Twitter: Stephen Jones on 105.3 Recap 04/28/14

[ufcrules1]

Both Pryor and Dix were outstanding, impactful college safeties.
They were not Earl Thomas, Ed Reed however.
If you need a starting caliber NFL safety both those guys are great fits.

15-25 looks about right for both safeties.

Great post.. I would be happy with both Pryor or Dix if they were BPA at 16. Both are terrific safeties.

 

[Crown Royal]

All teams have holes. Even the Seahawks and Niners.

There is really no such thing as rebuilding anymore so long as you have a quarterback.

The Ravens and Seahawks are two of the worst team ever to win the Super Bowl. You don't have to be great. Just a tad better than the other average teams.

What about the Seahawks is bad?

 

[Crown Royal]

Interesting about Jernigan. I know he had a great visit and media reported a good time, but this seems to temper it down some.

 

[casmith07]

Agreed.

I don't see a high-impact safety in this year's draft.

Jimmie Ward has the most potential as a free safety prospect based on what I've watched. He has good speed and range, good closing speed, and has displayed an ability to cover WRs in the slot one on one.

 

[casmith07]

no, they really don't.
they have an off-field question with their QB but that's got nothing to do with where they are in the talent accumulation process. ---they are very far down that path.
Kaep and Gabbert form a solid QB depth chart.

They have a quality starting 2nd year Safety. Could upgrade at other safety spot. Could also upgrade at one CB spot.
Both lines are solid as is LB though Aldon Smith's issue and Navarro Bowman's injury have taken the league's best unit and driven it down to the mean.
They are a very solid team with a draft still to conduct.

I disagree on quarterback. I think Kaepernick has done more for that team mostly because of his running ability, but he's still a QB who struggles to read a defense and go through his progressions...unless his first read or two is to the left side of the field, you're probably getting a throw to the right (Crabtree vs. Sherman, NFC Championship Game) or a scramble.

Gabbert...lol. Maybe Harbaugh thinks he can do with Gabbert what he did with Alex Smith, but Gabbert has by all evaluations been flat out garbage since day 1.

As with Safety, yes, Eric Reid looks pretty good. They need two corners, though. And linebacker is a huge question mark: Aldon Smith's issues, NaVorro Bowman's injury, and Willis' aging. They probably should be looking for two OLBs and an heir apparent at ILB. They also should be looking to replace Frank Gore in the future, if reports are to be believed about their lack of interest in extending him.

Anyway, all I was trying to say to ufcrules1 was that his perception of holes vs. HOLES can be applied to almost any team. Every team has issues on their roster - we are not the only team.

 

[jterrell]

I don't know anyone who gave up on Dez, that is silly talk. There were some who criticised his off the field behavior but that has nothing to do with his on the field play. Both he and Tyron have been solid since day one. They both made some rookie mistakes but that happens to ALL players. Claiborne and Carter have never looked good.. even when they played in a 3-4.. so not sure how the switching of schemes comes into this? I personally hate the Tampa 2 with the players we have but that is what we are going to run and the players have to deal with it. Carter having head problems is his own fault. He had plenty of time to adjust in camp and so did Claiborne.

no offense here but when a post has this many factual errors it becomes time wasting.

the posts are here on this forum with multiple posters wanting to trade dez bryant as recently as last off-season. plenty felt he couldn't learn the playbook and was overrated and needed to be trade. plenty of others thought he was a knucklehead and t.o. starter kit. he finished 2012 really strong and the tide began to turn to where it is now... he is openly considered a top 5 wideout.

as to Mo he started 15 games as a rookie and had a huge TD return. he flashed more as a rookie than either Tyron or Dez had.
Carter replaced Lee at ILB in the 3-4 and became an overnight sensation leading the team in tackles every game until he too was injured. He finished second on the team in tackles even though he missed 5 games.

 

[erod]

Great post.. I would be happy with both Pryor or Dix if they were BPA at 16. Both are terrific safeties.

