By: Carrington Caul
Dallas Cowboys (Record: 6-10) (Playoff Appearance: None)
To say the Cowboys season was a disaster and shocking would be an understatement. 2010 was supposed to be the Cowboys season, I mean a year ago they just won their first playoff game in 13 years. The Super Bowl was being held at the Cowboys stadium, they drafted their franchise all star WR. The football gods have put everything in motion for the Cowboys to play and win the Super Bowl. Everybody (except a small few, me included) knew this was the year the Cowboys were going to claim their place again as the best team in the country. But everybody was forgetting one major point, the Cowboys weren’t that good.
Yes they went 11-5 but let’s look at those 5 loses, they lost twice to NY Giants who had their worst season since maybe 05-06, they lost to Green Bay, San Diego, and Denver none of those teams had losing records the Giants and Broncos both were 8-8. Out of their 11 wins 6 of those came from teams with losing records and 3 came from division rival Philadelphia Eagles who for some reason destroyed everybody else but struggled against the cowboys. That leaves out of their 11 wins 2 came from teams with winning records and outside of the division Carolina Panthers (8-8) and Atlanta Falcons (9-7).
I thought the 09 season exposed the Cowboys for their holes, and how to beat them. They struggled against the upper echelon teams and they barely beat some of the teams that they should have blew out most notably Tampa Bay Bucs who they didn’t really beat till the last 4 minutes of the game and Tampa Bay went on to win 3 games that whole season. After I looked at the 2010 season schedules I knew they weren’t going to have any success if they played the same way I projected them to go 7-9 or maybe 9-7 they finished the season 6-10 after losing 7 of their first 8 games. So heading into the draft the Cowboys had a lot of holes to fill (OL, DE, LB, CB, and S)
1)Tyron Smith (OL, USC)
Smith has the highest ceiling out of all the tackles in this year draft; he has great foot speed, strength, long arms and is a flexible athlete. Smith will probably play left tackle while the Cowboys slide Doug Free to right tackle. This was one of the Cowboys biggest needs and they found a pro bowl caliber Tackle. (Personal Grade: B+)
2)Bruce Carter (OLB, UNC)
This is probably the biggest steal and best player in Cowboys draft, which is funny because last during the draft last year I was saying the same thing about Cowboys 2nd round pick Sean Lee. I think the Cowboys are getting better at picking in the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the draft. Carter will be able to play in man to man coverage, run defense, blitzing, and special teams. Carter will be a solid and eventually starter on the outside position expect to see him possibly get down on the line as an end. Carter will be a starter and leader in this defense in no time. (Personal Grade: A-)
3)Demarco Murray (RB, Oklahoma)
This was kind of a shock pick seeing as how the Cowboys have Felix Jones, Marion Barber, and Tashard Choice, but this is a great value pick Murray will be able to come in an contribute in special teams, 3rd down plays, and picking up the blitz. Besides Barber might not be back and Jones is never healthy, so he also adds depth.
(Personal Grade: B-)
4)David Arkin (OL, Missouri State)
Arkin has the ability to become a starter for this team and contribute for years, he probably won’t play any this season but he adds depth to a position that was plagued with injuries last season. Believe me Tony Romo has no objection to security insurance. (Personal Grade: B-)
5)Josh Thomas (CB, Buffalo)
Thomas doesn’t have great ball skills and his durability is an issue but with proper coaching and strong work ethic Thomas can be a decent #2 corner. Probably won’t play this season unless he’s in a heavy package or on special teams. (Personal Grade: C+)
6)Dwayne Harris (WR/KR, ECU)
Harris won’t be a premiere WR in Dallas, but you’re forgetting Dallas doesn’t need one. With Dez Bryant and Miles Austin being the 1 & 2 receiver expect Harris to play in the slot. He will definitely play special teams but he can be what Steve Smith (NY) is to Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham. If there is one thing the Cowboys fans know about the NY Giants its Steve Smith. (Personal Grade: B-)
7)Shaun Chapas (FB, Georgia)
Chapas may not have elite power for a fullback but he is a tough lead blocker and between-the-tackles runner for his size. He also has the potential to develop into a reliable receiver and valuable special team contributor. (Personal Grade: B)
8)Bill Nagy (C, Wisconsin)
If the Cowboys didn’t draft Nagy he probably would have been picked up as an undrafted free agent. It doesn’t stop the fact that Nagy will add depth to an offensive line that needed more help than the republicans who still think invading Iraq was a good idea. (Personal Grade: C-)
The Cowboys almost had a solid draft this year, I only say almost because I still feel like they didn’t address their secondary problems which showed all season that they will and can get beat on the deep ball. I suppose Jerry Jones is just waiting to get his hands on Asomugha.
OVERALL GRADE: B-
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