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Let me be clear, this is not an excuse for the failures; rather it’s a variable in this situation. If you look at the way last year began you can easily say this line had many flaws and holes. The fact that David Arkin and Ronald Leary were taking the majority of the OTA and Camp snaps had clearly placed the Cowboys at a disadvantage early on. Kowalski, Costa, Bernadeau, Livings all were hurt at given times before they even took the field. That’s troublesome, and left no room for synchronizing this unit.

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Jeremy Parnell (78) watches the score board during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Does that explain the performance by Doug Free? Absolutely not, Free gave up 7 sacks last season; combine that with a 6% pressure rate from his side. Running backs also only eked out a measly 1.9 yards-per-carry on the right side with Free in the line-up. How about the backup Mr. Jeremy Parnell? Well although he wasn’t at the point of attack but a fraction of Free’s exposure, he still managed to have only a 4% pressure rate and gave Running Backs a 5.08 YPC, and was at-fault for 5 sacks. The sack statistic is not as nearly atrocious for these Tackles as it was for these Guards but nonetheless the tackles combined gave up 18 of the 36 sacks taken by Tony Romo.

So what does one do? Promote the former basketball player who showed flashes of brilliance at times? Go search the dwindling Free Agent market for a Tackle that will take less than the $7 million due to their own troubled Veteran? How about hope and pray Doug Free decides to take the pay-cut and have some competition for the open spot? Well obviously the powers-at-be would rather take the latter. Although I have written an article regarding Eric Winston, it seems that I may have been jumping the gun. Is he better than Free? In the running game I would say he is; but in pass protection…..Can I call you back?

It seems as everyone believes that Free isn’t going to take a reduced salary, and therefore will be released, however I’m not so sure folks. Doug Free doesn’t really have much leverage in my humble opinion. He can try and draw this out and keep the Cowboys from going after any available replacements, but maybe that just makes the Executives angry and they designate him a June 1^st casualty anyhow. One thing is for certain, regardless of what happens Jeremy Parnell is excited to compete for this starting Right Tackle spot.

Let’s move this discussion to the Guard/Center area of this offensive line. The only acquisition on the interior of the line was the 1^stRound pick of Travis Frederick. Does he play Guard? Yes. Does he play Center? Yes. Well where is he going to be? If you ask this guy, I believe he starts at Center and wins that battle quickly into Training Camp. What about Costa? He played well before his back injury last year. That is true, but can he do it consistently for an entire season?

“Down…set….snap the ball over Tony’s head, Tony scoops up the loose ball, scrambles left, nobody’s open down-field  ball thrown to the flat 8 yards out, caught by Jason Witten for an 11 yard gain, 1^st Down Dallas Cowboys! Ok, Tony let’s regroup and repeat that 3 more times in this game. No thanks Coach!”

I would rather place the rookie there who has a chip on his shoulder, may not have the best athleticism, but he doesn’t get beat often.The real intrigue will be the competition for the Guard spots; I’m not as certain as Broaddus and Cahill are that Livings and Bernadeau are going to walk in here and start. There are still a few guys like Costa, Kowalski and one Ronald Leary whom are ready to compete. After all Leary was given a decent chunk of change last year and there have been some whispers around Valley Ranch that he has got his sights set and is ready to perform. Let’s hope that is the truth, and maybe Leary can become the Cowboys’ Latest Gem from the UDFA market that makes good on his potential.

Decisions, decisions, decisions bring us all the way back to the “Free the Free” campaign. As a fan, you want to know what happened. How did Doug Free go from playing well enough to earn the left tackle spot, to switching back to his natural position and playing so poorly that the fans have given up on him? Maybe the Coaches believe he can return to his former self. Maybe Doug Free wants the chance to prove us wrong. Then again maybe he wants to be cut take his money and ride off into the sunset. What if Jeremy Parnell is actually ready for this? What if he takes this as the perfect opportunity to reach up and grab his dreams and make them a reality? So many what ifs, maybe this, maybe that, not a lot of concrete answers are on the table at the moment. Something has got to give, because switching tackles every year is not a plan for success. Do these Cowboys have a plan; or are they comfortable with Parnell starting? I’m not willing the put my eggs in that basket yet, are you?

This is how I envision the final 53 man roster looking when that time comes.  Beside each player, you will see a number by their name.  This is an indicator of the position on the team that I believe each player is at currently.  So, for example, when you see the number one next to Jason Witten’s name, that means that he is the best player on the roster.  Also the number beside the position name will indicate how many players at that position I think we will keep.

