ESPN: Cowboys' workouts include former first-, second-round picks

[jobberone]

Cowboys' workouts include former first-, second-round picks

Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer

IRVING, Texas -- Through the years the Dallas Cowboys have been able to coax productivity from early-round draft picks that did not produce at previous spots. Linebacker Rolando McClain (first round, Oakland Raiders, 2010) is the most recent example.

On Thursday, the Cowboys worked out two former first-round picks and two former second-round picks at running back and wide receiver.

The most curious workout was Felix Jones, one of the Cowboys’ two first-round picks in 2008. The Cowboys made no attempt to re-sign him when his contract expired in 2012 after he struggled with his health and production. Jones played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013 and was out of football last season.

The Cowboys also worked out wide receiver A.J. Jenkins, a first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2012. After failing to catch a pass as a rookie, he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs and caught 17 passes for 223 yards in two seasons there.

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas-cowb...kouts-include-former-first-second-round-picks

http://cowboyszone.com/threads/btb-...he-tires-on-some-offensive-skill-guys.322847/

 

[Sydla]

Might as well shake the trees and see what falls out.

But it bothers me a bit that after telling us how we were set at TB and didnt need Murray or drafting a kid, we are shaking the RB tree quite extensively. That tells me that they in fact, aren't feeling good about their RB situation.

 

[Doomsday101]

Might as well shake the trees and see what falls out.

But it bothers me a bit that after telling us how we were set at TB and didnt need Murray or drafting a kid, we are shaking the RB tree quite extensively. That tells me that they in fact, aren't feeling good about their RB situation.

at least they are not kidding themselves by doing nothing.

 

[Galian Beast]

I'm not sure how related it is to how they feel about running back.

They didn't take any skill position players on offense outside of TE in the draft.

They've been known to look at former first round players because maybe that player just wasn't a fit where he played. It's worthwhile, and I like it.

Has to be a reason why players who are highly touted simply don't work at all... complete busts... Sometimes it's injuries, sometimes it is bad fits, sometimes it is what the player is working with around them, and sometimes they just aren't as good as people thought they were or they didn't translate well to the NFL.

 

[Doomsday101]

I'm not sure how related it is to how they feel about running back.

They didn't take any skill position players on offense outside of TE in the draft.

They've been known to look at former first round players because maybe that player just wasn't a fit where he played. It's worthwhile, and I like it.

Has to be a reason why players who are highly touted simply don't work at all... complete busts... Sometimes it's injuries, sometimes it is bad fits, sometimes it is what the player is working with around them, and sometimes they just aren't as good as people thought they were or they didn't translate well to the NFL.

It is not like the Cowboys do not know about Felix Jones or the fact Ben Tate was brought in as well

 

[darthseinfeld]

Its been pretty typical of them the last few years to take a look at former day 1/2 guys. I wonder who else is out there they may work out

 

[jnday]

Might as well shake the trees and see what falls out.

But it bothers me a bit that after telling us how we were set at TB and didnt need Murray or drafting a kid, we are shaking the RB tree quite extensively. That tells me that they in fact, aren't feeling good about their RB situation.

Their actions don't reflect their words. Every decent RB prospect was brought in for predraft visits, but the draft didn't offer the opportunities to draft one. I think they had hoped the RB position would be undervalued and one of the better RBs would be available. They was so sure of this happening that they let Murray walk. I have read repeated quotes that they are comfortable with the RBs on the roster, but they are constantly looking for ways to upgrade the position. There is even trade talk and I think everybody has grown tired of the AP situation. It looks like they gambled and it didn't pay off. There has to be a touch of desparation in the air when they are working out Felix Jones. I would call that very desperate.

 

[Doomsday101]

Its been pretty typical of them the last few years to take a look at former day 1/2 guys. I wonder who else is out there they may work out

Your right it is not uncommon, we were hurting at LB Dallas brought guys in off the street including McCalin, we have done the same at other position of need like the DL and the OL. They are trying to bring in more competition to fill an area of concern.

 

[Galian Beast]

It is not like the Cowboys do not know about Felix Jones or the fact Ben Tate was brought in as well

...

 

[Alexander]

But it bothers me a bit that after telling us how we were set at TB and didnt need Murray or drafting a kid, we are shaking the RB tree quite extensively. That tells me that they in fact, aren't feeling good about their RB situation.

All they are probably doing is preparing short lists for emergencies.

Far too much is being read into this until there is something real, like an actual signing.

