No Jones for Matt - Dallas Cowboys Forum

dargonking999 · 04-05-2005

No Jones for Matt
by Rafael Vela

Arkansas’ Matt Jones is the X-factor in this year’s draft. The former QB switched to WR at this January’s Senior Bowl and turned heads with a strong week of practice.

Jones’ stock has soared after an amazing workout at the Scouting Combine, where the 6′5″, 242 pounder clocked a 4.37 40 time. The biggest question now surrounding the player one personnel man calls “the Freak” is how high he will be drafted. If history is any guide, Jones should go somewhere in the second round. The Pittsburgh Steelers have established precedent on picking QB/WR converts, successfully selecting Hines Ward in the 3rd round of the ‘98 draft and Antwaan Randle-El in the second round of the 2002 auction. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen caused a stir last week when he proclaimed Jones the best player in this year’s draft.

The prospect of a wide receiver who is two inches taller than Terrell Owens and almost 40 pounds heavier than Randy Moss, with every bit of his deep speed, has Cowboys fans talking. Should Dallas take a chance on Jones if he’s available with the 42nd pick, a very real possibility?

There are arguments in Jones favor. He is not a long shot who spent most of his college career running track. Jones is a true football player, who played some receiver early in his Razorbacks career. He’s a fierce competitor, who fits the Parcells mold. And, as Jones’ boosters point out, he’s a Razorback, which should make him highly desirable to fellow Arkansas alum Jerry Jones.

Despite his promise, I think there is one compelling reason why Jones won’t get serious consideration from Dallas on April 24th. His name is Scott Frost. Like Jones, Frost was a successful option QB who made a position switch after college. In the ‘98 Hula Bowl, the former Nebraska Cornhusker impressed pro coaches as a safety. Frost, like Jones, was a pure football player with an impeccible pedigree. Both his parents had been football coaches. His father had preceeded him on the gridiron at Nebraska and his mother had been an Olympian.

Frost’s draft profile read like a modern-day Frank Merriwell: “[he] could play many positions. Would have a chance to make a team as a fullback, running back, H-back, safety or linebacker…could be another John Lynch, only faster and more athletic.”

Bill Parcells, who had the pedestrian Victor Green playing free safety for his Jets, fell for Frost’s promise. He selected Frost in the third round that year and gave him the opportunity to quarterback New York’s defense. Frost failed to make the conversion and is one of Parcells’ biggest busts with the Jets.

Were this 2004, with the Cowboys coming off a 10-6 high, the team might roll the dice on a guy like Jones. As I have pointed out, this is year three of the Parcells regime, a time when the Tuna begins to play it safe with his first day picks. Add the embarrassment of a 6-10 season and the memory of Frost’s failure, and I have more reasons to believe that Parcells and Dallas will take the conservative route, which runs away from players like Matt Jones.

Cowboys&Caps · 04-05-2005

while frost was as tough a competitor as i have seen(think rose bowl vs. miami) he wasn't 6 foot 4, running a 4.4 40, not to mention 240 lbs, i think while there is a tie between frost and jones it doesn't mean their pro careers will be anything alike, i like him, would be delighted to have him at #42.

lane · 04-05-2005

matt jones will wear blue and silver and i can't wait!!

Wolverine · 04-05-2005

The Cowboys gotta find a way to get Matt Jones. He is OVER 6'6". He is actually 6'6 1/4" and 242 lbs. Runs a 4.37 and his slow time was a 4.40.

Seriously is we draft him and our staff can develop him this guy can be unstoppable and all Henson or Bledsoe would have to do is just throw it his way. Most CBs are 5'9" to 6'0". Even the taller CBs at 6'2" would have a real tough time coverin a guy over 6'6" with his speed and power.

DRAFT HIM!

joshjwp · 04-05-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolverine

The Cowboys gotta find a way to get Matt Jones. He is OVER 6'6". He is actually 6'6 1/4" and 242 lbs. Runs a 4.37 and his slow time was a 4.40.

Seriously is we draft him and our staff can develop him this guy can be unstoppable and all Henson or Bledsoe would have to do is just throw it his way. Most CBs are 5'9" to 6'0". Even the taller CBs at 6'2" would have a real tough time coverin a guy over 6'6" with his speed and power.

DRAFT HIM!

Couldn't have said it better myself.

InmanRoshi · 04-05-2005

Scott Frost is not the only former college option quarterback in Parcells' past. Dave Meggett was also a quarterback in college.

BIGDen · 04-05-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolverine

The Cowboys gotta find a way to get Matt Jones. He is OVER 6'6". He is actually 6'6 1/4" and 242 lbs. Runs a 4.37 and his slow time was a 4.40.

Seriously is we draft him and our staff can develop him this guy can be unstoppable and all Henson or Bledsoe would have to do is just throw it his way. Most CBs are 5'9" to 6'0". Even the taller CBs at 6'2" would have a real tough time coverin a guy over 6'6" with his speed and power.

DRAFT HIM!

I've gotta admit....I'm drinkin' this Kool-Aid by the gallon. This guy just looks to be the one everyone will regret not taking. Julius, Witten and Matt Jones would make most QBs look good. I know it's a position change, but he seems to have everything you need to be a dominant (not "dominate") WR for years. I'd take him with our 2nd 1st rounder.

Crown Royal · 04-05-2005

I don't like the SEEEEWWEEE punk overshadowing my boy Patrick Crayton. Stupid Razorbacks.....

Natedawg44 · 04-05-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGDen

I've gotta admit....I'm drinkin' this Kool-Aid by the gallon. This guy just looks to be the one everyone will regret not taking. Julius, Witten and Matt Jones would make most QBs look good. I know it's a position change, but he seems to have everything you need to be a dominant (not "dominate") WR for years. I'd take him with our 2nd 1st rounder.

I haven't decided yet on Jones but I think if we do decide we want him the only way is with the 20th pick. I don't think he makes it past Atlanta at 27

ddh33 · 04-05-2005

I believe that if Matt Jones is available in the second round when the Cowboys pick, he'll be coming to Dallas.

Qwickdraw · 04-05-2005

If we don't address the WR spot in the first round, I say bring him in first thing in the second round.

Wraith584 · 04-05-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanecity1975

matt jones will wear blue and silver and i can't wait!!

yeah, here we go

another one of those "I really do think this is Vinny's breakout year, wearing silver and blue will transform him into superman. My 2004 prediction: 5,000 yards, 50 td's and 0 INT's, book it. mark my words, book it."

whcarm · 04-05-2005

JJT has already reported that Jones is in love with the kid. He has huge potential and he is from Arkansas.

We don't desparetely need a WR that can step in and start right away. We need a young WR that can take over once Glenn or Johnson retire. We could afford to take him in the second round and give him a few years.

However, it is looking less and less likely that he will be available when we pick in the second round.

But if we trade down with our second first round pick and get an additional second or third round pick then I wouldn't be surprised if we took him late in the first round.

jbsg02 · 04-05-2005

We could teach him to play WR, let him rush the passer at DE, let him cover at LB or Safety, let him be a receiving TE, and a emergency QB. j/k

Qwickdraw · 04-06-2005

Has anyone considered his obvious downfield blocking ability at 6'6" 240 and the speed he posseses?
Wow.