Jerry Just Interviewed on ESPN 2: Mentions WOW Player Again...

[CATCH17]

No. If he would have been a good center, he would have stayed there. Al Johnston was not the guy and we all knew it. So did Parcells. Parcells said as much. He said that Johnston had reached his physical ceiling and that he would not improve much in that respect. All that I have posted is true with respects to Gurode.

If you don't think that his long snapping is an issue, that's fine. Lets just see how long we allow balls to get laid on the carpet before we decide enough is enough. Let me also remind you that a great many of the bad snaps last year were fielded by Romo. This is not going to continue to happen. Typically, those balls don't bounce up into your hands. They usually end up in TOs or poor field position. If you don't think that's a big deal, thats fine but I don't share this view point. It won't take long, IMO, for a change to be made if that problem can not be corrected.

Parcells admitted he was wrong by moving Gurode to guard.

Campo and co. had him at center and there were no complaints at all about the guy.

So he had one last shot, got moved back to center, and was a much better player. Its as simple as that.

Gurode oversnapping the ball once or twice every 2 games is like Flozell jumping offsides or Owens dropping the ball imo.

As long as Wade Phillips is the head coach I just dont believe he is going to make a big issue out of it until it costs us something.

Especially when the guy is earning trips to Hawaii every year.

 

[TheCount]

As I said earlier, Center is not a position that is normally graded out as a 1st round pick. I mean, Nick Mangale is probably the best Center prospect to come out in a very long time and he was graded as a 2nd round pick by most publications last year. Doesn't have anything to do with his talent. Has to do with the fact that he played Center. Having said that, he was still taken in the first round by the Jets and he has played well.

I think the Jets taking him early has more to do with the fact that they lost Mawae (a perennial pro bowler) in 2005 because he wanted a huge contract, and they found out just how important he was after he left, so they had a need and grabbed him in the first rather than to see if he'd be around in the 2nd, or having to trade up.

The Cowboys still have their pro bowl center, choosing to pay him rather than see him go, so I don't see why they would draft another center that high.

Now it's completely possible a team takes your guy in the 1st or 2nd round, it's just highly unlikely it'll be the Cowboys. There's no reason to.

 

[CATCH17]

Gurode, who received interest from San Francisco and Atlanta, started two games last year – both at right guard while Rivera was out with a neck injury. He shared time at center with Al Johnson on occasion, and Parcells has said he believes Gurode's best position is center.

 

[mitchell2254]

Bobby Carpenter?

 

[Woods]

I know all about DeSean, it's not a matter of informing myself.

I simply don't see him as a wow player. The fact that he's a more complete receiver than Ginn doesn't say much, and unless he's as good as Devin Hester (or even Josh Cribbs, who was an UDFA BTW) on returns (which is impossible to say seeing as how Hester is in the NFL and Desean isn't even a rookie yet), I don't see the wow.

I don't have a problem with drafting the kid, but I don't see the Cowboys staff going into this draft thinking "We gotta have Desean, he's something special!" and I certainly don't see him as being the guy Jerry had in his head when he keeps mentioning that "wow" player.



Maybe you're right, like I said, I don't know much about the center prospects as I didn't (and probably still don't) think we have a need at center but who knows, I'm surprised by who we draft (and at what position we draft them) just about every single year.

Count Chocula,

I have to agree with you regarding D Jackson.

I don't think he is the WOW player JJ covets. At 165 lbs, I'm not sure he will make it off the line of scrimmage.

The problem in this draft is that I don't really see an WOW WRs. I think there are some potentially good number 2 and number 3 WRs, however. Maybe M Kelly is that player, but I don't think his strength is stretching the field.

The only WOW offensive skill player in this draft I can think of is DMac. And I doubt we get him unless he slips past Oakland and maybe even the Jets.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Parcells admitted he was wrong by moving Gurode to guard.

Campo and co. had him at center and there were no complaints at all about the guy.

So he had one last shot, got moved back to center, and was a much better player. Its as simple as that.

Gurode oversnapping the ball once or twice every 2 games is like Flozell jumping offsides or Owens dropping the ball imo.

As long as Wade Phillips is the head coach I just dont believe he is going to make a big issue out of it until it costs us something.

Especially when the guy is earning trips to Hawaii every year.

