104 Comments to ‘The X Factor — Stanback’: »

cormanman:

Yep

jarhead:

Rafael,
they’re showing their age over there with that list. “Bart Starr, who?” they say.

At least they gave you some love after discussing one of your threads recently. I wondered if they’d received a letter from a lawyer soon before that post.

jarhead:

One note on the draft:
Im usually a BPA type guy, but this year circumstances might dictate a break from that.

I think the boys have some wiggle room to forego “value” with a pair of lower first rounders.

If there is a run on CBs, say between 13-20, and the boys are looking at a board with no 1st round graded CBs on it at 22, i think they should consider spending it on a guy graded out as a 2nd rounder.

Here is my rationale. If they have a CB rated as 2nd round talent, but they’re confident that he can step in and instantly improve the 3rd CB position (i mean an instant upgrade over a J.Reeves level of talent), then Im for it. whats more, if the guy can play at that level and has the ability to step into the 2nd CB slot (more sooner than later), then the long term “value” of that pick is readily apparent.

It will be called a “reach,” and by the strictest definition, it will be. However, if the boys are guessing the guy will likely not be there at 28, and definitely wont be there in the lower 2nd, then spend the pick on him. Thats not to say we dont entertain trade down offers, but we cant just assume those are going to happen at 22.

This is where you cant get too wrapped up on “value.” Will the guy step in and instantly fill a position of need? Is there a good chance that he is a long term answer as a #1 or #2 CB? if those answers are “yes,” he is worth a pick at #22 and the associated money.

THEAIRFORCEBAT:

Raf-

ESPN just shockingly put up a mockdraft that made sense. #22 Jenkins
#28- Devin Thomas

The worst one I’ve seen is foxsports… they had dallas picking jamall charles with their first pick.

Sam:

I’ve been on record here stating that the reason the Cowboys have not gone after a WR in free agency is because there is no room at the WR position on the team and the fact that we are bumping up against the salary cap ceiling. When I say no room, here is what I’m talking about:

T.O.–will have his roster bonus funded.

T.G.–IF healthy, there is no way the team cuts him this year as it would be more expensive to let him loose than to keep him.

Crayton–just signed a big deal.

Those threee are a guarantee to be on the roster assuming Glenn is healthy, so drafting a WR in the first round might not seem prudent as he will rarely see the field in his first year.

However, ‘09 could be a problem. I doubt T.O. will be signed for another round and most likely T.G. will be done as well, so now that leaves a gapping hole. Who is going to fill those two starting roles if we all deem Crayton to be a third WR?

Regardless of whom those players might be, at least one of them has to be on the roster this year. The other guy could come in free agency or the draft in next year’s offseason, but you’d like to not go into the offseason next year needing both starters.

So if the team really feels Stanback is the guy then they will probably take a pass in drafting a WR in the first round this year. If he is not the guy, then they are going to need to cover their bases for the ‘09 season and get a guy on the team now that has a future at the WR position.

Personally, I never liked the Stanback pick. When it was made, I was convinced that Jerry was running the show again and that we just picked another Quincy Carter, but we’ll see. My prediction is that he’ll probably have more of a career like Patrick Craton than of T.O.

Squidlo97:

sam, I think you are right about there being a good possibility of tTO and TG not being around after this year. I think TO will still be a top player but he might be thinking he should be getting 10 million a year and at his age thats kinda scary. I would probably resign him to a similar contract after this year and maybe even a small raise.

However, the fact that both could be gone tells me we need another on the roster from an early round developing. Whether we like Stanbach or not he has not shown anything in a game and will need to grow a great deal. If we dont have 2 on the roster developing we lose leverage in negotiations with TO and we will be on the FA hunt for another WR. You see what those guys got in FA (they werent all that great) and that makes me more determined to get one early.

Ive said it early and often but we need to make this a skill draft.

birdness:

“It will be called a “reach,” and by the strictest definition, it will be”

Never ever reach. If there’s run on CBs, then there’s a glut somewhere else. Jerry needs a RB and WR too. Besides CB is locked out of the top 6 picks. Even the Pats at 7 without a trade down, may opt to go LB (Rivers or Connors maybe the best from LB State U).

Furthermore, second round graded CB would look much better at #28, even better in a trade down to the top quarter of the second.

DRC
McKelvin
Jenkins
Talib
Flowers
Cason
Smith
Porter
King
Godfrey

All 10 by #28 is unlikely. There’s still a few after that capable of Reeves play as a third CB.

Burning picks and players to trade up into the top ten would be a mistake. I could live with using our firsts bumping up a few spots (Bearz) provded Jerry lands a wow player and gets a 08 second or 09 first back.

birdness:

“I never liked the Stanback pick. When it was made, I was convinced that Jerry was running the show again ”

At least Jerry waited for the 4th round to start grabbing his value guys. That used to happen in the first and second rounds.

sgtcwby:

Haven’t really followed Jenkins that well. What do we know about him? Is he comparable to DRC or Porter? Strengths and weaknesses? If we have the potential of drafting him, I would like to know a little bout him.

Haven’t heard to much about him on this blog.

birdness:

“draft that guy higher than the 3rd? it would be stupid. and it does seem that rbs are becoming a dime a dozen”

How much was Turner’s contract? Barber will command more. If Jerry extends Marrion then a can’t miss carry the load kind of RB isn’t needed. However, a quality complement is needed. If that complement is Felix Jones, Jamaal Charles or Chris Hohnson than the 3rd round is too late.

Squidlo97:

He was the highest rated CB before the combine and I think the early verdict was that he would be gone before we picked so not much was said about him. This actually might be a good thing for us if in fact it is better to stay with your post season/precombine grades. He is a talented guy that had no where to go but down. Right now corners like DRC are climbing like mad causing him to slip though he has done nothing wrong.

Squidlo97:

I dont think JJ has extended MBIII simply because he hasnt given up on DMAC and you never know if he will get that 1st and 3rd. Though it seems unlikely and it appears he wants Marion untouchable until he sees how things are going to shake out in the draft and with trades. I think he has done a good job keeping it close to the vest.

Saw on espn where John Clayton still thinks something is brewing with Pacman. Im on record as not wanting him and would fear his shenanigans cant help but think of how good he could make us. Im trying to get on board with this move because Im starting to think we might make it.

Imagine getting Pacman and trading up for DMAC, using our second and third on CB/WR. We would freaking be down right scary if we didnt self implode.

jarhead:

birdness,
if they’re confident the guy will be on the board at 28, then it makes much more sense to draft him there than at 22. If they’re NOT confident he’ll be there after 5 more picks (remember, some teams grade players out differently), then they’ll have a hard decision to make.

