It's the draft season. Until April 26th, we are going to drown in a sea of mock drafts, draft boards, and draft wish lists. Numbers from combines and pro days are going to be examined, compared, dissected, filleted, chopped and julienned to try and sort out where players should go in the draft, and who the Cowboys should be looking to take.
That is the supply side of the unique economy of the NFL draft. Under the BPA theory, you just take the whoever is the highest remaining player on your board.
But in reality most draft choices are based not only on BPA, but on the needs of the team, which is the demand side of that economy. And of course, the BPA thing is not always so clear cut. Most people think that Andrew Luck is the automatic first pick of the draft - unless you listen to Jemele Hill at ESPN, who thinks the Colts should use that pick on Robert Griffin III and his shiny new Heisman Trophy. And if you just don't like ESPN, or still are living in the 1950s and think women should never talk about sports, Tony Dungy agrees with her. So when you get into the later rounds, there may be a variety of players to choose from of roughly equal value for the team.
So I am not going to talk about who is available. Frankly, there are many voices here at BTB that have more intelligent things to say about that than I do. I want to take a look at what positions the Cowboys should be going after, and I want to try to come up with a way to rank order them.
Follow me after the jump to see if I make any sense.
A lot of people put up lists on draft priorities for the team, but I have not seen anyone go through the roster position by position and compare the needs. This is my attempt to do just that. I am trying to keep it simple, because I really don't know of a metric that will give you a quantitative way to compare the value of a nose tackle to a tight end for the team. It is subjective, and this early into things, it is also likely to be subject to great change as things go along. I will look at who is on the team now and try to make some guesses based at least loosely in reality on who the team may retain. Then I am going to put a number on that position, using this scale:
I don't know if anyone else will like this, but I was wanting to set up some way to discuss the draft where we can contrast our opinions. And I have never done this before, so it is an experiment I wanted to try.
So, without further ado, here is the position breakdown. I am looking at all positions on offense and defense, and assuming that specialists will not be part of the draft equation. Each position will list the current depth chart, plus any players on the IR that are likely to be available for the next season, in depth order, and then I'll give my reasons for assigning a number.
Quarterback Tony Romo, Stephen McGee, Chris Greisen.
Tony is the starter. Period. McGee is now the backup, but there is no clear evidence that he is the QB of the future. Greisen was just a body for the last game, and I am assuming Jon Kitna is gone (with our thanks for his contributions).
And here is the first thing that may stir up some controversy. I think the team needs to look long and hard at drafting a quarterback to develop. UDFAs who become starters are very rare, and losing your starter can ruin an entire season (see: Indianapolis Colts) or mess up a good thing (see: Houston Texans). I have always believed that you need three quarterbacks on the team. Dallas can go out and sign another graybeard to be a backup - but when do you start to develop Tony's eventual replacement? Unless McGee suddently turns into Matt Flynn, the team needs to take a shot, I believe.
Draft Priority: 2
Running back/fullback DeMarco Murray (IR), Felix Jones, Phillip Tanner (IR), Sammy Morris, Chauncey Washington/Tony Fiammetta, Shaun Chapas
I lumped these together because I see both positions the same: I think the Cowboys have their players for 2012 in place. Morris and Washington were basically emergency fill ins, and I fully expect Murray, Jones and Tanner to be the three players starting the season. I also expect Fiammetta to be the starter next year, unless Chapas should surprise everyone and take the job away from him. If the coaching staff wants someone else to look at, I would expect them to go FA/UDFA.
Draft Priority: 5
Tight end Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett, John Phillips
This is the first point at which there is a big uncertainty. Witten is still a top one tight end in the NFL in my opinion, and even if he sees some decline in effectiveness, I do not think it would be enough to, in any way, threaten his starter status. But Bennett is a UFA, and also a bit of an enigma as to his value to the team. I am in the camp that thinks he is doing exactly what the coaching staff wants him to, which is block. And at about the midpoint of the season, he seemed to become a much more reliable receiver. The draft pick that was used on him is immaterial at this point. The question is whether the team is going to resign him or not. If they don't, they will make a lot of people who thing Martellus is hot garbage very happy. But I think they will, because I think his price is going to be very reasonable.
Draft Priority: 4
Wide receiver Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Laurent Robinson, Jesse Holley, Kevin Ogletree, Dwayne Harris, Andre Holmes, Teddy Williams, Raymond Radway (IR)
The joker in this deck is Robinson. This guy may be an expensive UFA to resign, but he also may be worth it. I am basing my priority here on the belief that Jerry Jones will work something out and keep him. There are a lot of free agent wide receivers out there this year, and if Laurent goes, I think the team could get another quality replacement if it can't find enough talent in the pool they have. I am hopeful that Ogletree will be gone. I think Jesse Holley may be better than most people realize, based on the fact he caught everything that was thrown at him this year in limited action. And Harris, Williams and Radway all have varying degrees of possibility. You might be able to argue that this should be one number higher - but not with the other needs the team has this year.
Draft Priority: 5
Offensive tackle: Tyron Smith, Doug Free, Jermey Parnell
I think everyone fully expects that Smith and Free are going to flip positions, and that will be a good thing. I am really excited to see how Tyron will do after a full off season of coaching and conditioning, given how well he did without it, and I think Parnell may benefit even more. But that is kind of thin. I think the team needs at least one more tackle, but this may be better addressed in free agency.
Draft Priority: 3
Guard/Center: Kyle Kosier, Derrick Dockery, David Arkin, Montrae Holland (IR), Bill Nagy (IR)/Phil Costa, Kevin Kowalksi
One of the most exciting things about the days after the end of the Great Suckitude was the clear signal that Jason Garrett was going with a youth movement on the offensive line.
So how do we end up with a 10 year and a 9 year veteran as our starting guards at the end of the season? Injuries played a part, but a lot of us are also wondering what is going on with David Arkin. Will he justify his draft position after the off season? I also feel that at least two and possibly all three of the old veterans will not be around next season. So it looks like we need some new blood here.
Draft Priority: 2
Cornerback Terence Newman, Mike Jenkins, Orlando Scandrick, Alan Ball, Frank Walker, C.J. Wilson
I think Jenkins and Scandrick will be back next year. I don't know about C.J. Wilson, but I would not be surprised to see the other three gone. Which makes this fairly obvious.
Draft Pritority: 1
Safety Gerald Sensabaugh, Abram Elam, Danny McCray, Mana Silva, Barry Church (IR)
Here is one area where the supply side affects demand, because the safety class this year is reportedly rather weak. The team is not likely to get much help here even if it wanted to. However, Sensabaugh, Elam and McCray are not terrible, like, say, the cornerbacks, and as I recall, Church was having a pretty good year before he went down. So hopefully the team will survive without much help here. My rating may be influenced by wishful thinking there.
Draft Priority: 3
Inside linebacker: Sean Lee, Bradie James, Keith Brooking, Bruce Carter, Orie Lemon
One Chuck Norris-approved stud in Lee. Two future hopefuls in Carter and Lemon. Two once solid players whose time, sadly, has passed. Five minus two leaves three. And I think the team needs four. But with the picks used in the last two drafts on Lee and Carter, this might be a hard sell as too high a choice.
Draft Priority: 2
Outside linebacker: DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer, Victor Butler, Alex Albright
We all want DWare to just get healthy. The big issue here is good old Almost Anthony, as discussed in detail by Kegbearer earlier. I think it is generally agreed that the Cowboys need more pass rush. The question is where does it come from, OLB or the D line? I am going to go with the theory that the team will look for a second pass rusher at OLB this year, which drives the number here.
Draft Priority: 1
Defensive End Jason Hatcher, Kenyon Coleman, Marcus Spears, Sean Lissemore, Clifton Geathers
I almost did the line as a whole, but decided to break it out. There is a certain interconnectedness with OLB in that one of these positions needs to bring some more pass rush to the table. Given Rob Ryan's approach to defense, the answer to that may not be what we think. However, I like Hatcher a lot, and still think Lissemore is still growing into his position. Again, I am basing this number on the team going for another pass rusher at OLB, but if a real monster is available at DE, the numbers might switch.
Draft Priority: 2
Nose Tackle Jay Ratliff, Josh Brent
This is a very tough call. Rat is so good. But everyone keeps worrying about him wearing down. Here is another place the positions are a little connected, because you might not need a DE as much if the right NT came along. If you had one who could just put massive pressure right up the middle, it might even solve some of the pass rush issue. Plus, I don't know quite how good Brent is. This is one I may be a bit high on.
Draft Priority: 2
OK, a quick recap:
That actually makes it kind of simple. Seven draft choices, seven positions ranked 1 or 2. Putting a little subjective spin on the priorities within each ranking, and throwing in that you may need more than one at a given postition, I come up with this draft order, by position.
You can also use the ranking system to provide a little flexibilty while keeping the priorities straight. Obviously, if there is a monster stud OLB available in the first round who is clearly better than any cornerback, you flip those two - but you don't take a guard or ILB before you then address the CB issue. Once you get the 1's addressed, then you can adjust all the 2's to more of a BPA approach.
That's my take on it. I will now prepare for the slings and arrows.
5 recs | 624 comments
Need to improve pass rush
So its not about Antohny Specner, and I really dont care how good or how bad he was in other areas of his game…
We cant generate pressure except Ware, Ratliff and maybe Hatcher… so we definitly need another pass rusher. Easiest way to improve our pass rush is simply bring new OLB or outstanding DL like Devon Still…
we are playing 3-4 defense, so I m in for new OLB … Spencer could be good in coverage, he could be a solid tackler or run stuffer, but I dont see him as really good pass rushing treat and thats the only thing matter…
if someone really want Spencer back, then ok, but pray for Devon Still… I will just pray for Ingram or Perry
orli - January 6, 2012
I would suggest a slightly different option for pass rush
how about Left Defensive End!?!
JJ Watt recorded 5.5 sacks this year (as a rookie) from the LDE spot in the 3-4. Antonio Smith recorded 6.5 from the RDE of the same Texans defense. This is a Wade Phillips defense. Connar Barwin has 11.5 sacks and Brooks Reed has 6.
Pretty balanced pressures/sacks from all 4 pass rushing positions.
We need to get away from the thinking that ONLY the OLBs can rush the passer and the best way to do so is to acquire better ones. Spencer has done a fairly decent job at OLB (can anyone name 5 better LOLBs in the league – and I’ll give you Clay Matthews and Barwin)?
Tyrone Jenkins - January 6, 2012
I would agree with you
Spencer is good enough at LOLB if we have a pass rushing DE. I’ll take 12 sacks from strong side pressure any year (Spencer 6 & LDE 6). This is especially true if you get 20+ sacks from weakside pressure (Ware 15 & RDE 5) and 3 or 4 sacks from NT (Rat).
Add in 5 or more sacks from secondary and situation/rotation players and all of a sudden you are averaging 2.5 sack per game minimum.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
Spencer is a FA
I dont see anyway he comes back giving how inconsistant he is, the money it would cost to resign him and the cap situation we are in. So that means drafting a guy or finding someone in FA. Even if they placed the transistion tag on Spencer its going to cost us roughly 8 mil for the year and thats too steep. This draft is going to be heavy on defense and it should be. Draft either the best DT/NT or OLB with the 14th pick then go for a CB in the 2nd or 3rd round.
Boyzfan94 - January 6, 2012
bad decision
With so many holes on the team, Cowboys have to take the BPA at any position of immediate need, not try to pigeon hole a few positions in round one.
Positions of immediate need are G, C, OLB, DE or DB.
Terry - January 6, 2012
Were not taking a Guard with the 14th pick
the major problem with this team is the DL and the secondary. Sure some positions could use an upgrade on the OL but a good guard can be taken later in the draft or in FA.. Get a monster DT/NT like Poe and see how this defense improves. He is being compared to Ngata. Although I think he will be gone before 14 we have to address DE, OLB and CB very early on.
Boyzfan94 - January 6, 2012
Last year you also said we weren't taking a tackle with the 9th pick
You’re delusional if you think the Cowboys will ever move Rat from NT, he’ll play there until he retires.
Terry - January 6, 2012
Knew you would go there
I did and considering how bad our OL was last year it was a good choice. We can justify picking a OT with a high pick, but Jerry wont go for a guard knowing how freaking bad this defense is. This OL isnt that bad. All they need is some time together, a little shuffling around and another piece or two to be solid. We can get a good Guard in the draft and it doesnt have to be the 14th pick.
Ratliff is going to become a situaltional player very soon. He is not a 3 down NT anymore.
Boyzfan94 - January 6, 2012
Yes, the OL is that bad
Anyone who isn’t blind and watched the last two games of the season could clearly see it stills needs a severe injection of more talent.
And not very soon with Rat, still has 2-3 really good years left as a 3 down linemen.
Terry - January 6, 2012
I agree with Terry
There will (should) be some good talent at guard, Dominating talent much like Smith,,,,, Smith next to say Decastro,,,, Instant upgrade and if Arkin or Nagy step up then its all gravy,,, I fully agree with Terry O-line interior is my pick just because there are some dominating options
Musiccitynorm - January 6, 2012
Defense is top priority people
take the blinders off. There are a ton more problems with the defense than the OL. Jerry, JG and RR all know the main problems with this team all season was the defense. Sorry guys, Jerry isnt going for an OL pick two years in a row, espesically not on a guard. A huge part of this draft is going to be defense and its going to be early.
Boyzfan94 - January 6, 2012
Last year
The majority of our draft was offense. I look for things to be the reverse this year with two of our picks goings to the O-Line. I think we are still a year away from drafting an eventual replacement for Tony. This Year Rob Ryan gets a chance to choose players for his defense.
bettacalltyrone - January 6, 2012
I think JJ and JG are going togive the Youglies every chance
to win the starting from Kosier, Holland, and Costa in TC. Id would be SHOCKED if we took a G in the first round.
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
I wont say I would be shocked
but given how bad our defense is compared to the offense I say there is a very little chance of drafting a OL with the 14th pick. Just too many holes on defense to fill. I wouldnt be against them moving up in the top 10 to get a top defensive player either.
Boyzfan94 - January 6, 2012
How bad IS our D compared to the offense?
14th in yards, 16th in scoring for the defense, 11th in yards, 15th in scoring for the offense. Is that drastically better?
With guys like Newman, James, and Brooking, wouldn’t even just an average player be superior and therefore improve that spot?
How about an offense that, through increased ability to sustain drives, keeps the D off the field a little longer, to the tune of about 11 less yards per game and 3 points less per game? Because that would make us a top 10 D in yards and top 5 D in scoring.
Baked Potato Soup - January 8, 2012
Defense was far worse
Just look how we lost games in the third and fourth quarters this year. The whole DL is a mess except for Ware. Taking a Guard is not going to solve our problems stopping teams from scoring on us which was a huge problem this year.
Boyzfan94 - January 9, 2012
Which games are you referring to?
NYJ – debatable. I say that one is on the offense and ST, but will agree to call it a complete team failure.
Lions – that’s on the offense.
Patriots – on the offense. The D held one of the highest scoring teams in the league to 20 points, including only 7 in the second half, and the offense does little.
Eagles 1 – complete team failure
Arizona – on the offense. Held the other team to 13 points in regulation. Lost.
Giants 1 – on the defense.
Eagles 2 – offense – Again, the D held one of the highest scoring teams in the league to 20 points, only 6 in the 2nd half. The offense contributes one garbage time TD.
Giants 2 – Complete team failure.
By my count, that’s exactly one loss where the offense played well and the defense didn’t.
Baked Potato Soup - January 9, 2012
Lions game?
How is that on the offense if we let them come back 24 points? I’m on board for a new NT and lets Ratliffs “2-3 good years” be as a DE.
CodeNamedG - January 17, 2012
Im not saying first round
I would be SHOCKED if it a G was taken in the first too. Im just saying that 2 of our pick being used for a O linemen. but more than likely that will be with a 3rd round pick a the earliest
bettacalltyrone - January 9, 2012
theres a big difference in taking a OT compared to a OG in the top 15 picks.
not many Guards go in the top 15 of a draft & for good reasons. even top flight centers seem to not be valued in the top 15. its not that i dont agree we need some dominate Guanrds to keep the pressure out of Romo’s face but taking one in the top 15 is kinda crazy.
stud DBs, DL or OLB/ILB seem to be a priority in this era of the NFL & that gives Dallas a lot of flexibilty to get the best player. also just bc players are picked in the 3rd-7th rounds doesn’t mean they can’t be productive players so this draft will fall on the shoulders of the scouts to find people who fit this 3-4 defense.
DCNation73 - January 7, 2012
I agree
If we are going to take a guard in the 1st, I would hope that we’d trade down a few spots and acquire another pick or two.
sportsfanatic21 - January 7, 2012
Ding..Ding!!
and what I was trying to point out is that normally these Guards are overvalued to begin. We can find a good one later that isnt much of a drop off from a guy that is graded out in the top 15. Eagles took Watkins with the 23rd pick last year and the guy has bust written all over it already. In fact, I think the Eagles have taken guards high in the draft more than anyone and it hasnt faired too well for them.
We need a playmaker with the #14 pick and it has to start with the defense if at all possible.
Boyzfan94 - January 7, 2012
OG Stanford DeCastro will be the 14th pick in the draft
Rex Pfister - January 6, 2012
Lets hope
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
would make me esstatic
Musiccitynorm - January 6, 2012
What's your take on the other OLmen on the team Norm?
You always seem to be pretty good at evaluating OL play, I think Free clearly needs to move back to RT, Lumpy might have another decent year left in him, maybe you’ll have something in Akrin or Nagy, and Costa needs some work. I think worst case with Akrin is you’ll see a guy that’s going to be a very good back up guard. Allows the other guards to stay fresh and injury free.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
glad you asked
Been planning a fan shot because I feel real strong about this,
Injuries hampered a plan this year, This team had picture perfect runs when pulling or misdirections but could not get any push and had no timing on screens,
I swear it was around week two Free got hurt and I don’t think he was the same after, i saw him get hurt watching replays and I didn’t think he was getting back up, but he did and he was not good, I think he rebounds expecially at right tackle,
Arkin is the forgotten man, in my opinion he would instantly solve the push issues, but he could not pull to save his life, If he learns to pull and gains some agility he’s the starting right guard next year if not he might just be a bust,,,, to be determined during the pre season.
Center was a disaster,,,, Now Costa played hurt alot, so again I’m not sure where we stand,,, were we handcuffed by one guy knowing the line calls? For all the love of Koloski right now I dont think he’s the answer,
Kosier played with plantar fisciatis and it showed often, I feel he is holding a spot for Arkin, Laugh at me but they have been training Kosier to snap the ball,,,,, he’s our next center if they draft Decastro and Nagy or Arkin work out, and honestly Nagy was not that bad and Arkin was a good straigt forward blocker,,,, I
Truth- Draft Decastro, Move Kosier to center, swap Free and Smith, and hope Nagy and Arkin step up and if not use Holland, Dockery or
some to be named later prospect,,, That line would make me VERY happy next year
Musiccitynorm - January 6, 2012
I am now officially wanting DeCastro.