Pryor, yes. Dix, no.

Oklahoma lit Clinton-Dix up in the Sugar Bowl. Johnny Manziel did it twice.

Notice how many Alabama defensive players struggle in the NFL.

 

[jterrell]

I disagree on quarterback. I think Kaepernick has done more for that team mostly because of his running ability, but he's still a QB who struggles to read a defense and go through his progressions...unless his first read or two is to the left side of the field, you're probably getting a throw to the right (Crabtree vs. Sherman, NFC Championship Game) or a scramble.

Gabbert...lol. Maybe Harbaugh thinks he can do with Gabbert what he did with Alex Smith, but Gabbert has by all evaluations been flat out garbage since day 1.

As with Safety, yes, Eric Reid looks pretty good. They need two corners, though. And linebacker is a huge question mark: Aldon Smith's issues, NaVorro Bowman's injury, and Willis' aging. They probably should be looking for two OLBs and an heir apparent at ILB. They also should be looking to replace Frank Gore in the future, if reports are to be believed about their lack of interest in extending him.

Anyway, all I was trying to say to ufcrules1 was that his perception of holes vs. HOLES can be applied to almost any team. Every team has issues on their roster - we are not the only team.

All teams do have holes but if you rank talent on NFL teams SF is AT LEAST 15 spots above Dallas currently.
They've acquired a ton of high picks and let them grow up.

Kaepernick/Gabbert is a top 10 NFL depth chart at QB. Gabbert looked poor playing with probably the least talented roster in the game. Kaepernick has simply played winning football which is why they had the luxury to move Alex Smith. Neither guy is top by themselves but the back ups for most stars is a huge spare, not a guy with legit NFL potential that was once a top 15 pick.

The 49ers are positioned well in the draft. They should get a CB at 30 with a deep but not elite CB class falling into their laps. Could even opt to flip the script and go Pass Rusher at 30 like Demarcus Lawrence and then CB in round 2(where the bigger CBs like Baptiste or Desir) would be values. They are almost certain to also gain a top 100 WR out of this deep draft class.

The 49ers already have depth at LB and Willis isn't quite 30 yet so no need to replace him. Again they can take a guy in rounds 3-5 at LB and let him develop or play beside Willis but it's all a luxury because they have NFL bodies there now.


Generally in debates the answer is somewhere in the middle. I think his point about Dallas having HOLES is valid but you are also correct in that every off-season every team must make changes and that no one goes into a new season with a great full roster like pre-salary cap era football. I'd also say Dallas has doen a pretty darn good job this off-season of filling HOLES with tar. They still have them but they are far less severe and dangerous.

Mincey plus Spencer at DE with Selvie and Crawford is a boon. Melton at 3T is a legit Hatcher replacement. McClain is probably just a flat out upgrade over Hayden who remains.

But issues still remain in good numbers and the overall talent is not better than middle of the league. It has been top 10 last couple years but only when healthy which has meant not for very long.

 

[ufcrules1]

no offense here but when a post has this many factual errors it becomes time wasting.

the posts are here on this forum with multiple posters wanting to trade dez bryant as recently as last off-season. plenty felt he couldn't learn the playbook and was overrated and needed to be trade. plenty of others thought he was a knucklehead and t.o. starter kit. he finished 2012 really strong and the tide began to turn to where it is now... he is openly considered a top 5 wideout.

as to Mo he started 15 games as a rookie and had a huge TD return. he flashed more as a rookie than either Tyron or Dez had.
Carter replaced Lee at ILB in the 3-4 and became an overnight sensation leading the team in tackles every game until he too was injured. He finished second on the team in tackles even though he missed 5 games.

I disagree that he flashed as much as Tyron or Dez did his rookie season. He got burned a ton of times and looked like a deer in the headlights often. Not to mention he was scared to tackle. It become clear to everyone it was a huge mistake to trade up for him...and so what he had one touchdown return.

