97 Comments to ‘Look at the Overall Value of the Roster’: »

Squidlo97:

1st!!!

Squidlo97:

Now I can read the thread.

THEAIRFORCEBAT:

True enough Raf.

And as I’ve said about Jones, I think there will be times where Garret utilizes him and Barber on the field at the same time.

VaqueroEP:

First post. Enjoy the Blog! Regarding picking up the 3 & 4 next year has anyone seen how many round 1 wide receivers with great potential there are in 2009? This is according to according to http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2008P.php. Sorry if I’m not doing this right, but the value of the roster includes its possible picks next year. A+

Slide910:

From last thread

Son of a bitch. I also added to that post “(not me personally but most local mediots will be driven batty).”

If our picks contribute I too will be fine with it. But nevertheless, we will hear plenty of “another 1st rounder riding the pine” nonsense on here and from the media. That’s the point I was making.
Just get ready for it. How many times have some attacked Carpenter on here? Zac Thomas is one big hit away from retirement, and then we’ll be glad we have Carp.

Squidlo97:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=3371140

An interesting favorable article.

texasmonster:

The boys sign Texas Tech’s Danny Amendola as an undrafted free agent. Anyone know anything about this kid?

THEAIRFORCEBAT:

Hey Slide,

Yeah we saw that, just having to reply to something. : )

RDO:

Of all the new players coming in only thomas played one snap in the league last year. That has to be a significant factor, yes the new players seem to have more or the same potential, but even pacman has sat out a year and we saw what happened to tank last year his play really slipped. The players who left had multiple years of both nfl coaching and experience so its hard to say the new replacements will be just as good this year. Potential doesn’t always equal production.

Rafael Vela:

RDO,

I’ll say Bennett is a maybe versus Fasano. Fasano was a washout as a rookie. He was decent last year. It’s possible that Bennett will be worse, but I trust John Garrett, who was great as a position coach last year.

Felix Jones versus Julius Jones, I’d say no. RB is one of the plug and play spots on a team.

Pacman Jones, even with rust is better than Reeves. He was a top five CB in ‘06. Reeves has never been anything better than average.

Nate Jones was awful last year. Even if Mike Jenkins suffered growing pains, he’s not worse than Jones, IMO.

mcallen_fan:

5 years ago we were re-building a team that had small fragments of potential, 3 years later we’re building a great team and with this years and next years draft and free agency: we build our THIRD DYNASTY.

dallasdawg:

monster,

If I’m not mistaken, Amendola is the speedy slot receiver that excelled in the Tech pass-heavy offense. He is a Wes Welker-type with his smaller size and quick feet, but lacks the overall skills and experience that Welker has. Welker poses a match-up issue with a lot of teams and excelled with Randy Moss lined up with him, so maybe the Boys will try and use Amendola in the same type of role?

On another note, JJ has proven over the last few drafts that he knows what he’s doing, especially on defense. Bobby Carpenter hasn’t been a flop just yet, and there are 9 total first round draft picks on our defense. It says a lot of Jerry if all those players are still here and contributing heavily. Mike Jenkins should be no exception, and Orlando Scandrick is a great prospect who can be groomed along with Jenkins under the likes of Newman, Henry, and Pacman.

CaliFanInTx:

RDO,

I think you are stating the obvious but I don’t think those facts tell the whole story…plus you’re only looking at it one sided. I think the potential there tells a better story.

Cowboys4Life:

Here’s hoping Amendola can shake up the receiver corps a bit.

CaliFanInTx:

Am I the only one that though Fasano was just “adequate”? He wasn’t bad, and he had flashes, but he had key drops during the season. I just didn’t see a developing “dominant” player…a player opposing defenses had to game plan against.

Granted, getting a 4th round pick for a 2nd round selection is disappointing, but sometimes it’s the smart move cut your losses early on if you just don’t see things getting too much better. At least we got something for him…

Tim Wilson:

Yeah, I don’t think you can say Bennett as a rookie will be better than Fasano was last year with any certainty. Fasano was a good second TE last year and we sung the praises of his blocking on this blog quite a bit (due to Garrett’s coaching, we believe, since Witten improved a lot too).

That said, I think the point is well taken that this should be an improved roster over last year’s, and that team went 13-3.

The only last word of caution I would add is that 2007 TO is not the same as 2008 TO, and 2007 Zach Thomas is not the same as 2008 Zach Thomas, etc. These guys don’t live in suspended animation– with the older players, years matter. I’m not worried that anybody on that starting 22 list is gonna fall off a cliff, especially Owens, who is a physical marvel, but it’s something to consider. Just as some of the younger guys will improve this year, some of the older guys may decline a bit.

CaliFanInTx:

I think Amendola looks a lot like Welker…in fact, they are remarkably similar in physical skills and how they got to the NFL. I hope we got a player in him. How quickly he was signed after the draft by Dallas shows he jumped at the chance to be here. He’s probably a Cowboys fan.

RDO:

Well I hope you guys are right about the potential I am just trying to be realistic. Remember carpenter, spears and julius all had a lot of potential at one time and were supposed to be real upgrades at their positions. Now one is off the team and the other two are probably fighting to stay on it by their play this year. The nate jones comparison I can’t argue with and pacman may be better than reeves but it will probably take a half year for him to get back into playing form. Zach is a hit away from possible retirement also.

