I've listened to Stephen Jones talk twice

[CATCH17]

and both times he mentioned backup Tight End.


Then I see Bill Jones mock and he has us trading down and taking Fleener in the 1st round.


Now I could see us going Fleener in round 2 if he somehow was at our pick but I can't see us going TE until Round 3 at the earliest.


Anyone worried we may go TE in the 2nd round and it won't be Fleener?

[SDogo]

and both times he mentioned backup Tight End.


Then I see Bill Jones mock and he has us trading down and taking Fleener in the 1st round.


Now I could see us going Fleener in round 2 if he somehow was at our pick but I can't see us going TE until Round 3 at the earliest.


Anyone worried we may go TE in the 2nd round and it won't be Fleener?


I have been saying quietly for a while, if Jerry gets in the trader mode we have scene before and Dallas finds themselves in the bottom 10 of Round 1 the odds are your going to see either Doug Martin or Coby Fleener called.

[Ren]

I'm worried we go TE before day 3 to be honest our track record drafting them round 2 or higher is not exactly good

[supercowboy8]

If we draft a #2 back up TE in the first 4 rounds I would be mad. We need a OG, DE, safety, CB, and Center, and #3 WR before we need a #2 TE. This offense was good enough with just Witten. Marty B didn't do anything great for us to think we can't be any worse with Phillips.

[VThokie7]

I have been saying quietly for a while, if Jerry gets in the trader mode we have scene before and Dallas finds themselves in the bottom 10 of Round 1 the odds are your going to see either Doug Martin or Coby Fleener called.

I hope not, not that I wouldn't love to add both players, but there are other positions I'd go after first. I wouldn't bat an eyelash at either position in the 2nd though. Does Doug Martin really have a shot to go that high? The only other back i've seen sneak into the very end of the first in most mocks is David Wilson.

[CATCH17]

I have been saying quietly for a while, if Jerry gets in the trader mode we have scene before and Dallas finds themselves in the bottom 10 of Round 1 the odds are your going to see either Doug Martin or Coby Fleener called.

Stephen Jones just sounds scared to death about us not having a backup TE.

He is OCD'ing about it. He pretty much said on the ticket that we couldn't field a team right now without one.


I like Fleener. 6'6, 4.5 40, with 37 inch vert, but come on now. Thats the last direction we should go in round 1.





( I botched the thread title. No caffeine yet. )




I hope not, not that I wouldn't love to add both players, but there are other positions I'd go after first. I wouldn't bat an eyelash at either position in the 2nd though. Does Doug Martin really have a shot to go that high? The only other back i've seen sneak into the very end of the first in most mocks is David Wilson.

I've been a big Doug Martin fan the last 2 seasons. I kinda hype up Boise State to my friends and Doug Martin is always the guy I talk about.

He's a very solid all around guy.


With that said I don't think the Cowboys should even think about him until round 3. There will be another Doug Martin next year.

[TheCount]

Well in that case, here's to hoping we've learned from the stupidity of drafting Fasano and Bennett early in the draft while in search of a "backup TE".

[theogt]

I'm becoming wary of Stephen Jones as an evaluator of talent and the needs of this team.

[Chocolate Lab]

Stephen Jones just sounds scared to death about us not having a backup TE.

He is OCD'ing about it. He pretty much said on the ticket that we couldn't field a team right now without one.How weird. What's wrong with John Phillips? :confused:

[stasheroo]

Well in that case, here's to hoping we've learned from the stupidity of drafting Fasano and Bennett early in the draft while in search of a "backup TE".


This.

I'm tired of this repeated failure - and that's just what it is, a failure - to impliment this two TE offense that's supposed to be the next big thing.

I've heard about it for about 6 years now and the fact is that the Cwoboys can't get it done.

New England can - and has - the Cowboys can't. Accept it.

And I'm tired of throwing resources down the well when the team has much bigger needs to fill.

[SDogo]

I hope not, not that I wouldn't love to add both players, but there are other positions I'd go after first. I wouldn't bat an eyelash at either position in the 2nd though. Does Doug Martin really have a shot to go that high? The only other back i've seen sneak into the very end of the first in most mocks is David Wilson.

He is getting some buzz late 1 early 2, I do believe Mayock also had him as a possible late 1 guy earlier this week.

[ThreeandOut]

It's pretty clear from their pursuit of Kellen Davis that they feel backup TE is a need. I'm not sure that their prototype is available in this draft, but I think Allen in the second round or Charles in the third round is a strong possibility.

[CATCH17]

This.

I'm tired of this repeated failure - and that's just what it is, a failure - to impliment this two TE offense that's supposed to be the next big thing.

I've heard about it for about 6 years now and the fact is that the Cwoboys can't get it done.

New England can - and has - the Cowboys can't. Accept it.

And I'm tired of throwing resources down the well when the team has much bigger needs to fill.

I get what you're saying but im all for Fleener in round 2.


He is a Gronkowski clone and I would definetely give up a 2nd for Gronk spikes in Dallas.

[stasheroo]

I get what you're saying but im all for Fleener in round 2.


He is a Gronkowski clone and I would definetely give up a 2nd for Gronk spikes in Dallas.


I don't dislike the player and I know he'd be a nice addition, but I just think the team has much bigger needs, especially with how little production they've gotten out of that #2 TE when they have drafted them.

Again, on my own list, plenty of other needs come up before #2 TE does.

[CowboysLaw87]

I have been saying quietly for a while, if Jerry gets in the trader mode we have scene before and Dallas finds themselves in the bottom 10 of Round 1 the odds are your going to see either Doug Martin or Coby Fleener called.

I can certainly understand the Fleener pick, but Doug Martin? I literally can't find a single reason to justify this. I understand Felix is in the last year of his deal but with DeMarco on board and the strong presumption that RB's are kind of a dime a dozen and their success is highly dependent on the blocking in front of them... if it were Trent, I'm OK with it. I'd be baffled if we chose Martin.

[junk]

I'm becoming wary of Stephen Jones as an evaluator of talent and the needs of this team.

Shocking.

A guy who has never scouted or worked in personnel before getting a job from his Dad might not be a good evaluator of talent.

But, hey, he played college football so he is qualified. :confused:

[rkell87]

I get what you're saying but im all for Fleener in round 2.


He is a Gronkowski clone and I would definetely give up a 2nd for Gronk spikes in Dallas.

I don't think he is a gronk clone at all, fleener is about 20 pounds shy of gronk, and 2/10ths of a second faster, and also carries a few durability concerns, which is in line with him being a little light for TE.

I think he is a faster jermichael finley(a lot faster) and that is a good player to have too

[BrAinPaiNt]

This.

I'm tired of this repeated failure - and that's just what it is, a failure - to impliment this two TE offense that's supposed to be the next big thing.

I've heard about it for about 6 years now and the fact is that the Cwoboys can't get it done.

New England can - and has - the Cowboys can't. Accept it.

And I'm tired of throwing resources down the well when the team has much bigger needs to fill.

