DC.com Video: Rob Ryan Interview

[Risen Star]

Originally Posted by JBell523

Easily my favorite poster on CZ.

You Me

[ConstantReboot]

Originally Posted by Risen Star

Ciskowski doesn't get to draft anyone. He compiles the information and leaves it for the decision makers on the team to decide.

But if you feel that way, what do you say about Ciskowski's boss, the VP of Personnel, only having the gig because he's the Owner's son?

And what has Ciskowski proven anyway? Has he ever been part of a winner?

Yes he doesn't get to draft anyone and makes recommendations to drafting certain players. So far, the results speak for themselves. I think he has done a pretty good job for what he does. Just look at who we drafted the last few years and you can see evidence that our personnel is now being filled with good quality players.

Now let me ask you this - would you welcome another one of Garrett's brothers to do the compilation and helping to selecting and drafting players? I wouldn't. I want someone who has proven of bringing results to his profession rather than someone getting the job just because his the brother of the head coach.

[Risen Star]

Originally Posted by ConstantReboot

Yes he doesn't get to draft anyone and makes recommendations to drafting certain players. So far, the results speak for themselves. I think he has done a pretty good job for what he does. Just look at who we drafted the last few years and you can see evidence that our personnel is now being filled with good quality players.

Now let me ask you this - would you welcome another one of Garrett's brothers to do the compilation and helping to selecting and drafting players? I wouldn't. I want someone who has proven of bringing results to his profession rather than someone getting the job just because his the brother of the head coach.

First, you avoided my very relevant question. If the thought of a Garrett coming in to be the assistant to the VP of Personnel upsets you, then what do you have to say about Stephen Jones heading our personnel department all these years simply because he's the owner's son?

What results speak for themselves? Usually people say that when the results back up their stance. If we're going by results, every single member of the front office of this team would have been fired years ago, Tom Ciskowski included.

Seriously. What am I missing? Because all I've seen is a team with talent issues.

To answer your question, no....I probably wouldn't like a Garrett getting the gig. It would feel like the same nepotism that has Stephen Jones pretending he's a personnel expert. I love this team. I want it ran by the best. Not taken hostage by family.

[Alexander]

Originally Posted by DCBoysfan

I believe the samething was said when Ireland went to Miami with Bill.

Ireland was dubbed an "information gatherer" by Jerry Jones himself.

So Ciskowski suddenly is more than that?

It does not matter who gathers the information.

The GM still has the final say.

What Ryan is implying is that Ciskowski found him good talent and Jerry Jones concurred.

Well, that's just amazing news.

Ryan asked for the talent just like the myriad of other coaches that have had Jones' ear over the years. That still does not excuse his complete and utter ineptitude in knowing personnel, intimately, like the majority of general managers in this league.

Wade Phillips campaigned for Jason Williams. That did not work out too well.

One person had to allow the pick to go through and it was not Ciskowski.

[Idgit]

Originally Posted by Risen Star

I'm wrong? How so? I've pretty much said the 1st through 3rd round picks aren't an issue the last three years but we haven't added much from the 4th round on.

I don't include UDFAs because your comment dealt with the draft. That isn't the draft. That's after the draft. Of course I have a completely different opinion on Phil Costa than you do anyway.

I also don't prop up 4th round picks if they play in a few games for a couple of teams. Nor do I crown a return man for one return. See Dantzler, Woodrow. You're grading on a fan curve. The fact of the matter is only one player taken from rounds 4-7 the last three years has a real role in the offense or defense of this team. Sean Lissemore.

[View Full Quote]Now could this change? Sure. Wilber could arrive. A team of doctors could patch Matt Johnson back together. But as we sit here today, there's been almost nobody you can claim is quality depth. We have a crisis along our interior OL. Our 4th round pick from 2011 should help to fill it. Instead we're sifting through the veteran scrap heap to find anything serviceable and giving up more picks in the process. So I'm failing to see all this talent we're adding. I see top heavy draft classes. Which is an admitted improvement. Under Jerry, they usually don't weigh anything. But a "pretty good run" it does not make.

Yes. You're wrong. The point is, we're selecting players from college well right now, and I'm happy to see that continue. If you care to parse that in order to dance around the reality of the point I'm making, I won't beg to argue with you about it. It's the same scouts, the same coaches, selecting the same starters from the same batch of college players. You know it. I know it. Everyone reading the thread knows it.