ManTab:

Can Amendola beat Stanback, Hurd or Austin???… Im hoping he’s better than Austin. I would love to see our offese throwing those 5 yards passes to him that become first downs. That’s how NE beat the crap our of everyone last year with Welker. F…CK the patsies!

Fighter15:

14 catches a year is not even adequate.

Slide910:

I personally think that unless Austin or Hurd show vast improvements over last year they’re both gone. They are what they are. Guys who show flashes during preseason when they get substantial playing time, but pretty much disappear during the season. I do remember Hurd coming up with a few big catches here and there, but defenses aren’t exactly keying in on him. He just had to beat one guy every now and then.

It’s time to throw some new guys in there and see what they can do. Stanback has had a full year to heal and will actually get to learn the position on the field this preseason instead of just in the classroom. I don’t know anything about this Amendola guy but he sounds promising.

Hey, we haven’t had an irrelevant social debate in a while. If Amendola played the exact same way but were black, would we hear one single Wes Welker reference on here?

CaliFanInTx:

Owens age has been a consideration the past 2 years…that’s why everyone was looking for the Cowboys to add a WR in the draft or free agency. A youth infusion would provide for the future. There just hasn’t been any realistic options, so far.

But the funny thing is…many mediots have criticized the Cowboys for not drafting a WR, but there are other teams that could really use one that neglected that during the draft (i.e Chargers) but got no criticism at all. The Cowboys don’t “need” a WR to have a very prolific passing game the next 2 years. They should find one to protect the future.

Eric R:

Raf,

I have to agree that Dallas’ roster is more stable than it was late last year. .. From previous thread, you did a great job at getting info and bringing it home. You always do!

From the aspect of “what could have been”, I think it is still to be determined. My opinion is Mendenhall was the better fit, the better choice. But I hope you are right.

I am extatic we got Jenkins. Like you, I think he was the best fit of the top 4 corners. Which … if in an offseason Dallas were to aquire Pac-Man and Jenkins, and basically keep the core of a team that went 13-3 … I think we are in good shape!

CaliFanInTx:

RDO,

I sense that you are generally happy with the draft, but you’re trying to temper yourself so that you limit your disappointed if things don’t work out as expected. Generally, it’s good to be conservative, but I think you’re cheating yourself of the pleasure of being a fan.

dallasdawg:

slide,

Are you questioning my reference skills? Of course I would compare a black Amendola to Welker.

Wait. You’re completely right. I didn’t even think about that before I brought it up.

I also didn’t recall the fact that Welker went to Texas Tech.

Let the hype begin…

CaliFanInTx:

Slide910

I think the Wes Welker comparison comes from the Texas Tech connection not the color of his skin.

Tim Wilson:

It’s definitely a trend, though, Slide– on ESPN and in lazy print media publications in particular, white players only get compared to white players, and black players only get compared to black players. It’s very strange– you’ll never hear DeSean Jackson compared to Tim Dwight. It’ll always be Santana Moss or Jermaine Lewis or a player of the same race. White guys also seem to be saddled with the adjectives “high motor,” “gritty,” etc. Kiper had to make it a point on Saturday to note that in addition to being a high-effort guy, Chris Long happens to be a freakish athlete because no one was mentioning it. I feel like it’s just lazy journalists who have used the same set of adjectives for about 50 years now.

cormanman:

As far as the draft goes, I absolutely LOVE the picks at corner. Excellent selections in both cases. I love the Choice pick as well. All three of those were perfect perfect picks. Jerry and the scouting department turned weaknesses into strengths at two positions.

I do fear that we will come to regret Jones over Mendenhall, but I bleed blue and desperately hope I am wrong. I am now the biggest F. Jones booster around, but I’ve got a real bad feeling about it and I do reserve the right to say I told ya so.

I didn’t have a problem with the two trade downs in the 3rd and 4th. Excellent job getting the extra middle round picks next year while also keeping six picks. However, we should have moved up above Seattle to take Red Bryant. He should have already come off the board and we should have known damn well that there was a strong change they would grab him. For two freakin years I have begged for a more prototypical NT. In my opinion that is the missing piece for this to me an absolute MONSTER defense. Not trading up and grabbing Bryant is nearly inexcusable.

I have mixed feelings. Overall I liked the draft. There were no Shante Carvers or Quincy Carters. I’m still not totally sure that Jerry “gets it” but you can’t argue he’s come a long, long way.

Gray:

Houston Chronicle Draft Grade below:

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys: A
The Cowboys put together one of the better drafts, especially on day one. RB Felix Jones should really help the offense by sharing the load with Marion Barber. CB Mike Jenkins is also a big pickup, and TE Martellus Bennett, late of Texas A&M, could develop into a solid offensive option.
Rd. No. Player Pos. School
1 22 Felix Jones RB Arkansas
1 25 Mike Jenkins DB S. Florida
2 61 Martellus Bennett TE Texas A&M
4 122 Tashard Choice RB Ga. Tech
5 143 Orlando Scandrick DB Boise St.
6 167 Erik Walden LB Middle Tenn.

Dallas in position to move up in ‘09 draft:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/5734932.html

Jon B.:

Before we gift away Austin and Sam Hurd…….

