Kiper's 2 round Cowboys Picks

[CanadaBoys]

11. Dallas Cowboys (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfl/draft05/columns/http//sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=dal): Shawne Merriman (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=9068) (jr.), DE/OLB, Maryland
A workout warrior with incredible physical skills, Merriman would be an ideal end/linebacker combo in a 3-4 scheme. Not many players have the ability to start from a three-point stance or play on their feet at 274 pounds. Merriman is reminiscent of Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest, who was the first draft pick of the Patriots when current Cowboys coach Bill Parcells began his tenure in New England.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Buffalo): Roddy White (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=8951), WR, UAB
Getting Merriman at No. 11 would allow the Cowboys to fill another major void with White, who averaged 20 yards per catch during his senior season and was very good at both the Senior Bowl and the combine. The acquisition of quarterback Drew Bledsoe (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=766) means the Cowboys will have to find him some help in the passing game.

42. Dallas Cowboys (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=dal): Brodney Pool (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=9103) (jr.), S, Oklahoma
Was not as impressive as a junior as he was during his sophomore season, but Pool is instinctive and has good athletic ability. Along with former Oklahoma Sooner Roy Williams, Pool would make a nice OU tandem in Dallas' defensive backfield.


just wanted to look at them all together.... Not Bad.

I know people have a lot of feelings on Merriman and Pool both ways... I'm a little concerned he doesn't address DE AND OLB... just whichever Merriman would play.

He has White over Clayton which i disagree with. At least he's thinking along the right lines. I hate these drafts who do strange things like put a RB at 11 or something.

[Doomsday101]

Should the Cowboys make those selection I would have no problem at all with those player

[silverbear]

11. Dallas Cowboys (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfl/draft05/columns/http//sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=dal): Shawne Merriman (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=9068) (jr.), DE/OLB, Maryland
A workout warrior with incredible physical skills, Merriman would be an ideal end/linebacker combo in a 3-4 scheme. Not many players have the ability to start from a three-point stance or play on their feet at 274 pounds. Merriman is reminiscent of Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest, who was the first draft pick of the Patriots when current Cowboys coach Bill Parcells began his tenure in New England.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Buffalo): Roddy White (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=8951), WR, UAB
Getting Merriman at No. 11 would allow the Cowboys to fill another major void with White, who averaged 20 yards per catch during his senior season and was very good at both the Senior Bowl and the combine. The acquisition of quarterback Drew Bledsoe (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=766) means the Cowboys will have to find him some help in the passing game.

42. Dallas Cowboys (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=dal): Brodney Pool (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=9103) (jr.), S, Oklahoma
Was not as impressive as a junior as he was during his sophomore season, but Pool is instinctive and has good athletic ability. Along with former Oklahoma Sooner Roy Williams, Pool would make a nice OU tandem in Dallas' defensive backfield.


just wanted to look at them all together.... Not Bad.

I know people have a lot of feelings on Merriman and Pool both ways... I'm a little concerned he doesn't address DE AND OLB... just whichever Merriman would play.

He has White over Clayton which i disagree with. At least he's thinking along the right lines. I hate these drafts who do strange things like put a RB at 11 or something.


Substitute Josh Bullocks for Pool, and that's pretty close to my dream first day...

[Hostile]

:puke:

Hate it.

[MichaelWinicki]

Why is it everyone thinks our LBers are that horrid? With Ferguson and probably an upgraded DE out there and you'll see our linebackers go back to being very serviceable. We've got bigger holes at FS and OT than we do at LB.

[2233boys]

11. Dallas Cowboys (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfl/draft05/columns/http//sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=dal): Shawne Merriman (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=9068) (jr.), DE/OLB, Maryland
A workout warrior with incredible physical skills, Merriman would be an ideal end/linebacker combo in a 3-4 scheme. Not many players have the ability to start from a three-point stance or play on their feet at 274 pounds. Merriman is reminiscent of Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest, who was the first draft pick of the Patriots when current Cowboys coach Bill Parcells began his tenure in New England.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Buffalo): Roddy White (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=8951), WR, UAB
Getting Merriman at No. 11 would allow the Cowboys to fill another major void with White, who averaged 20 yards per catch during his senior season and was very good at both the Senior Bowl and the combine. The acquisition of quarterback Drew Bledsoe (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=766) means the Cowboys will have to find him some help in the passing game.

