Can we find a RB better than JuJones in the draft?

[CowboyJeff]

When you trade a known commodity (player) for an unknown commodity (draft pick), you're assuming you have the experts in place to turn that unknown commodity into a better long term alternative than the known commodity. Even with Jeff Ireland evaluating the collegiate players, I fear Lacewell's whispering into Jerry's ear will turn that unknown commodity into a complete waste of everyone's time.

 

[zrinkill]

I fear Lacewell's whispering into Jerry's ear will turn that unknown commodity into a complete waste of everyone's time.

I ask again .... where are you getting that Jerry will be relying on Lacewell from?

 

[Doomsday101]

When you trade a known commodity (player) for an unknown commodity (draft pick), you're assuming you have the experts in place to turn that unknown commodity into a better long term alternative than the known commodity. Even with Jeff Ireland evaluating the collegiate players, I fear Lacewell's whispering into Jerry's ear will turn that unknown commodity into a complete waste of everyone's time.

I think your making way too much out of Lacewell. He retired in 2005 and has remained friends of Jerry but so what.

 

[Bleu Star]

One could ask what makes Julius so special that he couldn't be replaced in the draft, considering he was a bit of a reach in the second round and hasn't proven to be more than a complimentary back in the NFL, its not like the draft pick has huge shoes to fill.

But I digress...

Since Cleveland added Lewis at #3, I doubt they still go RB. I think they go Brady Quinn or Joe Thomas.

Looking at the teams following ...

#4 Tampa Bay - Cadillac
#5 Arizona - Gave Edge a huge contract last offseason
#6 Washington - RB might be their only position on the team with 2 deep
#7 Minnesota - Could add a RB, but they supposedly like Taylor and Peterson doesn't really fit Brad Childress' WCO.
#8 Houston - Just signed Ahman Green to huge $$$
#9 Miami - Ronnie Brown
#10 Atlanta - Already have Warrick Dunn, and they think Norwood is future premiere back. Could go RB I suppose, but they have a gigantic hole at safety and everyone pretty much has Landry already penciled in.
#11 San Francisco - Frank Gore


I could absolutely see Peterson falling to Buffalo at #12. RB is a position that typically slides, as its believed you can find productive guys in the mid rounds and its currently en vogue to go with two complimentary backs than 1 work horse. Remember when there was "no way" Stephen Jackson falls out of the Top 10 and/or Kevin Jones falls out of top 15.

If that happens, I could see Jerry moving up to grab him using a package of #22, Julius and a mid-round pick. Especially if Jerry is back in charge of the draft, and we're about to go back to our wheeling and dealing ways to 'go get his man'. Buffalo reportedly really wants a CB after losing Winfield and Clements in free agency, and there should still be serval on the board at #22.

Crap... I was trying not to get overly excited about anything RB related with regards to the draft and there you went screwing it all up with your brilliant post. Thanks.

 

[mmillman]

The Draft is a roll of the dice. Every year Draft picks bomb. Even at RB. Here is a list of RBs taken in round 1 or 2 (I am assuming we couldn't get a 1st or 2nd for JJ) for the last 10 years who have not lived up to expectations. Note, I am not saying these players are terrible, just that they have not quite met expectations for them. I am skipping 2006 since it is too soon to determine.

2005...JJ Arrington
2004...Kevin Jones
2003...Tony Hollings
2002...William Green
2001...Michael Bennett
2000...Ron Dayne
1999...Ricky Williams
1998...Curtis Enis
1997...Antowain Smith
1996...Lawrence Phillips

Now, figure out a way to guarantee me that 2007 has no RBs that will end up on a list like that. Might there be a RB we could get who is better than Julius? Sure. It is just as likely, and maybe more so, that we can't get close to what we have in him.

All of those guys had question marks coming out of college except maybe Williams. Peterson has a durability question mark, but that is the reason he might be available at 4 to 10. If Dallas doesn't move up to get AP then Dallas had better find some speed to help Romo out because Glenn and Owens aren't long for this league and getting to the age where skills diminish quickly and injuries happen frequently.