If you don't look at games started or years in the league to evaluate the league-worthiness of players, that's also on you. It's relevant, and the Cowboys do a decent job at finding players who can at least fill roles. Not every draft pick makes a squad. Not all of them are active for games. Not all of them make it to their second contracts. The fact is, there are percentages for these things, and, while you may be unhappy with what you've seen out of Dallas's picks recently, relative to the competition, they don't do a bad job. That is, unless for whatever reason you don't want to credit them for finding starters in college free agency for no other reason than it unravels your point.

Finally, re: Harris, if you don't want to consider 18.9 yards/return and being 2nd in the NFL in a limited sample 'emerged' then that's fine with me, too, but don't pretend I'm the one grading on the curve. Also, 'emerged' and 'crowned' do not mean the same thing. If you're not willing to judge the guy on his performance because you're not sure it's going to continue, that's your prerogative, but let's just make sure we're clear that I'm going off of performance here, and not my expectation. Might he regress? Sure. We can then say he submerged if that makes you feel better about throwing around that particular adjective.

[Bluestang]

2008:

2(36) = Jordy Nelson (WR) - Had his breakout year in 2011, now a starter
2(56) = Brian Bohm (QB) - waived in 2009, now plays for the Las Vegas Locomotives
2(60) = Patrick Lee (DB) - waived in 2011, now plays with the Oakland Raiders
3(91) = Jermichael Finley (TE) - starter w/ 15 career TDs
4(102) = Jeremy Thompson (DE) - waived in 2009, retired in 2010 with undisclosed medical condition
4(135) = Josh Sitton (T) - become the starter in 2009, named a Pro Bowl alternate in 2010
5(150) = Breno Giacomini (T) - waived in 2010, is currently on the Seahawks roster as a starter
7(209) = Matt Flynn (QB) - back-up QB who was not retained in 2012 and signed with the Seahawks and couldn't beat a rookie QB for starting job
7(217) = Brett Swain (WR) - waived in 2011, now is with the 49ers

2009:

1(9) = B.J. Raji (DT) - became the starter in 2010, selected to the Pro Bowl in 2011, still the starting NT for the defense
1(26) = Clay Matthews (LB) - Enough said, right?
4(109) = T.J. Lang (T) - became the starter in 2011
5(145) = Quinn Johnson (RB) - waived in 2010, now with the Tennesee Titans
5(162) = Jamon Meredith (T) - made the PS that year, but then signed with the Bills that year. Now is with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5(182) = Jarius Wynn (DE) - waived in 2010, now with the Tennesse Titans
6(187) = Brandon Underwood (DB) - waived in 2011, now with the Oaklnad Raiders
7(218) = Brad Jones (LB) - started last 3 games this season after injuries

2010:

1(23) = Bryan Bulaga (T) - Current starter
2(56) = Mike Neal (DE) - has a career 9 tackles, 3 sack, 1 forced fumble
3(71) = Morgan Burnett (DB) - starting FS
5(154) = Andrew Quarless (TE) - has 1 career TD
5(169) = Marshall Newhouse (G) - inactive all year for his rookie season, now the starting LT
6(193) = James Starks (RB) - also has 1 career rushing TD
7(230) = C.J. Wilson (DE) - career 10 games started w/ 3.5 sacks

2011:
1(32) = Derek Sherrod (T) - hasn't started a single game
2(64) = Randall Cobb (WR) - started 4 games this year after injuries at the WR position, has 6 TDs on the year, 7 TDs for his career
3(96) = Alex Green (RB) - started 3 games this year after injuries, 0 career TDs
4(131) = Davon House (DB) - special teamer
5(141) = D.J. Williams (TE) - started 2 games this season after injuries
6(179) = Caleb Schlauderaff (OL) - traded to NYJ for undisclosed pick
6(186) = D.J. Smith (LB) - started in 6 games this year due to injuries
6(197) = Ricky Elmore (DL) - waived after training camp, now is with the Cleveland Browns
7(218) = Ryan Taylor (TE) - has one career TD, backup player
7(233) = Lawrnce Guy (DT) - went IR is rookie season, then made the PS the following year. The Colts signed him off the practice squad

2012:

1(28) = Nick Perry (DE) - selected as a nickel rusher, now is on IR
2(51) = Jerel Worthy (DT) - credited with two official game starts
2(62) = Casey Hayward (DB) - started the last 3 games, intercepted 4 passes and named NFL defensive rookie of the month
4(132) = Mike Daniels (DT) - third string DE, w/ no career stats
4(133) = Jerron McMillian (SS) - second string SS
5(163) = Terrell Manning (OLB) - third string MLB
7(241) = Andrew Datko (T) - currently on the PS
7(243) = B.J. Coleman (QB) - currently on the PS



Are we seeing a pattern yet?

