142 Comments to ‘Mythbusting’: »

TARHEEL_PAUL:

1st

Sean N:

1st?

Fighter15:

Myth #3: WR was a need.

Want a sure way to get a quality WR?

Sign one in FA.

Yes, you pay…but you get proven performance. Look at NE, Dallas, and most other #1s in the league. They were drafted by others.

The rest of the 31 NFL GMs also thought this to be a very weak group and unworthy of the 1st round risk.

Hell, Washington took 3 in the second, just to make sure of landing one. Typical Danny Boy incomeptence.

GM Jerry has made his stand. He will not look to the draft to grab his starters. They have a salary cap “slot” for 2 high paid receivers.

Only the hope of TG coming back keeps his slot in limbo rather than having been replaced by a Walker or Berrian.

Best guess is that someone comes available after June 1st cuts or during a protracted training camp holdout (i.e., Chad, Boldin).

stoproyce:

raf ,I’ve been uber positive about this draft but can you please explain the Marcus Dixon signing. I think the headache here may not be worth the payoff.Please atleast tell me he can play.

VA Dallas Fan:

Raf,

Where did you hear the Dallas was looking to trade up for Hardy? I was out all day and I’m trying to catch up on what happened. Can you paste a link to that attempted trade? Grazie!

jarhead:

there is another myth floating around already,
this one from the mediots, here it comes:

“the DC took a backup RB in the first round, his name is felix jones.”

BS.

Jones will see alot of playing time this year, barring injury. he’ll run the ball, catch passes, and likely return some. After the playoff loss, MB’s days of 20+ carries are over.

Want to know who the backup RB is? Tashard Choice.

BTW,
for those saying mendenhall was the better pick. Here are some stats:
Games:
Jones - 37
Mendenhall - 35

Rushes:
Jones - 376
Mendenhall - 388

Total Rush Yards:
Jones - 2,911
Mendenhall - 2,539

Yards Per Carry:
Jones - 7.7
Mendenhall - 6.5

Rushing TD’s:
Jones - 20
Mendenhall - 22

Receptions:
Jones - 36
Mendenhall - 59

Receiving Yards:
Jones - 318
Mendenhall - 564

Yards Per Reception:
Jones - 8.8
Mendenhall - 9.6

Receiving TD’s:
Jones - 3
Mendenhall - 5

KO Returns:
Jones - 58
Mendenhall - 0

Average KO Return:
Jones - 28.6
Mendenhall - 0

KO Returns for TD:
Jones - 4
Mendenhall - 0

All-Purpose Yards Per Game:
Jones - 132.5
Mendenhall - 88.7

All-Purpose Touches Per Game:
Jones - 12.7
Mendenhall - 12.8

All-Purpose Yards Per Touch:
Jones - 10.4
Mendenhall - 6.9

(SOURCE: Al Gore’s information highway)

mcallen_fan:

I agree with you Raf. This looks like a really good draft that not only enhances our running game and passing defense but also gives us some extra strength for our special teams which really needs some infusion. I don’t think he’s “getting cute”, his scouts are really researching the hell out of all the players they drafted and those they passed up.

At the end of the day, Jones also managed to set himself up for nine picks for next years draft.

VA Dallas Fan:

I think there’s also a stat out there that shows Felix averaged a 20+ yard run every 9 attempts in college. That’s sick!!!

I love Felix the Fast! I hope that name catches on.

dafino13:

Dallas just got the receiver Amendola as a free agent….

dafino13:

Woops I got so excited I almost forgot to add site…
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/04/is-amendola-next.html

dafino13:

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/04/is-amendola-next.html

TARHEEL_PAUL:

Unlike most people i realize that the success of this draft will not be known for another couple of years. Everyone will point to the giants draft last year and say it played a major role in them winning the super bowl, while that may be true, it usually doesn’t pan out like that. Normally, its one or two guys at the most that can help a team on the verge of the super bowl get over the hump. See 1992 when dallas landed Kevin Smith and Robert Jones in the first round. That filled two major holes that helped that team win a super bowl. Well guess what folks, we just filled some major holes. What did everyone bitch about last year from the time the regular season started till the minute before the draft? THE SECONDARY! And we got big time help there this weekend. Adam Jones, Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrik are all guys who will make a big difference from the get go. Now, I dont have a crystal ball, so i cant say whether or not we will hit on all of these guys, but the point is, THE TEAM ADDRESSED THERE BIGGEST NEED! I saw alot of complaining about not taking a WR, and i will agree that it would have been nice to get a speedster in the 2nd round but once again they were gone by the time we got to pick. I didnt here anyone complaining about our wideouts when we were setting offensive records for this proud franchise. As a matter of fact, if (and i know thats a big if)Patrick Crayton makes those 2 catches against the giants, then were not even talking receiver in this draft. This team will continue to put up points next season with or without a “Big Time Threat” on the other side of T.O.. The biggest difference is, next year, Eli will not pick us apart with 45 seconds left before halftime to take the lead along with the momentum into the locker room. Remember guys, its not Reeves and Nate Jones, Its Pacman and Mike Jenkins. And I for one am very happy about that. Great Job Jerry!

jarhead:

Undrafted FA watch:

Hampton defensive lineman Marcus Dixon (6-4,292)

Texas Tech wide receiver Danny Amendola

Georgia Tech defensive end Darrell Robertson (6-3,255)

dafino13:

See what Dallas Morning new just released…
got to say that it was good work by the Cowboys to get Danny Amendola on board this quickly, and I’d think he’d have a solid chance to make the team.