Lets say we have a guy graded as a second rounder, but take him at 22, and he turns out to be one of our top 2 CBs for the next few years, would it matter if he was taken a little earlier than expected?

birdness:

McKelvin and DRC are both small school guys. Jenkins played at mighty South Florida. His measurables are almost identical to McKelvin. Throughout last season Jenkins was considered a top CB prospect, he carries a first round grade.

Jenkins was probably out of Jerry’s reach without a massive trade up. But Jenkins never played for the hogs.

McKelvin and DRC gained some momentum at the Senior Bowl, DRC even more at the combine. So maybe Jenkins is back in play.

Here’s a writeup

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/cb/mikejenkins.html

birdness:

“Imagine getting Pacman and trading up for DMAC”

and getting Hall from the Falcons for Henry and Carpenter and the Cards would just give us Boldin …

I’ll think the Boys will be fine if Jerry can sit tight during the draft and let the players, trade offers come to him.

buster:

I actually think there’s a great chance T.O. will be on the team next year. My thinking goes like this: He has, for the most part, been a model citizen, his production is second to none, there are no signs of him slowing down, and apparently he loves this team and his QB. If he hits the open market, he’s as good as gone because the price will go way up. So, I think JJ will lock him up before free agency starts next year and he’ll be a Cowboy for the rest of his career.

As for T.G. - I don’t think he’ll play much this year; maybe a 3rd receiver at best. Next year though, I think he’s gone. I think he’s just hanging out trying to get a ring, and I can’t blame him for that.

birdness:

Jarhead,

I agree it doesn’t matter were a player gets drafted - just as long as they become NFL players not just prospects.

My point was even if there’s a huge run, the CBs are deep this year and Jerry gets a second chance at #28 (nobody else gets that) GMs get one shot at their guy. If they starting reaching for CBs with second round talent, more highly regarded first round players at other positions will be availble at #22.

I don’t pretend to know how the draft will break, but say 8 CBs go by #22 along with

Ryan
Dmac, Mendenhall
Long, Claddy
Kelly
Dorsey, Ellis, Balmer
Long, Gholston, Merling
Rivers

That would leave Jerry with
Harvey, Campbell,
Connor,
Phillips,
a couple OTs
the best OG,
4 toed Stewart
Sweed, Hardy, Thomas, Jackson
or the #9 CB

I can’t see a corner when the #9 CB is like to still be there at #28.

birdness:

“I think JJ will lock him up before free agency starts next year ”

How important is it for TO to play for a ring? He also might get a shot at Moss’s single seaons TD record.

Magic:

Raf - You could have abreviated the whole DMN/BQB comment to: It’s DMN, so it’s not worth the pixels.

I agree with the idea of targeting CB at the expense of BPA up to a point. Best top-30 overall CB available at #22, or best top-40 at #28. But let’s not reach into 3rd round grades just to take a CB.

birdness:

For me Rodgers-Cromartie, McKelvin and Jenkins are the best CBs, I would probably like them over any other player at #22. Talib, Flowers, Cason would be good picks at #22, but I would like to know who is also available. Now if Porter, Godfrey or King are the guy, then I definitely need to know who is available. For example, second round CB or getting Phillips - the number one safety in this draft. Same question for the best potential left tackle or OG. Waiting 6 more picks to get a CB won’t be a significant drop in talent, the next player at another position could be a huge drop.

swirvin:

I heard a rumor that “under the table” conversations were happening with Stewart telling him to have the surgery so he would have a better chance of slippng to Dallas- one of the few Playoff conteneders looking for a 1st roundRB.

jarhead:

On TO,
there is no reason to think he cant play at his current level for the next two years. He is a specimen, and he continues to work at a high level to retain his physical capability.

The issue with him and iggles started with money. I would recommend signing him out for two more years to a similar contract parameter that he came to dallas under. Give him a SB this year too, spread it out over two years. As long as the cap hit doesn’t exceed what he already has, i think its a smart deal.

stoproyce:

whered you hear this rumor swirvin? im interested i thought i had the rumor mills covered?

dg54:

Is Stanback the only X-factor on the current roster? It has always been my hope that our personell people and coaches get and keep people on the roster who they believe can contribute. Most especially the yung ones who may not have had as much experience in college BUT have some of that all important “it”.
What do we know about the underlings in our areas of need:
CB:- Ball, Butler, Wishom, Phinisee, Everett(S), and Brown (S)?
NT:- Siavii(6-4, 344, 5.11-40?
RB:- Alonzo Coleman
WR:- Austin, Hurd, Mike Jefferson?
FB:- Ron Cruz?
TE:- Rodney Hannah?
Are these guys coming along? How can this and Stanback’s development be tracked?
Is this soemthing else this great Blog can do for the elite Cowboys fans?
Please say yes.

Toast:

I’ve always been of the opinions that combine and pro-day workouts are okay…
But for my money, the player’s performance his entire college career is what actually means what kind of player he is……
Some guys do well on workouts and other can play football. If we think Jenkins has solid college career than DRC, then lets pick him.

Squidlo97:

Jarhead, I think I know where you are coming from on post 3. If we took a poll on this blog about being allowed only 1 pick, I think it would be CB/DB by a long shot. We all feel that the 3rd CB was our achillis heel.

If thats the case then we need to come out of this draft with the best corner we can. If they have a run on them and there are only CBs graded with 2nd round grades left at 28 then we might have to reach. We could try trading down 5 picks or so but that may be dangerous as well.

Fighter15:

There are few absolutes in the NFL, but one of the most tried and true is never draft for need.

Now that’s not to say that team needs don’t play a role, they do. However, if you draft on need alone it gets you David LaFleur, Quincy Carter, and Bobby Carpenter.

Drafting BPA gets you Demarcus Ware (over Spears), T-New, and Spencer.

It also allows for trading down and picking up extra picks.

swirvin:

Stoproyce

– Rumor mill of 2- my cube neighbor anbd co-Cowboys fan and I.— we’re just bored really. No truth tot hat rumor at all—-although it would make an evil kind of sense and be just he thing that Big Jerry would get excited about.

Turbo:

I agree with Buster, although I don’t believe he mentioned that TO actually has a great relationship with his QB for once.

TO and Romo make a great combo

birdness:

“CBs graded with 2nd round grades left at 28 then we might have to reach.CBs graded with 2nd round grades left at 28 then we might have to reach.”

That a great move (big CB run, take best CB at #28), I have trouble with taking that same CB at #22.

The difference between the best player at his position and the next best may be significant. The difference between the 9th best and 10th best probable isn’t much and will be difficult to project over and NFL career.

It’s easy to identify the good diamonds (but hard to find them), the good quartz is easy to find but looks just like the rest of the quartz.

