Change in draft priorities

[Apollo Creed]

Any free agent Free Safeties out there? Bledsoe and our 1st round pick to the Raiders for Michael Huff - wow I love Madden.

 

[Dat Dude]

there is no way I want a guard on the 1st day. Rivera, double digit signing bonus. Kosier, 5M dollar signing bonus. We need a blue chip OT. You build your offensive line from the outside in.

I totally disagree with drafting a LBer on the 1st day. We are having trouble getting the ones we drafted on the field. Lets not forget Burnett was a 2nd rd pick and Carpenter was a 1st round pick in back to back years. Let's work on getting THEM on the field more consitently before we start adding more LBers.

A couple of responses yielded no WRs. You have to understand that the defense will play you totally different if YOU DO NOT have someone that they respect. TO can drop a ball every week and we will still get favorable matchups that we did not get with KeyShawn Johsnon because of the threat of what he can do. We should not wait for TO or Glenn to slow down before we address what will be a gaping hole in 2 years. Hurd, Miles, Rector and Crayton are guys that make plays because of the presnece of 2 other big gime WRs. Let's add another bigtime WR and get him ready to be the face of our WR corps in 2 years.

NT must be addressed

And Chris Canty will get one more year to show up...or he is going to be coming off the bench BEHIND Jason Hatcher.

Hatcher is getting sacks in garbage time coming fomr the outside in a Nickel pass rush... Canty isnt supposed to get sacks fromhis 3-4 end spot on first and second down.. He is doing a fine job of run support....

Get Real...

 

[K-DOGG]

As long as the Boys keep the 3-4 defense, they should draft a LB on the first dayof every draft. With the risk of injury every season, the need for a catalytic LB is always a priority! Then OL and NT are also important positions to address.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

there is no way I want a guard on the 1st day. Rivera, double digit signing bonus. Kosier, 5M dollar signing bonus. We need a blue chip OT. You build your offensive line from the outside in.

I totally disagree with drafting a LBer on the 1st day. We are having trouble getting the ones we drafted on the field. Lets not forget Burnett was a 2nd rd pick and Carpenter was a 1st round pick in back to back years. Let's work on getting THEM on the field more consitently before we start adding more LBers.

A couple of responses yielded no WRs. You have to understand that the defense will play you totally different if YOU DO NOT have someone that they respect. TO can drop a ball every week and we will still get favorable matchups that we did not get with KeyShawn Johsnon because of the threat of what he can do. We should not wait for TO or Glenn to slow down before we address what will be a gaping hole in 2 years. Hurd, Miles, Rector and Crayton are guys that make plays because of the presnece of 2 other big gime WRs. Let's add another bigtime WR and get him ready to be the face of our WR corps in 2 years.

NT must be addressed

And Chris Canty will get one more year to show up...or he is going to be coming off the bench BEHIND Jason Hatcher.

We will not draft a OT the first day unless Adams is cut loose... it just won't happen.

 

[ghst187]

You knew if there was a draft thread that I would jump all over it....

Our draft priorities have definitely changed. But I think we almost have to call it "offseason priorities" because we should have plenty of FA money to sign one big name or several solid guys. Some of our needs are more about having some youth behind established starters rather than about immediately upgrading the position. So I have to rank those (WR, NT, and CB) below those I believe need immediate upgrade (RG, backup QB, PR, and possibly LT & K).
With that in mind here's how I rank our offseason priorities:

1) RG: Rivera sucks. I'd like to keep him as backup or see him retire. Perhaps the Tx Tech guy (Whitley I think?) can play here? What I'd REALLY like to see though is Eric Steinbach brought in, unless he wants Hutchinson-type money. I do trust that if our staff looks more for a Kosier-type guy that they will find a quality player. But Rivera has been the weakest link along the OL IMO.
Possible FA target: Eric Steinbach
Possible Draft Targets:
Justin Blalock, Texas
Arron Sears, Tennessee
Josh Beekman, Boston College
Ben Grubbs, Auburn
Manuel Ramirez, Texas Tech
Mike Jones, Iowa Tim Duckworth, Auburn
Jake Kuresa, BYU
Kasey Studdard, Texas
Samson Satele, Hawaii

2) Backup QB: We all believe that Bledsoe will depart after the season and look for another starting opportunity. If he was smart, he'd stay, accept his role, and help the team. But I doubt he'll do that. If and when DB leaves, all we'll have left is Matt Baker. And if the window for a UDFA QB is 4 years, then Baker has a lot of time left to serve. We have to bring in a decent backup that BP will be comfortable with. I doubt Griese (not a FA but could get released), Simms, Schaub, Volek (not a FA but could get released), or some of the others will be interested in a backup role but you never know. Someone might get smart, accept that they're not going to get a starting gig, and like to enjoy a free-ride to a possible SB ring. We all know BP's tendencies to like a veteran backup, and frankly I think we'd all like that too. But I think we'd also all like to see someone taken in the draft that our scouts feel could develop into something special.

