ESPN

Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said he was surprised that former wide receiver Sam Hurd was arrested on drug charges last week in Chicago.

"I really tell you there wasn't anybody, anywhere -- including our league reps or anybody they knew in law enforcement -- that had any inkling about this. Until his arrest, no one," Jones said after Saturday's victory over Tampa Bay.

"Anytime that we have any player ... that have an issue, then I worry," Jones said. "Obviously I don't know any facts, and I know the quality of person that I thought and know Sam to be."

Jones, along with every other NFL team, conducts expansive background checks on players prior to drafting or signing them as free agents.

The Cowboys have been known to take risks on players with character issues but utilize their excellent player development program to help.

"I can't tell you how thorough we are," Jones said. "Very through. Extremely thorough. And I'm satisfied that we're extremely thorough. Now I do have firsthand input, and I'm aware and know how the league [operates] and what we do as a team, and it doesn't make me think about our thoroughness."

IRVING, Texas -- If you regularly come back to the thought that, 'Man, the Cowboys sure come up with some inventive ways to lose games,' you're right.

Since 2005, I have come up with 13 head-scratching losses that seem to define this franchise. And that does not include the humiliating 44-6 defeat at Philadelphia to close the 2008 season, which knocked the Cowboys out of a playoff spot.

Three of those losses have come this year. Three came last year. Two each in ’09, ’08 and ’06, and the one that kicked it off came on Sept. 19, 2005 (against Washington), when the Triplets – Michael Irvin, Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith - were inducted into the Ring of Honor.

It has been quite a roller-coaster ride, but without the fun part.

Sept. 19, 2005 – Washington, 14-13.

The Cowboys lead, 13-0, with 6:01 to play, and the 65,207 in attendance, the largest crowd at Texas Stadium at the time following the 1985 renovations, was enjoying the moment. The Triplets were inducted into the Ring of Honor. The defense was dominating.

Then Santana Moss happened.

Moss caught touchdown passes of 39 and 70 yards in the final 3:46, bringing to light Roy Williams’ deficiencies in coverage. The second touchdown came with 2:35 to play. Oh, by the way, the Cowboys missed the playoffs by a game that year.

Nov. 5, 2006 – Washington, 22-19

Tony Romo’s second start was about to end with a fourth-quarter drive for a game-winning field goal, but Troy Vincent blocked Mike Vanderjagt’s 35-yard try. Sean Taylor scooped up the loose ball and returned it 30 yards. Another 15 yards was added because of a Kyle Kosier facemask penalty.

With no time on the clock, Nick Novak kicked a 47-yarder to beat the Cowboys.

Jan. 6, 2007 – Seattle, 21-20

This one was the most heartbreaking because it was in the wild-card round of the playoffs. It was also Bill Parcells’ final game as a head coach. The Cowboys maintain to this day that had they won that game, they could have gone to the Super Bowl.

Instead L.P. LaDouceur’s snap for a 19-yard field goal try slipped through Romo’s hands. Conspiracy theorists point to the slippery "K-ball" that was put in play before the snap. Others point to a Jason Witten first down that was overturned by the replay official, which negated the possibility to run the clock out or score a touchdown.

Oct. 12, 2008 – Arizona, 30-24 (OT)

The Cowboys somehow tied this game at the end of regulation on a 52-yard field goal by Nick Folk, but on the opening series of overtime, they lost Tony Romo to a broken pinky finger and punter Mat McBriar to a broken foot. On the play in which McBriar broke his foot, Sean Morey blocked his punt and Monty Beisel fell on the ball for a touchdown. The game started with a special teams touchdown (a 93-yard kick return) for the Cardinals, and ended with one.

Dec. 20, 2008 – Baltimore, 33-24

In what was a struggle for the offense for most of the game, twice the Cowboys pulled to within two points of the Ravens. Terrell Owens made the score 19-17 by scoring with 3:50 to play. Baltimore answered with a 77-yard touchdown run by Willis McGahee. Jason Witten cut the gap again with a TD grab with 1:36 to play. Le'Ron McClain answered with an 80-yard touchdown run.

It was not the way Jerry Jones wanted to see Texas Stadium close.