History of Terrel Owens. Owens was a quiet kid from the South that was struggling as a WR had plenty of drops. He was in fact returning kicks at one point.

Then in season two he goes out and catches a GAME WINNING TD from Steve Young. He started to celebrate and from then on Terrel was TO. Like Dennis Rodman he transformed himself into a game day face……..who knows maybe he has multiple personalities like Herschel…….whatever…..

the point is…….I think if Hurd has one of those game changing moments. Perhaps he sticks around and develops.

Jimmy Smith…..

Terrance Copper has also been productive and was basically odd man out on our squad with Hurd and Austin being considered more talented.

Stanbach, Hurd, Austin, Texas Tech Wes Welker wannabe……hey we line up let em play and keep the best WR out of the bunch on the roster….

we should already have a PR/KR boost with Pacman.

Jon B.:

Gifting Zach Thomas the inside position……maybe premature.

Burnett or Carpenter gets a chance to make that start. I think Zach is a Marion Barber practice hit in pads away from DOUBLE VISION for life. I hope and wish him the best….but he could walk away anyday.

Having a vet like him is great…..but hopefully Burnett earns his 2nd round pick status or Bobby earns his 1st.

Slide910:

Tim Wilson

You forgot “brings his lunch pale to the field” or “cerebral”

I guess in general white players get referenced in the media like they work harder, black players were born with their talent and athleticism.

I’m sorry, but in the NFL you very much need both just to be a backup.

CaliFanInTx:

Jon,

I don’t think Hurd is in trouble but I do think Austin is on shaky ground if he doesn’t explode in preseason.

Jim Vance:

Booby Carpenter- RB/LT < I’ll explain in a second.
Today on the radio the local sports guy (Randy Galloway) and his vrew were discussing the draft, pre-draft trades etc. Galloway was generally positive about the draft picks and had some interesting commentary. Re: Mendenhall vs Felix he said that he talked to one successful NFL head coach about that choice and that coach said their system ranks players and then assigns them a current NFL player that the draftee reminds them of in his style of play so they can visualize how he fits into their system. The current player they assigned to Rashard Mendenhall? Marion the Barbarian. The point being that Felix provided the lightning to MBIII’s thunder where Mendenhall would have been more thunder. He said this coach ranked Felix very high, and also had Bennet ranked high too.

Then they went on to discuss the Fasano trade and that Tuna is loyal to his guys, sometimes loyal to a fault even, and he can sometimes stay with them too long. Somebody else mentioned that Tuna hasn’t come after Booby Carpenter, and Carpenter was one of Big Bill’s guys. Because Carpenter flops like RB/LT <Roseanne Barr’s Left Tit.

cormanman:

I didn’t get a chance to comment on the last thread but wanted to congratulate Raf on his excellent prognostication. I enjoy the other posters and love having a group of “friends” with whom I can obsess about the world’s greatest sports team of all time.

To the lurkers who have become new posters during the draft, please keep it coming. I enjoyed the exchanges.

But Raf, your great picks aside, the reason I at least stop by to check things out EVERY DAMN DAY is because of the excellent insight that you provide. Lots of places tell me what is happening. This is where I get the “why”. Your analysis it absolutely TOP NOTCH. It is hands down the best I have seen and I mean that sincerely.

Thank you for all of your time and effort.

Let me close with a challenge to this board. To all of you who were participating in the discussion these past few weeks and those frantically clicking refresh over the weekend, I challenge you to contribute a minimum of $25 each for the trip to training camp. You know that this site is worth it. We need Raf on the ground in Oxnard.

Do it.

Make it happen.

Man (or woman) up.

Put your money where your mouth is.

Quit being a freakin’ p^ssy and pull out the cash.

Jon B.:

as far as the draft goes……I give it an A

Jerry resisted trading up for McFadden or giving up two picks for Boulding, Williams or Ocho.

He got THREE CBs……thru draft picks…..two are first rounders Jenkins and Jones……and one has a special skill at PR/KR that COULD give us Devin Hester like starting field position. I think we upgraded our secondary……Heck Henry can man Safety this year possibly. I noticed Washington didn’t do anything about Sean Taylor’s absence……maybe Danny boy will want Roy Williams to spark his D. Roy is just about where Danny likes to get his Veterans……on the downside of a great career.

He got the RB he wanted. Probably looking at Julius and Spears and over at Steven Jackson wondering what if…….ok this time I am taking the back in the first round it worked for me with Emmit.

We add a TE / I think we GAVE away Fasano and Ayodele. One pick in the 4th. Why not another late round pick or something…..of course we gave away Fergie too…….cap casualties I guess.

No WR is a bummer, perhaps their scouts weren’t impressed by any….and I think some FAs and possible June cuts could bring us something. Perhaps last year was the year we should have added a WR…..still looking around the league an FA WR would be much better than an early draft choice.

Jon B.:

Cali…..

Yeah I think Austin especially with other options at PR/KR Stanbach and Pacman just to name two……and Newman might get more time if all the CBs are healthy and make the team and aren’t in PRISON STRIPES or making it rain.

I think if Hurd puts in the work in the weight room and on the field and in the classroom he could be a threat. He certainly has the size.

