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-US PRESSWIRE

Prediction #1: Dan Connor will beat out Bruce Carter for the starting inside linebacker position

After being selected in the second round of last year’s NFL draft, Carter spent a majority of the season injured after he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while playing in his final year at North Carolina. This is the same injury former second round  pick linebacker Sean Lee had to recover from going into his rookie season as a Cowboy the year  before. But outside of their draft round and similar injuries, there is one major difference between the two.

Lee showed glimpses of greatness when he finally got on the field in his rookie season, culminating with a great two interception performance against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.  What did Bruce Carter do? Next to nothing. So much so, his stats aren’t even worth repeating. Basically, he had zero impact  and probably should have sat out.

Connor, on the other hand, proved his worth last year after successfully taking over the starting linebacker position for the Carolina Panthers when Jon Beason suffered a season ending injury. The fourth year pro ended the year with 75 tackles including 10 against the dreaded Washington Redskins. The Cowboys signed Connor to a two year deal during free agency as insurance at the linebacker position. They needed a veteran presence there after releasing Keith Brooking and Bradie James in the off-season.

Carter has been in the system longer and did benefit earlier this year when Connor missed OTA’s due to offseason shoulder surgery. But regardless of his extra time in practice, I truly believe nothing beats actual game-day experience. And I have seen absolutely nothing to make me believe Carter could beat out an established solid linebacker like Connor for the starting position.

I’m not saying Carter is a bust because he has the raw tools and potential to be great. But production beats potential everytime. And Connor is all about production. And Carter simply has none.

Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

That means Payton will forfeit nearly $8MM in base salary.  He also fined the Saints organization $500,000 and took away their 2nd round picks this year and in the 2013 draft.  Their GM Mickey Loomis was suspended as well for the first 8 games of the 2012 season as was Assistant Coach Joe Vitt for the first 6 games.  Gregg Williams, the admitted architect of “bounty gate”, has been suspended indefinitely.  He will have to reapply for admission to the league but cannot do that until after next season.   The NFL sent a very clear message that a bounty system of any sort will not be tolerated.   The Saints were basically caught lying and paid a heavy price but many players have implied that other teams have had the same type of system.  I would bet those teams are busy shredding documents tonight and will avoid any talk of that kind of incentive in the future. (more…)

Sep 12, 2010; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Dan Connor (55) stops New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during the first half at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

It took two whole days of wooing for the Cowboys to get Dan Connor to finally sign on the dotted line, but he eventually succumbed to Jerry Jones’ charms. The Penn State alum and former college teammate of current Cowboy linebacker Sean Lee had his best year as a professional last year recording a career-high 87 tackles.  Connor had a rough start to his career suffering a major knee injury during his rookie campaign, which stunted his development early on. Then he played behind All-Pro Jon Beason for three seasons. But a season ending injury to Beason last year open the door for Connor and he shined.

Although Dallas will probably use him as a middle linebacker, Connor is talented enough to play outside as well. He will instantly be competing for a starting role against last year’s second round pick  Bruce Carter. Carter, who was coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament, was able to contribute to the team late last year on special teams and in sporadic appearances during 3rd down packages. Coach Garrett is high on the potential of the young second year player, but is always preaching competition:

“We’re excited to see how (Carter) can progress. We feel like he has a great future, but having said that, we need more players in there.”

The signing of the 26 year old Connor most likely marks the end of the careers of Bradie James and Keith Brooking in Dallas. Both veterans are currently free agents. There were rumors concerning the possible re-signing of Brooking at one point.

December 4, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis (83) catches the ball as New York Jets free safety Brodney Pool (22) makes the tackle in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Jets won 34-19. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

Pool is a known commodity for Dallas’ defense coaches Rob Ryan and Jerome Henderson. The Cleveland Brown’s second round draft pick in 2005 played for both coaches during his tenure in Ohio. Pool signed a one year deal and doesn’t figure to be a long term solution for Dallas at the safety position. He served as a back-up to safety Jim Leonhard last year until injuries force the team to start him.

Pool also comes in with what Rotowire has been quoted as saying: “Probably one of the league’s three worst concussion worries (in the NFL).” This is clearly a stop-gap measure to give the Cowboys time to groom an eventual starter. Here’s what Head Coach Jason Garrett had to say about Pool’s abilities:

“He makes a lot of plays in the passing game and we have a familiarity with him, We think (he) has very good ball skills and is very good on the back end. He’s a guy who can come down and do all the jobs that a safety in our defensive scheme has to do. We feel like he can be a real asset for our team.”

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