The Dallas Cowboys are looking for a few good cornerbacks. One name that keeps coming up in various and sundry mock drafts is Janoris Jenkins. A player of unquestionable talent, he comes with a couple of big question marks. The first involves the character concerns about the multiple incidents that led to his dismissal from Florida. The second is his size, with his height reported as 5'9" or 5'10", depending on the source.
This has been a hot topic that has already been discussed here, but there are a couple of recent articles out that may shed a little more light on these issues, and possibly change some opinions. The first is an interview with Jenkins from the Senior Bowl. Conducted by Scott Wright, it is posted on his Draft Countdown website (and was pointed out to me by the always omniscient OCC). The second is an excellent post by Birddog26 on the role interviews play in evaluating draft prospects. Both are must reads for anyone who is wondering whether Dallas should have Jenkins on their draft board, and provide some fresh fodder for the discussion.
I'll wait for a moment if you want to read them, and then we can continue after the jump.
I always prefer to use information that comes from multiple sources, even when dealing with opinion. I noticed right off the bat that Wright and BD26 have some very similar attitudes about the whole interview process.
Scott Wright:
How well Jenkins interviews with scouts and decision-makers in the coming months will play a major role in determining whether or not he slides on Draft Day. Scott Wright of Draft Countdown caught up with Jenkins at the 2012 Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL and had a chance to not only talk with the talented cover guy but also look him directly in the eye to get a feel for the type of person he is.
Birddog26:
As a scout the interview process lets me get an inside look into a prospect's character and mental alertness.
In the Wright interview, Janoris seems to say all the correct things. He acknowledges that he has made mistakes and says that he wants to prove that he is not the same person that he was.
Scott Wright: Obviously people are going to ask you about the off the field stuff. How are you planning to explain those incidents to NFL teams?
Janoris Jenkins: Basically just be honest. Admit that what I did was wrong, just let them know how it went and hopefully things will go better.
If he is sincere, then it is plausible that getting kicked out of Florida and playing his final season at Division II North Alabama got his attention. He may have a much better grasp of just what he placed in jeopardy than some others who just passed up a year or two of eligibility and jumped into the NFL to elude the trouble they had gotten into in college. He states that he made the decision to go back to school and try to prove himself rather than go the easier route. That would seem to be a factor in his favor.
Another thing in his favor, although admittedly not exactly based on the most objective criteria possible, is this:
Scott Wright:What was your favorite team and player growing up?
Janoris Jenkins: My favorite team growing up was the Dallas Cowboys.
OK, I just had to throw that in. We have here a very talented young player who lacked wisdom and who may or may not have acquired some of the same. He fits the needs of the Cowboys. But, given that he also mentioned that the NFL receiver he would most like to go up against is Calvin Johnson, his size does need to be taken into consideration. Can you give up a half a foot or more to some of the more physical receivers like Megatron and still be effective? At least one of the other BTB front page writers has mentioned that he does not want a 5'9" cornerback playing for the Cowboys, no matter how good he is. (I will let said writer decide if he wants to enter the debate). That is a criterion that has an objective basis, and I respect all of the other guys who have their names at the bottom of the page.
I also respect BD26. In the comment thread of his article that I linked to, he specifically addresses Jenkins. Asked about how thorough he thought the interview process was on him, BD26 revealed that he had put in over 100 hours interviewing Jenkins and just about everyone else who had any contact with him on behalf of the team he contracts with as a scout (focusing on defensive backs). His advice on what the Cowboys should consider doing about drafting Janoris:
In the late first to early second
I would also advocate the team I work for taking him in the same range
A disclaimer. I have never met Birddog26 in person, but I consider him a friend, based on many, many e-mails back and forth discussing the Cowboys and the NFL. I just wanted to admit that I may be a bit prejudiced in his favor, but I will say that he seems to know what he is talking about. And this is what he does for a living. Also, BD26 is not just talking character. He also evaluates the talent involved, and he did play defensive back in college. If he thinks Jenkins is worth an early draft pick, then I would tend to go with that.
