Dallas Cowboys Draft Grade
Written by Allen Trieu
Thursday, 04 May 2006
1(18) - BOBBY CARPENTER - OLB - Ohio State
This was not a pick many mock drafts had, but when it happened, it made perfect sense. The Cowboys needed another OLB to put opposite Demarcus Ware in their 3-4 and Carpenter is a perfect fit. Not only is he a versatile enough player to fill the position, but he is a tenacious player Bill Parcells will appreciate.
Strenghts: Very versatile. Has experience rushing from a 3-point stance, can also blitz from his linebacker position. Good speed and agility. Instinctive and rangy in coverage, shows good skills dropping and even playing man to man.
Weaknesses: Needs to add upper body strength. Not a powerful tackler.
2(53) - ANTHONY FASANO - TE - Notre Dame
A bit surprising to see the Cowboys go tight end this early, especially since there were some quality safeties on the board. When the pick was made though, I immediately thought "here's Parcells' new Mark Bavaro." Expect a lot of two tight end sets with Witten and Fasano. Since Anthony is such a good blocker, that should be an excellent fit.
Strengths: Good all around tight end. Has good, soft hands and makes some tough catches in traffic. Smart route runner who gets open and creates separation with his fluid cuts. A good blocker with good strength and technique,
Weaknesses: Doesn't have elite speed or athleticism. Won't stretch the field and isn't elusive or a big threat after the catch.
3(92) - JASON HATCHER - DE - Grambling State
Hatcher was a player moving up boards, so it wasn't surprising to see him taken on the first day. Especially by a team running the 3-4 defense. He is a perfect fit as an end in this system. Of course, Dallas already has two great young ends in Marcus Spears and Chris Canty, but Hatcher will give them depth and a rotational body with upside.
Strengths: Great size and power. Holds his own at the point of attack and is stout against the run. Does a great job with his hands shedding blockers. Will pursue and hustle and makes a lot of plays from the backside. A good bull rusher. Good athlete who gets up into passing lanes and bats balls.
Weaknesses: Not a speedy edge rusher. Could play with better leverage.
4(125) - SKYLER GREEN - WR - LSU
After picking up TO in free agency, I felt that if the Cowboys went wide receiver, they would try to find one that would fit into the slot position for them. They got one here in Green and also got themselves a return man.
Strengths: Quickness and straight line speed are good. Quick route runner who breaks quickly and comes back to the ball. Good hands. Very elusive in the open field. Also a great return specialist.
Weaknesses: Lacks size and strength. Has trouble against the press. Won't go up and out body defenders for the ball. Doesn't project as a strong run blocker in the league.
5(138) - PATRICK WATKINS - FS - Florida State
This was a long time to wait to address the free safety position, but with the recent signing of Marcus Coleman, the team felt they could wait a little bit. But, they did get Watkins who was projected to go later in the first day, so they did get first day value out of this pick.
Strengths: Tall and rangy in coverage. Good instincts and ball skills. A center fielder type with good straight line speed. Goes up high to bat away passes and get picks. Good hands.
Weaknesses: Doesn't have great strength. Not strong in run support. Doesn't change directions as well as his speed numbers would indicate. Better in deep zones than man to man.
6(182) - MONTAVIOUS STANLEY - NT - Louisville
A solid later round pick here. Stanley is a strong player who gives them depth at the nose tackle position. Another good fit for their defense.
Strengths: A big player, with a stout build. Good run stopper with good lower body strength. Plays with good leverage and holds his ground well. Can push the pocket as a pass rusher.
Weaknesses: Not a particularly outstanding athlete. Doesn't pursue well and has limited lateral movement.
7(211) - PAT McQUISTAN - OT - Weber State
His brother Pat went earlier in the draft, and Paul got himself drafted here. The Cowboys were thought to be going OT early, but they are pretty sold on their starters, so they simply addressed depth here.
Strengths: Tough, hard working blocker with good upside. Plays mean and finishes off blocks with authority. Has pretty good short area quickness. Good upper-body strength, effective with his hands.
Weaknesses: Needs to improve lower body strength. Will struggle against NFL bull rushers. Average athleticism, doesn't redirect well.
7(224) - EJ WHITLEY - OT - Texas Tech
Even though Whitley played tackle at Texas Tech, the Cowboys project him as a guard in their offense, so he will provide them with more depth at that position.
Strengths: Good all around athlete. Quick feet and good change of direction skills. Good technically; does a good job with his hands and arms to neutralize defenders. Decent in space.
Weaknesses: Doesn't play mean or finish blocks. Needs to add more strength
OVERALL
I thought they still waited too long to address the free safety position, but Watkins was good value. They did a good job taking players who fit their system. Green I thought was a bit of a reach considering some of the other receivers on the board, but he should have some impact for them. Carpenter was a great selection.
B-
