sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Roster Rundown
McCray Became Special Teams Asset
Rob Phillips
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
(Editor's Note: Throughout the offseason, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at the roster, analyzing each player's impact last season and how he fits into the team's 2011 plans. Today's featured player is safety Danny McCray.)
Name: Danny McCray
Position: Safety
Height/Weight: 6-1/214
Experience: One season
College: LSU
Key stat: McCray led the Cowboys in preseason and regular-season special teams tackles (5, 28) as a core coverage player.
Contract Status: Signed through 2012.
2010 Impact: As far back as May when the Cowboys held their rookie minicamp, internally they felt McCray and fellow rookie free agent Barry Church had a chance to make the 53-man roster as developmental safeties and primary special teams players. Both did, and McCray emerged as arguably their best kick-coverage player while appearing in all 16 games. His 28 team-best tackles (special teams captain Sam Hurd's 21 ranked second) challenged Jim Schwantz's 32 in 1996. McCray played sparingly on defense (four tackles and one pass deflection), primarily as an extra safety/linebacker in the Cowboys' dime package.
Where He Fits: Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis got exactly what he saw from McCray while watching LSU's film: a technically precise and productive special-teamer. McCray again will have to compete with a glut of defensive backs for a roster spot, and even then might not crack the defensive rotation. But his special teams play alone made himself an asset, particularly if Hurd eventually leaves via free agency.
Writers' Analysis:
Rob Phillips: McCray technically wasn't a draft pick, but he bolstered the overall 2010 rookie class and provided a badly needed boost to the kick coverage unit. It remains to be seen if McCray can become a defensive contributor. He wasn't a full-time starter at LSU, and like Church, his recognition can improve - it's an area all rookie DB's deal with - but there should be a spot for him as long as he can keep producing on special teams. When the Cowboys made a difficult decision to cut veteran safety and special-teamer Patrick Watkins, McCray is what they had in mind.
Nick Eatman: This is an example of Joe DeCamillis knowing what he's looking for. When watching another LSU player, DeCamillis kept noticing McCray show up on special teams. He was a big reason in signing him after the draft, and as it turns out, he has a whopping 28 special teams tackles - one of the highest single-season marks in club history. It seems possible McCray could be a standout special teams player for many years to come. He might even have a future as a nickel or dime linebacker because of his size.
McCray Became Special Teams Asset
Rob Phillips
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
(Editor's Note: Throughout the offseason, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at the roster, analyzing each player's impact last season and how he fits into the team's 2011 plans. Today's featured player is safety Danny McCray.)
Name: Danny McCray
Position: Safety
Height/Weight: 6-1/214
Experience: One season
College: LSU
Key stat: McCray led the Cowboys in preseason and regular-season special teams tackles (5, 28) as a core coverage player.
Contract Status: Signed through 2012.
2010 Impact: As far back as May when the Cowboys held their rookie minicamp, internally they felt McCray and fellow rookie free agent Barry Church had a chance to make the 53-man roster as developmental safeties and primary special teams players. Both did, and McCray emerged as arguably their best kick-coverage player while appearing in all 16 games. His 28 team-best tackles (special teams captain Sam Hurd's 21 ranked second) challenged Jim Schwantz's 32 in 1996. McCray played sparingly on defense (four tackles and one pass deflection), primarily as an extra safety/linebacker in the Cowboys' dime package.
Where He Fits: Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis got exactly what he saw from McCray while watching LSU's film: a technically precise and productive special-teamer. McCray again will have to compete with a glut of defensive backs for a roster spot, and even then might not crack the defensive rotation. But his special teams play alone made himself an asset, particularly if Hurd eventually leaves via free agency.
Writers' Analysis:
Rob Phillips: McCray technically wasn't a draft pick, but he bolstered the overall 2010 rookie class and provided a badly needed boost to the kick coverage unit. It remains to be seen if McCray can become a defensive contributor. He wasn't a full-time starter at LSU, and like Church, his recognition can improve - it's an area all rookie DB's deal with - but there should be a spot for him as long as he can keep producing on special teams. When the Cowboys made a difficult decision to cut veteran safety and special-teamer Patrick Watkins, McCray is what they had in mind.
Nick Eatman: This is an example of Joe DeCamillis knowing what he's looking for. When watching another LSU player, DeCamillis kept noticing McCray show up on special teams. He was a big reason in signing him after the draft, and as it turns out, he has a whopping 28 special teams tackles - one of the highest single-season marks in club history. It seems possible McCray could be a standout special teams player for many years to come. He might even have a future as a nickel or dime linebacker because of his size.