as positions that are an immediate need for someone who can step in and provide an impact (or at least step in and be a starter), we've covered them. MLB, OT, WR, SS, CB, and DT are all major areas of need for the Rams and while it might not be realistic to think we can solve all of those positions in one off-season, I'd like to think the team is determined to either solve or patch those areas with a focus on the remainders next year. But that doesn't mean the job is done. There's still areas of depth and future that need a little tending to so that's what we're going to look at today when we dissect the Offensive Guard position.

So, now the change. Before, I was breaking down the roster, then a look at what was available in free agency, and finally what the top picks in the draft would look like in regards to that position. Now, since we're not necessarily looking for a star at these positions, it's probably safe to say they won't be looking to free agency to fill these needs, so I'm going to forego looking at free agency. Now there might be someone cut loose during training camp that would come in at a bargain price, but right now most of that is simply speculation. Plus, we are at the point where spending money on a free agent to fill one of these backup positions would have to wait on getting draft picks signed.

Also, I'd like to point out, I'll no longer be looking at what is available in the first 4 rounds of the draft. I think it's safe to say, the Rams won't be drafting a Guard in the 2nd round. The top 4 draft picks are probably spoken for and will shake down among the positions listed above, so it's pointless to even consider any of the top guys in the draft.

So, with that being said, let's take a look at the Offensive Guards.

So, as far as the Guard position is concerned, the Rams are fairly healthy. The guys on the roster may not exactly be the future, but they're definitely good enough to count on for a season or two. So, let's look at the roster.

Richie Incognito - 6'3" 330 - Signed through 2009 - Well, I guess he's not officially signed, but the team did make a tender to the restricted free agent and it would cost any team signing him a third round draft pick so it's safe to say he'll be with the Rams this season. Anyway, Richie is everyone's favorite football player around here, right? Umm... Well, he's got amazing talent, is ornery as all get out, but also often displays the maturity of a 4-year old. He has some versatility in that he can play either Guard position as well as Center. Hopefully the new coaching staff can harness this creature and he becomes a mainstay on the Line (he is only 25 years old and has a lot of service time ahead of him). If not, it's probably Siyanora before the 2010 season rolls around.
Jacob Bell - 6'4" 295 - Signed through 2013 - When the Rams made this signing last off-season, many of us loved it. Then Bell had a bit of a disappointing 2009 campaign which resulted in some talk of him being a bust. Put me in the camp of those who are still optimistic about Bell. He's only 28 and with the addition of Jason Brown as Center, I think we'll all see a much improved version of Jacob Bell next season......that is unless he's playing Right Tackle.
John Greco - 6'5" 318 - Signed through 2010 - Talk about a man of mystery. As a thrid round pick last year he rarely played last season, when he did it was near the end of the season when no one was watching, and Rotoworld.com doesn't even have a picture of him. Add this to his almost cult like following here (well, sortof) and I'm starting to think Mr. Greco is the Rams version of Brain Barton. All signs point to a guy who's young and who has talent. If Bell actually does play RT, then Greco's probably the man to start at Guard, but even if Bell doesn't make the switch, it's probably safe to say Greco might still be in the running to start if he impresses in the pre-season.
Adam Goldberg - 6'7" 318 - Signed through 2010 - Sure, Goldie's probably more of a Tackle, but he's kind of a utility man for the Rams line in that he can play (and pretty much has) every position on the line. He's not a Pro-Bowler by any stretch of the imagination, but he's an important piece to the depth and stability of the Offensive Line. He can start in a pinch and not be a disaster. Actually, that's probably a little harsh. Adam is more than competent at every position he's asked to play and it seems as if he's accepted his role in the NFL, which makes him even more valuable.
Roy Schuening - 6'4" 308 - Signed through 2010 - Schuening is a depth guy. He's probably not going to start, but he's young, got attitude, and does a decent job at Guard.
Mark Setterstrom - 6'4" 314 - Signed through 2009 - Setterstrom is a guy that lends depth and flexibility to the offensive line. He's cheap and young but he's had plenty of issues with injuries. Strictly a depth guy at this point.

So, there you have it. There's top talent and there's plenty of depth and versatility. Not too shabby especially after looking at positions like Cornerback and Wide Receiver the past couple of weeks.

