Audio: Taylor Mays discusses his visit to Valley Ranch

[dcfanatic]

Taylor Mays was visiting with the Cowboys for two days this week and he did an interview with 105.3 The Fan to talk about how that went...

Taylor Mays discusses visit to Valley Ranch (http://67.72.16.166/krldf/2332307.mp3)

I know a lot of people don't want to hear this, but he could very easily be the pick at #27.

Gerald Sensbaugh has not signed his RFA offer sheet and it looks like he's going to stay away from all the voluntary stuff at Valley Ranch to try and leverage the Cowboys into giving him a long term deal.

Well if the Cowboys coaches feel that Taylor Mays can do the same things that Sensabuagh can do then they may just draft him to play Strong Safety.

Then who plays Free Safety?

Alan Ball, Michael Hamlin, Pat Watkins or a Free Agent could be the answer to this question.

Seems like the Rams are not done deciding if OJ Atogwe is in the future plans for them.

Not out of the realm of possibility that Taylor Mays and OJ Atogwe are the starting Safeties in 2010.

[SDogo]

Not out of the realm of possibility that Taylor Mays and OJ Atogwe are the starting Safeties in 2010.

http://planetfun.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/death-wish-uk.jpg

[CanuckCowboysFan]

2 completely new starting safeties? That would not work out well at all. Even if you got Ed reed and Bob sanders. That would be disastrous.

[SLATEmosphere]

If he's our pick....man..I'll probably do something I'll regret.

I didn't wait 6 months for this draft for Taylor freakin Mays to be our 1st rounder.

Talk about setting your franchise back.

[ThreeSportStar80]

I hope like hell he's not the pick at 27... I believe Dallas will pick up O.J. Atogwe in free agency to play FS and go with Michael Hamlin at SS.

[masomenos]

If he's our pick....man..I'll probably do something I'll regret.

I didn't wait 6 months for this draft for Taylor freakin Mays to be our 1st rounder.

Talk about setting your franchise back.

If we draft Mays, I'll give you the number of a good orthopedic surgeon so you can get the damage from your knee-jerk repaired.

[SLATEmosphere]

If we draft Mays, I'll give you the number of a good orthopedic surgeon so you can get the damage from your knee-jerk repaired.

Honestly dude, what's your problem with me? Put me on ignore or something. I mean, you can keep being rude on the internet if you'd like.

[CanuckCowboysFan]

If he's our pick....man..I'll probably do something I'll regret.

I didn't wait 6 months for this draft for Taylor freakin Mays to be our 1st rounder.

Talk about setting your franchise back.


lmao, what if he's the next Sean Taylor? (highly unlikely, but still)

[ThreeSportStar80]

lmao, what if he's the next Sean Taylor? (highly unlikely, but still)


:eek: Hush your mouth! Taylor was manimal on the field... UM 4 life baby!

[Section444]

If he's our pick....man..I'll probably do something I'll regret.

I didn't wait 6 months for this draft for Taylor freakin Mays to be our 1st rounder.

Talk about setting your franchise back.
I don't see what the issue would be, by #27 he might be both the best player and Safety available.

[Hoofbite]

:eek: Hush your mouth! Taylor was manimal on the field... UM 4 life baby!

No he wasn't. His best season by far was the season in which he passed away.

Prior to that he was routinely abused.

[Angus]

Mays sounded good. Intelligent in a quiet way.

:star:

[Displaced Cowboy]

The guy simply didn't make plays at USC. Why anyone thinks he would in the NFL I don't understand.

[Bob Sacamano]

I'd be more than fine with the pick.

[SDogo]

Jerry Jones is hoping there are front office people like some of the posters here in all 31 NFL teams.

[Section444]

Jerry Jones is hoping there are front office people like some of the posters here in all 31 NFL teams.
Not sure I understand where you're going with that comment, mind elaborating?

[Bob Sacamano]

Not sure I understand where you're going with that comment, mind elaborating?

He's smart.

We're dumb.

Pretty much sums it up.

[Section444]

He's smart.

We're dumb.

Pretty much sums it up.
Ah, got it. What team does he work for?

[SDogo]

Not sure I understand where you're going with that comment, mind elaborating?

Jerry Jones is hoping 31 other teams think Dallas is as interested as some people here buy that he is.

[SDogo]

Ah, got it. What team does he work for?

My team

[SDogo]

He's smart.

We're dumb.

Pretty much sums it up.

bout time you figured it out.

[Bob Sacamano]

bout time you figured it out.

I'm only playing.

[Section444]

Jerry Jones is hoping 31 other teams think Dallas is as interested as some people here buy that he is.
I honestly don't trust anything that comes out of Jerry's, or any other NFL coaches/owners/GM's mouth. Am I to assume that you are against drafting Mays? If so, why?

[SDogo]

I'm only playing.

me too;)

[cowboyjoe]

If he's our pick....man..I'll probably do something I'll regret.

I didn't wait 6 months for this draft for Taylor freakin Mays to be our 1st rounder.

Talk about setting your franchise back.

I'm with you on that if the cowboys draft Mays. :puke: :cry2: :cry2: :cry2: :cry:

[SDogo]

I honestly don't trust anything that comes out of Jerry's, or any other NFL coaches/owners/GM's mouth. Am I to assume that you are against drafting Mays? If so, why?

I'm probably one of the few who find myself divided right down the middle on the issue.

I can tell you there is more interest in Mays as a ILB then a Safety in Dallas.

[locked&loaded]

i guess its "in" to hate taylor mays like he is some kind of plauge. Bring him in i say

[Chocolate Lab]

Jerry Jones is hoping 31 other teams think Dallas is as interested as some people here buy that he is.