Can you just imagine our line? OCC said how do we beat our division well they all destroyed our OL. So I’d say drafting him would be huge!
thebigham - January 6, 2012
On the flip side though our Dline has to beat THEIR Oline
and we cant do it now with what we have
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
You win by scoring points.
This is an offense league now. See GB, NE.
thebigham - January 6, 2012
What happens if the other teams D stops your Offense
and they score more points than you?
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
well if they score more points hmm 100/100 times says they will win.
thebigham - January 6, 2012
Most teams aren't too worried about that
Look at NO, GB, and NE…their defenses are way worse than Dallas’ it’s just that their offenses can compete with anyone. That’s the name of the game now.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I dont see those two offenses lasting much
longer though due to FA and the cap not to mention injuries and retirement. Eventually all good things must come to an end.
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
It is an evolution of the NFL
We have gone through many phases but it always came back to scoring the most points. We have seen the defense dominated teams, then the balanced teams. Today we are in a day of teams looking to score the most points.
I hate to throw out the phrase “Moneyball” but Andrew Brandt the former GM of the Packers already brought it up. It is about out scoring your opponents.
Birddog26 - January 6, 2012
Dont even get me started about that moneyball crap.lol
The object of the game is to score to score more than your opponents which means at some point your defense has to step up and stop them so you can outscore them.
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
I know what you are saying
But in todays NFL QB’s and receivers are under protection from the rules. This makes offense heavy teams given an advantge. Look at 3 great teams this year, Packers, Patriots and Saints. They all rank in defense at 26th or below. Thier QB’s were also the best in the NFL. They also had the best protected QB’s in the NFL.
Birddog26 - January 6, 2012
Im pretty sure their division mates are gonna
gear up to stop them on both sides of the ball though.
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
Good luck...
Omar Little - January 7, 2012
Yeah how dare you take an objective look at the game
That moneyball crap sux
You should just get players that know how to win! Screw stats you want some good lunch pail type FOOTBALL PLAYERS, just football playin jesses is all you need!
Please, there are advanced ways to look at the game. You’re a fool if you don’t use the data you have and go by old school nonsense, if you want to do that be a Redskins fan and root for them to hire Bill Parcells.
Omar Little - January 7, 2012
All Im saying is a I dont put as much stock into
using every stat that is available bc I know that numbers dont tell the whole story. I use stats in my job every day but I also use common sense in making my decisions. btw, just bc someone doesnt agree with you no need to insinuate that they are fool.
StrosSouth - January 7, 2012
That must have been hard for a DB like you to say.
And when DB’s like you (who run training programs) say it, I believe it.
fs65 - January 7, 2012
Dude...
No team in the NFL is built to last. Every team’s always one big hit away from being knocked down. The great teams manage to fight through it. The Pats do it because they have Brady and Belichick. Once the Saints lose Brees they’ll probably slow down too. It’s the way things go, you get an elite player and surround him with a core of very good players. After that elite player goes or if you lose too many very good players your team starts to suck. That’s the way the NFL works, like the old phrase goes “Not For Long.” Five years ago the Saints and Packers were kinda “meh” teams definitely not the powerhouses they are today, and in five years from now they won’t be again. You take what chances you get get and move on from there.
Omar Little - January 7, 2012
See now I'm with you all the way except Akrin.
When they drafted Akrin I thought: “Back up that gets his fair share of playing time.” I saw him as a short yardage guy that’s used in goalline and power running situations and there if a guard gets hurt. Lets be honest these are three hundred pound men, they’ll get banged up now and again. So I thought it was fair value for a 4th. I dunno maybe I’m wrong, but I think backups have value. Especially guys that are suited for a particular package.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
We need a mauler at guard. Pulling and all that stuff doesn't work at the goal line.
We need a pile mover.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
Finally...Amen.
ChuckCowboy - January 6, 2012
Usually
I don’t agree with you a whole lot, but you are spot on here
sportsfanatic21 - January 7, 2012
Arkin is a pile mover. And he doesn't play because apparently he can't pull.
So JG disagrees with you.
fs65 - January 7, 2012
Really ? Did you see Arkin play in the regular season ? Who did he play against ?
football mensa - January 7, 2012
Umm. That's my point.
JG disagrees with you because we have a pile mover that can’t pull (Arkin) and he didn’t play a single game.
fs65 - January 7, 2012
right now you cant count on Arkin for anything except a backup.
nagy is clearly light years ahead of Arkin & even when the team was banged up he didn’t get activated, which says a lot.
i would say Arkin is a couple years from even being close to compete for a starting job & wouldn’t be surprised if an undrafted or late round pick bumped him from the 53 man roster.
DCNation73 - January 7, 2012
has anyone ever drafted a Guard in the top 15 of the draft?
a center IMO has more value then a Guard but i cant remeber any Guards being taken inside the top 15 picks.
DCNation73 - January 7, 2012
And there is a reason why...
You dont blow your wad on a Guard when you can get a good one later…Pipe dream guys because its not happening…..How you guys forget how bad this defense was. That’s ok because JJ, JG and RR dont the reason you wont see a OL pick at #14
Boyzfan94 - January 7, 2012
I know there was one just last year, Pouncy went at 15 to Miami.
Rena - January 7, 2012
Bruce Matthews , Mike Munchak and......
John Hannah were all top 10 picks. You may have heard of them. All hof’ers
football mensa - January 7, 2012
Terry, I'm with you, If DeCastro is there run to the podium.
This is the reason why FA is so important for the Cowboys. Drafting at #14 changes everything because it gives us a shot at a perennial All-Pro for an entire carreer. He’s the closest G since the great, future, first ballot HOFer and second Cowboy Offensive lineman ever inducted into Canton, and best lineman ever to play the game, Larry Allen.
If we can find a DE in FA, we have the option to take DeCastro in the first and get Bruce Irvin in the second and a CB in the third.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Yeah, I'd have Dez Bryant in the war room ready to sprint to the podium if he's there.
That kind of rock on your team is valuable no matter what position he plays. Center, Guard, Tackle, D-Tackle, Safety, Corner, Running Back…no matter what if he has a shot at being a perennial all pro you do it.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Sprint from Valley Ranch to NYC?
Dez is fast but not that fast. ;)
fs65 - January 6, 2012
Whoa.
I would love DeCastro and Irvin.
Baked Potato Soup - January 6, 2012
For once I agree with u
Dynamicduo - January 6, 2012 via mobile
I don't get the love for Irvin.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
Is 5th out of 11 really that great?
When you say 5 better in the league, you have to keep in mind that about 11 teams use the 3-4. I’d say that Phillips, Kerrigan, Justin Houston, and Ahmad Brooks are all at least as good as Spencer, in my opinion. Woodley is better, although he has been injured. Put any of those guys opposite Ware, and I think you see superior production to Spencer.
Baked Potato Soup - January 6, 2012
Sam Acho
I would also put Acho in there…a rookie who didn’t really start playing until the 5th or 6th game of the season, still notched 7 sacks, and will only get better.
aggronor - January 6, 2012
BPS?
Can you get me anyone of those guys… for less then what I’m paying Spencer? or can you get me anyone of those guys period? We have to be realistic… you aren’t going to get Brooks, Kerrigan, Phillips, Houston, or Woodley….
You can’t take someone that’s not available… Mario… think Marion if he doesn’t get picked back up by Houston… otherwise you are going to the draft for your OLB.
Dreamland is not a good option!
Rex Pfister - January 6, 2012
or Acho
they are all under contract
Rex Pfister - January 6, 2012
That wasn't the question, though.
The post I responded to said to name 5 LOLBs that are better than Spencer, and spotted us 2. I named 5 more, and someone else added a 6th. So that’s 8 total. There are 11 teams that run a 3-4. Just for argument’s sake, let’s say that spots 3-9 are basically interchangeable. That seems like just about every team running a similar scheme has been able to find a guy at least as good as Spencer. I’m thinking that we probably can too, and also for likely less than he will get in Free Agency. I’m not saying that we should go and get one of those guys, I’m saying that Spencer isn’t going to be impossible to replace.
Baked Potato Soup - January 8, 2012
I may be crazy, but Spencer was a DE in the 4-3 in College. He is listed at 6003 and 257 on the home page.
I tought he was heavier more like 270 – 280. I’m wondering that with his skill set is his frame big enough for him to bulk up with an off season weight/nutrition program under Woicik and make the move to DE in the 3-4. Probably wishful thinking but if Rat can play an undersized NT, maybe Almost can make the switch. Now if he truly is only 260 then gainling 35 -40 lbs of bulk and muscle is unrealistic.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
I've had the same thought
and I believe I read that Spencer was more like 270. I think it would be interesting to see him as a fast DE who can even zone blitz. Is this totally unrealistic??
Silverblue - January 6, 2012
I think Spencer is out of position
I think he is a 4-3 DE.
Wade always thought he could turn these guys into 3-4 OLBs and could not. Just like Jason Williams, just like Brandon Williams.
I think Spencer would be more appreciated as a 4-3 DE.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
BED, do you think he might be able to play at DE for us? I relize he's a better fit for a 4-3 but
if he put on 20 lbs and played at 290, we might have something.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
No, he's too small
The 3-4 DE really is a misnomer, they should be called 3-4 DTs.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
Wishful thinking, damn.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
i agree 100% that Spencer is playing out of position.
i could see 4-3 team giving him more money they what he would bring as 3-4 OLB.
DCNation73 - January 7, 2012
I'll take these 3 LOLBs over Anothny Spencer
1) Clay Matthews
2) Conor Barwin
3) LaMarr Woodley
Rohpuri - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Clay Matthews plays more the WOLB position but from the strong side.
So Spencer’s Packers counterpart would be more like Erik Walden.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I almost forgot
I’d take Kerrigan of the Redskins and Worilds of the Steelers because of their upside.
Rohpuri - January 6, 2012 via mobile
I wish!
Everyone would quit dreaming about things they can’t have and look at viable options. You can’t get Kerrigan or Acho or Clay Matthews or Barwin or Woodley …..
Come on guys… how bout some real suggestions
Rex Pfister - January 6, 2012
Hmmmm
What about getting Earl Thomas and Joe Hayden then?
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
@ Hayden and Thomas
can’t get them either they are in thier 2nd year.
Rex Pfister - January 6, 2012
I was being sarcastic.
It’s about as realistic as grabbing one of those other strong side backers.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
are you crazy we cant get them!
Musiccitynorm - January 6, 2012
Yeah it was a joke.
It’s basically rosterbation at it’s worse. Thinking that there’s a top young player out there and some team might want to get rid of him. Basically about as reasonable as grabbing a Clay Matthews, Kerrigan, or anyone else. The only chance you get a player like that is if they test positive for roids.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
LOL
Rex Pfister - January 6, 2012
why cant you get a player like them? Kerrigan had red flags with his loss of hearing.
its a lot easier finding strong side OLBs
DCNation73 - January 7, 2012
Pass rusher
I feel like the pass rusher is more likely to be at DE. We are already keeping, presumably, Victor Butler, who may step into that role more in 2012, and with the assumption that Spencer is gone then we need a good run stopping OLB on the strong side. At DE, where we never really replaced Bowen, we still have plenty of run stopping options, with Spears signed longterm and Hatcher as well, who can also rish a bit. I think that we need another hatcher, or Bowen c. 2010 type of player here.
Of course all bets are off if a Lee type of player slides in the draft, but the point is that we already have a lighter type of OLB, and a run stopper may become a big priority if Spencer leaves.
Diws - January 6, 2012
I think what we do in free agency is the key
The key needs are clearly CB, OG/C, OLB, DL
There don’t appear to be a huge number of OLBs on the market, which is why I think Spencer will get a price we aren’t willing to pay for him elsewhere. We probably won’t have much cap room, but hopefully we’d be able to get a starter at either Guard or CB. If that is the case, that radically changes our approach, as the guard and CB classes this year are meant to have a bit of depth to them.
If we were able to get someone like Finnegan, I’d do:
1st: Best OLB or G available (I’d be hoping for DeCastro)
2nd: Best OLB/G (whichever we didn’t get in the first)
3rd: Best CB available
Likewise, same approach if we got a good guard in FA but no CB, and so best CB or OLB in the 1st.
[First post btw :)]
TheLondonCowboy - January 6, 2012
Newbie rec!
Welcome aboard!
Tom Ryle - January 6, 2012
welcome
and you are right about FA being the key to the Cowboys draft. I am worried about Spencer getting overpaid by someone else. I think I am on board bringing him back, but only at a reasonable contract – reason in my OLB/DE pass rush debate post below.
I’m not sold on taking a OG/C early just because I’ve seen flashes from Arkin/Nagy/Kowalski which make me think one of them may step up in the offseason. I think the Cowboys are very high on Arkin but knew he needed to add strength before he was ready for prime time – I think he will be one of Woicik’s personal projects this offseason.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
He's been a Woicik project or else the Cowboys have been failing.
The guy’s been inactive, they damn well better have been
injecting him with horse and dragon steroidsworking him out.Nickthegrip - January 6, 2012
dragon steroids??? LOL
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Yup.
From
RonMexico.Nickthegrip - January 6, 2012
Love making 'em green. Welcome London.
White Wolf - January 6, 2012
Great to have you "TLC"...
“Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls…”
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 6, 2012
haha
yehti - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Well played
golf clap
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
wholeheartedly agree
I was thinking signing a FA CB would be the fastest way to band aid the defensive back end so that we could go G/DE or G/OLB in the draft. It seems like secondary help wouldn’t be as hard to learn in Rob’s system as for a front 7 member.
I originally was for pass rush in 1st and might still be for the right one but DeCastro starts his rookie year and year 2 we have a young jelling line with him, tyron, and Free. Kosier helping one more year with line calls IF anything can be done with Kowalski ( or maybe Nagy??) at C. I wouldn’t mind drafting a center around 3-4 if there’s one there.
A stud rookie DE or OLB should at least be playng situational pass rush for us this year and having a vet CB manning Newman’s old role helps with the hopefully developing pass rush.
Watching the Texans play I’ve seen a bit of Finnegan and while I have no idea if he’s a RKG, he made Andre Johnson lose it and get tossed. If he can get in his head and go to blows, he should easily be able to send D-Jax to the moon and take him out of his game. Unlike Newman he hits right off the line and forces a lot of redirection.
nikeorlipstick - January 6, 2012
REC
Welcome. Great first post.
Although I want us to draft lineman, lineman, lineman.
bloodyhanded - January 6, 2012
Yeah this basically nails it.
Agreed completely, I’m hoping for DeCastro/Finnegan as far as the big additions this year too.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Did any of you guys see how bad this defense is??
and you want to draft a freaking Guard.. Really????
Boyzfan94 - January 6, 2012
yes, i saw how bad it sucked
I just think you take whats there. The top 2 corners will probablly be off the board at that point. Not sure about the pass rushers yet. So if you can get one of the best interior lineman thats come out of the draft in many years then you take him. He also just happens to fit a need. And he fits value wise. I don’t want them to reach for the 3rd corner or any other defensive player just because we all know the defense sucked last year.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Yeah I watched
14th in total defense, 16th in scoring defense, and 16th in defensive DVOA. Pretty average across the board. In this league you can get by with an average defense if you have an elite offense. DeCastro is probably the best guard prospect ever, a player like that is pretty rare. I’d rather have an elite anything (save for maybe WR) than an average to above average anything else for this team. If you were told that if they drafted DeCastro the left side of their line would be like Jones/Hutchinson for the Seahawks back when, you’d do it right? If you were told that in three years DeCastro would be the best guard in football, you’d do it right? That’s the type of guard I think he’ll be and that’s why I want him.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
not as bad as I think it appears
give this team an off season, not sure anyone is sure what this defense is until it gets completly installed
Musiccitynorm - January 6, 2012
24th against the pass
And it starts up front with the pass rush. You get more pass rush it helps out the CBs.
Boyzfan94 - January 6, 2012
No amount of pass rush could help Newman. They'd basically have to have the sack before the QB finishes his drop.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I was done with Newman 2 years ago
and he shouldve been gone, but his contract wouldnt allow that.
Boyzfan94 - January 6, 2012
Have you seen how bad some of the other PLAYOFF teams
defenses are ????
Go BPA….if it is a guard, so be it……score more than we give up…….
if we as a group have learned anything watching football this year, is that there are NO GREAT D’S in the league anymore, NONE…..the rules are being so slanted toward the offenses (and it may not be intending to, but the personal foul calls on hard hits aren’t helping), go look at the playoff teams, they are much more slanted towards great O this year than great D….and if that is the way the league is going, fighting it may be a losing battle
BigBad Joe - January 6, 2012
Pretty much...
Positions of need on defense are almost secondary to marginal upgrades on offense. Unless the player’s like Newman terrible you can get by with some pretty weak players on defense and still be good if you have a great offense.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Rec!
fs65 - January 6, 2012
Not saying I completely disagree with you
But look a little closer at the playoff teams:
AFC:
NE- great off. Bad def
Baltimore- bad off. Great def
Pitt- good off. Good def
Houston- good off (when healthy). Great def
Cincy- avg off. Good def
Den- bad off. Good def
Every AFC playoff team outside of NE has a good defense
NFC:
GB- great off. Bad def
NO- great off. Bad def
SF- serviceable off. Great def
NYG- good off. Bad def
Atl- good off. Good def
Det- great off. Bad def.
So all in all, half of the playoff teams have good-great defenses. Everyone gets so hung up on “all the good teams have bad defenses”, but it’s not necessarily the case. You see more highlights, and get blown away by the scoring of teams like NE, GB, and NO, but I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see Baltimore or Pittsburgh represent the AFC, and also not shocked if San Francisco won the NFC.
That being said, I think adding a very good to great interior O-lineman is a must in this offseason. Other than that though, extreme attention needs to be paid to upgrading the defense.
sportsfanatic21 - January 7, 2012
Also
I truly believe we would have seen Houston in the Super Bowl without the ridiculous amount of devastating injuries they’ve had this season.
sportsfanatic21 - January 7, 2012
Omar, I thought you told me yesterday
that you didn’t want an asshole like finnegan or bart scott on this team? Maybe it wasn’t you. Not sure.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Yep, it was.
Two major differences:
A.) Bart Scott is pretty mediocre, Finnegan isn’t.
