Brock Hoffman ready to 'be that guy' at center in 2024 – Nick Harris, DallasCowboys.com
The Cowboys' backup linemen have a “next guy is better” mentality.
For some, the Dallas Cowboys' offseason has been chaotic, but for others it's been rather stable since the 2023 season came to an abrupt end in January. Among those in the latter group, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more consistent routine than the one Brock Hoffman has experienced over the past two months.
Whether it's training in Frisco with famed offensive line trainer Duke Manyweather, doing Pilates twice a week (which he said was one of the hardest workouts of his life), or training. That's what Hoffman did when he entered the facility at dawn for the mission. He has been training tirelessly over the past few weeks as he prepares to take the next step in his third season.
That routine took a bit of a break last Thursday when we participated in the team's first STEM event for students from local Boys & Girls Clubs at The Star, running a station teaching kids how to properly snap a ball. It was done.
For Hoffman, it was the right place. Hoffman assumed the starting responsibility at center early in the season against Arizona last year, and the Cowboys are currently looking for a vacant position in the middle of the offensive line going into the offseason following Hoffman's departure. Tyler Biadasz It may have seemed like a small thing on the surface, but Hoffman's commitment to the community clearly represented the biggest thing he was working on this offseason.
“Honestly, I think about it every day right now,” Hoffman said of the open starting spot. “I'm training like I'm ready to be that guy. I'm humbled. I've done everything I'm supposed to do. I've faced some adversity, getting taken off the practice squad. It all led to this moment. I feel like I'm ready to do what I have to do to help this team win.”
'We've done the job!' Stephen Jones cites 'inflation' in Cowboys' free agency vs. draft plans – Jonathan Alfano, Fun Nation
Stephen Jones' explanation for his free agency hiatus probably won't satisfy fans.
During the first week of free agency, many were confused by the Dallas Cowboys' lack of action.
The Cowboys have been the quietest team in free agency so far since owner Jerry Jones vowed to go “all in” early in the offseason. The only outside free agent they signed was linebacker Eric Kendricks, and their re-signings were also relatively modest. Meanwhile, key players such as Dorrance Armstrong and Tony Pollard signed multi-year contracts with other teams.
Even though Dallas doesn't have much cap space, many fans have grown frustrated with the team's quiet approach to free agency thus far.
There's a reason for that approach, said Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones, Jerry Jones' son. The younger Jones cited “market inflation” as a reason for holding out during the early stages of free agency.
“I always say that in the first few days of free agency, you pay good players what you think they're great at, and you pay average players what you think they're good at,” he said. That's what I always thought,” Stephen Jones said. “Because the market is inflated in our heads. That's just an opinion.”
[…]
The NFL Draft is certainly Stephen's go-to explanation.
Jones said not being a buyer “isn't frustrating” because “it means we did a good job in the draft.” I think that's a sign that our organization, Will[McRae]our scouting department and the coaches that have been here, have accomplished their mission of developing players. ”
But Stephen's comments aren't likely to change the minds of many Cowboys fans.
Bargain deals the Cowboys should consider in 2024 NFL free agency – Alex Valentine, Bleacher Report
Some low-cost players may still be available at a limited price point for the Cowboys.
EDGE Carl Lawson
Dorrance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. both followed Dan Quinn to the Washington Commanders, which is a deep concern for the once-deep Cowboys.
The Cowboys could draft to address that need, but a veteran on the market could help right away.
Carl Lawson stands out as a fit. The 28-year-old has been linked to the Cowboys' new defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer. When Zimmer was with the Cincinnati Bengals, he played as a defensive end.
Lawson joined the Jets as a free agent in 2022 and enjoyed his best season with seven sacks and 24 QB hits. However, he hasn't been a key component to the Jets' defense this season.
Lawson's defense was plagued by injuries throughout the season, playing in only six games. The Jets also had a deep rotation of pass rushers, making it difficult for him to get on the field.
RB JK Dobbins
It's no wonder the Cowboys' running back room looks different in 2024.
The club re-signed Rico Doodle, but that doesn't mean the backfield is complete. The 26-year-old isn't ready to return to the offensive line and get noticed. Creating a viable backfield with a committee approach will likely require more options.
That could mean adding players in the draft, but it could also mean targeting cheap, high-potential free agents.
Former second-round pick JK Dobbins fits the bill. He had a promising rookie season with 925 total yards and nine touchdowns, but injuries prevented him from breaking out.
This year, his season ended after the first game of the season due to a torn Achilles tendon.
Currently, Dobbins is still looking for a home and the Ravens have signed Derrick Henry. He should be willing to play on a one-year “demonstration” contract that could be beneficial for both parties.
Former Cowboys DL Don Smelek dies at 66 – Charian Williams, PFT
A former Cowboys player has passed away.
Former Cowboys defensive lineman Don Smelek died of cancer on March 16, Calvin Watkins said. dallas morning news I will report. Smelek was 66 years old.
Smelek joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent out of Nevada in 1981. He played seven seasons in Dallas, appearing in 69 games, including four starts. He totaled 14.5 sacks.
“He was a great teammate and a great human being,” Hall of Fame defensive lineman Randy White said of Watkins. “He's been really solid as a football player and I can always trust him. He'll come in on third down and rush the passer, and as far as Don as a football player, he was 100 percent. ”
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