Mosley said today the team hopes Mays is there at 27 and someone wants him so we can trade out of that pick.

[Section444]

Mosley said today the team hopes Mays is there at 27 and someone wants him so we can trade out of that pick.
I almost hope that we just stay where we are or draft up. Last year drove me crazy trading down every five seconds.

[SDogo]

Mosley said today the team hopes Mays is there at 27 and someone wants him so we can trade out of that pick.

Playing the same game with Dez Bryant. Create the idea there is more interest then there really is to either A) force a team to trade up to take them and force a player Dallas really wants down or B) jack up the price of their pick if either players is available.

[Section444]

Playing the same game with Dez Bryant. Create the idea there is more interest then there really is to either A) force a team to trade up to take them and force a player Dallas really wants down or B) jack up the price of their pick if either players is available.
I honestly don't know what I'd do with myself if we were lucky enough to draft Dez Bryant.

[Wimbo]

i guess its "in" to hate taylor mays like he is some kind of plauge. Bring him in i say

If you want to have some fun, do an advanced search on this site for "Mays" (by user name of people crowing the loudest about how much Mays sucks), then watch as the tide pulls people from thinking Mays is a stud, to thinking he is a loser, to actually getting irate at the mention of his name.

[Bob Sacamano]

Mosley said today the team hopes Mays is there at 27 and someone wants him so we can trade out of that pick.

Playing the same game with Dez Bryant. Create the idea there is more interest then there really is to either A) force a team to trade up to take them and force a player Dallas really wants down or B) jack up the price of their pick if either players is available.

It's no secret anymore, so...

Is Jerry generating interest in other teams to do a deal with him in a trade-up? Or is he just blowing smoke?

[SDogo]

Is Jerry generating interest in other teams to do a deal with him in a trade-up? Or is he just blowing smoke?

It's kind of one in the same aint it?

[Bob Sacamano]

It's kind of one in the same aint it?

Not really. He could want to trade down or convince teams who may want to trade back into round 1 to take Mays, to believe that Jerry doesn't want him. So they don't try to leapfrog him.

[Hoofbite]

I don't really like the idea of a trade down unless next years 1st is coming to Dallas.

Trading back and back and drafting a dozen players 3rd round and later would be pointless.

[dbair1967]

:eek: Hush your mouth! Taylor was manimal on the field... UM 4 life baby!

Taylor was incredibly mediocre for most of his career. He was never worth where he got drafted at.

[bbgun]

http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/1004/nfl.draft.top10.safeties/images/taylor-mays.ophh-6422-mid.jpg

Look at his build. That doesn't look like a rangy ballhawk to me.

[Section444]

http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/1004/nfl.draft.top10.safeties/images/taylor-mays.ophh-6422-mid.jpg

Look at his build. That doesn't look like a rangy ballhawk to me.
He doesn't necessarily have to be a ballhawk if he's going to play SS for us.

[Hoofbite]

He doesn't necessarily have to be a ballhawk if he's going to play SS for us.

He needs to be more of a ballhawk than what Dallas had. Can't be taken steps backwards at any position. I don't know if he would be a better playmaker than Sensy was but if the team has any doubt, they should move beyond him.

[Bob Sacamano]

He doesn't necessarily have to be a ballhawk if he's going to play SS for us.

Mays is a FS.

[Section444]

Mays is a FS.
Oops, typo, meant to say FS.

[locked&loaded]

http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/1004/nfl.draft.top10.safeties/images/taylor-mays.ophh-6422-mid.jpg

Look at his build. That doesn't look like a rangy ballhawk to me.

Yeah, because safeties with big biceps cant run fast. I cannot argue that fact

[locked&loaded]

If you want to have some fun, do an advanced search on this site for "Mays" (by user name of people crowing the loudest about how much Mays sucks), then watch as the tide pulls people from thinking Mays is a stud, to thinking he is a loser, to actually getting irate at the mention of his name.

It sounds like a blasty blast, it really does; but ill pass. It is almost impossible to evaluate these guys. No one can watch every game, of all these players. Yet people pretend like they know their future, and who to draft. All you can do is pick a name and hope for the best. Plus I mean mays is a pretty cool name, ya dig?

[CATCH17]

lmao, what if he's the next Sean Taylor? (highly unlikely, but still)

Sean Taylor had coverage issues in the big leagues.

I'll pass on Mays all day.

[CATCH17]

Yeah, because safeties with big biceps cant run fast. I cannot argue that fact

If Mays could turn and run and not get ate up in the open field at times he wouldn't fall to 27.

[jobberone]

I'm probably one of the few who find myself divided right down the middle on the issue.

I can tell you there is more interest in Mays as a ILB then a Safety in Dallas.

Now that I'd buy. He's too stiff and awkward to play safety in the NFL. But spending a one on him to play ILB when he's never played there is ballsy and risky at the same time.

[bbgun]

Yeah, because safeties with big biceps cant run fast. I cannot argue that fact

They're usually called linebackers.

[Section444]

They're usually called linebackers.
Mays would make a killer LB in the C2.

[dcfanatic]

The guy simply didn't make plays at USC. Why anyone thinks he would in the NFL I don't understand.

Jay Ratliff.

[dcfanatic]

Mays is a FS.

Who said he has to play FS?

[Section444]

Who said he has to play FS?
I'm not sure that anyone has, but it would be safe to assume that he'd play FS in Dallas.

[CATCH17]

I wouldn't even want him at strong safety.

We get into track meets on our fast turf at times.