The obvious comparison here is with New England’s Wes Welker, because of his height, positioning as a slot receiver and return-game ability. But you could say that about a lot of players. What I really liked about Amendola, when I talked to him at the combine, is how he didn’t shy away from that talk, and how he and Welker have worked together in the past.

“I’ve been compared to Wes (Welker) from the day I set foot on Texas Tech’s campus,” he said. “From Day 1, I’ve said it’s an honor. He’s a great player. I’m going to stick by that statement.”

Like Amendola, Welker went undrafted. He was signed by San Diego, cut that September, hooked on Miami. And the rest is history. Here’s guessing that Amendola gets a mighty long look by the Cowboys.

ym:

I bet DMac is jealous of Felix. Felix is living a Boy’s dream.

jarhead:

GT DE Darryl Robertson

Hampton DT Marcus Dixon

Two Undrafted FAs that have been signed

jarhead:

test

jarhead:

two other FA signings:

a DT from Hamton and a DE from GT

dafino13:

Hooray!!! Go COWBOYS!!!

jarhead:

Marcus Dixon and Darrell Robertson

TARHEEL_PAUL:

can you guys tell me where you are getting the info on the FA signings?

stoproyce:

marcus dixon has three sexual assault charges in his history.Dude is a trainwreck waiting to happen nless i am confusing him with someone else.

jarhead:

another members only site.

stoproyce, thats him…
“involved in a highly publicized rape incident…served 15 months AND WAS LATER CLEARED.”

Wow, I’d be sueing me some DAs.

Fighter15:

No, Felix the Cat.

Classic.

BTW, I semi-understand the justification over Mendenhall.

On film (aka production), the Cat looks quicker and has more big play ability. It is a quality that’s been missing for some time. Think Westbrook or Marshall Faulk.

On paper, Mendenhall has better measurables. Bigger, faster in the underwear Olympics, and a one-year wonder (much better “work-horse” numbers this year).

But the final thing that won me over is the work ethic. You’ve got someone who now has his dream fullfilled. He’s in a perfect situation on his chidhood’s heros.

There is no way he becomes a prima donna. He won’t question his role and will do whatever is needed of him to the best of his abilities. Which were consistently ranked 3rd or 4th best of a very talented and deep RB draft.

K Hondo:

Stoproyce:
Read the link on the DMN Blog about Marcus Dixon. Sounds like he got screwed by the system, doesn’t seem like a bad kid.

Also, I keep hearing about Jerry trying to trade up for James Hardy. It was reported by DMN but I don’t think it is true. Mickey Spags said Jerry was not campaigning to move up to pick hardy, he was campaigning to move up to select bennett because he didn’t want to take a chance on someone else grabbing him. Jerry said he was chomping at the bit, but everyone convinced him that he’d still be there.

Sean N:

jarhead - Marcus Dixon

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/news/story?id=3363857

Sean N:

read the story before you jump to conclusions about Dixon:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/news/story?id=3363857

THEAIRFORCEBAT:

Fighter:

I agree with you about Felix.

I think he’s going to add another dimension that should be exciting for Cowboy fans.

I wouldn’t be suprised to see him get split wide quite a bit as well and be on the same field some with Marion Barber.

Bluecheese:

Nice article. He was no choir boy, but has been acting like one for the past 4 years. I think that is long enough to give him a second chance.

Luke.:

Nice write-up Raf.

Jarhead,

Post #6 was a beauty, Nice work.

dafino13:

Despite earning all-conference honors after each of past two seasons, Dixon is more known for his off-field issues than on-field production. Originally signing with Vanderbilt out of high school, Dixon was arrested and jailed for statutory rape. The Georgia Supreme Court later ruled the sex was consensual, overturning the case and releasing Dixon from prison after he served 15 months. While quite raw, Dixon is a versatile player with the size and strength to project either at defensive end or tackle and has the athletic tools worth developing.

Bluecheese:

A couple of threads back I suggested that we have the Barbarian and the Cat as our version of thunder and lightning. I think ours is better, more unique.

Chandus:

They are 2 DEs, but Dixon was being looked at DT because of his size (6′4, 284), he’s going to be a 3-4 End.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/marcus-dixon?id=1680

Darrell Robertson looks like an OLB project:

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/darrell-robertson?id=304

CaliFanInTx:

Amendola…I seem to remember seeing a news story on this kid…very interesting pickup…

Marcus Dixon is not a problem…look into the story…

It’s always fun to see the post draft moving…

jarhead:

Luke,
appreciate it.

Im not trying to be a rah rah guy, i just think the facts are interesting.

I also see the logic behind the picks (I smell the influence of one jason garrett with the two offensive picks).

Bluecheese:

Hey, where do we find a list of undrafted FA? I never can seem to find those lists.

jarhead:

DMN blog will probably post the undrafted FAs.

those guys on members only sites will pass the info along im sure.

larry:

Raf, re: the thong joke, I had something else in mind for Shockey in the analogy, but I didn’t want to go there.
But I will say, he’s always seemed like a ‘wussy’ to me!

It’s hard to be happy about this draft and the trade with Miami, but there really weren’t a lot of other places to go. When you start to ask “Who else instead?”, there aren’t any better answers.

The truly arguable point is using #22 on a complementary, KO-returning back, esp. in light of probably losing Barber next year.
(Hopefully losing him if we wants that money!)

Maybe FJones will surprise us. Maybe Mendenhall (or whatever) will bomb? We’ll see.
But it will be fair game if the other guy turns into a good back and we’re stuck next year.

We got a top corner. If he pans out, that’s #1 with me.