Squidlo97:

The New Orleans paper reports that Tulane had its pro day and Forte looked good. He didnt run the 40 but did drills and such. The Cowboys were reported as being in attendance. He is 6′1″ and 221lbs and ran a 4.46 forty. He was also MVP of the Sr. bowl. They say his stock has risen to the 2nd round but for a RB I bet its a 3rd rounder. I still like this guy. LSU has its pro day scheduled for March 26th.

Squidlo97:

“The difference between the best player at his position and the next best may be significant.”

Thats why they grade the players and not slot them.

I just think that if CB is our biggest weakness then I dont want to leave the draft with only 1 CB with a 3rd-4th round grade because by god we cant reach. The only reaching that Im dead set against is the reach for rolaids.

jarhead:

fighter,
lefluer was taken higher than 22 or 28, i believe it was 11, and there were many who knew he wasnt the next novachek.

I think the days of making QC moves in the draft are over, so put that concern to bed.

Carpenter still has a year, but the clock is ticking.

ware filled a “need” position, did he not?

T-new filled a “need” position, did he not?

Spencer did too, or were you convinced greg ellis would come back and play to the level he did after a season-ending injury? BTW, we traded back up to get spencer on the assumption he would play alot.

so it will go with CB. We can readily assume our 3rd string CB will play alot this season.

Im saying, if you’ve got a guy rated as a second rounder and you’re confident he can play as the 3rd CB RIGHT NOW, AND be a number 1 or 2 guy after a year, why not consider taking him at 22, and definitely why not at 28?

Brooklyn Rancher:

I hope I am wrong but I would be very surprised if Stanback made any type of significant contribution as a WR this year. It’s a major transition and he got virtually no experience last year. We have to draft a WR in one of the first two rounds, in my opinion.

greatwhitenorth:

jarhead, LaFleur was indeed taken with the #22 overall pick in ‘97 (wikipedia says it, so it must be true).

greatwhitenorth:

I think that not only does TO stay in Dallas next year, but I think there’s a very good chance he gets an extension before training camp starts. TO is at his best (and quietest) when he’s getting paid like the premier receiver he is; this was the genius of Jerry’s signing him to a top-dollar deal even after the Philly debacle. I’m seeing a very Moss-like extension headed TO’s way soon, 3 years $27-28 million. And barring injury, he’ll earn that money.

jarhead:

then i guess what i remember is gonzales going at 11, with the boys trying to work a trade up to get him and failing to do so.

had he indeed turned out to be the next novachek, it would have been a good pick, even if he was considered 2nd round material, we all know he did not.

this year, if we “reach” for a 2nd round rated CB at 22 or 28, and he turns out to be a solid starting CB for the next 5 years, i say let goose and kiper call JJ a “reacher” till the cows come home.

greatwhitenorth:

If you had a crystal ball that forecasted 100% accuracy that Stanback will indeed become a starter-quality WR as soon as 2009, I still take a WR in the first three rounds of this draft, preferably Devin Thomas at #28 in round one. It will likely take 2-3 years for a WR to develop, and by that point we’ll need another starter. A couple of years as TO’s understudy would be perfect.

If nothing else, I’m taking a WR in this draft just to take Miles Austin’s roster spot so that some folks on this blog won’t be able to rant about his futuer stardom come training camp…

greatwhitenorth:

While I’m thinking about it, it seems that one of the most important draft goals that isn’t being talked about here is the need for somebody to return punts. I don’t care if it’s a DB, WR, RB, or fourth-string OT, I want somebody other than Crayton back there to make opposing special teams coaches do more than yawn. That’s one position that could use a major upgrade.

Fighter15:

LaFleur was taken #22 (thus the 22 curse that DMN is touting). The point was that Dallas had targeted a “need” and was going to draft TE no matter what.

They, like everyone else, had Tony Gonzalez rated the best and everyone else far behind. When Tony was taken a pick or two ahead, the ‘Boys went ahead and drafted LaFlop.

And while all 1st rounders fill needs, and let’s face it, if they didn’t, they would be “busts”, the point is that you take the best player available at one of your needs.

For instance, if the inane argument of 10 CBs getting drafted before us at #22 actually happens, then some serious talent will fall. Would you rather have Stewart or Mendenhall (clear top talent RBs), Branden Albert (best OG prospect in years), one of the top WRs, or the 11th ranked CB?

Can you tell me whose clearly better? They all have basically the same ratings. There seems to be 4 “top” prospects, no “elite” ones, and a dozen or so “good” prospects. No two draft experts can even agree on an order.

Further, a trade down will bring a ton of value if we get another 1st next year and/or a couple of 2nd round picks to fill yet another need at a very good “value”.

Never, ever reach. It’s drafts only proven law (other than never draft a WR if you’re GM Jerry).

birdness:

“Can you tell me whose clearly better?”

Fighter,

If you ever run for office, you have my vote!

DRC has the most potential, crazy speed, a 38″ vertical and his cousin is a nice CB.

birdness:

Almost all the top rated CBs can return kicks. So can RB Stewart and the fast WRs.

Fighter15:

I might as well copy/paste this scenario, as I’m a huge proponent.

Say we trade both our #1’s, pick up 3 more #2’s and an ‘09 #1.

We then target:
2a. CB - Cason, Flowers, Porter, or King
2b. RB - Johnson, Charles, or Felix Jones
2c. WR - Doucet, Caldwell, or Jordy Nelson
2d. S/CB - One from the 2a list or Reggie Smith
3. NT - Red Bryant or Okam

Plus a #1 for ‘09.

Or we could “reach” for Felix Jones and the 10th rated CB and have only 2d and 3.

mmmm

stoproyce:

I thought one of our biggest shortcomings last year was our special teams ,and I would lay that directly on the doorstep of whoever the hell our st coach is. I am shocked that that position was not upgraded it seems like almost every coaching position was rethought except the one that seemed to be the weakest link.i’d take avezanno back in a heartbeat atleast you know he put his heart into it.

BishopWest:

LeFleur and Tony Gonzalez both caught passes from Troy Aikman before the draft, and Aikman personally said that he would rather Dallas draft LeFleur.

Kansas City took Gonzalez with pick #13 and Dallas took LeFleur with pick #22.

The rest is history.

One ended up in the Pro Bowl and the other ended up on the couch.

BishopWest:

Fighter,

Getting Red Bryant in the 3rd may be a stretch. I’ve seen mocks where he is taken early in round 2.

I think his value is rising and he’ll probably be long gone before Dallas picks even in round 2.

I hope I’m wrong.

BishopWest:

Just in case any of you guys don’t already know it, here is a great website http://cowboys.xanadu-fx.com/ with all Cowboys news on one site, including:

DallasCowboys.com
DallasNews.com
StarTelgram.com
SanAntonioExpress.com
ESPN.com
FoxSports.com
Scout.com
RealFootball365.com
CNNSI.com
Yahoo.com
TheTicket.com
SportzNuts.com
TheBoysBlog.com
KnowYourDallasCowboys.com
CowboysRoundUp
RandomCowboysBlogs

At the bottom of the page there is actually a live video feed of the new stadium as it is being built.