I do agree that some here were complaining about Dez learning the playbook but they had a right to complain about that because it was true. That skipped my memory since Dez has gotten better an better every year. Regardless, his talent was obvious to everyone and he was a HUGE part of our offense in his rookie season and he has continued to improve all the way up to elite level, unlike your boys Claiborne and Carter who have regressed. Carter was nothing more than average to below average his rookie season and he has REGRESSED badly and was nothing more than a headcase/liability when he was on the filed last year. I have hope for Mo but not for Carter. I can't stand someone who is a quitter while wearing the star.

 

[LatinMind]

Just my opinion. So, according to me I guess. I wish I knew exactly what the FO thought.

I just hope that we stick to BPA, and that player fills one of our needs very well, and immediately.

The FO has said what they think.

They are not rebuilding, you dont rebuild with Romo.
The like what they have at RB
They need to add a WR that can play outside incase of an injury
Expect more from Escobar this yr.
Will not pass on a OL just to draft a lesser graded defensive player
Signed DL in FA so they wouldnt go into the Draft bare and having to reach
Need a WDE
Have some young guys they want to see at LBer
Like what they have at S

Alot of people need to start listening to interviews and DC.com because the FO gives fans alot of insight in to what they feel they have and need on the team. I know alot of people have busy schedules but there are alot of threads dedicated to this. And alot of them get overlooked because theres a bash the Cowboys/Jerry/Garret/ECT thread.

Not saying its you specifically either Proximo, just in general.

 

[LatinMind]

How many holes do you think the team has?

I think Dallas needs a WDE

But i think they could improve these other areas
RT, RG, SDE, OLB, FS, 1tech

OLB is the one im torn at.
Bruce Carter isnt bad. Kiffin just played him in spots that he shouldnt have been on the field. He had some brain farts aswell.
Hollomon is the key. If he can play the way he did at the end of the yr, this team has something.

They coud draft a guy like Telvin Smith to play them sub packages that need that cover LB'er type. Develop and big bigger and if Carter is just a better 3-4 lber then Smith can take over in '15. Or if Hollomon is just not the guy slide Carter over to the SAM and play Smith at the Will.

I woud love if a team drafted a FS. Jimmy Ward or Terrence Brooks.

And i Would love a guy like Dominique Easley early and a Ken Bishop or Eathyn Manumaleuna late

 

[casmith07]

All teams do have holes but if you rank talent on NFL teams SF is AT LEAST 15 spots above Dallas currently.
They've acquired a ton of high picks and let them grow up.

Kaepernick/Gabbert is a top 10 NFL depth chart at QB. Gabbert looked poor playing with probably the least talented roster in the game. Kaepernick has simply played winning football which is why they had the luxury to move Alex Smith. Neither guy is top by themselves but the back ups for most stars is a huge spare, not a guy with legit NFL potential that was once a top 15 pick.

The 49ers are positioned well in the draft. They should get a CB at 30 with a deep but not elite CB class falling into their laps. Could even opt to flip the script and go Pass Rusher at 30 like Demarcus Lawrence and then CB in round 2(where the bigger CBs like Baptiste or Desir) would be values. They are almost certain to also gain a top 100 WR out of this deep draft class.

The 49ers already have depth at LB and Willis isn't quite 30 yet so no need to replace him. Again they can take a guy in rounds 3-5 at LB and let him develop or play beside Willis but it's all a luxury because they have NFL bodies there now.


Generally in debates the answer is somewhere in the middle. I think his point about Dallas having HOLES is valid but you are also correct in that every off-season every team must make changes and that no one goes into a new season with a great full roster like pre-salary cap era football. I'd also say Dallas has doen a pretty darn good job this off-season of filling HOLES with tar. They still have them but they are far less severe and dangerous.

Mincey plus Spencer at DE with Selvie and Crawford is a boon. Melton at 3T is a legit Hatcher replacement. McClain is probably just a flat out upgrade over Hayden who remains.

