Cowboys Cut Thread... Cuts Posted

[Chocolate Lab]

That's the thing.

These scouts put in months and months of evaluating these guys, and I don't like the idea that an assistant coach can be in the war room and override months of careful evaluation.

I had the opportunity to visit with Ciskowski back in June and he said their system now is very good ... the scouts all cross-check each other so every guy has multiple grades. If there is a big difference of opinion on a player, the go back and try to figure out why.

Anyway, when it came to talking about the war room on draft day, he was sort of tight-lipped and I could tell that's a touchy subject. I asked him what his role is in the war room on draft day, he said to bascially "sit there and not say anything."

Wow, good stuff, Chief.

I wish I hadn't read that last part, though.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

That's the thing.

These scouts put in months and months of evaluating these guys, and I don't like the idea that an assistant coach can be in the war room and override months of careful evaluation.

I had the opportunity to visit with Ciskowski back in June and he said their system now is very good ... the scouts all cross-check each other so every guy has multiple grades. If there is a big difference of opinion on a player, the go back and try to figure out why.

Anyway, when it came to talking about the war room on draft day, he was sort of tight-lipped and I could tell that's a touchy subject. I asked him what his role is in the war room on draft day, he said to bascially "sit there and not say anything."

The Mickens pick was well thought of by fans and experts alike. It wasn't a bad pick in the 7th round.

There has been some talk that his knee still isn't up to par-- and that could be.

 

[speedkilz88]

Seriously.

I hope we aren't back to the days post-Jimmy where the team hasn't figured out which scouts or coaches are over- or under-enthusiastic about players and get swayed by one guy's opinion.

Probably not, because I'm very happy with Ciskowski's work. But when I suspect Campo is involved I have to wonder.

I have no idea what he's talking about and I do know after the draft it was reported that this was a scout draft and that they were all very happy with it. Though everyone around nfl circles have said this was a very weak draft.

 

[Wulfman]

Most analysts thought the 2009 draft was weak, if I remember correctly.

Obviously, a guy like Max Unger would have been nice, but after he was gone, I sorta liked their approach. I think they drafted smart players who were team leaders, team captains ... guys who love the game.

The problem is the injuries.

It wouldn't surprise me that in two years, Jason Williams and Robert Brewster would be starting; and Brandon Williams, Michael Hamlin, John Phillips, Kevin Ogletree, Stephen Hodge and Victor Butler were important players on the roster.

That's a nice group of guys who were very productive in college. Give 'em a couple of years.

This group of contributors wouldn't surprise me in a couple of years either, Chief. And while I'm not ready to anoint anyone just yet, as it's still very early, I'm not going to be surprised if we see another guy or two from that list (Ogletree and Hamlin) competing for starting jobs. Ken Hamlin's not getting any younger, and in a few years he'll be towards the end of his hefty contract where it might save against the cap (assuming we have one) to cut him for a younger alternative. Likewise, Crayton will be wearing down, and doesn't make so much that you couldn't afford to relegate him to #3 or #4 receiver, if others can step up and doa better job.

In any event, it always burns my butt that fans and "experts" alike want to grade the draft the same year it happens. NO ONE knows how good or poor a draft is until two or three years down the road. Why? Because there are always going to be high round busts, and there are always going to be low-round or undrafted gems. But you don't know that until they actually get a chance to play.

 

[Chief]

Wow, good stuff, Chief.

I wish I hadn't read that last part, though.

He says he puts the board together with the help of the other scouts. On draft day, he said he's just supposed to be available in case they have any questions.

Of course Jerry makes the final call, but the coaches seem to have a lot of pull in the draft room. He said it wasn't any different under Parcells. He said "all head coaches want to make the pick."

Ciskowski's work is done by draft day, then he apparently has to sit there and bite his tongue while Jerry (with the help of the coaches and Stephen) make the pick.

He had a first-round grade on Witten and when I asked him how Witten could slide to the third round, he chucked and said, "I have no idea."

That one worked out though.

 

[BAT]

He says he puts the board together with the help of the other scouts. On draft day, he said he's just supposed to be available in case they have any questions.

Of course Jerry makes the final call, but the coaches seem to have a lot of pull in the draft room. He said it wasn't any different under Parcells. He said "all head coaches want to make the pick."

Ciskowski's work is done by draft day, then he apparently has to sit there and bite his tongue while Jerry (with the help of the coaches and Stephen) make the pick.

He had a first-round grade on Witten and when I asked him how Witten could slide to the third round, he chucked and said, "I have no idea."

That one worked out though.

Everyone suspected this was how it works, thanks for giving us a peek behind the curtain and confirming our worst fears. Looking forward to any more tidbits you can share with us chief.

For example, Campo campaigned for Smith hard, were there any other coaches who have as much pull with Jerry that they can convince him to draft one of their pet cats? Like Sherman or Herring? Some insight into the heirarchy would be nice.