A Tired Criticism: "We drafted backups!" - Dallas Cowboys Forum

AbeBeta · 04-29-2012

I've read this several times today. "What a horrible draft. We picked backups." I know that this was something Jerry said after a horrific draft in the 90s, but people keep mindlessly repeating it.

Do some of you really believe that there are tons of guys who are ready to start in the NFL that are taken in the later rounds? There are very few. With most guys, you hope they can come in, earn a backup spot and then in a few years compete for a starter's job.

Which leads me to the other tired argument. "We are picking Special Teams guys!" Just how is that a bad thing? Someone who projects to be a good ST player gets himself dressed every Sunday. He can contribute to ST while he's learning his spot in the D or O.

Honestly, what role do you expect for a 4th round OLB? Ya think he's here to take Spencer's job right away? What do you want out of a 6th round TE? You think he's taking snaps from Witten?

a_minimalist · 04-29-2012

Well said!!

Doomsday · 04-29-2012

I have no problem drafting back ups, Romo and Miles were brought in as a back ups and so were a lot of other good players. Crawford will see some action this season and hopefully develop into a player who can start.

I do have an issue with drafting guys just because they can contribute on special teams. You draft guys that you think have a high upside and who you think can develop into a player. That is how you develop depth and find jems in later rounds, not by picking up a punt returner who you know will never see the field other wise. Drafting for potential is how you land a Lissemore, drafting for ST needs is how you get stuck with a Joshua Thomas.

speedkilz88 · 04-29-2012

Charlie Casserly thinks Crawford will get in the rotation and if not start this year will start by next year.

Gaede · 04-29-2012

The first 3 guys are all potential starters that will play significant roles in the defense. Crawford, Wilber and Johnson have everything it takes to be a starter. Size, intangibles, athleticism & instincts.

I believe in 2013, Crawford and Wilber will be starting. Johnson's a big risk--and I hope he's not another Brewster--but at least he's got the athletic ability to make it in the NFL

Hanna and Coale will be major contributors in very defined roles.

I don't see this as another 2009 draft at all--where we drafted over achieving, team captain types that lacked certain measurables and could never ceiling as a starter.

Hoofbite · 04-29-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbeBeta

I've read this several times today. "What a horrible draft. We picked backups." I know that this was something Jerry said after a horrific draft in the 90s, but people keep mindlessly repeating it.

Do some of you really believe that there are tons of guys who are ready to start in the NFL that are taken in the later rounds? There are very few. With most guys, you hope they can come in, earn a backup spot and then in a few years compete for a starter's job.

Which leads me to the other tired argument. "We are picking Special Teams guys!" Just how is that a bad thing? Someone who projects to be a good ST player gets himself dressed every Sunday. He can contribute to ST while he's learning his spot in the D or O.

Honestly, what role do you expect for a 4th round OLB? Ya think he's here to take Spencer's job right away? What do you want out of a 6th round TE? You think he's taking snaps from Witten?

90s. You don't have to back that far.

They probably keep repeating it because the 2009 draft.

Risen Star · 04-29-2012

The drafting backups or drafting special teams comment has to do with their projected career not year 1 instant impact.

montgod · 04-29-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Risen Star

The drafting backups or drafting special teams comment has to do with their projected career not year 1 instant impact.

Exactly

fivetwos · 04-29-2012

I'm not a kool-aid guy, but this was IMO by far the best draft they've had since 2005.

There will be those who will cry about lack of OL, but you can't have at all in one draft, especially when you use your 2nd to move up in the first, which was unquestionably the right thing to do for that kind of a player.

This is realistically year two of a three-year roster rebuild. This year's UFA and draft haul puts them slightly ahead of the timeline IMO.

At any rate, this team is so much better right now than it was on Jan 1 it isn't even debatable.

AsthmaField · 04-29-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoofbite

90s. You don't have to back that far.

They probably keep repeating it because the 2009 draft.

Jerry said special teams in 2009... he said backups in the mid 90's.

jamesdojr · 04-29-2012

I'll just take everyone elses word that Crawford is going to dominate.... I don't believe it.... but everyone seems to think so... so I'll support that and pray everyone is right and I'm wrong.

I like the WR Coale. I like Hanna. Good value for where they were taken. I'm just worried about this draft. I don't think Wilbur is better than Anthony Spencer and Anthony Spencer is just an above average OLB, IMO. I've felt that we've needed to upgrade Spencer for a while now.

Johnson was listed a rookie free agent.

Love pick #1. Claiborne was my dream 1st RNDer who I never thought we had a remote chance to nab. I'll just shut up and be happy with that. But my gut tells me, other than Claiborne and Colae being a good slot guy, the rest of these guys are going to be busts. That's my gut feeling and I'm entitled to it. Believe me, I hope I'm wrong.

__________________________________________________ ___

Quote:

Originally Posted by fivetwos

I'm not a kool-aid guy, but this was IMO by far the best draft they've had since 2005.

There will be those who will cry about lack of OL, but you can't have at all in one draft, especially when you use your 2nd to move up in the first, which was unquestionably the right thing to do for that kind of a player.

This is realistically year two of a three-year roster rebuild. This year's UFA and draft haul puts them slightly ahead of the timeline IMO.

At any rate, this team is so much better right now than it was on Jan 1 it isn't even debatable.

Gaede · 04-29-2012

I'm in the minority, but Wilber may be my favourite pick. This morning (newborn in the house, was up early lol) I went on YT and looked at a bunch of other prospects highlights vs. Wake Forest and Wilber is all over the field. He makes a ton of plays in the backfield. He's got great instincts and explosion.

He's still way too small to start but I think one year of work w/ the team and he'll be strong enough.

AbeBeta · 04-29-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Risen Star

The drafting backups or drafting special teams comment has to do with their projected career not year 1 instant impact.

That point is ridiculous.

There are not tons of guys in the later rounds that anyone is projecting confidently as long term starters.

theogt · 04-29-2012

In the 3rd day press conference Garrett emphasized their belief that all of these guys could become "position" players that could start.

Risen Star · 04-29-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbeBeta

That point is ridiculous.

There are not tons of guys in the later rounds that anyone is projecting confidently as long term starters.

The drafting for backups label was a direct comment from Jerry Jones. It's about filling your draft with players you don't believe have the potential to start at some point in the future.

It has absolutely nothing to do with the players actually being backups year 1.