Fighter15:

OK, Okam then.

The point is that in a deep draft without elite talent (at the positions we need), it’s better to draft often rather than early.

There’s not a WR in the draft worthy of first round consideration. Personally, I think Caldwell will make a better pro than Hardy, Sweed, Jackson or Manningham.

At RB, there’s 3 elite and a bunch of potential. Trade up for a RB? That’s a sin.

CB? No studs out there. No Champ Bailey or Deion to be found. Is Jenkins and Talib really that much better than Cason? I don’t think so. Neither do any of the draftniks.

Of course, if we simply sit still and draft whoever falls, then it would be hard to complain, though I probably will anyway.

Squidlo97:

Looking at that list Fighter Id just as well trade up and get a real talent as opposed to a bunch of “hope to hell” guys. Nobody there inspires me and, do we have that many chances for guys to make the roster.

birdness:

I think htose 5 could make the team, I’m not sure all 5 will be available when we pick in the second. Still the question can Tank keep Bryant or Okam on the bench? Will Ball beat King and Smith for the 3rd or 4th CB, likewise for Stanback beating out Caldwell or Nelson. If the youngsters win, then they see the field, otherwise our depth gets better and younger.

birdness:

Squid,

Knowing that the Boys need at least a #2 RB, #2 WR (say Glenn can’t go) and a #3 CB, what trade for an elite player covers all of those positions? Who would that elite player(s) be?

If we had the Dolphins pick, who in this draft would be our wow guy? You like Dmac’s chicken legs? Does DRC standout above McKelvin and Jenkins? maybe you like one WR more than the others?

I don’t know who I would take. The draft is deep at RB, CB and WR why not get more of a good thing?

BishopWest:

Number of Hall of Famers and the Round they were drafted in:

Round 1 = 84
Round 2 = 27
Round 3 = 18
Round 4 = 6
Round 5 = 5
Round 6 = 1
Round 7 = 7
Round 8 = 2
Round 9 = 5
Round 10 = 2
Round 11 = 1
Round 12 = 2
Non-Draftees = 13

Late Round Notables:

Deacon Jones - 14th Round
Nick Buoniconti - 13th Round
Roger Staubach - 10th Round
Johnny Unitas - 9th Round
Rayfield Wright - 8th Round

The NFL Draft is not a science. Sometimes you just gotta have a little luck.

Squidlo97:

Birdness, I dont know. The draft is over a month away and Im begining to talk in circles. Im tired of writing my own opinion but cant seem to give up the blog for a couple of weeks.I was forced to give up football with the season being over. I dont think I could get though more than a few days without checking and then of course would feel compelled to post.

I would take chicken legs in a second. I really just want to walk away with 2 studs that includes 1 CB.

scout:

I hope Mike Jekins does fall to # 22, because that would be a steal. I just don’t see it happening unless he has an unknown red fag attached to him. I’ve seen him slipping in mocks for some reason. Jenkins ran a 4.38 40 at the combine. That number alone and the fact that he is ranked in the top three should put him out of reach at # 22.

I think there is a better chance of Aquib Talib falling into Dallas’ lap at # 22. Talib’s 4.47 at the combine will make him the most likely to fall to # 22, assuming all things are constant.

Perhaps the cornerback run will not be as big as I thought. It could still happen, but I think the chances of it happening have gone down some. I think the top three will be gone, but Talib and Cason should be there. One of them should be there for sure. It just comes down to what the team thinks of them.

Brandon Flowers’ pro day will have a say in this as well. Mayock says Flowers will go in the 20-32 range. I am very high on Flowers.

Nevertheless, if you can snag Pacman, drafting a player like Talib would be more attractive, because you would have two very fast and skilled man to man corners (Newman/Pacman) and one big and athletic one (Talib).

Also, I think Washington might draft Kelly, Sweed, or Hardy. They would look at these guys and Talib if he is on the board.

Talib would have the size and speed to match up with all of them when he gets the assignment. Plaxico Burress is another good reason to look at Talib. Sooner or later your third corner will run into him during a game.

Finally, Talib played 65% zone, so playing zone will not be a problem for him in Wade’s sheme. Talib should match up well against the taller receivers in the division in terms of speed and size, as stated above.

It is just something to think about.

bigmoney:

Been away for a while.

I’ve taken time to read the previous post and have come to realize that you guys don’t seem to understand that we only have $3.6 mil to sign anyone.

We will not be doing much trading up.

We will not sign any WOW players.

We probabily will trade at least one of our 1st picks and drop down.

We don’t have the money.

bigmoney:

Squidlo97, Birdness, Fighter,

If we draft a NT it will be in the later rounds. This is one of our least needs!!!

More than likely we will not draft one at all.

greatwhitenorth:

bigmoney, that’s a very, very simplistic way to look at the salary cap. A few restructured contracts, and voila, there’s some money there. Besides, rookie contracts can be structured to count a bare minimum against the cap. We won’t be signing any WOW players because there aren’t any left (and because there weren’t any worth the money they got), not because we can’t afford them.

bigmoney:

jarhead and group,

Post #3 is not logical!!!

There is not an owner in the league that will not move one pick if they know that their player is going to be there.

These guys don’t get rich and in the position that they are by giving away money. They will not pay a player 1st round money while he’s a 2nd round talent. You have to consider that the difference could be several million dollars. This is just dumb.

Besides, it’s all at the risk of bust. Why add to the risk?

bigmoney:

greatwhitenorth,

Pacman, DeAngelo Hall, both of the Cardinal receivers and others have been mentioned.

Also, we will need to restructure several contracts or release good players to sign draft picks as it is.

scout:

Here is a look at how the division has acquired talent at the WR position:

Giants:

Burress Round 1 (Free Agent)
Toomer Round 2
Smith Round 2
Moss Round 2
Tyree Round 6

Redskins:

Moss Round 1 (Trade with Jets)
Randel El Round 2 (Free Agent)
Thrash ?
Espy ?

Eagles:

Curtis Round 3 (Free Agent)
Baskett UFA (Trade)
Brown Round 2
Avant Round 4
Lewis UFA

Cowboys:

Owens Round 3 (Free Agent)
Glenn Round 1 (Trade)
Crayton Round 7
Hurd UFA
Austin UFA
StanbackRound 4
Brown

Look at the Giants. Their # 1 guy was drafted in the top ten. Ask yourself this.

Would James Hardy or Devin Thomas be top 10 or 20 picks if they would have stayed in school? Would Limas Sweed be a top ten pick if he would have been able to play in 2008? Malcolm Kelly is a junior as well.