Possible FA targets: (which doesn't really inspire)
Rohan Davey, RFA, Arizona Cardinals
Shaun King, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
John Navarre, RFA, Arizona Cardinals
Tim Rattay, UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Seneca Wallace, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Anthony Wright, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Possible draft targets:
Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
Brian Brohm, Louisville Jr.
Drew Stanton, Michigan St. Don't like him myself
Jamarcus Russell, LSU, Jr. No
Troy Smith, Ohio St. if he somehow fell to the 2nd or 3rd.....
Chris Leak, Florida ditto as Troy Smith
Jordan Palmer, UTEP Like this guy IF he slips to the 3rd or 4th
Trent Edwards, Stanford
Kevin Kolb, Houston Like this guy a lot anywhere beyond the middle 2nd
Tyler Palko, Pitt


3) PR: We all LOVE Newman back there but we are also all SCARED to death of him getting injured returning punts. Guys that can do this can probably be found cheaply in FA or if a guy like Steve Breaston slips (since he isn't a very good WR) to the 4th, would be worth considering. I saw Green firsthand returning punts and I really don't think he'll ever be any good at it in the NFL.

4) LT: The Flo situation could be a little dicey. He is still a very capable LT and LT's are HARD to come by. But, he still gets abused by speed rushers and looks like his knees are so bad he can barely get into his stance, let alone maneuver to handle a dwight Freeney. Flo would also have some serious trade value if we wanted to go that route. What we do here, if anything, may depend on what the coaches think of McQuistan. Is McQ going to be starting caliber LT by next year? I tend to doubt it. On the other hand, I believe Flo is locked up for a while and we can afford to stand pat here and give McQ more time to develop. If we decide to stand pat here, then I guess we'll have more options elsewhere. I do tend to believe that we will stand pat at the T position though, making this discussion moot.
Possible FA target: Mike Gandy?
Possible draft targets:
Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
Jared Gaither, Maryland, So.
Jake Long, Michigan This would be my pick if we go after a first day T
Levi Brown, Penn St.
Doug Free, Northern Illinois
Sam Baker, USC, Jr.
Joe Staley, Central Michigan
Ryan Harris, Notre Dame
Mike Otto, Purdue
Andrew Cameron, Cal

5) K...? If Vanderjagt keeps sucking, he will be gone bottomline. He already had a strike against him since his kickoffs suck. There aren't going to be a lot of better options out there but if Matt Bryant became available for one reason or another, I'd expect us to go grab him up quickly.
Here are what the FA options are looking like right now:
Josh Brown, UFA, Seattle Seahawks (not expected to leave Seattle)
Rian Lindell, UFA, Buffalo Bills
Josh Scobee, RFA, Jacksonville Jaguars (not too bad)
Lawrence Tynes, RFA, Kansas City Chiefs (not too bad either)

Draft target: Mason Crosby Colorado (awesome kicker, count on touchbacks on kickoffs and 50+yard fgs to be routine)

6) CB: Aaron Glenn is pretty old but still playing at a pretty high level. I think he's proven the requirement of having 3 starting caliber CBs on your roster. Glenn can probably play another year or two and Reeves is decent but needs to step up a little too. I tend to expect us to stand pat at CB and draft a later round CB who could potentially develop into our #3. Here are the FA options for next year:
Nate Clements, UFA, Buffalo Bills (going to get BIG $$$)
Asante Samuel UFA New England Patriots (Ditto)
Roc Alexander, RFA, Denver Broncos
Jordan Babineaux, RFA, Seattle Seahawks
Jason David, RFA, Indianapolis Colts
Randall Gay, RFA, New England Patriots
Nick Harper, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
David Macklin, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Draft:
Antoine Cason, Arizona, Jr.
Marcus McCauley, Fresno St.
Leon Hall, Michigan (love this guy but OSU put a hurt on him)
Daymeion Hughes, Cal
Darrelle Revis, Pitt, Jr.
Fred Bennett, South Carolina
Aaron Ross, Texas (love this guy if he somehow fell to the 3rd or later)
Tanard Jackson, Syracuse
Tarell Brown, Texas
Travarous Bain, Hampton

