Barrett Jones, where to play him?

[Manwiththeplan]

Okay, just wondering where we would play him? Let's say, we resign Spencer and sign Knighton/Franklin or any other NT in free agency, someone good enough that we don't have to take a guy in round 1 or 2, but likely not a long term answer. Then let's say we draft a RT in round 1 and he's there in round 2, do we play him at C or RG?

Either way we're stuck playing Costa or Bernadeau, but which one. As bad as Bernadeau's been at times, I wonder if he would be the lesser of two evils, and maybe playing in the same spot next to two better players, would make him better.

[tm1119]

I don't think hes big or strong enough to play OG in the NFL. He's better off at C where he can be used where he is at his best which is on the move in space. He just won't hold up very long if hes doing a lot of 1 on 1 blocking against the bigger DT's in the NFL in my opinion.

[Risen Star]

With Jones I think it depends on which team drafts him. He can be a very good C or G. Where do you need him?

I'd rather him play C here. I want to break up the mediocrity. I don't want Livings playing next to Costa playing next to Bernadeau. You play Jones at RG in this scenario and you'd still have Livings and Bernadeau side by side. I want Jones in the middle of that, capable of helping out either.

[xwalker]

Okay, just wondering where we would play him? Let's say, we resign Spencer and sign Knighton/Franklin or any other NT in free agency, someone good enough that we don't have to take a guy in round 1 or 2, but likely not a long term answer. Then let's say we draft a RT in round 1 and he's there in round 2, do we play him at C or RG?

Either way we're stuck playing Costa or Bernadeau, but which one. As bad as Bernadeau's been at times, I wonder if he would be the lesser of two evils, and maybe playing in the same spot next to two better players, would make him better.

IMO, Costa at OC is better than Bernadeau at OG.

In any scenario, I wouldn't play Rookies or 1st year starters side-by-side. If RT is Parnell or a Rookie, then they need to find a veteran to play at RG in 2013. Maybe Livings could move from LG to RG or they could sign an experienced RG like Brandon Moore from the Jets.

If Costa is healthy, then I would put Barrett Jones at LG.

You didn't mention Barrett Jones at OT, but I've heard that scouts expect his arm length to be too short to project to OT in the NFL. Most also feel that his athleticism is not ideal for OT either.

[supercowboy8]

No Costa is a free agent he can walk, Jones is a very smart player and person. I want that guy at center.
Also we dont have to have Bern at RG, we can sign a FA like Slauson.

[xwalker]

No Costa is a free agent he can walk, Jones is a very smart player and person. I want that guy at center.
Also we dont have to have Bern at RG, we can sign a FA like Slauson.

Do you think Slauson would have any problems moving from LG to RG?

How would you rate Slauson compared to teammate Brandon Moore? Just their ability in 2013. I'm sure Slauson is better long term being 26 compared to Moore being 32.

[supercowboy8]

Do you think Slauson would have any problems moving from LG to RG?

How would you rate Slauson compared to teammate Brandon Moore? Just their ability in 2013. I'm sure Slauson is better long term being 26 compared to Moore being 32.

Slauson is better than Moore and is a better pass protector than Livings. I would be more willing to move Livings to RG and put Slauson at LG.

If we could get Lewman and Jones and sign Slauson then that would be a pretty good OL.
Smith,Slauson,Jones,Living,Lewman

Also in FA add Desmond Bryant and Terrence Knighton and a DE and NT in the 3rd-5th rounds for depth and future.

[Leadbelly]

No Costa is a free agent he can walk, Jones is a very smart player and person. I want that guy at center.
Also we dont have to have Bern at RG, we can sign a FA like Slauson.

Costa is restricted. Team can retain him if they want. He can't walk unless the team lets him.

[cowboysooner]

I'd think about Bernadeau at center. There are less one on one blocks there than guard.

[supercowboy8]

Costa is restricted. Team can retain him if they want. He can't walk unless the team lets him.

Like I said, let him walk. He was one of the worse centers in the NFL last year and he played in only one game this year. He's worthless.

[Macnalty]

Most NFL teams will consider him a finesse run blocker which will be their excuse not to draft him early. As you know you do not need to out muscle, drive block and dominate physically on every block to be a success at the next level he gets better like Romo in the 4th qtr. This guy can play every line position from Tackle to Center. Played Tackle(last year), Guard(two years ago) and this year Center all on the best team in the nation Alabama. In the SEC Championship in the fourth quarter they ran right up the middle over the DT Jenkins from Georgia who will go in first RD. This guy is going to be good if you just give him one position. He needs to get stronger no debate, if you do not think Woicek is an advantage pass on this guy. He is also the RKG.

