Dallas Cowboys: Predicting Which Players on 45-Man Roster Won't Be Back

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Take a look at the way the Dallas Cowboys finished the 2011 season, and it is pretty easy to pick which players deserve to stay for 2012 and which ones should take a hike. Dallas has a number of issues to address in the draft and free agency.

An upgrade at cornerback and defensive line is a start. There is also the need to add depth and talent to the offensive line and a new tight end and backup quarterback.

As soon as Dallas has their footing in each of the above-mentioned areas, then the team can turn its attention toward which positions can be cleaned.

I will take the liberty of giving my suggestions to the team as to which players need to be, ahem, moved along. Here are eight players that will not return in 2012.

Terence Newman, CB

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Newman is a nine-year NFL veteran from Kansas State. He has been mostly solid for Dallas over his time as a Cowboy. He's made a couple of Pro Bowls and a few big plays as well.

But it is time for the Newman era in Big D to come to an end. He's older, slower, injury prone and a human hurdle. He is a very tough, strong willed player, but he has run his course.

He can start for other teams around the league, but the Cowboys should cut ties with him and can save at least $4 million by doing so.

Keith Brooking, LB

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Brooking is the unquestioned emotional leader of the Cowboys defense. Linebacker DeMarcus Ware is the leader and heart and soul of that unit, but Brooking gets them fired up.

He is a 14-year NFL veteran and he has earned every single accolade that he's received since entering the league. His last great season was back in 2006, when he played for the Falcons and logged 136 tackles. Ever since, his numbers have steadily declined.

Brooking is a liability in pass coverage and Dallas has rookie linebackers who are better than he is right now. A great player and guy, but Dallas needs to cut the cord.

Abe Elam, SS

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This one is contingent upon what the Cowboys do to address their need a strong safety. Elam was supposed to be the communications guy for the defensive secondary because he knew coordinator Rob Ryan's scheme. That did not work out so well, as the Cowboys had plenty of communication breakdowns.

But that isn't all on Elam. Elam was only a stop gap type of player and Dallas needs to find a permanent replacement for him and that position.

Martellus Bennett, TE

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I like Marty B as a personality. He is a very creative guy who has a big personality. He designs clothes, makes music and always has something interesting to say on Twitter.

However, he is not what the Cowboys need at tight end. He is a better than decent run blocker, but his hands can turn into bricks when it comes to pass catching. Dallas needs a more versatile, second tight end option and that guy is not Mr. Bennett.

Kyle Kosier, G

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I think the Cowboys should keep Kosier because of his great ability to communicate on the line. If center Phil Costa did not call out a blitz or a play, Kosier would often play that role. He is a very smart football player and he has served the Cowboys very well.

Yet, he is getting older and can be a liability at times. He has served as a great mentor to offensive linemen Tyron Smith and Doug Free and his guidance will be missed. There is always a time to move on and I believe Kosier has reached that point with Dallas.

Derrick Dockery, G

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Dockery is a free agent after the season and unless the Cowboys are in dire need of a guard, as they were last season, he probably won't be back.

Considering Dock was brought in for depth purposes and eventually lost his job due to injury and play. He was decent, but nothing to bet the farm on. The Cowboys need longer depth and just a better player at this position.

Kevin Ogletree, WR

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If the Cowboys cannot retain the services of receiver Laurent Robinson, then Ogletree will probably be brought back. He has been with Dallas for three years, and the team has spent a ton of time trying to develop him.

He's supposed to know the offense, but I'm not sure if he fully understands it. My hope is the Cowboys are able to keep Robinson, but if not, Ogletree is the next option.

Frank Walker, CB

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Another free agent who the Cowboys signed as a stop-gap, he had a less-than-average 2011 season. He was OK at times, but did not have a great year.

If Dallas fails to draft any new talent in the defensive backfield, maybe Walker will return. I have my doubts that he is high on the Cowboys radar, but stranger things have happened.