Let this guy go to a AFC North team and try his luck.

[locked&loaded]

They're usually called linebackers.

biceps size does indicate speed. Bigger biceps, slower you are.That is a fact that i can not, will not argue.

[locked&loaded]

If Mays could turn and run and not get ate up in the open field at times he wouldn't fall to 27.

Dude, i know. Im on your side. All the players that will be good in the NFL are going in the top 10. AFter that they are all average to crap. Honeslty, no good players are ever picked after 10th, let alone 27th.

[bbgun]

biceps size does indicate speed. Bigger biceps, slower you are.That is a fact that i can not, will not argue.

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/5910/03e297805251b807d6f672d.gif

[dcfanatic]

I'm not sure that anyone has, but it would be safe to assume that he'd play FS in Dallas.

Why?

Because we have an entrenched veteran Strong Safety who is locked into a long term deal who's been getting it done on a consistent basis for years now.

Am I forgetting a player or something?

[Bob Sacamano]

Who said he has to play FS?

He's too stiff because of his build to be effective turning and running in coverage. Which he will have to do matched up on TEs as a SS. His game is based on covering a lot of ground.

[dcfanatic]

He's too stiff because of his build to be effective turning and running in coverage. Which he will have to do matched up on TEs as a SS. His game is based on covering a lot of ground.

Then why would he be able to play LB?

[ThreeSportStar80]

No he wasn't. His best season by far was the season in which he passed away.

Prior to that he was routinely abused.

Taylor was incredibly mediocre for most of his career. He was never worth where he got drafted at.

I don't think so... Just because he played for the Foreskins don't discount his play.

[Bob Sacamano]

Then why would he be able to play LB?

Because he can run sideline-to-sideline.

[Hoofbite]

I don't think so... Just because he played for the Foreskins don't discount his play.

Not discounting anything. Prior to his last season he led the league in TDs surrendered.

[Bob Sacamano]

I don't think so... Just because he played for the Foreskins don't discount his play.

There's a measure of truth in what you say, and what they say. Sean Taylor was a bit of an enigma until his final season. Great physical specimen that made plays, but also was prone to give them up. I recall in either '05 or '06 he was burned for like 11 TDs. He put it all together his final year though.

[Avery]

Mays was asked to play centerfield and keep the play in front of him at college - he doesn't have that luxury in the NFL.

I think he'd be interesting as an OLB - the guy has wheels that can't be taught or groomed. He'd have to work on tackling as he goes low too often, but it's a better position for him.

That being said, don't want him at #27. Won't kill a puppy if we pick him, but our draft board would have to be seriously messed up with no trading partners to settle for Mays. I'd assume take Bruce Campbell between the two (he'll be gone at #8 though).

[Bob Sacamano]

Mays was asked to play centerfield and keep the play in front of him at college - he doesn't have that luxury in the NFL.

I think he'd be interesting as an OLB - the guy has wheels that can't be taught or groomed. He'd have to work on tackling as he goes low too often, but it's a better position for him.

That being said, don't want him at #27. Won't kill a puppy if we pick him, but our draft board would have to be seriously messed up with no trading partners to settle for Mays. I'd assume take Bruce Campbell between the two (he'll be gone at #8 though).

He will if he lines up at FS.

[dcfanatic]

Because he can run sideline-to-sideline.

Bob.

If he can play LB he can play SS.

[SilverStarCowboy]

Mays was asked to play centerfield and keep the play in front of him at college - he doesn't have that luxury in the NFL.

I think he'd be interesting as an OLB - the guy has wheels that can't be taught or groomed. He'd have to work on tackling as he goes low too often, but it's a better position for him.

That being said, don't want him at #27. Won't kill a puppy if we pick him, but our draft board would have to be seriously messed up with no trading partners to settle for Mays. I'd assume take Bruce Campbell between the two (he'll be gone at #8 though).



Yup, there are some bogus knocks on LT's Davis and Brown that may cause them to slide that would be satisfying at #27, also it appears Dallas may like the DB McCourty and he should be there...CB Wilson is a dream pick.


Dez would be an exciting choice but if Dallas is willing to go WR, I wouldn't be dipleased if Golden Tate were a consideration.


Trading down for the FS Allen or even Mays seems very paletable. Pouncey is still my pet pick.

Ofcourse if a LB like McClain slipped or Weatherspoon was selected I'd get over the upgrade at Center.

[Bob Sacamano]

Bob.

If he can play LB he can play SS.

Trust me, his natural position is FS. He'll excel covering in a zone because of his speed and closing burst.

[Joe Rod]

If they draft Mays, I am logging into this board because it is going to be a show.

[Displaced Cowboy]

Jay Ratliff.

what the heck does one have to with the other?

[Woods]

If they draft Mays, I am logging into this board because it is going to be a show.

4th of July type fireworks :laugh1:

[Fletch]

I don't see what the issue would be, by #27 he might be both the best player and Safety available.

To add to that, Taylor Mays could very well be a really good safety for us. When Polamalu came out of USC, nobody could have projected how good he was going to be. Same with Taylor at this point.

If we do draft Mays, I'd be alright with it. But I'm still holding out hope that Jerry and Co. move up and take Earl Thomas.

[dbair1967]

I don't think so... Just because he played for the Foreskins don't discount his play.

Even Redskins fans talked about how mediocre he was for awhile.

[Chuck 54]

Any OL or DL taken at #27 is going to be a gamble to bust.

You aren't going to find a star first-rounder who will be a sexy pick at that slot.