B.) Bart Scott’s a much different type of asshole. Finnegan is basically the cornerback version of Chad Ochocinco. He talks trash to the opposing WR, despite being much smaller than Andre Johnson he pretty much held his own against him. Johnson also started that fight on the play before.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I agree with your comments on Finnegan
I just thought you said you didn’t want assholes on your team.
But i got ya, he’s the exact type of asshole i would want on this team.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Not assholes in general, just Bart Scott.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Being a Pistons Fan
the players is more of an ahole when they are on another team……I live in Chicago and the hate for D Rodman was very strong, until he became a Bull that is :-)
BigBad Joe - January 6, 2012
Finnegan would be a welcomed site at CB.
nobodys perfect but Finn plays hard every snap & doesn’t seem to be a trouble maker that raises redflags.
sure he’s a trash talker on the field but that doesn’t bother me one bit if he can back it up, which he does very well.
DCNation73 - January 7, 2012
What makes you think that Spencer will be such a hot commodity on the FA market even if there are so few
OLBs available in FA? All the blogs have indicated that fewer teams are employing the 3-4 than the 4-3 and if we give up on Almost why do you think someone else will be willing to spend big bucks on an average 3-4 OLB. Now if you project him being signed by a 4-3 team and switched to DE that’s possible, but if he is only 257lbs, he’d have to bulk up some. I asked the question above if his frame were big enough to bulk up to a size where he could switch to DE for us. That may be crazy, wishful thinking on my part, but I’m thinking outside the box.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Because they are so hard to find.
Think about this Chris Canty who isn’t worth 15 mil got 42 from the Giants and I can guarantee you that Spencer is a lot better then Canty.
Rex Pfister - January 7, 2012
Newbie Rec and welcome!
Sorry it had to be on a draft post.
BTW, my ancestor is from Highgate.
fs65 - January 6, 2012
good drafting organizations dont take Guards with a top 15 pick.
theres just so many Guards that have potential in the draft compared to OLBs, DBs or DL. also with all the young players replaced in the OL last season it only makes sense to see how they develope this season.
DCNation73 - January 7, 2012
+100
Boyzfan94 - January 7, 2012
Huh???? Which good drafting organizations????
I know you are kidding right?
What teams do you consider good drafting teams (so I can check)? BTW…
In the last 30 years 33 guards were taken in the 1st round of those 4 are in the HOF
and yes most of those first round picks including 13 in the top 15. NO, GNB, Houston, NWE, NYJ, NYG, PIT, KC and ATL were the teams… of those 3 were HOFers
Rex Pfister - January 7, 2012
G's taken in the 1st round have a 88% hit rate, or non bust rate.
Rena - January 7, 2012
+1,000,000
Rex Pfister - January 7, 2012
If he's there I think Decastro is the pick.
I’m afraid that the top CB’s will all be gone and it couldn’t hurt to have another young stud on the inside in case nagy or Arkin aren’t up to it.
John Boy - January 6, 2012
I agree.
Itll be easier to turn this offense into a power giant then it will to make this defense sane. Romo with time he’d have a Rodgers type year.
thebigham - January 6, 2012
absolutely agree 100%
Terry - January 6, 2012
Dallas already has a better D
than Green Bay (statistically speaking this year)
TK19 - January 6, 2012
Agreed statistically speaking but
Green Bay D actually plays well in the fourth quarter and forcing and getting turnovers. Cowboys just give up too many big chunks and I think that shows a lack of speed in the secondary.
I’m afraid they’ll plan on moving Scandrick into the starting roll and settle for a third corner in the draft. We actually need a number one corner and a fourth. Teams like the Packers and Saints are ones you have to chase now and they all have receivers and TE’s that can run.
We need a stud saftey that can cover a TE too. Barron should be there with the first pick.
Jaymanburlington - January 6, 2012
Agree with you on corners
If Jenks and Scandrick are out two best corners, the secondary is still in trouble.
If Jenks is two and Scandrick three, the secondary will improve drastically.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
Yeah, because...
…we can always count on Jenks missing a game or six each year.
silverblue5 - January 6, 2012
Yeah, another reason why a Scandrick type is pretty valuable.
The 3rd corner on NFL teams gets his fair share of snaps.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Although I do agree with you here...
…I disagree with King Jerry giving Scandrick a new extended deal when he never really earned it.
But then again, that’s how our “GM” does things. Wouldn’t wanna clutter the the Cowboys front office corporate structure.
silverblue5 - January 6, 2012
That's fair too...
But I think he knew that with Newman and Jenkins as his two starters he’d need someone that could play corner whenever one of them got hurt. He ended up overpaying, but the thought process behind it was well thought out.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Good point, Omar
But if we had a better FS, it might not have come to that.
Just my opinion…
silverblue5 - January 7, 2012
Packers have a better defense because of one player
Charles Woodson…we have nobody even remotely close to being that kind of playmaker in the secondary.
Terry - January 6, 2012
Agreed
just saying you can win and win big with offense in the New NFL
TK19 - January 6, 2012
absolutely which is why drafting DeCastro would make out OL much better
and as a result would make our offense elite.
Terry - January 6, 2012
Oh yeah
Just to add to this I think even an average corner instead of Newman along with Carter instead of Brooking/Barber would make a huge difference on the defense, combine that with an OL that gives Romo all the time he needs along with his escape abilities and you’ll have a team that contends for the Super Bowl.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
you have to take into account the Packers blew teams away so early the stats aere flawed.
if you want to judge a defense look at the rezone efficiceny & 3rd down stops. good defenses force FGs, get turnovers & get the defense off the field on 3rd downs.
DCNation73 - January 7, 2012
I agree as well
I’d also add that we need minimum 2 strong drafts to be Super Bowl contenders. We need to protect Romo otherwise it’ll be another 2010 season. I’d go DeCastro as he is being touted as a can’t miss prospect & some grade him as 2nd highest rated player. 2nd rd. I’d go DT/DE/TE(Fleener?). 3rd OLB if Spencer is gone. Lastly, Finnegan, C. Campbell & Avril are touted as good choice for the Cowboys, but I wouldn’t want to get a FA just to fill slots. If the targeted FAs aren’t there then focus on the draft. Cheers & go Cowboys!
99yard_TD_Run - January 6, 2012
Totally agree
To me the thing that really swings it is that against the better pass-rushing teams (two of which we have to play four times every season) Romo is damn near running for his life half the time. And we saw in 2010 what our season would be if he goes down for a significant amount of time. We need to protect him better, which will also help the D b/c they’ll be on the field less often.
Keith Moon - January 6, 2012
i think
Someone should do a post on position depth. If the depth is much thinner at rush OLB then that should affect where you pick one. I think it does.
CoachGary - January 6, 2012
I'll put up the Chia signal.
Tom Ryle - January 6, 2012
Commissioner Gordon..............I am here
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
I can actually see the big chia pet in the sky
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
LOL that would be awesome
instead of like dark black carbon fiber like Batman, I have plushy green material on my costume and battle armor
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
You need to get a copyright on this right away.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
working on it Coach
currently working on ILB’s right now and will do the OLB’s after that….Both posts should be done in a week or so
I am Ironman!!! - January 6, 2012
No it shouldn't.
That’d be reaching. You develop a board and draft who is rated highest on your board. If an OLB and OG are there at 14 that could the last highly rated OLB but if they the OG ranked higher you take the OG.
thebigham - January 6, 2012
agree…
Freddyn - January 6, 2012
I agree with most of the priority grades
but on the whole draft board, I think we’ll have to draft a QB higher than the 5th round to get a guy that can, one day, replace Romo.
ScottB1985 - January 6, 2012
I was going to say this, unless Kellen Moore or some other good QB falls that far, it's pretty much a wasted pick drafting a QB in the 5th.
Good qb’s don’t come that far down too often. I say we take kellen Moore in the 4th or 5th this yr (if we think he’ll fall to the 5th) or we wait till next year for QB.
Dynamicduo - January 6, 2012 via mobile
I think the 4th round is where I take a QB this year
but I also think the 4th round pick is my bargaining chip in case I want to move up in the 2nd or end of 1st round to take a player I like.
QB is a need but not so much of one where if we use the 4th round pick to trade for a quality player I’m all for it.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
Good college QBs fall all the time
If they don’t have “ideal” arm strength, size, etc. Drew Brees(all 5’11 of him) is changing the perception about smaller QBs, but I can see Moore or Case Keenum falling to the 4th or 5th round.
blackgallagher - January 6, 2012
would be on board
with either Moore or Keenum in the middle of the draft. Production and winning. Both could develop into decent/good QB’s in the right system.
Although arm strength is a major asset for a Cowboys QB. JG has a vertical offense which requires 1. Accuracy 2. Strong Arm (ability to make sideline and deep throws) 3. Intelligence 4. Quick Release
Horizontal offenses (see Saints & Patriots) require 1. Accuracy 2. Intelligence 3. Quick Release 4. Arm Strength
Moore and Keenum may not be the perfect fit for a JG offense, but it would be hard to pass them up late in the draft.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
just FYI
I was hoping for McElroy in last year’s draft even though he wasn’t a perfect fit either
TK19 - January 6, 2012
I cometely disagree with that statement. Average qb's may fall to the 4th-5th round, but it's not often a star QB does.
This league is a QB driven league. Name the top 10 qb’s, all but Tom Brady and Romo were taken early in the draft. We don’t need an average QB to replace romo, we need another star. No I think Moore has a lot of potential so I agree we should take him, but that’s even a stretch. Great qb’s are typically first rounders.
Dynamicduo - January 6, 2012 via mobile
A star college QB may, but a star pro QB rarely is drafted late in the draft.
Dynamicduo - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Kellen Moore is not predicted to go until the late rounds.
Kellen Moore is a statistical dream… if he can sit behind Romo for 3 years like Flynn has with Rodgers… he’s my pick
Rex Pfister - January 6, 2012
disagree
Brees, Montana, Warner, were not first rounders. I know there are many more as well that I can’t think of right now.
Also, keep in mind that first round qbs have been complete busts just as much as they have been stars, ie Leaf, A Smith, Ware and Couch just to name a few among many.
Terry - January 6, 2012
I would think more QBs bust as 1st round picks and O-Lineman bust the least.
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
Drew brees was number 1 of the second round.
Aaron Rogers #1. Peyton manning #1 we know Tom Brady story and romo. Then u go to next tier of players roethlisburger #1, Philip rivers #4 overall. Eli manning #1, Matt stafford #1. The fact is u get the superstars early in the draft. Facts r facts. Name all the qb’s taken late that suck and then that r stars. 95% suck, that’s not good odds dude. There’s no arguing that
Dynamicduo - January 6, 2012 via mobile
How many QBs drafted in the first round actually panned out... ask yourself that question!!!
Rex Pfister - January 6, 2012
you pointed out 8 but how many others were drafted over those years in the 1st didn't work out. Go back 10 years and do the math
Rex Pfister - January 6, 2012
Ok, I mean u have to be kidding me to even be having this arguement.
Over the history of the nfl you have a much much much much higher chance of getting a star QB in the first or second round than all the other rounds combined. There r 1st round busts but there r 100’s more late round busts then 1st. No way u can count on getting ur “star” QB in a late round. That’s not arguable that’s effing fact. Ur an idiot. Rarely do late round qb’s pan out. 95% r busts, yeah a lot of 1st rounders r too but not 95%. The stud qb’s come in the first 2 rounds AND RARELY in others.
So yeah let’s put this franchises fate in the HOPE that we can get super lucky and be one of the rare occasions that we draft a stud in the 5th-7th round. No I don’t think so. I’m not saying don’t draft 1 this yr but don’t count on it being our QB of the future. We’ll have to get “that guy” at a later draft unless we get amazingly lucky.
Dynamicduo - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Like GB did finding Matt Flynn?
The sample size is small, but he looks like he may be the read deal. Wonder where he will go?
Tom Ryle - January 6, 2012
Tom, I can hear Daniel Snyder chomping at the bit from the west coast.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Might be a bit of a bidding war for his talents.
I know it was just one game, but those are numbers only put up by a couple of hall of famers in the past. And it’s not like Detroit wasn’t fighting hard, either.
The Tyler stations are reallly proud, since he did his high school time there.
Tom Ryle - January 6, 2012
Every time he's played he's played well.
Who will outbid Snyder? Shanhan is probably so sick of lousy retreads that I’d be stunned if he’s not in a Skins uniform next year.This is one time Snyder would be right in paying the big bucks. This kid was better at LSU than Russel. He looks like Matt Damon’s younger brother too for whatever that’s worth.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
I have the Skins as the odds-on favorite too
Shannahan has to be in his last year, if he doesn’t make a big jump he’s going to be gone. He knows he can’t win without a QB.
They pick too late to have a legitimate shot at RG3.
Snyder loves to roll out the money, Shannahan says “hey, not my money – pay the man $500 billion for all I care”
All signs point to overpaying Matt Flynn, Flynn disappointing, and the Redskins continuing the fail all over the place just as they always do.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
BED ,
I hope you’re right. Tthe thought of the Skins signing a quality QB with Shanahan as his mentor makes me shudder.
Flynn has looked awfully good when he’s played whether in the regular season or preseason.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Agree he looks like the real deal, but so did Matt cassel when Brady went down. Coaching and talent around you goes a long way.
But he definitely looked good
Dynamicduo - January 6, 2012 via mobile
True, but with Shanahan he should shine.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Dude did I sit here and call you an idiot... no?
Don’t appreciate you calling me one either. I also never said that there was a better chance in the later rounds. Funny how you add that into my comment. I don’t really appreciate that. Now as far as other rounds are concerned … I have not done the math but I can. I just don’t see where this will do you any good.
I was just saying of the first round choices… you can sit and pick 4 QB’s in the first and 1 might have been ok… then the other three were bad… So lets say for 7 years straight we pick a QB in the first to raise our odds we end up leaving other areas unattended. So let’s just put the fate of the franchise in the hands of those who take into consideration the areas of need first. The QB is not an area of need.
Rex Pfister - January 6, 2012
Dude...
You’re not an idiot you can take an objective look at the game and back up your opinions with empirical data. Don’t let some guy that doesn’t even spell out “are” get to you. There’s litmus tests for judging people on the internet, and how you should let their opinions affect you and your opinions. If they don’t spell out “are” on a blog such as this, that’s pretty much as close as you get to failing all of them.
I have my disagreements with people, and I think certain people can be smart about most things but stupid about others. However, if you don’t spell out the word “are” on the internet I’m going out on a limb and willing to say that you’re stupid about most things.
Omar Little - January 7, 2012
LOL Omar...
thanks… I wasn’t angry… just letting him know. Don’t appreciate his tone.
However I did the math for him since he’s too lazy to do it himself and in actuality the numbers are worse for 1st rounders then later in the Draft. 1 (Peyton) of 25 elite… with 4 notables Vick, McNabb, Bledsoe, and Pennington. Of these I believe only McNabb XXXIX and Bledsoe XXXI went to the SB The rest of those drafted @ #1 were total bust. There reason this was so bad because at that time 1st round QB’s were a premium and were paid upwards of 40 million… with todays Rookie Pay Scale that won’t happen again. Elite draft percentage in first round 4% odds. Good QB 2nd teir: 16% odds
Of the later drafts 2-7 you have 4 Elites of 73 drafted.. Farve, Warner, Brady and Brees… 1 of which was a UDFA. with around 14 more additional QBs that either were Pro Bowl QBs or played in at least 1 Superbowl.. Neil O’Donnel Pitt SB XXX, Brad Johnson SB XXXVII, Jake Delhomme SB XXXVIII, Elvis Grbac SB XXIX, Matt Hasselbeck SB XL others notables … Mark Brunell 3x PB, Trent Green 2x PB, Jeff Garcia 4x PB, Kordell Stewart 1x PB, Jake Plummer 1x PB, Brian Greise 1x PB, Marc Bulger 2x PB, and John Kitna.
Elite Draft Percentage in later rounds: 5.6%
Good to 2nd Tier: 17.8%
Rex Pfister - January 7, 2012
edit sorry 19.1% good or 2nd tier... for later rounds.
Rex Pfister - January 7, 2012
most organizations understand the college system & how to evaluate QBs better.
R.Leaf failed bc he was a hot headed drug addict that didn’t have mental make up to play QB in the NFL.
also with all the rule changes favoring the Offense it makes finding a franchise QB a lot easier. no way rookies could walk into the NFL 10+ years ago with the success there having now.
DCNation73 - January 7, 2012
One more note:
of the QBs take in the 1st round of the draft between 1990 and 2002 only Peyton Manning, Vick, McNabb, Bledsoe, and Pennington actually performed well for their teams respectively. Only one on this list I would consider as an Elite QB. To me it’s a 1/25 shot… should I do the math for the other 9 years.
Rex Pfister - January 6, 2012
Ok those were a crappy 12 years for qb's period.
What elite qb’s were taken in late rounds those years?? Huh???
Dynamicduo - January 6, 2012 via mobile
I'll check and let you know ... tomorrow.
Rex Pfister - January 6, 2012
All but ... ?
You’ve named possibly 2 of the top 4 QB’s in football now.
So 50% is a pretty fair average.
Draft QB late. Possibly some UDFA.
And a veteran backup.
bloodyhanded - January 6, 2012
I agree take a QB in the 4-5 this year and hope he's a good backup but don't count on him being our superstar of the future b/c more than likely, he won't be.
Dynamicduo - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Unless we get kellen Moore.
I like him a lot and think people r ignorant for not looking at him more just because he’s 6’0
Dynamicduo - January 6, 2012 via mobile
i want to see what he measures in height at the combine.
i’m not buying that 6’0 stuff until i see it with my eyes. he looks shorter then Brees & thats not even compared to NFL talent. Brees is a rare player & he wasn’t sure fire bet until he went to NO.
its a lot harder to throw with 6’5+ DL in your face compared to the talent Boise faced. he never faced a NFL calibur Defensive LIne. it might be different if Boise scheduled better teams but they dont bc they cant compete against real NFL talent.
your competetion means a lot & beating up a raggedy Georgia Bulldogs doesnt get you any credit.
DCNation73 - January 7, 2012
GA???
Kellen Moore … QB Boise State played 4 seasons as the starter… not only did he beat 13th ranked Georgia in the SEC but a number 4 ranked TCU, and Number 10 ranked Va Tech… 12 ranked Oregon… #24 ranked Oregon State… Touted as the Nations all-time winningest QB only lost this year to rival TCU 36-35… and beat Arizona State by 30 in it’s bowl game. Dude doesn’t do anything but win… I think if you have a chance and don’t pick him in the 4th or 5th then you are making a big mistake.
Rex Pfister - January 7, 2012
would rather draft in 2013
we have so many holes that we need filled for long range planning, I would prefer to get a back stop vet in FA. McGee is here one more year and knows the system.
