Dallas Cowboys NFL Team Column
 By Bryce Miller | Check prices on Cowboys Tickets |
| 29 April 2008 |
DIAGNOSING THE DRAFT
After the dust settled the Dallas Cowboys had a very active draft weekend, not only trading picks but players as well. In the days leading up to the draft the Cowboys made a shocking trade, dealing back-up tight end Anthony Fasano and starting inside linebacker Akin Ayodele to Miami for 4th pick in the first round. I'm not so upset with the players that were dealt, but more so with the compensation Dallas received. I think a 3rd round pick would have been more appropriate since Fasano and Ayodele will likely be starters for Miami. With this move its obvious that Zach Thomas is now a starter, his presence making Akin Ayodele expendable. As for the draft, Dallas came away with 5 picks:
1st Round - Felix Jones, RB, ARKANSAS - There was no secret that Dallas was hoping to grab Jones with one of their first round picks, but a series of shocking picks had Rashard Mendenhall available as well. After some debate, Felix's abilities in the return game and home run hitting speed won out over Mendenhall. Jones averaged an unbelievable 7.66 yards/carry over his career making the most of his limited touches behind Darren McFadden. Felix is a dynamic open field runner who makes defenders miss and can still run the ball up the middle. He has a great work ethic and should be a speedy compliment to Marion Barber.
Here is what Robert Bryant, owner of NFL Draft Dog said about this pick, "I like Felix Jones in the early second round or maybe late first, but with Mendenhall still on the board you have got to take him, he was rated higher on almost everybody's draft board. Don't tell me it's because they think Jones is more of a home run hitter, at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine Mendenhall ran a 4.45 forty as compared to Jone's 4.47. Plus Mendenhall has much better size weighing 225 pounds as compared to Jone's 206 pounds. If the Cowboy's have trouble re-signing Marion Barber, or if he (Barber) turns into a one year wonder, they might regret passing on Rashard Mendenhall."
1st Round - Mike Jenkins , CB, SOUTH FLORIDA - Dallas traded up three spots to get the one of the highest rated cornerbacks on their board. In fact, Jenkins was ranked as the best cornerback by many scouts just several weeks ago. He has the makings of a true shutdown corner with the size (6'0", 200 lbs) and speed (4.38 40 yard dash) to match up against premier receivers. With the acquisition of Pacman Jones, Jenkins will likely be a back-up and could see the most of his playing time on the nickel package. He also has return value on punts and kick-offs. Picking two CB's in the draft showed that the Cowboys are planning for the worst case scenario with Pacman. Robert Bryant reported that word is out of Dallas is that if Pac Man Jones gets re-instated early enough in training camp this year, they are planning on moving Anthony Henry to free safety, which means Jenkins would then move to the 3rd corner back spot.
2nd Round - Martellus Bennett, TE, TEXAS A&M - A mountain of a man, the 6' 6", 260 lbs Bennett is regarded as the most athletic Tight End in the draft. He is a great basketball player, withdrawing himself from the NBA draft coming out of high school and playing his last game in 2007 to concentrate on football. He is the type of player I talked about in my last article…more of an athlete than a football player, but has the potential to be a great TE. He will need to improve his route running, but has the size to be an excellent blocker. He will likely fill the role of the recently departed Anthony Fasano. His athletic presence will be a great asset to the team.
4th Round - Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech - With Felix Jones and Marion Barber taking all the carries Dallas needed a backup running back and found a good one in Tashard Choice. He has been compared to Barber in that he hits the holes hard and runs with a mean streak. Choice is an adequate blocker and has the ability to step up in case of injury. He was a leader at Georgia Tech with the great character that coaches love to see. He will likely see much of his time on the special teams unit. A very solid pick.
5th Round - Orlando Scandrick, CB, Boise State - This just might be the sleeper in Dallas' draft class. Scandrick ran a 4.32 at the combine (second quickest for a corner) and is another player who has raw talent and a big up-side. He has the ability to run with any receiver in the NFL but has an uphill battle to see playing time in front of Pacman and Jenkins. However, he will see lots of playing time on the special teams unit as Scandrick had 4 blocked kicks last year. With 3 years starting experience, Scandrick is not as much of a developmental project as one would think.
6th Round - Eric Walden, DE, Middle Tennessee State - Playing through a toe injury this past season, this under-sized defensive end will be converted to an outside linebacker. Wade Phillips said Walden play was impressive especially considering he had an injury. Walden will have to compete to make the team on the special teams unit.