New England has...but it was only recently with Gronk and Hernandez...prior to that they were drafting TEs like wild fire over the years. So I guess it is the idea that sooner or later they get it right which seems to be what the cowboys are trying to do...sooner or later get it right. But let's not act like New England is getting it right all the time concerning drafting TEs for the two te set when in truth they just got it right after many tries.

From 2000 to last year they have draft 10 TES. They have drafted two TEs in the same draft at least twice. Have spent 4 picks in the first 3 rounds for TEs and until the Gronk/Hernandez draft they have pretty much missed on the TEs they have drafted. The only other known names from those 10 TEs they have drafted is Ben Watson and Daniel Graham and they both have a combined total of 496 Recs for 5765 yards and 50 TDS....while Gronk/Hernandez already have a combined total of 256 rec for 3346 yards and 40 TDs.

Not exactly a model of drafting genius with Two TE sets until they finally did it with Gronk and Hernandez recently.

[InmanRoshi]

So we signed the premiere FB on the free agent market. Now we're looking at backup TEs and part time RBs in the end of Round 1. How many snaps a game are these guys going to see? 20? Has the NFL made a rule change that I'm not aware of that says offenses can now lineup with 12 men on the field?

It's becoming readily apparent that under Jason Garrett's Cowboys the defense will always be a complete afterthought. Backups and role players for offense gets priority over starting positions for defense. The important thing is that Jason has to maintain his "young offensive genius" reputation he's crafted. Then the next time the team doesn't make it to the playoffs because they lose 37-34 in an NFC East clincing title game the defensive coordinator can take the fall for fielding the bad unit.

[big dog cowboy]

Anyone worried we may go TE in the 2nd round and it won't be Fleener?

Yes.

Should have kept Bennett.

[Mash]

But Ive heard Phillips was such a better TE then Bennett :rolleyes:

I really hope we dont pick Fleener in the 2nd round....especially if we go defense with our first pick....I like to see if we could get a solid OL prospect.

I thought for sure with the FB we signed ....that we wouldnt see as much of 2 TE formations.

I would of just given 2.5 mil to Bennett for one year like the Giants did instead of wasting another 2nd round pick on a TE

[CATCH17]

Yes.

Should have kept Bennett.


Yeah but he didn't want to be here. Cowboys matched New Yorks offer.


I wouldn't know whether to laugh or cry if the Giants get Fleener.

[Teague31]

I had us taking Dwayne Allen in round 2 of my mock a few weeks back. Won't surprise me at all if we go TE early.

[TheSport78]

The only tight end I would take in round 2 is Coby Fleener.

If we select anyone else (Dwayne Allen, Orson Charles) I will be extremely disappointed.

This team needs to get stronger in the trenches. Round 2 should be OL or DL.

[reddyuta]

So we signed the premiere FB on the free agent market. Now we're looking at backup TEs and part time RBs in the end of Round 1. How many snaps a game are these guys going to see? 20? Has the NFL made a rule change that I'm not aware of that says offenses can now lineup with 12 men on the field?

It's becoming readily apparent that under Jason Garrett's Cowboys the defense will always be a complete afterthought. Backups and role players for offense gets priority over starting positions for defense. The important thing is that Jason has to maintain his "young offensive genius" reputation he's crafted. Then the next time the team doesn't make it to the playoffs because they lose 37-34 in an NFC East clincing title game the defensive coordinator can take the fall for fielding the bad unit.

Exactly.a simple cost benefit analysis should tell them its not worth drafting a backup TE(to.Witten!) Is not worth it in the 2nd rd when we have.so many holes to fill.this looks like its coming from garrett.

[stasheroo]

New England has...but it was only recently with Gronk and Hernandez...prior to that they were drafting TEs like wild fire over the years. So I guess it is the idea that sooner or later they get it right which seems to be what the cowboys are trying to do...sooner or later get it right. But let's not act like New England is getting it right all the time concerning drafting TEs for the two te set when in truth they just got it right after many tries.

From 2000 to last year they have draft 10 TES. They have drafted two TEs in the same draft at least twice. Have spent 4 picks in the first 3 rounds for TEs and until the Gronk/Hernandez draft they have pretty much missed on the TEs they have drafted. The only other known names from those 10 TEs they have drafted is Ben Watson and Daniel Graham and they both have a combined total of 496 Recs for 5765 yards and 50 TDS....while Gronk/Hernandez already have a combined total of 256 rec for 3346 yards and 40 TDs.

Not exactly a model of drafting genius with Two TE sets until they finally did it with Gronk and Hernandez recently.

Very true, excellent points. And great job with that research!

:bow:

But, I would say that New England has done it without short-changing themselves at other positions as they have maintained a high level of success during that time.

I would not consider the current Cowboys as having that luxury.

[rags747]

No issues with a trade down into the early 20's and grabbing Fleener. Day 1 starter opp Witt and opens up the whole middle of the field. Offense becomes more prolific immediately. Def rnd 2 and 3 and we can come out of this draft with a minimum 2 starters and possibly 3.

[jterrell]

Stephen Jones is a football savvy guy.

He won't be on the radio discussing possible targets for round 1.

We may well reach for a TE in round 4 or 5 but it won't be our top pick I promise you. They could have kept Bennett or overpaid for Kellen Davis had they chose to.
That speak more to what they truly feel about back up TE then Stephen's pre-draft banter.

[jterrell]

So we signed the premiere FB on the free agent market. Now we're looking at backup TEs and part time RBs in the end of Round 1. How many snaps a game are these guys going to see? 20? Has the NFL made a rule change that I'm not aware of that says offenses can now lineup with 12 men on the field?

It's becoming readily apparent that under Jason Garrett's Cowboys the defense will always be a complete afterthought. Backups and role players for offense gets priority over starting positions for defense. The important thing is that Jason has to maintain his "young offensive genius" reputation he's crafted. Then the next time the team doesn't make it to the playoffs because they lose 37-34 in an NFC East clincing title game the defensive coordinator can take the fall for fielding the bad unit.

People that take seriously any TE talk are winding themselves up. Dallas isn't drafting TE/RB early.

Those are smokescreens.

Dallas would certainly consider TE/RB at 45. But no earlier. Do you really believe Jerry allows them to draft anyone who can't sell the new Nike jersey??

[ABQcowboyJR]

I like some of the guys later in this draft. I don't really understand them putting a high value on Marty B and then turning around and drafting more of a receiving threat tight end. I don't think we see a TE drafted tell the 3rd or later.

[Mash]

Stephen and Jerry dont evaluate talent.....

The listen to people around them....people who get paid to do that stuff.

I think alot of the stuff they spew on radio is just jibberish....

[TheSport78]

Stephen and Jerry dont evaluate talent.....

The listen to people around them....people who get paid to do that stuff.

I think alot of the stuff they spew on radio is just jibberish....

Then can you explain Quincy Carter, Felix Jones, Jason Williams, Robert Brewster, etc.? lol

[ABQcowboyJR]

Then can you explain Quincy Carter, Felix Jones, Jason Williams, Robert Brewster, etc.? lol

Pre JG... Lets see what the draft style will be now.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Very true, excellent points. And great job with that research!

:bow:

But, I would say that New England has done it without short-changing themselves at other positions as they have maintained a high level of success during that time.