7) WR: This one is tricky. We have one of the best trios in the league right now and if Glenn is fine for next year, then there isn't going to be room for anyone, even a guy like Calvin Johnson, to crack the starting lineup. I think TO stays another season. Crayton is young and going to be a RFA but he isn't going anywhere. Although if someone was going to give up a first rounder for him, I might take it and use it to trade up and get someone like Calvin Johnson, who would eventually turn into #1 WR IMO.
We also have a stable of young guys who are decent and getting better...Austin (who has increased his value by returning kicks) and Hurd who may turn into a legit #3 or #2 in another year or two.
HOWEVER, this draft is absolutely going to be STOCKED with WR talent IMO. And the last time a guy like Calvin Johnson came along...his name was Larry Fitzgerald. But I tend to think that Calvin may end up being better because he's bigger and faster, if that is believable to you. I also like Steve Smith of USC a lot. He seems like he could turn into a TG type WR. I couldn't envision us going after a FA WR unless TG retires or can't go but here they are just in case:
Drew Bennett, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Kevin Curtis, UFA, St. Louis Rams
Marc Boerigter, UFA, Green Bay Packers
David Boston, UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (um NO!)
Tyrone Calico, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Patrick Crayton, RFA, Dallas Cowboys
Andre' Davis, UFA, Buffalo Bills
Bobby Engram, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Justin Gage, UFA, Chicago Bears
D.J. Hackett, RFA, Seattle Seahawks
Keenan McCardell, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Shaun McDonald, UFA, St. Louis Rams
Samie Parker, RFA, Kansas City Chiefs
Jerome Pathon, UFA, Atlanta Falcons
Willie Ponder, UFA, New York Giants
Edell Shepherd, RFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Travis Taylor, UFA, Minnesota Vikings
Scottie Vines, RFA, Detroit Lions
Bobby Wade, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Peter Warrick, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Kelley Washington, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Alvis Whitted, UFA, Oakland Raiders
Ernest Wilford, RFA, Jacksonville Jaguars

Draft Targets:
Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech, Jr. (love to see us make a bold move and get him to be Romo's guy for years to come)
Dwayne Jarrett, USC, Jr. (reminds me of Plax, not sure about the 'tude tho)
Ted Ginn Jr, Ohio St, Jr. (Pure speed and can return kicks...hmmm but may never be a legit #2 WR)
Sydney Rice, South Carolina (color me not sold)
Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame (Jurivicious (sp?) reincarnated?)
Robert Meachem, Tennessee, Jr.
Dwayne Bowe, LSU
Steve Smith, USC (like this guy a lot, reminds me of TG)
Jason Hill, Washington St.
Rhema McKnight, Notre Dame

8) NT: Fergi has been great this year, but he is getting up there. Some guys have been able to do it until 34 or 35 so who knows. We definitely don't have anyone behind Fergi to play 1st and 2nd down runs though. I'd imagine we could make due by moving someone, but I really don't think it'd be anything more than a band-aid fix that would bite us in the end. I do think that we will look for someone again in the later rounds of the draft like we did with Stanley. It also wouldn't completely surprise me if BP didn't make this his top draft priority and go after a guy like Branch. I do know BP values the NT position tremendously and I do know that we are actively looking for a backup and future behind Fergi.

Potential FA target:
Terdell Sands UFA Oakland Raiders

Draft Targets:
Alan Branch, Michigan, Jr. (if you want a 3-4 NT, this guy is IT! but will cost you a high first round pick, probably higher than we will have without a big trade up)
None of these others are very inspiring to play 3-4 NT IMO.
Frank Okam, Texas, Jr.
DeMarcus Tyler, North Carolina St.
Quinn Pitcock, Ohio St.
Marcus Thomas, Florida
Brandon Mebane, Cal
Justin Harrell, Tennessee
Amobi Okoye, Louisville
Jay Alford, Penn St.
Demario Pressley, North Carolina St. Jr.

 

[Vinnie2u]

Henry is our future FS and with the 32 Pick in the Draft the Dallas Cowboys select.... the best cover DB left in the Draft or the best available OL in the draft. Guard, Tackle or Center.

 

[Screw The Hall]

As long as the Boys keep the 3-4 defense, they should draft a LB on the first dayof every draft. With the risk of injury every season, the need for a catalytic LB is always a priority! Then OL and NT are also important positions to address.