Sept. 20, 2009 – NY Giants, 33-31

If Jones didn’t want to see Texas Stadium close that way, he didn’t want to see Cowboys Stadium open this way. Felix Jones gave the Cowboys a 31-30 lead with a touchdown run with 3:40 to play.

Then Eli Manning happened.

Manning completed 7-of-9 passes for 64 yards, helping the Giants overcome a 1st-and-20 situation from their 15 and leading to a 37-yard game-winning field goal by Lawrence Tynes with no time left.

Oct. 4, 2009 – Denver, 17-10

The Cowboys blew a 10-0 lead when Broncos wide receiver caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Orton with 1:46 to play. However, Romo had the Cowboys in position to tie the game after a 53-yard completion to Sam Hurd.

At the Denver 2-yard line with nine seconds to play, Romo went to Hurd (unsuccessfully) on back-to-back plays while the wideout was defended by Pro Bowler Champ Bailey.

Cowboys Pro Bowler Jason Witten did not even run a route.

Sept. 12, 2010 – Washington, 13-7

The Cowboys dominated defensively, but were done in by Jason Garrett’s decision to call a play with four seconds left in the first half and a mile away from the Redskins’ end zone. Romo flipped the ball to Tashard Choice, who fumbled while fighting for extra yards. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall scooped up the loose ball and ran it back for a 32-yard touchdown. It was the Redskins' only touchdown of the game.

In position to win the game, Alex Barron happened.

With three seconds left, Romo hit Roy Williams for an apparent game-tying touchdown with the point-after attempt being the difference in a win. Not so fast. Barron, starting in place of an injured Marc Colombo, was called for holding Brian Orakpo on the touchdown pass, wiping out the comeback.

Nov. 25, 2010 – New Orleans, 30-27

The Cowboys were not in the playoff chase, but they were fighting under Garrett, who took over for Wade Phillips as the interim coach. They led 27-23 and were in position to salt the game away as Roy Williams raced down the field toward the Saints end zone. As he switched the ball to his left hand away from a New Orleans defender, he allowed Michael Jenkins to strip it away for the turnover.

Five plays and 89 yards later, Drew Brees hit Lance Moore with the game-winning touchdown pass.

Dec. 25, 2010 – Arizona, 27-26

Stephen McGee was shaping up as the hero, filling in for an injured Jon Kitna. He hit Miles Austin with a 37-yard touchdown pass with 1:41 to play to give the Cowboys the lead. Unfortunately David Buehler missed the PAT, giving Arizona hope.

John Skelton converted a 4th-and-15 with a 26-yard pass to Larry Fitzgerald, and Jay Feely won the game with a 48-yard field goal.

Sept. 11, 2011 – NY Jets, 27-24

The Cowboys led, 24-10, two plays into the fourth quarter following a Felix Jones touchdown. They were in position to answer a Jets touchdown with at least a field goal when Romo fumbled while diving to the New York goal line for his first of two fourth-quarter turnovers.

On the Cowboys’ next series, Joe McKnight blocked McBriar’s punt and Isaiah Trufant returned it 18 yards for the tying touchdown.

Late in regulation, Romo was intercepted by Darrelle Revis on a poor throw to Dez Bryant. That was turned into a game-winning field goal by former Cowboy Nick Folk.

Dec. 4, 2011 – Arizona, 19-13 (OT)

Sensing a trend with Arizona here?

Tied at 13-13, Romo put the Cowboys in position to win the game with another Dan Bailey field goal. His 15-yard completion to Bryant had the Cowboys at the Cardinals' 31-yard line. Yet with two timeouts and roughly 25 seconds to go, the Cowboys did not stop the clock until Romo spiked the ball with seven seconds to play.

As Bailey lined up for the game-winner, Garrett called a timeout because the play clock was running out. Bailey’s second attempt fell short, and in overtime the Cowboys would never get the ball.

LaRod Stephens-Howling raced 52 yards on a short flip from Kevin Kolb for the game-winner.

Dec. 11, 2011 – NY Giants, 37-34

Bryant’s 50-yard touchdown pass gave the Cowboys a 34-22 lead with 5:41 to play. All seemed well with the world.

Then Eli Manning happened. Again.