42. Dallas Cowboys (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=dal): Brodney Pool (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=9103) (jr.), S, Oklahoma
Was not as impressive as a junior as he was during his sophomore season, but Pool is instinctive and has good athletic ability. Along with former Oklahoma Sooner Roy Williams, Pool would make a nice OU tandem in Dallas' defensive backfield.


just wanted to look at them all together.... Not Bad.

I know people have a lot of feelings on Merriman and Pool both ways... I'm a little concerned he doesn't address DE AND OLB... just whichever Merriman would play.

He has White over Clayton which i disagree with. At least he's thinking along the right lines. I hate these drafts who do strange things like put a RB at 11 or something.


Don't mind that either, would like to have Brown RT at 20 if he is there.

[Dale]

Why is it everyone thinks our LBers are that horrid? With Ferguson and probably an upgraded DE out there and you'll see our linebackers go back to being very serviceable. We've got bigger holes at FS and OT than we do at LB.

I don't trust Bradie James. I feel his instincts and overall understanding of the scheme have proven to be subpar at this level. He has yet to make a play in his two seasons in the NFL, and is constantly out of position every game he plays.

I think it was the Giants game where on three consecutive plays he was out of position allowing Barber to dart for 10+ yards per play.

[cowheel]

11. Dallas Cowboys (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfl/draft05/columns/http//sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=dal): Shawne Merriman (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=9068) (jr.), DE/OLB, Maryland
A workout warrior with incredible physical skills, Merriman would be an ideal end/linebacker combo in a 3-4 scheme. Not many players have the ability to start from a three-point stance or play on their feet at 274 pounds. Merriman is reminiscent of Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest, who was the first draft pick of the Patriots when current Cowboys coach Bill Parcells began his tenure in New England.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Buffalo): Roddy White (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=8951), WR, UAB
Getting Merriman at No. 11 would allow the Cowboys to fill another major void with White, who averaged 20 yards per catch during his senior season and was very good at both the Senior Bowl and the combine. The acquisition of quarterback Drew Bledsoe (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=766) means the Cowboys will have to find him some help in the passing game.

42. Dallas Cowboys (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=dal): Brodney Pool (http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=9103) (jr.), S, Oklahoma
Was not as impressive as a junior as he was during his sophomore season, but Pool is instinctive and has good athletic ability. Along with former Oklahoma Sooner Roy Williams, Pool would make a nice OU tandem in Dallas' defensive backfield.


just wanted to look at them all together.... Not Bad.

I know people have a lot of feelings on Merriman and Pool both ways... I'm a little concerned he doesn't address DE AND OLB... just whichever Merriman would play.

He has White over Clayton which i disagree with. At least he's thinking along the right lines. I hate these drafts who do strange things like put a RB at 11 or something.
Remove the WR in the 1st round and add an OT or DE or LB...
we'd be on to something...

[Doomsday101]

Why is it everyone thinks our LBers are that horrid? With Ferguson and probably an upgraded DE out there and you'll see our linebackers go back to being very serviceable. We've got bigger holes at FS and OT than we do at LB.

If the Cowboys do take Merriman I don't think they are looking at him as strickly a LB. My opinion I think they see him as a guy who can play in the 4-3 as well as a guy who can play the OLB in the 3-4

[ABQCOWBOY]

:puke:

Hate it.

I agree.

[k19]

me no likey

[ABQCOWBOY]

I think LB is a big need. I think Singleton adds very little. Coakly is gone and James really hasn't shown up. I think Dat is good but one season injury free does not solidfy that position either. I think LB is a big need but I don't think it has to be a guy who can play in either scheme. I personally believe it's a mistake to try and play both defenses. I think 43 or 34 but not both. I could live with 90% of which ever base and maybe 10 of the other just to show a different look but I don't think you can play a 60/40 split and do well with either. We have to decide which it is and then find the right players IMO. This stuff of going for a guy who can play both is for the birds IMO. Get a guy who is great in one or the other and be done with it.

[Alexander]

I don't see what is not to like here.

You have Merriman who is a pass rusher.

You have a WR with potential late in the first round.

You have a free safety.

I guess if you are all excited about getting Mike Williams, you might be a little disturbed.

[Eddie]

Don't be surprised if JJ and BP make a bold move no one expects them to do. Get the 's out and be ready.