 

[jazzcat22]

Working out RB's does not tell me anything close to they aren't comfortable with the RB's they have. They are looking to improve competition. People read way too much into everything this team does or does not do. Why can't they just be looking to improve the 90 man roster at this point.

To me it tells me that everyone's pet cat Syngin Days is not the answer to push for the 5th RB position for TC. So the top 4 don't get tired legs in the off season.

 

[jazzcat22]

All they are probably doing is preparing short lists for emergencies.

Far too much is being read into this until there is something real, like an actual signing.

agree...you posted this as I was writing my reply.

 

[Alexander]

agree...you posted this as I was writing my reply.

Now if they start signing somebody, then there could be something to some of our suspicions. I would be mildly surprised if we immediately sign any of these backs or receivers in advance of camp.

 

[Doomsday101]

Working out RB's does not tell me anything close to they aren't comfortable with the RB's they have. They are looking to improve competition. People read way too much into everything this team does or does not do. Why can't they just be looking to improve the 90 man roster at this point.

To me it tells me that everyone's pet cat Syngin Days is not the answer to push for the 5th RB position for TC. So the top 4 don't get tired legs in the off season.

Because often when you are grabbing guys off the street it is to add more to a position. Dallas did that with DL we were hurting so we bought in a lot of bodies, we have done the same with other position of need.

 

[rafaelgreco]

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas-cowb...kouts-include-former-first-second-round-picks

• 
  
  Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer

• 66Shares
• Email
• Print
• Comment

IRVING, Texas -- Through the years the Dallas Cowboys have been able to coax productivity from early-round draft picks that did not produce at previous spots. Linebacker Rolando McClain (first round, Oakland Raiders, 2010) is the most recent example.

On Thursday, the Cowboys worked out two former first-round picks and two former second-round picks at running back and wide receiver.

The most curious workout was Felix Jones, one of the Cowboys’ two first-round picks in 2008. The Cowboys made no attempt to re-sign him when his contract expired in 2012 after he struggled with his health and production. Jones played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013 and was out of football last season.

The Cowboys also worked out wide receiver A.J. Jenkins, a first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2012. After failing to catch a pass as a rookie, he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs and caught 17 passes for 223 yards in two seasons there.

Word of Ben Tate's visit circulated early Thursday morning. He was a second-round pick of the Houston Texans in 2010. Daniel Thomas was the Miami Dolphins' second-round pick in 2011, nine spots before the Cowboys tookDeMarco Murray. In 52 games with the Dolphins, Thomas (6-foot, 225 pounds) ran for 1,480 yards and 10 touchdowns on 409 carries.

 

[Stash]

Their actions don't reflect their words. Every decent RB prospect was brought in for predraft visits, but the draft didn't offer the opportunities to draft one. I think they had hoped the RB position would be undervalued and one of the better RBs would be available. They was so sure of this happening that they let Murray walk. I have read repeated quotes that they are comfortable with the RBs on the roster, but they are constantly looking for ways to upgrade the position. There is even trade talk and I think everybody has grown tired of the AP situation. It looks like they gambled and it didn't pay off. There has to be a touch of desparation in the air when they are working out Felix Jones. I would call that very desperate.

I think those words sum up the situation very well. What they're saying and what they're doing are two completely different things.

I applaud the vast majority of the team's recent decisions and moves, but I'm not sure if there's been more than a little arrogance on display in terms of the running back position.

 

[Alexander]

I think those words sum up the situation very well. What they're saying and what they're doing are two completely different things.

They would be doing something if one of these players is signed.

 

[Baileyneverfailey]

Trying out all potential options doesn't mean they're not fine going into the season with what they have.

It would be completely foolish to not look at all possible options to bring into camp.

The team would be crazy to think they're in a great spot with the RB position. But I still believe that going into the season with the backs they have now is better than paying what Murray commanded on the market. RBs in general, but especially Murray are not worth that money when you have to manage the salary cap.

 

[StarHead69]

Wonder if they see Felix as a 3rd down back/ Returner?
Doesn't hurt to kick the tires.

 

[Alexander]

The team would be crazy to think they're in a great spot with the RB position. But I still believe that going into the season with the backs they have now is better than paying what Murray commanded on the market. RBs in general, but especially Murray are not worth that money when you have to manage the salary cap.

I used to think that there was no way the team was happy with the OL but we saw years of "we like what we have" and it was a disaster.