2013 NFL Offseason: Dallas Cowboys
Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents
Dallas Cowboys (Last Year: 8-8)
2013 NFL Draft Grade: C
Please note that the overall grade is not an average of all the individual grades. Other things are taken into account like team needs and goals.
Goals Entering the 2013 NFL Draft: The Cowboys have decided to stick with Tony Romo for the long term, so they absolutely need to make sure he's protected for a change. They need help at right tackle, guard and center. Some pieces for their new 4-3 also have to be obtained.
2013 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Everyone quickly forgot about the Bills' antics with E.J. Manuel when the Cowboys spent the 31st-overall selection on third-round prospect Travis Frederick. If there are any Dallas homers who still believe that this wasn't a reach, head coach Jason Garrett admitted as much. Garrett said the team panicked when all of the guards were flying off the board. This is exactly why the Cowboys need a real general manager.
Dallas wasted another selection with Gavin Escobar in the second round, but quickly recovered in Round 3. I liked many of the team's later picks, including J.J. Wilcox and B.W. Webb. Both were taken in the right range, and they'll undoubtedly help a mediocre secondary. Terrance Williams and Joseph Randle will be nice weapons for Tony Romo down the road.
Having said that, a "C" grade feels about right. There were more good picks than bad ones, and I liked that the Cowboys at least moved down in the first round. However, taking Frederick was inexcusable, and I don't know why Dallas refrained from adding any new pieces to its new 4-3 until the 185th pick. Why was Sharrif Floyd not an option at No. 18? He would have been a force in between DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer, and he was a perfect fit as a three-technique in Monte Kiffin's defense.
2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades:
31. Travis Frederick, G/C, Wisconsin: MILLEN HIGH-PRICED SCOREBOARD THAT MAKES PEOPLE BLIND KIELBASA Grade
Travis Frederick!?!? The Wisconsin lineman who was considered a third-round prospect? There were other reaches in the first round, but this takes the cake. It seems like the Cowboys panicked with all of the guards flying off the board, which is the worst thing you can ever do in the NFL Draft. It's never been more obvious that Dallas needs a real general manager.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
47. Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State: D Grade
Jerruh sure loves his third-round prospects. Gavin Escobar belonged in the third frame. Even worse, he doesn't fill a need. The Cowboys have so many defensive issues, especially considering that they're moving into a new 4-3, that it's a big head-scratcher that they haven't addressed their stop unit yet.
74. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor: B+ Grade
Terrance Williams' stock has fallen over the pre-draft process; he was once considered a first-round possibility. This should probably be the right range for him, so this is a rare quality pick for Dallas, as Miles Austin-Jones won't be around much longer.
80. J.J. Wilcox, S, Georgia Southern: B+ Grade
It's funny that Dallas' third-round picks could be considered better players than the guys they obtained in the first and second rounds. J.J. Wilcox fills a big need at safety and could have easily gone a bit earlier than this.
114. B.W. Webb, CB, William & Mary: B+ Grade
Once again, Dallas' later players are better than their earlier ones. Some viewed B.W. Webb as a late second-round prospect, so this is very good value. The Cowboys had to add a corner, as they had just four of them on the roster.
151. Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State: A- Grade
This is a pretty solid pick. I feel like Joseph Randle should have gone earlier than this. The Cowboys were desperate for a second running back with Felix Jones gone, as DeMarco Murray is too injury-prone.
185. DeVonte Holloman, OLB, South Carolina: B+ Grade
Finally, a front-seven piece for Monte Kiffin's defense. It's not the defensive lineman that Dallas sorely has to acquire, but DeVonte Holloman fills the need for depth. I thought he'd go a bit earlier than this.
*** 2013 NFL TEAM NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***
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Bob
05-19-2013
09:21 am
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"If there are any Dallas homers who still believe that this wasn't a reach, head coach Jason Garrett admitted as much."
Okay, sure, just make up stuff Jason Garrett says. Nobody will notice...
Wade Phillips
05-01-2013
03:34 pm
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Heard an interesting thought this morning on the radio... that late round picks got better because Jerry loses interest once his glamor, "Glory Hole" picks are done. So the scouts and coaches take over and actual work gets done.
Wharthog
05-01-2013
02:01 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx48.2
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@Brian Werkheiser,
Before you become too enamored w/Stephen bear in mind a source told Norm Hitzges on 1310 the ticket this morning that Stephen made the trade w/SF final before their pick came up...stupid
jerrah_jones_must_go
04-30-2013
12:45 pm
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...ST8GHT DOO DOO.....
losers
04-30-2013
11:05 am
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there are 31 nfl teams each and every year that don't win the super bowl and dallas is going to be one of them again.