But nobody is perfect. Also, another thing to consider is the position the Cowboys find themselves in. If I credit BD26's evaluation, then taking Jenkins at 14 is a reach, and he seems unlikely to still be available when the team's second round pick comes. The combine results may of course change things. If he moves up, he may get into that 10 to 15 range that would make him a logical pick for the Cowboys. Trading down might also be an alternative, although there are certainly risks involved there.
All in all, this seems like a logical place for a poll to find out what you think.
0 recs | 104 comments
I like Jenkins
But there are a few other guys I like more. If Kirkpatrick or Decastro fall, I think they both merit strong consideration.
Someone always falls in the draft, and I just hope that the Cowboy’s front office is true to their word of taking the BPA at 14. If that’s Jenkins, then I won’t complain.
egriffey - February 10, 2012
i just don't want 2 CBs named "jenkins"
it’s already getting confusing.
but on a more serious note, it is a CB deep draft, and history shows us that striking gold on a 1st round CB isn’t all that much more likely than a 2nd or third rounder. for these reasons, i am hoping a top 5-7 talent falls to us at 14 (fingers crossed for decastro) and then we pick up 2-3 CBs in the next couple rounds. that and a 320lb NT would make me a happy boy indeed.
i would also like to see just about every UFA corner in training camp—- sometimes we find great guys that nobody seemed to want.
and finally, what about radway or teddy williams at CB (is teddy williams still around?)? yes, i realize there is more to being a CB than just being really fast, but being really really fast (like these two) certainly gives you a leg up.
in summation: his “criminal” history doesn’t really bother me, but his height and the fact that he is a late first round talent mean that i don’t want him (unless he’s available in the second round, in which case, WOOHOO! yes, of course i would be elated to take him in the second).
Trent Schoneweis - February 10, 2012
He was considered possibly a top 10 talent before the character concerns occurred.
So I don’t buy the late first round talent. He has top 15 talent at worst. The only concern is an inch in height and the drug history. I think he’s taken care of the drug issue
Dynamicduo - February 10, 2012 via mobile
+1
jevans1729 - February 10, 2012
Yes but a lot of guys are "considered" top-10 talent a year before they actually come out
and then drop for one reason or another. He may be a top-10 talent, I’m not a scout, but just saying that a year ago he was mentioned as a top-10 talent doesn’t automatically mean he is. Maybe scouts saw some flaws in his game when he wasn’t surrounded by a great team?
ary201 - February 10, 2012
you cant just "think" he took care of the issue when drafting him in the 1st round
Jenkins size & problems off the field make him a 2nd round prospect imo. Dallas just doesn’t have that much room for error taking him in the 1st round especially with the 14th pick.
Kirpatricks size is a huge plus & would be a better pick at 14 imo.
DCNation73 - February 24, 2012
We already have a 320lb NT we can trust in Josh Brent
Becho - February 10, 2012
I am not sure if he is trusted beyond occasionally spelling the starter
What would you think of Poe as the Cowboys’ first pick?
accidental innuendo - February 10, 2012
Poe would be amazing
He weighs 350! He is the prototypical plug our system needs.
soonercowboy14 - February 10, 2012
+1
I would love it if Richardson falls to us. In my pipe dream the Bengals want to trade the farm for him; their two 1st, and a third! We could then get Jenkins & Poe! I think I’d cry! Especially if we got Barron in the second and traded our two thirds to get Crick or Konz/B. jones as well! Could you imagine how improved we’d be! But alas it is a pipe dream!
mho - February 10, 2012 via iPhone app
why would they trade 2 #1’s & a 3rd for Richardson?
That’s crazy talk.
StarloverinWNC - February 11, 2012
yep! I also said
It was a pipe dream! I would also like to point out that the reason they have those is because of the blockbuster trade Atlanta made with them last year. Cincinnati is one stellar RB from an elite Offense…you mean to tell me that it is impossible? I think it could happen! At least that is my pipe dream! :)
mho - February 11, 2012 via iPhone app
Uh Atlanta traded with Cleveland.
The Raiders gave the Bengals a first for Palmer.
football mensa - February 11, 2012
oh yeah I keep mixing them up!
Still it’s my pipe dream and I’ll drink as much Kool-aid as I want!
mho - February 11, 2012 via iPhone app
careful, you'll start a new fad ...
the koolaid hookah
GalTex - February 13, 2012
Draft Poe and let him and Josh Brent play dt
in a 4-3. Move Rat and Lissy to de.
football mensa - February 11, 2012
Agree!