He shredded the Dallas defense on an eight-play, 80-yard drive that ended in a Jake Ballard touchdown catch and then directed New York on a six-play, 56-yard drive that ended in a Brandon Jacobs touchdown. The subsequent two-point conversion gave the Giants a three-point cushion.

During the second drive, Garrett let crucial seconds go off the clock again by failing to call a timeout until 1:00 remained.

Despite all that, two Romo-to-Miles Austin completions had the Cowboys at the New York 29-yard line with six seconds to play.

Before Bailey went in for the game-tying 47-yard try, Giants coach Tom Coughlin called a timeout, negating what turned out to be a good kick. Bailey’s second attempt wasn't close to going through the uprights.

Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul pushed between LaDouceur and Montrae Holland and deflected Bailey’s kick.

ARLINGTON -- When Roy Williams played with the Cowboys, he was always under the gun. It could be the drops. It could be his route running. It could be his conditioning.

Whatever it was, Williams was always fighting for his rep with the fans and media.

He needed a fresh start, but it seems after two drops in Monday's preseason game with the Chicago Bears, things have started all over again.

Here's a story from ESPNChicago about Williams' struggles in training camp.

In other former Cowboys' receiver news, Sam Hurd is wearing a walking boot due to a sprained ankle.

SAN ANTONIO -- Wide receiver Sam Hurd has agreed to terms on a contact to play for the Chicago Bears.

The Cowboys signed Hurd as an undrafted free agent in 2006 from Northern Illinois.

Hurd, a San Antonio native, always had a goal of being a receiver, but he made his mark with the Cowboys on special teams.

A special teams captain last year, Hurd finished second on the team with 21 tackles. In 2009, Hurd led the Cowboys with 19 special teams tackles.

"I'm excited about this, no hard feelings towards Dallas," Hurd told ESPNDallas. "It's a job and it had nothing to do with the Cowboys. I would love to play for the Cowboys but I've always loved the city of Chicago and what the Bears stood for."

Hurd brings speed and experience to the Bears receiving corps. When Hurd signed with the Cowboys he was tutored on how to run routes, catch passes and be a professional from Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn. In later years he learned how to get better from Roy Williams.

Still, Hurd couldn't surpass, Patrick Crayton and eventually Miles Austin on the depth chart. Last season when the Cowboys drafted Dez Bryant, it was the writing on the wall for several players including Crayton, who was eventually traded to San Diego. Hurd asked for a trade as well, but it didn't happen. Kevin Ogletree's emergence also complicated things for Hurd, who couldn't get enough playing time on offense.

The Cowboys did make Hurd an offer to stay, but the Bears made a commitment to make him a wide receiver.

"I hear great things about Chicago," Hurd said. "I know Lovie is a great mind and I hear great things about Mike Martz. I'm excited and my mind and heart is open and I get a chance to play receiver. That's all I can ask for. If the other guy is better than me, hey, I'm all about team and I'm happy for that guy. But if I can compete for a spot I will do that."

SAN ANTONIO -- With Roy Williams gone, the Cowboys appear to be short in their wide receiver depth after Miles Austin and Dez Bryant.

Kevin Ogletree will get a chance to be the No. 3 wide receiver. Sam Hurd could be an option to return. They took Dwayne Harris late in the draft and they have Jesse Holley, Manny Johnson, Troy Bergeron, Teddy Williams and some other guys in camp.

Should the Cowboys go out and get a No. 3 wide receiver?

The biggest question is Bryant’s health. He missed most of his rookie training camp and all of the preseason with an ankle injury. He broke his ankle at Indianapolis with four games to go. He always seemed to have some nagging injury.

To me, that would be the only reason to get a No. 3 wide out; insurance for Bryant.

But if you’re wanting the Cowboys to get a No. 3 wide out because you’re not sure about Ogletree, Hurd and so many others, then I think you’re off base.

With Austin, Bryant, Jason Witten and Felix Jones, you’re looking at roughly 285-300 receptions among them. A No. 3 wide receiver would get about 30 catches, maybe. Economically speaking, to me, it would not make much sense to go grab a veteran, like a Lance Moore, Steve Breaston or Derrick Mason, for that type of production.

And, yes, I say all this realizing it is a big gamble to rely on Bryant.

SAN ANTONIO -- The Cowboys' decision to part ways with Roy Williams could open the door for the return of Sam Hurd. However, there could be some competition for the veteran wide receiver.

