Quarterbacks (2)

Running Backs (3)
Felix Jones, Marion Barber, Tashard Choice
Again, this year it’s the same bunch. Lonyae Miller is a good fit for the practice squad.

Fullbacks (2)
Deon Anderson, Chris Gronkowski
Gronkowski is chosen over Tight End Scott Sicko because he is a better blocker. His skill set is somewhere between Fullback and Tight End.

Tight Ends (2)
Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett
Phillips would have been on this list and a sacrifice would have to be made elsewhere had he not been placed on IR.

Wide Receivers (6)
Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Dez Bryant, Patrick Crayton, Kevin Ogletree, Sam Hurd
Ogletree better step it up in these next two games. I love his ability and fire, but he has been doing nothing this off-season to take the next step. Hurd wins over Holley, who resumes his spot on the Practice Squad.

Offensive Linemen (10)
Doug Free, Kyle Kosier, Andre Gurode, Leonard Davis, Mark Colombo, Montrae Holland, Alex Barron, Robert Brewster, Phil Costa, Sam Young
Costa will backup Gurode and swing to Guard when needed. Young is too valuable to let go at Tackle. He could be a future starter.

Defensive Ends (4)
Marcus Spears, Jason Hatcher, Igor Olshansky, Stephen Bowen
I really expected Dixon to step up and force them to keep 5 ends. He disappeared and so did his chances with this squad, since this is his 3rd year and no longer eligible for the Practice Squad.

Nose Tackles (2)
Jay Ratliff, Josh Brent
Siavii loses the battle to the younger Josh Brent who just has more upside.

Inside Linebackers (4)
Keith Brooking, Bradie James, Jason Williams, Sean Lee
I would cut Jason Williams, but Jerry won’t so he stays. Lord help us if he has to play any significant time. The boy just ain’t ready now, if ever.

Outside Linebackers (4)
DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer, Brandon Williams, Victor Butler
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the backups at Outside Linebacker. Can you say PLAYERS? Sorry Octavien. I like ya, but we can’t keep everybody we like.

Cornerbacks (5)
Mike Jenkins, Terence Newman, Orlando Scandrick, Cletis Gordon , Bryan McCann
I may have gone a bit overboard in the secondary, but all these guys can play. So much talent and future starting possibilities are at the bottom of the Corner and Safety lists.

Safety (6)
Alan Ball, Gerald Sensabaugh, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Mike Hamlin, Barry Church, Danny McCray
Church and McCray are special teams beasts and are up and coming players at safety. Hamlin needs to show something in these next two pre-season games while starting in place of the injured Sensabaugh.

Specialists (3)
David Buehler, Mat McBriar, L.P. Ladouceur
Buehler needs to keep up the good work at field goals. If not, we sacrifice a bubble player and sign a vet. McBriar rules and Ladouceur is one of the most under-appreciated players on the roster. Show some Long Snappin’ Love!!!

-2009 Ball State 3rd round pick Robert Brewster is still a year away from being an NFL caliber OT or G. Missing his rookie year due to injury, he just doesn’t have “it” yet. I would release him on the final cuts and try to get him back on the practice squad. If not, oh well. We need solid backups to survive this Super Bowl run.

-The tight end situation is terrible. It went from a strength on the team to a worry with John Phillips tearing his ACL. Although, if Sicko progresses this year, it gives us an out with Martellus Bennett should he continue his mundane play.

-Alex Barron needs coaching. Hudson Houck must change this guy’s bad habits or he will be a one and done as a Cowboy. You don’t pay good money for Pat McQuistan production.

-No way do you cut Deon Anderson. If you want Chris Gronkowski on the final 53, you must deplete another position’s depth and keep two fullbacks. Deon has been a fantastic blocker and a surprise threat out of the backfield as a receiver.

-David Buehler is doing a good job. Kickoffs, as usual, have been stellar. Touchback after touchback. Field goals have been good enough to keep believing in him. I love that he is working with Chris Boniol.

-Jon Kitna will be a solid backup should we, God forbid, need him to hold the fort for a few games.

-The linebackers on this team are off the hook. Our starters dominate. Bradie James and Keith Brooking will be the vocal leaders on this very strong defense. There are surprises such as Leon Williams that will make the final cuts a very hard job.

-Too much is being made of win/loss, Redzone failures and other trivial statistics in the preseason.

-5 preseason games could make you a tired team in January.

-Wade Phillips is awesome. His defense rocks and he has survived the headhunters of Dallas (media) through hell and back.