These are the kind of players that drop into the real good teams’ laps on draft day. These guys are really big and strong and fast. More than one should be there at # 22 for sure. They all are potential and legit number one targets in the NFL.

Kelly is the only one who has to answer the long speed question, but he looks really good on highlights. I don’t think Kelly gets passed the Redskins.

Back to the Giants, they didn’t get what they wanted out of S. Moss, so what did they do? They went back into the second round, and they have appeared to hit on Steve Smith.

Then you have the Redskins. Moss came out of round one. He has been up and down, but he has flashed number one production. The Redskins want to add a bigger guy to play along side him. Moss is at least a # 2 guy and can morph into a # 1.

Randel El was a quarterback out of Indiana. For the most part Randel El has been a very good # 3 option. He played well last year. Randel El is the only college quarterback that has made a successful transition to WR that I know about. Hines Ward was a receiver at Georgia. He played quarterback, because it was an emergency. Ward put up big numbers receiving at Georgia.

I’m not saying Stanback can’t do it, but becoming a number 2 option would be beating big odds. You simply can’t put all your eggs in his basket.

Then there is the “I will never draft a WR in round one Eagles”.

The Eagles passed on Reggie Wayne, they have paid the price for that move. Thank you Freddie Mithchell.

Unlike the Cowboys and Redskins, the Eagles have been unable to find a true # 1 option via a trade or free agency. The one year they had Owens, they went to the Super Bowl. They have been desparately trying to get one this year, because Reid doesn’t want to draft one.

Speaking of Owens, he came out of the third round. He is the exception to the rule. Players like Owens (3rd round), Steve Smith (3rd round), and Chad Johnson (2nd round) are all players who beat the odds. They are number ones who didn’t come out of the first round.

Dallas has Owens to go to, but there is no other young # 1 option on the roster. Stanback will be doing good if he has a solid career as a number three option. Glenn can’t be depended on at this point. His career could end on any play or during practice. So, I see a true hole at the number 2 right now. Crayton is best used as a number three.

Austin and Hurd were undrafted. Austin has potential, but you can’t put all your eggs in his basket. The odds of him being a number two are heavily stacked against him. Hurd is gritty, but I don’t see him as a one or two.

When you look at the receiving depth chart, Dallas has not dipped into the top draft talent in years. It shows. It looks like Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton, and a whole lot of hope to me.

In my opinion, Dallas should end this drought of projects for WRs. A project is hope. The postion is tough enough. It is time to get some highly talented WRs in the top half of the talent pool.

After Early Doucet, the risk goes up for busts in my opinion. I like Earl Bennett though. There may be some hidden gems, but how can you be sure you find them in round three or four?

The odds stack agaisnt you when you constantly put off drafting them until the later rounds.

In my opinion, WR trumps RB in round one, and it isn’t even close. The value is going to be there. Jerry Jones and Dallas really liked Dwayne Bowe last year.

Remember, it has been reported that Roy Williams (#11) wants $28 million in gurantees. These guys dont grow on trees.

Dallas has enough projects at receiver. It is time to go for the cream of the crop or watch Romo hold the ball and get drilled in the future.

Romo makes a WR pick in round one safer. He will make that player better. You scout them, rate them, look for them, and draft them. The more talent you have at that position, the better your chances for adjusting to the NFL and having success.

Look at the Colts.

Harrison Round 1
Clark Round 1
Wayne Round 1
Gonzolez Round 1

Manning made all those players better.

Romo can do the same thing for a young and talented WR prospect.

greatwhitenorth:

If contracts need to be restructured, they will be. Managing the cap is one thing Jerry and Stephen are quite good at doing (now). Obviously, if you go out and trade for Boldin or Hall, you’re going to have to get creative to do so. But again, draft picks are a minimal expense against the cap in their first year, so there’s no need to jettison one of the 1st rounders or to pass up a good trade up for cap reasons.

burmafrd:

A reach to me is taking a guy rated in the third rd in the first. Now if you are picking late in the first and you think a guy will not last untill late in the second you try and trade down=IF YOU CAN. Sometimes you cannot. If you think the guy can be a starter for you take him.

The Boys need to look real hard at the CBs and rate them 1-to whoever is the last guy they think can step in and start at #3 CB, ANd I do mean start with the amount that we play the nickel or more. When our pick comes up at 22 or 28 depending on how things break we should get at least one of them=and I really do not have any trouble with taking TWO.

None of the WRs really thrill me, though Hardy does look interesting. As regards RBs. no higher then our second and I would be happy with using our third on one.

jarhead:

bigmoney,
umm, owners pay high for questionable talent all the time…

or haven’t you been paying attention to the NFL in say, the last three weeks.

go back and re-read post 3 and consider this,

if you pay a guy first round money, and he turns out to be your starting #2 CB for the next five years, how exactly is that just plain dumb? sounds more like a good investment to me.

the question remains, how confident are the boys that this guy can be a starter more sooner than later?

jarhead:

perhaps burmafrd makes the point better than I do.

BTW, he also (correctly) points out that to trade down, some other GM must be willing to do so.

Luke.:

Scout,

I agree with your assessment of the WR position. I’ve been saying the same thing for a while. Like everyone else I’m really hopeful of Stanback but please let’s not not rely on this guy to be our savior. TO and Terry are quickly approaching there mid 30’s, there’s not a lot of WR’s who can claim to having productive seasons past 32-33. And Both had injury issues last year and our offence was atrocious once TO was down. Patrick Crayton is solid but unspectacular, he’ll never be more than he was this year. Stanback is a project and Austin and Hurd showed that there never going to be much more than 3rd or 4th WR’s and good special teamers. We need to add a top talent here really badly. If we’re going to ask Tony Romo to throw us to the Superbowl (and I think last year showed that’s exactly what we’re doing) we need to invest in some premier WR’s for him to get the ball too.

torchinDefense:

Scout,

I mostly agree with you. WR is the 2nd biggest need. The CB and WR’s are very expensive positions to pay for and it’s best to find them in the draft and develope them. FA’s can impact your cap space dramatically. Just look at the recent signings. There will be a few 2nd round WR’s that hit after a year or two of development. If we don’t get a caliber WR this year Dallas will be looking again in FA. I don’t think it’s a good idea. Running backs are a lot cheaper.

The talent level drops off a cliff depending on how many WR’s or CB’s go in the 1st. Dallas will get 2nd round players at both CB and WR in round 1. That’s why some people are saying to trade down and aquire more #2’s which I’m starting to agree with. More players equals a better chance of a hit. It’s either that or trade up to get a higher percentage hit on a true 1st rounder. Either way.. if you let the draft come to you, you are still drafting 2nd round talent at CB and WR.

There are a lot of teams with both these needs. I think at least the top 4 to 5 CB’s will be gone, the top 4 WR’s could be gone.

