Pre-Draft Press Conference... Recap Post #50

[StevenOtero]

http://www.dallascowboys.com/multimedia/multimedia_center.cfm?id=E3131EEA-E9FE-999F-E29A63711F362FAA

[StevenOtero]

Right now it's Jerry and Marc Colombo.

[Mr Cowboy]

Jerry announcing Columbo retirement, Marc will speak next.

[GloryDaysRBack]

Piece of crap iPhone!

Cant watch it

[InmanRoshi]

Ill recap it, but I'm skipping Colombo's retirement speech.

[Chocolate Lab]

Colombo getting a little choked up. Very grateful to Jerry for having this ceremony.

[Bluestang]

What a neat story about Garrett.

[StevenOtero]

Ha, about his son Jack: "Hopefully he'll be a Dallas Cowboy someday"

[InmanRoshi]

Jerry sounds like he's leaving the door open to Colombo joining the organization in some manner. If we're looking to groom an ex-player as an assitant OL coach, you could do a lot worse than Colombo. He was coached by some good ones between Sporano and Houck.

[SDCowboy85]

One of the best pressers in a long time.

[StevenOtero]

lol

http://i.imgur.com/mkCq7.png

[StevenOtero]

Wait, wait, you mean the draft is tomorrow? :D

[Bluestang]

On the story about Garrett:

Houck had a team dinner and invited everyone. Almost everyone showed up except Garrett and come to find out Garrett was the at the team facility looking at film to get the team better.


Garrett gives a short story on Marc:

Every Friday when the Cowboys were working on goalline and short yardage packages Colombo asked Garrett to use him as a TE because when he was in 9th grade he said that he knew how to run a flag pattern. Needless to say that didn't happen but Stephen remarks that it was because Colombo didn't know how to celebrate a TD.

[Mr Cowboy]

The audio quality is terrible.

[StevenOtero]

The audio quality is terrible.Yeah, I'm only getting the left channel here.

[StevenOtero]

"I would not preclude looking (at guard), either in the first, second or third round," -Jerry Jones

https://twitter.com/#!/DCStarJEllis/status/195195747753410560

[SDCowboy85]

Whats that damn clicking noise?

[thisisepic]

The audio quality is terrible.

Yeah its horrible.

[SDCowboy85]

Jerry says there are players they would move up for.

[a_minimalist]

Jerry says there are players they would move up for.

barron or cox :D

and i'd be okay with it. i know a lot of you wouldn't. but with all of the rumblings about movement you have to be aggressive if you want someone bad enough. sitting around just doesn't seem like an effective approach in this draft.

[thisisepic]

Jerry mess up? Never!

[Bluestang]

Did I hear something correctly early on that they are using some type of new grading system?

[a_minimalist]

Did I hear something correctly early on that they are using some type of new grading system?

yes sir

[Bluestang]

I wonder how the system changed and who influenced that...

[a_minimalist]

I wonder how the system changed and who influenced that...

well i think jj mentioned the change in the rookie pay scale and that being an influencer

[panchucko]

BPA, what an idea

[Bluestang]

Taking BPA no matter what the depth they have.

[DEZBRYANT x88x]

hmmmm

[MonsterD]

Wait, wait, you mean the draft is tomorrow? :D

Link or is not happening. :cool:

[DEZBRYANT x88x]

Gag me about Spencer -______-

[KJJ]

Yeah its horrible.


The audio quality is good on my end I just keep losing the audio every few minutes for about 30 sec.

[Bluestang]

Some of these questions are terrible.

[DEZBRYANT x88x]

Some of these questions are terrible.
Yeah just ask them, WHO ARE YOU DRAFTING?!!!!:D

[kojak]

I am listening through headphones and my right ear feels lonely :(

[Mr Cowboy]

"we don't have to address the pass rush for this draft to be a success." "We like Butler, and of course we're very happy with Spencer." "We're not in trouble at all if we don't come out with a pass rusher." Jerry

[a_minimalist]

I am listening through headphones and my right ear feels lonely :(

:lmao2:

[StevenOtero]

Gag me about Spencer -______-:lmao: http://i.imgur.com/vhbWj.jpg

I know, I'm getting tired of hearing how 'good' Spencer is.

[Bluestang]

"we don't have to address the pass rush for this draft to be a success." "We like Butler, and of course we're very happy with Spencer." "We're not in trouble at all if we don't come out with a pass rusher." Jerry


To be fair the question asked was just flat out idiotic. Do you really think Jerry would say no it wouldn't be successful - that would just tip their hand.

What you got was Jerry speak there.

[StevenOtero]

"Ciskowski says OL & OLB are deep positions in draft. I wonder if less likely to draft those positions in 1st (ie DeCastro, Ingram, Upshaw)"

https://twitter.com/#!/derekeagleton/status/195200653671403520

[a_minimalist]

JG is the Evil Genius.

[Mr Cowboy]

To be fair the question asked was just flat out idiotic. Do you really think Jerry would say no it wouldn't be successful - that would just tip their hand.

What you got was Jerry speak there.
Perhaps to say that we would like to find help with our pass rush.

[StevenOtero]

Garrett: "Nobody is a day one starter, regardless of where we draft them they have to come in and earn that..."