I think you go with an athlete...I could see Taylor Mays being one of the better SS in the league with his speed, size, and enthusiasm for hitting. I could also see Sensabaugh being a much better FS than Hamlin was...he certainly has better coverage skills from what we've seen.

But the writer's suggestion that Mays would be a replacement for Sensy is foolish...we own Sensabaugh for this year...he's not going anywhere. We don't need to rush to the long-term contract with him or Miles the way we've done with others after one year.

I think we'll work on OL in other rounds. Watching Iupati in drills at the combine, I see no chance of him ever being a tackle...he's not very good with his feet...he's stiff for a first rounder...he'd probably make a nice OG.

[miamicowboy21]

If he's our pick....man..I'll probably do something I'll regret.

I didn't wait 6 months for this draft for Taylor freakin Mays to be our 1st rounder.

Talk about setting your franchise back.

Exactly the kid is another Roy Williams. I've never liked him. Give me Nate allen or Major Wright later in the draft. I don't want Mays at all.

[unionjack8]

Even Redskins fans talked about how mediocre he was for awhile.

nailed it...before that last season and his passing his was getting beaten like a rented mule. Skins fans were ready to trade him beacuse their new saviour Laron landry had arrived. He was overrated in the NFL, yes he could hit hard but dont get caught in the trap that he was a great S, he wasnt.

[Suave]

I realize some people on this forum are not high on Taylor Mays, but if the Cowboys draft him, then I will reserve my judgment/opinion until I see him play. I would at least want to see how he becomes acclimated within the Cowboys' defensive system before I completely write him off; the man deserves at least THAT much consideration. I know plenty of Cowboys fans who did not want Felix Jones either, but when they saw what he could actually do in the Cowboys' offense they ultimately ate their words.

Just because some scouts and coaches see potential red-flags in Mays does not mean he will not be a quality Safety in the NFL. If the Cowboys draft him, then give the man a chance. He may prove to be better than many think.

[TheSport78]

I just watched some film of Mays this past year, and it was seriously Roy Williams all over again, and this was against WASHINGTON and STANFORD, not an NFL team. His tackling is marginal, his lateral movement is below average and I do not see how he fits in our defensive scheme.

I see Jerry doing this as a smokescreen for a team that wants to trade up to grab someone like Mays, Colt McCoy or even Jimmy Clausen if he somehow falls this far. Jerry is just trying to gain some trading partners right now.

[big dog cowboy]

If they draft Mays, I am logging into this board because it is going to be a show.
If "show" equals "meltdown" then you are correct.

[GloryDaysRBack]

Very happy to see how well spoken Mays was..the jury is still out on the field but at least it appears he has his head on straight

[CATCH17]

If we draft Mays I'll probably get banned.

[Cover 2]

lmao, what if he's the next Sean Taylor? (highly unlikely, but still)
Sean Taylor was incredibly overrated. Every time we played the Redskins I would see him give up at least one TD a game to us. On top of that he was a horrible tackler.

[Sasquatch]

Exactly the kid is another Roy Williams. I've never liked him. Give me Nate allen or Major Wright later in the draft. I don't want Mays at all.

This sort of logic is silly. If Mays is on the board at #27 the choice is to take him or possibly lose out on a safety altogether since no one can predict whether or not the other guys who everyone seems to think offer equal or better value than Mays will be available in later rounds when we pick. You can't simply assume that these other options will definitely be available later. You can take that gamble, sure, but it's not the open and shut case that many here seem to think it is.

[AsthmaField]

I'm definitely not sold on Mays being a good NFL safety. I don't think the guy has the coverage ability that safeties need these days. Ten or 15 years ago, yeah, I think he would have been about the perfect safety... but not in 2010.

Maybe Jerry is taking a look in case he slides well down into the second round, or maybe he is simply throwing up a smoke screen like people on here have already mentioned.

I just don't see us drafting him at 27 to play safety though, and we already have a very good safety to LB conversion going on with Hodge from last year's draft. That is a guy I think could turn into a very good nickel LB and maybe more down the line.

[GloryDaysRBack]

I'm definitely not sold on Mays being a good NFL safety. I don't think the guy has the coverage ability that safeties need these days. Ten or 15 years ago, yeah, I think he would have been about the perfect safety... but not in 2010.

Maybe Jerry is taking a look in case he slides well down into the second round, or maybe he is simply throwing up a smoke screen like people on here have already mentioned.

I just don't see us drafting him at 27 to play safety though, and we already have a very good safety to LB conversion going on with Hodge from last year's draft. That is a guy I think could turn into a very good nickel LB and maybe more down the line.

Is that a brand new bike AF? Gixer? looks great...or just a new exhaust?

[Aliencowboy]

No Mays !!!

Do not draft for need. This isn't the guy.

Iputai!!!
Trade up and get him!

[texbumthelife]

Do not draft for need. This isn't the guy.

Iputai!!!
Trade up and get him!

Drafting Iupati, and trading up to get him at that, isn't drafting for need? Teams don't trade up to get "BPA". They trade up to grab a player who fits a need who is valuable enough to spend that compensation.

[stilltheguru]

Very happy to see how well spoken Mays was..the jury is still out on the field but at least it appears he has his head on straight


No wonder the Boondocks is such a funny/popular show. So true

[texbumthelife]

If he can play LB he can play SS.

I am sorry, I'm not flaming, but this is ridiculous. So Brady James, Bobby Carpenter or even Keith Brooking could be our next SS? Some of the comments in these Mays threads are pure hate and based on nothing factual or statistical. I like to call it, Roy Williams redux.

