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Cutting nose tackle Junior Siavii leaves Cowboys with a hole to fill
10:33 PM CDT on Saturday, September 4, 2010
By GERRY FRALEY / The Dallas Morning News
gfraley@dallasnews.com
Of the 20 players cut by the Cowboys on Saturday, nose tackle Junior Siavii leaves behind the biggest hole to be filled.
Siavii backed up Pro Bowler Jay Ratliff last season. To keep Ratliff fresh for third-down pass-rushing duties, the Cowboys remove him from nose tackle duties for about eight to 10 plays per game.
The Cowboys, with the roster subject to change, have two prime candidate for the backup role: Marcus Spears and rookie Josh Brent.
During training camp, coach Wade Phillips raised the possibility of moving Spears to nose tackle for a few plays because of his run-stopping skills. Jason Hatcher would replace Spears at end.
"I don't think he would feel as comfortable there, but he would be able to do it," Phillips said during camp.
Brent, picked up in the supplemental draft for a seventh-round pick in the 2011 draft, played well in camp despite wearing a cast to protect a broken hand. Brent displayed the lower-body strength of a nose tackle.
"Most good football players play with their legs, and he's real strong in that area," Philips said during camp. "That bodes well for him."
The Cowboys cut three other players who appeared with them last season: linebackers Curtis Johnson (three games) and Steve Octavien (14 games), and cornerback Cletis Gordon (one game).
Gordon played well in training camp, but the Cowboys decided to keep only three cornerbacks: starters Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman and backup Orlando Scandrick, a regular in the nickel defense.
Greater expectations: Wide receiver Kevin Ogletree made the club last year as an undrafted free agent. In his second season, the pressure upon him increases.
With Patrick Crayton traded and rookie Dez Bryant unable to stay on the field, Ogletree can be considered the No. 3.5 wide receiver. He can be used in four-wide-receiver sets and is on call if Austin, Bryant or Roy Williams have troubles.
"This does clear the way for him to do more," said Stephen Jones, chief operating officer and director of player personnel. "There are some inconsistencies at times, but overall we like his prospects."
Ogletree was insignificant for much of camp but rallied to catch eight of the 11 passes thrown to him in the final two exhibitions, securing his spot.
Briefly: The representatives for offensive lineman Travis Bright and defensive back Bryan McCann, both of whom were cut, said the Cowboys have offered a spot on the practice squad. Players must clear waivers, which expire tonight, before being signed to a practice squad deal. Running back Lonyae Miller, wide receivers Manny Johnson and Jesse Holley and cornerbacks Teddy Williams and Wall are likely to get the same offer.
10:33 PM CDT on Saturday, September 4, 2010
By GERRY FRALEY / The Dallas Morning News
gfraley@dallasnews.com
Of the 20 players cut by the Cowboys on Saturday, nose tackle Junior Siavii leaves behind the biggest hole to be filled.
Siavii backed up Pro Bowler Jay Ratliff last season. To keep Ratliff fresh for third-down pass-rushing duties, the Cowboys remove him from nose tackle duties for about eight to 10 plays per game.
The Cowboys, with the roster subject to change, have two prime candidate for the backup role: Marcus Spears and rookie Josh Brent.
During training camp, coach Wade Phillips raised the possibility of moving Spears to nose tackle for a few plays because of his run-stopping skills. Jason Hatcher would replace Spears at end.
"I don't think he would feel as comfortable there, but he would be able to do it," Phillips said during camp.
Brent, picked up in the supplemental draft for a seventh-round pick in the 2011 draft, played well in camp despite wearing a cast to protect a broken hand. Brent displayed the lower-body strength of a nose tackle.
"Most good football players play with their legs, and he's real strong in that area," Philips said during camp. "That bodes well for him."
The Cowboys cut three other players who appeared with them last season: linebackers Curtis Johnson (three games) and Steve Octavien (14 games), and cornerback Cletis Gordon (one game).
Gordon played well in training camp, but the Cowboys decided to keep only three cornerbacks: starters Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman and backup Orlando Scandrick, a regular in the nickel defense.
Greater expectations: Wide receiver Kevin Ogletree made the club last year as an undrafted free agent. In his second season, the pressure upon him increases.
With Patrick Crayton traded and rookie Dez Bryant unable to stay on the field, Ogletree can be considered the No. 3.5 wide receiver. He can be used in four-wide-receiver sets and is on call if Austin, Bryant or Roy Williams have troubles.
"This does clear the way for him to do more," said Stephen Jones, chief operating officer and director of player personnel. "There are some inconsistencies at times, but overall we like his prospects."
Ogletree was insignificant for much of camp but rallied to catch eight of the 11 passes thrown to him in the final two exhibitions, securing his spot.
Briefly: The representatives for offensive lineman Travis Bright and defensive back Bryan McCann, both of whom were cut, said the Cowboys have offered a spot on the practice squad. Players must clear waivers, which expire tonight, before being signed to a practice squad deal. Running back Lonyae Miller, wide receivers Manny Johnson and Jesse Holley and cornerbacks Teddy Williams and Wall are likely to get the same offer.