Terry Glenn is obviously like Pacman…..you don’t know what you got…….we gambled on Glenn all year……..how different might that Giants game been with a Gimpy TO and a fully HEALTHY GLENN??? or if Crayton had his usually good hands.

They keep talking about Stanback……that guy was our rider last year……we gave him time to heal and get in shape…….this year he needs to dress out and show us something……..hopefully not just in the return game.

Jon B.:

we also have a very experience and excellent Position coach at WR.

We have an IVY LEAGUE educated and experienced Offensive Coordinator.

We got a great TE coach…..

if none of those guys or the scouts or the GM Jerry were excited about the WRs…..and the rest of the league took a first round pass on wideout…….well then no reason to shoot the arrow when their ain’t no buffalo.

langx:

I would disagree with you on PacMan and Zach Thomas. Both players basically did not play last year.

Who’s to say Pacman
hasn’t lost a step and I don’t believe the Cowboys will get anything from Thomas.

He has a concussion problem.

They don’t go away. Ask Dan Morgan and Ted Johnson. Same position, same injury, both sat out a year and tried to comeback. Both retired.

Your kidding yourself.

Can you name one player that has returned to there usual playing level with a concussion problem. I can’t.

Ask the Dolphins who they would rather have. Akin or Zach.

Never mind, the Dolphins already answered that question.

Stephen Jones said the reason the Cowboys traded out of the third round was because they wanted a starter in that round and there wasn’t one there.

That’s the dumbest comment I heard all weekend.

How about getting a starter with one of your first 3 picks lucky born.

Back to the RB

The F.Jones pick was dumb. You take Mendenhall and let Barber play his role. Backup.

Then at the end of the year you let Barber sign elsewhere. Barber thinks he’s L.T. and Jerry is going to sign Barber to a nice deal when he is not worth it. His running style has short career written all over it.

Your going to pay F.Jones the same money Mendenhall gets. For a situational player.
Barber played well as the finisher last year. We needed a starter at RB we have a great backup. Mendehall fell to the Cowboys and JJ picked the wrong guy.

At least he could have parlayed Mendenahall to Pitt for an extra pick.

But Pitt wouldn’t do anything because the whole world knew JJ was taking Jones. That’s called showing your cards.

Medenhall and F.Jones ran the same speed in the 40. Mendehall is 18 pounds heavier. The RB position is not based on speed. Other wise Reggie Bush would have run for 2000 yards last year. His longest run and pass was only 25 yards.

Only JJ could have a guy who is a 25 carry back rated the same as a situational back.

He’s only kidding himself.

We are looking at the beginning of the end of this team.

T.O will be 35. Manningham was sitting there and they traded out of the third. Now the Giants and Redskins both have started the process of upgrading there receiver corp for the future. Not JJ.

They have nothing at WR. The Jets game showed those guys can’t play.

T.O is older and will probably get hurt again this year.

The Giants game showed Crayton is just all mouth.

JJ is about to destroy this team just like he did Jimmy Johnson’s teams.

He might have been in the room with Jimmy and Parcells but he didn’t learn a damn thing.

Slide910:

Wow……the tone of cormanman’s post changed a good bit from beginning to end. But yeah, he’s right. The training camp info is unmatched. The Ticket and I believe even Galloway’s crew always go to training camp an set up in view of the fields. You get more info from reading just one thread on here (there are usually about 2-3 a day) then from a whole day of reporting from those stations.

CaliFanInTx:

I predict Terry Glenn goes all out risking injury and a permanent limp for the 08 campaign. This is his last year playing and he lays it on the line and goes out with a bang in the Superbowl.

Jim Vance:

Raf,

I’m good for $25. Tell me where to send it.

I’ve asked the guy (Seth Schrock)from Star-Telegram for a link to share this analysis he did of draft Boom or Bust, by position and by tier of picks ie 1-10, 11-20, 21- 32 etc.

Boom = solid starters or better, Bust = everything else

RB = 50/50
WR = 34% Boom 66% bust
TE = 70% Boom 30% Bust
QB = 44% Boom 56% Bust
OL = 65% Boom 35% Bust
DL = 53% Boom 48% Bust
LB = 68% Boom 32% Bust
DB = 55% Boom 45% Bust

1-10 64% Boom
11-20 59% Boom
21-32 39% Boom

CowboyMan:

I’ll send in some money if I don’t go to Oxnard myself. If I go I’ll need the gasmo for the 450mi drive.

CowboyMan:

Jon B: I can’t even imagine what Witten would do to RW as a Redskin saftey. Does RW ever stop Witten in practice?

jodster:

The Mendenhall vs. Jones (my take)

Pick order:
22. Dallas - Felix Jones - RB
23. Pittsburg - Rashard Mendenhall - RB
24. Tennessee - Chris Johnson - RB
25. Dallas - Mike Jenkins - CB
26. Houston - Duane Brown - OT
27. San Diego - Antoine Cason - CB
28. Seattle - Lawrence Jackson - DE

Hypothetically, let’s say we pick Mendenhall instead of Jones. What would Pitt do? Would they pick Jones? Maybe they pick Jenkins. I’m not sure. I really think Tennessee would get Jones if Pitt passed him.

