2012 really hurt us

[Galian Beast]

Let's get the obvious out of the way.

Morris Claiborne obviously hasn't lived up to our draft investment, and 2012 wasn't a great draft for us.

I've already talked about how the ability to put together a winning team under this current cap rule basically gives you 4 year windows.

Well 2012 is an interesting window for us.

I think next year we will be hands down the best team in the nfl, but the question is, will 2012's draft class hold us down this year?

I'm not sure, but I think potentially we could see the best Claiborne we've ever seen. I think we will see a very dominant Tyrone Crawford. I think Wilber may start at strong side linebacker at least initially. I'm not sure what we will see from James Hanna going forward though. Especially with Swaim coming along. I think when you throw in Ron Leary and Cole Beasley, that 2012 group actually doesn't look that bad at all.

 

[jazzcat22]

At this point I don't care where they were drafted at or what we got or gave up. I just want them to produce to help this year, and beyond.
Past drafts are irreverent at this point, except on how this years draft will do. And a few players from last years draft, that we know what their upside is.

 

[Galian Beast]

At this point I don't care where they were drafted at or what we got or gave up. I just want them to produce to help this year, and beyond.
Past drafts are irreverent at this point, except on how this years draft will do. And a few players from last years draft, that we know what their upside is.

Actually each draft class has continued value while the players are on their rookie contracts. The ability for players that we draft to outperform their counterparts are what will separate us from our competitors.

 

[mattjames2010]

Obviously the Claiborne pick didn't pan out, but if Crawford takes the next step; I don't feel bad about the draft. You won't always hit on your first rounders, busts happen to even the best drafting teams in the league. Getting a dominant or near elite DT in a draft is huge and as you stated, we hit on a couple undrafted players that year as well.

 

[Doomsday101]

I just hope Claiborne can take advantage of the opportunity this season and can remain healthy. I still think the guy has the talent to play at this level.

 

[Ken]

Let's get the obvious out of the way.

Morris Claiborne obviously hasn't lived up to our draft investment, and 2012 wasn't a great draft for us.

I've already talked about how the ability to put together a winning team under this current cap rule basically gives you 4 year windows.

Well 2012 is an interesting window for us.

I think next year we will be hands down the best team in the nfl, but the question is, will 2012's draft class hold us down this year?

I'm not sure, but I think potentially we could see the best Claiborne we've ever seen. I think we will see a very dominant Tyrone Crawford. I think Wilber may start at strong side linebacker at least initially. I'm not sure what we will see from James Hanna going forward though. Especially with Swaim coming along. I think when you throw in Ron Leary and Cole Beasley, that 2012 group actually doesn't look that bad at all.

So which is it? Bad or not?

While not our best draft, to come away with a stud like Crawford in the third automatically takes from the realm of bad to average even with the bust that Mo has been to this point.

But when you consider that Mo is starting this year in all likelyhood, Wilber has started and looks to be a backup at worst this year and Hanna was a key part of our running game last year...

It is an above average draft class.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

We have had some bad drafts in the past. But in the last few ones we have been doing pretty good. I am looking forward to see if that trend continues.

 

[jazzcat22]

Obviously the Claiborne pick didn't pan out, but if Crawford takes the next step; I don't feel bad about the draft. You won't always hit on your first rounders, busts happen to even the best drafting teams in the league. Getting a dominant or near elite DT in a draft is huge and as you stated, we hit on a couple undrafted players that year as well.

Mo has this year to show he was not a bust. Not a complete bust as to expectations, that fans put on players.
No he has not lived up to his 1st round pick, and added that they gave up a 2nd round too. Not even close to it.
Until he is off the team, and not contributing elsewhere, I will hold off the total bust label.
I understand fans and them saying what they say, but as long as he is a Dallas Cowboy, I will be pulling for him every play he is out there on.
Are my expectation high, no they aren't, but I do think he can contribute this year, but part of that is hoping he can, as we need him now with Scandrick out.