I would not consider the current Cowboys as having that luxury.

They have maintained a high level of success on the offense...their defense last year was not exactly stellar.

It seems they decide to draft on the idea of BPA or the idea that they want to keep the offense up and choose to concentrate more on that side of the ball.

That last draft is really crazy considering they had so many needs on defense yet they only drafted a total of three players on defense and instead decided to draft 2 RBs, A QB and yet ANOTHER TE even though they had Gronk at Hernandez.

So...Maybe, just maybe if we get fleener in the second, it might be because they think he is the BPA and they also want to further strengthen the offense.
Now There are other areas I would rather address myself so we are in the same boat here, but there is also other things to consider and just because it might not be what we want does not automatically make it silly...although sometimes it is silly.:D

[Chocolate Lab]

Then can you explain Quincy Carter, Felix Jones, Jason Williams, Robert Brewster, etc.? lol

No comprendo... Are you saying the scouts and coaches couldn't have made those evaluations because they were bad? (Now Quincy was a JJ pick, we know that.)

[TheSport78]

Pre JG... Lets see what the draft style will be now.

That's true. Let's hope those days are over!

[SilverStarCowboy]

A TE in a very weak TE class. Our Front Office repeatedly/constantly leaves a lot to be desired to say the least.

[jterrell]

They have maintained a high level of success on the offense...their defense last year was not exactly stellar.

It seems they decide to draft on the idea of BPA or the idea that they want to keep the offense up and choose to concentrate more on that side of the ball.

That last draft is really crazy considering they had so many needs on defense yet they only drafted a total of three players on defense and instead decided to draft 2 RBs, A QB and yet ANOTHER TE even though they had Gronk at Hernandez.

So...Maybe, just maybe if we get fleener in the second, it might be because they think he is the BPA and they also want to further strengthen the offense.
Now There are other areas I would rather address myself so we are in the same boat here, but there is also other things to consider and just because it might not be what we want does not automatically make it silly...although sometimes it is silly.:D

When you have a HOF QB you can get away with sucking mostly everywhere else. Ask the Colts.

[cowboysooner]

and both times he mentioned backup Tight End.


Then I see Bill Jones mock and he has us trading down and taking Fleener in the 1st round.


Now I could see us going Fleener in round 2 if he somehow was at our pick but I can't see us going TE until Round 3 at the earliest.


Anyone worried we may go TE in the 2nd round and it won't be Fleener?

If you told me I had 2 picks after #10 to make my offense better in the near and long term, Fleener would be one of the picks. You would get more dynamic plays and edge pass protection in a division of edge rushers from being in a base 2 tight end set than most other things you could do offensively.

I would certainly pick Fleener (plus an additional 2nd) and one of the second round guard/centers over 2 more interior linemen.

I'd rather go defense, but I get why we would want to add Fleener a 6-6 guy who can run a 4.5 and knows how to find holes in zones is pretty valuable.

[TheSport78]

No comprendo... Are you saying the scouts and coaches couldn't have made those evaluations because they were bad? (Now Quincy was a JJ pick, we know that.)

Jerry chose Felix when there were higher RB's on the board. Strictly a Garrett/Jerry pick.

Jason Williams was a Wade Philips pick and Jerry listened to him. Jerry's fault. Wade isn't a scout.

Brewster? Who knows, but can our scouts really be that horrific with scouting offensive linemen? I hope not!

[InmanRoshi]

I like Fleener, but to me he only makes sense if the Cowboys are just completely doing away with using a 3rd WR for nickel packages and using a 2 TE set in nickel .... because they currently they have no 3rd WR for nickel packages.

[jterrell]

Then can you explain Quincy Carter, Felix Jones, Jason Williams, Robert Brewster, etc.? lol

Of those only Carter was a Jerry pet cat.

JG loved Felix. He felt his offense truly needed that speed dimension and pass threat out of the back field. He drew up plays to show how he could use Felix before the draft. ---And Felix has been solid thus far not a waste.

Jason Williams and Brewster were just all-around draft misses but hardly guys Jerry or Stephen were in love with.

Believe it or not every team misses on guys.

[jterrell]

If you told me I had 2 picks after #10 to make my offense better in the near and long term, Fleener would be one of the picks. You would get more dynamic plays and edge pass protection in a division of edge rushers from being in a base 2 tight end set than most other things you could do offensively.

I would certainly pick Fleener (plus an additional 2nd) and one of the second round guard/centers over 2 more interior linemen.

I'd rather go defense, but I get why we would want to add Fleener a 6-6 guy who can run a 4.5 and knows how to find holes in zones is pretty valuable.

Fleener can not block.

[stasheroo]

They have maintained a high level of success on the offense...their defense last year was not exactly stellar.

It seems they decide to draft on the idea of BPA or the idea that they want to keep the offense up and choose to concentrate more on that side of the ball.

That last draft is really crazy considering they had so many needs on defense yet they only drafted a total of three players on defense and instead decided to draft 2 RBs, A QB and yet ANOTHER TE even though they had Gronk at Hernandez.

It's one issue I have with New England's recent draft as well as free agency moves.

I feel they've been neglecting pass rusher and cornerback for far too long and I think it's come back to haunt them.

So...Maybe, just maybe if we get fleener in the second, it might be because they think he is the BPA and they also want to further strengthen the offense.

Again, I can agree with improving the offense but I don;t think a #2 TE is the way to do it. No knock on Fleener, just that this team has bigger needs elsewhere.

Now There are other areas I would rather address myself so we are in the same boat here, but there is also other things to consider and just because it might not be what we want does not automatically make it silly...although sometimes it is silly.:D

Very true. But conversely, just because the Cowboys make a move, that doesn;t automatically make it the right move (no matter what some people would like to think).

Many people, inside and outside of the game have stated that the Cowboys have overlooked both lines for far too long and their underwhelming results have supported that belief.

[TheSport78]

Of those only Carter was a Jerry pet cat.

JG loved Felix. He felt his offense truly needed that speed dimension and pass threat out of the back field. He drew up plays to show how he could use Felix before the draft. ---And Felix has been solid thus far not a waste.

Jason Williams and Brewster were just all-around draft misses but hardly guys Jerry or Stephen were in love with.

Believe it or not every team misses on guys.

Jerry should not get a pass on the Felix pick. He hasn't been solid. He's been the definition of a frustrating draft pick with "potential." And considering the other RB's that were on the board (Chris Johnson, Ray Rice, Jamaal Charles), it's a huge miss. Another example of Jerry listening to his coaches and not his scouts.

[BrAinPaiNt]

I like Fleener, but to me he only makes sense if the Cowboys are just completely doing away with using a 3rd WR for nickel packages and using a 2 TE set in nickel .... because they currently they have no 3rd WR for nickel packages.

Possible short/long term ideas with the cowboys now?

I have to wonder if things will change under garrett considering long term solutions to players to eventually replace our star players.

It is something we have not seen much from the cowboys under Jerry. QB groomed to take over...nah wait till Aikman is gone. WR to take over for Irvin...nah wait until he is gone then trade or draft.

Now I am not talking in every situation over the years but it does seem to be a mentality of sorts with Jerry.

