The Cowboys were listed by many as a rebuilding team, ridding themselves of the contracts of Marion Barber, Roy Williams, Leonard Davis, Marc Columbo, and Andre Gurode. To many this season was quite the surprise as the Dallas Cowboys were competing for the NFC East championship before a crushing defeat by the New York Giants.
The good news is that for every bad thing there is always something good to reflect on. In 2011, Tony Romo played arguably his best season posting a 102.5 passer rating, 4184 yards, and 31 touchdowns. Additionally, Sean Lee turned into the stud he showed he could be in Penn State, Rookie DeMarco Murray flashed signs of being the franchise back the Cowboys have lacked since Hall Of Fame RB Emmitt Smith, and Tyron Smith cemented himself as possibly the next great Cowboys offensive lineman.
Whats Lies Ahead?
Well Rob Ryans defense didn’t quite flourish like it was supposed to. We all knew that DeMarcus Ware would be dominant and that Jay Ratliff would be able to handle the middle of the defensive line, but besides that we got much of what we expected from the secondary that has been horrendous since the departure of Darren Woodson. The Cowboys are also probably tired of seeing Phil Costa and Kowalski throwing snaps over Romo’s head and with Kosier getting older the offensive line youth movement will need some revamping. That being said there are still many holes to fill and some future prospects who could become stars in Dallas.
The Most Appealing Prospects:
Mark Barron: Many people have mocked Mark Barron to this team in the first round. Its hard for me to imagine that this is where they want to go. The team truly needs a free safety, Gerald Sensabaugh isn’t going anywhere after that unjustified contract extension except back to SS after they find another capable FS, and with the draft thin on FS you’d be better pressed to find one in the 2nd/3rd rounds of the draft.
Janoris Jenkins: Another popular mock choice given his potential as a shut down corner. This pick actually makes a lot of sense here, since Terrence Newman has really hit a slump and cant keep up with the opposing teams top receiver. Newman really isn’t a bad cornerback at this point in his career but he isn’t the shut down cornerback we expect him to be. Jenkins has a reputation for off the field conduct but he has kept his nose clean since his transfer and really displays an uncanny knack for the ball. He plays fluidly with his hips and can be disruptive in both man and zone coverage’s.
Courtney Upshaw: Anthony Spencer is leaving, and you have to expect that Rob Ryan will be pining for a pass rusher opposite DeMarcus Ware. Upshaw is an ideal 3-4 OLB who is explosive off the snap from both standing up and putting his hand on the ground. Upshaw was practically flawless in the National Championship game and would fit well as a young piece in a young, potentially dominant LB corp.
My Offseason Prediction:
Free Agency: I expect that the Cowboys will go after some of the top offensive lineman available, someone like Carl Nicks would be a great fit at 26 years old.
NFL draft: My early 3 round projections, SEC style apparently:
First Round: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama2012
Second Round: Brandon Boykin, DB, Georgia
Third Round: Robert Lester, FS, Alabama