My thoughts on the draft

[Thick 'N Hearty]

I think we all would like to see the Boys take an OT or S in the draft since WE think they are position of need. I read Mickey's article the other day about what he thought, and almost said he was insane.

But, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. I can totally see Dallas taking a DE with their first pick. The top 3 aren't signed past this season. Unless Spears has an insanely good season, he's gone. I would love to see Hatcher step up and become the starter, and I like Dixon ... but he is what he is.

So, I think Dallas is targeting Odrick. Ya, I know, Mickey said it, but, Dallas did have him in for a visit. That doesn't mean too much, but they did have him in and he'll be available when the Boys pick.

No way they let Flo or Hamlin go without knowing a replacement (for this season at least) is on the roster. Free and the other Hamlin (assumption here) are scheduled as their replacements. The only way I see this not being the case is if a top OT or S drops. Allen in the 2nd could be the guy at S, but I don't think we draft an OT in the 2nd or 3rd and expect him to be the starter.

 

[Picksix]

Well, I've thought all year that DE was a need. Think of it this way. The NFL is becoming more a pass-first league, and less dependent on the run. The two starting DE's for Dallas are primarily run-stoppers, that don't get much rush on the QB. We play a lot of strong passing teams this year...Indy, Houston, GB, Minny, Arizona (perhaps), NO, as well as Philly and NYG twice (not really worried about Wash at this point).

In our base defense, we have two guys who can't really get to the QB, but these teams all like to pass on first down. Yeah, we have Ware, Spencer, and Rat, but one of the two OLB's is more likely to back off in coverage, which leaves them with only two legit pass-rushers.

If someone like Odrick or Alualu is available at 27, it's not a stretch to see Dallas take one of them. We still have 6 rounds to address OL and S.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I think I found what you referenced. Per Mickey...

It would seem highly unlikely in the first round for the Cowboys to take a quarterback or running back or fullback or tight end or outside linebacker or nose tackle or cornerback. But if the Cowboys follow their first-round philosophy of going with speed, size or guys who touch the ball a lot (quarterbacks or running backs) or need to touch the ball a lot (cornerbacks), then this leaves one position not many are talking about:

A 3-4 defensive end, and that's if there is one available at that point in the draft. Sure, not sexy, but you know what, Russell Maryland and Randy White weren't so sexy at the time. Neither was some guy known as Ed Jones. Neither was Jim Jeffcoat or Greg Ellis. And I can't vouch for Bob Lilly, but he was only the 13th pick in the first round.

But here is all I know: Marcus Spears, Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher all are restricted free agents, and the one-year tenders they've signed aren't guaranteed. Only Igor Olshansky is under contract past the 2010 season. All four basically are role players. There are no other 3-4 defensive ends on the roster, except for two-year practice squader Marcus Dixon. Like, what if you found a complete 3-4 defensive end, one able to play the run yet capable of providing a serious pass rush, even staying on the field on third down lining up between Jay Ratliff and DeMarcus Ware?

 

[BAT]

Love Alualu, but if the Cowboys want to make a push for the championship now then depending on a rook is a HUGE risk. If a starter at DE is what the Cowboys are looking for, then trade for either Seymour or Shaun Rogers. Both are proven and can step in immediately and upgrade the position. Immediately.

And if Nate Allen is all the Cowboys have to hope for, then sign Otogwe right now. Or trade for a young vet like Quintin Demps (not physical enough for the interchangeable safety positions that the Eags employ, but he would bring instant playmaking and speed - 4.3 - to both the FS and return positions).

 

[Bluefin]

Per Mickey...

It would seem highly unlikely in the first round for the Cowboys to take a quarterback or running back or fullback or tight end or outside linebacker or nose tackle or cornerback.

Mick's point about going defensive end is solid, but I disagree that the team couldn't look at cornerback in round one.

Love Alualu, but if the Cowboys want to make a push for the championship now then depending on a rook is a HUGE risk. If a starter at DE is what the Cowboys are looking for, then trade for either Seymour or Shaun Rogers. Both are proven and can step in immediately and upgrade the position. Immediately.

I'd love to wind up with Tyson Alualu.

He'd fit in nicely and we'd likely move one of the other ends, IMO.

Richard Seymour and Shaun Rogers would be progress stoppers, IMO, older veteran with high salaries blocking younger players from seeing the field.

The Cowboys want to compete for the ultimate prize while at the same time keeping an eye on the future.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

I think we all would like to see the Boys take an OT or S in the draft since WE think they are position of need. I read Mickey's article the other day about what he thought, and almost said he was insane.

But, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. I can totally see Dallas taking a DE with their first pick. The top 3 aren't signed past this season. Unless Spears has an insanely good season, he's gone. I would love to see Hatcher step up and become the starter, and I like Dixon ... but he is what he is.

So, I think Dallas is targeting Odrick. Ya, I know, Mickey said it, but, Dallas did have him in for a visit. That doesn't mean too much, but they did have him in and he'll be available when the Boys pick.

