News: 10 Takeaways From Pre-Draft Press Conference

[morasp]

FRISCO, Texas - For the first time in three years, the Cowboys were able to hold their annual pre-draft press conference at The Star with media in person.

And while Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones and Mike McCarthy were on stage, it's unlikely they gave away any key secrets as we approach the start of the NFL Draft on Thursday.

But it was a time to catch up on several topics, ranging from draft strategy to free agency and even the status of players such as Michael Gallup and Kelvin Joseph.

Highlights from the Press Conference

• Contrary to many fans and media that believe the Cowboys have to get an offensive lineman or wide receiver early in this draft, Stephen Jones said "there are no musts" for his team as they enter the draft. That doesn't mean they don't have specific needs, and those two positions have to be included. But as for the word "must," Jones said that's not the case.
• Stephen Jones did add that "free agency isn't over" and even hinted that there are more than a couple of ways to add veteran talent.
• Jerry Jones was quoted last week as stating he could trade up in the draft. When asked on Tuesday to clarify which round, Jones said he was "generally" speaking. He added, "It'd be maddening to not consider anything. Trading can be a big part of things. I would not not-consider anything."
• Stephen Jones said the Cowboys will have about 15 players with first-round grades, which he said is "a little lower" than usual. With the Cowboys having the No. 24 pick, it's unlikely they will get a player with the first-round grade but won't rule out a trade-up scenario if a player falls into the range that makes sense.
• Stephen Jones also added that while the first round is a little thin, he said the middle of the drafts – rounds 3 to 5 – is deeper than usual. The Cowboys actually have six players in those three rounds, including four in the fifth round.
• While the Cowboys made it clear they wanted to re-sign Randy Gregory in free agency, it doesn't sound as if they are dwelling on the moment. Jerry Jones mentioned that getting both Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. for cheaper than it would've cost to get Gregory is an upgrade. "I'd rather have two than one."
• One of the lighter moments of the press conference occurred when Jones was explaining the process in decision-making and "who makes the call?" Jones gave a dig at Stephen and a former draft pick as well. Jones said "Taco was Stephen's call," referring to the team taking Taco Charlton in the first round in 2017. Charlton played just two years in Dallas. While the room of reporters busted out in laughter, Stephen Jones said "this isn't that funny to me." Jerry then added that Micah Parsons was "his call." Although later on, in all seriousness, Jones discussed in detail how the decision-making reaches far more than one person.
• Wide receiver Michael Gallup (torn ACL) is "doing very well on his rehab," according to McCarthy. "Once we get to training camp, we'll get a tighter view on when he will be available." Gallup suffered injury in early January and his chances of being ready to play Week 1 of the 2022 regular season remain in question.
• McCarthy also praised his team for having "100 percent player participation" in the voluntary workout program that began last week. McCarthy said there have been times when players couldn't attend the workouts but have participated in meetings virtually.
• Before the press conference went deep into draft talk, the Cowboys were asked to discuss CB Kelvin Joseph, who was connected to a Dallas murder case. Jones said he has no information to report and said the incident does not affect the Cowboys' draft strategy in any way.

10 Takeaways From Pre-Draft Press Conference (dallascowboys.com)

 

[Kolemmitt]

• Stephen Jones also added that while the first round is a little thin, he said the middle of the drafts – rounds 3 to 5 – is deeper than usual. The Cowboys actually have six players in those three rounds, including four in the fifth round.

This is why, if anything, we should be trading down, instead of up.

 

[Sydla]

LOL at them still trying to sell us on their ability to add FA “talent”.

 

[Sydla]

• Stephen Jones also added that while the first round is a little thin, he said the middle of the drafts – rounds 3 to 5 – is deeper than usual. The Cowboys actually have six players in those three rounds, including four in the fifth round.

This is why, if anything, we should be trading down, instead of up.

Yeah, definitely not opposed to sliding down later in first and picking up another third, for example.

 

[darthseinfeld]

LOL at them still trying to sell us on their ability to add FA “talent”.

Its hard to image they dont add free agents. They will have over 20 million in cap space after June 1

 

[darthseinfeld]

• Stephen Jones also added that while the first round is a little thin, he said the middle of the drafts – rounds 3 to 5 – is deeper than usual. The Cowboys actually have six players in those three rounds, including four in the fifth round.

This is why, if anything, we should be trading down, instead of up.

Might be hard to move down, and you might be taking less than chart value in a trade

 

[Flamma]

I'm almost 4 minutes in and these pricks can't stop with the Kelvin Joseph questions.

 

[morasp]

• While the Cowboys made it clear they wanted to re-sign Randy Gregory in free agency, it doesn't sound as if they are dwelling on the moment. Jerry Jones mentioned that getting both Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. for cheaper than it would've cost to get Gregory is an upgrade. "I'd rather have two than one."

And an upgrade to the run defense.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Its hard to image they dont add free agents. They will have over 20 million in cap space after June 1

No evidence that they won't try to keep most of that to roll it into the next year's cap. They are going to have to be considering new deals for Diggs and Lamb after this year.

 

[Corso]

Trading down into the middle rounds...
I always like having more crap talent to cut!
Quantity baby!

 

[Gaede]

LOL at them still trying to sell us on their ability to add FA “talent”.

Just look at the talent they added so far! A washed up MLB, a washed up DE, a never-was WR, two safeties no one else wanted, a fullback (?), and Dorance Armstrong. I personally can't wait to see the starter they bring in next!!! Maybe we will resign Carlos Watkins! Allen Hurns! The sky is the limit and the world is our oyster

 

[Flamma]

• Stephen Jones said the Cowboys will have about 15 players with first-round grades, which he said is "a little lower" than usual. With the Cowboys having the No. 24 pick, it's unlikely they will get a player with the first-round grade but won't rule out a trade-up scenario if a player falls into the range that makes sense.