I don't think we are 100% satisfied with the state of our OL. I will tell you this thou. The one thing that kills quickest and most consistantly is TOs. You just can't afford them in the NFL. If Gurode figures this out, then there is no issue but we still have problems at Guard IMO. If he doesn't, then we will be looking for options. If the best value at where we pick is Guard or Center, and I think this could be the case, then we need to take that player IMO. There is always the change that we trade out but you have to have a trading partner. If we are stuck at 22 and 28 or whatever it is, we have to take the best value. It might end up being Guard or Center.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

there are some things that are a certainty, things I know for sure...we'll all die...the sun gets up in the east and sets in the west...the Commanders will always be the Cowboys Bitc! and there is no way way in heck we'll draft a center with our 2nd rd pick this yr

I wouldnt be shocked if they use a 2nd day pick on an interior OL who plays guard and center, but it wont be a high pick dedicated to a guy who plays center only

David

I think it depends on how seriously we view the situation. I mean, right now, I can't believe that Hudson Houck likes what he sees with Koshier at Guard. He doesn't fit what Houck schemes (although, he is a pretty decent run blocker). I know that the coaching staff can't like the miss haps with the shotgun. If the best value is an interior lineman, we might find ourselves drafting that. I would not be shocked, nor would I be disappointed. I'm believer in winning games on both sides of the line. Skill players are important but if the best value is a lineman, then I think you gotta take that guy.

 

[dbair1967]

I don't think we are 100% satisfied with the state of our OL. I will tell you this thou. The one thing that kills quickest and most consistantly is TOs. You just can't afford them in the NFL. If Gurode figures this out, then there is no issue but we still have problems at Guard IMO. If he doesn't, then we will be looking for options. If the best value at where we pick is Guard or Center, and I think this could be the case, then we need to take that player IMO. There is always the change that we trade out but you have to have a trading partner. If we are stuck at 22 and 28 or whatever it is, we have to take the best value. It might end up being Guard or Center.

Interior offensive lineman are almost NEVER worth using a high pick on...in fact OL in general arnt really worth using high picks on if you have a qulity OL coach and a good offensive system, like we've had the majority of our existance as a franchise...

David

 

[dbair1967]

I think it depends on how seriously we view the situation. I mean, right now, I can't believe that Hudson Houck likes what he sees with Koshier at Guard. He doesn't fit what Houck schemes (although, he is a pretty decent run blocker). I know that the coaching staff can't like the miss haps with the shotgun. If the best value is an interior lineman, we might find ourselves drafting that. I would not be shocked, nor would I be disappointed. I'm believer in winning games on both sides of the line. Skill players are important but if the best value is a lineman, then I think you gotta take that guy.

I'd just be absolutely shoskced if they pick an OL with any of those first 3 picks...just shocked...

Houck's a great OL coach...he'll earn his dough and coach up what we have

we need skill people help...whether its WR, RB or CB...they've got a ton of money invested in Adams, Gurode and avis, and have 3 guys they are high on that they've drafted in recent yrs...

David

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Could you imagine a backfield with Marion Barber and Darren McFadden? You talk about a freakin backfield with some teeth!

It would seem so... but at what price?

THEN

after the price is established and known - was it worth it?

 

[iceberg]

Could you imagine a backfield with Marion Barber and Darren McFadden? You talk about a freakin backfield with some teeth!

not if us having mcfadden over say rice, smith or stewart (or the like) means we can't afford to resign ware.

it's balance. not build in 1 area.

 

[Woods]

Actually, just thinking about it, maybe the WR that JJ likes in the Draft is D Thomas? He's really fast, had a good season last year, he's big, and I think Mosley also mentioned we were somewhat intrigued by him.

 

[ThatsmyQB]

My guess...

A "wow" player and "you'll be suprised how we get there" = McFadden.

That'$ not really a $urpri$e!
I think it could be Chad John$on??????

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Interior offensive lineman are almost NEVER worth using a high pick on...in fact OL in general arnt really worth using high picks on if you have a qulity OL coach and a good offensive system, like we've had the majority of our existance as a franchise...

David

I do not agree with this at all. Further, it is not quantifiable. I agree that great OLs need great OL coaches but you can't coach talent that doesn't fit. The personnel must fit the scheme.

In fact, if you look at the modern HOF OL inductions, here is what you find.

Bob Brown 64-73 1st Round Pick
Joe Delamielleure 73-84 1st Round Pick
John Hannah 73-85 1st Round Pick
Jim Langer 70-79 Free Agent
Larry Little 67-80 Free Agent
Tom Mack 66-78 1st Round Pick
Bruce Mathews 83-01 1st Round Pick
Ron Mix 60-71 1st Round Pick
Mike Munchak 82-93 1st Round Pick
Anthoney Munoz 80-92 1st Round Pick
Jim Otto 60-74 1st Round Pick
Billy Shaw 61-69 2nd Round Pick (was also drafted by Dallas. Don't know what round).
Art Shell 68-82 1st Round Pick
Jackie Smith 76-95 3rd Round Pick
Dwight Stephenson 80-87 2nd Round Pick
Gene Upshaw 67-81 1st Round Pick
Mike Webster 74-88 5th Round Pick
Rayfield Wright 67-79 7th Round Pick
Ron Yary 68-81 1st Round Pick
Gary Zimmerman 1st Round Pick

There are 20 OLs listed here that are current Hall of Famers. Only players who's careers started in 1960 or later are listed. Of those 20 players, 13 of them (65%) were first round picks. Sixteen were taken 3rd round or higher (80%taken in the 1st three rounds). Four were taken in the 5th round or lower (20%) and two were undrafted (10% ironically by the same team and coaching staff - Miami). This would seem to indicate that if you want to draft a HOF type OL, you might want to consider taking them early.