I guess my point is….It’s not just Mendenhall vs. Jones…..it’s the combo of Jenkins/Jones vs. Mendenhall/(Other player).

I think Dallas played the combo perfectly. Mendenhall is slightly ahead of Jones in my book. Picking Felix Jones allowed us to also pick up the coveted Jenkins. They are tied at the hip.

What pair makes Dallas a better improved Team?

Felix Jones & Mike Jenkins
Rashard Mendenhall & Antoine Cason
Rashard Mendenhall & Kenny Phillips

I don’t think Rashard Mendenhall & Mike Jenkins could both have been selected by Dallas. Pitt would have probably crashed our party……

Jon B.:

cowboy….

No RW doesn’t stop Witten in practice.

But in his Defense….name a safety or lb in the NFL that stopped Witten last year………there were a few games where he only had a few catches…..but there were several games where he just WENT OFF!!!!

Slide910:

David LaFleur accounts for all 30% in the bust column.

Slide910:

jodster

Tenn had jones rated as the second best RB in the draft.

jodster:

Slide910

If we pick Mendenhall and Tenn picks Jones….who does Pitt pick?

Slide910:

jodster

Probably not Chris Johnson like Tenn did. That’s more of a question for Raf I guess.

kameleon_o:

cormanman makes a good point Raf. It’s time to start soliciting for the training camp donations. We need to start putting some mula aside so you can go.

THEAIRFORCEBAT2:

I think that Bennetts upside is much higher then Fasano’s.

I don’t remember how highly rated Fasano was coming out of college, but as an avid college football watcher I was scratching my head. I think that Bill gets way too blinded by his associations sometimes.

He was the fifth rated tightend in that class and never had the athletic ability that Bennett possesses.

I mean isn’t there something strange that a third undrafted tightend had more TD’s then him?

Luke.:

Gmoney,

(From previous thread)

Thanks man, If’ I had picked Walden too I’d be off to the Casino…

Slide,

I think him being white definitely makes the comparison jump out quicker in people’s minds but I think it’s more than that too, they play the same position a very similar way, they played at the same College, they are roughly the same size, weight and speed. So there’s definitely enough there to make a comparison without colour but the colour just makes it more visually apparent. And I think Tim’s point about lazy media (I’ll throw in dumb, unoriginal and unimaginative too) is a sound one.

Slide910:

Luke

I know. I know.

langx:

“Let’s be accurate about this thing; we’re also seeing that when Bill was here we also made a lot of mistakes, too. Not him, we,” he said. “It would be unfair to say that some of our picks, where we are on [Anthony] Fasano and where we are on [Bobby] Carpenter, that’s on Bill. That’s very unfair. That’s not Bill. That was us. By the same token, it’s unfair to really say without Bill here, the good stuff is changing. That’s not right.”

Way to trash Bobby Carpenter who will most likely be your starting inside LBsince Zach thoms will be out as soon as he hits someone.

Hello 9-7 8-8 in 09.

THEAIRFORCEBAT2:

Now whats going to suck is the wait. I have visions of Felix Jones catching a two yard pass and busting it for 70 yards running through my head and a secondary that gets off the field on third down.

On another note- my baby’s room is all decorated in cowboys stuff. I’ve got him a little dallas cowboys mobile and he is all freaking set. Win I get more pictures I’ll show yall.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v221/cc605/?action=view&current=ConnerBaby001.jpg

THEAIRFORCEBAT2:

Lang:

Wouldn’t burnett probably have a better shot of starting over carpenter?

THEAIRFORCEBAT2:

OH and Lang…. so Dallas is going to be 8-8 because they’ll have to play another MLB?

That’s a ridiculously lame statement.

Slide910:

I remember the atmosphere on here when Fasano was drafted. We had just added TO. Raf teased us with these threads explaining the Xs and Os of the two TE offense. TO and Glenn on each side. Witten and Fasano in at TE. Of course all this required the 2nd pass catching TE to be able to block too. That way the defense didn’t know if we’d run or throw. Of course Raf did a much better job of giving examples as to how this would pose problems for defenses, but I wouldn’t dare get into that.

Of course Fasano couldn’t block well though, and none of that really worked. I’m not sure he was a very good route runner either, but maybe now those threads and discussions can be reignited.

Jim Vance:

I think Cincy picked 3 WRs overall this draft, with 2 picks out of the first 3 rounds being WRs.

That makes me thinko, there’ll be no Ocho Cinco. At the very least, it looks like Cincy is trying to cover their tails in the event of a protracted holdout.

Chris Henry is gone, Houshmanzadeh wants more dough and Chad…well he’s just Chad. These young guys may be good, but they can’t do what Ocho Cinco do.

Anyways, what I was thinking was, what does Cincy gain from NOT trading CJ, if he is determined to sit out the year?

Slide910:

I’m not so sure langx is a Cowboy fan. Probably and Eagle fan just spamming us. 9-7? 8-8? Give me a break.

redraider1us:

The comparison of Amendola and Welker are not just because they are both white. When you get a chance to see him play you will see why. Amendola has the same build, runs low to the ground, and does not have fast strait line speed but is quick in space like Welker. Both were primarily punt returners at first but developed into the spread offense at Tech. Amendola made a living his senior year catching dump passes over the middle and turning them into long yards, just like Welker. Acually having watched both of them i might be wrong but i believe Amendola was a more productive reciever his last year than Welker was.

texasmonster:

is it true the boys signed Marcus Dixon of Vandy as a free agent? This guy spent 18 months in jail and has had 3 alleged sex crimes filed against him.