[jobberone]

The draft will depend on FA and resigning our guys. If they can get an OT in FA then they will look at interior OL. That's assuming they resign Spencer. That way they can draft the BPA for the OL.

I think C is OK. It could be upgraded. I think LT and LG are OK. I think RG is submarginal. I don't know what to think of Free. I need to look at the last two games. He's certainly not as bad as many think here. In fact I'm guessing I'll find he's OK. I think we need another OT to compete. I'd prefer a starting LT and move Smith to the right side to compete with Free. That gives us depth and versatility and a quality swing tackle.

We are fine at TE. I'd look for a TE to compete for backup.

We need a starting S to upgrade the position. I'd prefer one in FA to give the draft more options.

We're fine at ILB.

We need a pass rusher.

We need a NT. Again I'd prefer a FA but a draftee to rotate with Rat is fine. I'll take a DE if one jumps in our lap but we're OK here.

You always need CBs. Jenkins is a question mark. I don't know about resigning him.

We need another WR to compete. I'd prefer either a very fast one or a very quick one.

We need a third down RB/PR who has the quicks. Think Darren Sproles here.

[Deep_Freeze]

The draft will depend on FA and resigning our guys. If they can get an OT in FA then they will look at interior OL. That's assuming they resign Spencer. That way they can draft the BPA for the OL.

I think C is OK. It could be upgraded. I think LT and LG are OK. I think RG is submarginal. I don't know what to think of Free. I need to look at the last two games. He's certainly not as bad as many think here. In fact I'm guessing I'll find he's OK. I think we need another OT to compete. I'd prefer a starting LT and move Smith to the right side to compete with Free. That gives us depth and versatility and a quality swing tackle.

We are fine at TE. I'd look for a TE to compete for backup.

We need a starting S to upgrade the position. I'd prefer one in FA to give the draft more options.

We're fine at ILB.

We need a pass rusher.

We need a NT. Again I'd prefer a FA but a draftee to rotate with Rat is fine. I'll take a DE if one jumps in our lap but we're OK here.

You always need CBs. Jenkins is a question mark. I don't know about resigning him.

We need another WR to compete. I'd prefer either a very fast one or a very quick one.

We need a third down RB/PR who has the quicks. Think Darren Sproles here.

Nice breakdown, although you see more activity in free agency than I do. We have alot of needs and it will be interesting to see the reactions to the picks that are made by this team cause they will probably surprised everyone.

There will probably be a RB/CB drafted in the first 4 rounds (maybe both), with a small chance of even a QB. Alot of people will say RB/CB isn't a big need, but this FO has shown how much they value RBs by drafting Felix so early in the first place, and it can be said they value RBs more than the OL to be honest.

As for CB with Jenkins gone, its a premium position and right now our 4th CB would be some guy off the street. That won't and shouldn't happen, and expect one to be taken.

Thread is about Barrett, who would be nice in the 2nd, but the only interior linemen I would consider in the first is Warmack.

Safety needs an upgrade, and probably won't be done in free agency cause it would be expensive. I look for a safety in the first 3 rounds.

As for OL, I don't really care whether its a tackle or guard as of right now, but one will be taken early, at least the first 3 rounds with only one being taken that high cause of other needs. I am hopeful that OL is the one area we do add someone in free agency.

These are thoughts as of right now, and will change as the process gets closer.

[xwalker]

Most NFL teams will consider him a finesse run blocker which will be their excuse not to draft him early. As you know you do not need to out muscle, drive block and dominate physically on every block to be a success at the next level he gets better like Romo in the 4th qtr. This guy can play every line position from Tackle to Center. Played Tackle(last year), Guard(two years ago) and this year Center all on the best team in the nation Alabama. In the SEC Championship in the fourth quarter they ran right up the middle over the DT Jenkins from Georgia who will go in first RD. This guy is going to be good if you just give him one position. He needs to get stronger no debate, if you do not think Woicek is an advantage pass on this guy. He is also the RKG.

Barrett Jones = Kyle Kosier

You can win with Kyle Kosier type players.

[Macnalty]

Barrett Jones = Kyle Kosier

You can win with Kyle Kosier type players.