As far as the draft, it wouldn't be the worst thing for the Rams to look to add someone in the later rounds who might have some upside. Is there anyone who fits that bill? Who really knows when you're looking toward the last few rounds of the draft and you don't know who's going to slip through the cracks and whatnot. But let's see what's projected to be there after the 4th round.

(Here's MockingDan's Offensive Guard rankings)

Louis Vasquez - Texas Tech - 6'6" 335 - Vasquez might not quite be there in the 5th, but there's always a possibility. If he is, the Rams would be hard pressed not to draft him (if they've satisfied their more pressing needs and really want a backup Guard with potential). He's big and really impressed in the combine putting up 39 reps (more than any other Offensive Lineman. Vasquez excelled as a pass protector but can also get after it when run blocking as well. Can be a bit of a mauler.
Anthony Parker - Tennessee - 6'3" 300 - Parker played 39 games for Tennessee. He might project out more as a Center due to his size,which is a position he's played in the past, but he's probably a better Guard. He's faster than the average lineman (5.08 40-yard). Was 2nd Team All-SEC in 2009.
Ray Feinga - BYU - 6'5" 331 - Is actually pretty quick on his feet with great lateral movement and has great size. He was named to the All-Mountain West First Team and was part of a very successful BYU offense where he was used primarily in 1 on 1 situations. Has shown the ability to succeed in both pass and run blocking.
Andy Kemp - Wisconsin - 6'6" 315 - Was named a All- Big Ten Honorable Mention and at one point started 20 consecutive games for the Badgers (broken hand). Some scouts prefer Kemp to teammate Kraig Urbik (projected as high as the 3rd round) since he is a "typical Wisconsin power football player. He won't start but he'll be a good backup."
Travis Bright - BYU - 6'5" 329 - Named to the All-Mountain West Second Team. Another part of the powerful BYU offense. Is older than the typical draftee (26) since he served on a Church Mission and while his potential is somewhat limited, he should be able to step in and play right away as a backup. Might be able to sign Bright as an un-drafted free agent.
Rich Ohrnberger - Penn State - 6'2" 291 - Was named as an All-Big Ten First Teamer and AP All-America Third Teamer. Had a good senior campaign at Penn State. Doesn't have great size but makes up for it with improved technique and great physical play. Extremely talented and considered to be a great teammate.
C.J. Davis - Pittsburgh - 6'3" 310 - All-Big East First Teamer. Started at Left Guard his entire career at Pittsburgh until a late injury caused a vacancy at Center where Davis finished out the season. Made 42 consecutive starts and is considered an accomplished run blocker.
Cedric Dockery - Texas - 6'4" 320 - All Big XII Honorable Mention two years after tearing his ACL. Played well after coming back from the injury.

And the list goes on and on. After Dockery, you start to see a common theme. Guys who can excel in at least one aspect of the position, great size, and usually played in systems where there was great success either running or throwing the ball. Some other names to consider are Jaimie Thomas (Maryland), George Bussey (Louisville), Roland Martin (Michigan State), Paul Fanaika (Arizona State), Greg Isdaner (West Virginia), Roger Allen (Missouri Western), and Seth Olsen (Iowa). All of these men would provide depth, but I'm not sold on their potential.

For the Rams to get potential along with one of these picks they're really going to have to do their homework, pick someone who matches up perfectly with their coaching staff, and simply get lucky to some extent. If I were trying to do this a safely as possible, I'd probably target Travis Bright of BYU. He's not going to be a starter for you 4 or 5 years down the road (probably), but he is mature and extremely reliable and could step in and spot start in a second.

However, if I were determined to add someone with real potential, I'd have to target Vasquez, Parker, and Feinga. All three of those guys would be good late picks and you could probably get Parker or Feinga a round or two later than you'd find Vasquez.

So, there's your late round look at the Guard position. Honestly, the Rams probably have enough depth at this position, but as we've seen before, you really can't have enough quality depth on your offensive line. There is great value in knowing your backups can step in and not miss a beat if and when they're called upon.

Not having quality depth at the Center position caused a lot of problems for this team last season (and probably in the season before) and I don't see this regime allowing that to happen again at Center or any of the other Offensive Line positions.

It's just too costly and can absolutely wreck your season.