1)Top 5-7 Talent
2)Best CB
3)BPA @ NT/DE/OLB
We need to get 3 starters from this draft.
StarloverinWNC - February 11, 2012
Right now it is all about the Combine for Jenkins
Draft Scout.com currently has Jenkins at 5-10 191lbs.
IF that is the case, then it becomes a issue with Measurables…Arm length, vertical, SS time and Speed.
If he tests well, and interviews well, then by all means Dallas should take him if he is the BPA…
I am Ironman!!! - February 10, 2012
agreed
Rohpuri - February 10, 2012
he weighed in at he senior bowl
5’9 7" JUST under 5’10
Archie Barberio - February 10, 2012
I'm more worried about the baggage than the size.
No way they should take him at 14.
DIRE WOLF - February 10, 2012
that's a short weight.
StarloverinWNC - February 11, 2012
he might keep on with d-jax
If he stays in philly.. But I dunno I worry about him going against nicks and cruiz jermy macklin isent a small guy either. But I haven’t seen a lot of stuff on him anyone have any idea?
cjs.93 - February 10, 2012 via mobile
There are several videos
on youtube on Lil’ JJs performance. When he’s good he’s good, but he does have some bad moments. I watched 2 vids where the completion percentage against him was 66% in one & 80% on another. He went against WR Alshon Jeffrey who is 6’4" & 229 LBS. I was impressed at how much consistent effort JJ put into press coverage. Half of the times it broke up the timing of the pass & the other half the WR cut in or out & used his body to block out JJ & caught the pass or JJ would lose his balance & fall to the ground. NYG already have strong WRs. If Philly does the same then they could just push JJ around. To his credit, he is feisty. I’ll trust the scouts & say that the 2nd rd. would be a value pick for JJ.
99yard_TD_Run - February 10, 2012
Ask AJ Green and Julio Jones about his height!! Shut both of them down!!
Coop1228 - February 10, 2012 via iPhone app
I'm torn between these 4 CBs
Dre Kirkpatrick, Janoris Jenkins, Chase Minnifield, Brandon Boykin.
From an athletic perspective: The Combine should clear things up for these four; as they were all play makers in college.
From a RKG perspective: I want to read the comments coming out of Indy regarding the interviews that Kirkpatrick and Jenkins have. Minnifield and Boykin, from what I’ve read, are the RKGs.
Rohpuri - February 10, 2012
If we miss on those guys
there’s still other CBs w/ talent. J. Norman, Pellerin & Marrow come to mind.
99yard_TD_Run - February 10, 2012
I wouldn't want Dre
Jenkin’s troubles are in the past, Dre just got in trouble really recently, that’s a bigger red flag to me
LilZtretch - February 10, 2012
Weed & the law
I agree & I think its actually worse for his expectations going forward that the charges were dropped. If Kirkpatrick is drafted high, expect more problems. I think Jenkins was punished and realizes his mistake. Given the outcome with Kirkpatrick I think he is likely to have problems in the future.
JannyDones - February 10, 2012
Brandon Boykin
in rd 2. I think the team might be looking at OLB in rd 3.
ziggy19 - February 10, 2012
However, isn't he about the same size as Jenkins?
ary201 - February 10, 2012
Jamell Fleming
Is my pet cat. He will be a star.
soonercowboy14 - February 10, 2012
+1
"It's your world, my universe" - February 10, 2012
Yea. I want Fleming too
BrickTop - February 10, 2012 via mobile
IF HE IS THRERE TAKE EM
I like Kirkpatrick but unless Claiborne falls its Jenkins all day IMO 5 9" or 5 10" Jenkins can flatout cover alot of people thought he was a good if not better then Haden at Florida plus when a bulldog fans calls me and tells me how he shutdown AJ Green who is taller u feel kinda good about a guy size doesnt always matter but TALENT does
slickman26 - February 10, 2012
He did.
I noticed, in video I watched recently, that he shutdown Green & Julio Jones 50% of the time when he went against them or he forced the QB to pass to the other side of the field. When the QB did challenge Ja. Jenkins, they did complete over 50% of the passes.
