Which New Player Will Have The Biggest Impact Thi

Of all the new additions to the Cowboys, two high caliber players came via trade or through free agency. Those were Zach Thomas and Adam Jones. The rest were rookies and some lesser known players from other teams.

My question to everyone is, who will have the biggest impact on offense and defense this season?

For offense, my pick would be Felix Jones. He might not be the "starter", but I believe he could be the threat to the outside that the Cowboys have needed. He is quick to get to the outside and he has good hands to catch the ball out of the backfield.

I know it is easy to pick the number one pick in the draft, but he will be also be used in the kick return game as well. That could have a big impact on any game. He had some great returns while he played in Arkansas.

For defense, the pick for me might not be as simple.

Zach Thomas is a very smart player as noted this week by a recent ESPN report. That could strengthen an already strong linebacker corps. He could have an impact in getting to the ball for the tackle.

The cornerback position was the weakest part of the team last season, and Jerry Jones made sure to strengthen that position up by picking up Adam Jones and drafting Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick this year.

The biggest defensive impact will probably be Adam Jones. My qualms about him had nothing to do with his talent, but his character is where I have trouble with. Which side will any quarterback throw to? Terrence Newman or Adam?

He could also have an impact on punt returns.

Who do you think will have the biggest impact?

Interesting question and a difficult one to answer.

You would expect a veteran to make a bigger impact than a rookie - but Thomas is on the down side of a fantastic career and Adam Jones hasnt played for a year.

Of the rookies - which ones are likely to start? Probably none of them.

We do, however, also have a number of second/thrid string players who didnt start last year that are knocking on the door this year - e.g. Tank, a bunch of WRs, Hatcher etc.  Do they count as new players?

If I had to pick one it would be Thomas as he is the only one I expect to start in week one.  But I expect as the season goes on someone else will surprize us all...

TD,

Interesting thread.  Thought I'd throw in my two cents.  I think all of our additions are pretty solid and the added talent will, hopefully, push us on to a championship.  I agree with your take on the issue of biggest impact. 

Felix Jones might only get 12-15 touches a game but he has the big play ability to make those touches account for a whole lot of production.  I think we will see him in the backfield, in the slot, maybe even out wide, and as a kick returner.  He'll add an extra dimension of explosiveness to our ground game and kickoff returns.

On defense I have to go with Adam Jones.  A couple years ago the guy was becoming one of the best cover corners in the game, but of course he was becoming one of the biggest nuisances off the field.  I hope the run-in's with the law are a thing of the past.  He certainly seems to be trying to turn a new leaf as he has stayed out of trouble so far.  When/if he does take the field for the 'Boys he could be extremely special.  He can be relaxed knowing he has quality defenders all around him.  That in mind, I think he will feel free to just make plays.  He stays close to the WR and is very good at knocking the ball away.  He's also very physical and not afraid to stick his head in and make a tackle.  Also you just know he's going to return a couple punts the distance.  Between picks, punt returns, and possibly a few receptions later in the year, I could see him scoring 4-5 TD's.

Zach brings consistency to the "D" and rookie Mike Jenkins will be excellent with some experience.  Those two get my honorable mention but the Jones boys will be a great infusion of new high end talent.

Go Cowboys!!