Here’s the schedule:

Aug. 8, 7 p.m. vs. Cincinnati (Canton, Ohio)

Aug. 12, 8 p.m. vs. Oakland (Cowboys Stadium)

Aug. 21, 8 p.m. at San Diego

Aug. 28, 7 p.m. at Houston

Sept. 2, 7 p.m. vs. Miami (Cowboys Stadium)

“The Rams and Cowboys are reportedly discussing a swap of OT Alex Barron for LB Bobby Carpenter. Both first-round disappointments have been on the block since the season ended, and this year’s draft has proven to be a further impetus. Cowboys second-rounder Sean Lee is ready to step into Carpenter’s role while Rams second-rounder Rodger Saffold would take Barron’s starting job. The teams will have to clear some contractual hurdles before a deal can be finalized.”

As many of us sat watching the live war room cam, many of us expected a trade up to 12 with Miami. The player many of us expected them to target was Texas’ Earl Thomas, a playmaking safety with a skill set most of us would be thrilled to have start from day one in place of the recently released, Ken Hamlin. That didn’t happen as San Francisco traded up to 11 with Denver and took OT Anthony Davis. The next pick that Miami held was traded to San Diego for RB Ryan Matthews.

I’m not exactly sure of the timing of these two picks as compared to the reaction in the Cowboys war-room, but how I saw it, the jaws dropped as San Francisco jumped Miami by trading with Denver, one spot ahead of our proposed trade partner, taking a very coveted offensive tackle. To me, this doesn’t coincide with their recent comments supporting Doug Free as our starting left tackle in 2010. I truly believe Anthony Davis was their target all along and there’s no way they would admit that now, unless somehow this info is leaked, which would only hurt us in the long run.

In hindsight, what would have been given up for that pick at 12, compared to what was given up for Dez, wouldn’t have been worth it. Unless you fast forward to round two.

In round two, Philadelphia as expected, took their play making safety, Nate Allen from Mike Jenkins’ alma mater USF. That proved to be the end, of what the Cowboys brass viewed, the immediate starters from the safety class.
Other safeties projected in that range were Morgan Burnett, Chad Jones and Major Wright who all ended up going in the third round, proving us mock drafters only know relative position, not actual.

Getting closer to the Cowboys pick at 59, Jerry and co. saw New England sitting one spot ahead at 58 and licking their chops for the coveted linebacker, Sean Lee from Penn State. Not to be out-done, they made their move with Philadelphia, trading pick 59 and their late 4th round pick to jump to 55 and snatch their guy.

Nick Eatman was giving hints about them targeting Lee in recent weeks and believed if he was there for them at 59, that would be their pick. Again, the Cowboys moves were out in the open for everyone to see plenty ahead of time for others to strategize against. The Cowboys again had to give up a mid-round pick to take their guy.

Sean Lee, if he stay healthy, looks to be the future at one of the two inside linebacker spots. Weather that be the mic or the mo, it remains to be seen. Jason Williams, last year’s top pick will also be in the mix.

Each of these picks will be highly scrutinized in the future, should one or both prove to be the wrong decision. Both are high risk high reward in their own way. Dez with his character issues and Lee with his knee injury. Solid players were still available at both spots (27, 59 and 90, possibly 125 depending on how today goes)

Time will tell and the sceptic will be watching closely.

NFL.com will be carrying a live stream of the draft for those of you who want to follow online. There are already plenty of rumors circulating as to what the Cowboys may or may not do. One this is for sure, there will be plenty of buzz and excitement and after the draft it wont be long until training camp starts and we all lineup to buy football tickets for a new season.

The Cowboys have half a dozen picks with the first at #27.

Round 1, Pick 27 (27)
Round 2, Pick 27 (59)
Round 3, Pick 26 (90)
Round 4, Pick 27 (125)
Round 6, Pick 27 (196)
Round 7, Pick 27 (234)

27. With all the top first round talent off the board, Jerry finds a trade partner AGAIN in Cleveland, who send their #38 overall pick in 2010 and a 3rd and 6th in 2011 to Dallas in exchange for #27 in which Cleveland lands their future QB.

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38. Dallas is holding out hope that Philly doesn’t pick Nate Allen at 37. No such luck. But wait. A call comes in from the Ravens.

Restricted free agent Offensive Tackle Jared Gaither is offered up for pick #38. The value here for a potential starting tackle is fantastic, however Jerry counters with #59 and a 2011 4th. No deal.

Dallas picks Devin McCourty (CB, Rutgers) who surprisingly slid through the first round. Devin will provide excellent depth at corner and will be asked to return kicks.