[Risen Star]

Originally Posted by Idgit

Yes. You're wrong. The point is, we're selecting players from college well right now, and I'm happy to see that continue. If you care to parse that in order to dance around the reality of the point I'm making, I won't beg to argue with you about it. It's the same scouts, the same coaches, selecting the same starters from the same batch of college players. You know it. I know it. Everyone reading the thread knows it.

So basically despite everything I just said about the Cowboys' picks in the 4th through 7th round being factual and only 1 useful depth player currently is on the roster from it, they are doing a quality job of finding talent there because you say so.

Facts. You.

I'm weighing it out. Give me a minute.

Ya know what? They're on a hell of a run. I can feel another decent depth player coming in those rounds within the next three years. Hold on to your hat.

If you don't look at games started or years in the league to evaluate the league-worthiness of players, that's also on you. It's relevant, and the Cowboys do a decent job at finding players who can at least fill roles. Not every draft pick makes a squad. Not all of them are active for games. Not all of them make it to their second contracts. The fact is, there are percentages for these things, and, while you may be unhappy with what you've seen out of Dallas's picks recently, relative to the competition, they don't do a bad job. That is, unless for whatever reason you don't want to credit them for finding starters in college free agency for no other reason than it unravels your point.

Good luck finding the right shade of lipstick for the pig that is Akwasi Owusu-Ansah. Cmon, man. I actually liked the pick. I was wrong. He has been a complete waste. He's done nothing in Dallas to make anyone think otherwise. If you can't admit that was a bad pick, you just aren't being reasonable.

Finally, re: Harris, if you don't want to consider 18.9 yards/return and being 2nd in the NFL in a limited sample 'emerged' then that's fine with me, too, but don't pretend I'm the one grading on the curve. Also, 'emerged' and 'crowned' do not mean the same thing. If you're not willing to judge the guy on his performance because you're not sure it's going to continue, that's your prerogative, but let's just make sure we're clear that I'm going off of performance here, and not my expectation. Might he regress? Sure. We can then say he submerged if that makes you feel better about throwing around that particular adjective.

Yeah, Harris has done well in his brief time as a returner this year. But this is like crowning (no difference than emerged) a RB for carrying a 5.0 yards per carry through his first three games. Woody Dantzler had a very brief, very productive stint as a returner.......and that was about that.

If we're sitting here a year from now still talking about Harris' quality punt returning, then we can say he's legit and raise the Cowboys' total to a backup DL and a punt returner out of the 14 picks they had in those rounds the last three years.

It's the kind of run Larry Flynt can only dream of.

[preacher238]

Originally Posted by wittenacious

Somehow this is all that needs to be said....Good Googly Moogly...

[preacher238]

One south-bound basket to go please.....

[Idgit]

Originally Posted by Bluestang

2008:

2(36) = Jordy Nelson (WR) - Had his breakout year in 2011, now a starter
2(56) = Brian Bohm (QB) - waived in 2009, now plays for the Las Vegas Locomotives
2(60) = Patrick Lee (DB) - waived in 2011, now plays with the Oakland Raiders
3(91) = Jermichael Finley (TE) - starter w/ 15 career TDs
4(102) = Jeremy Thompson (DE) - waived in 2009, retired in 2010 with undisclosed medical condition
4(135) = Josh Sitton (T) - become the starter in 2009, named a Pro Bowl alternate in 2010
5(150) = Breno Giacomini (T) - waived in 2010, is currently on the Seahawks roster as a starter
7(209) = Matt Flynn (QB) - back-up QB who was not retained in 2012 and signed with the Seahawks and couldn't beat a rookie QB for starting job
7(217) = Brett Swain (WR) - waived in 2011, now is with the 49ers

2009:

[View Full Quote]1(9) = B.J. Raji (DT) - became the starter in 2010, selected to the Pro Bowl in 2011, still the starting NT for the defense
1(26) = Clay Matthews (LB) - Enough said, right?
4(109) = T.J. Lang (T) - became the starter in 2011
5(145) = Quinn Johnson (RB) - waived in 2010, now with the Tennesee Titans
5(162) = Jamon Meredith (T) - made the PS that year, but then signed with the Bills that year. Now is with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5(182) = Jarius Wynn (DE) - waived in 2010, now with the Tennesse Titans
6(187) = Brandon Underwood (DB) - waived in 2011, now with the Oaklnad Raiders
7(218) = Brad Jones (LB) - started last 3 games this season after injuries

2010:

1(23) = Bryan Bulaga (T) - Current starter
2(56) = Mike Neal (DE) - has a career 9 tackles, 3 sack, 1 forced fumble
3(71) = Morgan Burnett (DB) - starting FS
5(154) = Andrew Quarless (TE) - has 1 career TD
5(169) = Marshall Newhouse (G) - inactive all year for his rookie season, now the starting LT
6(193) = James Starks (RB) - also has 1 career rushing TD
7(230) = C.J. Wilson (DE) - career 10 games started w/ 3.5 sacks

2011:
1(32) = Derek Sherrod (T) - hasn't started a single game
2(64) = Randall Cobb (WR) - started 4 games this year after injuries at the WR position, has 6 TDs on the year, 7 TDs for his career
3(96) = Alex Green (RB) - started 3 games this year after injuries, 0 career TDs
4(131) = Davon House (DB) - special teamer
5(141) = D.J. Williams (TE) - started 2 games this season after injuries
6(179) = Caleb Schlauderaff (OL) - traded to NYJ for undisclosed pick
6(186) = D.J. Smith (LB) - started in 6 games this year due to injuries
6(197) = Ricky Elmore (DL) - waived after training camp, now is with the Cleveland Browns
7(218) = Ryan Taylor (TE) - has one career TD, backup player
7(233) = Lawrnce Guy (DT) - went IR is rookie season, then made the PS the following year. The Colts signed him off the practice squad

2012:

1(28) = Nick Perry (DE) - selected as a nickel rusher, now is on IR
2(51) = Jerel Worthy (DT) - credited with two official game starts
2(62) = Casey Hayward (DB) - started the last 3 games, intercepted 4 passes and named NFL defensive rookie of the month
4(132) = Mike Daniels (DT) - third string DE, w/ no career stats
4(133) = Jerron McMillian (SS) - second string SS
5(163) = Terrell Manning (OLB) - third string MLB
7(241) = Andrew Datko (T) - currently on the PS
7(243) = B.J. Coleman (QB) - currently on the PS



Are we seeing a pattern yet?

You could do this all day, couldn't you?

[TheDallasDon]

Originally Posted by Bluestang

2008:

2(36) = Jordy Nelson (WR) - Had his breakout year in 2011, now a starter
2(56) = Brian Bohm (QB) - waived in 2009, now plays for the Las Vegas Locomotives
2(60) = Patrick Lee (DB) - waived in 2011, now plays with the Oakland Raiders
3(91) = Jermichael Finley (TE) - starter w/ 15 career TDs
4(102) = Jeremy Thompson (DE) - waived in 2009, retired in 2010 with undisclosed medical condition
4(135) = Josh Sitton (T) - become the starter in 2009, named a Pro Bowl alternate in 2010
5(150) = Breno Giacomini (T) - waived in 2010, is currently on the Seahawks roster as a starter
7(209) = Matt Flynn (QB) - back-up QB who was not retained in 2012 and signed with the Seahawks and couldn't beat a rookie QB for starting job
7(217) = Brett Swain (WR) - waived in 2011, now is with the 49ers

2009:

[View Full Quote]1(9) = B.J. Raji (DT) - became the starter in 2010, selected to the Pro Bowl in 2011, still the starting NT for the defense
1(26) = Clay Matthews (LB) - Enough said, right?
4(109) = T.J. Lang (T) - became the starter in 2011
5(145) = Quinn Johnson (RB) - waived in 2010, now with the Tennesee Titans
5(162) = Jamon Meredith (T) - made the PS that year, but then signed with the Bills that year. Now is with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5(182) = Jarius Wynn (DE) - waived in 2010, now with the Tennesse Titans
6(187) = Brandon Underwood (DB) - waived in 2011, now with the Oaklnad Raiders
7(218) = Brad Jones (LB) - started last 3 games this season after injuries

2010:

1(23) = Bryan Bulaga (T) - Current starter
2(56) = Mike Neal (DE) - has a career 9 tackles, 3 sack, 1 forced fumble
3(71) = Morgan Burnett (DB) - starting FS
5(154) = Andrew Quarless (TE) - has 1 career TD
5(169) = Marshall Newhouse (G) - inactive all year for his rookie season, now the starting LT
6(193) = James Starks (RB) - also has 1 career rushing TD
7(230) = C.J. Wilson (DE) - career 10 games started w/ 3.5 sacks