THEAIRFORCEBAT:

I think Mayock was high on the Felix Jones pick. He makes people miss in the open field. I’m pretty excited.

mcallen_fan:

There is a complete free agent list on nfldraftcountdown.com

staubachfan:

I think I read about Dixon. It’s a very interesting story where two teenagers had sex and later after her dad found out she said it was rape. The story also claimed that race played a role in this. They actually changed the laws after his conviction and had is sentence reduced to time served.

K Hondo:

Barber=Thunder
Felix=Cat

Thunder Cats!

HO!!!!!

jarhead:

larry,
why does mendenhall need to bust?

there is a chance jones and mendenhall will play well for their respective teams.

look at jones’ numbers in post #6.

he has been productive consistantly playing in a dual RB role. whats more, he played for a team with absolutely no passing attack, thus defenses focused on dmac and him.

Fighter15:

Bluecheese,

Think of the marketing opportunities and permutations of The Barbarian & Felix the Cat.

Boggles the mind how many cool t-shirts that could be printed.

TARHEEL_PAUL:

Check out the Amendora kid. NOW THATS A FOOTBALL PLAYER!! ONE TOUGH KID!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-zNzpwKxEA&feature=related

Bluecheese:

K-hondo,

I like it!

If JJ could do his own marketing and pocket all the change, that new stadium would pay for itself:

The Thong
Barbarian
The Cat
Romosexual
Romoerotica
Domo Arigato, Mr Romoto

Seriously, this stuff writes itself…

CaliFanInTx:

The more I look at this Felix Jones kid, the more I like him…

Mayock got out of his seat during the NFL broadcast after F. Jones was selected by the Cowboys…and excitedly said he feels bad for any defense going up against the Cowboys next year…I watched the whole show and he didn’t seem to get as excited about any other draft…

They ran a segment on NFL network where a panel was asked which rookie they felt would have the biggest offensive impact in 08…the first one up was Jones.

He’s pretty tall…taller than Terry Glenn with similar speed…what are the chances we flank him out to get pressure off of T.O.?

CaliFanInTx:

Thundercats!?

Some of you guys are dating yourselves…I remember that show…

THEAIRFORCEBAT:

donnyposer and other pessimists:

Why is it that if you have a positive outlook on here your considered a stupid homer? I feel like most people are very objective on here but overall like the draft. I question the last DE pick and sometimes wonder if Felix Jones was the right pick, but I believe that in the end Jones will add another dimension that will make Dallas’s offense even more dynamic.

To listen to some people though its like Dallas bombed. Someone said Washington and the Giants had a great draft but I don’t see anything on there that was just 10 times better. Washington got two wide receivers and a tightend in the second round.. yeah thats great, but how the hell are they going to get everybody on the field?

The Giants had an OK draft, but took chances on Mario Manningham who has questionable character and got Kenny Phillips.

I think the NFC East as a whole had good drafts.

mcallen_fan:

DE Darrell Robertson from Georgia Tech actually has a 4-6 round grade according to a few draft websites.

The same can also be said about Dixon minus the alleged rape. As a matter of fact this is from nfldraftcountdown.com

Marcus Dixon

Strengths:
Has excellent size and bulk with a huge frame…Very strong and powerful….Stout at the point of attack…Does a terrific job against the run…Good bull rusher…Real active with a good motor…Very smart…A hard worker and good leader…Versatile.

Weaknesses:
Has had some off-the-field troubles…Might be a bit of a ‘tweener…Timed speed is well below average…Not very explosive and lacks a burst..Plays with inconsistent leverage and needs to work on his technique….Marginal instincts and awareness.

Notes:
Was slated to attend Vanderbilt out of high school but was sent to prison for 15 months for having sexual relations with a minor, although the conviction was later overturned when the Georgia Supreme Court ruled the sex was consensual…His case attracted extensive media attention and was featured on programs such as Oprah and HBO’s Real Sports…Could realistically play defensive end in either a 4-3 or a 3-4 scheme and could even move inside..Interesting developmental prospect

THEAIRFORCEBAT:

Thundercats isn’t that old, it’s an 80’s cartoon.

THEAIRFORCEBAT:

I think there is a good chance of him flanking out Cali. I also think that there will be plays where Bennett starts out and spreads out into the slot ala Gates.

oneforthethumb:

Our first round picks were similar to two drafts in the 90’s.

emmitt smith and Rodney hampton were both available when the cowboys traded up. Seems to me people second guessed the boys for picking the slower and smaller emmitt over rodney.

kevin smith was not supposed to be available for us to draft in the first round. I think cincinatti pulled a mystery pick and the dophs selected troy vincent and we got smith. the jenkins trade worked out almost the same.

hope felix and michael have the same success as emmitt and kevin.

PS forget the WR’s. I’m for giving glenn/hurd/miles another chance.

CaliFanInTx:

Yeah…looking at our roster…we can roll out 5 legitamate passing threats while still giving the illusion we’re in a running play…Garrett should have a blast this off season creating plays…

madmick:

I will admit that I was in agreement with most of Felix Jones’ detractors at first, but probably for all the wrong reasons. I watched very few Arkansas games but it seemed to be a fair enough assessment that a lion’s share of Felix Jones big plays came in the formation where McFadden was used as a decoy taking the snap in shotgun formation as a QB. I even saw a few of those plays. However, quite a few of the people making those observations probably saw even less Arkansas games than me. That means they were basing talking out of their assessments on anecdotal junk they had very little first-hand knowledge of to back up their notions that Jones will be an even more feeble tick than Reggie Bush as a pro runner. Some guys had an agenda to push because they were infatuated and head over heels for a guy who ran fast in a t-shirt and shorts but never even had a true position until his senior year and put up abysmal production running the ball his first 3 years against weak competition.