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59. The top three second round safety prospects in the second round (Nate Allen, Chad Jones and Morgan Burnett) are gone.

Jerry dials Baltimore’s number and offers pick 59 and a 2011 5th round pick this time for Jared Gaither.

Seeing no other offers and now coming to the end of round two, Baltimore accepts the deal.

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86. Dallas sends DE Marcus Spears to Green Bay and selects John Jerry (G Ole Miss).

The Eagles, who sit at 87, are livid. Payback for drafting Nate Allen is a motha.

Dallas can comfortably send Spears away without drafting another DE high in this draft with belief that either Hatcher or Bowen will be hungry enough to finally get their shot at starting and a new contract.

Third year end, Marcus Dixon is now ready for a reserve role after spending the last two years on Dallas’ practice squad.

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90. Jordan Shipley (WR/PR Texas) has been a target of Dallas all along. The versatile former Longhorn WR finds a home with the Cowboys and will learn his position while returning punts.

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125. Eric Olsen (C Notre Dame) takes Cory Procter’s roster spot as the swing C/G. Sirens go off and the crowd roars at the draft viewing party inside Cowboys Stadium. Davis and Colombo email Olsen a link to this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVqgVplQG-I

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196. At this point in the draft, teams are looking for backups and possibly if they are lucky enough, future competition for their starters.

Robert Johnson (FS Utah) can compete with Patrick Watkins for the tail end of the safety spots. If he can be a solid special teams contributor, the job is his to lose.

I’m anticipating a strong run at O.J. Atogwe to upgrade the starting FS spot.

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234. Nose Tackle Jay Ratliff needs to cut back a little bit on his snaps to last a long season with an early bye.

Dallas selects Kade Weston from Georgia to compete with Junior Siavii for the reserve NT role.

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Dallas aquires:

-2011 3rd and 6th round picks from Cleveland

-CB/KR Devin McCourty

-OT Jared Gaither

-G John Jerry

-WR/PR Jordan Shipley

-C Eric Olsen

-S Robert Johnson

-NT Kade Weston

Dallas loses:

DE Marcus Spears

2011 5th round pick

27. TRADE to Baltimore for Jared Gaither

There WILL be a projected first round tackle that falls to the Cowboys at 27. Could be any one of these   three; Anthony Davis, Charles Brown or Bruce Campbell. They could also reach for a tweener such as Roger Saffold from Indiana or U-Mass’ Vladimir Ducasse. Davis is the only one I’d take for sure. Unfortunately, he is gone. The Cowboys could also look for safety help here, where Taylor Mays might have fallen to. The thing with Mays though, is his square hips and weak reputation as a bawl-hawk, which is our primary concern for our new free-safety. No matter how you would use him in Wade’s 3-4 (safety or linebacker) there would be a learning curve and that simply can’t happen with this pick. Either trade up or get max value. Don’t reach or take on another project. The Cowboys offer their first round pick this year to Baltimore, where all the other teams interested were offering a second round pick plus a fourth or a 2011 future pick. Jerry is the highest bidder and gets tremendous value out of the 27th pick in the draft.

The Cowboys are impressed with his body of work at Tashard Choice’s alma mater.

His Combine and Pro-Day results might make him a goner before the Cowboys pick at 59, but today we’re lucky.

A 6’5″ 335 lb. mauling run blocker is what the Boys get in the third round with John. Jerry was an All-SEC first-teamer.

Should be able to develop this year and slide into Kyle Kosier’s spot when hios contract expires, or at least compete with Brewster if he (Brewster) doesn’t stay at tackle like recently reported. Solid pick.

No way he’s still on the board. Well, if teams look at his post-college work, then maybe.

Warren ran a slower 40 at his Pro Day (4.62) than at the Combine (4.59).

I don’t need a track star. I want a cover corner. Thank you. Please drive through.

His duties would include the following; run bock, pass protect, catch out of the backfield and play special teams.

If John works out, he’ll be the steal of the draft.

A college kicker to compete with Connor Hughes and David Buehler.

May the best man win.

Do Jerry and company really believe Doug Free is ready NOW? Apparently they do because between the two starting positions released, there HAS to be at least one starter in waiting. Alan Ball, although filled in admirably last season for Ken Hamlin, is not the ball-hawking center fielder that Jerry covets.

This brings us to the newest mock draft I have assembled with these new twists in mind.

