Stephen Jones and Company worked vigorously in the past 2 weeks to restructure contracts and sign some role players to get underneath this year’s cap. One move many didn’t expect was the release of Safety Gerald Sensabaugh and the Franchise Tagging of one Anthony Spencer. In my humble opinion, it was a very smart idea to tag Spencer. At Purdue, in a 4-3 Scheme might I add, Spencer was a force on defense. In the 3-4 Scheme it’s often preached that “there is no such thing as too many linebackers.” In a 4-3 Scheme it is said “there is no such thing as too many pass rushers.” Finding a decent amount of skilled pass rushers in The NFL can prove to be vital to the success of winning championships; just ask The New York Giants.

Sensabaugh was cut because although he was a leader in the locker room to many of the defensive backs, his play didn’t warrant his staying power. Bryan Broaddus has claimed many a time that “The Safety position has held this team hostage for years.” I echo those sentiments exactly, The Dallas Cowboys have plugged too many different types of players in that position over the years and as many know it’s been difficult to replace Darren Woodson. This year offers some resolve in a position that recently hasn’t shown very much depth. Most recently there has been an influx of rangy defensive backs coming out of college, and in this year’s Draft; The Dallas Cowboys would be wise to take a chance on one of these young  Safeties. This team needs a Free Safety, not a Strong Safety but a rangy, ball-fly type of Safety that has speed necessary to cover the likes of a Victor Cruz or DeSean Jackson.

Sept 5, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive back Barry Church (42) knocks the ball away from New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

After pondering my most recent Mock Draft and adding the news that is now known I have to exercise my right to change my opinion on how this year’s draft will go. After the Free Agency period it could very well change again, but at this point I believe some things have shuffled around as far as where this team may be looking to select talent. The objective of this year’s draft is going to be to find as many quality players that can have a significant impact on this year’s playoff chances. After giving my due diligence to research and many hours of video watching, I have put together a new Mock Draft. Without further ado here is the 2^nd installment of my many Mock Drafts to come:

18. Chance Warmack OG Alabama- The way things are trending,  Jonathan Cooper is probably gone at this point. Warmack is a natural Guard; He plays with power and is considered by many the best Guard available. He is also a mauler which bodes well for this offense. Tony Romo needs a Guard, a tackle can be grabbed later but the most important position on this offensive line needing rectification is the Guard position. Warmack excites with his intelligence of the position and ability to shut down defenders from sniffing his quarterback.

47. Jonathan Cyprien S Florida International- Although listed as a Strong Safety he has the intangibles and range to play at the Free position. Cyprien always seems to be around the ball and he never lets up on receivers. He can also play down in the slot and has good ball skills to grab the ball at its highest point. He intrigues many with physicality and fits his position well. For The Cowboys, along with a hopeful recovery from Church; Cyprien would go a long way into making the secondary a feared unit in this “passing league”.

80. Sylvester Williams DT North Carolina- His strength is his ability to create pressure for interior linemen. Williams is disruptive and has great pass rush moves. He often uses many different variations of the swim move to confuse the offensive line into believing they have him covered. Williams also has a strong burst that often leads to his ability to bust plays in the backfield. He is best fitted in my opinion to fill the 3 technique this team could use. He will need coaching to help keep him from disappearing at times but the kid has a motor.

111. Alvin Bailey OG Arkansas- May have to trade up to select this prospect but with the flux of tackles many envision being selected all is possible. Bailey has that massive size many salivate for and he was arguably the biggest reason for any offensive success Arkansas was able to generate. Bailey is fantastic at blocking on the move and could really be a force for DeMarco Murray at the 2^nd level. He will need coaching on perfecting his footwork and also will need refining his re-direction skills, however if there in the 4^th, Bailey is a no-brainer pick.

144. Le’Veon Bell HB Michigan State- This prospect is a potential slider in my opinion, with the other needs of many teams in the NFL; as well as the long list of free agents set to hit the market. He is very hard to bring down. He has the ability to be the workhorse back that can stay grounded; even after he has initial contact. DeMarco Murray is the man in Dallas, but Bell could help in case Murray was to be missing a couple of games. He has acceleration that often puts defenders off balance.

175. David Bass DE Missouri Western State- Great first step quickness and natural burst. Bass is often described as a positive influence on and off the field.  He plays very fundamentally sound football with good vertical and lateral movements. This Defensive End has a knack to find the ball carrier and make the tackle. Bass also has a competitive drive which motivates his enormous motor.  He needs refinement to his pass rush moves and hand technique, but could be a contributor in many different areas.

Only one player from my previous mock made the cut to the 2^nd one. This time of year often makes people fickle and ready to pull the trigger at any moment. The Safety position has become a bigger influence on many including myself since Monday. This current Mock offers the most impact players in key positions; However with Free Agency on the horizon, anything is possible and nothing is safe from change.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

I hate to throw a wet blanket over the sudden fire of optimism raging among Cowboys fans, but here goes.  Let the hate mail begin.

