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Offseason Blueprint: Cowboys
Dallas' projected lineup, cap situation, free-agent and draft targets
Updated: March 4, 2014, 11:24 AM ET
By Louis Riddick, Khaled Elsayed, Matt Williamson,
John Clayton, KC Joyner, Mel Kiper | ESPN Insider
With the 2014 NFL scouting combine in the rearview mirror and free agency about to begin, Insider's experts have produced an Offseason Blueprint for all 32 NFL teams. Included are each team's front-office priorities, projected 2014 lineups, draft and free-agency targets, cap situation and much more.
This is the Offseason Blueprint for the Dallas Cowboys.
Front-office priorities
What management's to-do list should include this offseason.
1. Ownership and head coach Jason Garrett must exhibit a high level of leadership ability as it pertains to the chemistry and functionality of the coaching staff. Titles and structure are not the important things, but understanding responsibilities so as to assure there is no duplication of efforts/roles is very important.
2013: The facts
Record: 8-8
Expected Record*: 8-8
Scoring: 27.4 PPG (5th)
Offensive Efficiency**: 11th
Allowed: 27.0 PPG (26th)
Defensive efficiency**: 30th
Turnover margin: +8 (20th)
*Based on point differential
**Efficiency rankings from Football Outsiders
2. Get a total mess of a cap situation in order. The Cowboys are in the midst of renegotiations as a type this, and almost no player they want to keep around -- starting at QB -- is going to be off the list when it comes to trying to reconfigure the numbers. Expect to hear a lot of news about adjusted contracts to get Dallas in line with the cap.
3. If you want to make a player a featured, go-to player, there is never an excuse for not doing so. Dez Bryant needs to be that guy for Dallas. Five for 36 yards, one for 44, and two for 12 should never be the stat line for a player of his caliber.
4. Some teams talk a good game when it comes to philosophy, but consistent winners execute that philosophy. Dallas talks about wanting to be more balanced and multiple on offense, but has added another coach (Scott Linehan) who is known to be pass-happy. They need to get people on the same page in terms of the offensive philosophy.
5. There must a fundamentally sound plan as to how to address a defense that was historically bad from a personnel perspective. The best teams are built down the middle/inside-out, so if the Cowboys are not going to be able to re-sign UFA Jason Hatcher, and Sean Lee is going to continue to be an injury concern, up front (DT) is where they have to start. They also have to upgrade one of the worst situations in the league at free safety.
A look at 2014 locks and question marks in the lineup.
- Italicized players are question marks to return as starters due to contract, performance.
- Players in parentheses are depth behind possible departure.
- OPEN indicates no clear-cut starter at the position
Offense
QB Tony Romo
RB DeMarco Murray
WR Dez Bryant
WR Miles Austin (Terrance Williams)
TE Jason Witten
TE James Hanna
LT Tyron Smith
LG Ronald Leary
C Travis Frederick
RG Mackenzy Bernadeau
RT Doug Free
Defense
DT Nick Hayden
DT OPEN (UFA Jason Hatcher)
DE DeMarcus Ware
DE OPEN (UFA Anthony Spencer)
WLB Bruce Carter
SLB Justin Durant
MLB Sean Lee
FS Barry Church
SS J.J. Wilcox
RCB Morris Claiborne
LCB Brandon Carr
Where the Cowboys rank league-wide in each of the following areas -- passing, rushing, pass blocking, run blocking, run defense, pass rush, pass coverage and special teams -- according to Pro Football Focus' statistics.
The Cowboys' run defense looked bad on paper and got worse as the 2013 season went on. Injuries didn't help, robbing them again of Lee, who was on his way to an All-Pro year. It did, however, mean that a plethora of young guys got some playing time, and while the game looked like it moved too fast for them, they'll be better for taking their lumps going forward. Now if only fixing their defensive tackle dilemma was quite as easy.
Evaluating each team's flexibility to make moves this offseason. Cap numbers as of March 2, but will shift.
2014 cap: $133,300,000
2014 cap space: -$16,652,043
Cap status: Awful
Once again, the Cowboys are in cap purgatory and might have to cut Austin and Ware as a result. After that, they will have to restructure contracts (some of which they've already done) to get under the cap. Make no mistake: Dallas has the worst cap situation in the NFL.