According to a source, Hurd received interest from a few teams Tuesday in addition to the Cowboys.

Hurd is looking for a chance to earn playing time as a wide receiver after spending most of his time with the Cowboys as a No. 4 or 5 wide receiver and special teams stalwart. Had Williams returned, Hurd almost assuredly would have signed somewhere else.

With Williams out of the picture, the Cowboys' No. 3 receiver spot behind Miles Austin and Dez Bryant is currently a battle between Kevin Ogletree and rookie Dwayne Harris. Hurd has 45 catches for 630 yards and two touchdowns in his career but has never had more than 19 catches in a season. He finished second on the team with 21 special teams tackles.

Hurd knows the offense and all three wide receiver spots, which could make him more attractive to the Cowboys should they not look for another wideout on the open market.

Once the lockout is lifted, the free-agency frenzy begins. The Cowboys will need to add at least one starting safety, but the majority of their work will consist of creating cap space and re-signing their own free agents.

It isn't likely that the Cowboys will keep all of their notable free agents. We know Jerry Jones has been busy with labor negotiations, so here's a little help for the owner/GM: a list prioritizing the free agents the Cowboys need to try to keep.

LT Doug Free: Free, 27, has a strong season as the starting left tackle under his belt and couldn’t have much better leverage. The Cowboys don’t have a decent plan to replace him. First-round pick Tyron Smith has potential to be a left tackle, but it’s asking too much of a 20-year-old rookie to expect him to learn the playbook on the fly while figuring out how to play on the opposite side that he played at USC. To lock up Free to a long-term deal, the Cowboys will probably have to pay more than they want. Proven left tackles just entering their prime are hot commodities on the open market.

DE Stephen Bowen: Bowen, who had developed a reputation as a nice interior nickel pass-rusher, proved in the second half of last season that he can be a solid starter. The Cowboys will certainly have competition for the 27-year-old's services. The Redskins, who are more than $10 million under the salary cap, are a 3-4 team expected to make a run at Bowen.

SS Gerald Sensabaugh: When the Cowboys didn’t draft a safety, they ensured that Sensabaugh -- who had five interceptions last season after struggling for the first eight games -- would have a lot of leverage. Safety is the biggest hole on the roster. If the Cowboys don’t re-sign Sensabaugh, they’ll have to find two starting safeties in free agency. However, count on the Cowboys to be cautious about overpaying Sensabaugh, considering they regretted giving safeties Roy Williams and Ken Hamlin lucrative deals. Sensabaugh wants a significant raise and a long-term deal after making $1.8 million last season. It’d be surprising if he agreed to a deal before testing the open market.

LG Kyle Kosier: Kosier, a good technician who makes many of the Cowboys’ line calls, has been Dallas’ most underrated lineman for years. Based purely on contributions, he would rank at least one spot higher on this list. But Montrae Holland has significant
starting experience and would be at least a decent left guard if Kosier departed.

DE Marcus Spears: He gets judged harshly around here because he’s a former first-round pick who hasn’t put up impressive numbers. However, Spears is a solid run-stuffer with high character. If the price is right, there is certainly room for him in a defensive end rotation with Igor Olshansky and (hopefully) Bowen. If the Cowboys can’t keep Bowen, Spears might become a priority.

DE Jason Hatcher: He’s had ample opportunity to earn more playing time. It hasn’t happened. He’s a decent backup but the most expendable of the Cowboys’ three unrestricted free-agent defensive ends.

WR Sam Hurd: He’s been the Cowboys’ best special-teams player over the last few years, but Hurd wants a chance to be in a receiver rotation. That’s not going to happen with the Cowboys. If Hurd signs with another team, sixth-round pick Dwayne Harris should take his spot on the roster.

One item in ESPN.com’s report about the progress in NFL labor discussions should be of particular interest to Dallas Cowboys fans.

According to sources, the collective bargaining agreement being pitched to NFL owners on Tuesday would require players to have only four years of service before becoming an unrestricted free agent.

That would affect four Dallas free agents who would have been restricted under the 2010 system: left tackle Doug Free, defensive end Stephen Bowen, defensive end Jason Hatcher and receiver/special teams captain Sam Hurd.

