DMN JJT Blog: Early grade for Dallas Cowboys draft picks is good

[WoodysGirl]

10:23 AM Thu, Aug 14, 2008 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Jean-Jacques Taylor E-mail News tips
All the talk about Felix Jones and Martellus Bennett has made me take a long look at the entire draft class.

I think it's going to be a good one.

It won't be as good as the 2005 class that featured DeMarcus Ware, Marcus Spears, Kevin Burnett, Marion Barber, Chris Canty and Jay Ratliff, but I don't think it's going to be too far behind.

We shouldn't grade draft classes after one preseason game, but what the heck I'll do it. Then I'll do it again at mid-season and at the end of the season.

Here's my take on the draft picks:

Felix Jones, first round: Speed and big-play ability will provide plenty of excitement this season

Mike Jenkins, first round: Big, physical corner and has shown ability to make plays

Martellus Bennett, second round: Plenty of athleticism, but has struggled converting to pro game. By the end of the year, he'll be OK

Tashard Choice, fourth round: Looks lik he'll be capable backup for Barber

Orlando Scandrick, fifth round: Charismatic player who likes to hit and compete. You likes guys like that.

Erik Walden, sixth round: Coaching staff likes his hitting ability

Overall grade: A

What's your take?

 

[Apollo Creed]

Next year's draft is going to be a good one considering our number one priority is going to be receiver.

And Dallas-Carter's own Michael Crabtree will definitely be coming out, so if Jerry was willing to move up for Calvin Johnson - imagine what he's going to do for Crabtree.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

Is it just me or does JJT have a case of the Miss Cleo that last couple of days?

First he is predicting the practice squad players and now he is talking draft grades before a regular season game is played.

 

[AtlCB]

Is it just me or does JJT have a case of the Miss Cleo that last couple of days?

First he is predicting the practice squad players and now he is talking draft grades before a regular season game is played.

Call mu now fo ya free reedin!

 

[speedkilz88]

Is it just me or does JJT have a case of the Miss Cleo that last couple of days?

First he is predicting the practice squad players and now he is talking draft grades before a regular season game is played.

I think he may be trying to talk people off the ledge over Bennett being a 2nd round pick. Just imagine all the emails he's getting on that guy.

 

[sago1]

Your a little optimistic there. I like just about everything I read/heard about this draft. Felix & Jenkins promise to be everything we could want; really like Choice & think he'll surprise a lot of people at how often he gets snaps in place of MBIII. Scandrick has been a very pleasant surprise; this guy has legit starting CB talent & the work ethic to go with it. Understand Eric Walden has started to come on in last week; what a steal if this 6th rounder becomes a viable pass rusher this year.

Have left Bennett for last. I don't like his attitude nor do I like the lack of respect he shows his position coach; he's darn lucky to be a Cowboy but he's too immature/dumb/lazy to realize it. Understand that yesterday in afternoon practice he caught 3 passes & had a few good blocks. If he really improves, it could only mean his work ethic also improved; it's going to take a lot of time, if ever, to like him.

 

[dargonking999]

Is it just me or does JJT have a case of the Miss Cleo that last couple of days?

First he is predicting the practice squad players and now he is talking draft grades before a regular season game is played.

his showings on ESPN's around the horn, has him thinking he's actaully good

 

[Yeagermeister]

Next year's draft is going to be a good one considering our number one priority is going to be receiver.

And Dallas-Carter's own Michael Crabtree will definitely be coming out, so if Jerry was willing to move up for Calvin Johnson - imagine what he's going to do for Crabtree.

Too bad we will be drafting another linebacker :laugh1:

:eekmouse:

 

[Apollo Creed]

Too bad we will be drafting another linebacker :laugh1:

:eekmouse:

Heard we're trading out the 1st, to pick up a TE and LB in the 2nd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm9gAYutAwg
-Just to start pimping him 8 months in advance.

 

[Woods]

Personally, I think we get our WR in FA in 2009. I think JJ is going to go with a proven guy.

I think we will spend a relatively high draft pick on an ILB and we'll draft another interior OL or two.

Also, I think if we don't get another QB to groom as an eventualy number 2 to eventually replace B Johnson this pre-season, we'll draft one next year.

 

[reddyuta]

nope-either a line backer or a good tackle.we can probably get roy williams next year.ILB is looking awfully thin right now.

 

[speedkilz88]

If we get Roy Williams in free agency they will trade the last pick in the draft for a first in the next year.

 

[FCBarca]

Come on, what kind of homer grade of A is that?...I mean, they all may turn out to be great but the grading as of now?....An A for guys like Bennett who is getting skewered left and right?...Choice who's essentially a 3rd string RB and will rarely get on the field, if at all...At this point, all we kinda know is that Jenkins and Felix will contribute this season...Scandrick should too but no telling how much....But an A?...Come on, with grades like that no wonder the educational system is such a mess

 

[CATCH17]

Is it just me or does JJT have a case of the Miss Cleo that last couple of days?

First he is predicting the practice squad players and now he is talking draft grades before a regular season game is played.

He was on Around the Horn a week or so ago. I think its going to his head.

 

[CATCH17]

Come on, what kind of homer grade of A is that?...I mean, they all may turn out to be great but the grading as of now?....An A for guys like Bennett who is getting skewered left and right?...Choice who's essentially a 3rd string RB and will rarely get on the field, if at all...At this point, all we kinda know is that Jenkins and Felix will contribute this season...Scandrick should too but no telling how much....But an A?...Come on, with grades like that no wonder the educational system is such a mess

As of now you would have to give them a grade of no lower than a B+

Its hard not to give them an A.

 

[Dayton Cowboy]

Next year's draft is going to be a good one considering our number one priority is going to be receiver.

And Dallas-Carter's own Michael Crabtree will definitely be coming out, so if Jerry was willing to move up for Calvin Johnson - imagine what he's going to do for Crabtree.

One hates to ask who he may compare to that is already an NFL WR, however I haven't really seen any of the Tech games. So who does his game most resemble? Also how much does he benefit from what I understand to be a fairly pass happy offense or am I confusing it with another school?

 

[ZeroClub]

Is it just me or does JJT have a case of the Miss Cleo that last couple of days?

First he is predicting the practice squad players and now he is talking draft grades before a regular season game is played.

Yeah.

You know, when JJT thinks that things are going south, he has no trouble saying so. But he also has it in him to say that things are going well (when he thinks they are going well). He's a bright guy who doesn't have an axe to grind. So if he's thinking things are going well, I'm thinking there's a pretty good chance he's correct.