DC.COM Blog: Pre-Draft Visits Include Potential 2nd-Round Picks

[WoodysGirl]

Posted by nickeatman at 4/16/2009 12:59 AM CDT on truebluefanclub.com

Earlier this week, the Cowboys hosted nearly two dozen local draft prospects, many of them will be fortunate just to get drafted.

But this next group coming into Valley Ranch on Thursday and Friday will have much higher expectations.

Some of the top players in this year’s NFL Draft are visiting the Cowboys over the next two days, some of which have a good chance of being drafted around the Cowboys’ first selection – the 51st overall pick.

NFL rules allow teams to only bring 30 players for a pre-draft visit to the facility. However, the Cowboys are not expected to bring that many players this year.

The big names on the list include Northern Illinois pass rusher Larry English, San Jose State defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert, Clemson safety Michael Hamlin and Texas Tech safety Darcel McBath.

Also planning to visit the Cowboys over the next two days are Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee, Ohio State linebacker Marcus Freeman, Southern Cal wide receiver Patrick Turner, North Carolina State tight end Anthony Hill and Iowa cornerback Bradley Fletcher.

Over the past few years, many of the players selected by the Cowboys have visited the club prior to the draft, including their last three first-round picks, Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Spencer and Felix Jones.

-- Nick Eatman
Comments (33) | Permanent Link

 

[JonJon]

Posted by nickeatman at 4/16/2009 12:59 AM CDT on truebluefanclub.com

Earlier this week, the Cowboys hosted nearly two dozen local draft prospects, many of them will be fortunate just to get drafted.

But this next group coming into Valley Ranch on Thursday and Friday will have much higher expectations.

Some of the top players in this year’s NFL Draft are visiting the Cowboys over the next two days, some of which have a good chance of being drafted around the Cowboys’ first selection – the 51st overall pick.

NFL rules allow teams to only bring 30 players for a pre-draft visit to the facility. However, the Cowboys are not expected to bring that many players this year.

The big names on the list include Northern Illinois pass rusher Larry English, San Jose State defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert, Clemson safety Michael Hamlin and Texas Tech safety Darcel McBath.

Also planning to visit the Cowboys over the next two days are Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee, Ohio State linebacker Marcus Freeman, Southern Cal wide receiver Patrick Turner, North Carolina State tight end Anthony Hill and Iowa cornerback Bradley Fletcher.

Over the past few years, many of the players selected by the Cowboys have visited the club prior to the draft, including their last three first-round picks, Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Spencer and Felix Jones.

-- Nick Eatman
Comments (33) | Permanent Link

I can't say that any of those names really jump out at me. It appears we are looking to make good use of all those mid-level 4th, 5th, and 6th rounders. We should come away with quality depth though but I doubt any of those guys will make a serious impact if drafted by the Cowboys.

Of those names, I like Michael Hamlin the most. I live in South Carolina so I've seen quite a bit of him. He will provide leadership in the secondary and overall defense but still needs some technique work.

Stephen McGee could turn into a good QB in a few years but he needs to sit and learn like Romo did.

Patrick Turner was the top prospect in all of football coming out of high school if I'm not mistaken. I'm not really sure what happened to him at USC but maybe there is still hope for him. I have not seen Bradley Fletcher play, but from what I have read, he is a great athlete that can be the next Scandrick.

I can't wait for the draft to get here.

 

[AmishCowboy]

None of those guys except Gilbert would I take with that 51st pick. so I guess we are looking at 3rd and 4th rounders.

 

[JIMMYBUFFETT]

I'd be thrilled to have Hamlin , but I think #51 is a little too high for him .

 

[TheCount]

Over the past few years, many of the players selected by the Cowboys have visited the club prior to the draft, including their last three first-round picks, Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Spencer and Felix Jones.

One of these things is not like the other.

Interesting that apparently Mike Jenkins never visited, and we traded up to get him.

 

[Paniolo22]

I don't think they expected Jenkins to be there.
Also, they brought Carp in and STILL DRAFTED HIM?!?!?! Someone owes us some money!

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

North Carolina State TE Anthony Hill, this is Jerry Jones and we are getting ready to draft you.

I guess that might be the TE we take. I wonder if Jerry will continue the Tuna tradition but this time take one much lower.

 

[hendog]

None of those guys except Gilbert would I take with that 51st pick. so I guess we are looking at 3rd and 4th rounders.