We shore up our O-line and fix our front 7 and get some DB help, it allows us to maybe use a 2 or 3 in 2013 if we feel like the tread is thinning on Romo. If they believe his shelf life is only 3 years that still gives us two full years in the system with a 2013 draft pick. Personally, I think it’s longer but I’m sure there’s a little hope in there as well.
nikeorlipstick - January 6, 2012
Next Year
I don’t see them taking a 4th round or higher QB this year. Too soon in Romo’s contract and McGee is still growing. I don’t think they’re ready to scrap him.
Jaymanburlington - January 6, 2012
In terms of pass rush and the DE/OLB debate
it really depends on what type of D you want to be. If you have two pass rushing OLB’s then you basically are rushing 5 guys every play – 3 DL and 2 OLB. This is especially true if your OLB’s are a liability in coverage. If you rush 5 you have 6 in coverage and have your safeties deep that leaves 4 players left to cover in either man or zone. These players can be a combination of ILB’s, Corners and in some formations an extra safety.
This D only works if your 5 get to the QB for either a sack or a hurry (hopefully causing a bad throw/decision) or you have 4 good cover guys who are physical/smart enough to take away hot routes. On this current roster I think we have 1.5 guys. Jenkins when healthy can press and cover his guy adequately enough to allow 5 guys to generate pressure and Lee is a good zone cover LB – not completely sold on his man-to-man coverage yet.
If your best pass rushers are you OLB’s you rush package become more predictable. You know who will be rushing the QB – the question becomes from where and what technique (bull rush, speed, stunts etc). You can still drop a DL or LB and blitz an ILB or corner, but you are taking away a player accustomed to coverage and replacing them with a player unaccustomed to coverage. A good surprise tactic, but one you would not want to overuse.
If you drop your OLB in coverage you now rush 4 and drop 7. Again with 2 safeties deep you now have 5 guys to cover short/intermediate routes and allow the 4 man rush time to get to the QB. Ideally you would have 2 of your 3 DL able to push the pocket along with your rush OLB. On this roster we have 2 of the necessary 4 pieces (Ware, Ratliff). If the Cowboys retain Spencer they keep a jack of all trades/master of none OLB. Comfortable enough to rush the passer and drop in coverage, able to play all 3 downs.
An ability to pressure with 4 players makes your D extremely versatile. If you can generate pressure with 4 the QB must now diagnose if a 5th or 6th player will blitz. Because of the coverage ability of your OLB this means the extra man can come from just about anywhere. Again, you need corners with the ability to press and take away the hot route and LB’s athletic and smart enough to diagnose the hot route and take it away.
The Cowboys are missing a second pass rushing DL. Hatcher and even Lissemore have shown flashes, but not enough to put fear into an opposing offense.
I am in favor of trying to find a 3-4 DE with pass rush ability (much easier said than done) or a true 3-4 nose tackle who can collapse the pocket (extremely easier said than done) in the early rounds.
Think of it this way, if we can find a pass rushing DE who can get 6-8 sacks a year and generate consistent pressure doesn’t it make Spencer’s 6 sacks more valuable (combined 12 sacks from strong side pressure)? Especially when you consider you no longer HAVE to rush Spencer to add a 3rd pass rusher to the mix.
A lot of this is also predicated on the fact Bruce Carter must be a hit at ILB. If he is unable to cover hot routes, stop the run and occasionally rush the passer it won’t really matter how many pass rushers we have. Elite QB’s will simply throw the ball to an open man before the rush gets there. Terrance “12 yard cushion” Newman is no longer able to press his man and take away the hot route. Jenkins is able when healthy, and I don’t trust Scandrick on the outside just yet.
So for me, I would love to see a pass rush DE and a Corner with the first two picks in the draft. A developmental QB and interior O lineman taken middle of the draft (and the only offensive players taken) with the rest of the draft filled with physical corners, cover safeties, athletic freak OLB’s with pass rush ability or a smart athletic ILB – in no particular order.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
One thing to consider...
is when are we being most exposed for lack of passrush? And that answer is when we are in nickel. How many leads did we blow late? What defenses were we using then? Nickel.
So to me, the most important thing is to get a passrusher regardless of position. We can figure out where he plays in base. But our nickle 4 man rush is what has to improve.
Ridgelake - January 6, 2012
agree with you there as well
let’s say we run a 4-2 nickel – 4 DL/2 LB/ 5 DB
traditionally we have used the OLB as DE’s in this formation with Rat and a rotation guy. Adding a 3-4 End with the ability to bump inside next to Rat in nickel would now give us 4 players with pass rush ability and the possibility of dropping 7 in coverage. The Giants rode this package to a Super Bowl victory.
To me the debate of coverage vs pass rush is mute – ideally you would have the ability to do both. The perfect sack is one where the pass rush and coverage work in unison to create a perfect storm around the QB.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
The more I think about it
the more I like the idea of bringing Spencer back – but not over spending to keep him. If we lose Spencer, pass rushing DE is still a need and now so is OLB. This goes along with CB and S on the D.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
Amen to both.
jakezze01 - January 6, 2012
Halaluja!!!
I do agree with tk19
Musiccitynorm - January 6, 2012
1. Quinton Coples DE
2. Steven Gilmore CB
2 Chandler Jones LB (3.4.5.6.7) used to trade up here
F/A Jason Jones
F/A Jason Smith ( if the contract is right
Jonathan Stern - January 6, 2012
that's putting a lot of faith
in Chandler Jones being worth 5 additional players
TK19 - January 6, 2012
Depends.
If he busts but if all we lose out on are a bunch of JAGs then it doesn’t matter much.
It only really matters if you miss out on a pro bowl player
No more Sam Young Jamar Wall Alan Ball.
Jonathan Stern - January 6, 2012
Coach Ditka?
I didn’t know you posted here!
blackgallagher - January 6, 2012
The Cowboys traded up for Tony Dorsett. That worked out ok
Besides you are preserving your first and second and you get another second.
2009 we had A LOT of picks after the second round. That worked out well didn’t it.
Jonathan Stern - January 6, 2012
Melvin Ingram
Not exactly sure where he plays (DE or OLB), but he is versatile and can rush the passer.
Ridgelake - January 6, 2012
Nick Perry from U$C is better
Played in the Pac-12 against better offenses and better QBs and registered 9.5 sacks. He’s listed as 4-3 DE but he’s 6’3 250 and runs a 4.6 40. That’s ideal size and weight to make the switch to 3-4 OLB and play the left side. I like him the most from this class of pass rushers.
Rohpuri - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Did you just say the Pac-12 is better than the SEC?
fs65 - January 7, 2012
LOL
Rex Pfister - January 7, 2012
YOu wouldn't need 5 picks to move up into the second round
Nardfather - January 6, 2012
What does the points say.
Jonathan Stern - January 6, 2012
That is what the points say
http://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/games/draft-pick-value.php
Jonathan Stern - January 6, 2012
Well Ware isn't a liability in pass coverage
so I don’t understand why everyone seems to think that a good pass rusher will be bad in coverage. If anything, traits that tend to correlate well with pass rushing, the vertical and short shuttle (hat tip to FiTaT), also suggest a player should be good athletic enough to be good or at least serviceable in pass coverage.
Creasy729 - January 7, 2012
Chia does a great job laying out his draft board.
But, I will throw in a few thoughts.
Cat 1 – OLB, CB, DE not necessarily in that order. FA and draft value should determine the first round pick and no I would have no problem taking DeCastro if that was the best value on the board.
Cat 2 – C/G, ILB, S I like the Yuglies and think they need time to reach potential, but a quality C/G would solidify that line and seasons to Tony’s life. If you believe that Carter and Lee are the tandem going forward, this may be a good spot for a second tier FA just to work into the rotation and help mentor the young guys. An impact Safety in a need. Sensi and Elam are Ok, an upgrade and youth would be better.
Cat 3 – QB, OT – Value pick in the draft in the mid rounds for the QB, Unfortunately, McGee doesn’t appear to have it. OT if a value presents itself or an UDFA.
Cat 4 – RB, TE – Running backs are always needed. Shelf life sometimes not that long. TE is going to be needed when some team looks a Tellus’ " potential and offers him more than the Cowboys are willing to pay.
WR 5 – WR – Our position of strength. I love this group and some of the players warming up in the bullpen. Might be the time to test the trade market and see if any deals can be made.
FA will adjust some of these needs and also who gets released . Should be an interesting off season.
oldboysfan - January 6, 2012
I agree with you, IMO our safeties were just as bad as our CB's this year.
I know, there is pretty much never a safety worth a first round pick and this yr there may not be one worth a top 3 round pick so I think we need to upgrade here in FA. Church can stay, but I’m not a bit impressed with Elam and sensebaugh isn’t much better. We should have gotten Gordon in the offseason. Now he had 6 picks this yr and he will probably cost too much. Another dumb move by jerry IMO.
Dynamicduo - January 6, 2012 via mobile
On contract for next year
the Boys have Sensabaugh, Jenkins, Newman and Scandrick in the secondary. Elam signed a 1 yr contract and will be a FA.
Would you resign him? If not, then S has to be a higher need than CB as right now, there is no starting caliber S on the roster.
Tyrone Jenkins - January 6, 2012
I disagree TJ
in my post on the safety position I pointed out that Church might take over for Elam after this year….while not Ideal, unless you are switching Newman to Safety(not a bad Idea IMO as it allows Newman to play less man, and uses his CB instincts to roam around) Church will be at worst on par with Elam, and might offer a slight upgrade over him….
I am Ironman!!! - January 6, 2012
on switching Newman to S
Newman doesn’t have the body type to be a full-time safety. It is also a completely different skill set.
While Newman may be able to do it, I would not go into a season with him penciled in as a starter without a strong Plan B in place.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
Plus Newman is probably the WORST tackler on our team.
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 6, 2012
.....and cover guy...
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 6, 2012
....and 'ironman'....lol....
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 6, 2012
I think I rather Ball at S
Newman to S is gonna be a disaster, Newman is done
Antonio S - January 6, 2012
How about...
…none of the above.
We saw enough of the Alan Ball experiment in 2010.
silverblue5 - January 6, 2012
I'm with you SB, T New is done and too expensive. Ball just can't adjust to the pro game, he's so lost.
Do will still have the rights to AOA? I’d rather give him a shot than continue the Ball Project.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
AOA plays for the jags now
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
That is funny cause a lot of JAGs play for the Cowboys
That is the problem with the Cowboys.
Jonathan Stern - January 7, 2012
Why do people keep talking about switching Newman to safety?
Please stop. They guy can simply not play the position, he is too small and too brittle
Nardfather - January 6, 2012
I think people just assume you can easily switch an old cb to safety
they assume wrong. You’re right. Newman is way to fragile to play safety. Pretty sure he is done as a quality starter. He could be serviceable for another team as a back up. Just don’t think his body can handle the number of snaps you get as a starter.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
When you look around the league at Safeties...
the one thing that stands out is there are no top safeties that were converted corners. It just doesn’t happen. You can look at corners and say they look like they could play safety, but why then are there no good ones? Newman couldn’t handle the beating. He’s not known for his tackling skills, and when he does make a tough tackle, he seems to end up on the sidelines with a play or two.
I feel your desperation at the position, but we have to get a real safety. Right now the list of UFA Free Safeties includes Mike Adams, Brandon Meriweather, Abe Elam, Reggie Nelson, & Michael Griffin. Of these players, Michael Griffin makes the most sense. He’s from Texas, and we’d be able to get him for about 3-4 mil per year.
The other player we’d be able to afford that could have the most impact is Cliff Avril. I’d guess we could land those two players for around 8 mil per year, which totally changes our draft strategy. We go corner in the first, D-line in the second, and seeing how it’s such a deep guard class, interior line comes in the third.
White Wolf - January 6, 2012
Mike Griffin hasn't really been considered a success
I’d caution against getting a Safety in FA.
NYHorn - January 6, 2012
He seems pretty decent to me.
His career stats are pretty good.
White Wolf - January 6, 2012
Whoops
Sorry I was thinking of the other Texas Safety… uhhh Michael Huff. Michael Griffin is a good safety
NYHorn - January 6, 2012
I think Antrel Rolle would beg to differ
Came into the league as a corner. I think he’s been a Pro Bowler at saftery
blackgallagher - January 6, 2012
So based on one exception
you’re supporting moving Newman to safety?
White Wolf - January 6, 2012
Of course not
He’s not nearly big enough. I’m just saying that there have been some converted corners who have had success. Rod Woodson extended his career another 2-3 years by switching to FS. If the guy has the body to hold up to playing safety, it’s a good fit. Newman is not one of those guys.
blackgallagher - January 6, 2012
Converting corners to safeties is a losing proposition.
It’s rare when it actually works out. Very rare. In Rolle’s case he had nowhere to go. He was beat out at the corner position, so the move to safety was a career saving manuever.
When you look at the situation with Griffin, Tennessee is not going to re-sign him, he has played pretty well, can probably be had for a midling price tag, and would fit our need and alleviate some pressure for filling 10 holes with 7 draft picks.
White Wolf - January 6, 2012
Converting players works out when the skill sets needed are similar
Look at Malcolm Jenkins from New Orleans. Played CB at Ohio State, played ok as a corner his first year, moves to safety and his career jumps off. Not exactly trying to start an argument here, but there are players out there (one of whom you want for Dallas) that have converted from corner to safety with good effect. Would Newman be one of those? No.
Also I agree with you. Griffin would be a good pick up.
blackgallagher - January 6, 2012
LOL.
I was going to say the same thing. Don’t really want to debate converting players. I’m not sure we have the coaching skill to do it. I’m of the opinion of who can we get within the price tag we have. Drafting a safety is out of the question, so who can we get? There’s a couple of FS’s on that list that would be a pretty huge upgrade. I see a doable scenario at FS, whether it’s Griffin, or as Terry suggested, Reggie Nelson, who had some pretty impressive stats. He might cost a bit more than Griffin, but me likey.
White Wolf - January 6, 2012
Agree
there are some very interesting options at both Safety and CB in FA. If we can find a starting caliber Safety – who can also make the secondary calls since Sensi has repeatedly said/proven he won’t/can’t – and a CB who at the very least can compete for a starting spot we will go into the draft in a good situation.
We can go into the draft in a GREAT situation if S, CB, C and DE can all be addressed to some measure in FA.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
Here's the scenario...
How cool would it be to sign Cortland Finnegan and Micheal Griffin? Teammates from Tennessee. Also Cliff Avril from Detroit, who had some great numbers. With the need to re-sign Robinson, I think we could afford those three players in FA.
That changes the entire complexion of the draft. You can now go after DeCastro in the first, and get the best value D-lineman, or best value period in the second. Suddenly our problems don’t seem so hopeless.
White Wolf - January 6, 2012
I'm torn on Finnegan
not sure he’s a top CB although he may get paid like it. He does fit the feisty, aggressive press corner you need in a pressure D though.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
I'm a huge fan of Finnegan for us
He has an edge and swagger that nobody on this defense has. Plus he’s a good cover corner and plays well in run support. I think that offensive line is really our biggest priority(corners are more visible, as if you get beaten, it’s very obvious) because keeping Tony upright and healthy in his prime is key, as well as helping out our hapless run game (yes, it’s still hapless even though DeMarco went off).
blackgallagher - January 6, 2012
I recognize that the fad of RKG's has passed,
but it’s STILL as important to the plan as it was last year. Sorry… no finnegan.
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 6, 2012
But RKG doesn’t mean a guy has to have a spotless attendance record in Sunday school.
Passion. Emotion. Enthusiasm. That’s what Garrett preaches. Finnegan passes that test – in my book. But what do I know.
One.Cool.Customer - January 6, 2012
Well if he's on the team that is all that needs to be known.
In JG I trust.
thebigham - January 6, 2012
Also, we're not signing Finnegan
Orlando Scandrick is going to make $7 million guaranteed next year.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
I'll reply to this on your new post on RKG's
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 6, 2012
+1
I like Finnegan.
CoachGary - January 6, 2012
Me neither
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 6, 2012
OCC - Do you see Finnegan as a #1 CB or is he a #2 that allows Jenkins to move to #1?
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
"Move" to #1...
He’s been #1.
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 8, 2012
Cortland gets a bad rap
He is a very aggresive corner who will not let other players intimidate him. This has led to some on field issues in the past. This does not mean he is an RKG. He scores very high in competiveness which is one of the critical factors the Cowboys use to identify a RKG. He has been a great teamate and off the field he is a very high character guy.
I would take him in a heartbeat.
Birddog26 - January 6, 2012
Rod Woodson was a monster compared to T New.
Two completely different specimens.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
I would take Rod Woodson RIGHT NOW at safety
before T “NOOooooo”-man
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 8, 2012
I liked Reggie Nelson coming out in the draft a few years back and still like him
Much better than Sensabaugh
Terry - January 6, 2012
I don't know that much about him
But it appears there may actually be some affordable options at Free Safety.
White Wolf - January 6, 2012
I like Nelson
Plays with a mean streak and has skills
Nardfather - January 6, 2012
We can watch him this weekend
and maybe get a read on his situation with the Bengals.
White Wolf - January 6, 2012
We need a S with a mean streak. Haven't had one since Woodson and Roy Williams early
in his career.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Highly touted, was considered a bust when traded...
But the new scenery has helped…but his coverage and tackling skills were regularly questioned in Jax.
Just don’t trust his overall body of work to experiment with him at this point with what we need. We need a proven talent…nasty but who has been consistent in all phases.
ChuckCowboy - January 6, 2012
Charles Woodsen ?
I know he plays a safety / nickel corner hybrid, but he is pretty good
BigBad Joe - January 6, 2012
He's a great player
But he’s old as the hills.
Nickthegrip - January 6, 2012
Newman to S?
The same Newman that looks around for team-mates around so he doesn’t have to engage in a tackle?
strobman - January 6, 2012
T New to S is a terrible idea.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Hot garbage now...and I was the biggest defender until this year.
Never had hands, now can’t tackle, too fragile…and never had ball-awareness. And finally, he’s lost that extra gear he could always count on when he needed it.
ChuckCowboy - January 6, 2012
Mortality is a bitch
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
If a FA Safety is signed
he should be an upgrade, then Elam is not resigned. If one is drafted, resign him to work in the rotation or back up.
oldboysfan - January 6, 2012
I am looking at Martin from OSU in the second.
I would love to put him back there. He is the athlete and ball-hawk that we need on the back-end.
Creasy729 - January 7, 2012
I like the categories
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Tell me Chia, is DeCastro a sure a thing as everyone says?
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
yes
he has Pro Bowl material
if the Cowboys were willing to trade up for Iupati, they will love DeCastro
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
+52 Chia
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
As I said in another post..........
the men who post on this board know what the Boys need to improve next year.
