The first word is predictability.

It turns out that the best barometer for predicting Dallas’ draft picks was not the numerous mock drafts put out by quacks like Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, but the pre-draft visits conducted by the Cowboys prior to the draft.

If you paid attention to the players that were brought in to Valley Ranch for pre-draft visits, you could have penciled in the first three players the Cowboys drafted, as well as half of their picks.

Dez Bryant, Sean Lee, and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah were all brought in for pre-draft visits.

Taking a peak at the pre-draft visit list turned out to be much more accurate than any mock draft put out by either professionals or amateurs.

Mel Kiper’s mock draft had Dallas taking USC offensive tackle Charles Brown in the first round. Brown ended up being chosen at the end of the second round, having been passed up by the Cowboys twice.

Other mock drafts had the Cowboys taking players like Rodger Saffold, Bruce Campbell, and Damien Williams in the first round. None of the three went in the first round, and Campbell ended up plummeting to the fourth round.

Let that be a lesson to all of you who follow mock drafts like a sacred text. Everyone, including myself, loves to look at them. But as we saw this year, they are wildly inaccurate outside the top ten picks.

The second word is value.

With very few position needs, Dallas came into this draft with the best player available mentality.

Would it have been nice to add a future Pro Bowl offensive lineman? Sure.

Would it have been nice to add a ball-hawking free safety? No doubt.

But who was sitting on the board at #24 that had as much or more talent than Dez Bryant? Charles Brown? Bruce Campbell? Rodger Saffold? Taylor Mays?

As the Cowboys said after round one, and as I said in an article before the draft, the only two players the Cowboys believed had as much talent as Dez Bryant were Earl Thomas and Mike Iupati, both off the board before pick #20.

Instead of trading their first round pick and the kitchen sink to move up to #14 to pick Earl Thomas, the Cowboys held tight and threw a laughable trade at the New England Patriots to move up three spots to land one of the most talented players in the draft.

Not bad at all.

What about the second round? Who was on the board at #55 that you would have rather had than Sean Lee? Charles Brown still? Bruce Campbell still? Morgan Burnett? Chad Jones?

The moral of this story is do not draft based on need. When teams draft based on need, they start reaching for players and busts are more likely to litter the roster after a few seasons.

See players like James Marten in 2007, Jacob Rogers and Stephen Peterman in 2004, Al Johnson in 2003, and Tony Dixon in 2001 to find out what happens historically when Dallas reaches for players based on need.

1. The Cowboys stand pat in the first round and draft the best player on their board. That means that players like Jared Odrick, Maurkice Pouncey, Taylor Mays, Devin McCourty, or Sean Weatherspoon could be Dallas Cowboys by the end of tonight. The reality of the matter is that the Cowboys have very little need at any single position this year and that will enable them to take the best player available should they choose to stay at #27.

Players to watch for in this scenario:

• Jared Odrick – Defensive End, Penn State
• Maurkice Pouncey – Guard/Center, Florida
• Taylor Mays – Safety, USC
• Devin McCourty – Cornerback, Rutgers
• Sean Weatherspoon – Linebacker, Missouri

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2. A player the Cowboys like drops considerably in the first round and they trade up to get him. I would not expect Jerry to move up a great deal in the first round since the Cowboys do not have many picks to give away in this draft. With that being said, if a player like Earl Thomas, Dez Bryant, or Mike Iupati were to slide into the late teens or early twenties, it would not be surprising to see Jerry trade up to get them.

Players to watch for in this scenario:

• Earl Thomas – Safety, Texas
• Dez Bryant – Receiver, Oklahoma State
• Mike Iupati – Guard, Idaho

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3. The Cowboys do not see anyone they like in the first round and trade out of the first to stockpile some picks. I would think Jerry would demand another second round pick and possibly even a fifth (Dallas does not own a fifth rounder this year) to move out of the first round. The early second round is a spot where the Cowboys would likely draft someone like Sean Lee, who they are very high on. I could see them using their original second rounder on someone like Nate Allen or Morgan Burnett if they are still on the board. Personally I do not see the Cowboys trading down much this year because of the high number of picks they had last year. When you start to stockpile mountains of picks, keeping those players on the roster starts to become an issue.