[jumanji]

mays is very similar to roy williams....would be a good lb but will never be a good safety in the nfl

[GloryDaysRBack]

No wonder the Boondocks is such a funny/popular show. So true

Never even heard of this show

[stilltheguru]

Never even heard of this show



Judging from your comment it's not really that surprising.lol

[dcfanatic]

I am sorry, I'm not flaming, but this is ridiculous. So Brady James, Bobby Carpenter or even Keith Brooking could be our next SS? Some of the comments in these Mays threads are pure hate and based on nothing factual or statistical. I like to call it, Roy Williams redux.

No, of course not.

But if you are saying a Free Safety can transition to LB.

Then it's obvious he can transition to SS.

No?

[dcfanatic]

I'm definitely not sold on Mays being a good NFL safety. I don't think the guy has the coverage ability that safeties need these days. Ten or 15 years ago, yeah, I think he would have been about the perfect safety... but not in 2010.

Maybe Jerry is taking a look in case he slides well down into the second round, or maybe he is simply throwing up a smoke screen like people on here have already mentioned.

I just don't see us drafting him at 27 to play safety though, and we already have a very good safety to LB conversion going on with Hodge from last year's draft. That is a guy I think could turn into a very good nickel LB and maybe more down the line.

Don't expect too much from Hodge.

That knee is not coming along.

[texbumthelife]

No, of course not.

But if you are saying a Free Safety can transition to LB.

Then it's obvious he can transition to SS.

No?

The NFL and College are mutually exclusive and just like players have moved from LB to safety, others have moved from safety to linebacker in order to better make use of their athletic ability (or lack thereof). It is not an obvious transition but rather more dependent on the athlete and his limitations.

The limitations that make a move from FS to LB for Mays a topic of conversation are the same limitations he would frequently encounter as a SS, i.e. turning and running with wide receivers. His ball in flight skills or, "play-making ability" as some in here would label it, is also quite low for a safety, especially in a centerfielder type role. His strengths are his aggressiveness, range and in the box instincts. Those translate very well to a weak side linebacker or even a smaller inside linebacker in a cover-2 scheme.

Sure, as a linebacker he would encounter bad situation at times, but the guy certainly moves better than Brady James and Keith Brooking and could potentially fill just as well.

***This is all hypothetical so nobody go off the deep end***

[texbumthelife]

Don't expect too much from Hodge.

That knee is not coming along.

That is a bummer. I really looked forward to seeing him as a nickle and dime linebacker.

[AsthmaField]

Don't expect too much from Hodge.

That knee is not coming along.


Where did you hear that? I really like the guy and was hoping he might make a push for the nickel LB spot.

If the knee is still giving him problems, he might be done though.

[dcfanatic]

Where did you hear that? I really like the guy and was hoping he might make a push for the nickel LB spot.

If the knee is still giving him problems, he might be done though.

There was always a concern his knee would only allow him to play for a few seasons.

There is talk the recovery from the microfracture is coming along slow and he may not even be available this spring.

[AsthmaField]

There was always a concern his knee would only allow him to play for a few seasons.

There is talk the recovery from the microfracture is coming along slow and he may not even be available this spring.


I understood what you meant by his knee is not coming along... I was simply wondering how you found that out.

You might not can reveal who told you though, so, thanks anyway.

[SDogo]

All this talk about May not being able to make the switch to ILB I find it ironic that we have found our way to Hodge and no one has drawn the comparison.

[Bluefin]

There was always a concern his knee would only allow him to play for a few seasons.

There is talk the recovery from the microfracture is coming along slow and he may not even be available this spring.

I've read that Stephen Hodge's progress has been as expected and that the team doesn't plan to clear him until training camp.

Isn't it hard to draw any conclusions until Hodge is cleared to run and/or practice?

I know Hodge faces long odds, but I wouldn't write him off at this early juncture.

[CowboyFan74]

Was it just me or could y'all hear all that hollerin, protesting, and cussing and spittin in the background???:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

[Beast_from_East]

Mays at 27????

WOW:eek:


The dude is Roy Williams 2.0, cant cover for ****. He was getting lit up by freaking Standford. If he couldnt cover at USC, then how the hell is he going to suddenly start covering in the NFL???

[Sarge]

Just say no to Mays.

[McCordsville Cowboy]

Mays would own....

Everyone here would be saying.... " I liked him all along".....

Errrrnttt!

[proline]

I'm probably one of the few who find myself divided right down the middle on the issue.

I can tell you there is more interest in Mays as a ILB then a Safety in Dallas.



In his interview, Mays said that no teams have spoken with him about switching to LB. If Dallas is considering this, wouldn't the subject have come up in the course of two days?

[McCordsville Cowboy]

In his interview, Mays said that no teams have spoken with him about switching to LB. If Dallas is considering this, wouldn't the subject have come up in the course of two days?

You dont go from safety to ILB in a 3-4......

Damn... what a noob.

[SDogo]

In his interview, Mays said that no teams have spoken with him about switching to LB. If Dallas is considering this, wouldn't the subject have come up in the course of two days?

It would be like you telling your prospective boss in a interview the last interview you had you applied for a Manager but they thought you were more fit to be a CSR.

Bad business move and not the first time a question like that has been dodged.

If your looking for more proof I'm sure Hos can also offer his take on it. It's not just one or two people telling us this.

[dbair1967]

Just say no to Mays.

dont worry, we will...we arnt drafting that guy in the first round...

[johnnyd]

The area where he could help is obviously verse the quick screens and running game. yeah pretty much any play that is in front of him. This is where he should be a beast. There have been a couple of games the past few years that maybe the coaching staff would have like to have a guy that big and fast that they feel could make a huge difference in plugging up a hole.