Anyone who saw our DB play in all those games we lost in the fourth quarter know we have to replace Newman.I don’t see anyone who is an instant starter for the position we are drafting in.
I just hope the coaches run the draft and Jerry has enough sense to let them.If not we suck untill Jerry dies.
I see many mocks have us taking Dennard.He sure didn’t show anything in his bowl game.
If we can get a decent FA corner it makes this draft a lot easier.
TCB Orange Dino - January 6, 2012
Very true
Even Patrick Peterson didn’t shut people down his rookie year. It usually takes CB’s a yr or two to really step in the nfl. And there’s not a cb in the draft as good as Peterson. So FA may be where we have to go here, either way I think we need to draft a cb this yr but we can possibly do it in the 2nd instead of the 1st if we get one in FA. But ur stud CB’s usually come in the first. It’s a crappy situation. There r going to be growing pains with a rookie cb, we needed 1 a yr or two ago.
Dynamicduo - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Morris Claiborne
Peterson’s old teammate is considered a better pure CB prospect than Peterson was. Peterson was a better overall prospect because of his ability to take a punt for a TD every time.
dabomb1227 - January 6, 2012
Ive watched both play a lot and I don't see Claiborne shuting down receivers like Peterson did.
I may be wrong but I think Peterson is better. Regardless we aren’t going to be able to draft Claiborne so the point still stands.
Dynamicduo - January 6, 2012 via mobile
I think Peterson might actually take off if he were moved to S imo
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
I eat sleep and drink LSU. Claiborne is better. He is more polished.
Peterson though has the higher upside. Claiborne is a good return man in his own right for kickoffs. He was a 3 star wr coming out of high school.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
Denard looked pretty good pressing Jeffrey. He had one slip that cost him, but overall he was effective.
The jump ball for the TD happened because he didn’t press him allowing Jeffrey to get downfield where he towered over all the DBs. Denard is small 5’8"-5’ 10", but he’s a gamer and considered better than the Gmen’s Prince. So, while I think there will be other BPAs available at #14, I wouldn’t be unhappy with Denard, although I think we’ll draft someone else.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
I'm for trading
down if Kirkpatrick and DeCastro are off the board. Then get your OL guy or Dennard later in the first. You can get good value corners in the second plus a guy like Vince Curry from Marshall should still be around as a pass rusher.
jevans1729 - January 6, 2012
DE or OLB
whichever we can get that can rush the passer seriously and take the pressure off of Ware.
After that its got to be O LINE.
I agree that we can get help for CB in FA.
And we will have money to spend. We cannot get in a bidding war with teams like TB and company, but we can get a couple of mid priced FA’s or one big price.
I have this fantasy about Mario Williams….
burmafrd1944 - January 6, 2012
you and me both Burma
I am Ironman!!! - January 6, 2012
Isn't there someone younger better and cheaper than mario?
Calias or something?
thebigham - January 6, 2012
That's who I was thinking of.
Hopefully we can get him
NYHorn - January 6, 2012
Doubt it
Calais was a beast this year so the Cards aren’t letting him walk. If they don’t work out an extension he’s prob getting tagged.
Gen_cornrow_wallace - January 6, 2012
Yep
last i heard they were talking extension before the season even ended.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Marios only 26.
If we can clear cap space and he’s willing to stay at OLB, I’d consider it. I agree the Cards are unlikely to let Campbell walk under any circumstances, but if they did I’d prefer him slightly over Mario.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Were you (or you're dad) on the Burma Road?
If so, thank you for your service.
fs65 - January 6, 2012
You are dad? Doh. Your dad.
fs65 - January 6, 2012
Good Job Tom
It is never to early to look ahead and see what is needed to get better. The surprises the Cowboys will throw at us in the coming months will indeed cause many adjustments to list. Reality is a pain. When I listed the players that should be upgraded or may be lost on the roster and add to that the players we need to draft now for the future it always is far more the the impact draft picks we have. Try it yourself. JG and co have a real fun time ahead.
oldboysfan - January 6, 2012
this is true every year for most teams
the truth is, there simply aren’t enough quality players to create a “dream team”.
There where always be more holes and “upgrade needed” roster spots than there are players.
The trick is to find ways to maximize your impact players while minimizing the role of your lesser players. Don’t waste your time and energy on guys who can’t play or don’t fit (no matter what their draft status or contract number is). Always keep an eye out for talent (keep in mind some guys are cut because they don’t fit the scheme, not because they can’t play) and trust your scouting dept and player personnel dept to do their jobs – and get rid of them if they don’t.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
2009- the Great Suckitude Draft
While it’s true every year is a balancing act, our expiring contracts and drop off in talent were exacerbated by this particular draft.
I can’t find the link but there wasa statistic (on I think Draftek) that showed we have the 3rd worst percentage of players still on our team for years 2009-2011- behind only Chicago and I want to say Denver (not sure about that one). When you factor in that the players we still have from 2009 include NO starters and possibly a kicker soon to be let go), it actually probably puts us dead last.
I don’t see how that one draft along won’t force us into FA spending in 2013 (as we are still limited in 2012) just to stay competitive
nikeorlipstick - January 6, 2012
2009 draft definately put us behind the ball
but we have had two solid drafts and a third one should give Dallas a core of players to build around.
Dez, Sean Lee and Lissemore from 2010 & 2011 has potential to be pretty good as well. Smith and Murray have proven they can play. If Carter, Arkin, Dewayne Harris, Chapas or Nagy all have potential. A good 2012 draft would go a long way to erasing the memory of the dumpster fire that was the 2009 draft.
Also, I forgot how bad the Cowboys drafted from 1995 to 2001. The best players we got from those drafts – Dat Nguyen, Dexter Coakley, Greg Ellis and Flo Adams. Filled with a lot of Kavika Pittman, Dwayne Goodrich and Quincy Carter type picks. Man I hope those days are over.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
Your lips to God's ears
I think JG is a long range planner ( although the jury is still out on thinking quickly on his feet and adjusting in-game) so I have hope we won’t relive those kinds of drafts.
I found the link with the success rates of teams- Ugly. I would argue it’s even less successful than shown as it only acknowledges whether still on team but we have no 3rd yr impact players at all
http://www.drafttek.com/ConsolidatedNFLDraft-stillwithteam.ASP
nikeorlipstick - January 6, 2012
Spears Played 16 Games????
I thought he was injured because I never ONCE heard his name called. Cut him.
Lord Humungus - January 6, 2012
Spears signed a 5 yr contract
I doubt he will go anywhere anytime soon
Antonio S - January 6, 2012
Oh Good
Maybe we can land Landry Jones next year
@Tonekupone - January 6, 2012
He's staying
Wants to play for a title next year
blackgallagher - January 6, 2012
That's why Tone said "next" year.
fs65 - January 6, 2012
God, I hope not. Really don't like the guy.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Disagree on several fronts
RB – I think this position is priority 4, not 5. Always looking for a big back or blocking FB if one drops in your lap.
WR – priority 4, need more than just 3 good WRs, Holley and Ogletree need replaced with better talent and more potential.
TE – This should be a priority 3 as Bennett is as good as gone next year. I like Phillips but in our offense you’re always looking for the next Jason Witten
OT – Definitely a priority 2 for a backup tackle. Parnell is garbage.
OG/C – Definitely a priority 1. Our offense will never reach elite status if Costa, Kosier, Holland, Dockerty, Nagy, Kowloski and Arkin are still all our interior OL. We need a stud within this group.
S – This should be a priority 1 just as much as CB…huge lack of talent in this position.
Now obviously some of these priorities will change after FA, but right now OL, DB, OLB are priority 1.
Terry - January 6, 2012
I don't think we have 4 first round picks
:-(
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
They don't all have to be first round players
Obviously some can be FAs as well as early to mid round players
Terry - January 6, 2012
Agree on OG/C - that's definitely a priority 1
We have to remember that every year 6 of our games are played against the Eagles/Giants/Skins, all of whom have stout defensive lines and can really get after the passer. All three of them absolutely blew up our OL, and did 90% of their damage up the middle. If we are going to compete in this division year in and year out we have to build an elite OL. The easiest way to do that is to draft elite OL players, including G and C.
We don’t know yet what we have with Arkin. With a year or two under Coach Woj, maybe he’s a player. Lumpy was decent once he came back, but he has limited upside and limited time left. Kosier has been solid for years, but he’s injury-prone and on his last legs, and he can’t detect and stop a twist to save his life. Nagy was terrible, but he’s young, and maybe Woj can make him a player. Same with Kowalski. I have no hope for Costa – he’s unredeemable.
If DeCastro is there at #14, we simply have to take him. Plug him in at LG next to Smith at LT (and with Free at RT), and we have dramatically improved our OL. If somehow Arkin develops into something, then we have 4/5 of our OL set for the next 10 years.
DannyWhite - January 6, 2012
and as a result Romo plays well into his late 30s
Terry - January 6, 2012
With Center being a glaring need
How about the Texans’ Chris Myers? His contract is up and he had a Pro Bowl quality year, but with Arian Foster and Mario Williams contracts up as well is unlikely to be held. Would be a MASSIVE upgrade.
robolundgren - January 6, 2012
would be on board
for Center to be addressed in FA. Rookies and younger guys often aren’t experienced enough to make line calls/adjustments
TK19 - January 6, 2012
Other good options are the packers and chargers centers
Lots of FAs in San Diego might lead the 30 year old to walk, and green bay is famous for letting guys go instead of paying them.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Love the Moxy Piney
Feeling Blue & Silver - January 6, 2012
Pass rushing DE solves a lot of problems at once
Quinton Coples would solve DE and pass rush at once
A lot of people don’t like him but if he has less of a motor than JJ Watt he also has even more talent.
As I have been saying either draft Quinton Coples or sign Jason Jones.
Get one of those guys and Spencer will be ok,
I would like to see this off season
Draft Quinton Coples in round one
Draft Steven Gilmore or Chase Minifield in round two
then trade picks 3.4.5.6.7
and draft Chandler Jones in round two
In addition to the above
Sign Jason Jones
Try to get Jason Smith for a contract friendly number.
Jonathan Stern - January 6, 2012
I really want to laugh at u when u say trade our 3,4,5,6,7 picks.
That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.
Dynamicduo - January 6, 2012 via mobile
He is actually suggesting 3 guys now, he was suggesting only 2 picks for awhile.
Rena - January 6, 2012
http://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/games/draft-pick-value.php
That is what it would cost.
JAGs = Busts
Jonathan Stern - January 6, 2012
That it was what it costs to get back into the second round
2010
4th AOA
5th Sam Young
6 Jamar Wall.
Most guys taken after round 3 end up being jags or being cut.
you gotta pay to get the players you want
Mario Williams would have been worth
every player the Cowboys selected in
2006
2007
2008
2009
If you get your guy it is not a dumb idea
If you draft a bust you replace him with a JAG
If you draft a JAG then you still got a jag
if you miss out on a great player then you feel sick
drafting JAGS isn’t much different than drafting busts.
Jonathan Stern - January 6, 2012
I'd rather sign Jones than take a chance on Coples. Potential for a bust too great. Hate guys with no motor.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
I do understand that reasoning . Drafting Coples would be like playing the lottery.
Compared to Decastro
If they both hit it big then you are better off with Coples.A great defensive end is worth more than a great guard.
but DeCastro is a far safer choice.
Jonathan Stern - January 6, 2012
And if Romo gets injured because we have no protection
up the middle it won’t matter because we won’t be able to score any points … reasons not to do this.
1. You have a 60 plus million dollar QB in his 30’s
2. You have 2 maybe 3 30 million dollar receivers that will never get the ball
3. You have 1 50 million dollar TE that will never get the ball.
So in drafting DeCastro… you are making sure that each one of the players above is not a waste of money for an entire season.
Rex Pfister - January 7, 2012
you still think games are won by the defense, dont you? so 2000's
it’s obvious from your list of draft needs that you think the only thing that needs upgrading is the defense. did you even notice your qb being sacked 6 times against the giants? it would probably have been 8 times if he werent tony romo. and you are saying that first and foremost we need defensive backs and pash rushers? you are really going to need that backup qb you write about if you cant keep romo from getting hurt. (8 games out in 2010-2011, plus 6 more with a fractured rib, punctured lung, and a flack jacket!) wake-up, first and foremost is the offensive line – protect the QB – then go after the other guys.
hiredavid61 - January 6, 2012
Offense wins games in New NFL
but Defense needs major upgrading. The starting Oline against the Giants was Free, Kosier (playing hurt I think), Costa, Dockery and Smith.
Kosier will still be here next year, and be serviceable. Costa will probably be replaced. Holland has proven to be decent when in shape and motivated. Free and Smith will probably switch sides.
Between Arkin (with a full strength and conditioning program) Nagy and Kowalski all have potential to come in and be decent to good players next year.
So, does the offensive line need attention… absolutely yes. Is it a higher priority than the defense…. not in my opinion.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
Well, that depends
Teams that can DOMINATE one side of the ball (whether it be offense or defense) win championships. Steelers have always been defensive minded and won not too long ago. Packers won last year w/ a good offense but a better defense (lots of takeaways in the secondary and a NT and OLB that created havoc).
The Patriots have been one of the best offenses for the past 3-5 years but haven’t won one due to lack of at least an adequate D. Same with the Colts. Bears and Jets have had very good defenses but lacked the offensive firepower to make it deep into the playoffs.
I think now, more than ever, a championship team needs to be dominant on one side of the ball and at least decent on the other.
Tyrone Jenkins - January 6, 2012
Need a D to save the game in the fourth. Too risky if you have to keep scoring to win late in the game.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
My no. 1 is drafting a pass rusher like Melvin ingram
Then a CB in the 2nd. After that you can’t count on any of your picks to come through for you in their rookie season.
Do how do you triage this list?
Get a veteran backup as insurance against Carter at ILB. Sign a FA center so you aren’t raped by defenses anymore like Costa was and we don’t have to roll with another Operation Alan Ball by trying to get a late-round rookie or UDFA to be a starter.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Ingram may or may not be there at 14
I’d go with either him or DeCastro, can’t go wrong either way
Terry - January 6, 2012
Still have my doubts Jerry will go OG at #14.
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
I would be shocked
if the Cowboys go Oline in Round 1 two years in a row.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
I wouldn't considering thats a major weakness on the team
Terry - January 6, 2012
Really?
I’m guessing thoughts are that Holland and Kosier will play well enough next year to allow Arkin, Kowalski and Nagy to develop into starting caliber players?
Keep in mind, just because a player is starting doesn’t make them starting caliber. They are starting because of no better option…
Tyrone Jenkins - January 6, 2012
Guards
Holland and Kosier are not starting caliber guards at this point in their careers. They are serviceable, but not what I look for as starting players. Additionally, both are old. Drafting a player like DeCastro who can start immediately fills one of these Guard spots while Kosier holds the other one until Arkin/Nagy develop. I personally want Kowalski to start at Center, i like him better than Costa
dabomb1227 - January 6, 2012
I couldn't agree with you more
Costa shouldn’t be our Center, with a full offseason to work I would hope Kowalski can take the starting Center job away from Costa.
Antonio S - January 6, 2012
A full off season is the key, how much can the young O-lineman improve?
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
Do not want kowalski at center
Kowalski couldn’t beat Costa out this year and Costa was pathetic.
Kowalski is nothing more than hope and hope gets Romo’s ribs, collar bone, and hand.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
In the last 2 seasons hoping on undrafyed guys has broken Romo's collar bone, ribs, and hand
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Get Ben Jones from Georgia in the draft.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Well the hand thing was just an awkward hit...
Every QB gets hit and his hand was just in bad place. You’re right that they ned to protect him better than what they do, but I think the broken hand thing was just a massive flukey hit. The ribs and collar bone are where it’s at.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
ok
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
I've got a stud pass rusher for you
Nick Perry (4-3 DE/3-4 OLB) from U$C. 6’3, 250, 4.6 40. He lead Pac 12 in sacks with 9.5 this season. He’s a redshirt junior, he’s declared for the draft, and CBS Sports/NFL Draft Scout list him as the 16th best player in the draft.
Rohpuri - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Wes Bunting likes him too
7.0, which is a 1st round grade
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
Let me make sure I have this straight
The article states that Draft Priority #1 is a S. However, a S isn’t in the top 7 draft needs when picks are discussed? Let’s take emotion and “personal desire” out of the picking process and look at the needs a little more objectively.
The only possible starting caliber FS on contract for next year is Barry Church who is coming off an injury and it’s questionable if he’s starting caliber. Some thought that Alan Ball was starting caliber…Sensabaugh could play FS but he has stated he doesn’t want to make the defensive calls. Which means, someone else (maybe Church, maybe a draft pick, maybe a free agent, maybe Elam is resigned) has to do it. That has GOT to be priority #1 in my book – that is to say that S is not necessarily a DRAFT need but the FS positin needs to be figured. Whatever decision is made will determine if S is a draft need. Laron Landry is the only FS worthy of a look in FA but he’s got health issues.
Priority #2 is another secondary position. This is a pass league and the Boys were 23rd in the NFL vs. the pass. Newman is gone next year (or at least he should be) as I doubt he could play FS. Therefore, I feel an attempt needs to be made to find a decent corner in FA. Picking up a vet corner, like Brent Grimes, Cortland Finnegan or maybe even Tracy Porter (although Porter tends to always be hurt) would be better advised then drafting one and waiting 2-5 years to tell if he can play or not. FA corners are typically not cheap but probably would be cheaper than the cost of Newman for the remainder of his contract. Question is – what’s Newman’s cap hit?
Third is a toss up – it’s either defensive end or offensive guard. I’m leaning to OG but will discuss both. Ask your self, who’s better: Spencer or Spears? Spencer or Kenyon Coleman? Spencer or . . . you get it by now. The defensive end position needs an upgrade to someone like JJ Watt or Antonio Smith and this needs to be a DRAFTED player (FA ends are usually old, injured and used up and the Boys have quite a few of those). Hatcher is good but really should be the RE to take attention/blockers away from Ware. For LE, someone like Derek Wolfe, Billy Winn or quite possibly Jared Crick might better fit the bill. This draft selection should NOT be a 1st round selection but 2nd and 3rd is fair game. As far as OG goes, again, youth is needed. There are quite a few that should be very good to elite coming out (ie. better than Arkin will ever be). David DeCastro, should he fall to 14, is a no brainer. He should be the BPA at that point w/o question. If he’s gone, I like the thought of a big, mauler type OG in the frame of Leonard Davis (who was a beast in his prime) that can also play OT if Free or Smith gets hurt. The two names that come to mind are Kelechi Osemele or Cordy Glenn (both should be either late 1st round or 2nd round picks). Nevertheless, OG and DE is a DRAFT NEED!!!!
