C
Cr122
Guest
March 9, 2012
Where He Fits: That's an interesting question considering the dynamic at safety with Abram Elam being a free agent, and with free agency and the draft coming up. It's likely the Cowboys will address that position somehow. If a safety is drafted in the first or second round, not only would that mean Elam isn't coming back, but it probably prevents Church from realistically competing for a starting spot. Either way, Church fits because he can play special teams and he showed his versatility last year to play different spots in different defensive packages. Obviously he would like to start and assuming the Cowboys don't spend big bucks on a safety or take one in the early rounds, he should at least get the chance to compete.
Writers' Analysis:
Rob Phillips: Even if he's not a starter next season, Church is among a group of developing young players the Cowboys feel good about going forward. He has been one of Joe DeCamillis' more productive special teams players, and defensively he showed some versatility by playing linebacker in certain packages. He's a good tackler and a physical player, both assets for this defense. The Cowboys might have a starter opening at strong safety with Abram Elam a free agent, but it's also possible they look for another cover-type safety to pair with Gerald Sensabaugh. Either way, look for Church to continue finding ways onto the field.
Nick Eatman: Personally, I've always liked him as a player and still think he can be a starter one day. Entering his third pro season, you'd like to think that time has to be sooner than later. It'll be interesting to see what the Cowboys do here. I bet they won't avoid a safety – either in draft or free agency – because they have Church. But Church has to be a player to factor into the mix one way or another. He's not the fastest or the biggest, but he seems to get the job done and when he has the ball in his hands, he's got some playmaking ability there. I'm guessing the Cowboys will sign or draft someone, so I would bet Church doesn't win a starting job out of camp this year, but he might get the chance to fill in for an injured starter and showcase his skills. That's how it worked for Miles Austin and Doug Free and others over the years and maybe Church will be able to do the same.
Where He Fits: That's an interesting question considering the dynamic at safety with Abram Elam being a free agent, and with free agency and the draft coming up. It's likely the Cowboys will address that position somehow. If a safety is drafted in the first or second round, not only would that mean Elam isn't coming back, but it probably prevents Church from realistically competing for a starting spot. Either way, Church fits because he can play special teams and he showed his versatility last year to play different spots in different defensive packages. Obviously he would like to start and assuming the Cowboys don't spend big bucks on a safety or take one in the early rounds, he should at least get the chance to compete.
Writers' Analysis:
Rob Phillips: Even if he's not a starter next season, Church is among a group of developing young players the Cowboys feel good about going forward. He has been one of Joe DeCamillis' more productive special teams players, and defensively he showed some versatility by playing linebacker in certain packages. He's a good tackler and a physical player, both assets for this defense. The Cowboys might have a starter opening at strong safety with Abram Elam a free agent, but it's also possible they look for another cover-type safety to pair with Gerald Sensabaugh. Either way, look for Church to continue finding ways onto the field.
Nick Eatman: Personally, I've always liked him as a player and still think he can be a starter one day. Entering his third pro season, you'd like to think that time has to be sooner than later. It'll be interesting to see what the Cowboys do here. I bet they won't avoid a safety – either in draft or free agency – because they have Church. But Church has to be a player to factor into the mix one way or another. He's not the fastest or the biggest, but he seems to get the job done and when he has the ball in his hands, he's got some playmaking ability there. I'm guessing the Cowboys will sign or draft someone, so I would bet Church doesn't win a starting job out of camp this year, but he might get the chance to fill in for an injured starter and showcase his skills. That's how it worked for Miles Austin and Doug Free and others over the years and maybe Church will be able to do the same.