[Bluestang]

Perhaps to say that we would like to find help with our pass rush.

Of course they would, when he talked about trading up seemed like a player like Cox would be the target.

[a_minimalist]

i love how jerry tried to pretend like he wasn't directing the questions to the coaches. lol what a joke that was.

[StevenOtero]

i love how jerry tried to pretend like he wasn't directing the questions to the coaches. lol what a joke that was.Yeah, how cute...lol

[SDCowboy85]

Wow just noticed the mics have little lcd screens on them for ads! What an age we live in. :laugh2:

[a_minimalist]

Yeah, how cute...lol

i still like him but he's such an overbearing control freak. it's written all over him whenever he talks.

[noshame]

LOL when they began speaking about Decastro not one of them could utter a clear sentence, welcome aboard David:)

[a_minimalist]

LOL when they began speaking about Decastro not one of them could utter a clear sentence, welcome aboard David:)

Same thing with Barron.

[InmanRoshi]

A month ago you said there wasn’t a need in the draft for guard, still feel that way?
JJ: We feel good about what we did in FA and it lets us pick one or not pick one. We’ve spend the last few months and the Senior Bowl looking at good players who could immediately make a contribution and help us even if we did load up in free agency. We got good options there, and I would not preclude looking at an OL in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd.

You hear the talk about guys moving up and down boards, believe any of it?
JJ: You know it’s amazing Goose has shown us you can track the boards pretty good in the first round. We’ve enjoyed the fruits of Goose’s labor of communicating around the league, but I take some credence in what we hear but we don’t make decisions on that. We do that on the opinions of Tom and Jason and Stephen, but I keep up with your reports. We watch all that.

You were on the edge of an NFL East Title, is this draft a difference maker?
JJ: Since we played our last ball game I think you can see good changes, whether by subtraction or addition, plusses and minuses, of will be a part of where we are on the field next fall. It won’t be the draft alone that is the thing that gives us a better record or play better, but all the new faces.

Active trader on past drafts, thoughts on trading in this draft?
JJ: This is the first year that we’ve been in this system of putting value on draftpicks in the new CBA. It has changed the dynamics of the draft, and I think it will cause more movement than the past. We would absolutely not hesitate to move down, and if there is a specific opportunity to move up. We go through those scenerios a lot, and will continue to tonight.

Focusing on adding playmakers on defense?
JJ: We got a real good way to go offensively that I think could make an impact in this draft. Defensively, no doubt there are some of the top players there that could make a difference for us this year. I know this, we have put ourselves in a position where we don’t have to make a decision and as long as we just don’t make mistakes then we could have players who could play for us this fall.

Trading up just for one particular guy?
JJ: We’ve done that exercise, and in essence asked how many guys would entice us to move up. It depends on the cost. Maybe you can get a better value just moving up one or two spots. I don’t want to say one player, but there are player or players we could move up for.

Characteristics you’re looking?
JG: We have physical parameters at every position. Those become starting points for the discussions. We talk about makeup a lot. What makes them tick.

You said ‘as long as we don’t make mistakes’. What kind of mistakes are you afraid of?
JJ: Guys that have the right kind of motor and track record of competing and work ethic. We call that make up. Go down through the top picks and find 20% that have grades for outstanding makeup. It’s not an evaluation that’s easily given out to players. Tom will tell you that’s continually being factored in with our scouting grades. We always ask Do they practice like Ratliff? We don’t want to get enamored with other things that might make him impressive, but stick to the fact that within a week he’s got to get on the field with guys with a work ethic he’s never seen before. If we don’t make a mistake with makeup or off the field issues, we got them ranked pretty good on the board and measured real well.

Alabama Pro Day visit impressions?
JG: Anyone who follows college football knows its as an elite of a program as there is. They have 5 first round caliber picks, so that was my motivation to just go down there and visit with those guys. It’s a competitive environment and a special program.

Do you think it’s tricky they could make each other better than they really are?
TC. You take that into consideration, but mostly you look for specific things in how they would look for us in our scheme. But yes, it reminds me of Miami a few years ago where they all fed off each other, and we want to create that where they could push existing our existing players like Ware and Murray.

Deepest positions in the draft?
TC: I think there is depth at OL and OLB. There are players that can fit in and play.

Evaluating for Rob Ryan style of defense?
JG: It’s nothing unique to Rob. It’s measurable and intangibles and not making mistakes on a guy with how they tick. We want tough, competitive, love to play football. We want them on offense, defense in this organization.

Is it tougher to evaluate safeties with a new passing league?
TC Depends on the scheme. Some like interchangeable safeties. With the way college is spreading the ball all over the field, it’s easy to tell if they can cover. It’s changed more for scouts to determine if he has the ability to cover in man and zone.

Defensive Ends at the top clumped together, how do you differentiate them?
TC. Depends on the makeup. That triggers a light on everyone. We have a cross check for each position, but they also know our current team’s needs before we send them out to evaluate. You find out the character of the player. Does his skill level fit for us? Some players might be great but might be too short for us. You trust your gut and see what best fits.