The two games that come to mind are last season's second giants game in the meadowlands when jacobs in-explicitly took a screen 74 yards for a td (spencer was in slow motion in real time on this play) and that last baltimore game 2 years ago with mcgahee and mclain breaking those monster td runs that unofficially ended our season. Would it have been different with a guy like may's back there? who knows but having a guy that big and fast back there is something that cowboy's brass is probably kicking around

All that being said I would still pass on him because the sample size of games that he would play well in i feel are small compared to the ones he would not. This is pass first league now and if he can't cover well and is too small for LB then he is a part time player and just not a 1st round pick.

[Sarge]

dont worry, we will...we arnt drafting that guy in the first round...

I don't think so either.

[dbair1967]

I don't think so either.

I dont think any team is taking him in the first round, let alone us.

[Sarge]

I dont think any team is taking him in the first round, let alone us.

I was actually going to say the same thing. I can see him sliding into the 2nd very easily. I don't care where he goes, as long as it isn't here. looks like we're on the same page here....... ;)

[Chocolate Lab]

All this talk about May not being able to make the switch to ILB I find it ironic that we have found our way to Hodge and no one has drawn the comparison.

Sixth round vs. first round... Gargantuan difference.

And Hodge would be primarily a sub-package guy anyway. It would be insane to spend a top-30 pick on a player you don't even project to start.

[SDogo]

Sixth round vs. first round... Gargantuan difference.

And Hodge would be primarily a sub-package guy anyway. It would be insane to spend a top-30 pick on a player you don't even project to start.

I'm not talking about value or draft position we were talking about a players availability to make the switch.


In this case, you just supported my argument. Someone of Taylors 1st round athletic ability should be able to make the switch much easier then a 6th round pick.

[dbair1967]

I'm not talking about value or draft position we were talking about a players availability to make the switch.


In this case, you just supported my argument. Someone of Taylors 1st round athletic ability should be able to make the switch much easier then a 6th round pick.

In Hodge's case, IIRC correctly he played a hybrid type position in college anyway, and was oversized for a true safety prospect. Almost everyone had projected Hodge to move to LB in the NFL.

Mays will end up LB because he cant play safety, much like Thomas Davis did.

[Sasquatch]

It would be like you telling your prospective boss in a interview the last interview you had you applied for a Manager but they thought you were more fit to be a CSR.

Bad business move and not the first time a question like that has been dodged.

If your looking for more proof I'm sure Hos can also offer his take on it. It's not just one or two people telling us this.

I enjoy reading your knowledgeable posts in general but this is a completely specious claim. It is not effective management practice to invest millions of dollars in a player without knowing beforehand that he will be receptive to a positional shift. Positional changes are discussed all the time in these interviews for tweeners. There's no point or advantage in keeping the possibility a secret.

[SDogo]

In Hodge's case, IIRC correctly he played a hybrid type position in college anyway, and was oversized for a true safety prospect. Almost everyone had projected Hodge to move to LB in the NFL.

Mays will end up LB because he cant play safety, much like Thomas Davis did.

Your correct, in TCU's defense Hodge played mostly in the box.

[SDogo]

I enjoy reading your knowledgeable posts in general but this is a completely specious claim. It is not effective management practice to invest millions of dollars in a player without knowing beforehand that he will be receptive to a positional shift. Positional changes are discussed all the time in these interviews for tweeners. There's no point or advantage in keeping the possibility a secret.

It's not uncommon for a prospect to discuss positional changes with one team if it increases his value with them and to not discuss with others.

For Mays what would he gain to start telling teams there is interest in moving him to ILB. It would do nothing for his overall value.

As it is now he is arguably the 3rd rated safety on most boards. Now if you talk about him making a switch to ILB, a position he never has played his value is sure to take a hit. We might see two ILB's at most taken in the first round. Maybe 2 or 3 more in the 2nd. If Mays starts getting labeled as a ILB you have to start ranking him as such and now your talking about him possibly being the 5th, 6th or possibly 7th ranked player at that position.

It's a very smart move to discuss a positional change with a team who thinks your value is there and could increase your draft position. It's not so mart to announce it when your not certain the other teams feel the same way.

[Chocolate Lab]

I'm not talking about value or draft position we were talking about a players availability to make the switch.


In this case, you just supported my argument. Someone of Taylors 1st round athletic ability should be able to make the switch much easier then a 6th round pick.

Oh, I wasn't saying he *couldn't* do it... But does anyone think that's a smart use of a first round pick, to play a nickel cover linebacker?

Now as an everydown ILB, I would say that no, he couldn't do that. Not and be any good at it.

[SDogo]

Oh, I wasn't saying he *couldn't* do it... But does anyone think that's a smart use of a first round pick, to play a nickel cover linebacker?

No, your correct. It's not a smart move at all

I just think you misunderstood what I was saying.

[AsthmaField]

All this talk about May not being able to make the switch to ILB I find it ironic that we have found our way to Hodge and no one has drawn the comparison.


I was comparing the two... sort of. I was saying we already have a S to LB conversion going with Hodge, and that I really liked his chances of playing nickel LB and more down the line.

So, yes, I think Mays could be made into a LB, but I can't see us using a first round pick on him to make the conversion. IMO, you use later picks for that, like we did with Hodge.

[Four]

If Mays played at a small school and not USC would anyone even know who he was?

[CATCH17]

If Mays played at a small school and not USC would anyone even know who he was?

If he dropped a 4.3 @ 230 pounds then yes. From his play on the field? Heck no.

[Bob Sacamano]

If Mays played at a small school and not USC would anyone even know who he was?