Sam:

Good analysis Raf, I agree that the Cowboys are a better team after this offseason than they were before it began.

I am not one of those that thought Mendenhall should have been selected instead of Jones. I think Jones is the perfect compliment for our running game. Marion Barber is an awesome NFL player period and JJ is going to make sure that he gets signed…Mendenhall would have just been a carbon copy. Also, Felix Jones is a lot more explosive than Julius Jones; Julius really languished last year and I would be surprised if we didn’t get more out of Felix.

Zach Thomas is also an upgrade over Adoyle. I thought Adolye was a solid player and a little surprised that the team soured on him, but Zach is a player. He is a tackling machine and is all over the field when he plays. He alone will improve our defense immensely. He’ll be to the Cowboys what London Fletcher was to the Skins last year.

Obviously our corner situation is improved, but maybe not as much as we all think. Pacman needs to be reinstated and then he has to regain old form and while Jenkins comes highly touted he still he a rookie and could struggle his first year. I wasn’t a big fan of Reeves, but he was fairly servicable most of the time. The real key will be if Newman and Henry stay healthy and also whether Roy Williams continues to be a liability in coverage.

I’m not sold on the Bennett pick…someone is going to need to sell that one to me. I would have preferred to keep Fasano and then drafted a traditional FB. If Bennett comes in and starts laying some blocks in training camp then I’ll change my tune, but for now this pick is the black mark on the draft.

Overall, it would be hard for someone to say the Cowboys aren’t a better team going into ‘08. They were 13-3 last year and didn’t lose anyone of value and even upgraded at a few spots. In the end it will come down to the same thing it always does…injuries, a few lucky breaks here and there, and do they have the heart and focus to go all the way. The talent is there.

Jim Vance:

http://www.star-telegram.com/329/story/609130.html

This is the link explaining the Boom or Bust criteria.

Lang- I was really high on Carpenter when he was drafted, primarily because he was a Buckeye. I saw a couple of flashes from him, but I also heard some disparaging remarks about his preparation and effort. I have also heard that he was bounced around between inside and outside and it hurt him some. OK, weigh it all together…he isn’t playing behind Ray Lewis or Lawrence Taylor. He’s a first round draft pick and the only memorable thing he did all last season was make some dumb video, and force Romo to take some bimbo to Mexico and become the best QB that never won a Super Bowl. (sorry guys, couldn’t resist the TEX-ism)

Seriously, I would love to see Carp become a dominant player, he has everything going for him, size, good school, great team, genetics, he’s a LB which has a history of almost 70% of the 1st rounders being solid starters…and yet…he rides the pine. With all that’s going for him, he can’t get it going. Yeh, I’m kind of down on him.

Gmoney:

Califan:
Who game plans for a back up tightend? I really don’t know what everyone expected out of Fasano. I don’t think he was worthy of his draft position, but he was a 2nd year player playing behind the best TE in the league. When he did get on the field, he was there to block or compete with Witten, T.O., Crayton, Jones/Barber for the ball. I bet he is a starter in Miami and I bet he becomes a pretty good TE.

. . .now regarging his replacement here. . .

I hope he turns out to be a stud,. however, and I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be a downer, but I don’t get why everyone is so high on Bennett. I didn’t watch him play, so I’m going off his hi-lights here, but when I view his hi-light film on you tube, it’s a bunch of 4 to 7 yard outlet passes in the flat where he gets immediately taken down. There were a couple of decent grabs over the middle and only one knock down block - from THE best blocking TE in the draft.
I just find it hard to beleive these are his best plays in 3 yrs.
Anyone have some thougths or other hi-lights to offer?

Slide910:

GMoney

Read post 56. If it’s worth your trouble go back to the thread Raf put up following the Fasano pick. The two TE offense works if both TE can catch and block. That’s not easy to find, but in an ideal situation there would be no backup TE. Both TEs would be equally useful.

larry:

Slide, #30
“Brings his lunch pale

Unintentional, I presume, but funny nevertheless…..

larry:

These posts reveal very little about the draft etc.
How could they? We won’t know for a few years.

They do reveal something about personality and the type of fan you are. Is the cup half-full or -empty? Interesting reading.

As RDO pointed out, we’re counting on a lot of guys with no experience, and old, injured Zach T, and a Jones who’s been out for a long time.

CaliFanInTx:

Gmoney,

WTF are you talking about? I think you need to go back and re-read my post.

I never said teams will game plan for a backup TE…

I said Fasano wasn’t a “dominant” player…a player opposing defenses had to game plan against.

We needed to move on and find one…

CaliFanInTx:

Has anybody heard anything from the competition from NFC East? What do they think about the 08 Boys?

larry:

test

Slide910:

Raf

I’m not sure if you were planning to go over this stuff again, but I went digging to spare you some time (perhaps).

