DMN: Blog: Keep an eye on two guys who were close to being Cowboys

[Cbz40]

Keep an eye on two guys who were close to being Cowboys

4:32 PM Mon, Apr 27, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon


If you're a woulda, coulda kind of guy, you ought to follow the NFL careers of OT Phil Loadholt and DL Jarron Gilbert. The Cowboys came close to picking both players.

Loadholt, a giant who played LT at Oklahoma but will move to the other side in the NFL, would have been the Cowboys' pick if they didn't find a trade partner when they were on the clock at No. 51. He went to the Vikings three picks later. The Cowboys ended up getting Ball State OL Robert Brewster and Oregon State DE/OLB Victor Butler with the picks acquired from the Bills for No. 51.

Gilbert, a 6-5, 288-pound physical freak who is YouTube famous for jumping out of a pool, was a consideration at No. 69. The Cowboys felt they filled a much bigger need by picking Western Illinois LB Jason Williams, who they're counting on to fill the void left by Kevin Burnett's departure to San Diego.

With Marcus Spears entering the final season of his contract, you could make the argument that Gilbert would have become a starter for the Cowboys before Williams. Jerry Jones said the progress of Marcus Dixon, an undrafted free agent who spent last season on the practice squad, played into their decision to pass on Gilbert.

 

[TheCount]

What is it we keep hearing about drafting for need?

And here goes Jerry's BS about someone like Dixon being the reason not to draft a highly touted player.

If you felt there was better value, didn't like the player, etc that's one thing, but don't feed us this bull about how the team is in great position to take the best player, and you're looking for ballers and then tell me Marcus Dixon is why we didn't draft a guy.

 

[Spectre]

we didn't "pass on Gilbert" at #69.

The Bears took him at #68.

 

[Hypnotoad]

Don't really care since they aren't in the division. If one of our rivals took them id be more interested to see if we made a big mistake. But it is like the Merriman vs Ware debate, you worry about it for 3 years, I relax.

 

[AdamJT13]

What is it we keep hearing about drafting for need?

And here goes Jerry's BS about someone like Dixon being the reason not to draft a highly touted player.

If you felt there was better value, didn't like the player, etc that's one thing, but don't feed us this bull about how the team is in great position to take the best player, and you're looking for ballers and then tell me Marcus Dixon is why we didn't draft a guy.

Gilbert was already gone, but if you have both guys rated about the same, you'd have to take the one who fits better or fits a need. If one guy is clearly rated higher, then you take him.

And I completely disagree with MacMahon about a defensive end starting sooner than an inside linebacker. Spears will start as long as he's here. Williams could beat out Brooking at some point this season, and Brooking is much more likely to get injured and miss games.

 

[CATCH17]

The only regret I think we'll have is not moving up for Max Unger.

 

[Stash]

The only regret I think we'll have is not moving up for Max Unger.

 

[TheCount]

Gilbert was already gone, but if you have both guys rated about the same, you'd have to take the one who fits better or fits a need. If one guy is clearly rated higher, then you take him.

And I completely disagree with MacMahon about a defensive end starting sooner than an inside linebacker. Spears will start as long as he's here. Williams could beat out Brooking at some point this season, and Brooking is much more likely to get injured and miss games.

I'm aware of where he was taken, my comment was aimed at the logic we keep hearing over and over regarding who we do or do not take.

 

[28 Joker]

Bill Jones said that Dallas didn't want Gilbert. I believe him, because all the new 34 teams passed on him.

Phil Loadholt is going to have to learn a new position (RT). That is going to be his best shot at success. He would have been riding the pine. Dallas can draft a pure LT next year.

Plus, Loadholt had beer in his car and got arrested.

No thanks.

Next...

 

[BAT]

The only regret I think we'll have is not moving up for Max Unger.

You and me both. Even after Seattle took Unger, I was hoping Jerry would get on the horn and try to trade for him. Might as well use those 2010 picks now, right? :




In any case, I'd rather keep an eye on a player the Cowboys actually wanted (Unger) than ones they chose to pass on, whatever their reasons.

 

[AdamJT13]

I'm aware of where he was taken, my comment was aimed at the logic we keep hearing over and over regarding who we do or do not take.

And I explained the logic. When there's a clear BPA, you take him. When there are several guys about the same, you take the best fit.

 

[AmishCowboy]

let me join on the Max Unger Bandwagon.

 

[tomson75]

If you're a woulda, coulda kind of guy

Luckily for me, I can stop right there.

 

[montgod]

let me join on the Max Unger Bandwagon.

....+1

 

[big dog cowboy]

Jerry Jones said the progress of Marcus Dixon, an undrafted free agent who spent last season on the practice squad, played into their decision to pass on Gilbert.

A very very interesting comment.

Add no true DE's drafted.

Things that make you go Hmmmmm.

 

[NeonNinja]

I hope Dixon can improve and make it.

 

[CowboyWay]

I used to keep up with Steven Jacksons career too. Until my therapist told me I could probably get off the meds if I just let it go.

 

[silver]

It makes little sense to me to use Marcus Dixon as your justification for not drafting somebody. Dixon is an undrafted second year guy. He costs nothing. He's here irregardless of who you draft for the next 3 years. If Jerry keeps singing his praises he won’t be able to stash him on the PS for another year. Sounds like a bunch of excuses from Mr. Jones, trying to validate a horrendous draft.