Bottom line: I know how much this Felix pick reeks of a goofy GM Jerry decision. Speaking of which, it was just so friggin hokey to constantly hear mediot after mediot parroting how Jerry had to draft a fellow Razorback that it somewhat put me off picking Felix. Truthfully, until the very last instant, I was half-expecting to hear Rashard Mendenhall’s name announced when our pick came up.

However, the fact that Felix never had to handle the load doesn’t necessarily tell me anything about his capability of being an 18-20 carry back in the pros one way or the other. If Rashard Mendenhall was on the same depth chart with McFadden on a college team, he wouldn’t have gotten any more carries than Felix and furthermore, he most likely wouldn’t have done as much as Felix did with the limited opportunities. Ronnie Brown got fewer opportunities than Cadillac at Auburn, and who has turned out to be the more productive pro? The fact that Felix is an unknown commodity works both ways for me. What we do know is he was very efficient with a limited amount of opportunities in a power conference like the SEC. Could all of his numbers have been due to him leeching off McFadden like some kind of parasite? Who knows? But he’s a lot less of a gamble for me than a guy like Chris Johnson who played in a mid-major conference and didn’t even stick to a position until his senior year. But I guess if Donny likes boys who run real fast in a t-shirt and shorts, then the verdict is in: CJ’s a newer, sleeker model cut from the Brian Westbrook mold.

As far as predicting how many guys will bust just because Reggie Bush has been ineffective as a pro runner, there have been guys like Napoleon Kaufman and Warrick Dunn who have proved that you can be a shifty jitterbug guy with a diminutive, slight frame and still be an impact runner. Besides that, as has already been pointed out, Felix is more powerfully built than Bush and closer to Cadillac or Tiki’s build. Bush just doesn’t have the makings of a great pro back. He’ll probably settle fine into an Eric Metcalf type of role. It happens, though. How many solid pro running backs (halfbacks) did Nebraska ever produce? Ahman Green and Roger Craig. On that note, I hate it when people let guys pooh butt Clarett and He-Man woman hater Lawrence Phillips off the hook assuming they weren’t going to be busts on the field regardless of how overshadowed their lack of game on the field was overshadowed by their transgressions off the field. Ironically, if Clarett and Phillips weren’t such scumbags off the field, they would be remembered as just a couple of more unspectacular busts. Indistinguishable from Curtis Enis or Rashaan Salaam.

Now what was I on about?

Oh yeah. In summation, a guy like Chris Johnson is a lot more unproven and unknown commodity than a guy like Felix Jones who provided more bang for the buck than any back in college over the last 3 seasons. Will he be a 25-plus carry guy? Who is? I think that’s a term as bogus and misguided as “cover corner.” Barber isn’t a 25-carry guy. He runs out of gas around 18. I certainly think Felix is a 20-touch guy. 12-15 carries and 5-7 more touches on returns and receptions. Also, Tashard was a solid choice.

For all we know, by mid-season next year Felix could be so keyed into the offense that he gets the same amount of carries as the Barbarian who would settle back into his role as the finisher.

mcallen_fan:

Very interesting.

This also from nfldraftcountdown.com

CB Orlando Scandrick had a 2-3 round grade.

Strengths:
Adequate size and bulk…Outstanding timed speed…A good athlete..Hips are very fluid and he flips them well to turn and run…Has quick feet…Good ball skills…Can also contribute on special teams…Is tough and physical…Has a ton of experience.

Weaknesses:
Inconsistent and doesn’t always play up to his physical tools…Doesn’t get a great jam at the line…Just an average tackler…Can be blocked….Did not pick off a lot of passes…Was not really tested that much…Questionable instincts and awareness.

Notes:
Was a three-year starter..Ran the second fastest forty time for a corner at the ‘08 Scouting Combine…Has a knack for blocking kicks and could also work as a return man…Press / Man cover guy with excellent triangle numbers…Really put his name on the map with great workouts…Has starting potential and just might be a steal

scout:

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Day/2008/Round4Picks.htm

Check out what Pro Football Weekly says about Tashard Choice.

They say he could turn out to be the best player in the round. They say he is a steal. They say he is good enough to compete for playing time this year.

Also, they say this may be a signal about not paying Marion Barber. They say both sides may “already know this”.

I’m just the messenger. I did put it up, because I just read Dave Halprin’s blog that he didn’t get the Choice pick. He just thinks its etched in stone that Barber is going to get paid in Dallas.

I get it. It isn’t hard to figure out. Dallas probably has Barber for one more year. He is looking like a lame duck player.

If you listen to Jerry Jones today, he was clear when he stated Felix Jones wasn’t a “backup”. He defended him and said he viewed him as a starter. In other words, he wasn’t brought here to be a caddie for everyone’s favorite running back.

Yesterday, Jerry Jones said Barber did better when he was kept fresh and didn’t wear down. Phillips contradicted Jerry after this by saying Barber is a pro bowler, and he is ready to “carry the load”.

The GM/Owner and the coach contradicted one another. At least, that is what it sounded like. Go back and listen to yesterday’s press conference.

I’m surprised this hasn’t been picked up.

Barber wore down in the second half of that playoff game. It showed. With his style of running, he will wear down over the course of the season or in games. He needs help, too.

I like Marion Barber but asking for LT or Larry Johnson Money is crazy.
I think his agent priced him out of Dallas.