@All cowboys fans
04-29-2013
06:59 pm
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@Brian Werkheiser
The fact they didn't pick up a guy at a position of need should tell you they actually did BPA according to their board which is a good thing (works for the giants, ravens, and patriots). Bad things happen when the cowboys reach for positions of need (think bobby carpenter/quincy carter)
Brian Werkheiser
04-29-2013
04:50 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx0.49
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When will Stephen Jones finally take over the reigns away from his senial dad and provide the future with real hope.
I am severly dissatisfied with rounds one thru three selections. Every pick is almost backwards of what this team had to do to improve expendiary. Jerry, the FAN BASE is not pleased and YOU must be removed from the draft process going forward.
Wharthog
04-29-2013
02:06 pm
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Joe Faulkner,
You say "by everyone's account" when Jerry's interview account after the first round was that there were 19 guys they had as a first round value. Picking at 18 gave us one of the 2 that were remaining according to Jerry's #'s but he traded out of the pick anyway...? You mistake sacks for pressure. Guys that have 4.5 sacks in college can be great pressure guys so long as they constantly get pressure on the QB which is what most scouts said about Floyd. Are you comfortable with a DT who killed his teammate and another one who got a DUI just months after the first incident? No Cowboy fan I'm reading or hearing from has said they won't welcome Frederick with open arms - he is a big need. But why did Jerry just stop with the interior linemen? Why no interior guys picked up the day after the draft? Why?
Joe Faulkner
04-29-2013
12:30 pm
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Let's see by everyone's account there were only 15 to 18 players that were really 1st round talent with 1st round grades. By all accounts there were 60 to 80 players with 2nd round grades of which Frederick was one of those.
So the reality of the draft is that all those guys taken after 18 were either 2nd or 3rd round guys. A lot of teams could have taken Floyd but 21 of them passed on him and if you listen to six of the others who took players after Minnesota took him, none wanted him. Should say something about the guy from a team perspective and not the "experts". "Experts" had Matt Barkley as no worse than a top 35 draft prospect. Guess every team was wrong for about oh 96 picks. With the rookie wage scale, it isn't about so much the money any more but about drafting the best player at a position of need, the needs as what the GM and coaching staff believe, not what the fans or "experts" believe. If we go back and see who each team brought in for interviews and who they interviewed in the underwear combine, then I believe the "experts" would have a better clue of who would be going where. Was Frederick a bad pick? Sure he might have been but if he keeps pressure off of Romo up the middle then he was definitely worth the pick. If Escobar records several TDs in the redzone, more than worth it. If Williams stretches the field with Austin becoming more effective in the slot then the same applies. The experts say Dallas needed help at DT and DE but Kiffin says more at OLB. If Dallas needed more help at OG/DT/DE/OT then why were none drafted or even signed as UDFA. Clearly the coaching staff never agreed with the "experts" and the proof to see who is correct will start to happen in September.
mikek
04-29-2013
10:21 am
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Floyd was not a 3 technique, he was a one as evidenced by 4.5 career sacks which shows he is not a penetrating lineman. Frederick was a reach but they were "afraid" he would not last until 47; so he wasn't quite as much a reach as you are claiming. Escobar is not slower than Eifert and Ertz; he ran a 4.72 at his pro day which puts him right there with Eifert 4.68 and Ertz 4.76 plus Escobar has the largest catch radius and the best hands of the three but yes he doesn't block but neither did Witten coming out of college.
Vernon
04-28-2013
10:55 pm
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Dallas got little in return when they traded down with San Francisco, from 18 to 31. A 3rd round pick wasn't enough in return. Jerry Jones foolishly passed on Sharrif Floyd! The Cowboys need help at defensive tackle and didn't draft any defensive lineman. The o-line is still a mess! Romo could be running for his life again. Dallas should have also received a 2nd round pick in return from the 49ers on that trade.
Jerrys point
04-28-2013
09:21 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx5.98
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Gavin is Witten"s replacement duh!
Danny
04-28-2013
07:59 pm
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The first 2 picks are definitely head-scratchers.
Though not great value, at least Frederick fills a need. They're not very good on the interior of the o-line. But to see him go in the 1st, then Barrett Jones go in the 4th, it seems like they reached big time. Escobar makes zero sense to me. Yeah he's a talented TE, but the Cowboys are not a 2-TE offense. Do they plan on changing? Otherwise, it's a waste to take a backup TE who won't see the field much. He's not taking snaps from Witten any time soon. The rest of the draft is pretty good, especially the J.J. Wilcox pick. He's a good safety in a draft class full of them. He could start day 1 as a 3rd rounder. That's a value pick.
