Prince and the pauper Instead of pinpointing the holes in the Dallas Cowboys' roster and highlighting "needs," I think we should just go ahead and prioritize known deficiencies.
It's amazing what a 6-10 season will do to an outlook. A once solid roster seems to lack depth, skill and, on some levels, a basic understanding of the NFL game.
Here are our needs, in order of importance:
1. Secondary
If the Cowboys want to compete on a high level in 2011 (if there is a 2011), they will need to address the secondary. Meaning, if you took the Cowboys roster and determined which group, on some level, can't play in the NFL, it'd have to be the secondary, particularly the safeties. Alan Ball is simply overmatched. Gerald Sensabaugh is possibly gone. Nonetheless, neither are short- or long-term solutions at safety. And, they're it.
Furthermore, 2010 featured a lot more questions than answers at cornerback. Terence Newman is older, and, frankly, he hasn't been effective in five years. Hopes are high for Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins; however, their abilities fell into question, especially Jenkins. Both are "safe." Neither could be Cowboys in three years.
2. Offensive Line
I've never seen a unit quite like the Cowboys' offensive line. Literally, one game they'd look like statues -- a Swiss cheese of 300-pound behemoths with a virtual inability to prevent anyone from flying right by them. The Tennessee game comes to mind. The next week, you wouldn't hear a peep from the opposing defenders. Jerry Jones would probably pay good money to a sports psychologist who could crack the puzzle of Leonard Davis and Marc Columbo, two of the more pronounced deadbeats on the front line. Of course, the Arizona Cardinals might chip in for Davis. Offensive line is a point of contention for the Cowboys.
Aside from Doug Free, they haven't drafted a good offensive lineman since Andre Gurode a decade ago and even he had to move to center to be effective. Now, they're stuck with some expensive parts, who are old and possibly unable to protect Tony Romo. Now is the time to plan for 2011 (there will always be injuries) and thereafter.
3. Defensive Line
Once, this was a position of strength. They were not only good at these spots, they were deep. Extremely deep. Suddenly, you might go into 2011 without Marcus Spears, Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen. And Igor Olshansky is neither good or young.
4. Running Back
I've never seen a team have three "noted" running backs and still have none.
5. Linebacker
You are three deep here. Keith Brooking, Bradie James and Sean Lee. You confident in that for 16 games?
6. Quarterback
Not a top priority, of course, but taking a flyer on Stephen McGee wasn't awful (all of thus assuming McGee can't play in the NFL). Can't hurt addressing this need if you can.
7. Wide Receiver
Under-the-radar priority here. Seems like there's a perception of depth and skill at the top. But does it really exist? Does it?
8. Tight End
The Cowboys do not need another tight end. However, it would not shock me in the least if they spent a third rounder or something from a kid from Arkansas or Oklahoma.
9. Special Teams
Considering they spent an entire draft on special teams two years ago, I don't think they need to spend another.
