Each week, we’ll be taking questions on Twitter and Facebook about Dallas Cowboys Players and other questions surrounding the team. So let’s get straight into it.
“How do we view the casting of Mazie Smith?”
(Burntout78 via Twitter)
Mike – When the choice first came around, there was some apprehension, not disappointment, and more of a “wait and see” attitude to everything. But as you watch more on Mazi Smith and think about how much the Cowboys defense struggled last year in stopping runs, this pick becomes even more exciting. Many people will look down on sacks and pressures when it comes to first-round defensive linemen, but the role the Cowboys will play Smith will have some people complaining about selection by the end of the season. The defensive tackle position is always unselfish and one-sided as they don’t get the flashy stats and light features, and Smith will be no different. I absolutely love that choice and what it will do in forcing opposing teams to drop the race, which would only play into the hands of players like Trayvon Diggs and Stephon Gilmour. So the Smith actually becomes a weapon that individual stats won’t determine.
brandon – Since the Cowboys hadn’t drafted a first-round defensive tackle in over a decade, I didn’t know what to do with choosing Mazi Smith. You can watch the BTB night live draft to see this. However, I changed my mind about him after reading what people had said about him and getting to know the player.
Dallas’ defense was nearly perfect last season were it not for their run defense. They went out and solved that problem by getting Jonathan Hankins. The effect was felt immediately. Hankins is also an older player, so why not recruit his heir to a stronger, faster position? The Cowboys made the right choice, and Smith would help the defense right away.
“How good is our insult?”
(John DeLarco via Facebook)
Mike – This is an interesting question when you think that there are so many unknowns this year. At the top of the list is the tight end position, which is perhaps the most questionable combination on the Cowboys roster. If Ferguson can continue to develop his receiving skills, Schoonmaker can contribute early as a blocker, and Hendershot remains surprised, then the tight ends will do their job. We know who Tony Pollard is but what is going on behind him and how good is the talent beyond Pollard? We’ll have to wait and see.
So, of course, who will be the starting five up front? All of this amounts to many questions. But with a guy like Dak who refuses to be submissive and will put everything on the line, and one of the best receiver combinations in the NFL, this offense will probably be a Top 5 player this year. But the way this team is built, this offense doesn’t have to be in the top five because the defense is looking to steal the show.
brandon – It remains to be seen, but there has to be confidence in Mike McCarthy as a play caller because he’s done it before. Think back to when Kellen Moore was hired as offensive coordinator—fans were divided upon the hire because there was no sign of it coming out other than positive feedback from players. Moore was a great coordinator for Dallas, but I think he struggled in the playoffs because there was no track record out of him.
McCarthy has seen just about it all throughout his time in the NFL. He’s shown to be a quality coach/coordinator when it matters most in the post-season, and of course Aaron Rodgers helped him out. The offense may not be as explosive as it used to be, scoring 40+ points three times in a season. This offense would be much better if it were more effective, especially in the playoffs.
Who do we think will have the biggest impact from free agent signings?
(Joe Francis via Facebook)
Mike – For me, that would have to be Stefon Gilmour. His presence on the roster puts all defensemen below him in a position that the team can draw from in specialized, specific roles, rather than being forced on the field. The threat of Gilmour and Diggs on the field at the same time is causing a complete headache for the attacking coordinators and midfielders. At some point they will have to throw it at them. This forces the offense to make tough decisions that will only lead to more sacks, turnovers, and most importantly the end of drives.
brandon – The post answer is longtime Trent Sieg, since the Cowboys didn’t have a player in that position after Jake McQuaide went to Detroit in free agency. However, it could be Chuma Edoga if he wins the job at left guard when Tyron Smith will inevitably miss a few games. Tyler Smith will convert to left tackle. Edoga showed flashes of being tough against defenders in the running game.
If he can work on blocking his pass a little more, he’ll have the size and talent to be what the Cowboys have been missing at left guard.
Poll of the week: Finally on Mailbag, we asked you which first-round pick you’re most excited to see in training camp. Here are the results and what we saw in the survey.
Mike – If I were to answer this, I’d take the weak answer and say all four. For the sake of rehearsal, and picking one out of my heart, I’d take Mazie Smith on the grounds of being the one we haven’t yet seen in a cowboy costume. I also want to see how his strength and power translates into the league.
But if I were picking out of my head and knowing which group of positions had the most questions, I would pick Tyler Smith. Not that I’m worried about his skill set or how he’ll contribute, I’ll be watching to see where he plays and the players who surround him in every position. As for Parsons and Lamb, we know these guys are excellent players and play very strong positions on the Cowboys roster.
brandon – CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons will always be putting on a show. Quite frankly, if they had a limited number of reps during boot camp, I would feel better until they get their rest for the season. Not to mention, there isn’t anything else we need to see from them that we haven’t seen yet.
The answer for me is Tyler Smith. Not only to see how he’s developed into a sophomore year but where he’ll line up at the start of camp. I’m sure he’ll get reps at left tackle and left guard, but where camp starts could indicate how the team feels about Tyron Smith or the progress of other guards.
I can’t wait for summer camp.