I wonder if that will change under Garrett.

[Hoofbite]

I'll be livid with a TE in the 1st or 2nd.

Fleener would soften the sting a little I suppose but there are too many holes to draft yet another TE.

[TheSport78]

I'll be livid with a TE in the 1st or 2nd.

Fleener would soften the sting a little I suppose but there are too many holes to draft yet another TE.

If the value isn't there at #45, I wouldn't mind trading down some, acquiring an extra 3rd and drafting Orson Charles in the 3rd round.

[BrAinPaiNt]

It's one issue I have with New England's recent draft as well as free agency moves.

I feel they've been neglecting pass rusher and cornerback for far too long and I think it's come back to haunt them.



Again, I can agree with improving the offense but I don;t think a #2 TE is the way to do it. No knock on Fleener, just that this team has bigger needs elsewhere.



Very true. But conversely, just because the Cowboys make a move, that doesn;t automatically make it the right move (no matter what some people would like to think).

Many people, inside and outside of the game have stated that the Cowboys have overlooked both lines for far too long and their underwhelming results have supported that belief.

Hey...I am on record of saying DeCastro would be my pick if available. Love the kid and it strengthens the line and offense for years. There are also defensive players I would like over Fleener.

But if he is the BPA I would not scream (2nd round not first unless we trade back up). Would not be my choice but he is a heck of a player that could help this offense both now and in the future IMO.

Personally I would rather we waited and took another TE. I think there would be better players available to us in the 2nd or if we wanted to trade back into the first there would be better players whether on the Oline or on Defense that would fit BPA and need a little more.

At the end of the day I just hope we have a good draft that makes this team better even if it might not be players I would have taken.

[Bowdown27]

It's the new fad. The 2 tight end system. Look at the pats and how well it worked. I'm not going to be happy of we traded that far down to take a back up tight end in round one but I'd get it honestly

[cowboysooner]

Fleener can not block.

He's got to line up, motion, chip and run an option route like Aaron Hernandez. If he lines up in-line, he makes the arc that much wider for an Osi, Babin or Orakpo.

[jterrell]

Jerry chose Felix when there were higher RB's on the board. Strictly a Garrett/Jerry pick.

Jason Williams was a Wade Philips pick and Jerry listened to him. Jerry's fault. Wade isn't a scout.

Brewster? Who knows, but can our scouts really be that horrific with scouting offensive linemen? I hope not!

We know enough about how Dallas builds it boards to know those are overstatements at the least. Dallas builds groups of players by round.
Positional rankings are done way earlier and not the final board they use on draft day. Once you get to the room there are groups of guys and then specific coaches/staff argue for their guys. Wade argued for Williams who he felt addressed a severe lack of speed at linebacker. Unfortunately Williams never could read plays. So he could only run if you told him exactly where to go. He played in 14 games last year, starting 2. If he was a top back up and special teamer here perhaps we wouldn't view him as a dreadful bust. We did give up on him quickly for a guy drafted out of nowhere state.

Jerry intentionally reached for Carter who he correctly evaluated as the best second-tier QB in that draft. He took him round 2 because he wanted to take advantage of retaining his rights a year longer than if he chose him round 3.

Scouts LOVED Tony Dixon who was beyond terrible.
Larry Lacewell was running the scouting department back then which means it had no chance but to fail.

The QCar pick was amongst our best in that sad period. He could at least play when he wasn't too high. Some of those poor guys just had zero talent.

[stasheroo]

Possible short/long term ideas with the cowboys now?

I have to wonder if things will change under garrett considering long term solutions to players to eventually replace our star players.

It is something we have not seen much from the cowboys under Jerry. QB groomed to take over...nah wait till Aikman is gone. WR to take over for Irvin...nah wait until he is gone then trade or draft.

Now I am not talking in every situation over the years but it does seem to be a mentality of sorts with Jerry.

I wonder if that will change under Garrett.

I can both respect and appreciate doing that, when you can.

But you have to balance that out with accomplishing something while you have players like Romo, Austin, and Witten as well.

I think it makes more sense to draft a player in round 1, 2, or 3 who can help the current players win now rather than eventually replace them.

Besides that, I would contend that Witten has more than two years in him - at least. So Fleener would likely be playing second banana for at least that long. Not teriffic 'bang for the buck' in my opinion.

[TheCount]

It seems they decide to draft on the idea of BPA or the idea that they want to keep the offense up and choose to concentrate more on that side of the ball.


That's not completely fair. They've spent plenty of picks on defense, they just don't hit on many of them.

They probably only spent 3 picks on defense in 2011 because they spent 5 picks on D in 2010 and 6 picks on D in 2009.

In fact, in the same span of time you initially specified (since 2000), they've spent 7 of their 11 first selections (they weren't all in the 1st round) on defensive players.

[stasheroo]

Hey...I am on record of saying DeCastro would be my pick if available. Love the kid and it strengthens the line and offense for years. There are also defensive players I would like over Fleener.

But if he is the BPA I would not scream (2nd round not first unless we trade back up). Would not be my choice but he is a heck of a player that could help this offense both now and in the future IMO.

Personally I would rather we waited and took another TE. I think there would be better players available to us in the 2nd or if we wanted to trade back into the first there would be better players whether on the Oline or on Defense that would fit BPA and need a little more.

At the end of the day I just hope we have a good draft that makes this team better even if it might not be players I would have taken.

Agreed.

On all counts.

[InmanRoshi]

Jerry should not get a pass on the Felix pick. He hasn't been solid. He's been the definition of a frustrating draft pick with "potential." And considering the other RB's that were on the board (Chris Johnson, Ray Rice, Jamaal Charles), it's a huge miss. Another example of Jerry listening to his coaches and not his scouts.

Not to mention you get "solid" role runningbacks in the 3rd and 4th round.

[jterrell]

He's got to line up, motion, chip and run an option route like Aaron Hernandez. If he lines up in-line, he makes the arc that much wider for an Osi, Babin or Orakpo.

The Pats averaged ~19 PPG versus us and the Giants last year.
sometimes we overlook simple things like match ups and conferences.

BP was a huge 2 TE set guy and we tried it here.

We had a far better TE blocker than anyone in this draft with Bennett but just let him walk for a couple million.

We'll use the FB more now to help block than a receiving TE.

[TheSport78]

We know enough about how Dallas builds it boards to know those are overstatements at the least. Dallas builds groups of players by round.
Positional rankings are done way earlier and not the final board they use on draft day. Once you get to the room there are groups of guys and then specific coaches/staff argue for their guys. Wade argued for Williams who he felt addressed a severe lack of speed at linebacker. Unfortunately Williams never could read plays. So he could only run if you told him exactly where to go. He played in 14 games last year, starting 2. If he was a top back up and special teamer here perhaps we wouldn't view him as a dreadful bust. We did give up on him quickly for a guy drafted out of nowhere state.

Jerry intentionally reached for Carter who he correctly evaluated as the best second-tier QB in that draft. He took him round 2 because he wanted to take advantage of retaining his rights a year longer than if he chose him round 3.

Scouts LOVED Tony Dixon who was beyond terrible.
Larry Lacewell was running the scouting department back then which means it had no chance but to fail.