99yard_TD_Run - February 10, 2012
Darrelle Revis
has a completion percentage against him of 41%. Scandrick’s percentage was 69%. 50% against Green and Jones is pretty good.
jevans1729 - February 10, 2012
Impressive
considering the height disparity.
99yard_TD_Run - February 10, 2012
I think recovery speed
is more important than height. The vast majority of NFL corners cover WRs taller than they are. Aikman says the perfect pass cannot be defended and I think there is some truth to that. But if the guy can just run by you, there’s not much you can do. Speed and technique are very important keys.
jevans1729 - February 10, 2012
Don't we also need to consider the abilities of the QBs that were throwing to Green and Jones?
Cox, Murray and McElroy weren’t exactly putting the football into tight windows against him.
fs65 - February 10, 2012
It depends on the combine for me.
Does he have a good vertical so he can jump up and compete with WR’s that are bigger than him? SS, 40, etc.
He is good, very good and we can use a really good press CB. We can afford to have a smaller one as long as we pick up a bigger one also. And after all, we need 3 CB’s this off season. So I would hate to throw away a top talent just because we were to fixated on size. After all, we can have a 2nd CB that is over 6 foot.
If our top rated wish list guys are gone by the time we pick I wouldn’t mind a trade down and picking up Jenkins.
Rena - February 10, 2012
Vertical
he may have a good vertical as I watched him go against Jeffrey, during an SEC game, & used his body to shield the WR from the pass, jump up & pick off the pass at his high point, but dropped it on the way down. Does show potential though. Only question is what’s gonna happen when a smarter WR turns the table on him & blocks him away from the pass. Jeffrey did come back later in the game & do one of those catches where the QB throws it to the back shoulder.
99yard_TD_Run - February 10, 2012
I think he will be on our "top rated wish list."
I doubt he’s available late in the 1st. He is moving up everyone’s board. He’s a top 15 talent and the second best cb in the draft IMO. Much better cover corner than Kirkpatrick.
Dynamicduo - February 10, 2012 via mobile
If he is sill there late in the 1st
then I would think a trade back in the 1st for him for this years 2nd and maybe next year’s 2nd would be worth a shot.
LeedsCowboys - February 10, 2012
I agree a trade up to the late first should be the only place he should be considered
14 is way too high. IMO players like Decastro, Kirkpatrick, and Couples have a chance at making it to 14. They are much better bets and we take them first.
Becho - February 10, 2012
Combine Shmombine
Watch his tape against A.J. Green and Julio Jones when he was at Florida, and that’s all you need to see. I don’t understand why people get so worked up on combine workouts, there have been quite a few “Workout Warriors” that have had great combines and it shoots them up draft boards, and then they become “busts” because they really can’t play with the big boys. I’d rather watch what a guy can do on the field, in a game, against good competition, rather than what he can do against himself at the combine.
I’m a huge fan of Jenkins, and yes, he’s only 5’10" which hurts, but I still believe he’s the best pure cover corner in the draft, and that’s exactly what Dallas needs.
KJDH2154 - February 10, 2012
I've had janoris on my list of 3 to pick from at 14th for over a month now. I got trashed on here for saying it, but it looks like some of you are starting seeing what I have seen.
He is an amazing athlete, up there with Claiborne. Without the “character issues” and another inch of height and he could easily be in discussion as the best cb in the draft. He’s good, really good. I don’t know at this point where I want us to go, Decastro, Jenkins, or Ingram. All three are very very good. Right now I have them listed in that order, but that could easily change after the combine. Looking at BPA it’s tough to beat Decastro, possibly the best gaurd in a decade. But I’d be happy with any of the 3.
Dynamicduo - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Starting to see***
Dynamicduo - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Small, Character Issues
. . . why do this? It is a cornerback rich draft, this guy would be a reach at 14
Iowacowboy - February 10, 2012
Great point
In another year with a dearth of CBs, teams would be forced to consider Jenkins earlier. However, there’s tons of good corners in the first two rounds, and that will probably let Jenkins slip to maybe the second.
accidental innuendo - February 10, 2012
reach at 14?