 

[Galian Beast]

So which is it? Bad or not?

While not our best draft, to come away with a stud like Crawford in the third automatically takes from the realm of bad to average even with the bust that Mo has been to this point.

But when you consider that Mo is starting this year in all likelyhood, Wilber has started and looks to be a backup at worst this year and Hanna was a key part of our running game last year...

It is an above average draft class.

My point is the Cowboys should be the best team in the NFL right now, and the biggest thing holding us back from that was the 2012 draft class (in my opinion). If that draft class can reach a level higher however, that could change all that. I'd agree that it is an above average draft class, when you consider the undrafted players we picked up.

 

[Galian Beast]

We have had some bad drafts in the past. But in the last few ones we have been doing pretty good. I am looking forward to see if that trend continues.

The 2015 draft will go down as the best draft we've had in the Jerry Jones era.

 

[T-RO]

At this point I don't care where they were drafted at or what we got or gave up. I just want them to produce to help this year, and beyond.
Past drafts are irreverent at this point, except on how this years draft will do. And a few players from last years draft, that we know what their upside is.

If you just want the team to produce and view things like drafts as irrelevant...a chat forum isn't for you. Last time I checked, the idea of an NFL chat forum to to discuss down players, drafts, trades, and such.

 

[Joe Realist]

Crawford will be on a new team in 2016

 

[Galian Beast]

Crawford will be on a new team in 2016

I don't see that as even remotely possible.

 

[dwreck27]

OP I understand your argument where we need to hit on every draft...

but In all honesty every team in the league has a draft like our 12 draft... No team is immune not he almighty pats, 49ers, seahawks.. etc..

Not to mention this year getting 3 young 1st round grade rookies into camp on rookie deals might just offset that draft... not to mention this draft maybe having some late round gems..

 

[RJ_MacReady]

Rob Ryan hurt us (he pushed for Mo and Carr that offseason). The Roy Williams trade also handcuffed us as well as Miles Austin's Hammys and Ratliff's mysteriously near-death injury that caused his release only to be reborn with the bears. Dead money, loss of picks, bad picks, baffling injuries and a couple of years of a Chip Kelly type DC really put a stunt in our growth. Claiborne and Austin's dead money are the only remnants left from that era. God save the Queen.

 

[DFWJC]

Crawford will be on a new team in 2016

In part, because we didn't pay Murray 8/year for 5 years and 21 mil guaranteed, maybe we keep him.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

How did 2012 really hurt them when in 2014 they had 13 wins? Clearly it didn't hurt them too bad. You want to see hurt? 2009 is what hurt us.

It wasn't a great draft. But I think what people fail to realize is that this is common for most teams. A lot of teams have drafts like the 2012 drafts. Its far more common to have that type of draft than to hit on most of your picks.

But the Cowboys have hit on some talent in other drafts which is why they are contending now and why they have the personnel they have now to contend. You're not going to hit on every draft. Its about how you rebound. And they've rebounded nicely. You can't have consecutive years like 2012 and that's why teams like the Browns and Raiders are where they are. Well, unless you are the Pats who can get away with it for whatever reason.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

I just hope Claiborne can take advantage of the opportunity this season and can remain healthy. I still think the guy has the talent to play at this level.

I agree. I think he rises up. In part, it seems like they always do in a contract year whether its pure coincidence or whatever it may be.

 

[jazzcat22]

If you just want the team to produce and view things like drafts as irrelevant...a chat forum isn't for you. Last time I checked, the idea of an NFL chat forum to to discuss down players, drafts, trades, and such.

Where in the heck is this coming from. I said past drafts, as in the draft status, not the discussions of it. Discuss the players for this season is what I meant. I don't care that Romo was an UDFA, or that Dez was a 1st round pick at his point.
Do not tell me if a chat forum is for me or not.

 

[Zordon]

Drafting Caleb McSurdy over Vontaze Burfict still pisses me off. Garrett was ODing on "RKG"s in this draft.