Do you think you have a lot of holes to fill?
TC: No. We’ve got depth at some positions. If we weren’t drafting today we could go out and play tomorrow, so we’ll take whatever the best player on the board is.
Jerry: I’ll add we wouldn’t hestitate in a minute to draft a great player at a position we’re currently long at. We’re going to basically address this thing like we have a big need at every position.

Does it ever get to a point that talent overcomes character risk?
JJ: The lower rounds you’re more likely to take a risk, but we got that built into our grading system. We have it in the system when can he be ready to start or not start. So yes, we can and will do it. We’ve passed on players for on the field issues, but also drafted and had success issues with issues when we drafted them.

Can this draft be a success without a pass rusher?
JJ: Yes, we like what Butler brings. Obviously Spencer and Ware. We think Butler gives us a chance. He can’t do everything Spencer does on every down, but he can give us pass rush.

Spencer and Jenkins are UFA, do you draft at that position to give you leverage for next year?
JJ: You’re an afternoon away from having Spencer with 5 years left on his contract. You can remedy a contract situation real quick if you choose to. It takes two to tango, but you must think Spencer is worth a long term investment, and we do.

So where are you on the Spencer negotiations? One afternoon away?
SJ: No, but they can happen fast.

Roster expansion to 90 players?
SJ: We pride ourselves on our college free agency. We’ve done well in that area historically and found some good players.

When woul you start looking at character risks?
JG: It’s all about a sliding scale. You always want guys with great makeup. It’s a big key to success. You’re more willing to look at a player with more ability and figure out if they have a fatal character flaw. Then you have to ask if there’s something you can help them with, and if it’s worth it, where can you take them. There’s not a black and white rule.

How many players in this draft do you see starters or competing as starters?
JG: Our objective every year is to find starters in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Day 1 starters? No one can say that, but you would like to find starters and the sooner the better. 4th round might be a teams guys or a guy with a particular defined roles. 5th, 6th and 7th you look for guys with specific traits. Guys with measurable or makeup that can lead to a player down the road. We’re all optimistic and maybe naïve enough that we can judge these players as possible starters.

Guards usually aren’t take high in thedraft. Does DeCastro break the mold?
TC: We’re sitting in a sweet spot in the draft and I don’t think you can apply that old mold. We could move up or down. We don’t target a specific player but we see a group of players that could help us . Naoeole was taken with a Top 10 pick. DeCastro is a good football player and we recongnize that.
JJ: He has makeup, so he’s certainly a guy we would do well with for a combination of things. It’s not too high there.

Could he be a Day 1 starter as a center?
JG NO one is a Day 1 starter, he has to earn it. But any guy you draft that highly you hope could start. He was a G in college and has some position flex in a practice situation, but I haven’t seen him do it in the Pac 10. He hasn’t done it.

Does Spencer singing his tender effect your draft?
JJ We would have operated as though he’s signed it. Not signing it doesn’t benefit anyone, him or us.

Jenkins contract and signing Carr to much money effect your need at CB?
JJ: Scandrick we resigned last year. There are CBs I the top of this draft that will be highly paid. Our budget allows us to pay CBs well. Guys that cover and put pressure on the QB are the key points of where were spend our money. Ideally you wouldn’t want all your CBS loaded up at the same time.

Would you take another redshirt year players who are injured like Bruce Carter?
JG: I think you would rather have the player ready on Day 1. There aren’t that many players who fill that bill. Bruce Carter had a 1st round grade, and an injury that we’ve seen about 100% come back from. We went into it with eyes wide open. We knew he was a guy who would start on PUP, and then later in the season start working his way into special teams and then compete for a starting spot in Year 2, and that’s what he’s been. Arkin similar guy with a small school background. We knew we needed patience with him in year 1 but someone who could come in and compete in years 2 and 3. We all want to win right now, and want to win going forward. WE’re building a team for 2012 and foreward.

Do you have a consensus in the room on the plan after building the board, or does the discussion still continue?
JJ: We discuss til the pick is made, but we have consensus. Everyone at this table has been exposed to 99% of the info we’ll consider. It’s not like a coordinator who only studies his side of the ball. These guys have all the info at their computers. On a personal basis I’m very confident that when were in there tmw night no one will be arguing . We’re all on the same page at this point.

Have you had disagreement to this point?
JJ: Absolutely. Rightfully so. The negatives for each player have been well aired out. We all have one thing in common, we don’t feel we’re hostage at any spot in the draft.

Evaluating TEs in the passing game?
JG: I don’t know if it’s changed, players are different because of high school and college offenses. There aren’t many true on the line Y TEs. There’s not a lot of true 21 personnel FBs. Typically TEs in college aren’t blocking NFL type DE like they will in the NFL. You see more the receiving TEs. The NFL has become more of a pass oriented league in recent years, and TE have been part of it. We’re fortunate to have one of the elite TEs in the game and one of the rare guys who can play Y, run routes from that position, and move him around.

Barron athletic enough to cover TEs?
TC: Yes. Played in the SEC. He’s covered players at that level.

Arbitration Hearing in May effected your offseason?
JJ: It impacted to some degree, but hats off to Stephen. We haven’t missed anything we would have otherwise done without the cap reduction. I can’t say anything regarding the issues of the hearing, but we certainly are hopeful the mediator will see our side of it.

[burmafrd]

The EPA has sent out a smog alert due to the smoke generated at VR.