Welcome to May’s version of your 2013 Dallas Cowboys:

QUARTERBACK (2)
Tony Romo – 3

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) talks with Kyle Orton (18) on the sidelines against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

- So much gets said about Romo. Without question, the most polarizing player on this team and possibly in the league. Definitively a top ten quarterback.

Kyle Orton – 17
- Orton’s true worth is the piece of mind that if Romo were to miss a game or two, all would not be lost.

RUNNING BACK (4)
DeMarco Murray – 8
- It’s all right there for Murray to take the giant leap to stardom, he just has to stay on the field.

Joseph Randle – 19
- A complete back who provides multiple options out of the backfield and insurance in case Murray cannot break his injury prone rap.

Lance Dunbar – 43
- Provides the abilities of a “change of pace” type back and can also contribute on special teams.

Lawrence Vickers – 51
- With the Cowboys wanting to go to more multiple tight end sets, his position on the team is far from secure.

WIDE RECEIVERS (6)
Dez Bryant – 4

Oct 23, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin (19) prior to the game with Dez Bryant (88) against the St Louis Rams at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

- The next great 88 in Cowboy blue. His numbers have increased every year he’s been in the league and may continue to do so in 2013.

Miles Austin – 16
- Explosive when healthy, this number could fall further if he continues his injury issues prior to the season starting. Austin is teetering on extinction in Big D.

Dwayne Harris – 18
- Took a huge leap forward in 2012 but unfortunately may need to fight for playing time thanks to the draft choices and offensive philosophy changes made in the offseason.

Terrance Williams – 24
- Possibly will be groomed to be the replacement for Austin. Tall, physical and willing to fight for the ball.

Cole Beasley – 33
- Showed flashes of ability to be a reliable slot receiver but will have to scrap for playing time in the new offense.

Danny Coale – 49
- Likely will need a big camp to make the squad unless he can prove to be a viable special teams option in the pre-season.

TIGHT ENDS (3)
Jason Witten – 1

Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) scores a second quarter touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

- The consummate professional. A top three tight end in the league, even in his 11th season. A pro’s pro and Romo’s most trusted safety valve.

Gavin Escobar – 27
- Comes in with very high expectations and needs to prove his second round draft status was worth passing on interior line help.

James Hanna – 34
- Had a solid rookie year and will look to build upon that as Dallas shifts into utilizing more dual tight end formations.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (10)
Tyron Smith – 7
- The building block for the line. By far, the best player on the unit.

Travis Frederick – 13
- Ready to come in and start from day one. Along with Smith, the foundation of the line for many years to come.

Nate Livings – 23
- Sandwiching him between Smith and Frederick should help him have a more productive year. Was clearly the Cowboys second best lineman in 2012.

Phil Costa – 26
- Injuries robbed him of almost the entire 2012 season. Should get plenty of opportunity to win the other starting guard spot.

Jeremy Parnell – 35
- Unless the unnamed player below is a tackle, Parnell would look to be the third different opening day right tackle in as many years for Dallas.

Mackenzy Bernadeau – 38
- Had a very sub par year last season and needs to improve quickly or he could be released.

Someone not currently on the roster – 45
- If the Cowboys do indeed, remove Doug Free from the equation, they will bring in a veteran to compete with Parnell for the starting right tackle spot at the very least.

Ronald Leary – 50
- Still probably a year away and very raw. Should win a roster spot though based on talent alone.

Kevin Kowalski – 52
Darrion Weems – 53
- Kowalski and Weems represent the last two to make the roster and do so solely based on the need to keep ten offensive linemen and the fact that they are young and will have time to continue to develop.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (8)
DeMarcus Ware – 2

Nov 18, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) – defensive end Anthony Spencer (93) – linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) – defensive tackle Jason Hatcher (97) – linebacker Bruce Carter (54) – nose tackle Jay Ratliff (90) and cornerback Brandon Carr (39) on the line of scrimmage before a play during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Browns 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

- One of the few sure to be future Hall of Fame players on the roster, Ware will be moving from OLB to DE but should maintain his almost 14 sack per year performance.

Anthony Spencer – 9
- The only starting defensive linemen under the age of 30, it will be interesting to see if Dallas signs him to a long-term deal to get some cap relief.

Jay Ratliff – 12
- Another Cowboy on the edge of no longer being on the team. Jerry has raved about him all offseason but Ratliff needs to prove it on the field.