Free agency
Where the Cowboys could focus their attention in free agency.
DT Jason Hatcher (re-sign): Hatcher led the Cowboys with 19 defensive disruptions (a measure of how often a defender tallies sacks, passes defensed, interceptions and batted balls) and a 1.9 percent defensive disruption percentage. Dallas finished 30th in the league in defensive disruption percentage (13.2 percent) and therefore needs to find a way to clear enough cap space to keep Hatcher.
2014 Schedule
Home: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
Away: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
SS Darian Stewart: The Cowboys were a coverage sieve against tight ends last year, as their 8.2 YPA total (ranked 28th) led to 91 tight end targets (third most in the league). When Stewart filled in as the Rams' starting strong safety from Weeks 5-10, St. Louis allowed only 19 receptions for 189 yards and zero touchdowns against tight ends. He could serve as an immediate upgrade and provide much needed safety depth.
DE Corey Wootton: Wootton's 1.5 percent disrupted dropback percentage ranked second among Chicago defensive linemen and his eight tackles for loss placed third on the club. Dallas needs as much help as it can get on its defensive front wall and Wootton could prove to be a relative bargain given the depth of quality defensive linemen in free agency.
LB Joe Mays: Mays has all-around skills, as he finished fourth on the Texans in tackles (67), had six tackles for loss (tied for third on the team) and added three passes defensed and a sack. He could add some quality depth at the right price for a Dallas club that needs as many players of that nature as it can find.
WR Robert Meachem: With Austin likely to be a post-June 1 cost-savings cut, Dallas would do well to find a relatively low-priced veteran wide receiver who can stretch the field. Meachem fits that bill perfectly, as his 10.8 yards per attempt (YPA) mark ranked second on the Saints last season.
A look at picks and possibilities in the 2014 NFL draft.
At least the Cowboys already have some good karma going into the draft, having won the coin toss to draft ahead of the Ravens at No. 16 overall (they have eight total picks, including three seventh-rounders). They have needs along the defensive line at safety and at linebacker, so I'd expect defense to be the focus.
S Calvin Pryor, Louisville: The safety comes into the draft with a pile of good tape and a high likelihood to be able to play right away. A big hitter, he can bring versatility and some pop to the defense.
DE Kony Ealy, Missouri: A long, athletic 4-3 defensive end at the college level, Ealy could be a fit because he's athletic enough to move around and has enough strength to create some push inside. Maybe a little early, but I like the fit.
DT Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota: Could be a little high for Hageman, who is still more of a prospect from a physical standpoint than he is from a technique and production one, but Dallas could use some high-ceiling talent up the middle. Aaron Donald is another intriguing fit coming off a good combine.
Late:
S Terrence Brooks, Florida State: If a safety in Round 1 isn't a value match on the Dallas board, the versatile Brooks could help. His ability to play off the line or cover in the slot offers "play right away" potential.
Areas where the current roster will provide answers.
WR Terrance Williams: While almost all of Dallas' roster issues are on the defensive side of the ball, Austin is likely to be released and someone will need to step up opposite Bryant. Williams showed very well in his rookie season. He has size and deep speed. In a very good offense with a great supporting cast around him, Williams is a breakout candidate for 2014. And you know with Linehan coming over from the pass-happy Lions, Dallas is going to be throwing the ball quite a bit.
LB Bruce Carter: In this 4-3 defense with Cover-2 principles, a weakside linebacker who can really run and make plays is a necessity. Well, Carter can really run and is a superb athlete, but his production has not yet lived up to his potential. Injuries have also been a big problem for Carter. Dallas needs much more from him. Maybe 2014 is the year Carter puts it all together.
CB Morris Claiborne: The Cowboys gave up a ransom to move up in the draft to select Claiborne, a man-to-man cover corner by nature, in the first round of the 2012 draft. A switch in schemes to more zone concepts has not been good for Claiborne, and injuries were a problem this past season, but Dallas needs much more from this supremely talented player. He simply has not played very well since joining the NFL.