[Dallas]

A month ago you said there wasn’t a need in the draft for guard, still feel that way?
JJ: We feel good about what we did in FA and it lets us pick one or not pick one. We’ve spend the last few months and the Senior Bowl looking at good players who could immediately make a contribution and help us even if we did load up in free agency. We got good options there, and I would not preclude looking at an OL in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd.



Excellent work and thanks for the recap, IR.

[CATCH17]

Garrett: "Nobody is a day one starter, regardless of where we draft them they have to come in and earn that..."

Ahhhhhh, Garrett and his cliches...

[Dash28]

Thanks for the recap IR.

[visionary]

makes me feel a little better

:bow: :bow: to IR as usual

[jobberone]

You r golden IR. tx

[cowboy_ron]

A month ago you said there wasn’t a need in the draft for guard, still feel that way?
JJ: We feel good about what we did in FA and it lets us pick one or not pick one. We’ve spend the last few months and the Senior Bowl looking at good players who could immediately make a contribution and help us even if we did load up in free agency. We got good options there, and I would not preclude looking at an OL in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd.

You hear the talk about guys moving up and down boards, believe any of it?
JJ: You know it’s amazing Goose has shown us you can track the boards pretty good in the first round. We’ve enjoyed the fruits of Goose’s labor of communicating around the league, but I take some credence in what we hear but we don’t make decisions on that. We do that on the opinions of Tom and Jason and Stephen, but I keep up with your reports. We watch all that.

You were on the edge of an NFL East Title, is this draft a difference maker?
JJ: Since we played our last ball game I think you can see good changes, whether by subtraction or addition, plusses and minuses, of will be a part of where we are on the field next fall. It won’t be the draft alone that is the thing that gives us a better record or play better, but all the new faces.

Active trader on past drafts, thoughts on trading in this draft?
JJ: This is the first year that we’ve been in this system of putting value on draftpicks in the new CBA. It has changed the dynamics of the draft, and I think it will cause more movement than the past. We would absolutely not hesitate to move down, and if there is a specific opportunity to move up. We go through those scenerios a lot, and will continue to tonight.

Focusing on adding playmakers on defense?
JJ: We got a real good way to go offensively that I think could make an impact in this draft. Defensively, no doubt there are some of the top players there that could make a difference for us this year. I know this, we have put ourselves in a position where we don’t have to make a decision and as long as we just don’t make mistakes then we could have players who could play for us this fall.

Trading up just for one particular guy?
JJ: We’ve done that exercise, and in essence asked how many guys would entice us to move up. It depends on the cost. Maybe you can get a better value just moving up one or two spots. I don’t want to say one player, but there are player or players we could move up for.

Characteristics you’re looking?
JG: We have physical parameters at every position. Those become starting points for the discussions. We talk about makeup a lot. What makes them tick.

You said ‘as long as we don’t make mistakes’. What kind of mistakes are you afraid of?
JJ: Guys that have the right kind of motor and track record of competing and work ethic. We call that make up. Go down through the top picks and find 20% that have grades for outstanding makeup. It’s not an evaluation that’s easily given out to players. Tom will tell you that’s continually being factored in with our scouting grades. We always ask Do they practice like Ratliff? We don’t want to get enamored with other things that might make him impressive, but stick to the fact that within a week he’s got to get on the field with guys with a work ethic he’s never seen before. If we don’t make a mistake with makeup or off the field issues, we got them ranked pretty good on the board and measured real well.

Alabama Pro Day visit impressions?
JG: Anyone who follows college football knows its as an elite of a program as there is. They have 5 first round caliber picks, so that was my motivation to just go down there and visit with those guys. It’s a competitive environment and a special program.

Do you think it’s tricky they could make each other better than they really are?
TC. You take that into consideration, but mostly you look for specific things in how they would look for us in our scheme. But yes, it reminds me of Miami a few years ago where they all fed off each other, and we want to create that where they could push existing our existing players like Ware and Murray.

Deepest positions in the draft?
TC: I think there is depth at OL and OLB. There are players that can fit in and play.

Evaluating for Rob Ryan style of defense?
JG: It’s nothing unique to Rob. It’s measurable and intangibles and not making mistakes on a guy with how they tick. We want tough, competitive, love to play football. We want them on offense, defense in this organization.

Is it tougher to evaluate safeties with a new passing league?
TC Depends on the scheme. Some like interchangeable safeties. With the way college is spreading the ball all over the field, it’s easy to tell if they can cover. It’s changed more for scouts to determine if he has the ability to cover in man and zone.

Defensive Ends at the top clumped together, how do you differentiate them?
TC. Depends on the makeup. That triggers a light on everyone. We have a cross check for each position, but they also know our current team’s needs before we send them out to evaluate. You find out the character of the player. Does his skill level fit for us? Some players might be great but might be too short for us. You trust your gut and see what best fits.

Do you think you have a lot of holes to fill?
TC: No. We’ve got depth at some positions. If we weren’t drafting today we could go out and play tomorrow, so we’ll take whatever the best player on the board is.
Jerry: I’ll add we wouldn’t hestitate in a minute to draft a great player at a position we’re currently long at. We’re going to basically address this thing like we have a big need at every position.