The QCar pick was amongst our best in that sad period. He could at least play when he wasn't too high. Some of those poor guys just had zero talent.

Does that justify Jerry taking Quincy Carter at ALL?

And what?!? Quincy was our best pick? That was thee biggest reach I've ever seen with the Cowboys.

[jterrell]

Not to mention you get "solid" role runningbacks in the 3rd and 4th round.

Felix has averaged over 5 ypc for his career. He was also quite good as a kick returner when allowed to do that. He has also been a quite strong pass protector as a RB. He is tremendous on screens/swing passes and allowed us to add that back to the game plans.

He has been what we expected. What we didn't expect was Barber to fall apart to nothing immediately after being a Pro Bowler.

That was a great RB class but Felix hasn't been bad just because others have been good.

Felix was NOT a bad pick. He wasn't a major hit but he has been about as expected.

Every team in the league would take him right now.

And it seems hilarious to see people who claim this is the worst offensive line in the history of the NFL also say the RB who averaged over 5 YPC was a bad draft pick. We blame every Romo injury on the OL but the RB is supposed to put up elite numbers and remain healthy behind the same group?

[TheSport78]

Felix has averaged over 5 ypc for his career. He was also quite good as a kick returner when allowed to do that. He has also been a quite strong pass protector as a RB. He is tremendous on screens/swing passes and allowed us to add that back to the game plans.

He has been what we expected. What we didn't expect was Barber to fall apart to nothing immediately after being a Pro Bowler.

That was a great RB class but Felix hasn't been bad just because others have been good.

Felix was NOT a bad pick. He wasn't a major hit but he has been about as expected.

Every team in the league would take him right now.

And it seems hilarious to see people who claim this is the worst offensive line in the history of the NFL also say the RB who averaged over 5 YPC was a bad draft pick. We blame every Romo injury on the OL but the RB is supposed to put up elite numbers and remain healthy behind the same group?

That was the organization's first mistake. You don't draft complementary runningbacks in the 1st round. Horrible, horrible.

EDIT: Heck, I didn't even mention Mendenhall and Forte as other backs selected early. Out of Johnson, Charles, Mendenhall, Forte and Ray Rice, there's still justification in taking a complementary back in Felix? Can't buy that.

[cowboysooner]

The Pats averaged ~19 PPG versus us and the Giants last year.
sometimes we overlook simple things like match ups and conferences.

BP was a huge 2 TE set guy and we tried it here.

We had a far better TE blocker than anyone in this draft with Bennett but just let him walk for a couple million.

We'll use the FB more now to help block than a receiving TE.

The Pats played the Giants with a 1 legged Gronkowski. The Giants were covering him with their off the street middle linebacker. That won't work if he is healthy.

We played our best defensive game of the year against them. Rob Ryan always plays great against them because he spent 4-5 years up there and knows you can't play conventional defense against them. You have to dare them to throw the ball deep and flood the short areas. It is unnatural to most defensive backs and linebackers.

I'm not sure how our defense played them matters to whether it would be good for our offense to have an Aaron Hernandez type player.

We played 2 tight ends without either of them being a dynamic playmaker. That just leads to bad 1980's offense.

Again, I'm not saying it is the way we should approach the draft, but it is a better option than getting 2 more highly picked interior linemen when we don't have the roster spots for them and have 4 obvious needs on defense.

[jterrell]

Does that justify Jerry taking Quincy Carter at ALL?

And what?!? Quincy was our best pick? That was thee biggest reach I've ever seen with the Cowboys.

That was not close to our biggest reach.

Please research before you post stupid things.

QCar had an 88 QB rating and went 18-16.
He was a mediocre starting QB but drafting starting QBs in round 2 isn't a reach. Even mediocre ones.

The QBs drafted immediately behind him were Tui(whatever) and Weinke. Weinke went 2-18 as a QB. Tui went 0-2.

We drafted Tony Dixon 3 picks after Carter as a Safety. He probably goes down as the worst safety to ever actually take the field for us.

We drafted Dwayne Goodrich the year before in r2. He was outplayed immediately by 4th and 6th round picks. Jerry badly wanted him to play but he couldn't cover me or you.

[Chocolate Lab]

Possible short/long term ideas with the cowboys now?

I have to wonder if things will change under garrett considering long term solutions to players to eventually replace our star players.

It is something we have not seen much from the cowboys under Jerry. QB groomed to take over...nah wait till Aikman is gone. WR to take over for Irvin...nah wait until he is gone then trade or draft.

Now I am not talking in every situation over the years but it does seem to be a mentality of sorts with Jerry.

I wonder if that will change under Garrett.Are you one of those who doesn't think Garrett has had major, major influence on Jerry since he got here five years ago? Wade had next to no say on offense, as we saw many times.

And we did spend the first pick of the fourth round in the old system (War Daddy!) on McGee. Unfortunately, I guess the coaches think he can't play. Doug Free did develop into a good starting tackle.

And it seems hilarious to see people who claim this is the worst offensive line in the history of the NFL also say the RB who averaged over 5 YPC was a bad draft pick. We blame every Romo injury on the OL but the RB is supposed to put up elite numbers and remain healthy behind the same group?Great point that will be met with crickets.

[TheSport78]

That was not close to our biggest reach.

Please research before you post stupid things.

QCar had an 88 QB rating and went 18-16.
He was a mediocre starting QB but drafting starting QBs in round 2 isn't a reach. Even mediocre ones.

The QBs drafted immediately behind him were Tui(whatever) and Weinke. Weinke went 2-18 as a QB. Tui went 0-2.

We drafted Tony Dixon 3 picks after Carter as a Safety. He probably goes down as the worst safety to ever actually take the field for us.

We drafted Dwayne Goodrich the year before in r2. He was outplayed immediately by 4th and 6th round picks. Jerry badly wanted him to play but he couldn't cover me or you.

I'm pretty sure Quincy was projected to go in the 4th round area. It was a HUGE reach. It makes it that WORSE of a pick because Aikman had just retired and we were looking for our next franchise QB. Jerry probably watched Michael Vick get selected #1 overall and said, hmm Quincy can do that. Fail!

[jterrell]

The Pats played the Giants with a 1 legged Gronkowski. The Giants were covering him with their off the street middle linebacker. That won't work if he is healthy.

We played our best defensive game of the year against them. Rob Ryan always plays great against them because he spent 4-5 years up there and knows you can't play conventional defense against them. You have to dare them to throw the ball deep and flood the short areas. It is unnatural to most defensive backs and linebackers.

I'm not sure how our defense played them matters to whether it would be good for our offense to have an Aaron Hernandez type player.

We played 2 tight ends without either of them being a dynamic playmaker. That just leads to bad 1980's offense.

Again, I'm not saying it is the way we should approach the draft, but it is a better option than getting 2 more highly picked interior linemen when we don't have the roster spots for them or and have 4 obvious needs on defense.

He was hurt both times they played the Giants?

They scored 20 in a regular season game.

The Giants used Gronk or Hernandez as their 2nd WR basically. They were often split out wide and Brady read coverages to get mismatches versus smaller or slower players.