Why would he be a reach at 14? Mayock has him as his 2nd rated corner. I put a lot of stock into Mayock. This kid can flat out play football. Even better is his attitude,and feistiness. Two things that this defense needs is good players and some swag..he has both .
gogokroz - February 10, 2012 via mobile
It's ashame our secondary is in such shambles because of Jerry.
No real safties. Kinda have one ok cb , an overpaid nickel back. The more you examine this team the more obvious it becomes what a colossal fail Jerry has been as gm.
football mensa - February 10, 2012
I totally agree about Jerry
& rec’d
JannyDones - February 10, 2012
If they clear him on character, sure
NFP says he has long arms, which’ll help with the relative lack of height. Plus he has good ball skills, which is key—how many corners, tall or short, are in position but can’t seem to play the ball in the air?
End of the days, Dallas should be able to pick at least one of the group that’s being thrown around: DeCastro, Upshaw, Jenkins, Kirkpatrick. Any of those will fill a need and be a big help.
DB23 - February 10, 2012
Let's not forget
Brockers & Coples. Those guys are rated higher than Upshaw, Jenkins & Dre by NFP. There are less quality pass rushers than corners in this draft. We could draft CBs in the later rounds & they’d still be better than Newman.
99yard_TD_Run - February 10, 2012
I do think they're inclined to go LB or DE in rd 1
If Coples falls to 14 (doubt it), take him. Brockers … he’s a boom/bust guy, maybe too risky? He be gone too if he tests as well as many think at the combine …
DB23 - February 10, 2012
All I'm saying is
If it wasn’t for troubled past, he’d be considered in the top 10 or top 5 this year fighting for the top spot with Claiborne
LilZtretch - February 10, 2012
I love all the mock drafts, but they become obselete once teams start signing free agents...
A lot of teams needs change, and priorities change. We have to wait to see what the cowboys will do in FA this year, then mocks start making sense.
#DBoyZ - February 10, 2012
I kind of hope not.
I really hope the Cowboys take the best player available with the 1st pick regardless.
JannyDones - February 10, 2012
AGREED
ary201 - February 10, 2012
but imagine if we sign Nicks... I dont think they look at DeCastro
#DBoyZ - February 10, 2012
Just depends on what JG and Jerry
turn up when they are looking into his past. I’m not going to be upset if he’s the pick simply because he has the talent and he fits a need. Either way its a big risk.
TARHEEL PAUL - February 10, 2012
http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200407/the-once-over
few things to think about. What’s going on?
-20 second untrained snap judgements are consistent with professional interviews. What’s happening? do the untrained observers have superhuman powers of judgement or are professional interviewers simply making snap judgements and dressing it up as a interview to justify their decision?
-are interview evaluations adding value? Probably everyone agreed that JJ Watt was a great guy. Everyone also probably agreed the the Big Rapist was a great guy too.
Do interviews have a record of distinguishing between ‘character problem’ guys that are ok and ‘character problem’ that are not ok and ‘quality guys’ that are ok and ‘quality guys’ that are not ok?
Fan in Thick and Thin - February 10, 2012
The uncanny accuracy of these 20 sec judgements are consistent with Malcolm Gladwell’s “Blink” methodology. The key, obviously, is that professional interviewers would have the skills and experience to identify and react to their gut feelings and guide the interview towards pertinent issues.
Untrained subjects, I would think, would not benefit much more from another 20 mins with the applicant.
accidental innuendo - February 10, 2012
now that we know this can we really blame him? Maybe his idol was Michael Irvin and his dream is parties at the ‘white house’?
Fan in Thick and Thin - February 10, 2012
that's a good point that you make
Interesting, is it naive to think he isn’t aware of that stuff?
JannyDones - February 10, 2012
I doubt he grew up with the Triplets
He was born in October of 1988. He would’ve been 4years old when the Boys won SB XXVII, and 7 years old when the Boys won SB XXX. It’s more likely he grew up with the teams from 1996-2006.
Rohpuri - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Oh I see what you did there. You made a joke that I completely glossed over.
Stupid me.
Rohpuri - February 10, 2012 via mobile
How will he behave with a star on his helmet
In the big D with all of the celebrity that comes with being a Cowboy? That’s the question here. We know he’s athletic, how will he respond to all the attention, who will he surround himself with, how will he behave off the field? He’s already been busted 3 times, how much does a person change in a years time? No more Sam Hurd’s please!