Lastly, punter is a need. The Boys have been lucky having a pro-bowl punter for many years now but his age is getting up there and his health is declining. A new punter is needed – plain and simple.
ILB – a need but a FA need. Carter will get a chance on the inside and I don’t like not having some veteran presence there to help in training camp, provide leadership to the newbies (Lee is still new), etc.
WR – a need. Robinson should be resigned. For all intents and purposes, he was the #1 WR last year for a few games while others were hurt/goofing off. Bryant is the most talented WR on the team but doesn’t run every single route hard (was shown on TV dogging it). Austin is still injury prone and drops too many passes. If Robinson continues to play like he is playing (hungry for a contract), then he is a definite for re-signing. Question is – if JJ gives him a 4 or 5 yr contract, will he? If he goes, then I still like the WRs in the stable in Harris, Radway and Holley (I agree w/ you Tom in that Olgetree should be gone).
RB – still a need. I don’t know how this happenend (actually I do) but the Dallas RBs are some of the most fragile in the league. The Boys were on their 5th RB by the end of the year. Let’s just draft a DURABLE RB – someone in the mold of Mendenhall like Terence Ganaway or Drake Dunsmore, both of which should be late round picks and can play both HB and FB.
OLB – not a need unless Spencer is not resigned. I’m for resigning him to a somewhat modest contract (4-5 yr $20-25 million w/ about 10 guaranteed) but he may be offered more in FA. Losing Spencer would be detrimental to the team IMO and I’m sure fans would realize that next year about mid-season . . .If he isn’t resigned, the OLB jumps to 2nd in priority behind S but I’m figuring JJ won’t let Spencer go.
So in list of priority – team needs are: S, (OLB if no Spencer) / CB, DE/OG, P, ILB, RB, OLB
Priority doesn’t always mean draft selection order. In fact, there are no 1st round FSs in the draft. There are, however, 1st round OGs, DEs and OLBs. Luckily, free agency takes place BEFORE the draft this year (as it always had in the past).
Tyrone Jenkins - January 6, 2012
tl;dr
But you misread
thebigham - January 6, 2012
I did catch that
but the TITLE of that quoted paragraph is Draft Priority #1 is it not?
And, do you really trust Danny McCray and Barry Church to be the playcallers of the defensive secondary. FS is a much more difficult position to play than CB.
Tyrone Jenkins - January 6, 2012
The prioritys are for the paragraph above it, not below
Nardfather - January 6, 2012
Man do I feel dumb
YOu’re correct. I stand corrected…
Tyrone Jenkins - January 6, 2012
Tyrone, love your thought process, but Mendenhall is out with a torn ACL.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
1st time in a while
he’s normally durable
Tyrone Jenkins - January 6, 2012
Placed on IR after 4 games his rookie season
rudemood - January 8, 2012
Agree with most of your needs
This will be a good year for Dallas to be active in FA as there are players available who fit both need and likely price tag. There are no stars in FA, but there are plenty of guys who can help.
Address your needs in FA and you can now draft with confidence… e.g. taking DeCastro over pass rusher or CB since you have guys on the roster via FA who can help you there. Or taking a pass rusher or CB because you picked up a center or guard in FA.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
^^^^ in reply to Tyrone Jenkins post about needs
neglected to hit reply
TK19 - January 6, 2012
Thx TK
Tyrone Jenkins - January 6, 2012
What the Cowboys need.....
Everything. You can’t go wrong drafting any position. There is such a dearth of talent on this team you could go bpa in every round and it would benefit this team. Such is Jerry.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
dearth of talent is a little strong
top-heavy talent may be more accurate.
Two future HOFer’s in Ware and Witten. Good players in Romo, Austin, T. Smith, Bryant, Ratliff, Jenkins, Lee, Murray & Jones.
Just about everywhere else is manned by above average or worse players.
TK19 - January 6, 2012
Love the analysis.....
Now lets just prey we hit a homerun on the first 5 picks and we have ourselves a young superbowl team!!!!! yeeeehaaaaawwwwww……..
ManTab - January 6, 2012
Good article but have to consider FA
Great article and rankings, hard to deny any of the solutions. One thing I would like you to do is rate what might be done in free agency that would effect the draft. I know Stephen Jones has said we won’t be that active in free agency but that has been said and the opposite is sometimes more true.
There are a number of young good players on defense that will be available in free agency and I expect Jerry to sign at least two on defense and possibly four if two are in the right neighborhood of money. I do believe we will resign Spencer and Robinson to contracts although I do not believe that would prevent us from taking a stud OLB in round 1 or 2. It should be noted that on more than a few plays Spencer actually lined up as a ILB so if (and it is a big IF) we draft an OLB early it does not preclude resigning Spencer.
With free agency, we need to sign a vet CB and there will be a few good ones that we can sign. Brent Grimes, Cortland Finnigan, Brandon Carr and Tracy Porter will all command decent money although not Asomugha money. Grimes is 50-50 resigning with Atlanta but either Finnegan or Carr should be available and both are young at 27 and 25, respectively. Signing one should be the 1st priority. Also signing someone like Terrell Thomas CB Giants who was out with an ACL this year could be a nice signing. He will be relatively cheap on a short contract with incentitives instead of big bonus.
I am a firm believer that the secondary will improve with a much better pass rush. Look at the difference a very good 5-techinque DE has on the pass game, i.e. JJ Watt or Calais Campbell. Your secondary suddenly becomes much better. Now Campbell will be a free agent and is only 25 but is likely to get a 7-yr $84 million contract from Arizona, if not Jerry needs to sign him. Cliff Avril is 25 and an extremely good pass rusher although a bit light for a 3-4 DE at 6’3" 260 and he would be considerably less expensive. Along with one of them we should sign Paul Soliai NT who we are familiar with and shouldn’t command a big contract probably similar to Hatcher or Spears. Soliai at NT would allow Ratliff to be a DE where I believe he will do much more damage.
Lastly in free agency, we need to look at safety. The draft isn’t a place to find one this year unless you just happen to hit on a sleeper pick. My choice would be Tyvon Branch at SS from Oakland who is 25, good player, great upside and a contract similar to Sensabaugh is possible. I like Church although not sure he isn’t more of ST type guy although he was having a good year before the injury.
So if Jerry elects to spend some in free agency, say Brandon Carr at CB, Paul Soliai at NT, Tyvon Branch at SS, and Cliff Avril at DE would all be reasonable signings. (Note: I would prefer Grimes CB and Campbell DE).
That would leave the draft priorities at OG, OC, CB, OLB, ILB, DE and at least decent backups at the other positions. In the draft:
1st round – at 14, a number of guys will be available although DeCastro would be a no brainer or Still at 5-tech DE or Upshaw at OLB or Kirkpatrick at CB. Upshaw and Kirkpatrick stand a real chance of going before that.
2nd round – would be nice if Peter Konz OC fell to #45 but he won’t, Chase Minnifield CB could be there, Bruce Irvin OLB West Virginia, Jared Crick DE, Alemeda Ta’amu NT, Stephen Gilmore CB, and even Donta Hightower could fall into the 2nd.
3rd round – Vinny Curry OLB, Trumaine Johnson CB, Ben Jones OC, LaMichael James RB, Audie Cole ILB, Michael Egnew TE all should be considered.
4th round – Ryan Lindley QB, Donnie Fletcher CB, Alex Okafor OLB, Ladarius Green TE would all be good catches.
And if we are extremely lucky maybe one or two of them fall into the fifth round. Now in the 7th, I would take a chance on a player with an injury in Donte Paige-Moss DE. He will not be able to probably play in 2012 but his upside is high if (big IF) he comes back well from the ACL in the bowl game.
sandyf - January 6, 2012
Im with you on this
Once free acegency begins most of us will change our minds about what we need to do in the 1st round.
If you spend a big chunk of cash on a guard do you still take DeCastro at 14? I’m not saying you shouldn’t because thats the guy that I want right now anyways. Just saying it changes your way of thinking.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
If he's there, TP, you either take him or trade the pick for a king's ransom.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
This all makes sense
Which is why Jerry Jones won’t do it at all.
blackgallagher - January 6, 2012
Ladarius Green will be what Martellus Bennett never was
we need to get him
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Should have stayed with Fasano
That was a dumb trade
Antonio S - January 6, 2012
yup
but this Green kid is mint
love him
him and Coby Fleener are the only TE’s I really like this year
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Who is the TE out of Clemson?
Hearing alot about him around these parts but I can’t think of his name.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Dwayne Allen
I havent watched him much, so idk too much about him
I do like the Georgia kid, Orson Charles, he is a monster
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
TE may go earlier this year.
The success of offenses with good TE have made the position very trendy. Wouldn’t surprise me if most good ones get drafted much earlier than in past years.
oldboysfan - January 6, 2012
Coby Fleener is going to go high because of that
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Very nice post SF,
Avril is good, along with Campbell, Mario and Jones. Still wonder if Spencer who is same size as Avril could bulk up a bit and play DE.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
In our defense, Cliff Avril would have to play OLB
Im the 3-4, you need defensive ends who are built like defensive tackles and can occupy space.
Rohpuri - January 7, 2012 via mobile
I doubt Rob Ryan will be a HC anywhere next year.
I read Greg McElroy said the Jets have a corrupt mindset and he blames it on Rex Ryan. He said some of the players didn’t care if they won, only about their personal stats. He said a lot more damning things about Ryan and the Jets. Fair or not it reflects on Rob.
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
McElroy
Hopefully Rex does not like his criticism and cuts him and then we can sign him as our 3rd QB
dabomb1227 - January 6, 2012
I don't know if he'll be in Dallas, but I'd bet the farm he won't be with the Jets.
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
I think the jets should cut him
Everything he said is probably true. But he made a big rookie mistake by airing the teams dirty laundry. You just dont do that. Especially when you are a 3rd team qb that never saw the field. The locker room must be a sanctuary. You have to know you can trust the guy next to you.
That was my biggest problem with the troubles we had in 2008 when someone was being a rat in the locker room. Still ticks me off.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
that rat was Crayton
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Did he finally get outed?
I must have missed that.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
idk
just a hunch
Crayton always was a big force and had a loud mouth, I bet he was the guy talking to the media
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
I still kinda like what he did
If I were a Jet fan I’d like to know who to want gone. If there was a Cowboy like that I’d be interested in seeing who should be cut and who should stay.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I am just glad we are not the Jets
we went through that locker room BS before and it was awful losing a team like that
its hard to recover from
at least our locker room stuck together this year
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
I agree
Its all apart of being the RKG.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
yeah
im just saying, things could be much worse
the Jets are a mess right now internally
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
I'm glad they aren't the Jets for a number of reasons
The locker room is probably no higher than ten on the list. Number one is easily because I don’t want to root for the same team that Jets fans root for.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Maybe he did it on purpose so he could come home to the Cowboys.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
It does reflect on Rob.
Some of the praise Rob got was because of the success Rex has had. So it would only be natural for him to be doubted because of the season the Jets had.
Whether we admit it or not, I think a lot of us here were excited about Rob based on what we knew about Rex. We just assumed we were getting the samething. I know im somewhat guilty of that. Dont get me wrong, I like Rob, and I like his approach, but this talk of him being an HC canidate is directly related to his brother. There is no other reason to even consider it really.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
I wasn't on the Rob Ryan band wagon and still aint.
Partly because he never really did anything IMO and partly because his name is Ryan. Don’t want a clown for a DC in Dallas and all three Ryans are clowns IMO, but at least the dad could coach D.
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
Im willing to give Ryan another year
The defense needs more talented players. Ware, Ratliff and Lee can’t do it alone.
Antonio S - January 6, 2012
Agree, it's just my opinion and you know what opinions are like.
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
Well the defense was right around average this year in terms of points/yards and the advanced stats
They were 14-16 in those stats this year going from being in the 20s last year. So Rob did field a better defense. As far as the HC talk, I’d like to look at Garrett…maybe overrated as a coordinator but has the right mindset, approach, and type of thinking you’d like to have Jason has it…I think Rob might too.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
As bad as we rode on the defense this year
it did improve from last year despite the same lack of talent and the sharp decline of Newman after the middle of the year. We all thought the D would be bad this year, and were just kind of pleasantly surprised when it started out alright before reality hit and RR ran out of tricks.
ScottB1985 - January 6, 2012
Interesting
From Albert Breer on Twitter
Antonio S - January 6, 2012
Not really fond of that idea.
Tom is an important part in the organization. Hate to lose him.
oldboysfan - January 6, 2012
I don't like it either.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
it would be a big blow
idk who would replace him and I like Tom Cizkowski
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
I heard Jerry Jr. might take over the job, but he didn't want to give up the job he has now.
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
Stephen head of college and pro scouting?
idk about that man, I love Stephen but idk
Judd Garrett would probably be next in line
I hope we dont lose Tom C, that would be a disaster
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Im thinking Judd Garrett as well
But when he said Jerry JR. I think he meant the actual Jerry Jones Jr. The other son we don’t see that much. I dont think he was referring to Stephen. I dont think.
Jerry Jones Jr. handles a lot of the buisness side.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
well thats even worse
I actually have faith in Stephen Jones, we see Stephen more than Jerry Jr
what a goddamn mess this will be in a year we need to have a great draft
Judd Garrett would be a good hire actually, he has been a scout for over 20 years
Jerry Jr has NEVER been a scout
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Not to worry, Jerry Jr said he wanted to keep his job he has now....
he makes the popcorn on game day.
DIRE WOLF - January 6, 2012
you mean brings Jerry his blood, he is the one who is out slaying human sacrifices for daddy
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Jerry Jr. Is the marketing guy
It would be a disaster.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Ciskowski might be the only person that keeps Jerry from making dumb picks
Antonio S - January 6, 2012
yup
throw out 2009, which Tom C didnt make those decisions, that was Jerry and Wade
Tom C has done a fantastic job for us
I remember the Blitz show on DC.com in 2010 draft, he was at Oklahoma scouting prospects and do you know who he was scouting a year early? Demarco Murray
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Im keeping my fingers crossed
and hope we keep Ciskowski
Antonio S - January 6, 2012
Why don't they just give the job
to the creepy grand kid we always see in the box with Jerry and Stephen?
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
I hate that kid
with the sideshow bob hair and the Felix jersey?
I hate him
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
I wonder if that is Stephen's offspring?
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
i think so
I dont hate him though. He seems to take the loses like a punch in the gut just like me.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
he is gone
I know it already
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
naw man
have a little faith. Indy is interviewing all kinds of people. TC is just one of many.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Yeah besides
The Dallas organization sucks so hard and can’t get any good players. Why would they want someone who is a Jerry Yes man anyways? ;)
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Hey, novel idea sign Ciskowski as GM.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Jerry already employs him as head scout
Switching titles wouldn’t really matter much
Terry - January 6, 2012
Might keep him in the fold rather than accepting the GM job with the Colts.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
+1
somebodyquiet - January 6, 2012
Shouldn't really matter right?
because according to a lot of people on here Jerry just does whatever the hell he wants to anyway and he doesn’t listen to those guys anyway.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Need the sarcasm font Paul.
oldboysfan - January 6, 2012
I thought the italics was the sarcasm font
shows what i know. I have no idea how to do that.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
All it takes
is surrounding your saying with @sNYHorn - January 6, 2012
I'm curious
How many people REALLY think Jerry does whatever he wants? that he overrides the consensus of people in the room including the HC, his son, all the scouts, etc? Who really thinks the billionaire runs his franchise in such a manner?
I have no idea what happens in the war room or the talks he has w/ his staff or anything of that sort but find it EXTREMELY difficult to believe that’s who he is.
Now, do I think he has influence – yes, of course. But to say Jerry does whatever he wants is just assinine.
Tyrone Jenkins - January 6, 2012
2009 tells me he does whatever he wants sometimes
not all the time, but sometimes he does whatever he wants
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
I might give you that
let’s hope 2009 was the time he did that. IF so, I’m fairly certain that was a big lesson for him…
Tyrone Jenkins - January 6, 2012
I hope so
but 2009 draft shows me Jerry gets his way sometimes
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
He wanted to trade up for Max Unger
Didn’t get his way then…unless you’re referring to Roy Williams.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
he got his way that whole draft
he got Roy yes, but Jerry wanted to go cheap and draft these backup players to somehow cut costs
trading out of the 2nd round was the dumbest move I have ever seen
they took Robert Brewster, sucked
they took Jason Williams, sucked
they took David Buehler, sucked
they took Brandon Williams, sucked
they took DeAngelo Smith, sucked
they took Mike Mickens, sucked
John Phillips and Victor Butler were the best picks of that draft and that is sad
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
It's a dead horse, what the hell kick it again!
Almost every scouting report I read said that draft had about 16 1st round grades then a huge drop off,,,,, It was a crap shoot and Jerry decided not to play and traded back and used a shotgun approach and hit nothing,,, I’m not sure it was a bad decision but it was a bad draft,,,
Musiccitynorm - January 6, 2012
Yeah, at the time I told my mom
“Throw mud at the wall and home some sticks, I guess”
Not so sure that was a bad idea given that they missed out on Max Unger, definitely turned out wrong. There’s lots of “right process bad results” things that happen in sports.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Funny, that is what I have read about that draft also.
Rena - January 6, 2012
I fault Wade more for 2009
at least when it comes to the players on the Defensive side of the ball.
Antonio S - January 6, 2012
Wade played a huge part
Jason Williams and Brandon Williams were his guys
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
2009 draft was a disaster
Put us in this pickle. Roy Williams trade, UGH!
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Roy Williams destroyed this franchise
You can even say the reason we are in rebuilding mode right now is because of Roy Williams.
How much better would this defense be if it had Clay Matthews, who was drafted 2 spots below where we would have had our draft pick?
What quality CB/S/O-line could we have signed for the $60 million in salary cap he soaked up?
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
I don't think he does the majority of the time
but, I wouldn’t put it past him.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Who are these people trying to shout Jerry down from dumb decisions in 2007-2009?
Wade?
Some worker-bee scout that’s just really happy to have a job in the NFL?
Is Stephen getting into bare nuckle brawls with his own dad on every draft choice?
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
That billionaire that runs his franchise is such a manner is the guy who hired himself as the GM.
And knows the owner will never fire him. So yeah, Jerry does what he wants.
fs65 - January 6, 2012
Thats horrible news!!
Terry - January 6, 2012
Birddog says they aren't the only ones either.
Rena - January 6, 2012
uh oh
It’s a shame to develop GM talent for other teams in the league and never reap the rewards by plucking a GM cherry from another team for ourselves. Ah well, that’s just the way things are in Big D.
I’d like to see Ciskowski go for one reason: He deserves a shot at running the show and the Colts job is a really interesting one. Hell, it might actually be an easier job than the one he has now and he will get the credit he deserves if he is successful.
