For the most part Anthony Spencer drops into coverage twice as often as DeMarcus Ware does. Spencer was second at his position in stops at or behind the line last season. Spencer sets the edge and usually fulfills his assignment especially in the run game.

Anthony Spencer by in large performs his assigned duties in the Rob Ryan coached defense. Does Anthony Spencer always maintain his focus on the football field?

Dec 17, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Anthony Spencer (93) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE

Most fans wouldn’t agree. The only knock on the guy which has been a knock on the guy for the past couple of seasons, is that in critical times of a given game either Spencer is flagged for a bumbling penalty or the lack of making a drive stopping play in the most critical of times.

Most will remember last years game against the New England Patriots. Anthony Spencer was flagged twice in critical situations giving the ball back toNew Englandin both instances.

Is this the type of play that warrants $8.8 million for a season?

Apparently a concern regarding depth issues at the position and the Jones’ propensity to over pay for mediocre play is what will lead to the latest move of franchising Anthony Spencer.

While during the 2011 NFL campaign Spencer’s numbers: 66 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 6 sacks were better than both Clay Matthews Jr.’s stats: 50 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 6 sacks, 3 INT’s and LaMarr Woodley’s stats: 39 tackles, 0 forced fumbles, 8 sacks.

Over the span of Spencer’s career his defensive output in regards to total tackles by in large lead both of these young linebackers but his sack numbers dwarf both Matthews’ and Woodley’s tremendously. This seems to support the notion that Anthony Spencer is a better run stopper than pass rusher.

There is no question the situation requires attention and regardless of whether or not one agrees with Spencer staying or being allowed to leave the situation ends up being a “good and bad” situation.

The Dallas Cowboys have until three o’clock, central standard time, this afternoon to give the former first round pick a substantial raise otherwise the twenty-eight year old linebacker will hit the open free-agent market and the Cowboys will then be left with either Victor Butler being the future opposite DeMarcus Ware of a need to also address the outside linebacker position via the upcoming NFL or via free agency.

Dallas Cowboys beat writer, Clarence Hill Jr., tweeted that Anthony Spencer’s agent Roosevelt Barnes says it looks like the Cowboys are going to franchise the linebacker sometime this afternoon.

Be sure to keep up with myself @j0eo1s, @ABXXV25 and @allen21howard as we engage this week via twitter in the annual mockone NFL mock draft. We will be representing the Dallas Cowboys in twitters most comprehensive in depth mock draft, live war room chats, website simulating realism and fielding all Dallas Cowboys draft questions. Follow us and the twitter hashtag #mockone

Like what you see? Give The Landry Hat a “like” on facebook, become a follower on twitter, or grab our RSS feed.

However, in a 3-4, outside linebackers are asked to do a lot more than just put their hand in the dirt and rush the passer; they must be able to set the edge against the run and have fluid enough hips, so they can drop back into pass-coverage and shadow a tight end, or follow a running back out into the flat.

The elite outside linebackers can do it all. They aren’t a one-trick pony that can rush the passer, but disappear in the running game. They’re dominant players that must be accounted for every snap they are on the field.

5. Shaun Phillips

Phillips does everything an outside linebacker needs to do, and does it well. He can get to the quarterback – not a double-digit sack player, but he’ll create pressure; he can set the edge against the run, and slide out into the flat and cover a running back or tight end. What sets Phillips apart from most other outside linebackers, are the plays he makes that go unnoticed. Phillips batted down four passes at the line of scrimmage in ’09 and had an astounding seven forced fumbles credited to his name.

4. Elvis Dumervil

I’ve contradicted myself by putting Dumervil on this list. His 5’11”, 248lb frame is not suited for dominating offensive tackles at the point of attack. Dumervil is much better suited to using his speed and agility to get around tackles and make plays in the backfield, which is what he did in ’09 to the tune of 17 sacks, leading the NFL. What Dumervil lacks in defending the run, he makes up for with pure pass-rushing ability, which is why he has forced himself onto this list.