Nearing the end of the 3rd round some fans questioned Dallas when they traded down while Mario Manningham was still on the board. Passing on Manningham says the Cowboys 1) Are assuming Terry Glenn returns this year. 2) Are happy with the Hurd, Austin, and Stanback. 3) Were not happy with the talent in this years class of receivers. Dallas has also wheeled and dealed their way into acquiring a 3rd and 4th round pick in next years draft.
Overall Grade : B+
Dallas added very athletic, super fast players who have great up-sides. There are no apparent needs that have not been filled (except a replacement for under-performing guard Kyle Kosier) and Jerry Jones can now concentrate on signing Marion Barber.
| 15 April 2008 |
Forget the 1st Round
The Dallas Cowboys have almost all of their starters from last year returning, placing them among the favorites to emerge from the NFC. This gives the Cowboys and Jerry "The Mad Scientist" Jones the ability to take chances in this years draft. There are only a few positions in need of immediate help, allowing them to take a risk on a developmental player who shows terrific athletic skills but wasn't given the chance to shine in college. I want to take a look at several players Dallas might select with their 2nd -7th round selections… Cause those first rounder's get all the hype.
Need at cornerback tops the list as Dallas has no depth behind starting CB's Newman and Henry. Even if Adam "Pacman" Jones becomes a part of the team he has proven that he is not reliable and another legal issue can guarantee his departure from the NFL. This years cornerback draft class is rather strong and Jerry Jones my be willing to take the chance that a good corner will be available in the second and third round, taking the best players available in the first round.
Three corner's that I see falling to the 2nd round, maybe the 3rd, that would be great players for Dallas are: Justin King, Penn State ; Antoine Cason, Arizona ; and Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech. I doubt any of the three would fall into the 3rd round but its likely that 1 of the 3 will be available when Dallas picks late in the second round.
Antoine Cason - The Thorpe Award winner this past year shows that Cason has talent. He has great ball skills, smarts, and is great at supporting the run, however, he doesn't have tremendous speed which limits his ability to play man-to-man coverage. There are several scouts that have Cason pegged as "The Best Zone Corner" in this draft. Luckily for him, Dallas primarily runs a zone scheme and he would be a perfect fit. I can see Cason working his way onto the field during 3rd down situations much like Aaron Ross did for the Giants last year.
Brandon Flowers - He may not be the fastest or the tallest corner available but he's very aggressive and creates plays. He's a very powerful hitter and takes an active role in run support (which I love). He had 5 INT's in his senior season and 17 tackles behind the line of scrimmage in his college career. That type of production and effort is what coaches and scouts love about him.
Justin King - A excellent example of a BOOM OR BUST prospect. If players were drafted purely on measurable physical talents, he would be drafted in the top 10. King had tremendous workouts at the combine, including a 4.31 in the 40! His numbers in college don't add up to a first round grade but he is the exact type of player that the Cowboys may be willing to take a chance with. Playing behind Terrence Newman and getting acclimated to the defence would be a 2-3 year project.
Marion Barber is finally the unquestioned starter in Dallas, but teams seem to being more inclined to use a 2-back system in the running game. There are several players that I see being available in the later rounds that would be a good compliment to Marion the Barbarian. They are: Steve Slaton, West Virginia ; Ray Rice, Rutgers ; and Matt Forté, Tulane. Late in the 2nd round is the earliest I see one of these players taken off the board.
Steve Slaton - A Heisman finalist in 2006, Slaton ran for over 1,700 yards with a 7 yard/run average!!! So why is this guy not a potential top ten pick? His 2007 season was good (over 1000 rushing yards with a 5 yard/run average and 17 TD's) yet no love for Steve Slaton. I'll gladly take a guy who has proven himself over three years than a one year wonder. Some people believe his is the product of a system in West Virginia and his production will drop in a pro style offense… To them I say - over 50 TD's on offense, over 5 yards/carry career, and almost 4000 yards rushing. 'Nuff said.
Ray Rice - Many Cowboy fans think that a quick, shifty back is needed to complement Barber's bruising style. I don't disagree with that thought, but imagine another power running back carrying the load… SMASH-MOUTH FOOTBALL BABY. In case of an injury to Barber the Cowboys need another back who can run between the tackles. I compare Rice to Maurice Jones-Drew, small and powerful, gaining lots of second effort yards. Twenty touchdowns and 335 carries in 2006. That spells w-o-r-k-h-o-r-s-e.