Yep ... we aren't as deep there as some people think we are.

The great Steeler 3-4's have almost always had a star in the making on the bench just waiting for his chance by constantly reloading that position.

 

[Woods]

I hope we get the following positions via FA/Draft next year,

NT to rotate with Fergy - Maybe FA? Not sure a rookie will have the necessary girth and strength to hold up unless it's a very high pick. These guys take time to develop strength.

CB - Draft, Day 1 pick.

OG - Draft, groom behind Rivera. Round 3 or early Day 2. I don't see BP taking an OG in the 1st or 2nd round. Does BP take OL often in Day 1? I'm not sure, but I don't think so.

WR - Draft, to groom behind Glenn, TO. Possibly 1st or 2nd round. This draft class is deep at WR, so we may be able to get a good one 2nd round.

OLB - Big pressure player in Ware/Ellis mold - Draft/FA. I would not be surprised if this position is our 1st round pick or priority in FA. I guess it depends on Ellis' availability as well and whether BP still prefers to have Carp play inside. But if a guy like B. Berry is available again in FA, we could take the FA route here.

TE - Draft DAY 2, a quality 3rd TE in case of injury - unless Hannam comes back 100% next year. With 2 TE sets, this is important.

QB - Back-up to groom and at least be number 2 QB a few years down the line, DAY 2 pick.

 

[Doomsday]

NT, OG, CB, WR

Most importantly best available player. We are pretty lucky that this team is pretty solid at almost every position, they can afford to draft by their board. Thats how you find guys like a Marion Barber when you already have a JJ.

Mason Crosby as stated above would be worthy of a first day pick in my opinion, he is a great kicker. It will be interesting to see how high he goes in the draft.

 

[Big Country]

Best Player Available in 2007.

Offensive Line... in order of Guard, Tackle
Nose Tackle
Wide Receiver
Pass Rusher... in order of OLB, DE
Cornerback
Running Back

Quarterback... fugettabahtit

 

[big dog cowboy]

I'm just thankful we have a pro-active owner who will sign free agents to fill holes that will allow us draft by our draft board and not for need positions.

 

[MONT17]

NT on day 1... just like RB, BP would never do that! at least I hope not with guys like Sam Adams playing forever!

PR (only) in the 4th... yeah that works! why cant we just call Wal Mart like every other team in the NFL!!!

OG are a dime a dozen but in BP case 10 million a dozen... day 2 or move Flo!

CB should be a concern...

OLB who can actually rush the passer should be a major concern!!!


In the mid 90s Jerry traded out of the first round time and time again so he didnt have to pay first round salaries.... we all know how that worked out!!! when you have great team you have to add great players by moving up in the draft much like the Broncos did last year!!

 

[NoLuv4Jerry]

You guys who think OLB or G should be a round 1 priority are on the fast track to ruining roster building...are you suggesting Bobb Carpenter is not the answer at OLB? This is a perfect year to get a project DE with the ability to play on his feet in like the 4th round.

And for the poster who says Flo is locked up long term...he is NOT. Next year will be the last year of his deal and he will NOT get a big money deal out of the Cowboys. We went down that road with Larry Allen and that is not a good road especially near the middle to end of that contract. We should have never passed on Marcus McNeil (sigh). But the playoffs will show how we stack up against the elite...if Flozell is dominated...we need to draft someone. If he holds his own, we can bring him back and continue to groom McQuistan.

We do not want to be arrogant like the Pats...who think that Brady can make any WR productive....we are still the Dallas Cowboys...we are still America's team...we still get everyone's best shot (even when we were not good)...so we still need blue chippers. Our offense is a multi faceted attack because of the presence of WRs that scare people. TO and Glenn have 2 years at most to continue playing...the replacements for them need to be on the roster next year. I say we got the draft on this route. I know there are always WRs available that teams draft high and let go after 3 years....so I can understand waiting until one of them falls into your lap. But how about going out and crossing your fingers that you draft the right guy? Having said that...I think Mike Williams, Troy Williamson, Ashley Lelie are well on their way to being let go by their current teams. But do any of those guys scare a defense on a consitent basis?

Let's be glad that we actually are to the point where draft picks don't HAVE to start on day 1...that is when you know you have a solid roster built that can stay competetive for a long time

 

[Rockytop6]

I think we potentially do drop out of the first round.

We absolutely need depth at NT.

A "speed" WR, a-la Glenn would be nice.

A guard with starting potential would be a good thing.

I would like to see another corner brought on board.

I would consider a QB sometime in the later rounds.