 

[Hostile]

All of those guys had question marks coming out of college except maybe Williams. Peterson has a durability question mark, but that is the reason he might be available at 4 to 10. If Dallas doesn't move up to get AP then Dallas had better find some speed to help Romo out because Glenn and Owens aren't long for this league and getting to the age where skills diminish quickly and injuries happen frequently.

Don't get me wrong, I believe in rolling the dice. No guts, no glory. I just think people are premature in automatically assuming we can do better than Julius Jones. I don't think that is a given at all.

I have yet to read about a player with no question marks. Not sure walking on water is required in football to succeed though.

 

[Bleu Star]

Madden07 says we'll get great return if we trade JuJo, Witten, and TG in a blockbuster that would net Calvin Johnson and Adrian Peterson. Let's make it Hap'n!

 

[Hostile]

I curse that game for allowing "trades."

:bang2:

 

[Bleu Star]

I curse that game for allowing "trades."

:bang2:

Have a great day sire. It's back to work for me. I've slacked enough canvassing this site over the last half hour.

 

[EPL0c0]

The Draft is a roll of the dice. Every year Draft picks bomb. Even at RB. Here is a list of RBs taken in round 1 or 2 (I am assuming we couldn't get a 1st or 2nd for JJ) for the last 10 years who have not lived up to expectations. Note, I am not saying these players are terrible, just that they have not quite met expectations for them. I am skipping 2006 since it is too soon to determine.

2005...JJ Arrington
2004...Kevin Jones
2003...Tony Hollings
2002...William Green
2001...Michael Bennett
2000...Ron Dayne
1999...Ricky Williams
1998...Curtis Enis
1997...Antowain Smith
1996...Lawrence Phillips

Now, figure out a way to guarantee me that 2007 has no RBs that will end up on a list like that. Might there be a RB we could get who is better than Julius? Sure. It is just as likely, and maybe more so, that we can't get close to what we have in him.

I couldn't agree more. We know what we have in JJones and he can improve with a better OLine.

12 RBs have been taken in the 1st round in the last 5yrs. 4 were immediate impact players (Bush, Maroney, Addai, Jackson, 6 solid RBs total (6 if you include LJ and McGahee who weren't immediate starters)).

And at that, I think Bush/Maroney/Addai/Jackson all benefited from having a veteran/experienced RB playing along side them (McAllister, Dillon, Rhodes, Faulk). I think that makes a big difference as well. If you look at the list you have, did any of those guys have a capable veteran along side them?

 

[Doomsday101]

I expect that Jones will be back with us this coming season but I do think this is make or break time for Jones and he has to show more than he has over the last 3 season, his currently level of play is not going to cut it and not worth paying out big dollars after this contract is up at the end of the year. It is time for JJ to shine or fade away

 

[Boyzmamacita]

Why is everyone so bent on getting rid of Julius? Despite the fact that he hasn't exactly ran behind the greatest O-line in his first 3 seasons, he still showed some flashes of brilliance. I think he has earned a chance to prove himself in Dallas for one more year. A new offense could be just what JuJo needs. If not, then we get another RB next season.

We should stay with the 1-2 punch of JuJo and MBIII.

 

[carphalen5150]

Why is everyone so bent on getting rid of Julius? Despite the fact that he hasn't exactly ran behind the greatest O-line in his first 3 seasons, he still showed some flashes of brilliance. I think he has earned a chance to prove himself in Dallas for one more year. A new offense could be just what JuJo needs. If not, then we get another RB next season.

We should stay with the 1-2 punch of JuJo and MBIII.

Because he is in the last year of his contract and will probably be looking to get McGahee type money in his contract next year. Are you willing to pony up that kind of money for a very average RB? Maybe have to franchise him?

BTW, I am not running him out of town, but I truly believe that JJ is not worth that kind of contract, so why not move him now while there are teams that need help at RB?

 

[David276]

i am 100% for getting what we can for him (draft pick, trade, ect) Every year there seems to be a new excuse for his play . Last year it was bill parcells and his offense.. Not jj making poor choices running the ball. Yes he was an 1000 yard rusher but there were about 15 more doing above and beyond what jj has done in dallas.its a problem we have to address either now to next year...