VERY GOOD READ EVERYONE

http://theboysblog.com/2006/05/09/tight-ends-aim-to-squeeze-opposing-linebackers/

http://theboysblog.com/2006/05/18/were-all-chiefs-now/

Slide910:

Califan

They’re scared Shitless

Slide910:

larry

Haha yes, that was an oversight. But you did assume I was talking about white players in that comparison. I did not specify.

Slide910:

Ok seriously though. Post 70 contains some stuff from Raf in his prime. It’s definitely worth 5 minutes of your time to go back and read it.

greatwhitenorth:

I just watched Bennett’s “highlight” clip on youtube, and although it doesn’t have a lot of plays that take your breath away, it’s clear that the kid has the potential to be really good. And he’s already capable of doing two things that Fasano never did: 1) lift his hands over his head to catch a pass, and 2) wear his pants like a football player. Fasano may have been an “adequate” 2nd TE, but he sure needed some help from an equipment manager! The last Cowboy to wear his pants that high was Ebenezer Ekuban. And I don’t know what kind of shoulder pads Fasano was wearing, but he really couldn’t raise his arms high enough to touch the top of his helmet, much less catch a pass up there…

realist:

Post70
Lookd back. Informative.

But got a real kick out of reading the posts! here’s a gem from ultimate optimist Fighter:

“Henson was out of football for 3 years. He was going to have some rust, yet he beat out Romo his rookie campaign.

Then he hurt himself while trying to change his throwing motion. Another, expected, set-back. And Romo really improved.

Now Henson has been given an opportunity to get game reps and has done, by all accounts, a good job. Not great, but given all the caveats (drops, poor protection, etc.).

Anyway, I think we should rally around Henson. He has the tools to be a very good QB of the future for us. Please, give the benefit of the doubt. We need him and some good JuJu can’t hurt.”

Gotta love it! Just teasing, fighter .

And, remember TomWillis??
He managed to piss everyone off….

realist:

Uhh, full disclosure, “Realist” is ‘Larry’,
wanted to make that change forever, too lazy, this thread motivated me

My cup is always one mL short of half-full…

pecos_slim:

Greatwhite, I gotta tell you, that pants post just cracked me up.

But my favorite NFL pants of the year were worn by that little pipsqueak kicker for the Bills? …I think he made the Pro Bowl, but his breeches had a sag in them what was hilarious.

lordofthehuddle:

to all you we should have taken red bryant crybabies, let me know when he becomes any better than ratliff, tank, or stepehn bowen for that matter

Slide910:

Larry….

Haha yeah I read some of the old posts too. A lot of optimism. No fair digging that up on Fighter though. We Should place some rule on that or something. Except when referencing anything Tex might have said. That’s the ultimate ammo against him.

Bluecheese:

Hey guys, looks like I was way ahead of the game on Romo, Fasano, and Julius back in the day, referring to post 70!

pecos_slim:

Seems like folks were in better moods back then in ‘06, fewer caustic jabs…a little boring in other words.

Perhaps we thought all was well as long as Bledsoe was at the helm.

Slide910:

Glad people are bothering to read those threads.

Slide910:

In reference of my post 79 here’s a little quote and prediction from Tex back then:

Tex:

Like the site Raf, but come on, practice! A side-line view from the ‘Nard in a crowd of thousands.

- The 2 minite drill? The Romo is better than Bledsoe and Tyson Thompson is a pro-bowler.

Mental? Henson has one of the higest Wonderlich scores on record (42 I belive).

No zip? He has an arm like Bledsoe, Romo isn’t even close. Like comapring Garrett to Aikman. Watch Euro this week - he has the deep ball, the short touch, and incredible zip on the intermediate passes.

Gotta love the critics… just save this post and apologize when Henson emerges as the next great Cowboy QB.

Slide910:

Ok Tex. Consider you post saved.

Slide910:

I’m just posting this for my own enjoyment and because I generally dislike Tex

http://theboysblog.com/2006/05/19/going-on-ir/

CaliFanInTx:

Let me preface my next statement by saying that Parcells was the best thing that could have happened to us 4 years ago…we really needed that kick in the pants.

But for any Jerry Jones detractors out there…if Bill made every personnel decision the past 4 years, then we don’t have the following players…

T New
T.O.
D Ware

Take those guys off of our team and we aren’t the same. Kinda scary.

Jerry’s problem is not that he makes irrational decisions, it’s that he tries to do too much. Evidenced by his wanting to trade up to get Bennett (a player I guess he really liked)instead of waiting for him to fall to the Cowboys. Fortunately, Stephen calmed his father down. It’s good to know there’s still balance in the Cowboy war room post Parsells.

casual1031:

woooooooooooow lol, i sure did have a lot to say back then raf thanks for the flux capasitor and deloriane you just provided.

however i did get this much from looking back on all of it.. i seem to be somewhat of a phsycic!! check it out

casual1031:

im still taking my stand on henson. in all honesty, if the guy could play he would have been better than what he has advertised. I dont liek what i see if drew went down tomorrow. i love tony romo. and for what reason i cant tell you, and why hes betetr than henson is a mystery to me as well. but having romo back there i dont think would be a bad thing. in fact it would be a great thing. i just hope we take our number one next year and move up from 32, to draft a bad ass QB, so that then all of these questions will be solved. however i think that if we are drafting at number 32, qb wont be a need if drew takes us all the way to the big show.

nwhargis:

I dont think we lost anything on the off season. after the season starts we will see if we gain. I hope felix jones turn out to be like Marsall faulk…..That may be pushing it a bit.