My sentiments exactly.

 

[EveryoneElse]

IMO, I think we ned to avoid the mistake we made in the early to mid 90s. We never drafted Aikman's replacement, same with Irvin, and Emmitt.

I think we need to draft WR, unless the coaching staff really believes tha Crayton and Hurd will be top flight guys.

Other needs in order:

NT, RG, CB,

I only see 5 potenial holes in our team opening in the next 1-2 years.

Ferguson, Rivera, To, Glenn, Henry.

 

[ghst187]

You guys who think OLB or G should be a round 1 priority are on the fast track to ruining roster building...are you suggesting Bobb Carpenter is not the answer at OLB? This is a perfect year to get a project DE with the ability to play on his feet in like the 4th round.

Isn't Hatcher one of those guys? Can't really drop back into coverage but he is our project passrusher. I do agree that a late round project for this type of player is in order.

And for the poster who says Flo is locked up long term...he is NOT. Next year will be the last year of his deal and he will NOT get a big money deal out of the Cowboys. We went down that road with Larry Allen and that is not a good road especially near the middle to end of that contract. We should have never passed on Marcus McNeil (sigh). But the playoffs will show how we stack up against the elite...if Flozell is dominated...we need to draft someone. If he holds his own, we can bring him back and continue to groom McQuistan.

I thought Flo had more time left. my bad. Flo isn't coming back once his contract is up IMO. Depends on how McQ is viewed as to how we approach this position in the offseason. I expect we'll be planning for his replacement. I personally like Jake Long a lot.

We do not want to be arrogant like the Pats...who think that Brady can make any WR productive....we are still the Dallas Cowboys...we are still America's team...we still get everyone's best shot (even when we were not good)...so we still need blue chippers. Our offense is a multi faceted attack because of the presence of WRs that scare people. TO and Glenn have 2 years at most to continue playing...the replacements for them need to be on the roster next year. I say we got the draft on this route. I know there are always WRs available that teams draft high and let go after 3 years....so I can understand waiting until one of them falls into your lap. But how about going out and crossing your fingers that you draft the right guy? Having said that...I think Mike Williams, Troy Williamson, Ashley Lelie are well on their way to being let go by their current teams. But do any of those guys scare a defense on a consitent basis?

I agree we need to be looking. I think Sydney Rice seems like he could be another Troy Williamson type. I do think Calvin Johnson is a nearly can't miss all-star though.
I do have to remember though that our top two WRs have come to us via FA.

 

[NoLuv4Jerry]

IMO, I think we ned to avoid the mistake we made in the early to mid 90s. We never drafted Aikman's replacement, same with Irvin, and Emmitt.

I think we need to draft WR, unless the coaching staff really believes tha Crayton and Hurd will be top flight guys.

Other needs in order:

NT, RG, CB,

I only see 5 potenial holes in our team opening in the next 1-2 years.

Ferguson, Rivera, To, Glenn, Henry.

Crayton will never be more than a 3rd WR. He has good hands, he blocks well and he plays special teams. These are exactly the qualities you want in a 3rd guy...but he does not have the athleticism to be anything more. He makes plays because of the presence of better WRs on the field. Hurd does not have the speed to ever be more than a #2....there is nothing wrong with that, but we need a baller in the mold of Moss, TO, Irvin, Harrison...the last time our offense looked this good was when Micheal Irvin was here...so the presnece of TO is just reminding us what a dominant physical specimen at WR can do for an offense.

 

[jbsg02]

we should be in a position to take the BPA, there isn't any GLARING holes in this team.

 

[conner01]

i would'nt be surprised if we trade off some picks for next year picks. we have 8 picks i believe and there are'nt 8 holes on the team. we need some youth on the oline, i've been for youth at wr but i'm starting to cool on wr unles a special guy is there.i really like hurd and crayton alot.we could use a future #1 cb so that might be an option.too early to take a qb very high with romo's age. you would loose the guy before he ever got on the field.
don't see us doing much inn f.a. this year. no major needs and they cost too much.save the money to lock up our young stars

 

[NoLuv4Jerry]

we should be in a position to take the BPA, there isn't any GLARING holes in this team.

I see your point..but that is how you get yourself in trouble...there are holes that will become glaring in 2 years...which is why you address them now. And if BPA is a QB, you can't just decide to take him. You make a list of the biggest potential holes (OT, G, NT, WR, CB)...and you decide how deep the draft is at those positions...and you strike. I would accept any of those positions in the 1st round except NT or G.