Cowboys talking mostly defense at NFL Combine

[waving monkey]

INDIANAPOLIS
There is no secret to the Dallas Cowboys’ focus for the 2015 NFL Draft.

It will be defense, defense, defense.

That unit was the team’s obvious weak link in 2014.

It’s where they need the most help. And they could use injections of talent on defense on every level — line, linebacker and safety

So the focus at the NFL Scouting Combine this week and the next few months leading up to the draft will be finding a difference-making defender with the 27th overall pick, per executive vice president Stephen Jones.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/sports...orner-blog/article10762160.html#storylink=cpy

link/http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/cowboys-corner-blog/article10762160.html

 

[big dog cowboy]

“We felt just as strong last year that we needed defense and we took offense,” Jones said. “We had five guys we were slated to pick ahead of Zack and they were all defense. And then they were all gone. It’s obvious to everybody that our offense was very strong last year, and we spent a lot of money on our offense compared to our defense. We need help over there.

“But if there is a great player there that we have rated real high, and he’s way ahead of the next best defensive player, then we take him. Just because we’re leaning toward defense, that doesn’t mean that’s what we end up taking.”

I'm not going to say they got lucky with Martin still being there last year, but we could be in the same situation this year. At 27 all the highest rated players on our board could be 2nd rounders . I'm still on record as saying at least a 50/50 chance to trading down this year.

 

[xwalker]

INDIANAPOLIS
There is no secret to the Dallas Cowboys’ focus for the 2015 NFL Draft.

It will be defense, defense, defense.

That unit was the team’s obvious weak link in 2014.

It’s where they need the most help. And they could use injections of talent on defense on every level — line, linebacker and safety

So the focus at the NFL Scouting Combine this week and the next few months leading up to the draft will be finding a difference-making defender with the 27th overall pick, per executive vice president Stephen Jones.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/sports...orner-blog/article10762160.html#storylink=cpy

link/http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/cowboys-corner-blog/article10762160.html

They were leaning defense last year also but ended up with Martin.

“We felt just as strong last year that we needed defense and we took offense,” Jones said. “We had five guys we were slated to pick ahead of Zack and they were all defense. And then they were all gone. It’s obvious to everybody that our offense was very strong last year, and we spent a lot of money on our offense compared to our defense. We need help over there.

“But if there is a great player there that we have rated real high, and he’s way ahead of the next best defensive player, then we take him. Just because we’re leaning toward defense, that doesn’t mean that’s what we end up taking.”

 

[xwalker]

I'm not going to say they got lucky with Martin still being there last year, but we could be in the same situation this year. At 27 all the highest rated players on our board could be 2nd rounders . I'm still on record as saying at least a 50/50 chance to trading down this year.

I'm certain that it will be on Jerry's mind that they went BPA last year with Martin and it ended up being a specular pick. It doesn't get much better than All-Pro as a rookie.

 

[JBS]

I'm not going to say they got lucky with Martin still being there last year, but we could be in the same situation this year. At 27 all the highest rated players on our board could be 2nd rounders . I'm still on record as saying at least a 50/50 chance to trading down this year.

Not going on much of a limb...jerry loves wheeling and dealing

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

Not buying the Offense in Round 1, it's the perfect smoke screen this year. Good one Jerruh!

 

[xwalker]

I'm not going to say they got lucky with Martin still being there last year, but we could be in the same situation this year. At 27 all the highest rated players on our board could be 2nd rounders . I'm still on record as saying at least a 50/50 chance to trading down this year.

The Cowboys have traded out of their spot in the 1st round 80% of the time since Jerry has owned the team.

 

[Risen Star]

We have an old QB with back issues. No backup worth a mention.

Our starting RB is an UFA who you shouldn't want to resign. No backup worth a mention.

You're one Dez Bryant or Terrance Williams injury away from the legendary Devin Street starting.

A RT must be resigned or found. Your starting G is playing on a per down basis with a chronic knee condition. There isn't a viable plan B on the roster.

We've got issues on offense that must be addressed or it won't be a strength for very long.

Don't over think it. Just take the best player.

 

[LatinMind]

I'm not going to say they got lucky with Martin still being there last year, but we could be in the same situation this year. At 27 all the highest rated players on our board could be 2nd rounders . I'm still on record as saying at least a 50/50 chance to trading down this year.

If Gurley or Gordon are there i cant see them taking somebody over them

 

[Bowdown27]

I think it's obvious we will focus on defense. All depends on our free agency spending. I think Gurley or Gordon if MURRAY is gone.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

We have an old QB with back issues. No backup worth a mention.

Our starting RB is an UFA who you shouldn't want to resign. No backup worth a mention.

You're one Dez Bryant or Terrance Williams injury away from the legendary Devin Street starting.

A RT must be resigned or found. Your starting G is playing on a per down basis with a chronic knee condition. There isn't a viable plan B on the roster.

We've got issues on offense that must be addressed or it won't be a strength for very long.

Don't over think it. Just take the best player.

SERIOUSLY hope Dallas is in a WIN NOW MODE for the Draft because that is the reality of the QB situation.

 

[manster4ever]

We have an old QB with back issues. No backup worth a mention.