I think taking Tashard Choice was a message to the fans. Some just don’t want to hear it.

THEAIRFORCEBAT:

Oh and the DE prospect is projected by Wade as linebacker.

THEAIRFORCEBAT:

Scout:

It could be a message to the fans, but then again dallas had no RB depth so its not like it was a stupid pick.

I’m sure Dallas did pick him though thinking that if Barber doesn’t get resigned they won’t be stuck in a situation where they will have to draft another back.

redraider1us:

I think those that think we should have picked mendenhall are missing something. Mendenhall would be like having 2 Barber’s. There is no change of pace there. Jones is the one that fits best with Barber. And i think Choice is the one to replace barber if he insist on LT type money.

Its really not a debate on which one is better, its which one fits our plans.

THEAIRFORCEBAT:

Plust what if Barber gets hurt? Dallas is just loading up on insurance. Instead of putting a full load on Felix Jones, now they will be able to incorparate the two back system if an injury occurs.

mowgli:

scout,

Yesterday, Jerry Jones said Barber did better when he was kept fresh and didn’t wear down. Phillips contradicted Jerry after this by saying Barber is a pro bowler, and he is ready to “carry the load”.

Way to sensationalize buddy. This was not how it appeared at all. Jerry deferred to Wade’s thoughts on the matter. No doubt, Tashard Choice would work in nicely if MBIII was to leave Dallas, but there was no spoken indication of Barber’s departure at the press conference.

mowgli:

There’s no way we were going into the season with only MBIII and Felix at the RB position. The Choice pick was simply a safety pick that could yield greater dividends in the future.

Luke.:

We have secured positions with potential contract issues. If MBIII wants $50 million we can let him go and run with Jones and Choice in 09. If Terrence Newman wants $100 million we at least have a lot of potential options with Pacman, Jenkins and Scandrick but I think Newman will be signed it’s Anthony Henry that’ll be out the door after next year. Henry will free up some good cap space as he won’t be needed in 09 now for sure.

And as I read back through the draft day threads, to all the guys criticising Jerry’s second day trading, do you realise we scored an extra Third and Forth Rounder for next years draft? That’s great work by the GM. All you anti-Jerry fanatics baffle me, this was a very solid draft for Dallas with the potential to be a very great one.

CaliFanInTx:

The best part of this whole draft is we got a lot of flexibility going into next year’s contract situation. I think we made sure that we weren’t getting held “hostage” by anyone.

It was initially looking like that with Flozell this year. Fortunately, he gave us a hometown discount to retire a Cowboy. Otherwise, this draft looks much different.

Tighthead:

Raf- I hope you are right on Bennett. I just remember the same philosophy when we drafted Fasano.

CaliFanInTx:

What a laugher…

The Bucs have 7 Quarterbacks…

cowboy bert:

And none of them can throw.

Jon B.:

Hey Raf was Felix Jones…..the RB and the WR?

Wade says we will play him like Marshal Faulk….a LOFTY comparison for anyone….at least he didn’t compare him to Emmit.

But I can only ever recall a couple of RBs that lined up at WR. I believe recently Westbrook and Reggie Bush have done it. However, I recall Herschel Walker and Marshal Faulk being two that not only did it but caught ball from the WR position.

Might Red Ball from Turner / Air Coryell school chose to use him like Martz did in St Louis with Faulk?

I ain’t sure Jones is the inside runner that Faulk was……but as far as the shifty outside runner with home run ability and great hands he sure looks the part.

Maybe Marion has 1000 rushing and Jones has 500 rushing and 1000 recieving………

Just a thought but perhaps the sitting pat at Wideout and the choice of JONES over Mendenhall was Red Ball saying give me this weapon…….hopefully he is what they think he is.

Jon B.:

oh it does leave one other question………….one I asked all year last year.

Why didn’t we utilize JULIUS JONES and screens more often……it seemed like everytime we did it worked for 20 yards or more and then a penalty killed it. So we gave up on it…..

scout:

I just saw John McClain (from the Houston Chronicle) on t.v.

McClain says that a Titans scout named Bricatto (?) had Felix Jones rated number two behind Darren McFadden. McClain said that Bricatto was the “best scout in the country”.

I posted some Bricatto quotes earlier in the week about Felix Jones.

Cash:

I like the Felix Jones pick. I like his speed and I think he will be some of the speed we need at WR and KR.

But the rationale that you have to have a change of pace back is stupid. Why is everyone trying to force baseball pitching theory into football? It’s a contrived concept that JJ simply used to explain his choice.

I think the fact that Felix Jones played against better competition and put up such a staggering ypc is as good of a reason as any to have taken him.

Other than the Raiders who took McFadden are you telling me that if the Cowboys knew with absolute certainty that they would be getting a back that would produce the same as Marion Barber they would not take him? That they would knowingly not take Marion Barber given the chance?

Lunacy.

Mendenhall had his doubters. There were 21 picks before the Cowboys were on the clock.

BishopWest:

Tashard Choice’s nickname in college was Deuce.

Barbarian
Felix the Cat
Deuce

What a backfield!

Cash:

scout,

In the first half of the Giants game, Barber landed hard on the back of his head twice. I would not be suprised if he wasn’t playing with a concusion in the second half.

The move to try and cram the Barber running game down there throat so early and often, coupled with stupid offensive penalties is what defeated us in that game. Both Barber and the Offensive line were toast by the second half.

BishopWest:

Just imagine MBIII bruising the defense for 3 quarters and then bringing in “fresh legs” Felix to dance around tired d-linemen and linebackers all the way to the endzone.

