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Roster Rundown
Costa's Value Enhanced By Versatility
Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
(Editor's Note: Throughout the off-season, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at the roster, analyzing players' impact last season and how each fits into the team's 2011 plans. Today's featured player is guard/center Phil Costa.)
Name: Phil Costa
Position: Guard / Center
Height/Weight: 6-3, 316
Experience: One Season
College: Maryland
Key stat: While interior linemen typically don't garner statistics, a key figure for Costa would be four - the amount of games he played for the club as a rookie. It's probably four more than most people expected from Costa when he signed as an undrafted free agent last April. Among those four games, Costa also started once in mid-season.
Contract Status: Signed through 2012
2010 Impact: Based on expectations, any contribution by Costa was appreciated. He basically replaced Cory Proctor, who spent the last three seasons as a backup lineman - versatile enough to play both guard and center. But when Proctor had to start, it was an obvious downgrade from the starter. Costa started just one game against Jacksonville and while his performance wasn't great, it certainly blended in with the rest of the offense. But it should've been a good year of learning for Costa, who got to play behind veteran guards Kyle Kosier and Leonard Davis, and center Andre Gurode.
Where He Fits: That's probably a better question after the draft and free agency, for the interior offensive line should be a strong position of need. And how the Cowboys feel about Costa is probably some of the reason for that. While the futures of Kyle Kosier and Leonard Davis remain uncertain, it doesn't appear the Cowboys feel that Costa is indeed next in line. But still, if Costa can prove to be valuable backup - versatile to play three positions across the line - then there could be a place for him as a backup once again.
Writers' Analysis:
Nick Eatman: It's probably too early to write off Costa from having a solid career with the Cowboys or in the NFL, despite the fact he probably won't be a regular starter. But players often make huge leaps from their rookie to sophomore seasons - not just in physique but in preparation and awareness. Costa is a gritty, tough and very bright. As long as the Cowboys don't overload the position with numbers - such as a veteran free agent and then draft picks as well, then Costa should have a good chance to compete for a spot and his versatility could keep him around again.
Josh Ellis: When Costa was thrown into games last year, he was simply overpowered by more physical defensive linemen. His size will create some natural limitations in his career, though he can definitely improve his game with more time in the weight room and continued technique work. Still, he had much more trouble than the guy he basically replaced, Cory Procter, the center/guard swing guy who moved on to Miami and started some games. That's probably the upside here. The Cowboys need to continue to work on their offensive line depth, and Costa will definitely get a chance to compete in camp, but he'll have to beat out someone to be back.
Costa's Value Enhanced By Versatility
Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
(Editor's Note: Throughout the off-season, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at the roster, analyzing players' impact last season and how each fits into the team's 2011 plans. Today's featured player is guard/center Phil Costa.)
Name: Phil Costa
Position: Guard / Center
Height/Weight: 6-3, 316
Experience: One Season
College: Maryland
Key stat: While interior linemen typically don't garner statistics, a key figure for Costa would be four - the amount of games he played for the club as a rookie. It's probably four more than most people expected from Costa when he signed as an undrafted free agent last April. Among those four games, Costa also started once in mid-season.
Contract Status: Signed through 2012
2010 Impact: Based on expectations, any contribution by Costa was appreciated. He basically replaced Cory Proctor, who spent the last three seasons as a backup lineman - versatile enough to play both guard and center. But when Proctor had to start, it was an obvious downgrade from the starter. Costa started just one game against Jacksonville and while his performance wasn't great, it certainly blended in with the rest of the offense. But it should've been a good year of learning for Costa, who got to play behind veteran guards Kyle Kosier and Leonard Davis, and center Andre Gurode.
Where He Fits: That's probably a better question after the draft and free agency, for the interior offensive line should be a strong position of need. And how the Cowboys feel about Costa is probably some of the reason for that. While the futures of Kyle Kosier and Leonard Davis remain uncertain, it doesn't appear the Cowboys feel that Costa is indeed next in line. But still, if Costa can prove to be valuable backup - versatile to play three positions across the line - then there could be a place for him as a backup once again.
Writers' Analysis:
Nick Eatman: It's probably too early to write off Costa from having a solid career with the Cowboys or in the NFL, despite the fact he probably won't be a regular starter. But players often make huge leaps from their rookie to sophomore seasons - not just in physique but in preparation and awareness. Costa is a gritty, tough and very bright. As long as the Cowboys don't overload the position with numbers - such as a veteran free agent and then draft picks as well, then Costa should have a good chance to compete for a spot and his versatility could keep him around again.
Josh Ellis: When Costa was thrown into games last year, he was simply overpowered by more physical defensive linemen. His size will create some natural limitations in his career, though he can definitely improve his game with more time in the weight room and continued technique work. Still, he had much more trouble than the guy he basically replaced, Cory Procter, the center/guard swing guy who moved on to Miami and started some games. That's probably the upside here. The Cowboys need to continue to work on their offensive line depth, and Costa will definitely get a chance to compete in camp, but he'll have to beat out someone to be back.
. Any of you all remember Beriault? I've never known a 6th rounder to get as much hype from anyone, let alone Melsy, the way this kid got hyped.