DC: Phillips: Top 3 Rookies Face Competition To Start, But Will Have Roles

[jobberone]

Phillips: Top 3 Rookies Face Competition To Start, But Will Have Roles
Friday, August 07, 2015 3:42 PM CDT

By Rob Phillips @robphillips3

OXNARD, Calif. – The weekend after the NFL Draft, Jerry Jones couldn’t recall three rookies in a Cowboys class rated as highly on their board as Byron Jones, Randy Gregory and La’el Collins.

Todd McShay’s own big board supported Jones’ stance: The ESPN draft insider ranked all three in the top 40 (Gregory at 18, Collins at 22 and Jones at 37).

Yet, there’s a chance none will start Week One against the Giants.

Huh? Three first-round talents coming off the bench?

Yep, it’s possible. And it actually has nothing to do with their football potential.

It’s a sign the Cowboys have depth. As much as any season since 2000.

Only four times this century have the Cowboys opened a season without a single draft pick in the starting lineup. (I’m counting Collins as a draft pick because he would’ve been a top-20 selection if not for unprecedented and unfortunate circumstances beyond his control.)

Here’s the list:

2014: G Zack Martin
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Here's the rest:

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2...ookies-face-competition-start-will-have-roles

 

[DCBoysfan]

I don't see a problem, they may not to start but that doesn't mean they won't be valuable contributors this year.

 

[gmoney112]

That's pretty crazy, and it shows how completely the team has transformed over the last few seasons. So many rookies are handed starting spots out of necessity, but in Dallas they're going to have to outwork the "starters" if they want to play.

A lot of these rookies are pretty humble when they get into the league, but it never hurts to be even more humbled (even as a top rated talent in the draft) your first day of camp by realizing this is the NFL and on this team you're going to have to compete for time, regardless of how many pimped you leading up to the draft. Instilling that mindset Day 1 is invaluable, especially in guys that are naturally very competitive and extremely talented. It can only lead to good things. It just instills them to work that much harder and maximize their potential, which is never a bad thing.

They're all going to get a lot of snaps in preseason, which will be fun to watch. I think Gregory is going to get a significant number of snaps this season, regardless. Byron will take snaps in certain packages, and it'll be interesting to see if Collins is increasingly worked into the rotation as the season progresses. All 3 could become significant contributors, especially is some guys get banged up.

I think in 3 years we're going to look back on this draft and shake our heads at how this was possible.

 

[jday]

That's pretty crazy, and it shows how completely the team has transformed over the last few seasons. So many rookies are handed starting spots out of necessity, but in Dallas they're going to have to outwork the "starters" if they want to play.

A lot of these rookies are pretty humble when they get into the league, but it never hurts to be even more humbled (even as a top rated talent in the draft) your first day of camp by realizing this is the NFL and on this team you're going to have to compete for time, regardless of how many pimped you leading up to the draft. Instilling that mindset Day 1 is invaluable, especially in guys that are naturally very competitive and extremely talented. It can only lead to good things. It just instills them to work that much harder and maximize their potential, which is never a bad thing.

They're all going to get a lot of snaps in preseason, which will be fun to watch. I think Gregory is going to get a significant number of snaps this season, regardless. Byron will take snaps in certain packages, and it'll be interesting to see if Collins is increasingly worked into the rotation as the season progresses. All 3 could become significant contributors, especially is some guys get banged up.

I think in 3 years we're going to look back on this draft and shake our heads at how this was possible.

If only Romo can keep playing...or the Cowboys luck out on another hidden gem like he was.

 

[conner01]

That's what you get when you actually draft best player available
There were picks we could have made that probably would have gotten us a starter, but the draft is about talent acquisition.
You never want to have to draft for need, and you have to look at your roster a couple years down the road

 

[burmafrd]

If only Romo can keep playing...or the Cowboys luck out on another hidden gem like he was.

lots of people on this board still do not get just how Tony is just about a miracle player for going as far as he has from where he started.
ANYONE expecting or even thinking it is more than a lottery win having it happen again is literally brain dead.

 

[Risen Star]

It’s a sign the Cowboys have depth. As much as any season since 2000.

And everyone remembers how deep with top talent that 2000 team was.

 

[jobberone]

↑ jobberone
It’s a sign the Cowboys have depth. As much as any season since 2000.

And everyone remembers how deep with top talent that 2000 team was.

I love how you eviscerated the article to make it appear 'I' wrote that instead of the true article's author.

 

[Risen Star]

↑ jobberone
It’s a sign the Cowboys have depth. As much as any season since 2000.



I love how you eviscerated the article to make it appear 'I' wrote that instead of the true article's author.

Actually I just quoted that post and eliminated the rest. Happens all the time. Maybe you're just sensitive.

 

[jobberone]

Actually I just quoted that post and eliminated the rest. Happens all the time. Maybe you're just sensitive.

Generally one snips the reply and bolds it or just copies that part of the article but with the reply. What I do know is you. But if I owe you apology then please forgive.

 

[dallasdave]

Actually I just quoted that post and eliminated the rest. Happens all the time. Maybe you're just sensitive.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I love, no I LOVE the change in philosophy of doing business the Cowboys FO has implemented the last few years.

The number of bad contracts has gone down and the quality of players acquired has gone up equals a Super Bowl contending roster now.

 

[ShiningStar]

WE could be honest and have Bryon start at safety, but the writers doesnt want to see it that way. Thats fine. I think his agenda is ok too, as the cowboys need more positive tone this year compared to last BECAUSE yes they deserve it for going 12-4 and lets be real honest at a real shot at going to the SB. There i said it. Not afraid to. The team did what every other team did, play the team in front of them and went far on it. This year, lots will be different. Good article overall tho.

 

[jobberone]

That was funny because.....?

 

[Eddie]

If only Romo can keep playing...or the Cowboys luck out on another hidden gem like he was.

Or draft our next franchise QB. Hidden gems are once in a lifetime.

 

[Plankton]

And everyone remembers how deep with top talent that 2000 team was.

Starting with the head coach

 

[waving monkey]

lots of people on this board still do not get just how Tony is just about a miracle player for going as far as he has from where he started.
ANYONE expecting or even thinking it is more than a lottery win having it happen again is literally brain dead.

thats why he ssaid "If only"

 

[jday]

Or draft our next franchise QB. Hidden gems are once in a lifetime.

Therein is the issue. Franchise QB's are rare, even to the first round of the draft. If one sure-thing comes available, he is likely going in the first round beyond where the Cowboys are likely to get him.

 

[xwalker]

WE could be honest and have Bryon start at safety, but the writers doesnt want to see it that way. Thats fine. I think his agenda is ok too, as the cowboys need more positive tone this year compared to last BECAUSE yes they deserve it for going 12-4 and lets be real honest at a real shot at going to the SB. There i said it. Not afraid to. The team did what every other team did, play the team in front of them and went far on it. This year, lots will be different. Good article overall tho.

From what I've seen Jones looks like the best CB on the team. He definitely looks like the best match-up to cover Dez.

 

[ShiningStar]

From what I've seen Jones looks like the best CB on the team. He definitely looks like the best match-up to cover Dez.

that is the case and the reason you put him in CB, but if the CB is filled, get taht boy on the field. Play S for a play or two, or let him run around, idc, get him on the field if he cant be on the field as a CB. Would you agree to that?