Lajitas Lava - January 6, 2012
basically, this first round pick has to be OLB or CB
the only way I see it being offense is unless DeCastro falls to us, The Cowboys loving Peter Konz or a miracle like Trent Richardson falling to us
other than that it needs to be defense
a dark horse is Devon Still
my list right now
1-Ingram
2-DeCastro
3-Kirkpatrick
4-Jenkins
5-Dennard
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
I just don't see a cb at 14
Unless there is some kind of act of God that drops Claiborne within reach to trade up. I don’t think Dre Kirkpatrick will be there either. I don’t even know how good he is either. And I don’t see Jenkins going that high just because of his past.
I can get behind Ingram or Still though. I know Ingram is a playmaker.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Kirkpatrick may be there
Claibourne won’t, Dennard might be and if the Cowboys didnt like Prince last year, maybe they really like Dennard
I really like Janoris Jenkins
right now I would just take Ingram and call it a night, they scouted USC hard too
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
CB is NOT a 1st round need
The starting CBs next year will be Jenkins and Scandrick. Scandrick just signed a 6 yr contract – even if he isn’t good enough to be a #2 CB, he WILL be for at least the 1st couple of games.
Only way a 14th overall pick is used on a CB is to play slot CB next year and work his way up to replacing Jenkins after he becomes a FA. Scandrick is being paid #2 CB money.
Tyrone Jenkins - January 6, 2012
well you cant roll with just Jenkins and Scandrick
we need a talented corner
1st or 2nd round, no later
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
I see this position being addressed in free agency
a couple of times. And a couple of draft picks.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
idk
we only get one big signing this year
its either going to be G DE/OLB CB
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
I dont think so
you might end up right. But we’re going to have around 20 mill under the cap. I can absolutely see Jerry spending the cash this year.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
it only really adds up to one big signing
add in Laurent Robinson and rookies, we are only going to have one big signing
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
and thats fine
one big signing is great with me
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
we have 20 mil in dead money going into this years cap apparently so we dont have that much
Stephen Jones just said the other day our cap situation is not very good this year. Like Chia said probably one good signing this year
Boyzfan94 - January 6, 2012
Actually the least time i checked(Sept.) were going to be around 20mil
under the salary cap. Thats also before we cut T Old.
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
You are right
There’s a provision in the salary cap where any extra cash in 2011 can be carried into 2012 and the Cowboys were under the cap by about $15 mil in 2011.
Think of 2011 and 2012 as being a combined year.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
This is why I see JJ and JG going after some good FA talent
this year. I think they were planning it all along myself.
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
We also have a huge chunk of players that are FA's.
We have to have the cash to either resign them or sign replacements, plus the rookies. That will be pretty expensive in itself.
Rena - January 6, 2012
Most of those guys are either backup RFA (cheap) or guys
we are most likely to part ways with and only a couple of them are worthy of us resigning (Robinson/Fiammetta/Holland). Only Robinson could cost us a good deal.
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
And the guys leaving also opens up salary cap room
Just letting Brooking and James walk frees up $5.5 million
Cutting Newman gives you $4 million
If Kitna retires that’s 2.5 million
Add that to the ~15 million in cap space we are carrying over and that’s $27 million by just letting players we assume to be gone just leave.
And that’s before restructuring any contracts.
The Cowboys will have enough money in free agency to do whatever they want.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
Thats why FA this year will tell us pretty much what
direction this draft is going to take.
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
Calvin Watkins tweeted today we have 11 mil
Boyzfan94 - January 6, 2012
That's currently, it doesn't include potential roster cuts.
Right.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
I think so
but whos knows the actual savings we will get by cutting Newman, James and Brookings. Either way I dont think we can afford to sign more than 1 maybe 2 real good players. We have to resign Robinson I know that.
Boyzfan94 - January 6, 2012
And that gets rolled over into next years cap too
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
Im all for a CB in the first over a Guard
Go get a good veteran to play guard in FA or draft one in the 3rd or 4th round. A guard is really going to help us when were trying to stop people from scoring on us in the second half of games right? C’mon, we all saw how we lost games in the second half because we couldnt pass defend or get any pass rush..
Boyzfan94 - January 6, 2012
You like Dennard Chia?
After watching his tape & that bowl game against South Carolina, I like his physicality & toughness but he gets burned down the field.
He’s just like Prince, they get caught flat-footed sometimes & can’t recover. They could get away with it at Nebraska but not in the NFL. Just look what Laurent did to Prince.
I think Dennard would be a great Cover 2 corner but will struggle in man.
Gen_cornrow_wallace - January 6, 2012
He looks pretty good on tape, actually
Alshon Jeffery burned him a couple of times but who didn’t he burn? He ate up Dre Kirkpatrick, look at Dennard’s other footage, he’s pretty good.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I agree
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Look where he struggled against Jeffrey
It wasn’t on short & intermediate routes, it was routes down the field. He was good pressing & staying with him on the short routes, but he couldn’t stay with him down the field.
Watch Jenkins play him he doesn’t give him nearly as much room. Jeffrey only caught balls against him cuz of his size advantage.
Gen_cornrow_wallace - January 6, 2012
Janoris Jenkins is the best CB in this draft, from a skill stand point
then I would say Claybourn followed by Kirkpatrick and then Dennard
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Alot of teams are gonna shy away from Jenkins because of his issues
Antonio S - January 6, 2012
I know this
you know who will take him? a team like the Ravens who turn those players around or the bengals because they take chances
if I had the 14th pick, I would make a strong strong case for this kid, all I would do is put up his tape against Julio Jones AJ Green and Alshon Jeffery
his skills are great
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
I think he'll be there late.
I think they can sign a FA defender go DeCastro and trade back up for a good defender that falls.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I just dont think you take a guy a 14
that you dont know for sure will stay out of jail. Unless he is an amazing player. Just dont think the value meets the risk.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
I am gonna write about him today and give my reasoning for why I would take him at 14
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Jenkins is a little on the small side isn't he?
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
he is the same size as Mike Jenkins
5’10-5’11
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
That's pretty generous
Dude looks more 5’8-5’9 on tape
Gen_cornrow_wallace - January 6, 2012
Janoris or Mike?
Mike is registered at 5’10-5’11
I think Janoris is 5’10
people are bringing up the size thing again, here we go
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Janoris
Gen_cornrow_wallace - January 6, 2012
plus I would just like my outside corners of Jenkins and Jenkins
that would truly excite me
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Jenkins & Jenkins
Sounds like a moving company
Antonio S - January 6, 2012
The Jenkins brothers...
I think Janoris has a top 5 skill set as a cover corner but size & off-field stuff are big concerns for me at #14 & how much help we need on D.
We can’t really afford to take too many chances unfortunately
Gen_cornrow_wallace - January 6, 2012
I know this
but I would be willing to risk my job and put it on the line for him
that is how good I think he is
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
He kept his nose clean this season so maybe he learned his lesson
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
I like him a lot
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
In what world is Ingram better than DeCastro?
You’re stressing the importance of this draft, so why not DeCastro? He’s going to be the starter right out of training camp. As of now Ingram’s a reach at 14. I’d take DeCastro and if Ingram’s hanging around the late first I’d trade a second and a third to move up and take him.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
yea, i think i would rather have DeCastro
he’s the type of player that could make this oline elite. I really think he’s that good. I think some are hesitant just because he’s a guard and not a tackle. Its odd to see guards go this high in the draft.
But living in Charlotte, ive seen a lot of South Carolina games and I wouldn’t complain if thats who they took.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Yeah Ingram's good
But I’d rather take the guy that makes the OL elite. Allows the team to have a great running game and gives Romo the time to carve up defenses. Who cares about the defense when you’re throwing up 40 a game.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I am not against DeCastro at all, I havent said that once
problem is, I would much rather make one big free agent signing, a guard, and use my first two picks on OLB and CB
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
You think Ingram's an OLB at that size?
Really? Be a stretch, I see him more as the 34 end or maybe a the end in the flex. So you’d rather have Nicks, and use the first two on defense than say Finnegan, DeCastro, and use the second pick to trade up for a guy like Still that falls in the first or who ever is the best defender left at pick 45?
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
why isnt he an OLB?
Harrison and Woodley are doing just fine
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
He's got 30 pounds on Harrison and about 10 on Woodley.
I’m not saying he can’t do it just that it’d be an uphill battle.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I don't
this kid is a baller dude
he is a great kid, RKG, humble kid
skills are off the charts, is versatile
he is the best pass rusher in the draft hands down and its really not even close
he is just flat out dominant and disruptive
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Best in the draft? Ehhh...I don't think there is a "best pass rusher in the draft" this year
Board’s pretty fluid here. I mean I think Ingram will be a pretty good player, but I think he’s more natural as the rush end in a 43 or as the flex end. He can do it, I’m not saying he can’t play the 34 end…just that I’m a lil skeptical.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I'm beginning to think
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
I'm beginning to think Omar is trolling us Chia
Jerry is a great GM, Anthony Spencer is a great OLB, Melvin Ingram is a scrub.
Come on, this guy can’t be serious.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
hahahaha
he has his doubts about Ingram and that is fine
but when I do this in my head with Roger Goodells voice
“with the 14th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft……….the Dallas Cowboys select………..Melvin Ingram……DE South Carolina”
it just sounds boss to me
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Neither of those things are true...
Never said Ingram was a scrub, in my last fan post I liked him quite a bit. Maybe a reach at 14, and I have doubts he can play the 34…but I never said he couldn’t do it, he’s also clearly behind DeCastro on my board.
I think Spencer is fine as the OLB, I don’t think he’s the biggest problem on the team nor do I think he’ll be as easy to replace as people here make it out to be.
I think Jerry’s a worlds better GM than anyone here is willing to give him credit for, he’s made a lot more decisions than anyone here is willing to admit and anyone here that people fawn over has made a lot more bad decisions than they’re willing to admit. He’s done pretty well lately and that leads me to believe that he’s learned from his past mistakes.
Ohio State sucks.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I'm always willing to give Jerry credit
I just dont bring it up because i get tired of arguing with people about it.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Absolutely
Blame where blame’s due, but credit where credit’s due. Given Jerry’s past I want him in the room, but like anyone else evaluating talent from the college level to the NFL level is a hard thing to do. He’s a good voice to have, but you need lots of good voices to run a good NFL FO. I think he’s assembling that type of war room.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Ingram might be heavy
but he can haul ass. He is very athletic. Ran a fake punt for a touchdown if that tells you anything. And he ran away from people while he was doing it.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
He can be even quicker and faster with a 10lbs weight loss.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
Yeah I wouldn't hate the pick...just easily prefer DeCastro.
It may be because I write his name on my notebook with hearts drawn around it but I see him as clearly the best pick for the team. Ingram, Still, Irvin are in that second best pick mix. Still on sure on second place.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
LOL.... "because I write his name on my notebook with hearts drawn around it"
Too funny. But I feel the same way, and I felt the same way about Tyron last year by the time we got to the draft.
DannyWhite - January 6, 2012
Also
What’s your take on Zach Brown, Quinton Copples, and Donte Paige-Moss? You still owe us that fan post.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I dont really need to do a fan post on that..............its pretty simple
Zach Brown doesn’t fit for us at all. If we didn’t already have Bruce Carter and Sean Lee then I could see it. But Bruce Carter is way better in my opinion. I like Coples, but not as much as the draft “experts” like him. He would be a good fit at 3-4 DE but I would stab myself if they spent the 14th pick to get him.
Donte Paige Moss………….Dont even get me started on this dirt bag. He is the classic 5 star recruit that didn’t do diddly poo. He also tore his acl in this seasons bowl game. He didn’t even start this year. After the bowl game was over he took to twiiter and called the UNC fans horrible, the coaching staff terrible. He’s just a dumb ass, he is an underclassmen that sucked for 3 years, tears his acl in a bowl game then decides to enter the draft. He’s horrible.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Yeah kinda what I already thought.
Paige Moss as like a 5th rounder?
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I really dont think he gets drafted
bad attitude with a lack of on field production usually = UDFA
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
He was great his sophomore season, no?
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Not really
he was decent i guess. I think he had a few sacks. Never really got on the field much. Got suspened by the team a few times.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
I thought he had like seven sacks and like 13.5 TFLs?
Either way that was a long time ago and his attitude is terrible enough to overrule any production short of elite
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
i think it was 7 sacks
i have no idea on the TFLs. I just know i dont want him anywhere near the star.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
He has some decent #'s, and is claimed to have 1st round talent.
But serious issues on and off field, before the torn ACL is even considered make him a major no no for many teams, at any round.
Rena - January 6, 2012
Ingram will not be a reach at 14 come April
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Ehhh...still
If he blows up the Combine, I’d rather have the guy that was elite all along. If DeCastro’s gone Ingram will be fine with me…but I still prefer Deadly David.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I am not so sure DeCastro is going to be there
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
guards fall,,,,
The funny thing is I could see the Eagles trading up or with us to get him
Musiccitynorm - January 6, 2012
Yeah they seem to be second class citizens on draft day
Teams take them late because they have nothing else to do. Iupati was the one guard that went high because he was clearly the best since Steve Hutchinson and the 49ers had one of the worst OLs in recent memory.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
drafted two tackles and two guards high in two years
look at them now,,,,
Musiccitynorm - January 6, 2012
I don't think so either
He’s fantastic, he’ll go top 10 unless we have a crazy run on QBs like last year.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
I just don't see how an elite player falls 14 spots
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Well...thirteen spots.
Luck, RGIII, Claiborne, Richardson, Kalil, and Reiff will all go before he will. As will whoever is the workout warrior de jour, and guards typically are seen as second class citizens on draft day.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
well lets take a stab at it
1-Colts
2-Rams
3-Vikings
4-Browns
5-Bucs
6-Redskins
7-Jags
8-Dolphins
9-Panthers
10-Bills
11-Chiefs
12-Seahawks
13-Cardinals
14-Cowboys
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
As of now?
Lets see:
Luck
Blackmon
Kalil
RGIII
Richardson
Take a rising star at QB, they are the Redskins afterall
Claiborne
Kuechly
Jeffery
Rieff
Ingrahm
Martin
Kirkpatrick
DeCastro
Reasonable scenario, no? Except the Redskins. If Landry, Ball, and that USC kid who’s name I forgot for some reason…Barkley, that’s it, were in it’d be a cake walk.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I wish some of those QBs came out
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
You will be ok with it next year though. They will have to come out. Maybe 2013 is when a qb falls to us.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
maybe
I dont see too many QBs next year I am thrilled about
I would want barkley
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
Ah there is always someone who steps up. The kid from Iowa is a qb to watch. he his a talented guy.
If Tyler Bray can let go of the drugs he too has talent dejour.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
Vanden Berg?
You don’t want a QB from Iowa…seriously.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
He needs his next season to develop.
Gurantee you he is a top 10 pick.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
I hope to god you're wrong
I cannot stand Hawkeye fans. It’s like they think they’re a football powerhouse.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Well I am an LSU fan and I don't ever want a gump on Dallas.
Ever. I don’t want McElroy, Dre or any other gump.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
Gump is an excellent nickname...
If it makes you feel any better I think Dre will be a solid, but disappointing player for whoever picks him.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I hope. I hate all gumps.
Toll Tide……….
football mensa - January 6, 2012
Your take on the rematch?
I think it’s dumb because whatever happens LSU beat Bama at their place, so even if Bama wins LSU can easily claim 2/3 if the game’s remotely close. I say let another team have a shot.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Bias aside , LSU has improved since that game. Bama
has remained steady. LSU wins by 10 imo. If you want to watch Upshaw get exposed watch him try and defend the option. If they get even with him he can’t catch up……I would have liked to play Ok St or Standford. …
football mensa - January 6, 2012
This is the same thing FSU complained about
We played FL at home and beat them, and then FL won the SEC Championship game and got invited to play us for the National Championship… we had already beat them once… they came in killed us at the Dome.
Rex Pfister - January 7, 2012
this was just a week earlier too!
Rex Pfister - January 7, 2012
And I hope Vandenberg just straight sucks next year
Like I hope he’s the college football equivalent of Mark Sanchez but without the wins.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Do u live near Iowa or work with some Hawkeyes ?
football mensa - January 6, 2012
Both
I live in Iowa and go to school with several Hawkeye fans. I’m a law student (not at Iowa, at Drake) and they’re everywhere and they pretend like they’re Texas or a rich man’s Wisconsin or something. It’s annoying as hell.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
LOL. LSU or Bama for that matter would face stomp Iowa
by 40 points.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
It's like
Imagine an Eagles fan…then imagine them without the NFL Championships prior to the Super Bowl era or the NFC Championship game appearances. Then imagine them thinking that Andy Ried is the second coming of Vince Lombardi and Bill Walsh all rolled into one. That’s a Hawkeye fan.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Sounds like Ohio St fans recently.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
Yes, except they used to be good at one point.
Iowa fans think they have a better program than Penn State.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Yikes.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
I understood the love
for the Iowa HC. Seems like his name is always getting mentioned for NFL jobs. And I have know Idea why. What has he done?
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
oops
i mean i NEVER UNDERSTOOD
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Well he is good with OLmen
Probably about as good as there is. I definitely can’t think of a guy who is for sure better. I’d love Ferentz as the OL coach in Dallas. He has made Iowa a perennial bowl contender. For a team like Iowa seven or eight wins a year and maybe contending for a Big 10 title two or three times a decade is pretty good. But he’s not anything to get excited about.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Well, in the game called real life, they do.
fs65 - January 6, 2012
There is always a RG3 who shoots up the draft boards.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
Who's left with Jones staying at OU?
Tannehill, Foles. Do you think one of them will vault to the top 13 picks? Looks to me as though Luck and RGIII are the only QBs taken before we pick.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Skins, Jags or Phins might take Tannehill.
fs65 - January 6, 2012
Skins will sign Flynn not draft a QB.
Don’t see Tannehill as a top 13 pick, but if he is that would be great for us.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
Barkley is staying at usc
Claiborne goes sooner than that too. But its a good list. Probally just switch some names around.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Didn't have Barkley
Last year Locker and Chris Ponder were first rounders. Despite Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton being the only sure first rounders, I think Washington will take someone who climbs the draft boards.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Skins will sign Flynn.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
now that makes sense
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Then draft Alshon Jeffrey to give him a target.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
That is not a bad idea but you would need to pay more than a second and a third to move up into the first.
http://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/games/draft-pick-value.php
To move back into the first would cost you all of your draft picks at least
Jonathan Stern - January 6, 2012
This isn't the be-all, end-all reference that GMs use when trading, I hope you realize.
You post this link enough, I’m not sure you do.
jakezze01 - January 6, 2012
Media experts
dont believe in jerrys “consenus plan” but we might lose the man that put the “C” in it? thats the second gm in less then 6 years…is dallas actually doing some things right ?