3. James Harrison

Harrison is getting up there in age (32), but is still an effective pass-rusher and excels at clogging rushing lanes. Whether or not a back runs his way, Harrison will find a way to track the runner down and give them a hit to remember. He isn’t nicknamed ‘Silverback’ for nothing. Harrison’s not exactly nimble in pass coverage, however, it will take a long time for this deficiency to wear thin on fans, after that interception he returned 100+ yards for a touchdown in Super Bowl 43.

2. LaMarr Woodley

Woodley has some of the biggest and strongest legs in the NFL – including lineman. He’s a phenomenal pass-rusher, who uses great leverage to get underneath a tackle’s pad level, and then use his brute strength to drive them back into the quarterback. Playing on the strongside of the Steelers’ defense – and opposite to James Harrison – Woodley has to deal with a lot of plays being run directly at him. Due to his great strength and ability to shed would-be-blockers, though, running backs seldom find the open field. Woodley is also rather competent in pass coverage; regularly slipping out into the flat and shadowing a back or tight end with relative success.

1. DeMarcus Ware

Without a doubt, DeMarcus Ware is the best 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. His repertoire of pass-rushing moves is second to none. Couple that with his freakish athleticism and ability to track down plays from the back-end, and there is no other outside linebacker in the game that has as big of an impact. Ware rarely drops into coverage, but when he does, he’s fluid enough to run with a tight end up the field and contest the catch. Ware did have a bit of a drop-off in his number of sacks last season (11), but still led the league in quarterback pressures with 56; 20 more than the next player Tamba Haili (Kansas City Chiefs), proving that Ware is still a dominant and consistent pass-rusher.

(On the fringe: Anthony Spencer (DAL) and Clay Matthews (GB)).

Martin Long

You can follow me on twitter @TLH_Long

This is a continuation of the draft analysis.  Draft grades are often handed out well before the prospects lace up their shoes for the first rookie training camp.  It takes three years to determine whether a draft was indeed a “good” draft or riddled with busts.  As stated previously, all teams SHOULD get an incomplete immediately after the draft, but they don’t.  So let’s look back at the 2007 Cowboys draft class to see whether the grades given at the time were even close (C from SI, B from Yahoo Sports, B from CBS sports).  Also, keeping in mind that it isn’t about who you take, but rather who you didn’t take (take Sam Bowie, please).

Anthony Spencer in 1st round at 26th overall

Pro-Bowl: No, but plays at a high level and will undoubtably reach the pro-bowl in the next few years

Starter: Yes

Still on the team: Yes

Player(s) you could have had instead: Brandon Meriweather, Jon Beason, Tony Ugoh, Sidney Rice, and LaMarr Woodley

Analysis:  Spencer showed flashes of talent in his first two years, but he ushered in the post – Greg Ellis era.  He is capable in pass coverage, is a very good pass rusher, and plays the run well.  2009 was a breakout season for Spencer and expectations are he will continue to improve in 2010.  The other available players are as good, but not necessarily better than Spencer.  As a side note, the Cowboys traded down and acquired the Browns first round pick the following year.  They then proceeded to trade up to draft Spencer.  Essentially the Cowboys gave a 3rd and 5th for a 2008 1st round pick which became Felix Jones.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: A+ for Spencer and A+ for Felix Jone the following year

James Marten in the 3rd round at 67 overall:

Pro-Bowl: No

Starter: No

Still on the team: No

Player(s) you could have had instead:  Originally the Cowboys were drafting at 53 and elected to trade down.  Players available at 53 and beyond were Ryan Kalil (center for the Carolina Panthers), Jacoby Jones, Trent Edwards, Micheal Bush, and other players who have contributed but not made their mark in the NFL.

