Watkins: Five Cowboys players bothered by the draft

[Midswat]

By Calvin Watkins


The NFL Draft is a little over two weeks away and whom the Cowboys select over the three-days could have a
profound effect on their roster.

We look at five players who might get cut due to draft picks.

1. Kenyon Coleman. The Cowboys save $1.9 million with his release but he's a trusted veteran and was one of two players defensive coordinator Rob Ryan brought to the team to help with his scheme. There are some younger players on the roster, Sean Lissemore, Clifton Geathers, who might be of more value during to the team than Coleman. If the Cowboys draft a defensive end in the early rounds, Coleman is a possible cut.

2. Felix Jones. Yes, Felix Jones. The Cowboys were interested in Boise State running back Doug Martin, but the storms of last week prevented him from visiting Valley Ranch for a predraft visit. Jones isn't an elite running back, or that matter a No. 1 back. His coach, Jason Garrett, continues to call him a complementary running back, and the team had internal discussions about trading him. If the Cowboys find a younger version, it wouldn't surprise anyone if he's let go. DeMarco Murray, Phillip Tanner and quite possibly a draft doesn't make the Cowboys younger, but gives them some fresh legs. Jones, like Marion Barber and Julius Jones before him, might need a fresh start somewhere else.

3. Marcus Spears. All he's done has been the good soldier for the team. He took less money, based on the NFL salary structure, two seasons ago, while backups, Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher made more. Spears was finally rewarded with a new contract last year. But with the team seeking to go younger along the defensive line, and if Ryan values Coleman more, Spears might be sent home. Spears had a solid season last year yet it depends on how Ryan views things.

4. Phil Costa. If the Cowboys don't draft a guard, getting a center at No. 14 or in the early stages of Round 2, is a possibility. Costa wasn't that bad, but he wasn't great and if the Cowboys find a bigger center, it might be time to move on. Kevin Kowalski impressed the coaches in his limited action at center and he also has the versatility to play guard.

5. Kevin Ogletree. It was a surprise he was re-signed with the team considering his underachieving play the last two seasons. But among the backup receivers, he's got the most experience behind Miles Austin and Dez Bryant. However, if the Cowboys draft a wideout in the late rounds, or get an undrafted free agent, maybe Ogletree gets pushed out at some point during training camp.

 

[dbair1967]

1. Kenyon Coleman. The Cowboys save $1.9 million with his release but he's a trusted veteran and was one of two players defensive coordinator Rob Ryan brought to the team to help with his scheme. There are some younger players on the roster, Sean Lissemore, Clifton Geathers, who might be of more value during to the team than Coleman. If the Cowboys draft a defensive end in the early rounds, Coleman is a possible cut.

He's gone.

2. Felix Jones. Yes, Felix Jones. The Cowboys were interested in Boise State running back Doug Martin, but the storms of last week prevented him from visiting Valley Ranch for a predraft visit. Jones isn't an elite running back, or that matter a No. 1 back. His coach, Jason Garrett, continues to call him a complementary running back, and the team had internal discussions about trading him. If the Cowboys find a younger version, it wouldn't surprise anyone if he's let go. DeMarco Murray, Phillip Tanner and quite possibly a draft doesn't make the Cowboys younger, but gives them some fresh legs. Jones, like Marion Barber and Julius Jones before him, might need a fresh start somewhere else.

I guess it shouldnt be a shock if he is traded now, especially if they take a RB early. And they've been looking at some of the cent RB prospects. Still, he's pretty good when he is healthy and he would be a great 3rd down type RB.

3. Marcus Spears. All he's done has been the good soldier for the team. He took less money, based on the NFL salary structure, two seasons ago, while backups, Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher made more. Spears was finally rewarded with a new contract last year. But with the team seeking to go younger along the defensive line, and if Ryan values Coleman more, Spears might be sent home. Spears had a solid season last year yet it depends on how Ryan views things.

Still dont know why Ryan played Coleman more than Spears. That was stupid IMO.

4. Phil Costa. If the Cowboys don't draft a guard, getting a center at No. 14 or in the early stages of Round 2, is a possibility. Costa wasn't that bad, but he wasn't great and if the Cowboys find a bigger center, it might be time to move on. Kevin Kowalski impressed the coaches in his limited action at center and he also has the versatility to play guard.

Yes, he WAS THAT BAD. Needs to be replaced.

5. Kevin Ogletree. It was a surprise he was re-signed with the team considering his underachieving play the last two seasons. But among the backup receivers, he's got the most experience behind Miles Austin and Dez Bryant. However, if the Cowboys draft a wideout in the late rounds, or get an undrafted free agent, maybe Ogletree gets pushed out at some point during training camp.

He's a goner too. Will be surprised if he even makes it to the first preseason game.

 

[Theebs]

It would be interesting if costa ends up getting pettiti'd

Same with Felix.....it seems Coleman is out for sure to me...

But the Felix thing is interesting...if he could play every game there would be no discussion but there is always something with the guy.....we have been trying to upgrade the running game in free agency and I imagine the draft will bring a lineman.....and I thing we are going to take a back one way or the other.....