Micah
04-28-2013
07:14 pm
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They got a starter in round 1,I am good with that
Cam
04-28-2013
06:37 pm
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Garret never said they panicked with the guards off the board
He LITERALLY said they had Frederick at 22 on their big board. Stop making things up walter. |
Season Summary:
It's always something with the Cowboys. If they're not missing tackles while the other team is trying to ice the game, they're dropping touchdowns. If they're not dropping touchdowns, the coach is icing his own kicker. If the coach isn't icing his own kicker, he's wasting timeouts. If it's none of that, perhaps it's a DeMarco Murray fumble. Or a Dez Bryant finger out of bounds. Or an infield fly rule interception by Tony Romo. The Cowboys always find a way to lose.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Two Interior Linemen: There's some talk about the Cowboys moving Mackenzy Bernadeau from right guard to center. I have my doubts about that helping at all. Regardless, Dallas needs help at both guard and center. Drafted Travis Frederick; re-signed Phil Costa
- Two Linebackers: A strongside linebacker is needed in the new 4-3. Depth also has to be acquired. Signed Justin Durant
- Two Safeties: Dallas had major issues at strong safety this past season, and it all started when Barry Church went on injured reserve. Church tore his Achilles, so he may not be 100 percent next year. Meanwhile, Gerald Sensabaugh was inexplicably released in early March. Signed Will Allen; drafted J.J. Wilcox
- Defensive End: Anthony Spencer is a free agent, as is Victor Butler. If the Cowboys don't re-sign Spencer, they'll have to find a worthy complement for DeMarcus Ware in their new 4-3. They could still use depth regardless though. Franchised Anthony Spencer
- Defensive Tackle: Jay Ratliff could back next year, but he hasn't played well since signing a big contract. Help is needed at defensive tackle.
- Right Tackle: Doug Free has been terrible ever since signing a $32 million contract nearly two years ago. Jerry Jones needs to find some competition for him (assuming he's even on the roster).
- Quarterback: It seems like yesterday when Tony Romo took over as Dallas' starting quarterback, but he'll be 33 in April. Jerry Jones needs to think about finding a potential successor.
- Running Back: Felix Jones is a free agent, so the Cowboys may want to add some depth. Drafted Joseph Randle
- Cornerback: Another position where depth should be acquired. Drafted B.W. Webb
2013 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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Justin Durant, OLB, Lions. Age: 27. 
Signed with Cowboys
Justin Durant has been very solid in run support for the Lions over the past couple of years. He should be limited to two downs though because he's not that good in coverage.
- Will Allen, S, Steelers. Age: 31. -- Signed with Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB, Cowboys. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Cowboys (1 year, $10.6 million)
Anthony Spencer dealt with consistency issues early in his career, but he was amazing for the Cowboys this past season, both in terms of stopping the run and getting to the quarterback.
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Gerald Sensabaugh, S, Cowboys. Age: 30.
Cutting Gerald Sensabugh saved the Cowboys just $1.4 million in cap space, so this was a strange move. Sensabaugh isn't very good in run support, but he's pretty solid in coverage. He can be a good starter for some team, though he'll have to fight through a very competitive free-agent safety class.
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Phil Costa (RFA), C, Cowboys. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Cowboys (2 years)
Phil Costa is a serviceable starting center, but he's coming off foot surgery and may not be ready for the start of the season.
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Victor Butler, DE/OLB, Cowboys. Age: 26.
Signed with Saints
Victor Butler has shown some solid pass-rushing ability in his brief action behind DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer.
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Mike Jenkins, CB, Cowboys. Age: 28.
Signed with Raiders (1 year)
Mike Jenkins has talent, but he's a head case who hasn't put it together yet. Maybe some coach can salvage his career.
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Dan Connor, ILB, Cowboys. Age: 28.
Signed with Giants
Dan Connor has been a disappointment in his pro career thus far, but he's a very good reserve linebacker and an OK spot starter in the middle of a 3-4 defense.
- Marcus Spears, DE/DT, Cowboys. Age: 30. -- Signed with Ravens (2 years)
- Kenyon Coleman, DE/DT, Cowboys. Age: 34. -- Signed with Saints
- Eric Frampton, S, Cowboys. Age: 29.
- Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys. Age: 26. -- Signed with Eagles
- Kevin Ogletree, WR, Cowboys. Age: 26. -- Signed with Buccaneers
- Danny McCray (RFA), S, Cowboys. Age: 25. -- Tendered by Cowboys
- John Phillips, TE, Cowboys. Age: 26. -- Signed with Chargers (3 years)
- Ernie Sims, OLB, Cowboys. Age: 28. -- Re-signed with Cowboys
- Derrick Dockery, G, Cowboys. Age: 33.
- Charlie Peprah, S, Cowboys. Age: 30.
- Brian Schaefering, DE/DT, Cowboys. Age: 30.
- Brian Moorman, P, Cowboys. Age: 37.
- Anthony Armstrong, WR, Cowboys. Age: 30. -- Re-signed with Cowboys
- Brady Poppinga, ILB, Cowboys. Age: 33.
- Michael Coe, CB, Cowboys. Age: 29.
2013 NFL Free Agent Positions:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - June 20
2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 18
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 17
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
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