Players to watch for in this scenario:

• Sean Lee – Linebacker, Penn State
• Nate Allen – Safety, South Florida
• Morgan Burnett – Safety, Georgia Tech
• Arrelious Benn – Receiver, Illinois

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4. Dallas trades away current players for draft picks. Remember that the Bengals reportedly offered a second round pick for Martellus Bennett before the trade deadline last season. Many mock drafts have Cincinnati drafting Jermaine Gresham with their first round pick, so it is not a far stretch to think that they may offer Dallas a second rounder again for Bennett. Another player who could be on the block is Marcus Spears, who likely will only warrant a fourth or fifth round pick. Some “experts” say that Marion Barber should be on the trade block, but I just cannot see the Cowboys dealing him.

Players to watch in this scenario:

• Martellus Bennett
• Marcus Spears

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5. Dallas trades a draft pick for a player currently on an NFL roster. There are a handful of NFL players who could find new homes on draft day, and it would not be a far stretch to think that Jerry may pull the trigger on a current player if the price is right. There have been reports that Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Jared Gaither is on the block, and I think the Cowboys may be interested in him if the asking price was a second round pick. Recent reports have also surfaced about New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Jammal Brown being potential trade bait in this year’s draft. I could also see the Cowboys being interested in him for a price similar to Jared Gaither’s. Brown is also from nearby Waxahachie, Texas, so he has personal ties to the Dallas area.

Players to watch in this scenario:

• Jared Gaither – Offensive Tackle, Baltimore Ravens
• Jammal Brown – Offensive Tackle, New Orleans Saints

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27. Anthony Davis – Offensive Tackle, Rutgers

With the recent release of Flozell Adams, Dallas nabs Anthony Davis, the best true tackle in the draft behind Russell Okung and Trent Williams. In Davis, Dallas will add instant competition to the fast-dwindling depth along the offensive line. Unlike Bruce Campbell, who many mock drafts have Dallas taking at #27, Davis can contribute immediately if needed or sit for a year if Dallas goes the Doug Free route. Dallas could also be very tempted to take Earl Thomas or Taylor Mays if one of them was to drop into their laps.

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59. Nate Allen – Safety, South Florida

After missing out on the top three premier safeties in the draft, Dallas nabs one of the top second-tier safeties in Nate Allen. Like Davis, Allen will add immediate depth to a safety position that is now diminished with the release of Ken Hamlin. Allen will be able to step in and compete with Alan Ball, Pat Watkins, and Mike Hamlin for the starting job.

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90. Jordan Shipley – Wide Receiver, Texas

Instantly my favorite pick of the draft, Dallas takes a homegrown Texas prospect in Shipley. He will add another dimension to the offense in the slot, and give Dallas an effective return weapon on special teams. Jerry is well aware of the success that has taken place down in Austin, and cannot pass up a college star from the Lone Star State.

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125. John Jerry – Guard, Ole Miss

In another move to add depth and competition to the offensive line, Dallas grabs John Jerry with their 4th round pick. My fellow writer Nate also has Dallas drafting Jerry in the 3rd round, but I think he could still be on the board here. He has the huge earth-moving frame that the Cowboys like on their interior linemen, and can sit and learn for a year with Kyle Kosier entering the last year of his deal. He will also push Robert Brewster, who I am not completely sold on, for supremacy on the depth chart.

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196. Clifton Geathers – Defensive End, South Carolina

With question marks surrounding Marcus Spears’s future with the Cowboys, Dallas drafts some insurance in Clifton Geathers. At 6’7″, 299 pounds, Geathers has a freakishly enormous frame that reminds the Cowboys of Chris Canty. Could slide into the defensive line rotation immediately and fill a role similar to what Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen have. Geathers also comes from football bloodlines. His father and uncle played in the NFL as well as his brother, Robert, who plays for the Bengals.