Bring it on!!!!

Cash:

BishopWest,

Just imagine MBIII bruising the defense for 3 quarters and then bringing in “fresh legs” Mendenhall smashing through tired d-linemen and linebackers all the way to the endzone.

Either way you can’t lose.

Felix Jones offers more in other ways. Like special teams and in the passing game.

scout:

Stephen Jones came out strong for Terence Newman in the DMN. Todd Archer has Jones saying this in his blog entitled, “Newman is going nowhere”.

“Terence is a guy we want here. Period. I think Terence Newman is playing for as long as we want to sign him for. He takes great care of himself. He’s a first-class guy. He’s everything you want in a football player”.

Stephen Jones

Todd Archer made it a point to say that it sure didn’t sound like the team was “concerned” about Newman being 30. He thinks Newman will be signed.

It isn’t a contract, but it is nice for me to hear.

kameleon_o:

I’ve been talking about Choice since the Senior Bowl. There’s no question in my mind from what I saw there, and from the Georgia Tech games I saw last season, that Choice can be a starter at some point. He’s very good. I think it was a steal in the 4th round.

scout:

Cash,

I do remember Barber hitting his head on the turf very hard. You are right about that. I think he was on the sideline when he hit the back of his head hard on one play.

Our O-line looked worn out form run blocking late in the game. Adams and Columbo got up slowly on two separate plays in the second half. When Romo had guys open, Dallas couldn’t block them. When they blocked them, people were not open.

andyhoe:

Isn’t Bennett (at 6′6″)too tall to be a lead blocker? Don’t you want a bowling ball as a lead blocker and not a basketball player.

CowboyMan:

When I see Jones break the LOS and get to the safety, and he jukes him, and keeps on going, I’ll know then we’ve improved over Julius. Too many times, Julius went down right there with a one man tackle. A ten yard gain that should have been twenty plus. GO FELIX!!!

scout:

http://www.cfbstats.com/2007/player/31/85027/rushing/situational.html

I just ran into this.

Felix Jones stats. It breaks them down by categories.

Look at his YPC for all the categories, and look at his YPC on short yardage.

Cowboys4Life:

“Isn’t Bennett (at 6?6?)too tall to be a lead blocker? Don’t you want a bowling ball as a lead blocker and not a basketball player.”

You’re right, at least in theory. Blockers would ideally be shorter/stockier and have a lower center of gravity.

Moose Johnston was around 6′2″, 240 lbs.

scout:

The WRs were overrated. That doesn’t mean they will not be good. They just had second round value. Fighter 15 was right, but most of the experts were wrong, too. I was wrong.

Rashard Mendenhall was overrated. He wasn’t a top 10-15 player. He was a good value right where he was picked. I had him going to Carolina. They took Stewart.

Devin Thomas was overrated, too. He was a high second rounder.

Felix Jones was underrated. Dallas picked him right where his true value was.

dafino13:

TRADE HAPPY

On Sunday, the Cowboys made five trades, not including the one with Tennessee for suspended cornerback Pacman Jones that became official:

1) From Dallas: Third round (No. 92)

To Dallas: Fourth round (No. 111), 2009 fourth round from Detroit

2) From Dallas: Fourth round (No. 100 via Miami)

To Dallas: Fourth round (No. 104), seventh round (No. 213) from Oakland

3) From Dallas: Fourth round (No. 104 via Oakland)

To Dallas: Fourth round (No. 122 – Tashard Choice), fifth round (No. 155) from Cleveland

4) From Dallas: Fourth round (No. 111 via Detroit)

To Dallas: 2009 third round from Cleveland

5) From Dallas: Fifth round (No. 155), seventh round (No. 213)

To Jacksonville: Fifth round (No. 143 – Orlando Scandrick)

2009 DALLAS COWBOYS DRAFT PICKS
Round Picks
First one
Second one
Third two
Fourth two
Fifth one
Six two*
Seven one
*The Cowboys have two sixth-round picks thanks to the trade to Miami of nose tackle Jason Ferguson, but they would lose one of the selections to Tennessee should Pacman Jones play without incident in 2008.

larry:

Jarhead, to get back to you-
My point was, if the Mendenall guy turns into a very good NFL back,a starter, and FJones indeed is only able to be a role player,
it will be a fair criticism of JJ for making the choice he made.

Because we’ll lose Barber to injury if not free agancy, so if you were going running back at #22, why not go to the less flashy but poss. more steady and durable guy.

I’m not predicting that, I’m saying IF….

nwhargis:

Iv been reading some good things about Orlando Scandrick. He has 4.3 speed. I think we may have found a diamond in the ruff.

Slide910:

scout

I’m equally happy in reading the “Long” column. Julius was supposedly our previous home run threat. How many times did Julius put up runs of 73, 72, 71, and 59? That’s a home run threat!

Only thing I didn’t like was his 4th quarter YPC drop off. But that’s still over 6.

thrycecubed:

Hey guys, been reading this blog for over a year now and finally decided to make an account.

I’m not sure if it was mentioned and I missed it, but why/how did Josh Barrett fall so far? Or was he not on our board to begin with.

CaliFanInTx:

Been looking at F. Jones and this guy looks like a slightly bigger Brian Westbrook.

larry:

I’m very curious about this TASHARD CHOICE guy. Just glancing.

1) Negative-This guy has had some “tread on the tires” the last 2 years! Geez-297 carries, then 261.
Also, already 23 years old. Not exactly an “upside” type of choice.

