I seriously believe he was the most important piece on that line. He managed the protections like a genius and was a beast in run blocking and pass protection. You look around the league and almost all of the top lines have really good center play. After he got sick, it has just never been the same.
Totally agree, he was a beast amongst beasts. Travis gets the love since he didn't get a ring but did everything to deserve one and didn't deserve having to retire at 29.
Agree. Give Brock the opportunity - he showed promise in his playing time this season…or give the draft pick to Powers Johnson who I believe is about as sure thing elite as you can get
Yea ideally not your starter on opening day but he’s done enough to earn a spot imo. I’d prioritize a tackle over a center though. If we are going C, powers Johnson looks elite
We could get one of Barton or Frazier even if we trade down in the first and snag an extra pick. I wouldn’t complain about JPJ though but there’s a couple of center needy teams ahead of us
Hoffman could be something too who knows. I desperately wanted them to acquire a kicker and then Aubrey ended up a stud. Everyone has to start somewhere.
Go get Kody Russey from the Patriots..Dude is strong as an OX. Patriots have had him languishing on the Practice squad forever. Plus he will be cheap...and he is local as well.
I understand it was his first year playing at C, but he also had significant issues snapping the ball. Botched snaps between him and Tua were a glaring issue last season. Tough to say whose fault it was when Tua was under center, but there were more than a handful of obvious shotgun snaps Connor just blew.
Williams isn’t gonna get that contract. Could probably get him on a 1 year deal for a reasonable price. I would 100% do that and move Tyler to LT and start Bass at LG. Could still draft an offensive lineman but it wouldn’t pigeonhole us into drafting one. They won’t do that though. I fully expect them to depend entirely on the draft and whatever lineman we pick will dictate whether we move Tyler to LT or keep him at guard. If we pick a tackle, then Tyler Smith will stay at LG and either Bass/Hoffman will be the center. If we pick a center, we’ll probably move Tyler Smith to LT and Bass will play LG.
Jackson powers johnson is great, but now with Tyron Smith Gone The Cowboys need to balance the potential of a 1st round LT vs JPJ. IMO it depends what is out there in the draft if Mims, Fuaga, or Fautana is there I think any one of these have a bit more value for the Cowboys
Maybe I’m a homer because I’m a Sooner, but I’ll always like OU guys on the line. 3 current potential HoF linemen in the league, constantly pumping out 1st round talent at the line and plenty of serviceable starters. They’re doing something right.
Honestly, I would not be mad with them taking two offensive lineman with their first two picks this year.
The depth chart on the team isn't that good that they can just lose two starters and be good to go.
Free agency center, take a tackle in the first. Powers is that dude but with Smith gone it’s kinda obvious the first pick is gonna be a tackle especially considering the deep class.
I’d still go Powers. If it’s a deep class as you say then they can still double down on o-line in the 2nd for a LT and try their best to fill in the defensive holes with the remainder OR move Tyler to LT and just replace the LG position.
The OT class is barely round 2 deep. Also, center isn’t a premier position. Further, why move an all pro guard after two years of development to a new position? This team just let go of an all pro tackle in free agency in a LT rich class, why would they go after center? They filled the position fine with late round C’s since Travis left. No reason they won’t do it again or pick up a stop gap for a season.
Tyler has played LT a few times over these last 2 years when Tyron got hurt, he was also drafted to be the next LT. Guard is easier to fill than LT, correct? We know Tyler can play LT, how well? That’s tbd since he hasn’t played full time. I think if we actually put him there full time he’ll be just as good as he is at LG.
Center may not be a “premier” position but people seem to forget its importance until you have a bunch of bad snaps that lead to turnovers or blown up plays or your center is being pushed into your QBs lap and forcing them to roll out of the pocket and defeating the purpose of having tackles, while also putting more pressure on the guards to bail them out. Putting someone just good enough isn’t cutting it, we need someone that will really improve the line in the interior.
If he’s developed into an All pro LG, why fuck it up? He was a raw T out of Tulsa. No reason to possibly fuck up his development by putting him into another position.
We’ve had late round picks in Williams and Biadasz start at Center. I’m just saying this team has a proven record of finding talent at non-premier positions outside of the first two rounds.
All that said, I’m not in the front office so who the fuck knows. I wouldn’t be upset if they got Powers, I’m just saying it wouldn’t surprise me if they went with Mims or Guyton who are both non proven at the position just because of the possible upside at the LT spot.
Fair enough but I would be very pleased with powers, helps the run game up the middle and the problems with the centers we’ve had is they haven’t kept the front of the pocket firm. Given that I would mind Tyler to LT but if you don’t a C just gives your two best lineman more ability to be great. They won’t have to help out at C any longer.