The Pats run a flag football offense where Brady just finds mismatches. The Pats didn't have the WRs other than Welker to beat our defense or the Giants and the TEs were the weapons they used most.

Teams without Brady can't run that same offense and anyone trying would be foolish.

It's like every team trying to go wildcat. It is a novelty, not a legit offensive scheme.

[cowboysooner]

F

And it seems hilarious to see people who claim this is the worst offensive line in the history of the NFL also say the RB who averaged over 5 YPC was a bad draft pick. We blame every Romo injury on the OL but the RB is supposed to put up elite numbers and remain healthy behind the same group?

SHUSH

[jterrell]

I'm pretty sure Quincy was projected to go in the 4th round area. It was a HUGE reach. It makes it that WORSE of a pick because Aikman had just retired and we were looking for our next franchise QB. Jerry probably watched Michael Vick get selected #1 overall and said, hmm Quincy can do that. Fail!

Please dont post anymore about this.
It is rubbish.

We sucked as a team with or without Quincy. He was a druggie and loser but at least had talent. We didn't draft many players with ANY talent in those days.

QCar was rated round 2 to 5 depending upon which draftnik site you followed. Even this year there will be guys rated round 4 go in 2. It happens regularly.

That isn't a world class reach. Tannehill going top 10 is a bigger reach than Carter going round 2. Especially since they had the same skill sets.

Should Jerry have paid for a much better QB in free agency or via trade? Probably. Then again when you suck it is hard to sale out for a QB. QCar was a solid draft choice because he was a solid talent. He was fail because he was fail as a human being but we got enough out of him to far succeed what many other round 2 picks delivered.

He was a tremendously more impactful player for us than Bobby Carpenter or David LeFleur who went r1 to us.

[AmishCowboy]

I like Kevin Kroger from Michigan in the 5th round

[stasheroo]

That was the organization's first mistake. You don't draft complementary runningbacks in the 1st round. Horrible, horrible.

EDIT: Heck, I didn't even mention Mendenhall and Forte as other backs selected early. Out of Johnson, Charles, Mendenhall, Forte and Ray Rice, there's still justification in taking a complementary back in Felix? Can't buy that.

I completely agree with you here.

And it's much the same way I approach the thought of a #2 TE, either in round 1 or round 2, you just don't do it, especially when you have as many legitimate needs as this team currently does.

[InmanRoshi]

That was the organization's first mistake. You don't draft complementary runningbacks in the 1st round. Horrible, horrible.

EDIT: Heck, I didn't even mention Mendenhall and Forte as other backs selected early. Out of Johnson, Charles, Mendenhall, Forte and Ray Rice, there's still justification in taking a complementary back in Felix? Can't buy that.

Exactly. The fault is taking role runningbacks with first round picks when you can find them lower in the draft. It would be the same thing if we drafted Martin this year in the first round. The indictment isn't on Martin, who I like, the indictment is you took a part time role player at a non-premium position with a first round pick. Who not take a nickel safety with a 1st round pick? A nickel coverage ILB with a 1st round pick (sorry, I forgot we took one of those in the 2nd round pick last year). Maybe a 2 down back I could see, at least he's closing out the game for you in the clutch with the game on the line, but not a nickel back. The only other teams that might look at Martin will be teams looking at him as at least a 2 down back, if not 3 down.

[cowboysooner]

He was hurt both times they played the Giants?

They scored 20 in a regular season game.

The Giants used Gronk or Hernandez as their 2nd WR basically. They were often split out wide and Brady read coverages to get mismatches versus smaller or slower players.

The Pats run a flag football offense where Brady just finds mismatches. The Pats didn't have the WRs other than Welker to beat our defense or the Giants and the TEs were the weapons they used most.

Teams without Brady can't run that same offense and anyone trying would be foolish.

It's like every team trying to go wildcat. It is a novelty, not a legit offensive scheme.

They also put him in the backfield, line him up as a wingback and do a ton of stuff with him.

If someone said Aaron Hernandez is in this draft except he does not have the character concerns, where would he go and what type of team should take him?

To me, he would not be great as an every down #1 tight end, although the Saints are trying Jimmy Graham to much success. Jimmy is no more than in the way on most running plays.

His best spot is a pure spread team like the Colts used to be or a team with a solid do it all tight end with no 3rd receiver or 2nd tight end.

He would be a huge threat as a 2nd tight in in play action. We have the outside receivers to make the holes in zones quite large or the matchups in man to our favor. The packers and saints do similar stuff (looking for matchup advantages) with non base personnel but they do it with wr 3-5 plus sproles.

[TheSport78]

Please dont post anymore about this.
It is rubbish.

We sucked as a team with or without Quincy. He was a druggie and loser but at least had talent. We didn't draft many players with ANY talent in those days.

QCar was rated round 2 to 5 depending upon which draftnik site you followed. Even this year there will be guys rated round 4 go in 2. It happens regularly.

That isn't a world class reach. Tannehill going top 10 is a bigger reach than Carter going round 2. Especially since they had the same skill sets.

Should Jerry have paid for a much better QB in free agency or via trade? Probably. Then again when you suck it is hard to sale out for a QB. QCar was a solid draft choice because he was a solid talent. He was fail because he was fail as a human being but we got enough out of him to far succeed what many other round 2 picks delivered.

He was a tremendously more impactful player for us than Bobby Carpenter or David LeFleur who went r1 to us.

I was almost with ya until there. Talent alone doesn't make a draft pick solid.

[ABQCOWBOY]

The problem I believe we have is that in a two TE set, you typically have a blocking TE and a TE that can push the seam. Now, in the past, we have never really been able to do that. We have used Witten as receiver but mostly intermediate routes. He is no longer a guy, IMO, who can force teams to respect his ability to go for 6 down the seam. If we were to take Fleener in the first, I would expect that this is why. Witten's role would probably pick up more of the blocking and be used more in short to midrange routes where Fleener would be the guy we used to pressure the safeties. I think that the team had this idea in mind when they took MB but that just never really materialized. MB could not be consistent enough in that role. They were forced to make Witten the threat guy and Bennett the block guy which was not what Bennett wanted. Thus the trade.

The other thing that I think we don't want to be dealing with is the same situation we had once Jay N. retired. We went a long time without having that position really settled. Also, Fleener is much more like Novacek then is Witten. It may also be that Garrett sees more Jay or Doug Cosbie in Fleener and is looking for a suitable replacement for Witten. That's a very real possibility. Witten is getting long in the tooth now. This coming season will be his 10th. He had a great season but his numbers did go down in almost all areas from the two previous seasons.

If we trade down, I could see us going for Fleener. I actually would not be opposed to it but not at 14. It would have to be a trade down into the low 20s or more.

[jterrell]

They also put him in the backfield, line him up as a wingback and do a ton of stuff with him.

If someone said Aaron Hernandez is in this draft except he does not have the character concerns, where would he go and what type of team should take him?

To me, he would not be great as an every down #1 tight end, although the Saints are trying Jimmy Graham to much success. Jimmy is no more than in the way on most running plays.

