Dallas Cowboys: Post-draft evaluation of the new offense
By Brad Austin
The Dallas Cowboys addressed multiple roster needs in the draft. It’s time to evaluate offensive positions and see where things stand.
For the most part, the Dallas Cowboys did an admirable job of maximizing value while filling roster needs in the draft.
Six of nine picks were used to bolster the offense. Another 6th rounder was traded for a veteran offensive weapon. Surprisingly, 70% of the draft was spent on offense.
With less focus placed on the defense, fans are now turning a skeptical eye to the lacking safety position. Byron Jones has moved back to corner and safety received no offsetting help from the draft or free agency.
The concern is justifiable, though it’s still likely a veteran safety will be signed before July. The position is simply too thin and unsettled to leave as is.
Now that prime free agency and the draft are history, it’s time to evaluate the state of the offense by position group.
QUARTERBACK
Addition: Mike White (5th rd. – Western Kentucky)
Evaluation: Slight upgrade
Analysis: White is an exciting prospect with virtuous passing skills. Great value (3rd/4th rd. grade). Another talented youngster to groom. Will compete with Cooper Rush for the back-up role. Only a slight improvement as the starter returns.
RUNNING BACK
Losses: Alfred Morris
Additions: Tavon Austin (FA), Bo Scarbrough (7th rd. – Alabama)
Evaluation: Strong upgrade
Analysis: Ezekiel Elliott back at full steam drastically upgrades the position from 2017. Morris was a worthy change of pace, but Rod Smith and Scarbrough should be fine sharing the reduced back-up snaps. Blazing scat back Austin will add new pop.
FULLBACK
Losses: Keith Smith
Additions: Jamize Olawale (FA)
Evaluation: Slight downgrade
Analysis: Smith is a slightly better lead blocker and special teams player. Olawale is a more accomplished backfield receiver. The fullback swap with Oakland involves a similar cap number for both players. A slight downgrade could turn out fairly even.
WIDE RECEIVER
Losses: Dez Bryant, Brice Butler
Additions: Allen Hurns (FA), Deonte Thompson (FA), Michael Gallup (3rd rd. – Colorado St.), Cedrick Wilson (6th rd. – Boise St.)
Evaluation: Slight upgrade
Analysis: Dallas removed the big money blinder and turned to the Moneyball approach. Lot of specialized talent in this new crop. Dak can return to his forte of finding the open man without bowing to selfish demands for forced targets.
TIGHT END
Losses: Jason Witten (likely), James Hanna
Additions: Blake Jarwin (3 snaps in 2017), Dalton Schultz (4th rd. – Stanford)
Evaluation: Downgrade
Analysis: Witten is seemingly done. His departure from the field and locker room will be a big loss. Toss in #2 TE Hanna’s retirement and things look dim. The pair combined for 1,323 snaps last season. Swaim can offset Hanna’s #2 blocking role. Though Witten’s crafty route running will be tough for the green players to replicate.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Losses: Jonathan Cooper, Byron Bell
Additions: Connor Williams (2nd rd. – Texas), Cameron Fleming (FA), Marcus Martin (FA)
Evaluation: Elite upgrade
Next: Dallas Cowboys: 3 undrafted free agents to watch
Analysis: Former All-American rookie Williams will start at left guard. Fleming (2017 Super Bowl starter) will serve as swing tackle insurance. Former starter Martin adds high quality interior depth. The front office knocked it out of the park in the trenches.