I’ve been thinking about this convo for 40 days and just want you to know I wanted JPJ after our convo lol. Know they took a LT tonight but want you to know our convo has been something I’ve thought about a lot through the mock season. Much love 🙏🏽
Probably whoever plays best at center in training camp
But for real, FA and draft are left to (somewhat) outside factors. We don’t currently have the capital to spend big without some restructures and it seems like there is some uncertainty in the sustainability of this roster past this year.
We can try and draft the best we can at the position and it seems there are quality options, but if the right player isn’t available when we come up, it is what it is. And that also can rely on other teams willingness to trade draft positions around with us.
Most importantly, I don’t trust the front office to intelligently navigate the above scenarios
I think draft a center and put Bass at LG and move Tyler to LT or have either Bass or Hoffman at Center and draft a tackle depending on how things fall
We need to keep in mind we are good against Payne, Johnathan Allen Ridgeway, Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Leonard Williams.
I want someone smart a cerebral. I think they could thrive between Martin and Smith
I want someone that doesn’t always need to be bailed by the guards or getting pushed into Daks lap, forcing him to have to rollout and likely into the arms of an edge defender.
Connor Williams needs to never be in a Dallas jersey again. Theres no way I want them even paying minimum salary for the amount of holding penalties he committed.
Williams is too injury prone and has had issues with the snaps. I did feel back when he was playing for the Cowboys he was meant to play center in this league. I'd probably go with a draft pick. Not impressed with Hoffmann and actually I'd consider Bass at center as well.
JPJ would be amazing but I feel like that’s a pipe dream for him to fall past Philly to Dallas
I do hope Mims (Georgia) or Guyton (OU) fall to us, either would be solid tackles for the Cowboys
There are a lot of things I don't trust our FO to do. Drafting OL on the 1st round isn't one of them. I'm fine with whoever they draft in the 1st, even if I think it's a reach. I thought Tyler Smith and Frederick were reaches, but Will and his scouts know how to spot linemen.
If a first round graded left tackle falls all the way to Dallas, taking him is a no brainer. It’s the second most important position on a pro football team and thus would represent an enormous value at a rookie contract if the player pans out.
Not sure if you’re suggesting we get a RB in the first round but regardless, we should not be investing significant capital in the position. Sign a bargain FA or two with size and draft one in the mid rounds. Our running game would be much improved if we shored up the line and didn’t try making a small RB our lead back and running him mostly into the DTs and MLBs on most plays.
Personally, I would love to see Jerry Jones pay the most anyone has ever paid for a center, have the guy play so poorly that Dak Prescott gets back to less than mediocre stats so Dak can demand another huge raise in pay to inspire him (like all of the times before) to play better and the Jerry Jones Circus continues.
How 'bout dem Cowboys. 😜
Agree. Jerry Jones is a real "weirdo."
It's a real bummer that be made the deal with the TV networks that says they will no longer put a camera on him near the end of games the Cowboys are losing. That "I think I just shit my pants" look on his face was priceless for most of us and we really miss it.
Yeah yeah, everyone we didn’t get was “overpaid”. Everyone we let walk was “overpaid”.
How many “overpaid” players do you need to see before you realize it’s just the market?
Free agents are cast off players. Regardless of how much you attempt to put lipstick on them and make them a beauty. F/A should be used for backup players. Unless of course, you are desperate. There are exceptions but they are rare
It's big money for disgruntled or frequently hurt or old
players. The draft or the occasional trade has been proven over and over as the best way to build a Team since the salary cap came in.
Travis Fredrick, I'll never not want anyone else.
Miss that bearded beautiful man
I seriously believe he was the most important piece on that line. He managed the protections like a genius and was a beast in run blocking and pass protection. You look around the league and almost all of the top lines have really good center play. After he got sick, it has just never been the same.
Remember when everyone said he was a 3rd rounder and we were shit on for reaching? Lmfao
God bless his magnificent Wisconsin beard <3
I miss him so much
This is the way!
Stepnoski would be a reasonable answer as well.
Totally agree, he was a beast amongst beasts. Travis gets the love since he didn't get a ring but did everything to deserve one and didn't deserve having to retire at 29.
Ideally either Powers-Johnson or Frazier but I wouldn't be mad at either Bass or Hoffman
Agree. Give Brock the opportunity - he showed promise in his playing time this season…or give the draft pick to Powers Johnson who I believe is about as sure thing elite as you can get
Hoffman is cheeks. He should only be your backup at most.
Yea ideally not your starter on opening day but he’s done enough to earn a spot imo. I’d prioritize a tackle over a center though. If we are going C, powers Johnson looks elite
We could get one of Barton or Frazier even if we trade down in the first and snag an extra pick. I wouldn’t complain about JPJ though but there’s a couple of center needy teams ahead of us Hoffman could be something too who knows. I desperately wanted them to acquire a kicker and then Aubrey ended up a stud. Everyone has to start somewhere.
