Some Of You Will Disagree...

[Clove]

I agree with Hos as well, plus it's not like out our offense stinks, we are ranked around 15th.

I would trade Ellis and Glover. One for picks and at least one of them to move up, and maybe go after Ahmad Brooks, what a stud (ILB 6'3 259, fast and a playmaker). - Or I would go after Haloti Ngata (DT 6'5 345) run stuffing machine and pile mover -

You have so many LB'rs/3-4 DE it's unreal in this draft. If our Defense were to be so strong up front by us drafting ILB- Brooks DT - Ngata/Watson - and OLB/DE - Dumervil, plus get us a good punt returner (we'll be stopping guys left and right) we would not have to move far down the field to score (Kicker in FA).

I would love to have a monster "D" because our offense breeds off of this would be type of defense. Teams couldn't run on you, they wouldn't have time to throw it on you, it would be amazing. Then you can add a Tackle in there and a guard. But Hos, I like the dominating defensive plan.

 

[Clove]

BTW, whoever mentioned that they still thought Henson was the future, I think I agree. If he weren't why would he still be here? BP has no problems releasing people.

 

[The30YardSlant]

If we could get Kiwi (wont happen), Ahmad Brooks (wont happen), A.J. Hawk (wont happen), or the DT from Oregon (possibility) I would go defense in the first round without thinking twice.

 

[Hostile]

I agree about drafting more D than O at this point.....however, if there is somebody at the QB position that we would really like, you gotta do what you gotta do to get him. Our future QB is still NOT on the roster at this point, IMO. The QB is probably THE most important position and will HAVE TO BE addressed at some point VERY soon. How many years DB has left....who knows.

I would rather have the o-line get fixed through FA.

I would draft a QB just about every year. We really fell down on developing QBs.

 

[silver]

Getting Flo back immediately helps the OL.

I don't see us as hurting at WR right now. Of course I think Crayton has all the makings. Age at WR concerns me a bit. I'll admit that. There are FAs who could be brought in and contribute right away. No, I don't mean TO.

To get to the next level we either need an elite D or an elite O. I think we're closer at D so do what we need to and get there.

You're right about Flo. However the rest of the line has issues too. Larry Allen is a year older, Al Johnson is coming along slowly, Rivera is a weakness, Gurode is a FA, Pettiti may benefit from a full offseason conditioning prgram but he's still a ?

WR age is a major ? IMO. Key and Glenn will be a year older. Glenn has remained healthy for like the 3th time in his entire carreer. odds are he gets nicked next year. I agree about Crayton. However we have very little speed other than Glenn. We need youth as opposed to a free agent type. I agree about TO. no room for head cases here. Look for a speedster in the 2nd round.

 

[Bizwah]

My book has Kiwi at 275. Plus I think he can get bigger with weight training.

Ngata is a better selection. less work to do to get there and Spears is fine as a DE.

I just like everything about Kiwi.

Ahmad Brooks, coached by Al Groh in a 3-4 is my bet for a Draft focus.

Kills my Laron Landry hopes, but...

Major red flags for Brooks.

I pass on a player that has his "heart" questioned.

 

[The30YardSlant]

Major red flags for Brooks.

I pass on a player that has his "heart" questioned.

How many Cowboys players have been brought in since JJ got here that had their "heart" questioned?

 

[junk]

I don't disagree. I'd love to see some dynamic offensive playmakers, but I just don't think that is BP's MO.

IMO, this defense needs at least 2 LBers. One might come in the form of Burnett finally establishing himself somewhere (I think inside next to James). Fujita is pretty average/below average at the OLB spot. I'd like an upgrade there as well. If the team wants another steady vet there (think Singleton, but more suited to the 3-4), Ben Leber is a FA this year. My personal favorite is Bobby Carpenter. Ties to BP. A big LB with coverage skills and pass rush skills. He is the perfect fit to line up opposite Ware. He'll drop due to injury which is why I think the team needs to trade down a la 2004 and get 2 seconds and a 2007 first rounder (to find a QB if need be). The other second can be used on a OL or possibly ILB.

The defense has been better this year (as it should have been with the major upgrades). It would have been better if the scheme suited the players better and the run defense (and even pass rush of late) has been very suspect. I don't think its a top 10 defense left as is. It needs some work yet.

As far as offensive line, there aren't many OT options available. Hutchinson is a nice guard prospect, but I doubt he gets away. Bentley should be a target to play either G or C. Both guards are old and some developmental guys need to be brought in there to eventually replace Allen/Rivera (one or both may be gone this offseason anyway).

I could handle an OT selection in round 1. I wouldn't be too happy with a guard. I think you can find them other places. I'd be most happy bringing in an established offensive line coach with multiple years of offensive line coaching experience. Either at the NFL level (preferably) or at a major college program. Sorry, the head coach of New Haven doesn't impress me.

I don't think QB is addressed this offseason. I think the team goes with what it has.

I don't think FS will be addressed with a major FA signing or high draft pick.