2) Positive-NO fumbles-in his entire career! Almost 700 carries. Not bad.

AFCowboy:

Three bold predictions:

1. F. Jones will have a better year than DMAC

2. Danny Amendola is a starter by week 11

3. A. Jones realizes he is playing for food on his plate, keeps his nose clean and has an unbelievable year

out

donnyposner:

I like the players drafted but I don’t like the draft.

While the Cowboys needed to improve their secondary, WR would have made the biggest impact to the overall team. If Terrell Owens goes down, the Cowboys will be in serious trouble. A complimentary RB is a nice addition but not one of value.
Dallas could have easily added a complimentary RB as late as the 4rth round or traded a late round pick with Al Davis who simply can not keep all his RBs. In Dallas the running game depends on the pass, and if TO disappears, Dallas will have a tough time running the ball regardless of who is back there. Martellus Bennett may represent (may not) an upgrade over Fasano or Tony Curtis but they could have gotten more value by keeping Fasano and using the pick elsewhere. Moving Fasano and Ayodele for a 4rth rounder which they did not even use is a rather retarded move. I like Martellus Bennett and predicted the pick before it was made, but it was not well thought out.

WR was the key to this off season more so then corner. They were not able to secure a WR thru a trade and didn’t even pick one up in the draft. Even if the WR could not contribute this year, you need to add talent to that group for next year. Glenn is very possibly done and TO could very easily age overnight. A good WR opposite TO, would
have defenses so concerned with the passing game, that a mediocre RB would have room to run.

The complimentary RB is nice but it just doesn’t allow for the scoring potential that a WR does. The offense will be ok if TO remains healthy the entire season and Glenn can play or Stanback comes on. Thats rather scary. Stanback is a serious question. Glenn is on his last leg and TO’s injury at the end of the season probably cost us the Superbowl. If he was healthy, the GIANTS were mince meat.

The Cowboys did improve their secondary considerably with Pacman, Mike Jenkins, and Orlando Scandrick. They can now consider moving Henry to FS while leaving Newman, PacMan, and Jenkins manning the corners and the Nickel. All this adds to a serious question however. A question which could have been answered by a big space eating NT. They had one available to draft but traded away the pick. Think about how much smaller the defense is getting. Zach Thomas replaces Ayodele. Zach is tiny compared to Ayodele. Roy Williams is likely out at SS with Hamlin and Henry playing SS & FS. Pacman may start at LCB. In other words, they are smaller at SS, FS, CB, WILB and don’t have the big NT to eat up space and protect the middle. In a division where the NY GIANTS have Brandon Jacobs, they may not big a great idea. So, Dallas is or should be much much better against the pass but could also be weak playing the run and soft up the middle.

All said, the Cowboys did not even need this draft to compete for the SuperBowl. They did improve themselves but I don’t think they did the things to put them over the top and turn themselves into a continual contender or chase their new dynasty. They have serious questions at WR and questions of strength up the middle.

I do believe they would have been better off doing whatever it took to pry away Roy Williams from Detroit taking a complimentary RB in the 2nd or 3rd and picking up a big NT. Even if it took 2 #1’s and a 2nd to aquire Roy Williams, it would have meant more for this team then this draft did. In my opinion, there are at least a dozen different ways they could have had a better draft, and yet, they are right in position to win it all.

Still, I thought the Cowboys were better then the GIANTS last year, but I think the GIANTS have gained ground.

Slide910:

Amendola might beat out Austin, Hurd, and Stanback, but he won’t start unless there’s an injury (assuming Glenn plays). I guess he could get in on 4 WR sets, but he’s too raw to start this year. Just a guess.

CaliFanInTx:

AFCowboy,

Those projections aren’t too bold…in fact, they’re mostly realistic.

1. Jones plays on a better team with a top offensive line and potent passing attack. Opposing teams cannot just key on him because they would get killed by any number of other guys.

2. Amendola is a player…may not start but I’d be surprised if he didn’t make the team. I’d say Austin’s job is in some jeopardy because we have so many other kick off return options.

3. Pacman knows the score…I don’t think he is a lost cause, but I do think his buddy Chris Henry is headed to the crapper…you can tell that guy will never get it.

CaliFanInTx:

donny,

I just wasted 5 minutes reading your post…

Slide910:

donny

Roy Williams isn’t out. He’s very much still the starting SS.

As far as NT goes, yeah it would have been nice to get one on day two who would come in and be awesome.

As far as WR goes, yeah it would have been nice to get one on either day to come in here and be awesome.

Problem is, our scouting department told our decision makers that none of the guys available at those positions would do any such thing. I’ll listen to their opinion.

It’s so funny. The Cowboys need a WR. They didn’t draft a WR. The draft was a failure because every WR they passed on will no doubt turn into a pro bowler.

Slide910:

Oh, and what CaliFanInTx said.

CaliFanInTx:

Slide,

I’m such a glutton for punishment…I should have just laid off after reading the first line of his “novel” but I had to keep reading…

Sean N:

Donny - 2 number 1s for Roy Williams????

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!1

Remember Joey Galloway?????? Injured first game and thats it!!! No WAY!!!Dont give up 2 picks for 1 player like that…nooooo way

donnyposner:

Joey Gallaway was years ago.

I do remember. No Alzeheimers yet

Chandus:

Jerry tried to acquire Roy Williams hard enough to ensure the Detroit press that Millen’s an idiot…

I’ve been saying this for some time now… Last year what they wanted for Dallas to move up to their number 2 overall pick, was a boatload of picks and DeMarcus Ware.

