Around The League predicts the Week 1 starting lineups for all 32 teams, analyzing the potential impact of each rookie class.
»First-round draft pickZack Martin is penciled in at right guard, which gives the Cowboys the potential to boast one of the NFL's strongest offensive lines. ... Second-round pick Demarcus Lawrence will likely play in a defensive end rotation with George Selvie, Jeremy Mincey and Anthony Spencer. Although the latter was recently re-signed, his surgically repaired knee is not expected to be 100 percent by training camp. ... The other members of Dallas' draft class will have to battle for special teams duties if they earn roster spots.
» Outside of the hogs up front, the biggest changes on offense will be the increased roles for 2013 second- and third-rounders Gavin Escobar and Terrance Williams. New coordinator Scott Linehan has talked up Escobar's "untapped" potential as Jason Witten's sidekick. Williams scored five touchdowns over a six-game span with Miles Austin out of the lineup last season. ... When Linehan spreads the field with a three-wide set, Cole Beasley has the edge on Dwayne Harris for slot-receiver snaps.
» Even with the additions of Lawrence, Mincey and Henry Melton, the front seven remains Jason Garrett's biggest question mark. The edge rushers must get to the quarterback, and now that Sean Lee is expected to miss the season with a torn ACL, Bruce Carter needs to finally live up to Jerry Jones' lofty expectations. As long as the defensive backs stay out of the trainer's room, the secondary should be better than conventional wisdom suggests.
» Following recent tradition, the roster's primary issue is a lack of depth. The starting lineup on offense has top-five potential. Unfortunately, the defense is a bottom-five unit if it suffers a key injury or two. To the surprise of no one, the Cowboys have the look of a .500 club.
*The "Around The League Podcast" wrapped up the draft by picking our winners and losers. *