Matt Forté - Another power running back (my preference, as you can tell) who resembles Marion Barber's running style. Why do I feel so strongly about having two backs on the team who are strong inside runners? Ask New Orleans Saints fans about Reggie Bush's ability to run up the middle when Deuce McAllister got injured. It changes the entire offensive game plan. The bottom line is that Forte is a 6'1, 221 lbs down-hill runner who rushed for over 2100 yards last year. He has also shown that he can be an effective receiver out of the backfield.
Finally, I'd like to mention my favorite player in this years draft and why I think he is worth a mid-round pick for Dallas. Tom Zbikowski of Notre Dame. Next to Kory Lichtensteiger, Zbikowski is the toughest, most intense player available this year. Also an accomplished boxer (75-15 career record), Tommy Z was the captain of his Notre Dame Fighting Irish, playing strong safety, special teams, and returning punts. I think his attitude and hard work ethic would be perfect for the special teams unit in Dallas and could replace Keith Davis; one of many former Cowboys now on the Miami Dolphins roster. Zbikowski's mean streak showed itself at this years Scouting Combine. Zbikowski growled at the spotter, Arizona Cardinals strength and conditioning coach, John Lott, telling him to 'MOVE' so he could slide onto the bench from the back. In the middle of Zbikowski's lift, Lott (a wise-cracking , intensely screaming motivator) shouted "Come on Rudy!" obviously referring to the over-achieving, pint sized Notre Dame football player from the movie RUDY. Without missing a beat, Zbikowski, mid-lift bellowed back with an irritated tone "Don't ever call me that again!". Needless to say, John Lott never did. Tom may never be more than a back-up safety in the NFL but he would greatly contribute on special teams and his intense attitude on the field will make everyone around him better.
| 3 April 2008 |
PACMAN FEVER
In recent weeks rumors of Adam "Pacman" Jones landing in Dallas have been circulating… and its not to visit the Strip Clubs.
Rumors have seemed to gain some truth as Cowboys Owner/GM Jerry Jones has been engaged in trade talks with the Tennessee Titans about the often arrested, always entertaining defensive back.
At this point, several sources have the Cowboys giving up a 4th or 5th round pick in this year's draft to acquire Jones. There has also been speculation that Tennessee is looking for a player from Dallas to be included in the deal.
In recent days, Pacman appeared on an ESPN Radio interview on the Michael Irvin Show and made it clear that he wanted to play in Dallas. Like legally troubled Defensive Tackle Terry "Tank" Johnson in 2007, Jerry Jones does not seem to be worried about taking a chance on a player with questionable behavior off the field. Its likely that if a deal is reached, Dallas will structure a deal that pays Pacman a minimal price with little to NO signing bonus.
Off the field issues aside, Pacman's skills on the field would be a great asset to Dallas. Jacque Reeves is now in Houston (don't ask me why they paid him so much) and there is a need at cornerback. Jones would probably be the 3rd CB behind Newman and Henry, and would see the majority of his playing time in the Nickel package on defense. Another area that would be bolstered would be special teams. The Cowboys special teams play was below average last year and replacing Patrick Crayton (AKA- Mr. Fair Catch) on punt returns would be a great change.
There are questions about Jones' ability and skill after being out of football since 2006. Another concern that the Cowboys have about the deal is that Jones in currently suspended from the league. Commissioner Roger Goodell says he will not revisit reinstatement of Pacman until mid July.
Regardless of your position on Jones, his presence on the field would greatly improve the Cowboys chances at making a playoff run.
| 12 March 2008 |
Cowboys Draft Needs and Mock Draft
With the action in free agency winding down we can take a solid look at the Dallas Cowboys needs in the upcoming 2008 NFL Draft. Speaking of free agency, I think the Cowboys did very well. By keeping OT Flozell Adams and S Ken Hamlin, they basically got two of the best free agents to stay on the roster, which yes, cost them a ton of money, but will give them significant flexibility in the 2008 NFL Draft. Except for running back and cornerback, there are real no "must have" positions that they must fill via the draft, which will allow them to focus on the best players available.