Probably, he was a top prep recruit. So he was going to a major program regardless.

[big dog cowboy]

If Mays played at a small school and not USC would anyone even know who he was?
His measurables wouldn't change so I would say yes.

[SLATEmosphere]

I'll slit my wrists if we take Mays in the first.

[Four]

gonna put that in the positive column

[bbgun]

I'll slit my wrists if we take Mays in the first.

Quite the dilemma you've presented us with.

[SLATEmosphere]

Quite the dilemma you've presented us with.

:laugh2:

I bet your hoping we draft Taylor Mays now!

[proline]

It would be like you telling your prospective boss in a interview the last interview you had you applied for a Manager but they thought you were more fit to be a CSR.

Bad business move and not the first time a question like that has been dodged.

If your looking for more proof I'm sure Hos can also offer his take on it. It's not just one or two people telling us this.

I see your point, but he didn't just "dodge" the question. He clearly said that he has not discussed this with any team and that writers are just making it up. He didn't hesitate at all before he said this, and it came across as completely honest. So he's either telling the truth, or he's a great and practiced liar.

[jobberone]

Like I said before, converting him after drafting in the first round is a ballsy and risky move. Personally I think he can make the transition but I wouldn't draft him to do so. I think he'll be all world.

[CanuckCowboysFan]

A part of me wants Mays. I can just picture Desean running a slant, and Mays just ****ing ANNIHILATING him.



Either then that, I'll pass.

[Rampage]

I don't believe for 1 second we are interested in him enough to draft him.

[GloryDaysRBack]

Like I said before, converting him after drafting in the first round is a ballsy and risky move. Personally I think he can make the transition but I wouldn't draft him to do so. I think he'll be all world.

What about Mays at S? No?

[Bob Sacamano]

I don't believe for 1 second we are interested in him enough to draft him.

Any evidence to support your claim?

[CanuckCowboysFan]

Any evidence to support your claim?



Don't worry. Mays is the pick at 27.

[jobberone]

What about Mays at S? No?

Mays is too stiff and awkward to play cover safety in the NFL. JMO.

[Teague31]

i don't have a problem with mays at 27. not sure i would risk a high pick (top 15) on the guy but the reward is worth the risk at 27 imo.

[GloryDaysRBack]

Mays is too stiff and awkward to play cover safety in the NFL. JMO.

I can understand why people feel this way. I am just completely torn on him. There isn't a doubt in my mind though that if he is available at 27 that he is going to be close to the top if not at the top of our draft board. We do have him rated as a first rounder, so it would be near impossible for him not to be near the top, if available.

[CanuckCowboysFan]

Mays is too stiff and awkward to play cover safety in the NFL. JMO.


He'll barely being playing man. Strictly zone coverage as a FS. So those issues aren't that important in the grand scheme of things.

[BigDFan5]

I'll slit my wrists if we take Mays in the first.


You are making alot of people want Mays now

[BAT]

You are making alot of people want Mays now

:laugh2:

I prefer Iupati, but would have no problem if the pick is Mays (and not for the above reason :)). Lots of overreaction here about Mays' lack of man to man coverage ability. Mays is going to be playing FS (or ILB), not SS. Sensabaugh will be back at SS folks.

And Ken Hamlin couldn't cover squat man to man either. Mays' 4.3 speed gives him some potential to become better in coverage, no one currently on the roster has this kind of upside.

[SLATEmosphere]

I'm glad me committing suicide would make people here happy.

Mother ****ers.

[SilverStarCowboy]

Mays' 4.3 speed gives him some potential to become better in coverage, no one currently on the roster has this kind of upside.


Laron Landry ran a 4.35 at the NFL Combine, Mays only ran a 4.43.

[Rampage]

I'm glad me committing suicide would make people here happy.

Mother ****ers.
cruel people aren't they?

[GloryDaysRBack]

I could be wrong but i do not think Landry's deficiencies in coverage have to do with technique. From everything that I have seen, the guy gets beat on double moves all day long.

[gmoney112]

Mays is too stiff and awkward to play cover safety in the NFL. JMO.

I share your opinion. I think Allen and Burnett will be more successful than Mays.

[CowboyFan74]

I'm glad me committing suicide would make people here happy.

Mother ****ers.


You want sympathy from men on a football forum???:confused: :confused: :confused:


Minus 5 points Slater..:write:

[SilverStarCowboy]

Allen and Burnett will be more successful than Mays


what he said :rolleyes:


However on the other end of the spectrum for rare Athletes in the 2010 NFL Draft "the Freakish Lineman" Bruce Campbell has real potential to become an extremely dominant LT in the NFL.

[CanuckCowboysFan]

Laron Landry ran a 4.35 at the NFL Combine, Mays only ran a 4.43.



firstly, Landry was only 210 at the combine, Mays was 235. Secondly, they completely ****ed up on Mays' official time. He ran a 4.34, faster then Trindon Holliday. So, theres really no comparison. Also, *** do you mean by 'only' 4.43?

[BAT]

Laron Landry ran a 4.35 at the NFL Combine, Mays only ran a 4.43.

Is Laron Landry currently on the Cowboys' roster? What is the purpose of the comparison?

There is no safety on the Cowboys' roster who runs faster/bigger/more athletic than Taylor Mays, do you dispute this? I thought we wanted to get better at FS, not measuring penis sizes throughout the league.

[gmoney112]

Is Laron Landry currently on the Cowboys' roster? What is the purpose of the comparison?

There is no safety on the Cowboys' roster who runs faster/bigger/more athletic than Taylor Mays, do you dispute this? I thought we wanted to get better at FS, not measuring penis sizes throughout the league.