I wish Ryan Williams would have just gotten by Arizona last year....although he got hurt also.......

 

[Cr122]

I'm for replacing them all. Costa sucks, Coleman is old, Ogletree just isn't the answer, and Felix is made of glass.

The only one I would consider keeping for now is Spears.

 

[Theebs]

I'm for replacing them all. Costa sucks, Coleman is old, Ogletree just isn't the answer, and Felix is made of glass.

have to have replacements for all of them though....ogletree is the most easily replaceable to me...but just getting rid of the guys is not a good strategy...

felix if healthy behind a better line in a rotaton could have an incredible year...but it doesnt appear he can ever stay healthy enough to always be available.

 

[Jon88]

Felix does stay injured too often. You just can't rely on him.

 

[Cr122]

have to have replacements for all of them though....ogletree is the most easily replaceable to me...but just getting rid of the guys is not a good strategy...

felix if healthy behind a better line in a rotaton could have an incredible year...but it doesnt appear he can ever stay healthy enough to always be available.

Ogletree's replacement is already on the team, Holmes or Radway. Coleman shouldn't be that hard to replace.

Runningbacks are a dime a dozen these days, and we could find Jone's replacement in the draft. Same with Costa. Nagy and or Arkin can beat him out. Or we'll add someone in the draft who will.

 

[Theebs]

Ogletree's replacement is already on the team, Holmes or Radway. Coleman shouldn't be that hard to replace.

Runningbacks are a dime a dozen these days, and we could find Jone's replacement in the draft. Same with Costa. Nagy and or Arkin can beat him out. Or we'll add someone in the draft who will.

felix is extremely explosive....that element will not be easily replaced when the time comes...I wonder if they just get a thumper to go with the two we have for this year, then next year depending on murray's season look to resign or replace felix.

 

[Midswat]

Doug Martin will be gone by #45.

5 years from now, he'll be the 2nd best back in this class.

 

[Cr122]

felix is extremely explosive....that element will not be easily replaced when the time comes...I wonder if they just get a thumper to go with the two we have for this year, then next year depending on murray's season look to resign or replace felix.

You make a good point. Hopefully Murray holds up for a whole season. At least Murray shows he can be that every down back we need.

Felix isn't and won't be that kind of back. Like you said before maybe put him as a returner and compliment back to Murray. That's about all he is. I can see Tanner getting more carries this year as well.

 

[cmd34]

I love the homers... Costa is scrappy! Give Costa a chance! Now it's Costa's gotta go.

Two years ago it was Alan Ball.

Jerry keeps selling you suckers and every year you keep buying.

 

[dbair1967]

I love the homers... Costa is scrappy! Give Costa a chance! Now it's Costa's gotta go.

Two years ago it was Alan Ball.

Jerry keeps selling you suckers and every year you keep buying.

He had his chance, didnt do much to impress.

Now if he were in a legit competition this yr, was obviously improved and won the job that way, I guess its ok if he starts again. But I wouldnt put all my eggs in the Costa basket this year.

There's a reason Callahan personally worked out Konz and Blake.

 

[cmd34]

He had his chance, didnt do much to impress.

Now if he were in a legit competition this yr, was obviously improved and won the job that way, I guess its ok if he starts again. But I wouldnt put all my eggs in the Costa basket this year.

There's a reason Callahan personally worked out Konz and Blake.

You mean like the one Nagy had last year?

 

[dbair1967]

You mean like the one Nagy had last year?

No, I dont

 

[cmd34]

No, I dont

Oh, so a real one?

Cuz I'm pretty sure you said Nagy earned it last year and that the staff knew what they were doing with Costa and Nagy....

 

[dbair1967]

Oh, so a real one?

Cuz I'm pretty sure you said Nagy earned it last year and that the staff knew what they were doing with Costa and Nagy....

Pretty sure I never said that. Although they had been talking up Costa alot for over a yr (scouts) with alot of positive stuff, and the team said that Costa's work while Gurode was out was the reason they made the decision to cut the ties there.

Nagy was never expected to contend for a starting job. He ended up there by default. Holland was supposed to start from day one, but he showed up out of shape and got hurt again, then got cut.

 

[cmd34]

Pretty sure I never said that. Although they had been talking up Costa alot for over a yr (scouts) with alot of positive stuff, and the team said that Costa's work while Gurode was out was the reason they made the decision to cut the ties there.

Nagy was never expected to contend for a starting job. He ended up there by default. Holland was supposed to start from day one, but he showed up out of shape and got hurt again, then got cut.

Wow. Just wow.

 

[dbair1967]

Wow. Just wow.

I know, the truth hurts for you

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

I love the homers... Costa is scrappy! Give Costa a chance! Now it's Costa's gotta go.

Two years ago it was Alan Ball.

Jerry keeps selling you suckers and every year you keep buying.

Then call me a homer. You hear stories as to how this guy gets into scraps with Ratliff to where he earns Ratliff's respect, you cannot help but hope for the best for the guy and to see him get his chance. He had his chance and he came up short, now it's time to move on. And some of those suckers hit.