Cowboys6thSB - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Pass at 14, he's 5'9'' with baggage.
DIRE WOLF - February 10, 2012
SIZE SHOULDNT MATTER
If he can cover then he can cover Aj Green and Julio Jones r bigger and he did a great job on both
slickman26 - February 10, 2012
and they aren't even in the NFC East...
the only tall receiver they have to worry about is Hicks…
TheCowboyFan - February 10, 2012
Nicks?
ary201 - February 10, 2012
Cox, Murray and McElroy are not NFL starting caliber QBs.
How well do you think he can cover them with Dalton and Ryan throwing the ball?
fs65 - February 10, 2012
I understand height is a concern
But the NFL isnt flooded with 6 3" db’s and the ones that r can cover half as good as Jenkins
slickman26 - February 10, 2012
Draft DeCastro
Take DeCastro in the first (Romo smiles) and don’t look back for the next 10 years, then Jamell Fleming in the 2nd. Two holes filled with two major upgrades. You won’t get an OG like DeCastro in the rest of the draft, but Fleming is VERY underrated.
I think Jenkins is probably the most talented CB in this year’s draft, I’m kind of worried about his height, especially in our division. Even if he covers WR’s like a blanket, I can see QB’s just throwing jump balls to the taller WR’s like Nicks and it would be hard to defend.
I don’t think fans realize how special DeCastro is. This guy doesn’t just block his guy, I’ve seen him block his guy, then stiff arm another defender at the same time to help out his teammate (effectively blocking two guys at once). I’ve seen him pull and run 15 yards downfield and demolish LB’s and scraping off DB’s on the same play. Remember, Garrett liked his OG’s to pull a lot, and this is one of DeCastro’s fortes. If you can, watch tapes of this guy and you will want Dallas to run to the podium if this guy is still there at #14, but I doubt he will be.
"It's your world, my universe" - February 10, 2012
"It's your world" ur preaching
to the choir, me being a Stanford fan if DeCastro is there when the boys are on the clock there is no debating, hand in the card n draft that MAN, the team won’t regret it regardless if they end up signing nicks or not.
DarkKnight88 - February 10, 2012
Agreed
Here’s why you shouldn’ draft Jenkins if you’re the Cowboys: I’ve seen like 100 mock drafts drafting him to the Cowboys with the excuse that they don’t seem to mind getting troubled players. You got arrested? No problem, you will always have a chance to join the Cowboys. That kind of public image the Cowboys have is one that I don’t like one bit. You definitely don’t see teams like Green Bay, New Orleans, or Pittsburgh like that. So I’m not saying Jenkins will not be a good player, heck, he might be one of the steals of this draft. But even in that case, I don’t want the Cowboys to take him. DeCastro might be a boring pick, but he’s the better pick for the long run, based on his skills and based on the impact that would have on the Cowboys’ public image.
roco_1791 - February 10, 2012
I don't agree
At this point, the only people who cling to the “bad boy” public image of the Cowboys are mediots or people who aren’t paying attention. If anything, the pendulum has swung the other way and we have guys who are “too nice.”
I will say that there’s no benefit to having guys that have gotten into drug problems, though. All that matters is if you’re a “bad boy” on the field of play. By that I mean, play with an edge.
ary201 - February 10, 2012
eh roco i couldn't care less
the public image/ perception is sort of like opinions it doesn’t mean its right.. If big D has jenkins as the bpa @ 14 then he needs to be the pick cause it also fills a need.
DarkKnight88 - February 10, 2012
I'm going to keep saying this until people get tired of hearing it.
Don’t take a CB in the first rd this year unless David DeCastro is gone. Why?
Do you want Romo to get killed behind that Oline again? Did you enjoy watching the oline be the direct culprit for the crash and burn ending to 2007, 2008, 2009 Vikings playoff game, the entire 2010 season, and the end of the 2011 season? Did you enjoy watching Romo run for his life the first 6 games in 2010 and miss the final 10? Did you enjoy watching Romo get his ribs broken against the 49ers and watching him escape serious injury (risking punctured lungs) week after week until November? Do you people want Stephen McGee or some new backup to play QB next season for extended time?