 

[dbair1967]

I do not agree with this at all. Further, it is not quantifiable. I agree that great OLs need great OL coaches but you can't coach talent that doesn't fit. The personnel must fit the scheme.

In fact, if you look at the modern HOF OL inductions, here is what you find.

Bob Brown 64-73 1st Round Pick
Joe Delamielleure 73-84 1st Round Pick
John Hannah 73-85 1st Round Pick
Jim Langer 70-79 Free Agent
Larry Little 67-80 Free Agent
Tom Mack 66-78 1st Round Pick
Bruce Mathews 83-01 1st Round Pick
Ron Mix 60-71 1st Round Pick
Mike Munchak 82-93 1st Round Pick
Anthoney Munoz 80-92 1st Round Pick
Jim Otto 60-74 1st Round Pick
Billy Shaw 61-69 2nd Round Pick (was also drafted by Dallas. Don't know what round).
Art Shell 68-82 1st Round Pick
Jackie Smith 76-95 3rd Round Pick
Dwight Stephenson 80-87 2nd Round Pick
Gene Upshaw 67-81 1st Round Pick
Mike Webster 74-88 5th Round Pick
Rayfield Wright 67-79 7th Round Pick
Ron Yary 68-81 1st Round Pick
Gary Zimmerman 1st Round Pick

There are 20 OLs listed here that are current Hall of Famers. Only players who's careers started in 1960 or later are listed. Of those 20 players, 13 of them (65%) were first round picks. Sixteen were taken 3rd round or higher (80%taken in the 1st three rounds). Four were taken in the 5th round or lower (20%) and two were undrafted (10% ironically by the same team and coaching staff - Miami). This would seem to indicate that if you want to draft a HOF type OL, you might want to consider taking them early.

again I say so what...we've had several Hall of fame worthy OL, and none of them were first rd picks...had Erik Williams not had his injury, he'd also be a HOF-er

It's nice to have one great OL, but I'd rather have 5 guys who work hard, are technically sound and play well together...and you can get those guys anywhere in the draft if you have a good OL coach

Look at the really great teams of the past 30+ years...the Steelers of the 70's won all those super bowls and had a great OL, not one of those OL was a 1st rd pick (only one was as high as a 2nd)...the great Cowboy teams of the 70's had one of the elite OL's in football, only one starter was a 1st rd pick John Niland (in the mid 60's, and he was gone after 74)...the great Niners teams of the 80's had one OL drafted in the 1st rd (Harris Barton in 88)...our great teams of the 90's had no high picks on the OL...the Pats won 3 super bowls ansd the only OL drafted in the 1st rd that played for them was damien Woody, and he wasnt very good

thats obviously just a few examples...but its just too easy to get a good OL coach, put in a good system and coach up guys rather than spend premium picks on OL's instead of skill/impact players (ie, QB, RB, WR, pass rushers and CB's)...if I were a GM, I'd probably NEVER draft an OL in the first rd unless I had just a huge gaping hole at LT and had the opportunity to draft an Anthony Munoz type talent very early

David

 

[skinsscalper]

again I say so what...we've had several Hall of fame worthy OL, and none of them were first rd picks...had Erik Williams not had his injury, he'd also be a HOF-er

It's nice to have one great OL, but I'd rather have 5 guys who work hard, are technically sound and play well together...and you can get those guys anywhere in the draft if you have a good OL coach

Look at the really great teams of the past 30+ years...the Steelers of the 70's won all those super bowls and had a great OL, not one of those OL was a 1st rd pick (only one was as high as a 2nd)...the great Cowboy teams of the 70's had one of the elite OL's in football, only one starter was a 1st rd pick John Niland (in the mid 60's, and he was gone after 74)...the great Niners teams of the 80's had one OL drafted in the 1st rd (Harris Barton in 88)...our great teams of the 90's had no high picks on the OL...the Pats won 3 super bowls ansd the only OL drafted in the 1st rd that played for them was damien Woody, and he wasnt very good

thats obviously just a few examples...but its just too easy to get a good OL coach, put in a good system and coach up guys rather than spend premium picks on OL's instead of skill/impact players (ie, QB, RB, WR, pass rushers and CB's)...if I were a GM, I'd probably NEVER draft an OL in the first rd unless I had just a huge gaping hole at LT and had the opportunity to draft an Anthony Munoz type talent very early

David

Even at that rate, I would pause to spend a high 1st on a O-lineman. I seem to remember scouts, GMs, and fans alike praising the dominance that Robert Gallery would unleash on the NFL.