VAfan:

I’m a little late in posting to the roster thread. But I’d like to make a point/argument about the secondary.

We should take full advantage of the massive infusion of talent in the secondary. To me, that means the following:

1. Making Pacman (a 6th pick, and the first DB taken) the starting LCB, where he would replace Reeves. With all of training camp and 4 preseason games, I can’t see him not being ready to go. He knows the techniques. He still has the speed. He’ll be ready.

2. Moving Newman to RCB, and into the slot when we use 3 CBs. Newman played RCB extremely well last season when Henry was hurt. And he’s always liked the slot. Those are his best roles.

3. Making Mike Jenkins the RCB when Newman moves inside. Jenkins will start out much greener than Henry, but we have to remember he’s a highly talented first round pick. He’s twice as fast as Henry. And if he needs help, that’s what we have safeties for. Newman and Pacman started as rookies. Don’t see why Jenkins can’t too. This is where we’re going, folks. My point is we should start there and give Jenkins as many reps as possible so he’s an experienced vet by the time the playoffs come around.

4. Turn Roy, Hamlin, Henry into a 3-man safety rotation. We will be so much better off if we move Henry to safety and push Watkins back to the bench. This move not only allows us to bench Roy for an experienced cover guy whenever necessary, it allows us to keep Henry healthy for an entire year. No more backpeddling and turning. He now gets to look at plays in front of him and move forward. That’s what he does best anyway. As a FS his first year, Henry picked off 10 balls. We haven’t moved him because he was better than the alternative. But does anyone think he’s a better CB than Newman or Pacman, who were both the first DBs taken in their respective drafts?

5. Make Scandrick the 4th CB, and let Watkins/Brown fight it out for 4th safety.

What I’d like to see us do is visualize what the Cowboys defensive alignment should look like in the first playoff game, and then put that alignment in place in training camp and pre-season. Start there and build when you have time to work out the variables and kinks, rather than try doing it on the fly in the middle of the season when most of the time you are worried about game planning for the next opponent.

Depth chart would be:

CB
Pacman - LCB
Newman - RCB/Slot
Jenkins - RCB when Newman is in slot
Scandrick - 4th CB, Dime.

Safety
Roy - SS
Hamlin - FS/SS
Henry - FS/SS
Watkins/Brown - 4th safety

Or, look at the alignments:

Base D: Pac LCB, New RCB, Roy SS, Ham FS
4 DB (cover): Pac LCB, New RCB, Ham/Hen FS/SS (interchangeable)
Base 5 DBs: Pac LCB, New Slot, Jenkins RCB, Roy SS, Ham FS
5 DB (cover): Same, but Henry in for Roy.
Dime: Same, but add Scandrick.

The key here is moving Henry to FS/SS right in training camp. If we don’t, we won’t be taking full advantage of the fantastic draft we just had.

sam0807:

Raf,

IMO Best value we got in the offseason was Tashard Choice at RB in the 4th. Injury to MB3 or F. Jones and we have an excellent backup who can power run, catch, and carry the load for a season. He may turn out to be the best pick in the entire Cowboys class. I wonder if given a chance to compete as a starter in camp if he wont win a spot and make MB3 more tradeable for WR.

I also agree, TO has been great but each year slows him. We need productive WRs or we are in trouble.

Tim Wilson:

VAFan,

Henry did pick off 10 passes in his first year, but it was as a nickel CB, not a FS. Same role ini which Antonio Cromartie picked off 10 last year.

VaqueroEP:

This is my first post so be merciful. Because of the extra picks for next year besides this year’s picks and carry over roster – I think we are exceptionally strong. Did anyone notice in http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2008P.php the rich WR talent pool in 2009?

VAfan:

Tim Wilson,

I always understood he had played a safety role his first year in Cleveland, but looked it up again and recognize now that he was the nickel corner.

Still, does that change the analysis? Jenkins is not likely better than Henry at CB now given the experience difference. But give Jenkins some reps and every day that gap will shrink to where, by the middle to end of the year, I’m pretty sure I’d prefer Jenkins. The physical difference is just so huge. Especially since Henry can’t stay healthy as a CB — ever.

Plus, moving Henry to safety is the best way to move Roy to the bench on coverage plays. Roy will more likely accept being replaced by a guy who is his senior in the league than by anyone else on our roster. And Henry has the size to play closer to the line and cover TEs or RBs. Or, if Henry is better than Hamlin as the free roamer, then put him in that role when Roy sits.

But please don’t hold up Mike Jenkins the way we have held up Spencer and Bobby C. The kid’s a top flight talent who will help our D immensely if we use him.

VAfan:

And one other point. Even I’m not putting Jenkins in the base alignment. That would have Newman take Henry’s RCB slot, with Pacman on the left side.

Does anyone here want to argue Henry is better than an up-to-speed Pacman? Then the only issue is whether Pacman will take time to get ready. I don’t see it. Training camp and 4 preseason games is too long for most veterans, which is why they don’t play much in preseason. It should be more than enough time for a guy who’s chomping at the bit to be ready.

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