Fighter15:

As a full disclosure, I berated last year’s draft for failure to get a WR.

I believe we’ll get one this year. But I’m not as confident that this year’s crop is all that good. According to almost every analysis, this is a very weak group.

And then there is history. Go to ESPN.com’s draft zone and look at the 1st rounders since ‘98 (or earlier if you’re really bored).
- Less than 33% success rate
- Most of those successes are no longer playing for the team that drafted them.

Now look at this class. Not a complete WR among the bunch. Every single one has red flags, whether its durability, injuries, character, or simply lack of experience.

Do we need one? No doubt. But this complete blind faith that a draft pick will be better than a known quantity on staff is simply dumb.

Remember Charles Rogers, Mike Williams, Roddy White, etc are actually the norm.

Chandus:

bigmoney:
I can see that you’re happy with how Jay Ratliff played last season at NT, it’s easy to see why, he was pretty good.

But for me it’s interesting to know your thoughts on Tank Johnson. IMO he wasn’t even good at the position and it wasn’t surprizing for me to see him only in schemes that were more 4 man pass rush fronts by the end of the season.

And the most painful thing? Ratliff is waaaaay better in those schemes, as he can rush and play the run better. That he isn’t able to play in those schemes’ hurting the team.

A 3-4 NT may be a bigger need than what you seem to believe, it may be bigger than most needs.

Chandus:

Fighter:
Last season, look at the Patriots.

How good are Stallworth and Gaffney? Is a rookie capable of filling the role that they played for NE?

IMO, a rookie can, it’s just a matter of doing it better than Hurd and Austin, the rest of the passing Offense will be the same from last year (which was pretty good).

Fighter15:

Just to summarize the history (hits/total):
06 - 0/1
05 - 1/6
04 - 2/7 (though Lee Evans may make it 3.
03 - 1/3
02 - 0/3 (Walker, maybe, but not with team)
01 - 2/6 though Santana Moss got traded
00 - 1/5
99 - 1/3
98 - 1/3

Total: 9/37 = 24% (29% if the maybes are included)

Vegas has better odds.

torchinDefense:

Fighter is going to go down fighting..

lol..

if the class is weak.. well, all the more reason to pick the best one available. Hurd and Austin don’t have the skills or athleticsm to be good #3’s. Crayton definately cannot be a #2. He’s close but not good enough, he’s not a good enough route runner and sometimes cannot get enough separation.

How many CB’s bust in comparison?

How many CB’s at the end of round one in cmparison to WR’s? Does it matter? It’s all about drafting the right guy that has the athletic abilty, hips, hands and brains.

Fighter15:

That’s the point…you just don’t know. St. Louis took Eddie Kenneson over Marvin Harrison. Who knew?

Why did a skinny little runt from Bumfuck U taken in the third round turn out to be the best of the bunch?

Why did Jerry Rice get passed over?

A ton of the successful WRs became available in Free Agency. Then you know for sure. Yes, you pay for it, but it’s proven pay for performance.

BTW, CBs (quick glance) have a little over 50% success rate. Overall, I’d say that 50% is about the standard for 1st rounders.

Luke.:

Fighter,

Not arguing the fact that WR’s are probably the biggest first round risk but Lee Evans is a great player. If he had a decent QB (like say… Romo) he’d be a top 5 guy. That’s another thing about the WR busts; it would be interesting to see if there was a correlation between the busts landing with teams with poor or average QB’s and successful WR’s landing with teams with good or great QB’s.

TONYINCC:

Fighter I really like post 70, and although we sorely need a reciever I think crap shooting with first round picks is just too risky.

This is my opinion of people who want recievers in the first round (generally)

Usually young, and easily gulible, blinded by flash, and quick to jump on any flavor availble and believe that WR is the next big Thing. For instance guys who generally like Desean Jackson, I think he is good and could be a factor in the return game, but is way too big a risk to be ted ginn, which to me, that type of pick belongs in the fourth round.

Usually the people who say go Oline or CB or DE those are the guys who actually do some research on the players and realize those components are very critical and fewer and further between than the million WRs that have this and that, I mean Tenn Chat. are you kidding me TO is a beast but with WRs its too hard to tell what will and will not translate to the NFL and usually its never in the first year. I mean Calvin Johnson had this and that but I didnt see him in the pro bowl, not saying he didnt put up solid numbers but that position in particular is too hard to grade, and takes time to develope.

Anyway I am sure I will take a huge load of kicks to the balls from various individuals but I am generally speaking about the guys, who only see the QB throw to the WR and score, so they are dynamic, but dont realize that came after 5 seconds that allowed the QB to throw the ball. if you know what I am talking about then I am not referring to you, if you dont like what I said then I am probably talking about you and no need to explain any further.

Luke.:

Tony,

I think the argument for Dallas is not that a flashy WR is more important than OT’s, DE’s, OLB’s or CB’s it’s just that we’ve drafted solid young players at all those positions with high picks in recent years and have good depth at most of those spots too now (with the exception of CB of course). WR however has been a neglected position when drafting for Dallas for many years and we have a serious lack of young talent there. And WR’s are important to the team. Check our super scoring offence without TO, it sucks. Look at what Welker and Moss did at New England, look at what Harrison and Wayne have done for the Colts. The NFL is more of a passing team than ever. This team already has done a terrific job building a solid foundation the last few years and I think nearly everyone is happy about it, but I think nows the time to add some young talent at the skill positions and we’ve got the picks to do it.

Fighter15:

Now having said all that, WR is still a need. RB, too.

But I simply don’t see the talent at any position other than CB (assuming one of the top 4 slides) that’s worthy.

Now we could have the choice of the best OG (Albert) or Safety (Phillips) at 28.

Also, the trade partners for one or both of our picks will be there. There figures to be one or two QBs that teams will want, yet not risk another needy team doing the same. Flacco & Brohm come to mind. Even Woodson could get some play if a late run on QBs occurs.

TONYINCC:

Luke research my posts, I agree completely, without TO our offenSe is anemic ( that S is capitalized on purpose) I am and was all for RW coming from the lions, or Randy Moss ( I knew wouldnt happen) but just saying those guys are proven, and you know what you are getting, the translation from college to the NFL is just too risky at the position.

I pose the question like this with odds like fighter posted would you bet your life, I realize this is football, and not life, however, I gamble with better odds, and honestly I say CB, CB, CB! We need to be sure we get a third corner which makes the starting line up which aleviates Henry, since he cant seem to stay healthy, but is a very, very solid corner when he is. With all these teams going to 3 and 4 wr sets we need as many solid CBs as we can ESPECIALLY with Roy Williams at SS.

I agree we need to draft a WR but I just grit my teeth when we draft a WR in the first round.