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234. John Conner – Fullback, Kentucky

With tightly crossed fingers, Dallas lands the fullback they coveted in John Conner. The Cowboys have shown too much interest in Conner to not draft him with their last pick. Jerry Jones is tired of dealing with problem child players. With the selection of Conner, Deon Anderson can pack his bags.

Thaddeus Gibson - Ohio State, 6’2″ 243

Many questioned Gibson’s decision to declare for the draft early. But after his performance at Ohio State’s pro day, it looks as though he made the right choice. He has the size that 3-4 defensive coordinators covet, and would project to be an outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. Gibson also has the speed to go along with his size, running a 4.58 40-yard dash at Ohio State’s pro day. His 40-time is comparable to Demarcus Ware’s when he performed at the combine in 2005 and ran a 4.56 40. Gibson will probably go in rounds 2 or 3, which may not be too early for the Cowboys to consider an outside linebacker.

Jerry Hughes – Texas Christian, 6’2″ 255

A hometown boy who played his college ball for the Horned Frogs in Fort Worth, Hughes was a terror on the Frogs defensive line, posting 26 sacks in the past two seasons. Like Gibson, he is a ‘tweener prospect who will play outside linebacker at the next level. He posted a very solid 4.69 40-time at the combine, and has the size comparable to Anthony Spencer. Hughes’s draft stock has been solid throughout pre-draft workouts, and he could go as early as the late 1st round. The Cowboys are not likely interested in drafting an outside linebacker in the first round, so Hughes could be out of reach. If he falls to them in the 2nd round however, they will take a long, hard look at him.

Ricky Sapp – Clemson, 6’4″ 266

Sapp is another athletic defensive end who will transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker. He has fantastic size and speed, both comparable to Demarcus Ware, and had a terrific outing at the combine. Did not really have impressive sack numbers during his collegiate career, but certainly has the intangibles that pro teams look for in a 3-4 outside linebacker prospect. He could go anywhere within rounds 2 through 4, and could get interest from the Cowboys.

George Selvie – South Florida, 6’3″ 252

Selvie is a prospect who really fell off the map after posting 14 sacks in the 2007 season. His drop-off in production was partly due to nagging injuries. The emergence of Jason Pierre-Paul on the Bulls’s defensive line also took alot of eyes off of Selvie. Regardless of his recent drop-off, Selvie has intriguing size and upside that will draw the interest of any defensive coordinator looking to add athleticism to his defense. I could see Selvie going in the late 3rd round to 4th round range, which is certainly within the range that Dallas would likely pull the trigger on an outside linebacker project.

Koa Misi – Utah, 6’3″ 251

Misi is one more intriguing ‘tweener prospect amongst a very deep class of pass rushing athletes in this year’s draft. He showed his athleticism at the combine in the vertical jump and the 3-cone drill. Like Selvie, Misi did not accumulate impressive sack numbers in 2009, but was plenty active and racked up plenty of tackles. Also like all the other prospects named in this article, Misi possesses the intangibles to be a force at the 3-4 outside linebacker position. He is projected to go anywhere within rounds 2 or 3. Like the other prospects, look for the Cowboys to consider him if he is on the board after round 1.

As expected, the Arizona Cardinals released safety Antrel Rolle this afternoon to avoid ponying up a $4 million roster bonus. Expect the Cowboys to take a long, hard look at bringing Rolle in to fill the ever-vacant safety position.

Rolle is a young 27-years old, and played cornerback for the first few years of his career before being moved to safety. Because his résumé includes a stint at cornerback, he could be the candidate the Cowboys are looking for to provide adequate coverage at the safety position. If Dallas pulls the trigger on Rolle, expect Ken Hamlin to be shown the door.

Dallas could also look to add some depth at nose tackle with Jamal Williams and Jason Ferguson now on the open market. Keep in mind that Wade Phillips coached Jamal Williams in San Diego. He could be a good investment if the price is right.