Analysis: Marten is currently with the Chicago Bears and has played for three different teams in 3 years.  While he certainly has been a bust, it is not compounded by the availability of great players at a similar position or at a position of need.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: F+ (the plus because we didn’t miss out on any future superstars)

Isaiah Stanback in 4th round at 103rd overall

Pro-Bowl: No

Starter: No

Still on the team: No

Player(s) you could have had instead: Daniel Sepulveda, Doug Free (which would allow for taking another player with the other 4th round pick)

Analysis:  Stanback was a project and like most projects he did not pan out.  He was only with the Cowboys for only 2 injury riddled years.  It felt like he was with the team for much more than that.  He was cut to allow room for Kevin Ogletree who shined in his brief 2009 appearances.  Stanback played for the New England Patriots in 2010 catching 3 balls for 22 yard.  He doubled his career production!

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: F+ (the plus because we didn’t miss out on any future superstars)

Doug Free in 4th round at 122nd overall:

Pro-Bowl: No

Starter: Yes

Still on the team: Yes

Player(s) you could have had instead: LeRon McClain, Steve Breaston, and Kevin Boss

Analysis: Free played effectively when Marc Colombo was injured during the 2009 season.  There were nearly no drop off in the quality of play.  Amazingly enough, Free had a highlight (as an offensive lineman) when he ran down the field and was run blocking an Eagles defensive back.  Free will be a cornerstone player to usher in a new younger era of the Cowboys offensive line.  Whether he will play right or left tackle will be a mystery, but his play in 2009 provides Cowboys fans a reason to be optimistic.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: B+

Nick Folk in 6th round at 178th overall:

Pro-Bowl: Yes

Starter: Yes

Still on the team: No

Player(s) you could have had instead: Mason Crosby

Analysis:  Folk was amazing for 2 years and suffered in 2009 after having hip surgery.  While the injury may have healed, Folk’s confidence was lost during the season.  Folk has joined the NY Jets for the 2010 season.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: B+ (Crosby is kicking effectively for the Green Bay Packers, but the grade is still high as he was an effective player taken in the 6th round)

Deon Anderson in 6th round at 195th overall

Pro-Bowl: No

Starter: Yes

Still on the team: Yes, though that may not be the case after the 2010 draft.

Player(s) you could have had instead: No one of note.

Analysis:  Anderson may not be on the team for 2010 due to an off the field gun related issue.  Reports have the Cowboys considering full-backs in the 2010 draft.  Anderson has played in 38 games the past three seasons.  He has been an effective blocking tight end in an era where the tight end is being phased out.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: B+

Courtney Brown in 7th round at 212th overall

Pro-Bowl: No

Starter: No

Still on the team: No

Player(s) you could have had instead: Tyler Thigpen,

Analysis:  Brown was on the team for 2 years playing in 17 games.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: D+

Alan Ball in 7th round at 237th overall

Pro-Bowl: No

Starter: No

Still on the team: Yes

Player(s) you could have had instead: Ahmad Bradshaw, Matt Moore

Analysis:  Ball is presently 1st or 2nd on the depth chart as Ken Hamlin was released this off-season.  Ball started three games and was praised by Wade Phillips.  The Cowboys are reportedly in the market for a safety to replace Hamlin, but it is possible that Ball’s performance in 2009 helped to make the decision to move past Hamlin a reality.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: B+

Final analysis: The perfect draft would have been Anthony Spencer, Ryan Kalil, Doug Free, Steve Breaston, Mason Crosby, Deon Anderson, Alan Ball, and possibly Ahmad Bradshaw.

Unlike 2006, the Cowboys actually drafted several of the ideal picks.  Nick Folk was amazing for two years and that certainly should not be ignored.  All in all, this was a good draft by the Cowboys finding starters in Spencer, Free, Folk, Anderson and possibly Ball.  Final grade based on all of the above, A-.  In another 2 years, the grade can continue to improve, especially if the tandem of Spencer and DeMarcus Ware becomes unstoppable.