Free’s status would be especially concerning to the Cowboys. They put the highest restricted tender (first- and third-round picks) on Free in March, determined to keep him after the 27-year-old performed well in his first full campaign as a starter. They’ve long planned to reach a long-term deal with Free after the lockout ended.

“He’ll be our No. 1 priority when things start up,” executive vice president Stephen Jones said the week of the draft. “We want to sign Doug back.”

Owner/general manager Jerry Jones acknowledged before the draft that it would be significantly more difficult to keep Free if four-year veterans were allowed to become unrestricted free agents.

"Under one set of circumstances, we've got to sign Free," Jones said. "Under another set, we may not be able to keep him. We'll see where we are."

The Cowboys drafted USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith with the ninth overall pick, selecting an offensive lineman in the first round for the first time during Jones’ 22-year ownership tenure. While Smith has the potential to play left tackle, the Cowboys drafted him to pair with Free, not replace the youngest member of the Dallas offensive line.

It could also cause the Cowboys problems if Bowen and Hatcher are unrestricted. They did not address their need for a defensive end in the draft. Marcus Spears, the starter until a midseason injury, is an unrestricted free agent. Bowen started the remainder of the season.

The Cowboys placed the second-round tender on Bowen and Hatcher, a strong sign they intended to keep both of them.

The Cowboys took a risk by not placing the franchise or transition tag on Free, who could have a lot of leverage when the lockout is lifted.

Several agents don't believe some of the tender contract offers NFL teams gave to players in the last few days will mean anything.

The uncertainty of the collective bargaining agreement, with the deadline to get one completed on March 3 fast approaching, is raising questions.

Will players with four years experience go back to restricted free agent status or become unrestricted? What about players with five years experience?

Even the franchise tags that are placed. Will they mean anything?

So many questions.

The Cowboys, like most teams, had to make some decisions regarding their free agents and we review some of them.

Doug Free.

The Cowboys placed a first-and-third round tender on Free, meaning an opposing team would give up two draft picks for the left tackle. The Cowboys did this last year with wide receiver Miles Austin. In a mini-protest if you will, he missed the first few days of the offseason workouts and didn't sign the tender until just before the deadline.

Austin said it wasn't a protest, but the team worked out a long-term deal with him that made everybody happy. The Cowboys have held preliminary talks with Free's agent, Jimmy Sexton, about a new deal, and have until March 3 to work something out.

The tender on Free is a cheaper move for the organization. A franchise tag would give Free a $10.1 million salary instead of the $3.5 million he's going to receive in 2011.

Sam Hurd

The Cowboys didn't do anything with the wide receiver and this is a good thing. While Hurd was a strong special teams player, his request for a trade after the team drafted Dez Bryant and his inability to progress as a wide receiver meant it was time to move on. Hurd was a good locker room guy and helped the younger players understand how important special teams is. But there appears to be more upside with Kevin Ogletree than Hurd and if the team keeps Roy Williams another season, it means fewer snaps for Hurd.

Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen

The two backup defensive ends received second-round tenders giving each a salary of $1.934 million. It's a safe play for Bowen because there's a strong chance the Cowboys draft a defensive end with the ninth pick of the draft. If that's the case, Bowen can either backup the rookie or come in on some nickel packages. Hatcher has never caught on here and if anything he's insurance in the event the Cowboys don't get that defensive end.

Alan Ball

The starting free safety struggled last season. Ball received the original round tender of about $1.4 million. A team would have to give up a seventh-round pick for Ball and that appears doubtful. Ball was originally drafted as a cornerback and should return to that role where his athletic ability allows him to make more plays when covering somebody. He did get better at reacting to the ball as the season progressed, but it was too late.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Cowboys are expected to tender some contracts to their restricted free agents this week maybe as soon as today.

The uncertainty of the collective bargaining agreement has some teams, including the Cowboys, trying to figure out if some free agents are restricted or unrestricted.

Left tackle Doug Free, defensive end Stephen Bowen, defensive end Jason Hatcher, wide receiver Sam Hurd and linebacker Leon Williams would be restricted free agents if the 2010 season CBA rules remain in place.

But under the old rules of the CBA these players would be unrestricted.

The Cowboys are expected to tender Free, Bowen, Hatcher, Hurd and Williams.