Dallas' projected lineup, cap situation, free-agent and draft targets
Updated: March 4, 2014, 11:24 AM ET
By Louis Riddick, Khaled Elsayed, Matt Williamson,
John Clayton, KC Joyner, Mel Kiper | ESPN Insider
With the 2014 NFL scouting combine in the rearview mirror and free agency about to begin, Insider's experts have produced an Offseason Blueprint for all 32 NFL teams. Included are each team's front-office priorities, projected 2014 lineups, draft and free-agency targets, cap situation and much more.
This is the Offseason Blueprint for the Dallas Cowboys.
Front-office priorities
What management's to-do list should include this offseason.
1. Ownership and head coach Jason Garrett must exhibit a high level of leadership ability as it pertains to the chemistry and functionality of the coaching staff. Titles and structure are not the important things, but understanding responsibilities so as to assure there is no duplication of efforts/roles is very important.
2013: The facts
Record: 8-8
Expected Record*: 8-8
Scoring: 27.4 PPG (5th)
Offensive Efficiency**: 11th
Allowed: 27.0 PPG (26th)
Defensive efficiency**: 30th
Turnover margin: +8 (20th)
*Based on point differential
**Efficiency rankings from Football Outsiders
2. Get a total mess of a cap situation in order. The Cowboys are in the midst of renegotiations as a type this, and almost no player they want to keep around -- starting at QB -- is going to be off the list when it comes to trying to reconfigure the numbers. Expect to hear a lot of news about adjusted contracts to get Dallas in line with the cap.
3. If you want to make a player a featured, go-to player, there is never an excuse for not doing so. Dez Bryant needs to be that guy for Dallas. Five for 36 yards, one for 44, and two for 12 should never be the stat line for a player of his caliber.
4. Some teams talk a good game when it comes to philosophy, but consistent winners execute that philosophy. Dallas talks about wanting to be more balanced and multiple on offense, but has added another coach (Scott Linehan) who is known to be pass-happy. They need to get people on the same page in terms of the offensive philosophy.
5. There must a fundamentally sound plan as to how to address a defense that was historically bad from a personnel perspective. The best teams are built down the middle/inside-out, so if the Cowboys are not going to be able to re-sign UFA Jason Hatcher, and Sean Lee is going to continue to be an injury concern, up front (DT) is where they have to start. They also have to upgrade one of the worst situations in the league at free safety.
-Louis Riddick
[HR][/HR]
Projected lineupA look at 2014 locks and question marks in the lineup.
- Italicized players are question marks to return as starters due to contract, performance.
- Players in parentheses are depth behind possible departure.
- OPEN indicates no clear-cut starter at the position
Offense
QB Tony Romo
RB DeMarco Murray
WR Dez Bryant
WR Miles Austin (Terrance Williams)
TE Jason Witten
TE James Hanna
LT Tyron Smith
LG Ronald Leary
C Travis Frederick
RG Mackenzy Bernadeau
RT Doug Free
Defense
DT Nick Hayden
DT OPEN (UFA Jason Hatcher)
DE DeMarcus Ware
DE OPEN (UFA Anthony Spencer)
WLB Bruce Carter
SLB Justin Durant
MLB Sean Lee
FS Barry Church
SS J.J. Wilcox
RCB Morris Claiborne
LCB Brandon Carr
[HR][/HR]
Unit breakdownsWhere the Cowboys rank league-wide in each of the following areas -- passing, rushing, pass blocking, run blocking, run defense, pass rush, pass coverage and special teams -- according to Pro Football Focus' statistics.
The Cowboys' run defense looked bad on paper and got worse as the 2013 season went on. Injuries didn't help, robbing them again of Lee, who was on his way to an All-Pro year. It did, however, mean that a plethora of young guys got some playing time, and while the game looked like it moved too fast for them, they'll be better for taking their lumps going forward. Now if only fixing their defensive tackle dilemma was quite as easy.
-Khaled Elsayed
[HR][/HR]
The capEvaluating each team's flexibility to make moves this offseason. Cap numbers as of March 2, but will shift.
2014 cap: $133,300,000
2014 cap space: -$16,652,043
Cap status: Awful
Once again, the Cowboys are in cap purgatory and might have to cut Austin and Ware as a result. After that, they will have to restructure contracts (some of which they've already done) to get under the cap. Make no mistake: Dallas has the worst cap situation in the NFL.