I have a feeling neither Merriman nor Ware are on the target list...

[Alexander]

Don't be surprised if JJ and BP make a bold move no one expects them to do. Get the 's out and be ready.

I have a feeling neither Merriman nor Ware are on the target list...

Well, that leaves what? David Pollack or Erasmus James?

I know we like to be sly on draft day but if we ignore pass rusher and turn down a deal with the Saints for Howard then we are playing with fire.

One way or another a pass rusher has to come with our first pick whether it is at 11 or elsewhere.

[ABQCOWBOY]

I don't see what is not to like here.

You have Merriman who is a pass rusher.

You have a WR with potential late in the first round.

You have a free safety.

I guess if you are all excited about getting Mike Williams, you might be a little disturbed.

I don't see the need for a WR in the first unless it's Edwards or Williams. I don't see a pass rusher here unless your playing a 34. Merriman has not proven to be a pass rushing DE. Can he do it? Possibly but certainly no track record to go on. Pool does not excite me at FS. All the physical but doesn't really play center field all that well IMO. None of these guys thrill me so there ya go. That's what I see and why I don't love it.

[Charles]

:puke:

Hate it.
Don't worry Hos. The 1st time any mediots other than Gosselin gets the Cowboys draft right will be the 1st time in maybe a Decade.

I can almost gurrantee none of these guys will ever wear a star.

[LeonDixson]

Kiper and others keep making the observation that we don't have targets for Bledsoe to throw to. If we suffer injuries again to Key and/or Glenn then that may be true. And I am not opposed to adding a WR in this draft because we do need some young talent to develop. However, I think we have a pretty good receiving corps right now when healthy, including a pro-bowl TE. Better than a lot of teams out there. I like what Crayton showed this year too.

In short, we don't HAVE to draft a WR. If one with high value falls to us, then great, draft him; but it is not a must situation.

[CanadaBoys]

Remove the WR in the 1st round and add an OT or DE or LB...
we'd be on to something...

Ummm... Wr may be our biggest need.... It takes 2-3 years for a WR to adjust to the NFL game. I'm not sure Glenn or Key will last that long. T may not take top priority for THIS year, but it will very son and we'd be glad we spent a 1st on a WR now in a couple years when he's ready when needed, instead of drafting too late and being in a bind for a couple years,

[dbair1967]

Substitute Josh Bullocks for Pool, and that's pretty close to my dream first day...

I dont think Pool makes it to our spot at 42, and while I like Bullucks I think 42 is too high for him

David

[BrAinPaiNt]

The only one of the three I like is Merriman.

I think poole is a poor choice and would rather have bullocks.

I honestly can't say much about Roddy as I have not seen him play.

[Hollywood Henderson]

Mike: We need LBers who can make big plays...Dat can't & the scheme doesn't allow them to be made ether...

Dale: You say James hasn't made plays, but the games I watch its Dat that doesn't make the plays and gets run over or around...

A move to a 3-4 would allow James to be a start IMHO...

I like this mock, except I agree with the other poster, I like Bullock over Poole.

[Alexander]

Mike: We need LBers who can make big plays...Dat can't & the scheme doesn't allow them to be made ether...

Dale: You say James hasn't made plays, but the games I watch its Dat that doesn't make the plays and gets run over or around...

A move to a 3-4 would allow James to be a start IMHO...

I like this mock, except I agree with the other poster, I like Bullock over Poole.

Dat had a very bad year you are right.

But Brady James was horrific in spot duty and blew assignments left and right. Since Coakley is out of the picture, that leaves him as a starter. That is a frightening prospect with nobody to push him to improve. We do need a LB.

[Nors]

Why is it everyone thinks our LBers are that horrid? With Ferguson and probably an upgraded DE out there and you'll see our linebackers go back to being very serviceable. We've got bigger holes at FS and OT than we do at LB.

1) Draft BPA
2) We need defensive playmakers in front 7
3) OT after Alex Barron - no upgrades out there
4) Weak FS draft

Don't draft weak players to fix a "need" You end up with a bunch oF AVERAGE PLAYERS EVERYWHERE! :banghead: WIN 5 OR 6 GAMES AND START OVER.

[LA=Pancakemaker]

Hate it.

DITTO! KIPER DOESNT HAVE A CLUE!

[tunahelper36]

If the Cowboys ended up with a reciever in the first , I'd be one happy camper.