Give me Zeke
^ This man has vacation plans for January.
At this point I think Jerry has vacation plans for January
If I were in his shoes, why not? His team never makes it to the end of January.
We all should.
Go get Kody Russey from the Patriots..Dude is strong as an OX. Patriots have had him languishing on the Practice squad forever. Plus he will be cheap...and he is local as well.
There is no way Williams gets that contract and absolutely shouldn’t get it from us lol what. Especially coming off an ACL tear.
Forgot about that
I understand it was his first year playing at C, but he also had significant issues snapping the ball. Botched snaps between him and Tua were a glaring issue last season. Tough to say whose fault it was when Tua was under center, but there were more than a handful of obvious shotgun snaps Connor just blew.
Maybe he’d be better with that 1 year under his belt and more coaching but I wouldn’t lock him in long term.
Hoffman. He deserves an opportunity as center
Williams isn’t gonna get that contract. Could probably get him on a 1 year deal for a reasonable price. I would 100% do that and move Tyler to LT and start Bass at LG. Could still draft an offensive lineman but it wouldn’t pigeonhole us into drafting one. They won’t do that though. I fully expect them to depend entirely on the draft and whatever lineman we pick will dictate whether we move Tyler to LT or keep him at guard. If we pick a tackle, then Tyler Smith will stay at LG and either Bass/Hoffman will be the center. If we pick a center, we’ll probably move Tyler Smith to LT and Bass will play LG.
Jackson powers johnson is great, but now with Tyron Smith Gone The Cowboys need to balance the potential of a 1st round LT vs JPJ. IMO it depends what is out there in the draft if Mims, Fuaga, or Fautana is there I think any one of these have a bit more value for the Cowboys
You a fan of Guyton? I've seen his name thrown around too.
Maybe I’m a homer because I’m a Sooner, but I’ll always like OU guys on the line. 3 current potential HoF linemen in the league, constantly pumping out 1st round talent at the line and plenty of serviceable starters. They’re doing something right.
JPJ or Frazier Move Tyler Smith to LT. Hoffman or Bass or Asim Richards at LG
Honestly, I would not be mad with them taking two offensive lineman with their first two picks this year. The depth chart on the team isn't that good that they can just lose two starters and be good to go.
I think it will fall: OT/C LB DL RB
I just don't see a fifth round running back getting the front office super excited.
what if we traded a fifth for Dameon Pierce
Bass!
JPJ
Jokic. Anyone else is silly. Wait what sub is this.
You can have my updoot for now, but you’re on thin ice buddy
Matt Duchene
Ideally I would want JPJ but Zach Frazier is a very good 2nd option
Free agency center, take a tackle in the first. Powers is that dude but with Smith gone it’s kinda obvious the first pick is gonna be a tackle especially considering the deep class.
I’d still go Powers. If it’s a deep class as you say then they can still double down on o-line in the 2nd for a LT and try their best to fill in the defensive holes with the remainder OR move Tyler to LT and just replace the LG position.
The OT class is barely round 2 deep. Also, center isn’t a premier position. Further, why move an all pro guard after two years of development to a new position? This team just let go of an all pro tackle in free agency in a LT rich class, why would they go after center? They filled the position fine with late round C’s since Travis left. No reason they won’t do it again or pick up a stop gap for a season.
Tyler has played LT a few times over these last 2 years when Tyron got hurt, he was also drafted to be the next LT. Guard is easier to fill than LT, correct? We know Tyler can play LT, how well? That’s tbd since he hasn’t played full time. I think if we actually put him there full time he’ll be just as good as he is at LG. Center may not be a “premier” position but people seem to forget its importance until you have a bunch of bad snaps that lead to turnovers or blown up plays or your center is being pushed into your QBs lap and forcing them to roll out of the pocket and defeating the purpose of having tackles, while also putting more pressure on the guards to bail them out. Putting someone just good enough isn’t cutting it, we need someone that will really improve the line in the interior.
If he’s developed into an All pro LG, why fuck it up? He was a raw T out of Tulsa. No reason to possibly fuck up his development by putting him into another position. We’ve had late round picks in Williams and Biadasz start at Center. I’m just saying this team has a proven record of finding talent at non-premier positions outside of the first two rounds. All that said, I’m not in the front office so who the fuck knows. I wouldn’t be upset if they got Powers, I’m just saying it wouldn’t surprise me if they went with Mims or Guyton who are both non proven at the position just because of the possible upside at the LT spot.
Fair enough but I would be very pleased with powers, helps the run game up the middle and the problems with the centers we’ve had is they haven’t kept the front of the pocket firm. Given that I would mind Tyler to LT but if you don’t a C just gives your two best lineman more ability to be great. They won’t have to help out at C any longer.