I hope he is better but that is a fair statement until he has bulked up and made the ProBowl than Stepnoski would be more appropriate. If we were picking in the top five we would not be discussing Jones as it sits we are at the bottom ten if we keep winning and these are the kind of guys you dissect. Now that I think about it Kyle Kosier(pre foot injuries) on the team this year might of already put us in the playoffs.
Both him and Chase Thomas are my two main guys for the first two rds this year, last year I had Donta Hightower and Fletcher Cox. Things will change you can bet on it. I am glad we got Mo and it turned out better than I thought other than our injury plagued training camp for the rooks.

[Deep_Freeze]

I hope he is better but that is a fair statement until he has bulked up and made the ProBowl than Stepnoski would be more appropriate. If we were picking in the top five we would not be discussing Jones as it sits we are at the bottom ten if we keep winning and these are the kind of guys you dissect. Now that I think about it Kyle Kosier(pre foot injuries) on the team this year might of already put us in the playoffs.
Both him and Chase Thomas are my two main guys for the first two rds this year, last year I had Donta Hightower and Fletcher Cox. Things will change you can bet on it. I am glad we got Mo and it turned out better than I thought other than our injury plagued training camp for the rooks.

I know you like Barrett, my biggest problem with him is strength, and I would rather the strongest part of their game be in the run game. If I'm drafting an interior linemen this high, I don't want to have to ask if he is strong enough. There is noway he is ready to dominant at this level at guard, and I don't understand why so many people make a big deal about his versatility at the college level. Its not like he will be able to do that right away in the NFL.

An interior OL drafted this high better be ready to start immediately, and I would feel more comfortable with a guy who is strong enough to play guard while letting Costa and Berny fight it out for center than the other way around.

I will say, my thoughts will change alot from now cause of camps and workouts, but seeing Barrett get overpowered in that A&M game just left a bad taste in my mouth about him.

[Macnalty]

I know you like Barrett, my biggest problem with him is strength, and I would rather the strongest part of their game be in the run game. If I'm drafting an interior linemen this high, I don't want to have to ask if he is strong enough. There is noway he is ready to dominant at this level at guard, and I don't understand why so many people make a big deal about his versatility at the college level. Its not like he will be able to do that right away in the NFL.

An interior OL drafted this high better be ready to start immediately, and I would feel more comfortable with a guy who is strong enough to play guard while letting Costa and Berny fight it out for center than the other way around.

I will say, my thoughts will change alot from now cause of camps and workouts, but seeing Barrett get overpowered in that A&M game just left a bad taste in my mouth about him.

I agree on that A&M game it was a real surprise they way they smashed them in the nose and they did not respond. I also agree on the strength issue, disagree on his versatility aspect, he is a smart football guy who understand leverage and such which allows him to move across the positions with no determinable loss of integrity on the Oline, we are not going to be in a position to choose between JJ Watts and Tyron Smith reality is Barrett Jones is going to be part of the early rds equations when your record shows you playing a playoff game in week 17. As mentioned earlier his first season will be similar to Kyle Kosier but after than he has a real good chance to be Mark Stepnoski or better which is great for a late round choice with no baggage and RKG.

[MonsterD]

Barrett Jones = Kyle Kosier

You can win with Kyle Kosier type players.

I think people are getting too hyped on him, this is the best comparison I can think of, he will be pretty good at all things and never great at one position.

[Manwiththeplan]

I think his ceiling is much higher than Kyle Kosier. Especially if he plays center and his less than ideal strength is less noticeable

[supercowboy8]

I think his ceiling is much higher than Kyle Kosier. Especially if he plays center and his less than ideal strength is less noticeable

I dont understand why people think he is weak. Did you see the SEC championship game. He owned big john Jenkins and Geathers. The guy is very smart, read about his grades and dedication. Thus guy played vs the best in the SEC and handled all of them for most the game. Sure he had a few bad plays but who doesn't. This Is the type of guy I would love at center.

[Oh_Canada]

I dont understand why people think he is weak. Did you see the SEC championship game. He owned big john Jenkins and Geathers. The guy is very smart, read about his grades and dedication. Thus guy played vs the best in the SEC and handled all of them for most the game. Sure he had a few bad plays but who doesn't. This Is the type of guy I would love at center.

I am not sure why people have mentioned he got handled by Jenkins in the SEC game. The Tide ran all over the Bulldogs that night and a lot of it was behind Jones.

[supercowboy8]

I am not sure why people have mentioned he got handled by Jenkins in the SEC game. The Tide ran all over the Bulldogs that night and a lot of it was behind Jones.