Does it ever get to a point that talent overcomes character risk?
JJ: The lower rounds you’re more likely to take a risk, but we got that built into our grading system. We have it in the system when can he be ready to start or not start. So yes, we can and will do it. We’ve passed on players for on the field issues, but also drafted and had success issues with issues when we drafted them.

Can this draft be a success without a pass rusher?
JJ: Yes, we like what Butler brings. Obviously Spencer and Ware. We think Butler gives us a chance. He can’t do everything Spencer does on every down, but he can give us pass rush.

Spencer and Jenkins are UFA, do you draft at that position to give you leverage for next year?
JJ: You’re an afternoon away from having Spencer with 5 years left on his contract. You can remedy a contract situation real quick if you choose to. It takes two to tango, but you must think Spencer is worth a long term investment, and we do.

So where are you on the Spencer negotiations? One afternoon away?
SJ: No, but they can happen fast.

Roster expansion to 90 players?
SJ: We pride ourselves on our college free agency. We’ve done well in that area historically and found some good players.

When woul you start looking at character risks?
JG: It’s all about a sliding scale. You always want guys with great makeup. It’s a big key to success. You’re more willing to look at a player with more ability and figure out if they have a fatal character flaw. Then you have to ask if there’s something you can help them with, and if it’s worth it, where can you take them. There’s not a black and white rule.

How many players in this draft do you see starters or competing as starters?
JG: Our objective every year is to find starters in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Day 1 starters? No one can say that, but you would like to find starters and the sooner the better. 4th round might be a teams guys or a guy with a particular defined roles. 5th, 6th and 7th you look for guys with specific traits. Guys with measurable or makeup that can lead to a player down the road. We’re all optimistic and maybe naïve enough that we can judge these players as possible starters.

Guards usually aren’t take high in thedraft. Does DeCastro break the mold?
TC: We’re sitting in a sweet spot in the draft and I don’t think you can apply that old mold. We could move up or down. We don’t target a specific player but we see a group of players that could help us . Naoeole was taken with a Top 10 pick. DeCastro is a good football player and we recongnize that.
JJ: He has makeup, so he’s certainly a guy we would do well with for a combination of things. It’s not too high there.

Could he be a Day 1 starter as a center?
JG NO one is a Day 1 starter, he has to earn it. But any guy you draft that highly you hope could start. He was a G in college and has some position flex in a practice situation, but I haven’t seen him do it in the Pac 10. He hasn’t done it.

Does Spencer singing his tender effect your draft?
JJ We would have operated as though he’s signed it. Not signing it doesn’t benefit anyone, him or us.

Jenkins contract and signing Carr to much money effect your need at CB?
JJ: Scandrick we resigned last year. There are CBs I the top of this draft that will be highly paid. Our budget allows us to pay CBs well. Guys that cover and put pressure on the QB are the key points of where were spend our money. Ideally you wouldn’t want all your CBS loaded up at the same time.

Would you take another redshirt year players who are injured like Bruce Carter?
JG: I think you would rather have the player ready on Day 1. There aren’t that many players who fill that bill. Bruce Carter had a 1st round grade, and an injury that we’ve seen about 100% come back from. We went into it with eyes wide open. We knew he was a guy who would start on PUP, and then later in the season start working his way into special teams and then compete for a starting spot in Year 2, and that’s what he’s been. Arkin similar guy with a small school background. We knew we needed patience with him in year 1 but someone who could come in and compete in years 2 and 3. We all want to win right now, and want to win going forward. WE’re building a team for 2012 and foreward.

Do you have a consensus in the room on the plan after building the board, or does the discussion still continue?
JJ: We discuss til the pick is made, but we have consensus. Everyone at this table has been exposed to 99% of the info we’ll consider. It’s not like a coordinator who only studies his side of the ball. These guys have all the info at their computers. On a personal basis I’m very confident that when were in there tmw night no one will be arguing . We’re all on the same page at this point.

Have you had disagreement to this point?
JJ: Absolutely. Rightfully so. The negatives for each player have been well aired out. We all have one thing in common, we don’t feel we’re hostage at any spot in the draft.

Evaluating TEs in the passing game?
JG: I don’t know if it’s changed, players are different because of high school and college offenses. There aren’t many true on the line Y TEs. There’s not a lot of true 21 personnel FBs. Typically TEs in college aren’t blocking NFL type DE like they will in the NFL. You see more the receiving TEs. The NFL has become more of a pass oriented league in recent years, and TE have been part of it. We’re fortunate to have one of the elite TEs in the game and one of the rare guys who can play Y, run routes from that position, and move him around.

Barron athletic enough to cover TEs?
TC: Yes. Played in the SEC. He’s covered players at that level.

Arbitration Hearing in May effected your offseason?
JJ: It impacted to some degree, but hats off to Stephen. We haven’t missed anything we would have otherwise done without the cap reduction. I can’t say anything regarding the issues of the hearing, but we certainly are hopeful the mediator will see our side of it.
Great read...awesome job..thanks

[kTXe]

Just want to add my appreciation for the awesome recap, IR. I've noticed a few from you recently. Are we getting back to the Golden Era of Incredible IR Recaps? Definitely one of the best and most appreciated contributions to this board.