Also remember that since Antrel Rolle, Jamal Williams, and Jason Ferguson were released by their respective teams instead of simply becoming unrestricted free agents, the free agent restrictions imposed on the final 8 playoff teams would not count against the Cowboys.

Should be an interesting next couple of hours.

Jordan Shipley – Texas, 5’11″ 193

Jordan Shipley is a name that is tangled up somewhere in the top 10 of the receiver prospects list. One of the best receivers in recent Texas Longhorns history, and easily the most prolific punt returner in the team’s history, Shipley is a guy who could probably play slot receiver immediately, as well as return kicks and punts. He may not be the biggest or or the fastest, but he has the work ethic that coaches love. He is a high character player and someone you want in your locker room. It’s hard to say exactly where Shipley will go in the draft, but I would imagine the Cowboys will have him targeted anywhere from rounds 2 through 4. Some people have compared him to Wes Welker, and I would not immediately disagree. As a lifelong Texas Longhorns fan, I would love to see Shipley in a Cowboys uniform.

Golden Tate – Notre Dame, 5’10″ 199

Tate is another guy who’s name has been seen all over the top 10 receivers prospect list. Living 45 minutes from Notre Dame’s campus, I was able to witness Golden Tate’s surprising athletic ability last season. He has extremely soft hands and the open-field moves of a running back. He also possesses great speed and the ability to catch the ball in a tight window. He also had the benefit of being in a pro style offense at Notre Dame and that should help him at the next level. Like Shipley, Tate is probably a slot guy who could provide you with explosiveness on special teams. I would not anticipate Tate making it past the second round and if he is still on the board when the Cowboys select in the late second round, this could be their guy.

Marty Gilyard – Cincinnati, 6’0″ 187

Gilyard is another receiver that is cut in the mold of Tate and Shipley. A bit smallish, but someone who could flourish in the slot and possibly even on the outside. Has all the quickness and athletic ability that you look for, and like Tate and Shipley again, is extremely hard to tackle in the open field. Could take over the punt and kick returning duties immediately and provide a much needed spark. Another high character player who you would love to have on your team. He will probably go somewhere between the late second to mid-third rounds, and just like the previous two receivers, Dallas will have their eye on him.

Jacoby Ford – Clemson, 5’9″ 186

Ford is a guy who did not have near the amount of production that Shipley, Tate, or Gilyard had at the college level. But his official 4.28 40-yard dash time at the combine suggests that he possesses the speed to be a game breaker. Probably more of a slot guy who you would design certain packages for to try to get him the ball in open space. Could most certainly be a terror in the return game if he fine tunes his return skills. Reminds me of someone like Roscoe Parrish of the Buffalo Bills or Eddie Royal of the Denver Broncos; someone who can take it to the house at any time in the return game and contributes fairly to the receiving game as a speed threat. Ford’s draft stock will probably go up after his blazing 40 time, but he could be available as late as the 4th round. If he stays on the board that long, I would look for Dallas to trade up to grab him.

Demaryius Thomas – Georgia Tech, 6’3″ 224

Thomas is a player who posted stellar numbers in 2009 for a Yellow Jackets offense that was very run oriented. He has a huge frame that reminds you of Terrell Owens and the speed to go with it. His frame enables him to shield defenders and go up and get the catch. There is some uncertainty surrounding Thomas, as he just recently broke his foot and will be unable to participate in the combine or his pro day. His raw talent and upside makes him one of the biggest gambles in the draft, and he is likely to be a boom or bust player. He is probably a solid second round pick and Dallas may take a look at him if he is still sitting on the board in the late second round.

Vladimir Ducasse – Offensive Lineman, UMass

Vladimir Ducasse was not a name that appeared high on many teams’ lists until his performance at the Senior Bowl. Ducasse certainly has the size that you like in an NFL lineman, measuring 6 foot 4 and 332 pounds at the combine. He also has the intangibles that you look for as well, with great agility and footwork. He played offensive tackle at UMass, but would likely slide inside to guard in the pros. He may be a bit raw right now since his first exposure to football was in 2002, but he possesses tremendous upside. This year’s draft is the deepest in easily a decade for offensive linemen and Ducasse could go as early as the late first round for a team looking to fill voids along the offensive line. If he slides into the late second round however, look for the Cowboys to seriously consider him to add much needed depth to their interior line.