All of that for an unproven player… What does he wants for a proven NFL player? I do know something, what Jerry offered wasn’t enough.

Quit dreaming nothing was going to happen during the Draft, but something can still happen during Trraining Camp with the extra picks that Dallas has and if a malcontent with his situation becomes more vocal.

CaliFanInTx:

donny,

So you’re advocating repeating the Joey Galloway mistake?

CaliFanInTx:

The more I think about Miles Austin…the more I think he will be the odd man out this year…I hope we can get some value for him instead of just outright cutting him for nothing. Maybe we should offer him to Parcells for a draft pick. There are some teams out there with desperate needs for a WR or KR.

CowboyinIraq:

Guys, guys…..

Let us not forget the misfortune of others before we bash JJ. Our team is much better now than we were at this time last year and we were 13-3. Look at the other NFC 13-3 team and how they drafted. Think they like Aaron Rodgers much? I admit they got Jordy Nelson, who some people have been clamoring for, but Brohm AND Flynn? Wow, how would it have been to be a fly on that wall? THOMPSON: Hey coach, what do you think of Rodgers? MCCARTHY: Not worth a S*&^. Lets get some insurance. And lets get Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley for him too, EXCITEMENT let me tell ya! Just remember we definitely don’t have it as bad as most.

connery:

Hopefully we will have something closer to a 50/50 run/pass ratio this year. I have some doubts about some of our wideouts too, but if we can get into 3rd and short instead of 3rd and long it’ll be alright.

madmick:

As far as the wide receiver situation goes, I guess Jerry is going with that tired old mantra of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Record-setting (regular season) offense and that whole jar of piss………

It certainly looked like it needed fixing in the 4th quarter against the Giants. I guess with the help of a holistic healer handpicked by Jerry, Terry Glenn will be A-Okay and in tip top shape this upcoming season. Bullbutter. Or that is to say I’ll believe in when I see it.

Also, anybody remember another cat that played his college ball at Arkansas? He changed positions from the guy throwing the passes to the guy catching them when he got to the pros. If Matt Jones hasn’t did diddly poo so far with the Jags, what makes anyone think Stanback is going to transform into a game-changer any time soon?

I can’t disagree more that we couldn’t have found guys superior to Austin and Sam Hurd. Austin has blazing speed and can get separation and that’s his biggest problem because the few times the ball does find its way to him, he doesn’t seem to grasp the concept of catching it. Hurd had one huge catch all year and it was partially due to the DB misjudging the trajectory of the pass.

I want to like Patrick Crayton. With so much attention devoted to the other weapons on offense, even if he isn’t a speedster, he is still capable of making big plays here and there. Who can forget that circus catch he made against the Raiders when Drew The Statue was still the triggerman? The problem is he was 3-for-5 against Giants with his 3 catches accounting for an anemic 27 yards and his 2 missed chances that occurred during 2 separate late possessions ended up costing us the game. The guy is a great commodity as a 3 and in half the games can be depended upon to make a key contribution as a 2. But he’s got a lot to redeem himself for this upcoming year after the trash he left on the field in the play-offs.

If Stanback is going to be counted on to contribute this upcoming season or Terry Glenn is going to make some miraculous recovery, fine; but to pretend like Austin and Hurd are on the right track to even become regular contributors much less break-out stars is absurd.

Hopefully, we will be much more consistent running the ball with multiple guys who can get the job done because our division opponents have had a full off-season to break down how to slow down the passing game and try to minimize the effectiveness of T.O. and Witten.

mdlusk:

All I needed to know about the Felix Jones pick I learned from watching the DC War Room footage on NFL Network. After they decided on Felix and announced it, they showed Red Ball. He had the Hugest grin on his face. That’s good enough for me. I will admit that I questioned it at first with Mendenhall on the board, but I could comprehend it. Then with Red Ball, all doubts were erased.

I loved the Jenkins move and pick. Fantastic value, he was number 17 on Gosselin’s top 100 list. Great get at 25.

I questioned Bennett, but Raf has eased my mind on that score. I’ll take a more wait and see on him.

I love filling out the CB and RB spots in the second day. We have huge CB depth now. RB will be a serious weapon now unlike last year when it was Barber and no one else. Then we also have insurance in case Barber takes one hit too many in Choice.

I wondered about WR, but if there’s no value, and a huge run on them in the early 2nd, then don’t force it.

I wonder why we didn’t pull the trigger on NT?

I do like the extra picks next year. If Adam Jones plays we have 8 picks, if he doesn’t, we have 10, including 3 4th rounders.

mdlusk:

There is a huge difference between Stanback and Matt Jones. Speed. Stanback has it. Matt wishes he did. Stanback also had time at WR before he was a QB if I remember correctly.

WR does concern me, and apparently the Boys too, since one of their first UDFA pickups was a WR.

Luke.:

Mdlusk,

Actually Matt Jones ran a 4.37 at the combine which is one of the main reasons he was overdrafted. So I guess you can’t say he doesn’t have speed. I think he might fall down in the quickness area though where as Stanback, in the tiny, tiny sample we got (one KR I think?) looks like he was quick and agile. But who knows whether he can play WR?

Luke.:

Just think about, when was the last time we drafted a highly rated explosive offensive prospect like Felix Jones?? It’s been years and years.

Can’t wait to see this guy play.

mdlusk:

I can’t wait to see Felix either. And I am concerned about WR, it’s that Stanback seems so much quicker and faster than Matt Jones on the field, even if Jones is taller. Jones is really a quarterback, and a mistake as a WR. Stanback is a