Our starting RB is an UFA who you shouldn't want to resign. No backup worth a mention.

You're one Dez Bryant or Terrance Williams injury away from the legendary Devin Street starting.

A RT must be resigned or found. Your starting G is playing on a per down basis with a chronic knee condition. There isn't a viable plan B on the roster.

We've got issues on offense that must be addressed or it won't be a strength for very long.

Don't over think it. Just take the best player.

All true. I agree..... BPA is the smart route. Hope they do it again.

 

[jobberone]

We have an old QB with back issues. No backup worth a mention.

Our starting RB is an UFA who you shouldn't want to resign. No backup worth a mention.

You're one Dez Bryant or Terrance Williams injury away from the legendary Devin Street starting.

A RT must be resigned or found. Your starting G is playing on a per down basis with a chronic knee condition. There isn't a viable plan B on the roster.

We've got issues on offense that must be addressed or it won't be a strength for very long.

Don't over think it. Just take the best player.

Romo's back not a problem last year although you can argue was first game. That is a somewhat of a freak injury. Not worried about it. Expect 4-5 more years from Romo.

Murray is likely gone. Randle is a good RB. I think Williams is good. Dunbar is a good 3rd down back. We need to pick up a bruiser IMO. We're fine.

Parnell and/or Free will be resigned. Weems is a capable swing tackle. We have a 4th not that they're used much.

Offense is not a problem if Dez is signed.

I agree the BPA but leaning defense if the players are roughly equal. That doesn't mean an offensive player(s) won't go early though.

 

[big dog cowboy]

We have an old QB with back issues. No backup worth a mention.

Our starting RB is an UFA who you shouldn't want to resign. No backup worth a mention.

You're one Dez Bryant or Terrance Williams injury away from the legendary Devin Street starting.

A RT must be resigned or found. Your starting G is playing on a per down basis with a chronic knee condition. There isn't a viable plan B on the roster.

We've got issues on offense that must be addressed or it won't be a strength for very long.

Don't over think it. Just take the best player.

One could say that is an extreme view.

 

[The Realist]

Could go O a as BPA at 27 and trade up with our 2 if need be to get the D (DE) we need.

 

[AzorAhai]

A piece of an article from DMN

Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones said Thursday that Dallas has plans to meet with "all those top backs."

"This draft is actually heavy as it has been in running backs," Jones said. "This is one of the strongest years it has ever been for running back."

This along with the list of known player interviews from the combine shows what many have suspected and many have denied. The Cowboys know they need defensive help. They also are showing that they will definitely consider a RB in the top 2 Rds and consider it a need with interviews with Gordon, Gurley, Ajayi and Abdullah being reported. They wouldnt have interviewed them if they weren't at least considering taking a RB high as all of those will go RD 1, 2 or maybe RD 3 for Abdullah. Some may not like it, but the reality is they are at minimum thinking about it.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

We have an old QB with back issues. No backup worth a mention.

Our starting RB is an UFA who you shouldn't want to resign. No backup worth a mention.

You're one Dez Bryant or Terrance Williams injury away from the legendary Devin Street starting.

A RT must be resigned or found. Your starting G is playing on a per down basis with a chronic knee condition. There isn't a viable plan B on the roster.

We've got issues on offense that must be addressed or it won't be a strength for very long.

Don't over think it. Just take the best player.

You aren't finding a Romo caliber starter at 27. If he is down it's over.

RB is fungible. We'll have a good running game even if you started for us.

You aren't finding a Dez or Terrance replacement at 27.

RT is a legitimate concern but we are signing Free or Parnell. And we have guys on the roster the team likes.

Mac isn't a viable plan B?

You have a way for hyperbole.

 

[Risen Star]

One could say that is an extreme view.

Well, one could say that....but they'd be wrong.

One could say you can't stand how honest I am.

 

[Howboutdemcowboys31]

I'm for BPA if player A is definitely better then player B but if player A and player B are similar in talent/potential/readiness then you have to pick the defensive guy

 

[Risen Star]

You aren't finding a Romo caliber starter at 27. If he is down it's over.

RB is fungible. We'll have a good running game even if you started for us.

You aren't finding a Dez or Terrance replacement at 27.

RT is a legitimate concern but we are signing Free or Parnell. And we have guys on the roster the team likes.

Mac isn't a viable plan B?

You have a way for hyperbole.

This is ridiculously short sighted. Thinking immediate production only. I'm talking long term team building.

You found Romo where? In UDFA? To say you couldn't find one as high as 27 in the draft is foolish. The possibility is there. It's the same with the WRs. You absolutely can find a starting caliber wideout. Think past this year. If you can.

Free or Parnell are mediocre. I don't care if the team likes somebody on the roster to fill that spot. Who is that player that's going to be our RT of the future? Where is he on the roster? Give me a name. He's not there.

Did you just ask me if Mackenzy Bernadeau is a viable option to be our starting G in the future? Am I talking to Rowdy or Rich Dalrymple, by any chance? No, a career backup isn't a viable option for the future. Unless you want to go back to "getting by" along the OL so you can stockpile irrelevant cornerbacks.