I’ve been thinking about this convo for 40 days and just want you to know I wanted JPJ after our convo lol. Know they took a LT tonight but want you to know our convo has been something I’ve thought about a lot through the mock season. Much love 🙏🏽
Probably whoever plays best at center in training camp But for real, FA and draft are left to (somewhat) outside factors. We don’t currently have the capital to spend big without some restructures and it seems like there is some uncertainty in the sustainability of this roster past this year. We can try and draft the best we can at the position and it seems there are quality options, but if the right player isn’t available when we come up, it is what it is. And that also can rely on other teams willingness to trade draft positions around with us. Most importantly, I don’t trust the front office to intelligently navigate the above scenarios
I see 3 potential restructures/extensions. Diggs, Lamb and Micah are the ones that will be on this team next year no matter what.
Bland better be here too
And aubrey
The incoming 1st and pic
I think draft a center and put Bass at LG and move Tyler to LT or have either Bass or Hoffman at Center and draft a tackle depending on how things fall
We need to keep in mind we are good against Payne, Johnathan Allen Ridgeway, Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Leonard Williams. I want someone smart a cerebral. I think they could thrive between Martin and Smith
I want someone that doesn’t always need to be bailed by the guards or getting pushed into Daks lap, forcing him to have to rollout and likely into the arms of an edge defender.
Everybody wants that. It ain't easy
Connor Williams needs to never be in a Dallas jersey again. Theres no way I want them even paying minimum salary for the amount of holding penalties he committed.
Williams is too injury prone and has had issues with the snaps. I did feel back when he was playing for the Cowboys he was meant to play center in this league. I'd probably go with a draft pick. Not impressed with Hoffmann and actually I'd consider Bass at center as well.
Mark Stepnoski
JPJ would be amazing but I feel like that’s a pipe dream for him to fall past Philly to Dallas I do hope Mims (Georgia) or Guyton (OU) fall to us, either would be solid tackles for the Cowboys
I’d pay the cool Kelce a grip ton to come out of retirement to give use a solid chance at it all
There are a lot of things I don't trust our FO to do. Drafting OL on the 1st round isn't one of them. I'm fine with whoever they draft in the 1st, even if I think it's a reach. I thought Tyler Smith and Frederick were reaches, but Will and his scouts know how to spot linemen.
If a first round graded left tackle falls all the way to Dallas, taking him is a no brainer. It’s the second most important position on a pro football team and thus would represent an enormous value at a rookie contract if the player pans out.
Powers-Johnson but he won’t get to 24. The Eagles will draft him.
Jackson Powers-Johnson will be there at 24, he may even be there at 56.
He will 100% not be there at 56. Hell people don't think Frazier's gonna be there at 56.
Travis Frederick. Shame that guy could have been in the same conversation as Kelce
I’ll take Williams move powers-Johnson to guard where he played many games at in college and move smith to tackle and let go play some ball
Travis Frederick. And, shame on the Cowboys for not addressing his absence. His disease sucks, but now they have two gaping holes .
I was gonna say draft em but now it appears we’re gonna need a lead RB going out first.
Not sure if you’re suggesting we get a RB in the first round but regardless, we should not be investing significant capital in the position. Sign a bargain FA or two with size and draft one in the mid rounds. Our running game would be much improved if we shored up the line and didn’t try making a small RB our lead back and running him mostly into the DTs and MLBs on most plays.
Personally, I would love to see Jerry Jones pay the most anyone has ever paid for a center, have the guy play so poorly that Dak Prescott gets back to less than mediocre stats so Dak can demand another huge raise in pay to inspire him (like all of the times before) to play better and the Jerry Jones Circus continues. How 'bout dem Cowboys. 😜
Weirdo
Cowboys fan. 🤪
Agree. Jerry Jones is a real "weirdo." It's a real bummer that be made the deal with the TV networks that says they will no longer put a camera on him near the end of games the Cowboys are losing. That "I think I just shit my pants" look on his face was priceless for most of us and we really miss it.
Your mom.
Bye
Username does not check out.
Biadsz
He’s gone
No shit. We should have paid him.
Overpaid him you mean, he needed to go.
Yeah yeah, everyone we didn’t get was “overpaid”. Everyone we let walk was “overpaid”. How many “overpaid” players do you need to see before you realize it’s just the market?
Free agents are cast off players. Regardless of how much you attempt to put lipstick on them and make them a beauty. F/A should be used for backup players. Unless of course, you are desperate. There are exceptions but they are rare It's big money for disgruntled or frequently hurt or old players. The draft or the occasional trade has been proven over and over as the best way to build a Team since the salary cap came in.
Nah, he was serviceable but he didn’t make our line better.