Dallas Cowboys: Why an angry Orlando Scandrick is good for the rookies

Orlando Scandrick may not be happy after hearing rumors that the Dallas Cowboys were trying to deal him during the draft, but here’s why an angry Scandy may prove to be good thing.

In April, during the NFL Draft, rumors surfaced that the Dallas Cowboys were looking to deal cornerback Orlando Scandrick. While the Cowboys vehemently deny such activity, the logic behind the move makes a bit of sense.

Draft picks are never more valued than during the draft so it’s not surprising the Cowboys were looking to add more picks. Additionally, the Cowboys were already knee-deep in a cornerback overhaul, adding Nolan Carroll in free agency and Chidobe Awuzie in the second round.

Awuzie, a versatile cornerback experienced on the boundary as well as the nickel, was essentially a younger, cheaper, and possibly better version of Scandrick himself. Scandrick, 30, isn’t exactly over-the-hill but injuries have crept up over the years taking a toll on his skill and limiting his time on the field.

Scandrick, no stranger to disrespect, has been down this road before. Not necessarily in the form of trade-talk, but in attempts at premature replacement. Whether it was Brandon Carr, Mike Jenkins, or Morris Claiborne, Scandy has survived Dallas’ attempts at “upgrading”.

"“I was here when they drafted Morris No. 6,” Scandrick said. “I’m just going to come to work and do the same thing and just do me and continue to try to get better.”"

Angry “Scandy” is a good “Scandy”

It’s safe to say Orlando “Scandy” Scandrick has some fire. From his days back in Boise to today in Dallas, Scandy is a fighter. Not always the most likeable personality to deal with, Scandrick is a born competitor.

This isn’t even to imply that competition makes him step up his game, either. I firmly believe Scandrick is just wired to try his hardest at all times, regardless of external motivation.

Orlando Scandrick is all about attitude and that attitude will rub off and make this young secondary rise to higher heights.

No, what I’m getting at is Orlando Scandrick’s attitude and how it will impact the rookie class.

Scandrick plays angry. He’s not looking to make friends out on the football field. He’s looking to conquer foes.

Whether the rumors to the trade are true or not is almost irrelevant. It’s impossible to dispel those thoughts once you’ve heard them.

Especially for a guy like Scandy. And given the Cowboys track record at trying to replace him, Scandy would be foolish NOT to believe those rumors.

Mini-camps and training camp will very likely feature an angry and jaded Orlando Scandrick. Not the kind that pouts or gives up but rather the kind that’s out for blood, so to speak.

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And why is that good?

Because he sets the tone in a rebuilt secondary.

With the exception of Barry Church, the free agents who departed the Dallas Cowboys this offseason were thinned skinned at a position where thin skin can be terminal. It always seemed Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, and J.J. Wilcox were always one bad play away from a total meltdown.

Orlando Scandrick is quite the opposite. He lines up expecting to win every single play. Regardless if he just got beat. You can see it in his play and arguably it’s his greatest asset.

The Dallas Cowboys have flushed away their fragile-minded defensive backs from last season and rebuilt the secondary with confident (maybe even cocky) playmakers and leaders. Scandrick, the veteran of the secondary, will be a mentor to the young defensive backs whether he means to or not.

"“I just control the things that I can control,” Scandrick said. “I feel like when I’m healthy and on top of my game, I can compete with anybody. I feel like I’m as good as they can get. I’m confident in my abilities.”"

Orlando Scandrick is saying all the right things and you can bet he will respond on the field the right way as well. It’s that quality that will be instilled in the rookies coming into camp. It’s that attitude that can take an otherwise average player and catapult him to greater things.

With “the 214” leading the Cowboys for the next decade (#21 Ezekiel Elliott and #4 Dak Prescott) Super Bowl expectations will be constant. Since the Cowboys will likely be playing with a lead, having strong-minded players in the secondary is must – especially when the pressure is on.

Next: Is Nolan Carroll Good Enough to be the Cowboys' Starter?

Orlando Scandrick is all about attitude and that attitude will rub off and make this young secondary rise to higher heights. Worried he may be cranky, chippy, and angry? Don’t be. That’s exactly what this team needs and that’s exactly why Scandy’s remained a Cowboy despite repeated attempts to replace him.

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