• Stephen Jones also added that while the first round is a little thin, he said the middle of the drafts – rounds 3 to 5 – is deeper than usual. The Cowboys actually have six players in those three rounds, including four in the fifth round.

These are the two points I found interesting from the presser. It leads me to believe they are likely to trade up. Of course, if there's no one to trade up for at around pick 13 or 14, they're probably trading back. Just my take.

 

[morasp]

These are the two points I found interesting from the presser. It leads me to believe they are likely to trade up. Of course, if there's no one to trade up for at around pick 13 or 14, they're probably trading back. Just my take.

They could trade up to the 40's

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

LOL at them still trying to sell us on their ability to add FA “talent”.

Right. It’s like tell me you need to fill the OG position without telling me you need to fill the OG position.

 

[Flamma]

They could trade up to the 40's

My point is that there's a first round problem. If they only have 14-16 first round grades, They may have to trade up for someone with a first round grade. Or trade back if no opportunity presents itself. But they're probably not going to sit there at 24.

 

[morasp]

My point is that there's a first round problem. If they only have 14-16 first round grades, They may have to trade up for someone with a first round grade. Or trade back if no opportunity presents itself. But they're probably not going to sit there at 24.

I think they know that the meat of the draft is 20 to 40-45. In fact they've said as much. They've been much more successful staying put or trading back. SJ even said that trading up most likely costs you a good player later on.

 

[Flamma]

I think they know that the meat of the draft is 20 to 40-45. In fact they've said as much. They've been much more successful staying put or trading back. SJ even said that trading up most likely costs you a good player later on.

I agree with you. Because of this draft I have suggested multiple times trading our 24 and 56 for the Jets 35 and 38. Just for that reason. But people seem to think the Jets make out on this.

 

[RS12]

So Stevie wanted no part of owning the Taco pick? Shocked I tell you.

 

[jnday]

FRISCO, Texas - For the first time in three years, the Cowboys were able to hold their annual pre-draft press conference at The Star with media in person.

And while Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones and Mike McCarthy were on stage, it's unlikely they gave away any key secrets as we approach the start of the NFL Draft on Thursday.

But it was a time to catch up on several topics, ranging from draft strategy to free agency and even the status of players such as Michael Gallup and Kelvin Joseph.

Highlights from the Press Conference

• Contrary to many fans and media that believe the Cowboys have to get an offensive lineman or wide receiver early in this draft, Stephen Jones said "there are no musts" for his team as they enter the draft. That doesn't mean they don't have specific needs, and those two positions have to be included. But as for the word "must," Jones said that's not the case.
• Stephen Jones did add that "free agency isn't over" and even hinted that there are more than a couple of ways to add veteran talent.
• Jerry Jones was quoted last week as stating he could trade up in the draft. When asked on Tuesday to clarify which round, Jones said he was "generally" speaking. He added, "It'd be maddening to not consider anything. Trading can be a big part of things. I would not not-consider anything."
• Stephen Jones said the Cowboys will have about 15 players with first-round grades, which he said is "a little lower" than usual. With the Cowboys having the No. 24 pick, it's unlikely they will get a player with the first-round grade but won't rule out a trade-up scenario if a player falls into the range that makes sense.
• Stephen Jones also added that while the first round is a little thin, he said the middle of the drafts – rounds 3 to 5 – is deeper than usual. The Cowboys actually have six players in those three rounds, including four in the fifth round.
• While the Cowboys made it clear they wanted to re-sign Randy Gregory in free agency, it doesn't sound as if they are dwelling on the moment. Jerry Jones mentioned that getting both Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. for cheaper than it would've cost to get Gregory is an upgrade. "I'd rather have two than one."
• One of the lighter moments of the press conference occurred when Jones was explaining the process in decision-making and "who makes the call?" Jones gave a dig at Stephen and a former draft pick as well. Jones said "Taco was Stephen's call," referring to the team taking Taco Charlton in the first round in 2017. Charlton played just two years in Dallas. While the room of reporters busted out in laughter, Stephen Jones said "this isn't that funny to me." Jerry then added that Micah Parsons was "his call." Although later on, in all seriousness, Jones discussed in detail how the decision-making reaches far more than one person.
• Wide receiver Michael Gallup (torn ACL) is "doing very well on his rehab," according to McCarthy. "Once we get to training camp, we'll get a tighter view on when he will be available." Gallup suffered injury in early January and his chances of being ready to play Week 1 of the 2022 regular season remain in question.
• McCarthy also praised his team for having "100 percent player participation" in the voluntary workout program that began last week. McCarthy said there have been times when players couldn't attend the workouts but have participated in meetings virtually.
• Before the press conference went deep into draft talk, the Cowboys were asked to discuss CB Kelvin Joseph, who was connected to a Dallas murder case. Jones said he has no information to report and said the incident does not affect the Cowboys' draft strategy in any way.

10 Takeaways From Pre-Draft Press Conference (dallascowboys.com)

Jerry has rather sign two trash dumpster jags instead of resigning Gregory. Armstrong has went years between making plays and Fowler is no better. I hope they can draft a decent DE, because they don’t have one on the roster.

 

[Sydla]

Right. It’s like tell me you need to fill the OG position without telling me you need to fill the OG position.

The hilarious thing here is that for them, if they sign an OG in June to start he'll be making peanuts compared to what Williams got in FA. And they'll consider that a win, regardless if the guy actually plays better than Williams.