Tony Mandrich, anyone...................................?

The fact of the matter is that the entire draft is a crapshoot. I'm not sure that I'd risk the bust gamble on an O-lineman. There's no such thing as a sure thing in the draft and the idea that you NEED a HOF O-lineman to win championships is fatally flawed.

What this team needs (this year) on the O-line is depth. The core of this unit is good and locked up for quite some time. Next year may be the time when this depth becomes a factor (especially considering Colombo's deal is up and Free and Mquistan are pushing for playing time). Taking an O-lineman in this draft is prudent and should be done, but unless an absolute gem falls into our laps, I don't see us drafting an O-lineman until atleast the 4th or 5th round. We have too many other actual holes on the team that need to be filled with the first 3-4 picks. Like I said though, if a guy falls to us in the 2nd that we have rated as a top 25 pick it would be silly to pass just because we have a "skilled position" need. I just don't see a scenario where an O-lineman is going to fall to the point that we say "You know I think I'd rather have this guy than Ray Rice".

 

[dbair1967]

1996

4- Jonathan Ogden LT Ravens
10- Willie Anderson RT Bengals
21- Pete Kendall G Seahawks
23 Jeff Hartings G/C Lions
25 Jermane Mayberry OG Eagles
27 John Michaels T Packers
29 Jermaine Stephens T Steelers
30 Andre Johnson T Commanders

1997

1 Orlando Pace LT Rams
6 Walter Jones LT Seahawks
10 Chris Neaole OG Saints
19 Tarik Glenn LT Colts
30 Ross Verba OG Packers

1998

7 Kyle Turley RT Saints
11 Tra Thomas LT Eagles
23 Mo Collins RT Raiders
26 Alan Faneca OG Steelers
27 Victor Riley RT Chiefs

1999

14 John Tait RT Chiefs
18 Matt Stincomb RT Raiders
19 Luke Petigout LT Giants
21 LJ Shelton RT Cardinals
27 Aaaron Gibson RT Lions

2000

3 Chris Samuels LT Commanders
20 Stockar McDougal RT Lions
22 Chris McIntosh RT Seahawks

2001

2 Leonard Davis LT Cardinals
14 Kenyatta Walker RT Bucs
17 Steve Hutchinson OG Seahawks
18 Jeff Backus LT Lions

2002

4 Mike Williams RT Bills
7 Bryant McKinnie LT Vikings
10 Levi Jones LT Bengals
29 Marc Columbo RT Bears
30 Kendall Simmons OG Steelers

2003

8 Jordan Gross RT Panthers
20 George Foster RT Broncos
21 Jeff Faine C Browns
26 Kwame Harris RT Niners

2004

2 Robert Gallery LT Raiders
16 Shawn Andrews RG Eagles
19 Vernon Carey OG Dolphins

2005

13 Jamaal Brown T Saints
19 Alex Barron RT Rams
26 Chris Spencer C Seahawks
32 Logan Mankins G Patriots

2006

4 D Brickashaw Ferguson LT Jets
23 Davin Joseph G Bucs
29 Nick Mangold C Jets

2007

3 Joe Thomas LT Browns
5 Levi Brown RT Cardinals
28 Joe Staley T Niners
29 Ben Grubbs OG Ravens

The bolded guys were clearly worth where they were picked...the italics guys are busts..I didnt rate either of the last two drafts because its too early to tell, though after everyone was creaming themselves over Ferguson and Mangold as rookies, both of them had poor yrs last yr and your even hearing the "d" word wth Ferguson now (as in "disappointment"). The one's with nothing are average to ok starters and IMo werent worth the picks that were used to get them. Please dont sing the praises to me of Chris Samuels either, he is one of the most overrated LT's in football and probably hasnt deserved any of the probowls he has been to.

The guys who turned into very good to great players add up to 9, the busts add up to 18...the rest total 19..I didnt count the last 7 because its too early. So out of 46 OL's drafted the past 12 years, only 9 (less than 20%) turned out to be CLEARLY worth the pick that was invested on them. Note this is different than saying "is the guy a good player?" Some of this could be debated, but the numbers are not going to swing dramatically.

David

 

[Rampage]

nice sig david

 

[dbair1967]

nice sig david

Yeah its ok, but I'd much prefer the sig you have coming to a newsstand near us all in 7-8 weeks or so



David

 

[Carlito]

I am not sure who Jerry is talking about, but I believe he has to be speaking of a current NFL player likely a WR as this is what would have the most immediate WOW impact on our offense. Especially if this WR can return punts and kickoffs..