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What Lies Ahead
Top 3 Picks Have Already Created Competition
Rob Phillips
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
IRVING, Texas - Now we have a better idea about those unnamed "four or five" veterans under contract that Jerry Jones indicated may or may not be on the Cowboys' roster next season.
At the very least, Marc Colombo and Marion Barber have some serious competition. So does 35-year-old Keith Brooking, even though Jones stated the fiery linebacker "unequivocally" will be back.
That's what the NFL Draft does. In many cases, it represents the passing of the torch - or, more aptly in some cases, the lighting of the torch. Then it's up for grabs.
As Big Bill used to say, this is a "talent-acquisition business." In the salary cap era, teams must constantly aim to get younger, faster, stronger. New head coach Jason Garrett has made clear that daily individual competition will make a better team. These first two draft days are proof.
Example One: Colombo and first-round pick Tyron Smith. As Jones said Thursday night, the 20-year-old "can play and will play, and if he plays he will have to take somebody's place." Well, re-signing Doug Free is the club's No. 1 offseason priority once the new league year begins. He's not going anywhere. Colombo, though, is turning 33 and coming off two injury-plagued seasons. It's a shame because he is an absolute warrior, a guy that beat a career-threatening knee injury years ago and shouldn't be counted out. Friday morning, the first day veterans could return to the facility during the temporary lockout lift, he reported to work. But Smith does signal a change in direction.
Example Two: Barber and third-round pick DeMarco Murray. Jones spoke Thursday about finding a third-string running back that can help on special teams. Murray's return experience fits the bill perfectly, and his pass catching ability would seem to present a nice complement for Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Jones was non-committal on Barber's future, though. He missed three games and exceeded or tied career lows in yardage (374), per-carry average (3.3), catches (11) and touchdowns (4).
Example Three: Brooking and second-round pick Bruce Carter. (I scrambled the draft order here because Brooking's future is clearer - we know he'll return.) This is the second time in as many drafts that the Cowboys have selected an inside linebacker in the second round, and both were rated much higher on their respective draft boards in 2010 and 2011. Sean Lee will push for a starting job this year, and Carter - a converted safety with terrific range - could carve out a spot in the nickel defense if he can return from knee surgery.
There's a pattern with all three of these picks. They're great athletes for their sizes and positions. The 311-pound Smith has Larry Allen-like foot speed, according to O-Line coach Hudson Houck. Murray is a playmaker with deceptive speed for a 215-pounder, as long as his frame can endure the pounding of a full NFL season. And Carter could be a sideline-to-sideline type of defender, and a beast on special teams. (He had seven blocked kicks in college. Joe D needs more guys like him.)
As Jason Garrett told me late Friday, there's nothing inadequate about each pick's skill set. They're all big enough, quick enough, fast enough to make a real impact. They have the physical tools. And they all have reputations as smart players who put the work in.
Now, they still have to earn their way on the field, and again, Carter must get his surgically repaired knee back to full strength. If indeed this is it for Colombo and Barber, their locker room presence will be tough to replace. Colombo has been the heart and soul of the offensive line. Barber might not do many interviews either, but guys on offense respond to his intensity. Brooking? He became a team captain after just one season in Dallas. Nuff said.
The Cowboys need these picks to pay off, now and in the future. Remember, Choice is entering the final year of his deal. So is inside linebacker/team captain Bradie James. Time will tell if both are here long-term, along with the above-mentioned vets.
But if these top three picks play the way the Cowboys hope, Thursday and Friday were a peek into this roster's future.
That much is certain.
Top 3 Picks Have Already Created Competition
Rob Phillips
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
IRVING, Texas - Now we have a better idea about those unnamed "four or five" veterans under contract that Jerry Jones indicated may or may not be on the Cowboys' roster next season.
At the very least, Marc Colombo and Marion Barber have some serious competition. So does 35-year-old Keith Brooking, even though Jones stated the fiery linebacker "unequivocally" will be back.
That's what the NFL Draft does. In many cases, it represents the passing of the torch - or, more aptly in some cases, the lighting of the torch. Then it's up for grabs.
As Big Bill used to say, this is a "talent-acquisition business." In the salary cap era, teams must constantly aim to get younger, faster, stronger. New head coach Jason Garrett has made clear that daily individual competition will make a better team. These first two draft days are proof.
Example One: Colombo and first-round pick Tyron Smith. As Jones said Thursday night, the 20-year-old "can play and will play, and if he plays he will have to take somebody's place." Well, re-signing Doug Free is the club's No. 1 offseason priority once the new league year begins. He's not going anywhere. Colombo, though, is turning 33 and coming off two injury-plagued seasons. It's a shame because he is an absolute warrior, a guy that beat a career-threatening knee injury years ago and shouldn't be counted out. Friday morning, the first day veterans could return to the facility during the temporary lockout lift, he reported to work. But Smith does signal a change in direction.
Example Two: Barber and third-round pick DeMarco Murray. Jones spoke Thursday about finding a third-string running back that can help on special teams. Murray's return experience fits the bill perfectly, and his pass catching ability would seem to present a nice complement for Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Jones was non-committal on Barber's future, though. He missed three games and exceeded or tied career lows in yardage (374), per-carry average (3.3), catches (11) and touchdowns (4).
Example Three: Brooking and second-round pick Bruce Carter. (I scrambled the draft order here because Brooking's future is clearer - we know he'll return.) This is the second time in as many drafts that the Cowboys have selected an inside linebacker in the second round, and both were rated much higher on their respective draft boards in 2010 and 2011. Sean Lee will push for a starting job this year, and Carter - a converted safety with terrific range - could carve out a spot in the nickel defense if he can return from knee surgery.
There's a pattern with all three of these picks. They're great athletes for their sizes and positions. The 311-pound Smith has Larry Allen-like foot speed, according to O-Line coach Hudson Houck. Murray is a playmaker with deceptive speed for a 215-pounder, as long as his frame can endure the pounding of a full NFL season. And Carter could be a sideline-to-sideline type of defender, and a beast on special teams. (He had seven blocked kicks in college. Joe D needs more guys like him.)
As Jason Garrett told me late Friday, there's nothing inadequate about each pick's skill set. They're all big enough, quick enough, fast enough to make a real impact. They have the physical tools. And they all have reputations as smart players who put the work in.
Now, they still have to earn their way on the field, and again, Carter must get his surgically repaired knee back to full strength. If indeed this is it for Colombo and Barber, their locker room presence will be tough to replace. Colombo has been the heart and soul of the offensive line. Barber might not do many interviews either, but guys on offense respond to his intensity. Brooking? He became a team captain after just one season in Dallas. Nuff said.
The Cowboys need these picks to pay off, now and in the future. Remember, Choice is entering the final year of his deal. So is inside linebacker/team captain Bradie James. Time will tell if both are here long-term, along with the above-mentioned vets.
But if these top three picks play the way the Cowboys hope, Thursday and Friday were a peek into this roster's future.
That much is certain.