This would protect the Cowboys from offering long-term deals to players such as Free and Bowen who played well last year. Free could have been franchised which would have cost the Cowboys more than $10 million, but it was hard to give him this deal after only one year as the fulltime starter at left tackle.

Hurd and Hatcher want to test the free agent market to see if they can play fulltime with another team.

Most of the tenders for most of these players would be second round which is close to $2 million in salary. Last year's second-round tenders were $1.759 million and that figure might go up.

Free might get the highest tender, a first round or possiblly a first-and-third round, which is around $3 million.

Safety Alan Ball will most likely get a right-of-first-refusal tender, cornerback Bryan McCann and wide receiver Jesse Holley are exclusive rights free agents.

Here are the free agents: Alan Ball, Alex Barron, Stephen Bowen, Doug Free, Chris Greisen, Jason Hatcher, Jesse Holley, Sam Hurd, Kyle Kosier, Bryan McCann, Gerald Sensabaugh, Marcus Spears and Leon Williams.

Our offseason Cowboys Position Series continues with a look at the wide receivers.

Players:Roy Williams (signed through 2013), Sam Hurd (free agent), Manuel Johnson (free agent), Miles Austin (signed through 2016), Jesse Holley (free agent), Dez Bryant (signed through 2014), Kevin Ogletree (signed through 2011), Troy Bergeron (free agent)

Top free agents:Braylon Edwards, New York Jets; Malcom Floyd, San Diego Chargers; Santonio Holmes, New York Jets; Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers; Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings

Top draft prospects: A.J. Green Georgia; Julio Jones, Alabama; Randall Cobb, Kentucky; Torrey Smith, Maryland; Tandon Doss, IndianaAJ

2010 review:This was a talented group. It has speed in Miles Austin and Dez Bryant along with the big play ability of Roy Williams. Williams scored five touchdowns the first five weeks of the season then disappeared. Austin had over 1,000 receiving yards and earned another Pro Bowl berth. What was telling for Austin was his 10 droops, fifth most in the NFL and he was tied for 28th in fourth quarter receiving with 18 catches for 255 yards. What can you say about Bryant? He was fantastic. He had more third down catches than Williams and more fourth quarter touchdowns than Austin. Once he masters the playbook he could be an unstoppable force. A lack of playing time hurt Sam Hurd and Kevin Ogletree last year. Hurd is a free agent and he could play for another team. Ogletree will get a chance to emerge as a receiving threat.

Offseason preview: It might be time to cut Roy Williams, but it appears he’s going to be here in 2011. The lack of a No. 3 receiver if he should go, gives him the security. But the Cowboys need to make him productive for an entire season. Bryant has to master the playbook, something he didn’t do last year and Austin was a steady threat in the passing game. Ogletree was a good route runner now he has to get more chances to do it in games. If so, he could move past Williams up the depth chart. Drafting a wide receiver isn’t out of the question, but you wonder if Jesse Holley will get opportunities to play on offense in 2011.

Need meter (1-5): 2

The business of the NFL never stops, and today is the first time teams can start releasing players.

The collective bargaining agreement expires March 3 and, if no agreement is reached, league business stops. If the Cowboys or any other team doesn't want a player, the clock is ticking to get it done.

A team source didn't expect any roster moves coming today.

Players can also get franchised, according to the league. But union officials said teams can't do that, so there remains a dispute.

The Cowboys have 13 free agents, and it hasn't been determined who is unrestricted and restricted.

The unlucky or lucky 13 are: Alan Ball, Alex Barron, Stephen Bowen, Doug Free, Chris Greisen, Jason Hatcher, Jesse Holley, Sam Hurd, Kyle Kosier, Bryan McCann, Gerald Sensabaugh, Marcus Spears and Leon Williams.

Now there are a few players who could be on the chopping block for any number of reasons, whether it's production or a cost-cutting move.

Those players are: Marion Barber, Roy Williams, David Buehler, Marc Colombo, Andre Gurode, Leonard Davis, Keith Brooking, Terence Newman and Igor Olshansky.

There will be more than 400 free agents, for now, unless something changes within the rules of a new CBA that would lower that number.

The Cowboys have some hard decisons. They also have the ninth pick of the NFL draft, which also could affect who could remain on the roster.