[rocboy22]

Just want to add my appreciation for the awesome recap, IR. I've noticed a few from you recently. Are we getting back to the Golden Era of Incredible IR Recaps? Definitely one of the best and most appreciated contributions to this board.


I agree. I am new to this forum recently and have already read a couple of these. awesome, and much appreciated

[Sam I Am]

Mucho thanks IR.

[Doomsday]

Great recap, thanks man.

[Sam I Am]

Defensive Ends at the top clumped together, how do you differentiate them?
TC. Depends on the makeup. That triggers a light on everyone. We have a cross check for each position, but they also know our current team’s needs before we send them out to evaluate. You find out the character of the player. Does his skill level fit for us? Some players might be great but might be too short for us. You trust your gut and see what best fits.

Is it me or did Jerry flat out say Melvin Ingram was too short? :lmao2: :lmao: :laugh2:

[hipfake08]

Clears up a lot about what is going on.
Thanks for the detailed recap.

[utrunner07]

Garrett: "Nobody is a day one starter, regardless of where we draft them they have to come in and earn that..."

Unless Jerry gives them the free pass...

Once again this team is a joke and a circus...and as another poster pointed out a walking mouth of cliches (which are never backed up with actions).

[InmanRoshi]

Just want to add my appreciation for the awesome recap, IR. I've noticed a few from you recently. Are we getting back to the Golden Era of Incredible IR Recaps? Definitely one of the best and most appreciated contributions to this board.

I doubtful you'll see me back into full time recapping because other than drafts or new coaching hires there's really not much worth recapping.

I mostly liked recapping Parcells PCs because they were interesting to me. He was a good story teller. He wasn't afraid to pull back the curtain and give an honest critique of a player. People can make fun of him because he got a man crush on Willie Blade or Daleroy Stewart, but the nature of the salary cap era NFL is sometimes you just have to go with your gut and go with unheralded and unproven players. Nobody is building the 76 Steelers or 93 Cowboys roster these days. Sometimes these players let you down or don't meet your expectations. It happens to every coach in the NFL, at least Parcells had the stones to put his name on it. He was also easy to type up while listening because he concisely conveyed information. His narratives went from Point A to a Point B. Jerry is a nightmare to recap because he's the opposite of Parcells ... he starts out at Point A, then detours into Point D, then meanders over to Point N, then loops back over to Point G and then finally gets to Point B only after the "Where was I going with this?" lightbulb moment comes on. I could type up word for word what Jerry types and it's completely incoherent. I often times find myself having to paraphrase what I thought he meant, but then I'm puttting my own words into his mouth with my own biases.

I wasn't particularly compelled by Wade's PCs because there was too much sunshine pumping and he rarely said anything but glowing positives about everybody and everything. Garrett isn't much fun to recap because he rapid fires a bunch of cliches faster than I can type, and the end product isn't particularly informative or insightful.

The nice thing is DC.com archives all of this video and audio on their website, so no one has to depend on me.

[JBell523]

IR = my favorite poster
Is it me or did Jerry flat out say Melvin Ingram was too short? :lmao2: :lmao: :laugh2:

Naw. Victor Butler is only 6'2" so I don't know if OLB is the position he's referring to.

I know we love huge TE's and DE's. Seems like all our acquisitions in recent years at those positions have been 6'4", 6'5"+.

[pancakeman]

I know it's been said but I have to say it too: great job on the recap. Sincere thanks, InmanRoshi! :bow:

[DWAREZ]

I know it's been said but I have to say it too: great job on the recap. Sincere thanks, InmanRoshi! :bow:

Yes, a million thanks IR for this recap, it is truly appreciated!:)

[Risen Star]

Don't look now, boys. We're about 24 hours away.

I've been trying really hard not to get too excited. Because I'm often left disappointed in our eventual class. But it's hard. The future stars of tomorrow are for the taking this week and we've got as good a shot as anyone at them.

[5Stars]

Don't look now, boys. We're about 24 hours away.

I've been trying really hard not to get too excited. Because I'm often left disappointed in our eventual class. But it's hard. The future stars of tomorrow are for the taking this week and we've got as good a shot as anyone at them.

DeCastro, please!

I read from some experts (so called) that say he is as ready for starting in the NFL as any other player (was it Zimmerman for the Colsts?).

But, it was also said the he plays with a "mean streak" all the time. To me, that is what we need on offense....actually with the whole team.

[big dog cowboy]

A month ago you said there wasn’t a need in the draft for guard, still feel that way?
JJ: We feel good about what we did in FA and it lets us pick one or not pick one. We’ve spend the last few months and the Senior Bowl looking at good players who could immediately make a contribution and help us even if we did load up in free agency. We got good options there, and I would not preclude looking at an OL in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd.

You hear the talk about guys moving up and down boards, believe any of it?
JJ: You know it’s amazing Goose has shown us you can track the boards pretty good in the first round. We’ve enjoyed the fruits of Goose’s labor of communicating around the league, but I take some credence in what we hear but we don’t make decisions on that. We do that on the opinions of Tom and Jason and Stephen, but I keep up with your reports. We watch all that.