Team Needs:
1. Running Back: Julius Jones signed with Seattle, which is no big loss, he was a perennial under-achiever, but running back now becomes a high priority. RB Marion Barber will be the featured back as they move forward, but he needs a back up. If Illinois Rashard Mendenhall or Oregon's Jonathan Stewart fall down to them at the 22 slot, Dallas will draft one of them in a heart beat, but that is unlikely. More than likely they will have to choose the left overs, they will have a tough decision between Arkansas' Felix Jones, East Carolina's Chris Johnson or Texas RB Jamaal Charles in the first round. Since they have two number one picks they might even land one of those guys with their second, first round pick which is 28th over-all.
2. Cornerback: This position might even be higher than running back. They lost Jacques Reeves to the Houston Texans via free agency, but he was thought of as more of a back up, they weren't going to pay him starter money, he just isn't that good. He (Reeves) started most of 2007 due to injuries to Anthony Henry, he (Reeves) played decent at times, but was frequently picked on and picked apart by opposing offenses. When Anthony Henry finally came back from a high ankle sprain, he didn't replace Reeves, instead moving into the slot. That tells you how much they like Henry. He (Henry) has excellent ball skills and gets a lot of interceptions, but he doesn't have the speed to run with top flight NFL receivers.
I say move Anthony Henry to safety and see if he can beat out Roy Williams. The Cowboys will likely draft two top flight corners and will probably use their first pick (#22 from Cleveland) to land the best one available. Probably South Florida's Mike Jenkins, Kansas' Aqib Talib, Penn State's Justin King, Oklahoma's Reggie Smith, Arizona's Antoine Cason or maybe trade up in the first round and get the phenomenal small school talent Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and then maybe Indiana's Tracy Porter, Auburn's Patrick Lee or Virginia Techs Brandon Flowers in round two. If they could get two of those guys they will be set at corner for years to come.
3. Wide Receiver: This isn't as big of a need as most people think. Terrel Owens isn't going anywhere any time soon and they are very high on young Sam Hurd and and Austin Miles. However, it is a need, Terry Glenn might be done and they do need some speed and depth and a player or two that can return kicks and punts. With their eight picks in the 2008 NFL Draft they will probably draft at least two receivers.
4. Safety: Yes they kept Ken Hamlin, but they franchised him, so if they can't work out a long term deal he might be gone in 2009. Roy Williams clearly under produced in 2007 and was arguably the weakest link on the defense. Unfortunately they are stuck with him, in 2006 the Dallas Cowboys signed Williams to a four-year contract extension worth $25.2 million to keep him with the team through the 2010 season, it would just be too high of a cap hit to release him this year. His (Williams) future with the Cowboys might be as nothing more than a back up.
According to Football Outsiders writer Bill Barnwell: "There’s not a more laughable “reputation” pick for the Pro Bowl than Williams, whose utter inability to cover anything was the problem the Cowboys defense had to hide all season. The Cowboys’ weakness in pass defense was their number 28 ranking against tight ends, a direct reflection of Williams, who was often isolated against those tight ends with much flailing ensuing. At this point, Williams is not only not a Pro Bowler, he’s a net negative to a fantastic Cowboys defense." They also lost Safety and special teams ace Keith Davis to the Miami Dolphins. 3rd year safety Pat Watkins has had enough time to develop, if he doesn't produce this year he will likely not be resigned in 2009. He (Watkins) has the size and speed to be a pro bowl safety, but his ball skills just haven't developed. Watkins was drafted in the 5th round of the 2006 NFL Draft, stands 6' 5" tall, 212 pounds and runs a 4.49 forty.
Nose tackle: They lost Jason Ferguson to the Dolphins and Jay Ratliff and last years free agent pick up Tank Johnson aren't really true nose tackle. In a 34 defense the nose tackle is THE key position and in order for Dallas to consistently stop the run they must have strong play at this position. Look for Dallas to get a big, stout 320 pound run plugger in there.
Offensive Guard: They need to replace Kyle Kosier and get more depth at this position. The good news is at least one of the following three players that are already on the Cowboys roster could fill that position. Thought of as tackles they can all three also play guard: Pat McQuistan, James Marten and Doug Free, keep an eye on Free, he is a future star in the making.
OK here is my initial seven round 2008 Mock Draft for the Cowboys:
1. (22): CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida
1. (28): RB Chris Johnson, East Carolina
2. (61): CB Tracy Porter, Indiana
3. (92): NT Ahtyby Rubin, Iowa State
4. (122): WR Jerome Simpson, Coastal Carolina
5. (155): S (JR) DaJuan Morgan, NC State
6. (186) RB Mike Hart, Michigan
7. (217): OG Alatini Malu, USC or WR/KR Pierre Garcon, Mount Union
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