No way they let Flo or Hamlin go without knowing a replacement (for this season at least) is on the roster. Free and the other Hamlin (assumption here) are scheduled as their replacements. The only way I see this not being the case is if a top OT or S drops. Allen in the 2nd could be the guy at S, but I don't think we draft an OT in the 2nd or 3rd and expect him to be the starter.

Odrick is certainly a "thinking out of the box" pick and you gotta like that.

He can play 3/4 NT behind Ratliff, actually his potential versatility happens to be real need if you think about it. He's kind of a freakish athlete to boot.

On a side Note: This Pick has been really rising fast on all the Draft Boards in the past week or so.

 

[BAT]

I'd love to wind up with Tyson Alualu.

He'd fit in nicely and we'd likely move one of the other ends, IMO.

Richard Seymour and Shaun Rogers would be progress stoppers, IMO, older veteran with high salaries blocking younger players from seeing the field.

Moving one of the ends is a no brainer, I agree.

But progress stoppers??? Whose progress would they be stopping? Spears, Hatcher and Bowen have been with the Cowboys for years, if anyone has stopped their "progress" they only have themselves to blame. There is no player waiting in the wings (a la Anthony Spencer) ready to take the next step. That next step is to not only become a starter but take the unit to championship caliber. Either Richard Seymour or Shaun Rogers would instantly upgrade not only the DE position, but the entire performance AND versatility of the front 7.

The only progress that would be stopped is the Cowboys' quest for another ring. Like I said, I also like Alualu, a LOT, but Seymour and Rogers would take the Cowboys' D to another level. Alualu may be able to do the same, some day, but the Cowboys' window for another Lombardi is NOW.

The Cowboys want to compete for the ultimate prize while at the same time keeping an eye on the future.

I think the ultimate prize has to be first priority. Eye on the future is secondary. I love Alualu, but drafting him does not immediately upgrade the D. He would be a rotation player at best. The Cowboys are on a mission NEXT season. The OL was their weak underbelly in the playoffs (not just last season either) and HAS to be addressed first.

 

[Picksix]

Progress stoppers??? Whose progress would they be stopping? Spears, Hatcher and Bowen have been with the Cowboys for years, if anyone has stopped their "progress" they only have themselves to blame. There is no player waiting in the wings (a la Anthony Spencer) ready to take the next step. That next step is to not only become a starter but take the unit to championship caliber. Either Richard Seymour or Shaun Rogers would instantly upgrade not only the DE position, but the entire performance AND versatility of the front 7.

The only progress that would be stopped is the Cowboys' quest for another ring. Like I said, I also like Alualu, a LOT, but Seymour and Rogers would take the Cowboys' D to another level. Alualu may be able to do the same, some day, but the Cowboys' window is NOW.

Rogers is only a 2-down player, a lot like the guys we already have. Yeah, he's better, but he's so out of shape. Who knows if he'll be on the field when the Cowboys need him. I like the idea of Seymour, but how much legitimately does he have left? It's not like when they got Haley. He was a need for the present, but could also be around for a few years. Also, those two guys would have serious contracts.

I understand the push to win now, and I admit those two would help more than a rookie would (probably), but going with the one or two year hired gun approach can backfire seriously if you don't win. Because, two years later, you're right back where you started.

 

[adam3313]

Would like to see the boys get Odrick. As a PSU grad of 2009, watched him throughout all of his career, and he can be a special player. Also was in a class with him, seemed to have a great personality.

Would be very excited if he's the pick at 27.

 

[DFWJC]

I'm fine with Odrick if he's there for us.

 

[BAT]

Rogers is only a 2-down player, a lot like the guys we already have. Yeah, he's better, but he's so out of shape. Who knows if he'll be on the field when the Cowboys need him. I like the idea of Seymour, but how much legitimately does he have left? It's not like when they got Haley. He was a need for the present, but could also be around for a few years. Also, those two guys would have serious contracts.

I understand the push to win now, and I admit those two would help more than a rookie would (probably), but going with the one or two year hired gun approach can backfire seriously if you don't win. Because, two years later, you're right back where you started.

Yes, but trading for either Seymour or Rogers would not preclude the Cowboys from bringing in youth at those positions within the 2 years. I am not against picking Alualu (again, he's one of my favorite players) but I just do not see him making a championship impact next season. Cowboys need to make a splash (bring in a vet at FS and/or DE) to UPGRADE the starter spots right NOW. Both Seymour and Rogers are plug and play ready, who are instant upgrades over anyone the Cowboys' currently have on their roster. Both guys are exactly Haley-esque with their additions, especially a former multiple ring winner like Seymour. And Seymour maybe a little older than Haley, but he is nowhere near as beat up as Haley was when he came to Dallas.

As for contracts, I have faith in Stephen. Besides its likely an uncapped year, AND ITS NOT MY MONEY, or yours.