If your answer is yes to all those questions above, then, by all means draft your CB ahead of the best G prospect in the draft.
Understand this:
This team has holes on both the interior Oline and in the secondary. Yet most comments I read concerning draft and free agency all say “don’t sign Nicks, we need secondary help…I hope David DeCastro is taken before 14, we need secondary help.” You people do realize that if you don’t have your starting QB, you can’t even compete in this league. Remember what it felt like to watch the team from 2000-2002 and then again in 2004? Hell, did you take notice of what happened to the Colts without their star QB?
This game starts and ends with two basic things: Protect your QB & Knock the Crap out of the other team’s QB. We can have 3 CBs who are all pros. If our offense can’t stay on the field, sustain drives, pick up short yards, and score TDs in the redzone, then chances are our awesome secondary will get beat, as the longer a defense is on the field, chances are the offense will score.
Part of improved secondary play and improved play from our defense overall, comes from our offense staying on the field longer than the other teams’ offense.
Let me reiterate, I’m not saying neglect the secondary. But in a CB heavy draft, and with a deep FA class for corners, this team will get better even if it came away with 2-3 new CBs who don’t have the last name Finnegan, Carr, Grimes, Claiborne, Kirkpatrick, or Jenkins.
Rohpuri - February 10, 2012 via mobile
AGREED.
ary201 - February 10, 2012
Roh thank u i share ur
sentiments exactly, now if there was only a way u could get a hold of jerry then repeat those same words until he understands, if he can’t comprehend ur message then there’s always the option of tying him up, putting duct tape over his mouth then throwing him in the janitor’s closet until after the draft.. U win games in the trenches so jerry needs to spend quality picks on both lines but that’s just the thing tho this team has so many holes its gonna take more than this season to fix em but like a fan i wanna see results NOW.
DarkKnight88 - February 10, 2012
Great post
Agreed and Rec’d
Dezisabeast88 - February 10, 2012
If you truly
believe that the secondary is better than the O-Line than I don’t know what to tell you. There are 3 and only 3 “make a difference” corners in this draft and they are Jenkins, Claiborne, and Kirkpatrick. The Minnefield’s and Boykins of the world are NOT coming into the league and going to successfully cover the DeSean Jacksons of the world as rookies. Janoris Jenkins has proved he can with his work against J. Jones and A.J. Green. Even Kirkpatrick might find himself as a FS depending upon who drafts him.
I am not ignoring the O-Line but I want to win NOW! Yes, the O-Line was a problem but Romo still threw for over 4,000 yards. Measure that against the performance of the secondary who boasts the 40th, 82nd, 83rd, and 97th rated CBs out of the 109 that were rated by PFF. The surest bet to do what is necessary is to sign Carl Nicks. Why draft the “best guard in the draft” when I can sign the best guard in the NFL? If you have Nicks in hand, you increase your overall possibilities of improving the team since no one knows who is going where in the draft. And do you really want to put a rookie guard and 2nd year OT on Romo’s blind side? The Nicks signing only costs you money and you get youth, quality, and experience. As for DeCastro, he is no doubt going to be really good. But history shows that good cover CBs are always taken before good OGs.
jevans1729 - February 10, 2012
1992 & 1993 Dallas Cowboys won 2 SBs
With Kevin Smith and Larry Brown as their starting CBs.
Rohpuri - February 10, 2012 via mobile
If memory serves
Kevin Smith was a 1st round pick I believe out of Texas A&M? Larry Brown, I believe was a pick in the 12th round who became a SB MVP. I’m not sure what your point is about Smith and Brown, but our current crop of CBs has consistently shown they cannot play man coverage against the Philly and Giant WRs with any degree of success. The pass rush and the coverage are totally linked especially in the 3-4. Without cover corners, we may as well fire Rob Ryan right now. We can’t properly scheme our pass rush without cover CBs/Safteys.
jevans1729 - February 10, 2012
A few points
1) Larry Brown and Kevin Smith combined to be awarded 1 all-pro distinction and 0 pro bowls in their careers.
2) We got lucky that Romo was able to continue playing and play a full 15 games allowing him to throw for 4100 yards and 31 TDs. That doesn’t mean I’m going to roll him out there behind that piss poor oline to see if he can perform that magic trick one more time.