I agree it was absolutely fantastic watching the Giants lose to the Redskins on national TV this last Monday night after pretty much every single NFL “expert” had already conceded the NFC East title if not another Super Bowl appearance to the Giants.  Better yet was the shot of Eli Manning on the sideline as the seconds were clicking down trying to count how much time was left versus how many times the Redskins had to snap the ball at the end.  I think he used all his fingers and his toes before appearing to just give up.  If there is to be a turning point this season, the Redskins beating the Giants to carve a full game off of their two-game lead was likely it.  The Cowboys chances of catching the Giants with a full four games remaining just got markedly better.  BUT – and there’s always a but – Lets’ not lose sight of what has happened the last 3 weeks to get us to this position.

The Cowboys escaped with an overtime win against the Browns – looking very ragged doing it.   Then, they turned in an abysmal first half against the Redskins on Thanksgiving Day and never fully recovered.  Sunday night, they had finally what looked like a somewhat decisive win against the hapless Eagles before giving up a 98-yard punt return with 40 seconds remaining to nearly snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and leaving every Cowboy fan a little queasy despite the victory.

The Redskins on the other hand – already written off by everyone including their coach in one post-game press conference – have quietly (as quietly as possible with the new football “god” RGIII on the roster) put together 3 straight division wins.  They destroyed the Eagles 31-6 at home, beat the Cowboys on the road, and then squeeked out the win at home against the Giants Monday night.  Three division wins is impressive enough – three in a row makes you stand up and take notice.  The same team that helped the Cowboys Monday night may just be the team that keeps us home for the playoffs.  Momentum is certainly more on their side than anyone else’s in the division at this point.

Yes, Virginia, I think we have quite a four-game stretch coming in the NFC East.  And, there is alot of football left to be played by every team still in the hunt, but I would bet that neither of the wild card teams in the NFC comes out of the NFC East.  So, win the division or start planning your off season.  Let’s look at the path each of the contenders have the rest of the way.

GIANTS

Let’s not lose sight of the fact that the Giants still own a one-game lead and therefore control their own destiny.  Win out, and they win the division no matter what the Redskins and Cowboys do.  Their remaining games are:

1.  Saints at home – the Saints are not a playoff team this year, so on paper at least, this should be a win for the G-men

2.  At Atlanta – the Falcons are winning somewhat ugly, but winning.  Tough game for the Giants, but most thought they would have trouble on the road against the 49ers and they rolled.

Credit: Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

3.  At Baltimore – another tough place to play a likely playoff team.  The Ravens lead the all-time series with the Giants 3-1 and the Giants have never won at Baltimore.

4.  Philadelphia at home – unless the division is already clinched and the Giants are resting players, this one has very little chance of being anything but a win for New York.

REDSKINS

Despite significant injuries on defense like the Cowboys (Carriker and Orakpo to name just two), RGIII has the Redskins playing above their pay grade by most expert’s measures.  And, they have by far the easier path forward:

1.  Baltimore at home – another difficult game but certainly winnable at home.

2.  At Cleveland – The Browns have a horrible record but have made most other teams earn the ‘W’.  The ‘Skins will have to continue to play well and are .500 on the road so far, so this should be a win.

3.  At Philadelphia – At Lincoln Financial Field, this can always be a tough game, but the Eagles are already playing for next year.  Redskins will win this one easily.

4.  Cowboys at home - A trip to the playoffs could be on the line for this one if the Giants stumble.  Their chances are better at home although their home record is the same as their road record right now (3-3).

COWBOYS

Somehow the Cowboys have stumbled and bumbled their way to .500 (6-6).  But, their play has not inspired any confidence – injuries, penalties, mistakes abound.  Teams that have underperformed and gotten on a roll in recent past seasons started playing better than we have so far.  We’re getting some key players back – DeMarco Murray clearly makes a difference in the running game.  We pretty much have to play well enough to make that last game at Washington mean something at the end of the year.  If we stumble before then, our destiny won’t be in our own hands.

1.  At Cincinnati – The Bengals will be tough at home.  This top 10 defense is full of former Cowboys playing well - Adam ‘Pac Man’ Jones and Terrence Newman to name a couple, not to mention DC Mike Zimmer – and they would love nothing more than to spoil the Cowboys season.  They will have their hands full with a surging Dez Bryant (last 3 games he has 26 receptions for 288 yards and 5 touchdowns).

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9)Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2.  Pittsburgh – at home, which has proven to be not much of a home field advantage (The Cowboys are 16-14 all time at the new digs) and this team is definitely different without Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback.  But, there is talk of Ben being back and the Steeler defense is always tough.  No cake walk here although I like their chances if Big Ben doesn’t suit up.

3.  New Orleans – the Saints will likely be eliminated completely from the playoff picture and their defense has been pretty bad this year.  But, any team that still has Drew Brees can be dangerous.  It’s unclear whether or not the Cowboys will match up well with the Saints.  Not a sure thing by any means.

4.  At Washington – let’s hope this game still means something.  If the Giants don’t trip, then it could just be a matter of playing for draft position.  If RGIII stays hot, this could be another long day for the Cowboys and the start of another disappointing off season.  On the flip side, I’m not sure it is truly a “win” if Garrett gets into the playoffs only to lose in the first round.  That would likely guarantee Garrett another couple of robotic years and a lower draft pick.  Not much of a moral victory.

Still a lot of football to be played.  I’m happy the Cowboys are still at least in the conversation, but the suddenly streaking Redskins have me concerned that it is the Giants and the Cowboys who could be on the outside looking in when all is said and done.  Let’s hope I’m wrong.  Go Cowboys!

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