His best spot is a pure spread team like the Colts used to be or a team with a solid do it all tight end with no 3rd receiver or 2nd tight end.

He would be a huge threat as a 2nd tight in in play action. We have the outside receivers to make the holes in zones quite large or the matchups in man to our favor. The packers and saints do similar stuff (looking for matchup advantages) with non base personnel but they do it with wr 3-5 plus sproles.

It depends on what you want to do offensively.

Witten and Gonzales started this stuff and then Gates took it to the next level.

We have routinely split Witten out wide for match ups.

Could we use Hernandez? Of course.
Would it make us a better offense for him to regularly replace say Vickers? I don't think so.

The Giants won the Super Bowl with no legit Tight Ends and plan to start our re-tread next year.

I'd generally prefer having a good 3rd WR to a 2nd stud TE.
Right now we have neither though which is a fair point.

[jterrell]

I was almost with ya until there. Talent alone doesn't make a draft pick solid.

when compared with drafting non-talent it does.

overall qcar was not a good pick.
compared to the average lacewell era selection he was great value....

[ABQCOWBOY]

when compared with drafting non-talent it does.

overall qcar was not a good pick.
compared to the average lacewell era selection he was great value....

I didn't love him JT. I think that our QB situation drove that pick 100% and I understand that. Doesn't mean it was a good pick thou. I have no problems with his athletic ability, that was there. However, he was inaccurate, had poor mechanics and he struggled picking up the offense. Add to that, and this is really the biggest reason, he had a known substance problem when we drafted him and we still bet on him. No way would I ever draft a QB in the 2nd round whom I expected to be our starter with this issue. I think we were asking for trouble and we got it. JMO

[Kangaroo]

Then can you explain Quincy Carter, Felix Jones, Jason Williams, Robert Brewster, etc.? lol

Yes QC was old school Lacewell who is no longer here and explain to me every other team that has busted draft picks including the all mighty Patriots who Brain just showed could not draft a TE if their life depended on it and then finaly got it correct :rolleyes:

Baltimore Ravens also busted on picks happens what you need is the hits to be good

[TheSport78]

when compared with drafting non-talent it does.

overall qcar was not a good pick.
compared to the average lacewell era selection he was great value....

Quincy Carter and great should be words never close to each other.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Quincy Carter and great should be words never close to each other.

That's not true...let me give you an example...

Quincy Carter is a great example of how not to look in photographs...

http://www.bagofnothing.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2006/04/cowquincy.jpeg

http://www.sportsgrindent.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Q-Mug-6.jpg

:D

[TheSport78]

That's not true...let me give you an example...

Quincy Carter is a great example of how not to look in photographs...

http://www.bagofnothing.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2006/04/cowquincy.jpeg (http://www.bagofnothing.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2006/04/cowquincy.jpeg)

http://www.sportsgrindent.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Q-Mug-6.jpg (http://www.sportsgrindent.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Q-Mug-6.jpg)

:D

:muttley:

[jjktkk]

I don't dislike the player and I know he'd be a nice addition, but I just think the team has much bigger needs, especially with how little production they've gotten out of that #2 TE when they have drafted them.

Again, on my own list, plenty of other needs come up before #2 TE does.

Your 1st two positions on your mock were addressed in fa. Nowhere on your mock do I see a TE. TE is not a big need, but it is a need imo, because I don't think Phillips is the same player he was, prior to his knee injury.

[jjktkk]

New England has...but it was only recently with Gronk and Hernandez...prior to that they were drafting TEs like wild fire over the years. So I guess it is the idea that sooner or later they get it right which seems to be what the cowboys are trying to do...sooner or later get it right. But let's not act like New England is getting it right all the time concerning drafting TEs for the two te set when in truth they just got it right after many tries.

From 2000 to last year they have draft 10 TES. They have drafted two TEs in the same draft at least twice. Have spent 4 picks in the first 3 rounds for TEs and until the Gronk/Hernandez draft they have pretty much missed on the TEs they have drafted. The only other known names from those 10 TEs they have drafted is Ben Watson and Daniel Graham and they both have a combined total of 496 Recs for 5765 yards and 50 TDS....while Gronk/Hernandez already have a combined total of 256 rec for 3346 yards and 40 TDs.

Not exactly a model of drafting genius with Two TE sets until they finally did it with Gronk and Hernandez recently.

Because of the Pats success with the 2 TE offense, it seems that is what Garrett and the Boys want to emulate. They tried it with Witten and Bennett with little success before going back to a traditional offense with a FB. It still seems though, that they want to run a 2 TE offense with the attempt to sign Davis this year and the drafting Fleener rumors.

[DFWJC]

I don't want a TE in Rd1 unless it's our second 1st rounder taken and it's Fleener (pick 30 or so). Even then, it would not be my preference.

The TE positional value is really rising. As we know, this is a copycat league and NE, NO, SF and others are showing what fast athletic TEs can do....and that you can use more than one.

In our case, we have two stud WRs but no proven slot guy. There is room in some of the more basic packages to insert an extra TE.

Just please, not our 1st pick. We have greater needs.

[jjktkk]

Jerry should not get a pass on the Felix pick. He hasn't been solid. He's been the definition of a frustrating draft pick with "potential." And considering the other RB's that were on the board (Chris Johnson, Ray Rice, Jamaal Charles), it's a huge miss. Another example of Jerry listening to his coaches and not his scouts.

Love your hindsight analysis. No of those rbs you mentioned were rated higher than Felix when Jerry and co. drafted Jones. :rolleyes:

[jjktkk]

Does that justify Jerry taking Quincy Carter at ALL?

And what?!? Quincy was our best pick? That was thee biggest reach I've ever seen with the Cowboys.

How long have you've been watching the Cowboys? Look up Shante Carver, David LaFleur, Ebenezer Ekuban, and Kavika Pittman, to name a few.

[TheSport78]

Love your hindsight analysis. No of those rbs you mentioned were rated higher than Felix when Jerry and co. drafted Jones. :rolleyes:

Actually some of those RB's were rated higher. I have read that Chris Johnson and Mendenhall were both rated higher than Felix.

[CATCH17]

Actually some of those RB's were rated higher. I have read that Chris Johnson and Mendenhall were both rated higher than Felix.

With their reasoning for taking Felix I dont see how they could've taken him over Chris Johnson if they had Johnson rated higher.

Picking him over Mendenhall makes sense but not Johnson.

[jjktkk]

I'm pretty sure Quincy was projected to go in the 4th round area. It was a HUGE reach. It makes it that WORSE of a pick because Aikman had just retired and we were looking for our next franchise QB. Jerry probably watched Michael Vick get selected #1 overall and said, hmm Quincy can do that. Fail!

Jerry was desperate for a qb and reached for Carter. Did you know Quincy Carter was a higher rated qb than Vick, coming out of high school? Obviously Vick was/is a much better qb, just thought I would pass that tidbit of info on to you.

[jjktkk]

Actually some of those RB's were rated higher. I have read that Chris Johnson and Mendenhall were both rated higher than Felix.

No, sorry your wrong. Go to scout.com, and walterfootball.com and look at the 2008 top-rated rbs from college.