You were on the edge of an NFL East Title, is this draft a difference maker?
JJ: Since we played our last ball game I think you can see good changes, whether by subtraction or addition, plusses and minuses, of will be a part of where we are on the field next fall. It won’t be the draft alone that is the thing that gives us a better record or play better, but all the new faces.

Active trader on past drafts, thoughts on trading in this draft?
JJ: This is the first year that we’ve been in this system of putting value on draftpicks in the new CBA. It has changed the dynamics of the draft, and I think it will cause more movement than the past. We would absolutely not hesitate to move down, and if there is a specific opportunity to move up. We go through those scenerios a lot, and will continue to tonight.

Focusing on adding playmakers on defense?
JJ: We got a real good way to go offensively that I think could make an impact in this draft. Defensively, no doubt there are some of the top players there that could make a difference for us this year. I know this, we have put ourselves in a position where we don’t have to make a decision and as long as we just don’t make mistakes then we could have players who could play for us this fall.

Trading up just for one particular guy?
JJ: We’ve done that exercise, and in essence asked how many guys would entice us to move up. It depends on the cost. Maybe you can get a better value just moving up one or two spots. I don’t want to say one player, but there are player or players we could move up for.

Characteristics you’re looking?
JG: We have physical parameters at every position. Those become starting points for the discussions. We talk about makeup a lot. What makes them tick.

You said ‘as long as we don’t make mistakes’. What kind of mistakes are you afraid of?
JJ: Guys that have the right kind of motor and track record of competing and work ethic. We call that make up. Go down through the top picks and find 20% that have grades for outstanding makeup. It’s not an evaluation that’s easily given out to players. Tom will tell you that’s continually being factored in with our scouting grades. We always ask Do they practice like Ratliff? We don’t want to get enamored with other things that might make him impressive, but stick to the fact that within a week he’s got to get on the field with guys with a work ethic he’s never seen before. If we don’t make a mistake with makeup or off the field issues, we got them ranked pretty good on the board and measured real well.

Alabama Pro Day visit impressions?
JG: Anyone who follows college football knows its as an elite of a program as there is. They have 5 first round caliber picks, so that was my motivation to just go down there and visit with those guys. It’s a competitive environment and a special program.

Do you think it’s tricky they could make each other better than they really are?
TC. You take that into consideration, but mostly you look for specific things in how they would look for us in our scheme. But yes, it reminds me of Miami a few years ago where they all fed off each other, and we want to create that where they could push existing our existing players like Ware and Murray.

Deepest positions in the draft?
TC: I think there is depth at OL and OLB. There are players that can fit in and play.

Evaluating for Rob Ryan style of defense?
JG: It’s nothing unique to Rob. It’s measurable and intangibles and not making mistakes on a guy with how they tick. We want tough, competitive, love to play football. We want them on offense, defense in this organization.

Is it tougher to evaluate safeties with a new passing league?
TC Depends on the scheme. Some like interchangeable safeties. With the way college is spreading the ball all over the field, it’s easy to tell if they can cover. It’s changed more for scouts to determine if he has the ability to cover in man and zone.

Defensive Ends at the top clumped together, how do you differentiate them?
TC. Depends on the makeup. That triggers a light on everyone. We have a cross check for each position, but they also know our current team’s needs before we send them out to evaluate. You find out the character of the player. Does his skill level fit for us? Some players might be great but might be too short for us. You trust your gut and see what best fits.

Do you think you have a lot of holes to fill?
TC: No. We’ve got depth at some positions. If we weren’t drafting today we could go out and play tomorrow, so we’ll take whatever the best player on the board is.
Jerry: I’ll add we wouldn’t hestitate in a minute to draft a great player at a position we’re currently long at. We’re going to basically address this thing like we have a big need at every position.

Does it ever get to a point that talent overcomes character risk?
JJ: The lower rounds you’re more likely to take a risk, but we got that built into our grading system. We have it in the system when can he be ready to start or not start. So yes, we can and will do it. We’ve passed on players for on the field issues, but also drafted and had success issues with issues when we drafted them.

Can this draft be a success without a pass rusher?
JJ: Yes, we like what Butler brings. Obviously Spencer and Ware. We think Butler gives us a chance. He can’t do everything Spencer does on every down, but he can give us pass rush.

Spencer and Jenkins are UFA, do you draft at that position to give you leverage for next year?
JJ: You’re an afternoon away from having Spencer with 5 years left on his contract. You can remedy a contract situation real quick if you choose to. It takes two to tango, but you must think Spencer is worth a long term investment, and we do.

So where are you on the Spencer negotiations? One afternoon away?
SJ: No, but they can happen fast.

Roster expansion to 90 players?
SJ: We pride ourselves on our college free agency. We’ve done well in that area historically and found some good players.

When woul you start looking at character risks?
JG: It’s all about a sliding scale. You always want guys with great makeup. It’s a big key to success. You’re more willing to look at a player with more ability and figure out if they have a fatal character flaw. Then you have to ask if there’s something you can help them with, and if it’s worth it, where can you take them. There’s not a black and white rule.

How many players in this draft do you see starters or competing as starters?
JG: Our objective every year is to find starters in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Day 1 starters? No one can say that, but you would like to find starters and the sooner the better. 4th round might be a teams guys or a guy with a particular defined roles. 5th, 6th and 7th you look for guys with specific traits. Guys with measurable or makeup that can lead to a player down the road. We’re all optimistic and maybe naïve enough that we can judge these players as possible starters.