You obviously have not seen Taylor Mays play. I'd take Ball in a heartbeat over him at FS.

[GloryDaysRBack]

You obviously have not seen Taylor Mays play. I'd take Ball in a heartbeat over him at FS.

I guess none of the nfl teams who have Mays rated as 1st round prospect have seen him play..

[gmoney112]

I guess none of the nfl teams who have Mays rated as 1st round prospect have seen him play..

And that's why some teams have him rated as a 3rd rounder.

[GloryDaysRBack]

And that's why some teams have him rated as a 3rd rounder.

If he was worse than Allan Ball he wouldn't even be rated that high.

[BAT]

You obviously have not seen Taylor Mays play. I'd take Ball in a heartbeat over him at FS.

Of course I have. I have greater belief in Wade to maximize the D potential of an uber-athlete like Mays than I do Pete Carroll.

[gmoney112]

Of course I have. I have greater belief in Wade to maximize the D potential of an uber-athlete like Mays than I do Pete Carroll.

The only uber-athlete aspect of him are his combine numbers.

[BAT]

The only uber-athlete aspect of him are his combine numbers.

So he doesn't hit like a truck and run like the wind in pads? I thought his flaws were in man coverage, which the FS in Wade's scheme is responsible for only once in an ice age.

The internet hate is ridiculous. U guys are like chain letters, just pushing the same rote along ad nauseum.

[SilverStarCowboy]

So he doesn't hit like a truck and run like the wind in pads? I thought his flaws were in man coverage, which the FS in Wade's scheme is responsible for only once in an ice age.

The internet hate is ridiculous. U guys are like chain letters, just pushing the same rote along ad nauseum.

Educated guesses are how to logically evaluate.

There is an emmense amount of information on Draft Choices each year. When wieghing Combine numbers, team sources, other simuliar NFL players and actual on the field skills a better observation of the player is achieved.

[BAT]

Educated guesses are how to logically evaluate.

There is an emmense amount of information on Draft Choices each year. When wieghing Combine numbers, team sources, other simuliar NFL players and actual on the field skills a better observation of the player is achieved.

You can call them educated, but until you show me your scouting credentials they are still only opinions. The fact remains_the professional scouting community considers Mays to be a top 3 safety in this draft. Your personal bias, excuse me draft analysis & combine number weighing ability, does not change that one lick.

And by the by, your precious combine numbers are off. Mays was timed between 4.24 (nfl network) and 4.43 (nfl.com) at the combines. The combine officials recorded him at 4.31 and 4.33. That is still much faster than the consensus best defensive player in the 2007 draft, Laron Landry. And for the record, Mays was instructed to play the man, not the ball at USC (ask the Dolphins coaches, who tweaked his technique at the Sr Bowl, and got him a goal line INT). Makes sense as Mays was more of a playmaker his freshman year. Wade will get even more out of him I have no doubt.

[dbair1967]

So he doesn't hit like a truck and run like the wind in pads? I thought his flaws were in man coverage, which the FS in Wade's scheme is responsible for only once in an ice age.

The internet hate is ridiculous. U guys are like chain letters, just pushing the same rote along ad nauseum.

Go pull whatever "highlight" video you want of him, and then come back to us and explain why it warrants him being selected in round one, and more importantly why you think a team that has struggled with the safety position (that would be us) in terms of having anyone who can make plays, would be better off selecting this guy.

He's big. He's runs really fast with shorts and a t shirt on. He LOOKS like a franchise calibar pick, but when he is on the football field, he looks like something else entirely.

[CATCH17]

You can call them educated, but until you show me your scouting credentials they are still only opinions. The fact remains_the professional scouting community considers Mays to be a top 3 safety in this draft. Your personal bias, excuse me draft analysis & combine number weighing ability, does not change that one lick.

And by the by, your precious combine numbers are off. Mays was timed between 4.24 (nfl network) and 4.43 (nfl.com) at the combines. The combine officials recorded him at 4.31 and 4.33. That is still much faster than the consensus best defensive player in the 2007 draft, Laron Landry. And for the record, Mays was instructed to play the man, not the ball at USC (ask the Dolphins coaches, who tweaked his technique at the Sr Bowl, and got him a goal line INT). Makes sense as Mays was more of a playmaker his freshman year. Wade will get even more out of him I have no doubt.

You don't have to be an NFL scout to know what to look for when evaluating talent and how it will translate to the NFL.

All you have to know is what to look for in a player at the position they play at.

I know Rampage and myself were calling Mays out on his weaknesses long before there were any type of draft analysis on this guy.

The absolute only reason Mays will go high is because of his 4.3 speed but he lacks instincts to the point that its not even worth it.

Stiff hips and doesnt have the ability to turn and run.

Im sure you could put him @ FS and back him up 25 yards and he'd be ok but if we're going to do that then we should've just kept Hamlin.

[jobberone]

I can understand why people feel this way. I am just completely torn on him. There isn't a doubt in my mind though that if he is available at 27 that he is going to be close to the top if not at the top of our draft board. We do have him rated as a first rounder, so it would be near impossible for him not to be near the top, if available.

If he can't play safety then why have him on your board. I don't care what his measurables are. Even in zone he still has to cover people.

[proline]

If he can't play safety then why have him on your board. I don't care what his measurables are. Even in zone he still has to cover people.

^This^ Teams will scheme to put him in coverage. That's exactly what they did to Roy Williams once his lack of coverage skills was exposed.

That said, I'm willing to trust Wade and the coaches/scouts on this one.