3) Guard, Center, Corner Back and Safety are 4 glaring holes on this team. Personally, I’d like to see veterans come in and hold down the Center spot and the CB spot being vacated by Newman. I’d also like to draft another CB to challenge Scandrick for the Nickle job, with loser being the Dime guy. I’m all in favor of drafting one of the following safeties: Mark Barron, George Iloka, Markelle Martin, or Tramain Thomas. What this team does in FA will determine what positions are addressed in the draft.
4) Bank on the Cowboys having a crappy season if Romo has to spend another season by this same OL.
Rohpuri - February 10, 2012
In response
1) I guessyou are saying Super Bowls can be won without really good corners. That is true if you play alot of zone defense. Rob Ryan does not want to play that way. See my response below for further clarification.
2. I think my post stated I would sign Carl Nicks first so I don’t know why you said #2.
3.I already stated my position about Nicks. Right now I don’t know if Nagy can do the job or not but he’s on the team and deserves a chance to compete for the job. I do know Costa is NOT the answer.
4. Again, it won’t be the same line if they start by signing Nicks. The rest, time will tell. Kowalski didn’t play badly and there is still Nagy in the mix but we’ll see.
jevans1729 - February 11, 2012
1) You are missing the point. Romo is not going to throw for 4000 yards if he is out for 4-6 weeks.
That was very close to happening twice last year ( SF and philly).
2) DeCastro is a RG and will play next to Free next year. Holland, Dockery or Nagy will play LG.
fs65 - February 10, 2012
yup
Rohpuri - February 10, 2012
Funny that we both numbered our points.
fs65 - February 11, 2012
The fact that
he is a right guard in college doesn’t mean he will be a right guard in the pros. The left guard on the line is the stronger/better guard on the line the same way the left OT is the stronger/better tackle. If you are willing to take a guard at #14, he better be the better guard on the first day of camp.
jevans1729 - February 11, 2012
jevans1729
Show me where I said the secondary is better than the oline, or where I said I believe the secondary is better than the oline.
Rohpuri - February 10, 2012
I didn't say
you “said it”. I said “if you BELIEVE the O-line……” etc. You have consistently harped on the O-line/DeCastro draft scenario and it is apparent that you BELIEVE that the secondary is a problem that can be handled via the later rounds of the draft and FA.
If you read my original post, I said the first thing I would do is sign Carl Nicks. I share your concern for Romo’s health. Where we differ in opinion is that you believe the secondary issues can be addressed in the later rounds of the draft and FA. I disagree with that premise based on the type of defense Rob Ryan wants to run. You only have to look at the Jets to see the priority his twin brother places on corners AND safetys. You need CBs with superior cover skills. Not guys who are just a little better than what we have. That’s not going to cut it if we want to win now. We will need impact guys in the secondary which is why I am saying you get the CB in the 1st round. I am sure you would not be unhappy if the Cowboys signed Carl Nicks to a market contract.
jevans1729 - February 11, 2012
Excellent post.
Cowboy88 - February 11, 2012
Why get married to DeCastro. What if Kalil or Martin is there @ #14. Are you not going to draft them because they are LT? Some premier talent is gonna drop, it happens every year, for whatever reason. I just hope our FO makes the BPA pick.
StarloverinWNC - February 11, 2012
If Kalil or Martin fell to 14
Take them. Trade Doug Free if you have to. Those guys, long term, would be instant upgrades.
Rohpuri - February 11, 2012 via mobile
strike out instant from that sentence.
Rohpuri - February 11, 2012 via mobile
theres ZERO chance a LT like Kalil falls out of the top 10
Kalil is a plug & play LT from day 1.
DCNation73 - February 24, 2012
You don't take risks at 14, thats just stupid
Picks 20 and down, maybe, any pick in the top 15 you gotta go safe all the way
Terry - February 10, 2012
the DeCastro kid is a the safe pick+Best Player at position of NEED.
Take him and never look back.
Rohpuri - February 10, 2012 via mobile
The more I hear the more I hope DeCastro is waiting at 14
JannyDones - February 10, 2012
Trade up and get the BPA
Kirkpatrick or Claiborne at CB, Coples or whomever at DE
scraig - February 24, 2012
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