Earl Thomas (safety, Texas) falls to 19 where Atlanta is waiting to take a player like Pierre-Paul. Dallas jumps ahead of Houston and Cincinnati, giving the Falcons #27(1st), and #125(4th) and a 2011 3rd for #19. The Cowboys draft their ball hawking center fielder with solid depth behind him (Alan Ball, Mike Hamlin)

The biggest concern in the second round is drafting SOLID O-Tackle help should Free not work out or a starter goes down. The picks at 59 (2nd) and 90 (3rd) are enough ammo to move up to Denver’s spot at 45 and draft a tackle that dropped out of the first round such as Indiana’s Roger Saffold or Rutgers’ Anthony Davis.

With no picks left from the 3rd round until the 6th (3rd to Denver, 4th to Atlanta, 5th to Denver for Montrae Holland) the Cowboys kick back and chill. There is no sense in giving up any more future picks and realistically, at this point, we are done giving up players. (e.g.Bennett, Choice, Barber)

At the end of the 6th round the Cowboys are pleasantly surprised to see Fullback John Connor from Kentucky still on the board. Drafting a potential starter this year in the 6th round is the quiet victory of this entire off-season.

In the 7th, kicker Brett Swenson from Michigan State is selected to compete with David Buehler and Connor Hughes. This would be a very good situation for the Cowboys to be in concerning their kicker issues. New kicking consultant Chris Boniol should be able to coach up one of the three, shoring up our immediate place kicking need. We can debate who holds the advantage in a later post.

27. Markise Pouncey G/C Florida
Pouncey is a strong and versitile lineman that brings youth and depth to the aging O-Line. Markise will compete with Kosier for the left guard spot and provide solid depth at center should Gurode go down.

59.  Brandon Ghee CB Wake Forest
Brandon ran an impressive 4.37 40 yd. dash at the Combine and completely shut down receiver Demaryius Thomas earlier in the year. With Newman getting up there in age, more solid depth is needed in the secondary and the 6 ft. 200 lb. speedster is a great addition.

90. Major Wright FS Florida
After signing O.J.Atogwe away from the Rams and releasing 2009 starter Ken Hamlin, depth is needed at the safety position and Major comes from a long line of impressive Florida safeties. Major has good size, speed and instincts making this a solid choice in the third round.

125. Tony Washington OT Abilene Christian
Jerry said the biggest focus of this draft was to get younger on the O-Line and with the selections of Pouncey and Washington, he does just that. Washington is a 6ft. 6in., 311 lb. Tackle with 35.5in. arms. Free is projected to be the successor on the left side, so an upgrade will be needed on the right. Washington will be an upgrade over McQuistan who never developed into a quality tackle.

196.  John Connor FB/H-Back Kentucky
The Cowboys select a versatile FB in the sixth round after releasing Deon “Crickett” Anderson. Connor will be asked to block for the three-headed monster, catch passes out of the back-field and play special teams.

234. Brett Swenson K Michigan State
Jerry takes a late round flier on a kicker. Swenson will compete with Connor Hughes and David Buehler for placekicking duties. BTW, who’s going to hold this year?

Four years of experience

Original pick compensation: $1.176 million

Second round tender: $1.759 million

First round tender: $2.521 million

First and third tender: $3.168 million

Five years of NFL experience

Original pick compensation: $1.226 million

Second round tender: $1.809 million

First round tender: $2.621 million

First and third round tender: $3.268 million

I believe it would be naive to think the Cowboys would simply ignore Spears and let him test the waters. The five year experience original pick compensation tender makes the most sense, since it would ensure the Cowboys a first round pick should someone sign him away and keep his salary relatively low. I know it’s a no-cap year, but Jerry most likely will be spending a little extra cash on eliminating a certain safety or o-lineman’s (or two) contract(s). I’m not naming names. You figure it out.

As for Hatcher and Bowen, I think that Bowen will receive a contract. Original pick compensation goes out the window for Bowen since he was a rookie free agent acquisition. Since Hatcher was a third round pick in ’06, it would make sense to stick the four year original draft pick compensation tender on him and let him walk for a third round pick from a team that needs 3-4 Defensive End help. Believe me, there are quite a few. A second round tender might be pushing it and Dallas might end up stuck with a higher paying contract than Spears. (Not Smart)

Letting Hatcher walk for a third round pick would give Dallas more ammo in the draft and also would allow Dixon to take his next step in the pros. I doubt he would last another year on the practice squad. It’s do or die time for him.

Olshansky remains under a very friendly contract and should remain in place at least for the next couple of years. I think we would all agree he did very well this year replacing Canty.