DANNY MCCRAY

Position: Safety
Height: 6-1. Weight: 214
College: LSU
How acquired: 2010, undrafted free agent

What he did in 2010: He led the Cowboys in special teams tackles with 28. McCray earned his spot on the roster in the preseason, where he led the team with five special teams tackles which helped him become one of four rookie free agents to make the team. McCray saw limited time at safety during the season but the team's trust in him was mainly on special teams. Late in the season, McCray struggled to make two open field tackles while on defense raising some questions about his ability to make plays.

What to look for in 2011: If the Cowboys let Sam Hurd go in free agency, McCray would become one of their special teams leaders. However, the problem for the Cowboys was secondary play. It appears McCray will be given a chance to compete for a safety spot if one isn't drafted. Alan Ball and Gerald Sensabaugh are potential free agents in 2011, so the Cowboys could lose both players. McCray, who had 196 tackles in 52 games in college, has a chance to make his mark.

Quotable: "In college, I made my mark on tackles. I have to tackle and when I couldn't make a few of those tackles [late in the season] it bothered me. I think I can do better if given the chance. I understand the scheme and just need more chances to help the team." -- Danny McCray

KEVIN OGLETREE

Position: Wide receiver
Height: 6-1. Weight: 198
College: Virginia
How acquired: 2009, Free agent

What he did in 2010:Ogletree started off slow in training camp according to some team officials. But as the season progressed, Ogletree was one of the more improved players on the team. Jason Garrett wants his players to be consistent not only in games but in practices, and that was something Ogletree eventually did during the year. But Ogletree had only three catches for 34 yards before suffering a right big toe injury that placed him on injured reserve Dec. 15.

What to look for in 2011:The wide receiving corps might look different this fall if Roy Williams is sent packing and Sam Hurd finds a team willing to make him a receiver full-time. If that happens, Ogletree is in play to become the No. 3 receiver behind Dez Bryant and Miles Austin. Ogletree runs good routes and has good hands but consistent he performs during the year can determine how much playing time he'll receive.

Quotable:"I just wait for my opportunities. When your name is called you got to play and produce, that's the NFL. I knew I had to stay patient because I had some other guys in front of me and I'm willing to accept that." -- Kevin Ogletree

Bryan Broaddus’ Scout’s Eye:"He's a guy that when you watch him play, you do see the smoothness as a route runner and that's his game. He's got really good timed speed but you don't see him play that fast. He needs to be a little more consistent in catching the football, that's the biggest thing about him. Kevin needs to find a way to work to get himself open more and he needs to be a little more physical doing it that's the thing for him. I feel like he's got a lot of ability."

IRVING, Texas -- The Cowboys have mainly accomplished-healthy wide receiver and that's Miles Austin. His accomplishments have occurred in the last two seasons.

Roy E. Williams is hurting with a slight groin injury and was limited in practice on Wednesday.

What's left is Sam Hurd, who missed practice with a headache, Jesse Holley, Teddy Williams and Manny Johnson have yet to catch a NFL pass.

If Williams is unavailable for Sunday's regular season finale at Philadelphia it would leave little experience at the position.

"We got to see how those guys do," interim coach Jason Garrett said of the injured receivers. "We do have some guys banged up and we’ll see how they’ll do the next couple of days. We have to be able to manage it like we do every week with different personnel groups. Regardless of what the position is sometimes the runners are limited, the tight ends are limited and in this case it's the receivers and so you got to be able to do it in different ways."

Holley was moved from the practice squad to the active roster for the Vikings game on Oct. 17 and has gotten limited snaps on offense. He's mainly played special teams and is third on the team with 16 tackles in that area.

Johnson has been targeted just once on offense, Dec. 19 vs. Washington, and was inactive last week vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

Williams is still learning the position, and though we has moved up to the active roster last week, he was inactive for the Cardinals game.

"I think they’re doing well," Garrett said of Holley and Johnson. "Jesse Holley has been a very strong contributor to our special teams and he's grown each and every day as a receiver and Manny had a chance to be active a couple of weeks ago and he continues to grow as a receiver. Those guys just need experience and need practice reps and obviously when we get them in the game those are really worth while to them."

This might be the week to see them.