Dallas Cowboys' Recent Releases Shape Draft Approach

We knew it was only a matter of time. With speculation swirling and the draft right around the corner, the releases of Flozell Adams and Ken Hamlin were less than shocking. What this means is the Cowboys have clear-cut positions to address with their picks this year.

Safety and offensive lineman are the main priorities with their first few picks in the 2010 draft. What many thought (including myself) was the Cowboys would draft the best player available (within reason) with their first couple of picks. However, with these recent developments, the Cowboys actually have needs.

Which is more important? I think that question lingers on the minds of many Cowboys fans. I don’t really think you can look at it from that standpoint, though. It will really come down to who’s still on the board when the Cowboys get to pick at No. 27.

If a quality player is available at both positions, linemen should be more important than safetys. Our roster suggests our secondary is actually not as thin as you might think. Like I’ve said on other blogs, Alan Ball came in and played better than Ken Hamlin. The former seventh-round pick not only has a chance to start, but also to get paid if he performs well.

The other guy is the less popular Hamlin, Michael. He was a fifth-round pick last year. He played a minimal role with an injury-plagued 2009 season. All I keep hearing, though, is this guy is for real. He’s a serious playmaker and could give Ball and whoever else we draft a run for their money when this season starts.

Now, when you flip the script and think about linemen that could potentially fill the void, besides Doug Free, I draw a blank. The verdict is still out on Free too, because all his starts last year were at right tackle, not left. He was mauled by Jared Allen in the playoffs at left tackle.

Granted, Jared Allen is arguably the best in the game, but we had better be sure we have someone guarding our quarterback’s blindside with no viable backup quarterback in place. Well, no proven backup at least. I want Jerry to make good on his word to create serious competition at those positions (safety and lineman) because to me, they’re two of the most important positions on the field.

We can’t rule out Jerry Jones trading up to grab a player he’s really high on, but I just don’t get that feel from this offseason. Jones is always unpredictable and trying to read his mind is useless.

Safety or lineman? You’ve heard my position, what do you think?