Luke.:

Tony,

I too posted about a dozen posts hoping we would go for Detroit’s Roy Williams (or the even more unlikely scenario of Larry Fitzgerald) but when you see the money Williams wants you understand why nobody is really biting. But what’s the common link between both those two very, very good young receivers? They were first round picks. Sometimes you gotta bite the bullet and role the dice for greatness and what better year than when you have 2 first rounders.

torchinDefense:

Tony,

Dallas will draft a CB. They will draft one high and one low.

They will also draft a WR in round one or two.

We can argue in which order but the truth of the matter is what players are available when it’s Dallas’ turn to draft. If a better WR is on the board than the CB’s available, you pick him. The other way around runs true as well.

Luke.:

Alright it’s really slow here so hopefully this can get things going. This is my Draft. I’ve tried to be as realistic as possible with where players are taken. It’s not necessarily the way I hope it goes but more the way I hope it goes considering what seems to be happening with player rankings. Character has been an issue in Dallas’ drafting style the last 5 years so it will be with mine. Also, no trades, those things are impossible to predict. I spent a few days putting this together so any comments, whether positive or negative, would be greatly appreciated.

1a – WR Devin Thomas.

This is a risky pick and I know many will enjoy shooting it down but let me explain my reasoning first. It looks like the top 3 Cornerbacks (McKelvin, Cromartie, Jenkins) will all be gone by Dallas’ pick at #22. The value at CB at 22 won’t be there (I don’t really like Cason or Talib). I really like Thomas but don’t think he’ll be there at #28 so if we want a potential top WR (and I do) I think we have to do it at 22. Now for why Thomas? Simply because I think Thomas has the most upside of any receiver in the Draft. He has the best combination of size, speed, hands and athleticism but only has one big year of production to show for it (79 for 1260 at 15.9 and 8 TD’s). I think if Thomas went back for his Senior year and had another similar season he’d be a Top 10 pick. Most of the other First Round WR’s have questions too; Sweed’s speed & wrist (and he’ll probably be gone by #22), Jackson’s size & work ethic, Kelly’s speed & routes, Hardy’s routes & explosiveness for gaining separation. Thomas has no physical questions. At 6′2” 215 and a 4.40 forty that absolutely does translate to playing speed (if you see his highlights he looks very fast and quick) and a skill set displayed at the combine that drew these remarks; “Thomas was dazzling during the Wide Receiver drills. The fluidity through which the big wideout moved through the gauntlet drill and down the sideline was only matched by much smaller receivers. Thomas didn’t drop a pass all day, showing spectacular body control to catch passes thrown behind, below and far in front of him”. Thomas is also a very good kick returner and could contribute immediately there while he adjusts to Dallas’ offense. He averaged 199 all-purpose yards per game which was second in Big Ten history. This pick might be risky considering Thomas’ inexperience but considering Dallas’ receiving core is a mix of injured and aging mid 30’s stars and a bunch of late round projects, the potential reward of a true number one WR who has the skills to be a go to guy for a decade is too much to pass on.

1b – RB Felix Jones.

The 28th choice was the hardest position for me to pick and I know many will hate my choice here even more than the Devin Thomas pick. I’ve seen many people pick Tracy Porter here and I want a CB badly too but I am not sold on Porter (see Round 2). I think Felix Jones is a good player who represents good value here at a position of need. Felix has taken a bit of a bashing on this blog and his unusual 40 time didn’t help (I say unusual because the first 10 was a very fast 1.46, but then his 20 time was average at 2.59 but then he finished with a respectable 4.44. Looking forward to seeing his run on his Pro Day). When looking at him on highlights he’s undoubtedly very quick and fast on the field. He looks very, very fluid and natural cutting and running (he’s not stiff like Julius Jones). Here’s the anti Julius Jones line of the day; Felix “shows a natural feel for the crease and displays excellent vision and hip swerve as he weaves through traffic, picking his feet nicely over trash. Instinctive in his movements, displaying the vision to see threats. Uses his blocks well”. He’s got great vision and an explosive burst to get there. Excellent big hands for receiving (though routes need work) and not a fumbler. Sharing carries limited the wear and tear he takes into the pro’s. Works very hard in both the film room and weight room. Despite being a premier prospect and putting up spectacular numbers in his own right never complained about taking a backseat to McFadden and was a great teammate. Could gain some weight without compromising speed (he’s a decent 5′10” 207 now). Willing pass blocker but technique poor (sounds like he just needs some coaching). Spectacular return man. Mature, tough, competitive. I think he’s a bigger version of Brian Westbrook and would love to see Felix lining up for his favorite team the Dallas Cowboys.

2 – CB Charles Godfrey.

Is a super athlete, he may be a notch below the speed freaks Porter and King in the speed and agility department but he’s still an excellent athlete at a much better size (6′0” 207 and a 4.43 Forty). He’s also strong, tough, and physical (something Porter and King are not). Aggressive run supporter. Good ball skills (5 picks as a Senior). Was a team leader. Still learning the position but is a hard worker with a big upside. To me, Godfrey is not just an athlete but a football player who’s game will translate very well to the NFL.

3 – SS Josh Barrett.

This guy is Roy Williams replacement. He’s big and can lay hits but unlike Roy he has excellent speed (4.34 Forty), takes good angles, is a student of the game, good in deep coverage, he has Roy like size (Barrett is 6′2” 223) but is in excellent physical condition (not overweight like Roy). The catch is he had an injury riddled Senior year after his excellent Junior year otherwise he’d be long gone by now. Willing special teamer and can immediately fill in for the departed Keith Davis on special teams and backup Strong Safety before hopefully taking over for Roy in 09.

4 – RB Tashard Choice.

With Marion Barber and Felix Jones we have 2 RB’s on the roster. Choice rounds out the game day 3. He’s a jack of all trades type. He has good size (5′10” 215) and is tough and aggressive. Very good vision and instincts, hard worker with top intangibles. While he’s not explosive he has solid speed (4.48). He has good hands out of the backfield and, importantly, is a solid blocker. I think Marion might not get his long term deal and leave Dallas after this year, Tashard Choice and Felix Jones will take over in 09 for half the price of what Marion gets somewhere else.

5 – CB Scandrick Orlando.

Not just a speed freak (ran a 4.32 Forty at the Combine), tough and physical despite his smaller stature (5′10” 192), very fluid hips and turns and runs well, lots of experience. In the negatives he’s inconsistent and loses focus, an average tackler and wasn’t tested much. But could be a solid special teamer (has a knack for blocking kicks) and a good press/man cover guy. Has a lot of potential and could be a steal.

6a – DE/OLB Trevor Scott.