2011:
1(32) = Derek Sherrod (T) - hasn't started a single game
2(64) = Randall Cobb (WR) - started 4 games this year after injuries at the WR position, has 6 TDs on the year, 7 TDs for his career
3(96) = Alex Green (RB) - started 3 games this year after injuries, 0 career TDs
4(131) = Davon House (DB) - special teamer
5(141) = D.J. Williams (TE) - started 2 games this season after injuries
6(179) = Caleb Schlauderaff (OL) - traded to NYJ for undisclosed pick
6(186) = D.J. Smith (LB) - started in 6 games this year due to injuries
6(197) = Ricky Elmore (DL) - waived after training camp, now is with the Cleveland Browns
7(218) = Ryan Taylor (TE) - has one career TD, backup player
7(233) = Lawrnce Guy (DT) - went IR is rookie season, then made the PS the following year. The Colts signed him off the practice squad

2012:

1(28) = Nick Perry (DE) - selected as a nickel rusher, now is on IR
2(51) = Jerel Worthy (DT) - credited with two official game starts
2(62) = Casey Hayward (DB) - started the last 3 games, intercepted 4 passes and named NFL defensive rookie of the month
4(132) = Mike Daniels (DT) - third string DE, w/ no career stats
4(133) = Jerron McMillian (SS) - second string SS
5(163) = Terrell Manning (OLB) - third string MLB
7(241) = Andrew Datko (T) - currently on the PS
7(243) = B.J. Coleman (QB) - currently on the PS



Are we seeing a pattern yet?

How dare you bring facts here???

Good god man, you know that doesn't fit agenda's

[Bluestang]

Originally Posted by Idgit

You could do this all day, couldn't you?

I could but what's the point with people and their agendas?

[Bluestang]

I could do the Patriots as well but it's pretty ugly as is.

Not only did they spend a 4th rounder on a kicker, but they spent a 5th on a punter and a 6th on long snapper too.

[visionary]

Originally Posted by Risen Star

Our last three drafts that equates to a "pretty good run", with a reasonable outlook on each pick....

2010
1(24) Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma St. - This looks more and more like a bad decision by the day.
2(55) Sean Lee ILB Penn St. - Injury concerns but still a hit.
4(126) Akwasi Owusu-Ansah CB Indiana (Pa.) - Wasted pick.
6(179) Sam Young T Notre Dame - Garbage.
6(196) Jamar Wall CB Texas Tech - Couldn't play.
7(234) Sean Lissemore - Looks like a decent role player. Hit.

So what we have here is one really good player but he's injury prone. He may or may not have a great career because of it. Dez is an infant mentally. We all know he's not reaching his potential. Lissemore is a rotational sub.

2011
1(9) Tyron Smith T USC - Grand Slam.
2(40) Bruce Carter OLB North Carolina - Beast.
3(71) DeMarco Murray RB Oklahoma - Solid pick but injury prone.
[View Full Quote]4(110) David Arkin T Missouri St. - Can't play.
5(143) Josh Thomas CB Buffalo - Swing and a miss.
6(176) Dwayne Harris WR East Carolina - Could be an emerging return man.
7(220) Shaun Chapas FB Georgia - Not an NFL player.
7(252) Bill Nagy C Wisconsin - Shown nothing and injury prone.

Two outstanding players at the top and another that could be if he could ever stay on the field. The last 5 picks were a waste unless Harris sticks as an impact return man and/or receiver.

2012
1(6) Morris Claiborne CB LSU - Actually cost 1(14) and 2(45). Nice player, waaaaaay overpaid for him. No impact whatsoever.
3(81) Tyrone Crawford DE Boise St. - Has shown nothing yet to warrant the pick but it's still early.
4(113) Kyle Wilber OLB Purdue - Is he on the team? Oh.
4(135) Matt Johnson S Eastern Washington - Evil Knievel had less injuries. Which could be saving us from seeing he can't play. Like his draft grade outside of Dallas suggests.
5(152) Danny Coale WR Virginia Tech - Practice squad.
6(186) James Hanna TE Oklahoma - Hasn't done anything but hasn't had a chance yet either. A complete unknown.
7(222) Caleb McSurdy ILB Montana St. - Everybody's favorite lunch pail pick. Then camp started. Selling insurance in the fall of 2013.

We stand a very good chance of coming out of the 2012 draft with, wait for it, a cornerback. ~confetti~.....~party noise makers~

Now I would agree this three year clip is better than Jerry's norm, but Jerry's norm is horrific. There's a huge gap from that to quality and I think it's a real stretch to claim we're on a "pretty good run" here with our drafting. In fact, if you look at the 4th round on, when teams build their quality depth, we're still pretty bad.

great post

[Idgit]

Originally Posted by visionary

great post

For posting with your eyes intentionally closed, it was outstanding. If trying to honestly evaluate the job we do bringing in talent from the college ranks, not so much.

Risen Star knows what he's doing. He's yanking chains, but I know he secretly knows just what I'm saying and just doesn't want to admit that it's pretty accurate.