Football analyst Bryan Broaddus tackles three pressing questions for the Cowboys and the NFL Draft. This week, Bryan discusses the personnel to play a 4-3 scheme, breaks down an offensive position and gives us a hint on an intriguing prospect in the draft for this April.
You're obviously watching a lot of college players these days, but can you give us one player that has really caught you by surprise in your evaluations?
Broaddus: I have been working on a lot of college players but that is the great part about this time of year. I really don't have one but here are a couple that I have really liked. I had no clue who Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International was until I saw him at the Senior Bowl. When I came home I sat down and studied him even closer and I was so impressed. I didn't know who Larry Warford of Kentucky was, now he is a guard I would love to have on my team. Tavon Austin of West Virginia is a fun little player to take a look at because of his explosiveness and play making ability. Arthur Brown of Kansas State looks like he could be a great fit as a Will linebacker in this scheme. Stansly Maponga of TCU needs to be studied hard as a defensive end that not only can rush the passer but can hold up against the run. I can go on and on but I will save that for another day.
What do you think of the tight end position, with the backups behind Witten and their new coach, who really isn't that new?
Broaddus: I think that Wes Phillips was a nice hire by
Jason Garrett and will work well with the current tight ends on this roster. We all know about Jason Witten but I was out near the practice field on Monday and observed James Hanna out there catches passes after his workout in the weight room. You can't believe what a smooth athlete that he is. I hate to say that we have probably seen the last of John Phillips but that should not be a problem because there are several tight ends in this draft that would make sense. One to keep your eye on is Travis Kelce of Cincinnati, he was the best blocker, catcher that I have studied so far. Would be a really good fit with this current group.
Jason Garrett said last week this team has 4-3 personnel but what position from this front 7 needs the most work to make this defensive switch, in your opinion.
Broaddus: Like what you have at Mike with Sean Lee and Bruce Carter at Will. DeMarcus Ware is a great fit as the right defensive end and if Anthony Spencer doesn't come back at left defensive end, Tyrone Crawford physically will be able to fill that role. The questions will be inside at the one and the three and how does Ratliff, Hatcher, Spears, Lissemore, Callaway, Price and Bass all fit together. I don't see going the free agent route to fill these spots but the draft will offer some opportunity with maybe Floyd of Florida, Richardson of Missouri, Short of Purdue, Williams of North Carolina. Any one of these kids could step in and be ready to play. These defensive line positions can stretch a little bit which should help the cause if the club decides to go offensive line in the first round.