Thats what I'm saying, he is a great center. He has good strength and will just get stronger. Jones is a very smart person and shows that on the filed with his ability to read defenses.

[Doc50]

Agreed, RS. We shouldn't try to revamp the entire OL (again) -- but plugging the right guys into the proper slots can make a huge difference. Costa's not bad, but Jones should really excel.

[DBOY3141]

I'm sure Garrett will have a long chat with Saban about all the OL from Alabama. Jones would be an improvement over what we have.

[BigD5]

I would love for us to draft Barrett jones. We need smart football players like him. Dude is a world class violin player. Been playing since he was 6.

Anyway I don't understand why he isn't thought of in higher regard when it comes to the draft. He's a soon to be 3 time national champion at three different positions. He's won the Outland trophy and the Rimington trophy. He's a 3 time All-American also. Sounds like the kind of guy I want on my team

I'd take any three of the Alabama offensive linemen coming out this year though. Warmack is a beast and DJ Fluker is just a monster that has a nasty streak much like Erik Williams had

[Macnalty]

I would love for us to draft Barrett jones. We need smart football players like him. Dude is a world class violin player. Been playing since he was 6.

Anyway I don't understand why he isn't thought of in higher regard when it comes to the draft. He's a soon to be 3 time national champion at three different positions. He's won the Outland trophy and the Rimington trophy. He's a 3 time All-American also. Sounds like the kind of guy I want on my team

I'd take any three of the Alabama offensive linemen coming out this year though. Warmack is a beast and DJ Fluker is just a monster that has a nasty streak much like Erik Williams had

I am not ready to compare Fluker (8th grade he was 6'3 and weighed 400lbs) with Erik Williams other than that he has a chance to be taken in the third round and is bipedal. I do agree he is a zombie and will maul you if he gets his hands on you, a speed rusher will provide real issues for his abilities, strength wise he is like trying to move a fire hydrant. Chance Warmack is smaller but similar and his refrigerator like body has the same wheels as my Kenmore not much lateral movement only forward and backward with great effort. Barrett Jones is the computer fridge with inflatable wheels, very versatile and sometimes too easy to push. The Cowboys kitchen could use two of the three talent wise which I assume is possible if D J Fluker is available in the 3rd rd. Jones I think is going to move up the more people know about him. I was hoping 2nd rd at one point, but he is in many discussions around the fan forums of other teams. If you liked the Stanford kid at guard last year, David DeCastro this guy is more versatile and has played at a higher level.

[xwalker]

Anyway I don't understand why he isn't thought of in higher regard when it comes to the draft. He's a soon to be 3 time national champion at three different positions. He's won the Outland trophy and the Rimington trophy. He's a 3 time All-American also. Sounds like the kind of guy I want on my team

You can't judge a college player only by awards or college success. You have to look at the player and project him to the NFL.

Tim Tebow was one of the all-time great college players, but the NFL is a different story.

[supercowboy8]

Agreed, RS. We shouldn't try to revamp the entire OL (again) -- but plugging the right guys into the proper slots can make a huge difference. Costa's not bad, but Jones should really excel.

No Costa is bad, did everyone forget last year. Costa played one game vs one of the worse running defenses in the NFL and played just OK.

Last year Costa was ranked as the 28th center in the NFL. Cook is ranked 24th. Not that much difference. Also Costa out all year but one game meaning would he even be healthy next year.

I want a big strong center that has played vs the top college players and knows how to read a defense and is very intelligent. That is Barrett Jones.

[kirkjrk]

With Jones I think it depends on which team drafts him. He can be a very good C or G. Where do you need him?

I'd rather him play C here. I want to break up the mediocrity. I don't want Livings playing next to Costa playing next to Bernadeau. You play Jones at RG in this scenario and you'd still have Livings and Bernadeau side by side. I want Jones in the middle of that, capable of helping out either.
If we want a Center this year, then it's Jones in 1st or 2nd(if still available) or K. Holmes in the 3rd. Don't see any FAs that will be available that would not be or very little upgrade to Costa. That's hard to imagine.

So in my eyes it's Jones or Holmes or nobody. Things could change before the draft. I do like the idea to trading back to 24th-pick up a 3rd- or back to 30th and pick up a 2nd. If KC would agree we could even trade out of 1st round and get the first pick in the 2nd and first pick in the 3rd. The value of our 1st and their 2nd&3rd would just about equal .