We'll have to trade up to get English.

 

[JonJon]

North Carolina State TE Anthony Hill, this is Jerry Jones and we are getting ready to draft you.

I guess that might be the TE we take. I wonder if Jerry will continue the Tuna tradition but this time take one much lower.

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 262 | 40-Time: 4.80
Anthony Hill | North Carolina St. Wolfpack
Official Bio

Strengths:
Outstanding size and bulk...Has a huge frame with long arms...Tough and physical...Excellent strength...An outstanding blocker...Stout at the point and gets a good push...Soft, reliable hands...Can be a threat in the redzone...Works well in traffic and can take a hit...Understands how to get open...May offer some versatility...Has a lot of experience.

Weaknesses:
Does not have great speed or quickness...Average athleticism...Not a big play threat and won't stretch the field...Does not get much separation...Won't do much after the catch...Will have the occasional lapse in concentration...Durability may be an issue...Upside is limited.

Notes:
Was a three-year starter in the ACC...Attended Hargrave Military Academy prep school for a year after high school before joining the Wolfpack...Would have been a part of the 2008 NFL Draft but redshirted after tearing the ACL in his left knee...Bulking up and moving to offensive tackle may be a legitimate possibility...Not flashy and is definitely a better blocker than receiver but is sneakily effective and has proven to be a dependable threat in the short to intermediate range...Underrated prospect who is never going to be a superstar but is absolutely capable of making a roster and contributing as a backup.

We already seem to have a guy like him that is more athletic and faster in Martellus Bennett. He would be a decent backup, but I really see no need in drafting him before round 6, unless we trade Bennett, which would be dumb.

 

[AMERICAS_FAN]

North Carolina State TE Anthony Hill, this is Jerry Jones and we are getting ready to draft you.

I guess that might be the TE we take. I wonder if Jerry will continue the Tuna tradition but this time take one much lower.

Tony Hill? :laugh2:

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

We already seem to have a guy like him that is more athletic and faster in Martellus Bennett. He would be a decent backup, but I really see no need in drafting him before round 6, unless we trade Bennett, which would be dumb.

My guess would be they would use him as a third stringer, of course, but more of a blocking TE that could fill in as a FB when needed.

Notice his strength in that analysis.

 

[Monster Heel]

Larry English doesn't surprise me. I've read that he compares to Anthony Spencer. If they really like Spencer, it makes sense that they'd take another guy like him. Maybe one that can stay healthy and not get into things off the field.

 

[Rampage]

Over the past few years, many of the players selected by the Cowboys have visited the club prior to the draft, including their last three first-round picks, Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Spencer and Felix Jones

Ain't that something, Bob:laugh2:

 

[ArmyCowboy]

If we do draft English, it kind of tells you what the FO thinks of Spencer.

Also, is it just me, or do I not see any offensive linemen on the visit list? I think it's almost a must to go o-line in the second or third.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Over the past few years, many of the players selected by the Cowboys have visited the club prior to the draft, including their last three first-round picks, Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Spencer and Felix Jones

Ain't that something, Bob:laugh2:

whoever I got that information from was wrong then

 

[SLATEmosphere]

Larry Englishray:

 

[skinsscalper]

One of these things is not like the other.

Interesting that apparently Mike Jenkins never visited, and we traded up to get him.

I don't think the Cowboys thought they had a realistic chance of drafting Jenkins, to be honest. IIRC Jenkins was at the top of many CB lists along with Cromartie. I think that's why they jumped to draft him afer he had fallen that far.

 

[Hoofbite]

A Tight End? Why?

Jerry is probably gonna trade Martellus for a bag of Cheetos and then move into the first to draft his replacement.

Seriously though, why waste one of the visits on a TE?

Won't this team ever be content at that position?

 

[Monster Heel]

If we do draft English, it kind of tells you what the FO thinks of Spencer.

Also, is it just me, or do I not see any offensive linemen on the visit list? I think it's almost a must to go o-line in the second or third.

I'm pretty sure they interviewed Phil Loadholt at the combine.

 

[Monster Heel]

I don't think the Cowboys thought they had a realistic chance of drafting Jenkins, to be honest. IIRC Jenkins was at the top of many CB lists along with Cromartie. I think that's why they jumped to draft him afer he had fallen that far.

Yeah, they had to get ahead of San Diego. They probably take Jenkins over Cason if the Cowboys don't move up.