 

[TNCowboy]

Making a dominant D is a nice thought. But spending the draft heavily on defense leaves the offense extremely vulnerable, unless they do a great job getting some offense in FA.

If Terry Glenn gets hurt, we have no speed at WR and the offense is crippled, though I have a suspicion Jones will go full bore after TO.

We've all seen how difficult a time the offense has had since Flo went down. If we don't do something at tackle, we'd be stuck again next year with 2 tackles who aren't NFL quality.

The offense is in the middle of the pack, but it was close to the top when Flo went down. Since then, it's been a downward spiral, with only a couple of nice games like KC and Carolina.

I'd prefer the opposite strategy: get solid vets in free agency for the defense, and draft offense heavily. Regardless, if we neglect the offense, I doubt we'll win anything.

 

[Verdict]

I have given this idea a bit of thought and think there are several possibilities. The key to building a winner, regardless of philosophy is to fill team holes or weakness, ie upgrade the talent on the roster. On defense, the perceived weaknesses are, in my opinion, free safety (or safety opposite Roy, whatever you choose to call it) and linebacker. I believe we need TWO NEW STARTERS on defense.

On the offense we need primarily, help on the offensive line. You could argue that we really need a QB, a #1 receiver, a true fullback, a replacement for Dan Campbell etc., but I'm talking must haves here. I truly believe this offense is serviceable with a decent line. In all honesty the greatest need on offense other than O-line might be a true #1 marquee back, but that is yet to be determined.

So, my list of needs are in order of importance, in my eyes anyway:

1. Offensive line
2. Free safety
3. Linebacker

We are getting close already, so I see us in a "win now" mentality more than ever. Offensive line is an area that is not a "quick fix" through the draft due to the learning curve, as well as physical maturity issues; therefore, I see us getting O-line help through free agency, just like we tried to do last year by signing Rivera.

It is very plausible we could get a serviceable free safety and a linebacker in rounds 1 and 2 this year that could step in and start immediately. This would instantly help us fill the positions of need. Additionally, since the linebacking position we would be filling isnt the edge rusher (Ware) we could likely get the best inside linebacker available, or possibly the second best ILB available at our draft position in round 1. We need a real "beast" inside to consume the run. It is also likely that a free safety that we think highly of could be there in round 2.

I think Keith "Killer" Davis stays on the team, but goes back to being a backup free safety and the special teams specialist he is. I see Barriult making a very good backup to Roy, assuming he's healthy. I'm not sure what our linebacking corps looks like next year, but it could look quite a bit different. Isn't Brady James in his contract year?

I am a huge proponent of choosing the best player available regardless of position, but I think ideally, we get a linebacker and safety in rounds 1 and 2 and fill the O-line needs through free agency. I could see us moving up, or down in the first two rounds to fill those two needs and still getting value with our picks. I wouldn't be surprised to see us move up, or down or both in the first two rounds.

 

[Maikeru-sama]

Making a dominant D is a nice thought. But spending the draft heavily on defense leaves the offense extremely vulnerable, unless they do a great job getting some offense in FA.

If Terry Glenn gets hurt, we have no speed at WR and the offense is crippled, though I have a suspicion Jones will go full bore after TO.

We've all seen how difficult a time the offense has had since Flo went down. If we don't do something at tackle, we'd be stuck again next year with 2 tackles who aren't NFL quality.

The offense is in the middle of the pack, but it was close to the top when Flo went down. Since then, it's been a downward spiral, with only a couple of nice games like KC and Carolina.

I'd prefer the opposite strategy: get solid vets in free agency for the defense, and draft offense heavily. Regardless, if we neglect the offense, I doubt we'll win anything.

Man, good point.

Andybody else really interested in seeing this team without a Glenn and Adams again?

 

[sago1]

My suggestions based solely on how GBN talent evaluation since this the only mock draft website I got. Agree we need add at least 2 defensive players (LB & FS) to improve our defense but OL is major concern & we need immediate & long term improvement or we will be held back. Talk about teams winning SB with great/good defense is true but they also had good OLs and we don't have the latter; don't believe one FA OL signing will solve this problem.

Adams (turns 31 in 06) coming back from knee injury; should be ok but we got no viable backup & same goes at RT where Pettiti isn't viable starter right now. Colombo is a project for 06. Our guards: Adams (turns 35 in 06) & Riveria (34 in 06) have unproven backup in Peterman & Gurode played pretty well against Panthers but has had problems at that position in each of last 2 years. And none of us like what we seeing at center. We got to bite the bullet now & begin now so we prepared for 06 and beyond or we will be right back at same position in regards to OL after 06 season.

This draft is deep with quality OTs. Agree we take BPA but where we currently projected to pick I don't see the quality at any other position but OT (if Winston or Scott available). If both capable starting OT immediately then we have to go with one of them. Prefer he starts at RT with Adams at LT so we don't have Bledsoe at mercy of inexperienced OT. Whoever we draft should beat at Pettiti and Colombo to play RT for 2-3 years before moving this guy to LT to replace Adams. If Pettiti and/or Colombo show enough talent they can become backups to these guys.