Brandon Lang – Defensive End, Troy

Another small school product that has flown under the radar, Brandon Lang had a fairly productive career rushing the quarterback at Troy, registering 19 sacks in his last two seasons. At 6 foot 4, 256 pounds, Lang is a “tweener” who will likely make the transition to outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. The NFL Combine will go a long way in determining where Lang goes in the draft. His 40-yard dash time as well as his 3-cone drill time will help determine if he is athletic enough to switch to outside linebacker. If he is still on the board when Dallas picks in rounds 3 to 4, they will strongly consider him. Given the recent success of pass rushers coming out of Troy (Demarcus Ware, Osi Umenyiora), he could be well worth the risk. As a man named Bill Parcells used to say, “You can never have too many linebackers.”

Jared Veldheer – Offensive Tackle, Hillsdale

Jared Veldheer is another name that has climbed up the draft boards in recent months with his performance in the Texas vs the Nation Invite in 2009.  Hailing from tiny, ultra-conservative Hillsdale College, up in my neck of the woods, there is no doubt that Veldheer possesses the fantastic size that teams look for in a left tackle, at 6 foot 8, 312 pounds. He also possesses rare athleticism for his size and has exceptional footwork. Like Brandon Lang, the combine will help determine where he will go in the draft. Pending the results, he could go as early as the second round. Given the aging of Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo, Dallas will certainly be interested in his services.

Dallas’ 24-0 blowout marked the second straight week they have held their opponent scoreless, a feat that had never before happened in Dallas Cowboys history.

Fans, coaches, players, and front office personnel could not ask for a better way to ride into the playoffs than what has taken place the last three weeks.

• December 19: The Cowboys march into the Superdome and convincingly end the Saints’ undefeated season in a game the “experts” said was an impossible win for the Cowboys (AHEM Tony Dungy, who by the way has jumped on the Cowboys bandwagon).
• December 27: Dallas travels up to D.C. and embarrasses the Redskins 17-0.
• January 3: Dallas thumps the Eagles 24-0 to win the NFC East and clinch the #3 seed in the NFC.

Aside from winning their last three games, the Cowboys defense silenced a lethal Saints offense, and held the Redskins and Eagles to zero points inconsecutive weeks.

Tony Romo is playing the best football of his career, throwing only one interception in the month of December compared to seven touchdowns.

The offense is becoming more balanced, and is relying more on its talented run game to open up the passing game.

After watching the last three weeks transpire, it’s hard for critics to deny the legitimacy of a team that rolled over the undefeated Saints, shut out division foes in back to back weeks, and convincingly took the NFC East.

But the critics still remain.

Since the naysayers cannot scrutinize Tony Romo for inconsistent December play, the defense for giving up big plays, or the receivers for not making big plays, they have decided to pull a more petty argument out of their arsenal of nonsense.

“It’s too difficult to beat a team three times in a year.”

This statement is so ridiculous and irrelevant that it’s hard to believe “experts” and “analysts” even bring it up anymore.

It’s about as stupid as Hammerin’ Hank Goldberg on Sunday saying something to the tune of “Jacksonville is 20:1 against the odds in temperatures below thirty degrees.”

Last time I checked players weren’t basing their game plans on Vegas odds.

Apparently the “analysts” didn’t watch the Cowboys run the Eagles out of Cowboys Stadium, onto Tom Landry Freeway, and back to DFW International before the fourth quarter even started.

The Cowboys are a more talented team than the Eagles and they will prove that on Saturday night. Period.

So let Desean Jackson do his talking.

Let the trashy Eagles employees do their spitting as they stand in awe of our palace.

Let Eagles fans and the city of Philadelphia show how classless they are.

Like my old man said this week, “Let ‘em spit, because they sure can’t play football.”