-John Clayton
[HR][/HR]
Free agency
Where the Cowboys could focus their attention in free agency.
DT Jason Hatcher (re-sign): Hatcher led the Cowboys with 19 defensive disruptions (a measure of how often a defender tallies sacks, passes defensed, interceptions and batted balls) and a 1.9 percent defensive disruption percentage. Dallas finished 30th in the league in defensive disruption percentage (13.2 percent) and therefore needs to find a way to clear enough cap space to keep Hatcher.
2014 Schedule
Home: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
Away: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
SS Darian Stewart: The Cowboys were a coverage sieve against tight ends last year, as their 8.2 YPA total (ranked 28th) led to 91 tight end targets (third most in the league). When Stewart filled in as the Rams' starting strong safety from Weeks 5-10, St. Louis allowed only 19 receptions for 189 yards and zero touchdowns against tight ends. He could serve as an immediate upgrade and provide much needed safety depth.
DE Corey Wootton: Wootton's 1.5 percent disrupted dropback percentage ranked second among Chicago defensive linemen and his eight tackles for loss placed third on the club. Dallas needs as much help as it can get on its defensive front wall and Wootton could prove to be a relative bargain given the depth of quality defensive linemen in free agency.
LB Joe Mays: Mays has all-around skills, as he finished fourth on the Texans in tackles (67), had six tackles for loss (tied for third on the team) and added three passes defensed and a sack. He could add some quality depth at the right price for a Dallas club that needs as many players of that nature as it can find.
WR Robert Meachem: With Austin likely to be a post-June 1 cost-savings cut, Dallas would do well to find a relatively low-priced veteran wide receiver who can stretch the field. Meachem fits that bill perfectly, as his 10.8 yards per attempt (YPA) mark ranked second on the Saints last season.
-KC Joyner
[HR][/HR]
The draftA look at picks and possibilities in the 2014 NFL draft.
At least the Cowboys already have some good karma going into the draft, having won the coin toss to draft ahead of the Ravens at No. 16 overall (they have eight total picks, including three seventh-rounders). They have needs along the defensive line at safety and at linebacker, so I'd expect defense to be the focus.
S Calvin Pryor, Louisville: The safety comes into the draft with a pile of good tape and a high likelihood to be able to play right away. A big hitter, he can bring versatility and some pop to the defense.
DE Kony Ealy, Missouri: A long, athletic 4-3 defensive end at the college level, Ealy could be a fit because he's athletic enough to move around and has enough strength to create some push inside. Maybe a little early, but I like the fit.
DT Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota: Could be a little high for Hageman, who is still more of a prospect from a physical standpoint than he is from a technique and production one, but Dallas could use some high-ceiling talent up the middle. Aaron Donald is another intriguing fit coming off a good combine.
Late:
S Terrence Brooks, Florida State: If a safety in Round 1 isn't a value match on the Dallas board, the versatile Brooks could help. His ability to play off the line or cover in the slot offers "play right away" potential.
-Mel Kiper
[HR][/HR]
Roster developmentAreas where the current roster will provide answers.
WR Terrance Williams: While almost all of Dallas' roster issues are on the defensive side of the ball, Austin is likely to be released and someone will need to step up opposite Bryant. Williams showed very well in his rookie season. He has size and deep speed. In a very good offense with a great supporting cast around him, Williams is a breakout candidate for 2014. And you know with Linehan coming over from the pass-happy Lions, Dallas is going to be throwing the ball quite a bit.
LB Bruce Carter: In this 4-3 defense with Cover-2 principles, a weakside linebacker who can really run and make plays is a necessity. Well, Carter can really run and is a superb athlete, but his production has not yet lived up to his potential. Injuries have also been a big problem for Carter. Dallas needs much more from him. Maybe 2014 is the year Carter puts it all together.
CB Morris Claiborne: The Cowboys gave up a ransom to move up in the draft to select Claiborne, a man-to-man cover corner by nature, in the first round of the 2012 draft. A switch in schemes to more zone concepts has not been good for Claiborne, and injuries were a problem this past season, but Dallas needs much more from this supremely talented player. He simply has not played very well since joining the NFL.
-Matt Williamson