In 2nd round while there also some OTs of interest (but doubt any will have immediate effect which leaves us where we at now). There will be some good FS/WR/LB/QB/DL types available for us to choose from to help fill this positions also in 3rd round. Frankly I also think we have to draft a good young OG to become quality successor to either Allen/Riveria at least in 07 & good backup in 06 in case of injury cause who knows what we got in Peterman.

Again if we don't begin improving OL now in draft, we will have this same discussion again at end of 06 season.

Of course also we got to sign a quality PK now and not some second rate guy like we have in the past.

BTW: I would love to see us trade our first round pick to move down 2-4 places if we get additional 3rd or 4th round pick. Four picks on first day gives us good chance to get 4 players who can really help us on the OL/LB/FS/WR or even QB.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

I am going to take a page from you and say "some of you will not agree" but I really think the defense is finished, besides doing something about the DC.

I am all for a strong defense but you know what they say, the best defense sometimes involves having an extremely effective offense.

Do you not think we can benefit from a highly regarded 1st round OT?

It is painfully obvious that Tackle is holding us hostage...and I cant think of any other position that you can say that about, besides kicker.

I want to see a balanced team. I want a young guy at receiver that can help Glenn out with regards to being the deep threat.

Hos, arent you ready to draft a 1st round offensive weapon....because as one poster stated...we have opted out of doing that since 1991, I beleive.

That is why I have been saying the script has been written.

Time to put fear into the Gregg Williams and Mr. Jim Johnson and actually make em think twice about blitzing us.

I would love to show off a brand spanking new 1st Round Offensive Tackle to the NFC Beast....

Nice post! Alot of times an effective offense is the best defense by keeping it off the field. The defense then rest more and hense becomes more effective in the game.

 

[DLCassidy]

Regardless of what we do in FA.

Regardless of whether BP retires.

Regardless of what they think of Drew Bledsoe.

Regardless if Dat retires or if Singleton is let go.

Regardless of anything else, we will draft an OT in round 1 if a good one is there when we are on the clock.

The position held our offense hostage all year, particularly after FA got hurt. Good tackles don't get let go often and when they do they're expensive. We need to get younger, cheaper and oh yeah better on the OL. That's what the draft is for. If we took a Winston Justice or a Marcus McNeill I'll be satisfied. It needs to happen and it will happen IMO.

 

[Hostile]

Man, good point.

Andybody else really interested in seeing this team without a Glenn and Adams again?

Show me the guarantee we would be without them first. I could say the same thing about Roy and T-New going down.

 

[Maikeru-sama]

Show me the guarantee we would be without them first. I could say the same thing about Roy and T-New going down.

2004 Cowboys

2005 Cowboys

If Roy and Newman go down we still have Glenn and Henry.

- Mike G.

 

[Hostile]

2004 Cowboys

2005 Cowboys

If Roy and Newman go down we still have Glenn and Henry.

- Mike G.

Not a guarantee Mike. I don't draft as insurance against injuries. I draft to fill needs.

 

[visionary]

cant look at the draft in isolation, have to look at the whole off season:


Free Agency:

Center: bentley (or best available if bentley franchised- need experience here)
FS
Kicker: vinatieri>vanderjact. points on the field and field position are key to the way BP plays football.

Draft:

Trade down if possible and get extra 3rd

2nd: OT. this draft is deep in OTs and we might get someone pretty good in top of 2nd
2nd: LB. preferably carpenter if available.
3rd: OG
3rd (via trade): WR. in order of preference: hands>speed>size
5th: Nose tackle or full back

this scenario is not that far fetched, addresses key positions on both offence and defence, fills most of our immediate needs without breaking the bank, and balances those with long term plans since we would be getting younger on OL, LB, WR, NT.

the only position not addressed in this scenario would be QB and i think we all agree that DB will be here next year. i for one agree with Hos and hope that we already have our long term QB answer on the roster.

if all good OTs gone by out pick, we could go LB, OG, WR, and corner on day 1 picks.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

Not a guarantee Mike. I don't draft as insurance against injuries. I draft to fill needs.

Drafting to fill needs gave us the three gloves.

With that said I don't want people drafted JUST as backups...that was the mistake Jimmy and Jerry made and Jerry continued for awhile due to that squad they had and the cap.

However there is nothing wrong with getting players that may sit a year before they get good playing time...depending on the round.

 

[blindzebra]

I agree completely.

If our 3-4 is ever going to be feared we need at least 2 more LBs, perhaps 3.

Fujita and Shanle are both just guys, and James had a nice 4 or 5 game run, but even then he was out of position a lot and for all those tackles very few were anywhere near the LOS, and he has fallen off the past few games.

I'd take a LB #1, add a vet FA, and pick up another tweener later in the draft that can push Thornton as Ware's back up or spend a year on PS.

NT and FS is needed.

I had CB on my list too, but Reeves has played very well and may push Glenn next year...he's out played him down the stretch, IMO.