[jterrell]

With their reasoning for taking Felix I dont see how they could've taken him over Chris Johnson if they had Johnson rated higher.

Picking him over Mendenhall makes sense but not Johnson.

CJ was even smaller than Felix and struggle dot stay healthy at East Carolina.
Mendenhall had a bad rap even at Illinois and teams thought he was soft.

Rice was slow.

8. Chris Johnson, RB East Carolina
4.29. For some reason, while everyone was oohing and ahhing over Darren McFadden's workout, along with the size/speed dynamic of Rashard Mendenhall and Jonathan Stewart, and rightly so, Johnson ripped off a 4.29 in 40 at the Combine. One of the best all-around backs in America last year rushing for 1,423 yards and 17 touchdowns, catching 37 passes for 528 yards and six touchdowns, and returning 1,009 yards worth of kicks, he can do it all. However, he was held to 29 yards and a touchdown on ten carries against Virginia Tech and ran for 76 yards and a score on 14 carries against West Virginia. The biggest problem is his size at around 5-10 and under 200 yards; he's not built like an every-down runner. However, he's a dream of a third down back who'll have to be a complementary back.
CFN Projection: Late Second Round To Early Third Round

9. Matt Forte, RB Tulane
Forte is the back for those who believe breakaway speed is overrated. After all, how many backs tear off 40-yard runs? Forte doesn't have great straight-line speed, but he's a strong inside runner who was extremely dependable last season rushing for 2,127 yards and 23 touchdowns for the Green Wave. A big runner who pounds away, he's a positive carry every time he touches the ball. If you're looking for a thrilling back who'll make the highlight reel, that's not Forte. If you're looking for a steady, dependable all-around back who can catch, pound, and work his tail off, that's Forte.
CFN Projection: Third Round

6. Ray Rice, RB Rutgers
It all depends on how much of a chance someone is willing to give him. Rice has a lot of tread on the tires. A LOT. On the plus side, he proved he could handle a big workload and was ultra-durable. However, if you're a believer that a back only has so many carries in him, the 935 total touches in three years at Rutgers might mean a short shelf live. Who cares about five years from now? For the next few seasons, Rice could turn into a productive, consistent runner at a high level if he's allowed to pound away. His size, around 5-8, could be a positive as he'll dart in and out of the line behind his big blockers. Much faster than he looked on the field, he has the speed to hit the home run, but that's just gravy. He'll be a consistent positive-yardage machine if he's a featured back for a stretch. He's not the type to get a few carries here and there; he'll need a few series here and there.
CFN Projection: Late Second Round

Felix:
4. Felix Jones, RB Arkansas
He'll be the back for someone trying to get a speed runner on the cheap. Don't want to pay the high price to get a McFadden, Mendenhall or Stewart? Then wait for Jones and roll the dice on a jack-of-all-trades back with a ton of tread on the tires and devastating breakaway speed. The big question is whether or not he's a workhorse No. 1 back. He wasn't in college and he's not built like a 25-carry-a-game NFL runner. Ideally he fills a Reggie Bush role on a team with a Deuce McAllister and is used to run and catch on the outside and not between the tackles. With his ability to go from 0-to-60 in a heartbeat, he's the type of player who makes offensive coordinators drool at the possibilities. He'll be a fun toy to play with.
CFN Projection: Late First Round To Early Second Round

[BrAinPaiNt]

How long have you've been watching the Cowboys? Look up Shante Carver, David LaFleur, Ebenezer Ekuban, and Kavika Pittman, to name a few.

As much as QC was a reach, he was not even the biggest reach of our Draft that year...the guy we took after him was a bigger reach. Which is really bad when your first two picks in the draft are big reaches.

[jterrell]

As much as QC was a reach, he was not even the biggest reach of our Draft that year...the guy we took after him was a bigger reach. Which is really bad when your first two picks in the draft are big reaches.

As much a failure as QCar was I'd rather have him associated with the Cowboys doing crack in drag at halftime of games he starts then have Larry Lacewell run our personnel dept.

[jjktkk]

As much as QC was a reach, he was not even the biggest reach of our Draft that year...the guy we took after him was a bigger reach. Which is really bad when your first two picks in the draft are big reaches.

This. Definitely not one of Jerry's finest warroom moments.

[InmanRoshi]

This. Definitely not one of Jerry's finest warroom moments.

We also didn't have a first round pick that year because Jerry traded it away for Joey Galloway, which turned out to be the 7th pick in the draft. He followed up Dixon and Carter with Willie Blade in the third.

It's hard to even tell where the cluster f begins and ends.

[TheSport78]

No, sorry your wrong. Go to scout.com, and walterfootball.com and look at the 2008 top-rated rbs from college.

Bro, I'm talking about the Cowboys specifically having other RB's rated over Felix and they still took Felix.

[Gaede]

We also didn't have a first round pick that year because Jerry traded it away for Joey Galloway, which turned out to be the 7th pick in the draft. He followed up Dixon and Carter with Willie Blade in the third.

It's hard to even tell where the cluster f begins and ends.

Those were dark times.

[ABQCOWBOY]

We also didn't have a first round pick that year because Jerry traded it away for Joey Galloway, which turned out to be the 7th pick in the draft. He followed up Dixon and Carter with Willie Blade in the third.

It's hard to even tell where the cluster f begins and ends.

In that draft, I'd say it started with Quincy and ended with Char-ron Dorsey. The only guy out of that draft I even kinda liked was Matt Lehr.

Quincy Carter
Tony Dixon
Willie Blade
Markus Steele
Matt Lehr
Deleroy Stewart
Colston Weatherington
John Nix
Char-ron Dorsey


Buahhhhhh.......

[ABQCOWBOY]

Those were dark times.

Try Pitch Black.

[CATCH17]

In that draft, I'd say it started with Quincy and ended with Char-ron Dorsey. The only guy out of that draft I even kinda liked was Matt Lehr.

Quincy Carter
Tony Dixon
Willie Blade
Markus Steele
Matt Lehr
Deleroy Stewart
Colston Weatherington
John Nix
Char-ron Dorsey


Buahhhhhh.......


That is sickening.

The Special Teams draft was full of barf too.

Hopefully we build off of what we've done the last 2 years.

[BrAinPaiNt]

In that draft, I'd say it started with Quincy and ended with Char-ron Dorsey. The only guy out of that draft I even kinda liked was Matt Lehr.

Quincy Carter
Tony Dixon
Willie Blade
Markus Steele
Matt Lehr
Deleroy Stewart
Colston Weatherington
John Nix
Char-ron Dorsey


Buahhhhhh.......

I liked John Nix...but only because I liked the "Trashcan full of Dirt" Nickname.

That draft was a pants full of poop...which kind of fits since we drafted willie blade. :D

[jjktkk]

Bro, I'm talking about the Cowboys specifically having other RB's rated over Felix and they still took Felix.

They had Jones and Mendenhall rated even. Obviously they took Jones.

[jjktkk]

I liked John Nix...but only because I liked the "Trashcan full of Dirt" Nickname.

That draft was a pants full of poop...which kind of fits since we drafted willie blade. :D

For alittle while back then, I actually had some hope for Blade becoming a player.