Jason Hatcher – 14
- The most consistent linemen for the team last year, Hatcher has become one of the vocal leaders on this team.

Sean Lissemore – 28
- Best suited for backup duty, Lissemore was thrust into too much playing time as the line was decimated by injuries, including his own.

Tyrone Crawford – 31
- Needs to show improvement this year as a likely backup swing option between Ware and Spencer. Did not register a sack in all of 2012.

Kyle Wilber – 41
- Much like Bruce Carter the year before, last year was essentially a redshirt year for Wilber who will be asked to make the switch from OLB to DE.

Ben Bass – 48
- Ratliff’s uncertainty makes Bass all the more important. I feel his is the most talented of the many options to win that last line roster spot.

LINEBACKERS (7)
Sean Lee – 5

Jun 12, 2012; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee (50) and Bruce Carter (54) take a break during minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

- Lee is like the defensive equivalent of Murray, only thing holding him back from stardom is the injuries.

Bruce Carter – 10
- Carter was having a huge impact on the defense last year before the season ending injury. Hopefully he continues to progress to the next level.

Justin Durant – 29
- Likely to be the favorite for the third linebacker spot but not a lock as he will need to fight off Sims and Albright

Ernie Sims – 39
Alex Albright – 40
- Sims played really well last year when it seemed every Cowboys linebacker was done for the year with injury as did Albright so theoretically, back up roles should be in order for both players. Albright is also a special teams ace.

DeVonte Holloman – 46
Caleb McSurdy – 47
- Both guys should make the cut if only to provide bodies on special teams. Both are hugely unknown commodities as Holloman is a rookie and McSurdy missed all of 2012 due to injury.

CORNERBACKS (5)
Brandon Carr – 6

Nov 4, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) tips a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Cowboys 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports

- The Cover-2 schemes that the secondary will employ this year fit Carr perfectly. We should see a slight uptick in his production from last year.

Morris Claiborne – 11
- All the natural talent anyone could ask for and a very solid rookie campaign, the future is exciting with Claiborne.

Orlando Scandrick – 20
- Another player who just needs to find a way to stay healthy and could be on the brink of release, 2013 will be a big year for Scandrick to prove he belongs in Big D.

Sterling Moore – 36
B.W. Webb – 37
- Moore and Webb are very similar in stature. While Moore is best suited for outside coverage, Webb could be the not so eventual replacement for Scandrick if he continues to falter. He also looks every bit the part of a dual threat in the return game.

SAFETIES (5)
Barry Church – 21
- Church had a breakout camp last year, only to miss the final twelve games due to an Achilles tear. How he comes back from that remains to be seen.

Matt Johnson – 22
- Another “redshirt” Cowboy, the coaching staff really seems to love this kid. He will be given every opportunity to start in Week 1.

Will Allen – 25
- Proven veteran leadership is what Allen brings to the table. Should definitely be in the mix for a starting spot given the other choices on the team.

J.J. Wilcox – 30
- At worst will contribute in dime packages however just as easily could be the week one starter. How his training camp goes will be interesting to watch.

Danny McCray – 32
- Special teams star who was asked to do too much last year. Provides good depth to position but should not be an every down player.

SPECIAL TEAMS (3)
Dan Bailey – 15

Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks the game winning field goal in overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

- Already one of the best kickers in the game, has only missed seven field goals in two years, four of which came from 50+ yards.

L.P. Ladouceur – 42
- Consistent long-snapper and special teams producer, he has a role and he fits it perfectly, nothing more, nothing less.

Chris Jones – 44
- Won the job last year from long-time option Mat McBriar but then got injured and played in only four games last year. Should be the punter in 2013 unless he looses a camp battle to a free agent.

PRACTICE SQUAD (8)
Nick Stephens – QB
Anthony Armstrong – WR
Phillip Tanner – RB
Andre Smith – TE
Ray Dominguez – G
Rob Callaway – DL
Nick Hayden – DL
Brandon Underwood – CB

So there you have it, a quite preliminary look at what your 2013 Dallas Cowboys should look like.  Personally, I am hoping for a couple of additions, namely a veteran offensive tackle, a pass rush defensive end and last, but certainly not least, Charles Woodson.  We shall see what Dallas decides to do with their limited free cap space however.  Feel free to leave your thoughts on the player rankings, ideas for tweaks to the roster or who you might like to see brought in.