ESPN should have felt ashamed on Sunday morning, after tearing into Roy Williams all week about “guaranteeing a win,” even though those words never left his mouth.

What I would have given to see the look on Tony Dungy’s face when he heard Tony Romo say that his incredibly foolish “no chance” comment inspired Dallas to come out with both barrels blazing at the Superdome last night.

‘Tis the season.

Saturday’s win over the 13-0 Saints marked the second time since 2006 that the Cowboys have beaten a heavily favored undefeated team. The other instance came in 2006 when Dallas thrashed the high flying 9-0 Indianapolis Colts.

As the saying goes, “that’s why they play the games.”

December woes can no longer be pinned on Tony Romo, who has played arguably the most consistent football of his career over the past four weeks. The man has not thrown an interception since November 22 against the Washington Redskins, a game which the Cowboys won. He also has not thrown more than one interception in a game since week two against the Giants. Romo is playing error-free football during the point of the season that matters the most for a playoff hopeful team.

As we saw on Saturday, the running game is also starting to emerge during the month in which running the ball wins games. The rushing attack has been inconsistent all season, and with three capable running backs in the Cowboys’ stable, there is simply no excuse to have a lackadaisical running game. Grinding it out on the ground will be the key to victory in the next two weeks against division foes.

On the other side of the ball the Cowboys have played hard-nosed defense at a level that has gone without praise for most of the season. The play in the secondary has been consistent for the first time in years, even with the injury to Ken Hamlin. Mike Jenkins has emerged as a Pro Bowl caliber cornerback, and defenses are starting to realize that throwing away from Terence Newman is not a viable strategy anymore. Anthony Spencer has finally emerged as a pass rushing threat opposite Demarcus Ware, and Keith Brooking has solidified the inside linebacker spot with outstanding play. Jay Ratliff is also having a Pro Bowl season, and with the play of Igor Olshansky, the ‘Boys are not regretting their decision to let the Giants overpay Chris Canty.

Up until a few weeks ago, special teams was also playing at a very high level. With the unfortunate erosion of Nick Folk, the best Cowboys fans can do is cross their fingers and hope Shaun Suisham can kick well until another viable option becomes available.

Don’t count ‘em out just yet Cowboys fans. As we have seen in past years, the team that plays their best ball in December has the most success in the playoffs. If the things we all saw on Saturday night are any indication of the brand of football the Cowboys plan to play for the rest of the season, they have a great shot.

Wide Receiver

Wide receiver is, without a doubt, the unprecedented position of interest heading into this year.  The most popular topic is obviously the departure of Terrell Owens, who spent the last three seasons as the most productive receiver the Cowboys have had since Michael Irvin.  Owens’ departure means that Roy Williams will take the reigns as the number one receiver in the Dallas offense.  Many are quick to scrutinize the unproductive season Williams had last year, but nary a soul remembers that Williams did not arrive in Dallas until the week six bye, and had very little time to learn the playbook.  Many also forget that nagging injuries hampered Williams for most of the season and affected his speed, quickness off the line, timing with Romo, etc.  With Williams at full health this year, look for him to give the Cowboys good production as the number one receiver.  Also look for Patrick Crayton to regain the number two receiver spot that he held two years ago.  Many also forget that Crayton posted stellar numbers as the number two receiver in 2007.  The Cowboys also went without Sam Hurd for a good portion of last year, and were without Miles Austin’s services for several weeks, as well.  Look for the Cowboys to use Mile Austin’s size and speed to stretch the field, and look for Hurd to be used in multiple receiver formations.  The fifth wide receiver position will likely be up for grabs between Isaiah Stanback, Manny Johnson, and Jesse Holley, who won the final roster spot on 4^th and Long.  Youngsters on the outside looking in include Mike Jefferson, Travis Wilson, Kevin Ogletree, Julian Hawkins, and Willie Reid.  For what it’s worth, I asked Isaiah Stanback via Twitter if he thought Jesse Holley was any good, to which he replied simply, “I’m better.” 