RKO - January 6, 2012
Best talent want to work for the Cowboys
And after a few years of getting overruled by Jerry they get annoyed and want to leverage their talents elsewhere. See: Parcelles, Bill and Peyton, Sean.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Oh the lulz.
Parcells made numerous bad calls when on the team, if you kill Jerry wait until you see Bill’s record and Peyton wasn’t getting promoted to HC, the team already liked Garrett more than they liked Peyton.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Tom Brady throws bad passes too
It’s about batting average and I don’t think I’m going way out on a limb to inform you Parcelles’ ratio of good to bad decisions was a lot better than Jerry’s.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Lets see...
Quincy Carter, Vinny Testeverde, Drew Bledsoe all Parcells guys. Barbie, passing up Steven Jackson for Julius Jones and wanting Spears over Ware. Don’t forget the draws on 3rd and long and all the other annoyances at head coach. Have you seen the sh*t festival he put on at Miami? Yeah I’m glad he’s gone, the game had already passed him by when he was hired as head coach.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
How can you have such strong opinions about things you are so uninformed on
Quincy Carter was drafted in 2001.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Yes, and it was apparent that he wasn't an NFL caliber QB in 2003
Parcells continued on with that show far too long. I wasn’t trying to insinuate that he drafted Carter, just that he stayed the execution.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Yes because Quincy Carter is such a prototypical Bill Parcelles QB
I’m sure Parcells was just begging Jerry to let him keep him.
Cutting Q Car and bringing in Testaverde and Bledsoe wasn’t at all Bill cleaning up Jerry’s mess and trying to put a band aid on that position.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
I suppose that's fair too.
I remember Hutchinson and Carter the debate there, I’d almost of rather gone with Hutchinson over Carter. Either way, you’d agree that we’d never see a Quincy Carter again, no? Not just on the Cowboys but on any team. I think Mark Sanchez or Rex Grossman is about as bad as an NFL QB can be and still stick around.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Payton would have been the better coach for Dallas. Parcells was a disaster.
One good draft under his regime and a lot of ego being thrown around. Trading for Keyshawn and the other already old players. Dumb.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
Agreed here completely.
Biggest mistakes Jerry made IMO, were with coaches. He’s got a good one now, so I’m willing to say that he got it right.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
What have you seen this year to make you think
Garrett is a good coach.
Let alone he’s been here for years and they only have one playoff win since then.
He has more games in Dec when the offense didn’t come to play than when they did.
This guy has been here the whole time during every Dec collapse.
You win Divisions in Dec. Have you seen our Dec record with Garrett and Romo.
In 2008 they came through against an Eagles team that was falling apart once they lost their center before they played us twice.
Besides that what has either of them done.
Don’t give me the Oline. Garrett was right on board with drafting Felix and trading for Roy. There is your Oline. Knowing he didn’t have a problem with them or didn’t speak up against them lets me put him in the boat of people JJ needs to get rid of right with himself.
Sharksbreath - January 6, 2012
LOL well .... get yourself what ummmm... 20 billion if he would see for that. I don't think Jerry would sell the Cowboys period.
Buy the Cowboys and run them anyway you want. Help by offering some suggestions that will actually happen or just quit yer B——-in. Nothing you can do or say will get JJ to fire himself… it’s been beat to death and I’m actually tired of hearing it… along with that… it takes more then a year to change a philosophy… and that’s what Garrett has to do… no off-season, no real opportunity to tune his team before thrown under the gun. Your comments don’t offer any realistic vision and therefor are really just useless and I want my 5 minutes back.
Rex Pfister - January 7, 2012
Edit.... he would sell for that!
Rex Pfister - January 7, 2012
I liked Tuna as HC
and his ball control/defense approach. But with Quincy, Brickley, Galloway, he couldn’t do much. (Jerrys GM learning curve projects.) Now having young JG to influence he can save face if he gets it wrong. ( for now) Hopefully, by the time red gets more experience under his belt, jerry will have learned from his mistakes too. It will be interesting to see how well they work together this next go round. DeCastro sounds great. Wouldn’t supprise me to see jj move up to get him.
letsgtld - January 6, 2012 via mobile
You may be right
…or perhaps people like Ireland and Cisz leave for more normal reasons….like translate experaince gained, knowlege,impressing people that matter with their proven skills. Lots of people leave dallas for deserved promotions and achieve success. Sean Peyton is the obvious example…Jeff Ireland is at least having moderate success…there others Zimmer is doing well. how bout …how many people leave this organzitaion for promotions and do well vs escaping from Belicheks skirts? a good debate concerning Tom C. would be if he is that valuable should Jerry give him the GM or even create something else just to keep him?
RKO - January 6, 2012
Yeah, that's the idea
You have a good GM in house maybe you should let him be GM and back away from that responsibility instead of letting other teams get him.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012 via mobile
i think gm position overated
only cuz its success depnds on alot of other moving parts….the least being the relationship between the HC and GM…w/or w/o GM you still need jerrys “consensus” to be strong….that being said…If Jason went into Jerrys off said Hey Old Man….Tom and I work well together we make a good team keep him. I kinda think…might just be hopeful signs…that Garrett is our best gm.
RKO - January 6, 2012
Agreed.
It really is a team effort. In baseball you take a guy like Brian Cashman, he’s successful because he has the best ownership in sports, a good amateur scouting director in Damon Oppenheimer, and a good pro scouting director in Billy Eppler. There’s several other people in the organization too, but we’ll stick with those for now. Bad decisions are made when he’s either a.) Looking for a ring and willing to worry about the consequences later (like AJ Burnett) or b.) when someone else overrules him (like Soriano). I think the Cowboys organization can be ran in the same way with Jerry at the helm, and several strong lieutenants in Cisz, Ireland, his kids, Garrett, and Rob. It takes a village, so to speak.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
yes
Team throughtout the whole organization….we should feel good others want to raid our generals…proof some things are going right. We had a good offseason despite “The Great Suckitude”(dont know who said that…i giv em credit). They didnt rest on draft simply to “pad draft stats” …exa…came out training camp cut Chapas and Gronk…WTF no fullback!!….who found fiametta? Little subtle success’s through out the year ….i look forward to this year….keep stacking em Jason
RKO - January 6, 2012
edit
HC and GM relationship being most important
RKO - January 6, 2012
or another way to look at same coin
there are many good coachs that need gm’s or even prefer things that way and there are many good coachs that can fly very successfully on there own. How many GM’s good or bad go solo w/out a good HC?
RKO - January 6, 2012
Yeah that's another thing too
What made New England the powerhouse it was that Belichick (who I think may be the greatest coach ever, definitely the best one since Walsh) was on the same page with Pioli, Weiss, and Romeo. You need a team to run this operation successfully.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
assistant coachs
Garrett seams to have an eye for coaching talent also….tried to steal Fangio from Harbaugh…..offered Ray Horton Campos job
RKO - January 6, 2012
LOL look at what Walter Football said in our 4th round pick mock
Donte Paige-Moss is a giant douche, but Jerry Jones has taken chances on headcases before. Besides, Anthony Spencer has been hot and cold this year. He’ll be a free agent in March. I doubt Dallas will want to pay him the money he’s looking for.
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
damn it was supposed to be quoted
Archie Barberio - January 6, 2012
absolutely no way
to they pick DPM. I dont think he gets drafted.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Especially not in the 4th.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
Oh gawd no!
I am not ready for this story yet!
Throwing it around in the comment threads is one thing, but a front page story already? Boooooo.
It’s like bumming smokes from your friends. You’re not a smoker until you buy your first carton. I’m not ready for this. :(
fs65 - January 6, 2012
Time to move on my man
no sense in rehashing what went wrong with last season.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Where in my comment did I say I wanted to keep rehashing last season?
fs65 - January 6, 2012
you didn't
i was just trying to cheer you up and get you ready for draft talk. Thats how i took your comment. That you were still pissed about losing last week and you weren’t ready to go on to the off season just yet. My bad if I read that wrong.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
Thanks for the cheer. Guess I took your's wrong.
I’m not pissed about last week. In fact I never was. I thought the Gnats would beat us and was prepared for it.
On the other hand, it depresses me to be talking draft so soon.
fs65 - January 7, 2012
Great Post
Hey guys, I am new to posting on here, but I feel like I know most of you already lol. I have been following BTB for about three years now.
As sad as I am that the season has ended, I am optimistic about the future of this team. In my opinion, I hope we can draft Decastro to hopefully help build an elite offense. Then spend the most of the picks/FA on the defense. I am hoping the defense will bounce back after an offseason to fully learn the schemes of Rob Ryan’s Defense.
Dezisabeast88 - January 6, 2012
And here's your newbie Rec!
fs65 - January 6, 2012
yay newbie recs!
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
Welcome to the crazies
There is no turning back after your first comment. And i agree with your thoughts as well.
Here is your rec and glad i could turn you green.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 6, 2012
DeCastro at 14 sounds good
If there is anyway we can give Romo more than 2 seconds to throw the ball, I am in favor.
eightball - January 6, 2012
Thanks guys
I am so excited to actually talk and contribute in some way haha.
Dezisabeast88 - January 6, 2012
Great look at priorities Tom
Luckily where we are drafting we should be able to get 3 good players in the first 3 rounds. In the last 2 drafts we have hit on 2 starters in the first 3 rounds of each draft and hopefully Bruce Carter plays like many of us expect next season.
Birddog26 - January 6, 2012
Backup QB
Why does no one suggest we keep Kitna? He’s proved he can win and is not easily injured.
Uncas - January 6, 2012
Kitna has been strugling with back problems for several years now.
He is a great backup and I would be all for keeping him, but he has already let it be known to the orginaation that he wants to return to Seattle and be with his family. He has already accepted an asstant coaching position on his son’s football team for next season.
Birddog26 - January 6, 2012
thank you Kitna
but it does appear his injuries are serious enough to move on
Musiccitynorm - January 6, 2012
Kitna might retire
and everyone is still antsy over the pilly performance. I think Magee would have done so much better had he had some protection and a running gm. phillies gm plan was to come after the qb know matter who was in there.
letsgtld - January 6, 2012 via mobile
He's 39, had to go on IR because of back issues when his duties essentially included holding a clipboard
It’s widely expected that he’s reached the end physically and is prepared to retire.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
Here's how I address the needs
1) Clean house: let Felix, Spencer, Newman, Walker, and Kosier come off the roster and the books.
2) Address CB through FA by going after Carlos Rodgers and Courtland Finnegan.
3) Because the safety class after Barron is full of uncertainty I go into next season with Elam, Church, and Gerald. Safety wasn’t our problem. It was our lack of talent and depth at Corner.
4) My ideal draft:
Rd 1: Nick Perry (4-3 DE/3-4 OLB): he’s 6’3 250, and runs a 4.6 40. At U$C he lead the Pac-12 with 9.5 sacks this season as a red shirt junior. He’s got the measureables for 3-4 OLB.
Rd 2: Brandon Washington (G): at 6’4 320 he’s got the ideal size and weight to start at G, and he helped clear many a path for RB LaMar Miller at Miami the past few yrs.
Rd 3: LaMichael James (RB): he’s an explosive RB that will give us a home run threat out of the back field via the ground, air, and in the kicking game. He’d be the Darren Sproles of this offense. Unlike Felix Jones, he can make defenders miss, and he will make less money.
Rd 4: Ladarius Green (TE): at 6’6 236, he’s developed into one of the top tight ends in the nation. In the R+L Carriers Bowl, he helped the Rajun Cajuns beat my SDSU Aztecs with 5 catches, 121 yards, and 1 TD. Imagine this offense with him running the same deep routes that Jimmy Graham and Aaron Hernandez run for the Saints and Pats. You can never have too many playmakers on offense (see New Orleans, GB, and New England).
Rd 5: Go defense or OL with this pick
Rd 6: Russell Wilson, Kellen Moore, or Case Keenum-the team needs to find Romo’s heir
apparent, and this late in the draft these guys will be there because scouts and talent evaluators aren’t sure how good they can be due to their height (Wilson an Moore) or because of the offense they played in (Keenum). If you ask me, one of these guys will be turn out to be good.
Rd 7: Address defense or OL
Rohpuri - January 6, 2012 via mobile
I like this ....
But even with Carlos Rodgers and Finnegan, I would still like to draft a CB.
jazzbo251 - January 6, 2012
I'm not against drafting a CB, but I won't shoot my wad in the first two rounds to get one.
Rohpuri - January 6, 2012 via mobile
So
Lets say Kirkpatrick and Decastro are there at 14.. Who do you take?
BrickTop - January 6, 2012 via mobile
Kirkpatrick
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
+1
Boyzfan94 - January 6, 2012
+100
DCNation73 - January 7, 2012
Nick Perry (DE/OLB) from U$C is becoming my fav choice.
6’3, 250, and runs 4.6 40. He lead Pac-12 with 9.5 sacks.
Rohpuri - January 6, 2012 via mobile
He wasnt one of the choices but I would be happy with him
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
DeCastro. Easy.
Omar Little - January 6, 2012
I agree
BrickTop - January 6, 2012 via mobile
DeCastro
jakezze01 - January 6, 2012
No gumps.
football mensa - January 6, 2012
DeCastro
Rex Pfister - January 7, 2012
Addressing the pass rush is the most important thing in my eyes
That makes the ball come out faster and corners are much better covering in the first 3 to 5 seconds of the play than thereafter. Although this isn’t a great pass rushers draft, so getting a really good cover corner that can get interceptions and possibly be a return guy for us would be a great asset as well if we can’t get a pass rusher.
ProBowlFactory - January 6, 2012
Also, Brandon Weeden
I think we should look at him to draft him. I’m not necessarily really high on him, but being an old QB has some advantages in this case that he might have a little more football IQ and I think he is a better flat out passer than McGee has shown this far.
ProBowlFactory - January 6, 2012
Too old already imo
StrosSouth - January 6, 2012
5th round maybe
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
What's he like 28 and will be 29 next year, by the time Tony retires he might be 33. Need someone younger.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
yeah he's going to be 30 before he even knows an NFL playbook
We’re talking about a guy that would be lucky to play beyond his rookie contract. How insane is that?
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
Actually he'll be 29 this October.
pfloyd1 - January 6, 2012
He's returning to Okie State though, right?
Which means draft class of 2013. or did I hear that wrong?
Blue Eyed Devil - January 6, 2012
No. He was a 5th year senior.
After 5 years in baseball, he red-shirted freshman year. Crazy.
fs65 - January 7, 2012
Yes, Too Old
We already have a 31 YO “Future Hall of Fame” QB who’s only won one playoff game in his 6 years as a starter. Don’t need another 30+ YO learning how to lose from him…
Jimbohts - January 7, 2012
IF we get a OLB
he MUST have top measureables as well as shown production in college. Spencer did show production in college but his measureables were not all that great; and that lack of the extra half step is what has made him ALMOST ANTHONY
burmafrd1944 - January 6, 2012
NIce article/experiment
This was thought provoking and an interesting way to strategize. I agree that BPA can be a gray area.
Assuming that the brain trust assigns grades to the prospects, it would be interesting to set up a system where need would factor when grade differential between the BPA and the next best players on the board is within set limits. That might better mitigate reaching for need.
Here’s how I’d rank needs:
Priority 1
a. DE/NT – I’ve seen enough opposing QBs stepping up into a classic pocket
b. OG/C – Tired of seeing other teams do to our QB what I wish we could to theirs.
c. CB
Priority 2.
d. ILB-Need to keep strength up the middle
e. S-Ditto
Priority 3.
f.OLB-I think better push in the middle makes our OLBs better
g.OT
h.QB
Priority 4.
i.FB-I cheated and separated. I worry about Fiammenta’s durability.
j. TE
Priority 5.
k.RB
l.WR
Priority 6.
zz. Kick off specialist
Admitted, it’s not a very sexy looking list. Fortunately, it’s so far down the comment list i’m not to worried about exciting anyone. I’m old-fashioned and believe that strength up the middle is the best way to dictate offense and defense since that’s where the ball is at the beginning of every play. However, if studs aren’t available-DO NOT REACH.
Lajitas Lava - January 6, 2012
That's 13 positions
Why exactly is ILB a need? The Boys have Lee, Carter and a very promising Lemon (played well in pre-season).
If you pick up a pass rushing DE, then a pass rushing OLB isn’t needed as badly so they both shouldn’t be needs per se. I do think like you in the DE is a greater need.
RB isn’t a need unless you get a durable power runner. Another scat back (like LeMichael James isn’t the answer).
Tyrone Jenkins - January 6, 2012
ha ha
should have stated that i didn’t think 13 positions could be filled in a seven round draft.
Basically, the 13 slots set priorities. Priorities 5 and 6 should not be drafted. priority 4 should be factor in only when a FB or TE are hands down the BPA. This is a pick only if someone high on the Cowboys’ board is in free fall.
I have ILB as a high priority because Brooking and James should be gone and Lee will be the only proven player at that position. I hope Carter pans out and I don’t know enough about Lemon. Again, I’m not advocating a reach. Rather, if it’s a toss between an OLB and and ILB being the BPA (and we haven’t picked and ILB yet), I would go with the ILB.
It’s probably a myopic view, but I think if we have a strong interior defense, things will improve markedly.
Lajitas Lava - January 7, 2012
Good That Someone Recognizes
That this team needs a new, talented, winner at QB. Despite being the starter for 6 years, our supposed World Class Top 5 QB has won a total of 1 (Yes 1) playoff game. Around 10 hours from now, a Rookie will have won his first ever playoff game. World Class Top 5 QBs win football games they’re not supposed to win. Has our “World Class Top 5” guy done that…Or just the opposite?
Jimbohts - January 7, 2012
Every time I see this guy post I wonder if it is Tex trolling.
Rena - January 7, 2012
These guys don't bother me.
They amuse me. I get a chuckle every time they post.
fs65 - January 7, 2012
Need to get some Meds man... you are really reaching now!
Rex Pfister - January 7, 2012
Nice article, Tom.
Generated lots of dabate. And you make an interesting point when say that although everyone says they draft for BPA, most of the time they are actually drafting for need too. In truth, need doesn’t often align with BPA, thus lots of teams not drafting well over the long term.
When you look at one of the greatest draft picks of the past 10 years, Aaron Rodgers, can’t we admit that Green Bay just got lucky? Nobody thought this guy was going to be so epic. Otherwise he wouldn’t have fallen that far. Same thing with Brady. NE didn’t draft him in many earlier rounds. They, or nobody else had a clue Tom Brady was going to be so prolific, otherwise he would have been the top pick. Those were both need picks. And they turned out to be Super Bowl picks.
White Wolf - January 7, 2012
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