 

[Bob Sacamano]

the only back I can see replacing Jujo is AD

yeah, I said it Rack, A...D...Mr. "All-Day" Adrian Peterson

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Because he is in the last year of his contract and will probably be looking to get McGahee type money in his contract next year. Are you willing to pony up that kind of money for a very average RB? Maybe have to franchise him?

BTW, I am not running him out of town, but I truly believe that JJ is not worth that kind of contract, so why not move him now while there are teams that need help at RB?

if we can get a better back, then I'm all for moving Julius for a 2nd, at least, but I doubt either happens

just let him play out his contract, it's a contract year, see if he falls in line w/ everyone looking for a new contract ie has a career year

 

[Rack]

One could ask what makes Julius so special that he couldn't be replaced in the draft, considering he was a bit of a reach in the second round and hasn't proven to be more than a complimentary back in the NFL, its not like the draft pick has huge shoes to fill.

But I digress...

Since Cleveland added Lewis at #3, I doubt they still go RB. I think they go Brady Quinn or Joe Thomas.

Looking at the teams following ...

#4 Tampa Bay - Cadillac
#5 Arizona - Gave Edge a huge contract last offseason
#6 Washington - RB might be their only position on the team with 2 deep
#7 Minnesota - Could add a RB, but they supposedly like Taylor and Peterson doesn't really fit Brad Childress' WCO.
#8 Houston - Just signed Ahman Green to huge $$$
#9 Miami - Ronnie Brown
#10 Atlanta - Already have Warrick Dunn, and they think Norwood is future premiere back. Could go RB I suppose, but they have a gigantic hole at safety and everyone pretty much has Landry already penciled in.
#11 San Francisco - Frank Gore


I could absolutely see Peterson falling to Buffalo at #12. RB is a position that typically slides, as its believed you can find productive guys in the mid rounds and its currently en vogue to go with two complimentary backs than 1 work horse. Remember when there was "no way" Stephen Jackson falls out of the Top 10 and/or Kevin Jones falls out of top 15.

If that happens, I could see Jerry moving up to grab him using a package of #22, Julius and a mid-round pick. Especially if Jerry is back in charge of the draft, and we're about to go back to our wheeling and dealing ways to 'go get his man'. Buffalo reportedly really wants a CB after losing Winfield and Clements in free agency, and there should still be serval on the board at #22.

And Edge is only 27 years old. Plenty of tread left on the tires. It would be incredibly STUPID for the Cards to draft AP.

Because when I look at Marion Barber, I see Troy Hambrick...

What?! You haven't been paying attention then, Old Man. T-Ham tripped over blades of grass and almost ALWAYS went down on first contact. Barber introduces defenders backsides to the grass.

Just cuz Barber is a backup with a high YPC doesn't mean he's the same as T-Ham. I think you chose your words unwisely on that one.

Barber deserves a shot to show what he can do as a starter.

the only back I can see replacing Jujo is AD

yeah, I said it Rack, A...D...Mr. "All-Day" Adrian Peterson

Get over yourself, Stalker.

 

[InmanRoshi]

If MB3 reminds you of Troy Hambrick, Julius must remind you of Derrick Lassic.

 

[carphalen5150]

if we can get a better back, then I'm all for moving Julius for a 2nd, at least, but I doubt either happens

just let him play out his contract, it's a contract year, see if he falls in line w/ everyone looking for a new contract ie has a career year

I don't think we will get a 2nd for him. When the Colts and Seahawks shopped Edge and Alexander the year before last no one would take them for a 2nd. Why? Because not only did they have a give up a premium pick, but would of been on the hook for an extension with whoever they got.

RBs just are not as valuable in trades nowadays.

 

[CATCH17]

Have we seen the best from Julius Jones though?

Is he finished developing? Has he reached his ceiling?

It took his brother a lot longer to get the hang of it and I bet a few teams wish they wouldve had more faith.

Julius just needs to run to day light and trust his instincts more. Hes still very hard to take down in open space and can knock out chunks of yards.

I think it would be wise to hold on to Julius.