Secondary

It seems like the secondary tops these lists every year for one reason or another, and this season is no different.  Watchful eyes will be locked on the secondary this year to see if the departures of several key veterans will pay dividends.  Gone is safety Roy Williams, who since 2002 had been a staple in the Dallas secondary.  Though he had several outstanding years with the Cowboys, Williams seemed to fall off the map the past several years.  He became a severe liability in pass coverage, and his run support also became less effective.  To replace Williams, the Cowboys signed Gerald Sensabaugh from Jacksonville.  Sensabaugh is better known for his coverage skills, having also played stints at cornerback for the Jaguars.  Also gone is cornerback Anthony Henry, who was traded to Detroit in exchange for Jon Kitna.  Looking to fill Henry’s shoes are second year players Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick.  Jenkins would seem to have the edge because of his first round draft status.  But Scandrick, who looks to be the steal of the 2008 draft, showed last year that he is also worthy of the starting job.  It will be interesting to see how the Cowboys will split time between these two young talents, if that is the approach they decide to pursue.  I personally believe the Cowboys have three very talented rookies in Michael Hamlin, DeAngelo Smith, and Mike Mickens.  Both Mickens and Hamlin were both projected to go as high as the second round in this year’s draft, and it will be exciting to see if they live up to their pre-draft stock.  Eyes will also be upon Pat Watkins to see if he can be a key contributor in the secondary after a nagging neck injury last season landed him on injured reserve. 

Linebacker

With Greg Ellis little more than an afterthought in Dallas, outside linebacker will also be an area of interest heading into the season.  The Cowboys drafted Anthony Spencer (A fellow Boilermaker) several years ago with the intent of grooming him to replace Greg Ellis.  To answer the question that my favorite Smiths song asks, the time is certainly now for Spencer.  He has undoubtedly shown signs of being DeMarcus Ware’s counterpart the last two seasons, but has been somewhat inconsistent due to a few injuries and playing behind Ellis.  At full health this year, Spencer will benefit from the constant attention that DeMarcus Ware demands from offenses, and will compliment him well on the opposite side.  The Cowboys linebacking corps will also have a new face in the middle, with Keith Brooking arriving from Atlanta.  He should be a much better fit next to Bradie James than Zach Thomas was last year.  The Cowboys also have four talented rookies joining the linebacker corps this year in Jason Williams, Victor Butler, Brandon Williams, and Stephen Hodge.  With Greg Ellis gone, look for Butler and Brandon Williams to shoulder the backup outside linebacker duties.  Jason Williams will be battling for playing time at nickel linebacker with Bobby Carpenter, and Hodge will provide depth at middle linebacker.  Look for all of these rookies to contribute heavily on special teams, as well.  One linebacker everyone should have on their radar is Bobby Carpenter.  He has not exactly lived up to expectations since arriving in 2006, but it is much too early to toss him onto the scrap pile with a bust tag.  Carpenter has gotten less than a fair shake since arriving in Dallas, having been moved around to different linebacker spots multiple times.  It would appear, for now at least, that Carpenter has found a home at nickel linebacker, a title previously held by Kevin Burnett.  If Carpenter excels at the nickel linebacker spot early on, expect him to get more playing time in other packages, as well. 

As the start of another football season grows closer with each passing day, the chills of autumn grow more intense as they go up and down my spine.  Hold onto your hats fellow Cowboys brothers and sisters, for this season promises to bring much excitement.  I can feel it in these silver and blue bones of mine. 

Extras

In the past couple of weeks, I have done quite a bit of networking with several Cowboys players on Twitter, routinely chatting with names like Martellus Bennett, Isaiah Stanback, Gerald Sensabaugh, and Jason Williams.  Having the opportunity to network with men that I call my heroes is truly amazing.  As a boy knowing I wanted to “do John Madden’s job,” I never would have fathomed that I would be able to chat with players from my favorite team with the mere click of a button.  I want to thank these gentlemen for taking time out of their hectic schedule to network with fans such as myself.  Keep it real Cowboys fans.