Guards usually aren’t take high in thedraft. Does DeCastro break the mold?
TC: We’re sitting in a sweet spot in the draft and I don’t think you can apply that old mold. We could move up or down. We don’t target a specific player but we see a group of players that could help us . Naoeole was taken with a Top 10 pick. DeCastro is a good football player and we recongnize that.
JJ: He has makeup, so he’s certainly a guy we would do well with for a combination of things. It’s not too high there.

Could he be a Day 1 starter as a center?
JG NO one is a Day 1 starter, he has to earn it. But any guy you draft that highly you hope could start. He was a G in college and has some position flex in a practice situation, but I haven’t seen him do it in the Pac 10. He hasn’t done it.

Does Spencer singing his tender effect your draft?
JJ We would have operated as though he’s signed it. Not signing it doesn’t benefit anyone, him or us.

Jenkins contract and signing Carr to much money effect your need at CB?
JJ: Scandrick we resigned last year. There are CBs I the top of this draft that will be highly paid. Our budget allows us to pay CBs well. Guys that cover and put pressure on the QB are the key points of where were spend our money. Ideally you wouldn’t want all your CBS loaded up at the same time.

Would you take another redshirt year players who are injured like Bruce Carter?
JG: I think you would rather have the player ready on Day 1. There aren’t that many players who fill that bill. Bruce Carter had a 1st round grade, and an injury that we’ve seen about 100% come back from. We went into it with eyes wide open. We knew he was a guy who would start on PUP, and then later in the season start working his way into special teams and then compete for a starting spot in Year 2, and that’s what he’s been. Arkin similar guy with a small school background. We knew we needed patience with him in year 1 but someone who could come in and compete in years 2 and 3. We all want to win right now, and want to win going forward. WE’re building a team for 2012 and foreward.

Do you have a consensus in the room on the plan after building the board, or does the discussion still continue?
JJ: We discuss til the pick is made, but we have consensus. Everyone at this table has been exposed to 99% of the info we’ll consider. It’s not like a coordinator who only studies his side of the ball. These guys have all the info at their computers. On a personal basis I’m very confident that when were in there tmw night no one will be arguing . We’re all on the same page at this point.

Have you had disagreement to this point?
JJ: Absolutely. Rightfully so. The negatives for each player have been well aired out. We all have one thing in common, we don’t feel we’re hostage at any spot in the draft.

Evaluating TEs in the passing game?
JG: I don’t know if it’s changed, players are different because of high school and college offenses. There aren’t many true on the line Y TEs. There’s not a lot of true 21 personnel FBs. Typically TEs in college aren’t blocking NFL type DE like they will in the NFL. You see more the receiving TEs. The NFL has become more of a pass oriented league in recent years, and TE have been part of it. We’re fortunate to have one of the elite TEs in the game and one of the rare guys who can play Y, run routes from that position, and move him around.

Barron athletic enough to cover TEs?
TC: Yes. Played in the SEC. He’s covered players at that level.

Arbitration Hearing in May effected your offseason?
JJ: It impacted to some degree, but hats off to Stephen. We haven’t missed anything we would have otherwise done without the cap reduction. I can’t say anything regarding the issues of the hearing, but we certainly are hopeful the mediator will see our side of it.
Great job! Thanks IR.

[JBond]

Just want to add my appreciation for the awesome recap, IR. I've noticed a few from you recently. Are we getting back to the Golden Era of Incredible IR Recaps? Definitely one of the best and most appreciated contributions to this board.

Could not agree more. I used to log on every day during training camps to get IR's recaps. He does a fantastic job. Much appreciated.

[Hostile]

What a neat story about Garrett.Now you know why I have been so high on him.

[cowboy_ron]

Unless Jerry gives them the free pass...

Once again this team is a joke and a circus...and as another poster pointed out a walking mouth of cliches (which are never backed up with actions).
:bang2:

[Beast_from_East]

LOL when they began speaking about Decastro not one of them could utter a clear sentence, welcome aboard David:)

Dude, you have "Romo will not be starting in 2014" in you sig, are you freaking high?

Who is going to beat him out, Orton?

:laugh2:

[Bluestang]

Now you know why I have been so high on him.


I always enjoy hearing these types of things about players and coaches. It gives so much insight in to their lives (or lack their of, really)

Marc Colombo added in his press conference that he was excited for the future of the team under Garrett.

For all the flak that Jerry gets he really did Marc a solid there by doing the PC w/ Colombo to make it official.

[Nightshade]

I always enjoy hearing these types of things about players and coaches. It gives so much insight in to their lives (or lack their of, really)

Marc Colombo added in his press conference that he was excited for the future of the team under Garrett.

For all the flak that Jerry gets he really did Marc a solid there by doing the PC w/ Colombo to make it official.

Totally agree. Marc really did work his butt off the entire time he was here and was a great leader by example guy. I don't think there's a single fan that isn't happy that he was recognized for how much he meant to the team in the relatively short time he wore the star.

[Zordon]

You got to love that story about Jason from Marc. I'm puting all my faith in the future with him.