IRVING, Texas – DallasCowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus plays another game of buy or sell, this time with predictions prior to training camp.
Anthony Spencer will be ready for the start of training camp?
Broaddus: I am selling that he will be ready for camp, but I think it will be close and that gives me some hope. I am going to buy that going on the Physically Unable to Perform list would be the right move allowing him to miss those first six games and having him ready for that stretch run. To Spencer's credit he has given himself a chance through his own hard work and determination because four months ago, I would not have given him a chance at all. The way that this could play out for the front office and coaches has a much better chance of success as that ace in the hole player if they have to add a defensive linemen due to an injury and there are limited resources on the street to add.
Lance Dunbar will catch 35 balls in 2014?
Broaddus: There is a side of me that really wants to buy this because I have always believed that he has that type of ability, but I have to sell. Now on the other end of this, I could see DeMarco Murray doubling that number given the way that he never comes off the field and the way that Scott Linehan likes to use running backs in the passing game. Murray had 53 receptions in 2013, but I expect him to be over 70 from what I have observed in these practices. There have been several snaps where a running back was put out wide as a receiver and other times out of [embedded_ad] the slot. So Linehan does understand that he has a group of running backs that can make those types of plays on the outside with their hands. From my scout's point of view, it would be nice to see Dunbar have the same types of opportunities that he had in that Oakland game where he came in and gave the offensive attack a little juice with his explosiveness, which is a trait that you don't get from Murray.
Matt Johnson is the best cover safety on this roster?
Broaddus: There was a time where I was buying this, but with the additions of Jakar Hamilton and rookie Ryan Smith, I am going to have to sell. I will say this about Johnson –if he could somehow stay healthy enough to last an entire training camp and preseason schedule, he has a chance to prove me wrong for selling him. But that is a big "IF." I really have been impressed with what I have observed from Hamilton and Smith when they've been asked to play in the middle of the field as that single high, true safety. They have shown range and the awareness to play the position. These defensive coaches have also put them in situations to have to deal with flexed tight ends out of the slot along with multiple receivers, and they have looked comfortable not only dealing with the size of these players but maintaining positioning to contest balls thrown their direction.