This guy has amazing numbers; 6′ 5″, 256 pounds, 40 Yard Dash: 4.54, Vertical Leap: 33.5″, Bench Press: 32, 3 cone: 6.84, Shuttle: 4.19, 60 yd Shuttle: 11.28, Broad Jump: 9.9 These are mind boggling numbers for a guy that size. He played at Buffalo and had 13.5 tackles for a loss and 9 Sacks. Been mentioned as a more athletic version of current Cowboy and Patriots 6th round pick last year Justin Rogers. Only been a DE for 2 years (was a TE) and will need to transition to 3-4 OLB. He’s obviously a big project but that’s what the late rounds are for.

6b – QB Matt Flynn.

A pocket passer who’s got the ability to scramble if necessary. Accurate on the short to medium throws but can struggle with the deeper routes. Smart, cool under pressure, good build (6′2” 230), good vision, competitive and good teammate.

jquincy:

squid,

to answer your question from the last thread about jerry’s plans (this from DC.com):

Jones said the Cowboys have continued negotiations with Barber’s agent Drew Rosenhaus this week.

“We’ve initiated talks with him,” Jones said of Rosenhaus. “We’re very confident that we’re going to get something done. Obviously Canty is someone we’d like to sign long-term, too. We’re not in a big hurry with those two guys right now. But I think we’ll get them done.”

as for your take on my shot with scarlett johannsen, well, you got me there. how many humans populate this planet? whatever it is, it’s that number to one… “so you’re saying i’ve gotta chance!?!?”

Boy from Oz:

As to scarlett - your odds are even better than that. Unless she swings both ways I think you divide that number by 2…

jquincy:

luke,

as much as it pains me to be nice to you (kidding, sorta), i’ve seen WAY worse mocks than this. while i think you’re right about the top 3 CBs being off the board at #22, i think there could be a big name RB still there because of the run on CBs. if not, then i think they look to trade down with that pick (maybe miami for their 2nd and 3rd, or 3rd and 1st next year?). however some people like to try to avoid predicting trades, and that’s okay. it makes sense to try to stick with what you’ve got. as for 2nd rd. talent at CB, look at terrence wheatley from CU. i think he could still be there and is better than godfrey in several ways. also, rather than tashard choice, i think kevin smith from USF is a good fit at that point in the draft. the only major disagreement that i would have with your mock is taking a SS rather than a NT in the 3rd. better quality as well as players that will contribute sooner than any SS.

jquincy:

Boy from Oz,

God bless you, my sweet, sweet friend (although it wouldn’t break my heart to imagine her going both ways, but this is a family blog).

stoproyce:

jquincy,she goes both ways dog sorry.

jquincy:

tell me you know this for a fact and you will both ruin and make my day at the same time.

jquincy:

i stole this from DMN cowboysblog, but in case anyone was wondering why the cowboys should be VERY interested in chris johnson in the 2nd round…

“Johnson is the fastest dude in the draft, clocking a 4.24 40 at the combine. He’d give the Cowboys a breakaway threat at kickoff returner. And, after talking to East Carolina co-offensive coordinator Steve Shankweiler for our upcoming draft preview series, I’m very intrigued by Johnson’s versatility.

I’ll save most of the stuff from Shankweiler for the series, which starts a week from Monday. But here’s a nugget: He said Johnson played a lot of slot receiver as a junior and is a good enough route runner and pass catcher to play in the slot for an NFL team.

“You talk about a good marriage,” Shankweiler said, referring to Johnson’s potential pairing with Marion Barber. “He could spell him, but you could put them both in the game at the same time, too.”

Remember how the Saints gave teams fits with their packages featuring Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush in 2006? It’s not too difficult to envision Jason Garrett borrowing from Sean Payton’s playbook if the Cowboys draft Johnson.”

say what you will about his inability to block in the senior bowl practices, this sounds tasty…

Luke.:

Jquincy,

Thanks for commenting mate. There could be one of the top 3 backs there at 22 but I think it’s more likely they’ll be gone. I don’t mind the idea of trading down if there’s not the right guy there but it’s too hard to predict so I just go with what we’ve got. I did have a look at Terrence Wheatley (and had another look after you mentioned him) and he does look like a solid prospect but I’ve not seen him rated more than a 4th or 5th rounder. I’ve seen him rated around the 16th to 23rd CB prospect. Not sure if we’ve got the same guy here but it doesn’t look like he’ll go near the 2nd round. On the SS/NT point; I’m drafting the SS with plans that he starts in 09. If we want to unload the dead weight that is Roy Williams and his expensive contract we need a replacement ready and I think Barrett with a year to learn could step into that role in 09 and give us better play than Roy. Where as NT doesn’t seem like a big need to me. I think Tank Johnson and Ratliff can get the job done well, we had a good run D last year and they should only improve as last year it was the first time that either of them had played the position.

And I like Scarlett too (but really, who doesn’t?)

Chandus:

Fighter:
I see, WR has a big bust factor in the 1st Round, but what about the other Rounds?

2006:
2nd: 1/3
3rd: 0/5
4th: 1/7

2005:
2nd: 1/5
3rd: 0/3
4th: 1/5

2004:
2nd: 0/3
3rd: 1/3
4th: 2/4

2003:
2nd: 1/4
3rd: 1/4
4th: 1/3

So, the logic says: “don’t pick a WR at all”. Which is exactly what the Cowboys have done, so far.

You can’t do that for long, bite the bullet and hope for the best with a prospect that you think can be good.

Chandus:

jquincy:
Players that can’t block don’t play, Tyson Thompson was probably the fastest player on the team, but couldn’t block a referee. Didn’t played.

Barber started to progress in his 2nd year and his playing time grew. In this past season he was solid, Julius Jones was better and thus was the starter.

And it isn’t just a Cowboys thing, that’s going on all around the League, every RB has to block every once and then and a guy that flat out sucks at it can’t be trusted.

kameleon_o:

Luke,

I thought that was a good point about 1st round WR’s who are considered busts and looking at the QB play they have endured since getting drafted. Fighter named WR Roddy White as an example of a WR who hasn’t panned out, but actually during this last year with a better pro style QB (Harrington vs. Vick for the rest of his career) Roddy White was one of the better WR’s in the game last year. He had over 1200 yards, doubled his career TD catches and had over 14 yards a catch. The great thing about any WR we may draft in the 1st round, or any other is that he 1) Won’t be asked to be “the guy”. He won’t have to immediately be the savior of the franchise or the #1 WR right off. That’s TO’s job. Whoever we draft will have time to learn. And 2) Unlike many 1st round WR’s taken by offensively challenged teams whoever we draft will be coming to a team that has a great passing offense and one of the better QB’s in the league to throw to him. That’s automatically two advantages that our pick would have over what Lee Evans or Roddy White had.

kameleon_o:

Just read KC Joyner’s article on the best pass rushers of 2007 vs. some of the best of the 90’s. Pretty good ar