But issues still remain in good numbers and the overall talent is not better than middle of the league. It has been top 10 last couple years but only when healthy which has meant not for very long.

Good chat back and forth, man. Lots of points here I find valid, but I'll still vehemently and adamantly disagree on their Quarterback ranking.

Still, good chat. I look forward to more as the draft approaches!

 

[casmith07]

I think Dallas needs a WDE

But i think they could improve these other areas
RT, RG, SDE, OLB, FS, 1tech

OLB is the one im torn at.
Bruce Carter isnt bad. Kiffin just played him in spots that he shouldnt have been on the field. He had some brain farts aswell.
Hollomon is the key. If he can play the way he did at the end of the yr, this team has something.

They coud draft a guy like Telvin Smith to play them sub packages that need that cover LB'er type. Develop and big bigger and if Carter is just a better 3-4 lber then Smith can take over in '15. Or if Hollomon is just not the guy slide Carter over to the SAM and play Smith at the Will.

I woud love if a team drafted a FS. Jimmy Ward or Terrence Brooks.

And i Would love a guy like Dominique Easley early and a Ken Bishop or Eathyn Manumaleuna late

I think Bruce Carter was playing out of position most of the time as well. He would make an excellent Mike or Sam. If Holloman can play well at Will and provide that coverage that we need from the Will position, we'll have something good going on the defensive side of things.

 

[khiladi]

I like this line below. When your team is full of holes, is the right attitude. We are rebuilding right now, BPA is who we should take.

Dallas Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones: "I think if a guy is high enough on the board, then you would take any position."

This has been our alleged philosophy this whole time, especially with Garrett. He actually said it multiple times. It's why Garrett was confused when they left Floyd and got Frederick.

 

[casmith07]

Pryor, yes. Dix, no.

Oklahoma lit Clinton-Dix up in the Sugar Bowl. Johnny Manziel did it twice.

Notice how many Alabama defensive players struggle in the NFL.

Most Alabama defenders struggle in the NFL, it seems. As a unit, however, they play very well.

 

[khiladi]

You bet the problems go deeper than the pass rush.

Last season Seattle was only 8th in sacks.

But were 1st in yards per attempt given up.

Seattle won because of their pass defense and then because of their pass rush... And not the other way around.

You mean defensive line can't put pressure on a QB without getting a sack.

Maybe teams also tried to run a lot against them, because they knew they couldn't pass.

 

[casmith07]

This has been our alleged philosophy this whole time, especially with Garrett. He actually said it multiple times. It's why Garrett was confused when they left Floyd and got Frederick.

Source?

 

[khiladi]

Source?

Don't act like you don't know...

 

[khiladi]

Just to cater to your question, multiple reports spoke about confusion. All you have to do is google on the Cowboys wanted Floyd. The following relates such confusion:

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2013...ults-cowboys-scouts-take-on-first-round-trade

Hill provides some new detail. Going into the draft, Dallas had three primary targets they were hoping to get at 18, which match up with what many fans were saying: Guards Chance Warmack and Jonathan Cooper, and safety Kenny Vaccaro. Further, Jerry Jones was committed to upgrading the offensive line or safety at that draft position, or trading back. Defensive line was simply not part of Jones' thinking. The scouts wanted to go pure BPA, and felt the high grade they had on Floyd (quoted here as "top 10", which would not conflict with the # 7 position cited elsewhere) more than justified taking him. And according to this account, the coaches had a similar viewpoint to Jerry, so the split was actually more down the middle of the war room. And the scouts got outvoted.

They didn't expect Floyd to be there (at 18), so there was a long discussion on Floyd. Jones sided with the coaches.

That puts things in a bit of a different light. Since the article specifically says "coaches", it would certainly indicate that Monte Kiffin and Rod Marinelli had input. It is possible (just to speculate) that Garrett was inclined to go with the scouts, but Kiffin and Marinelli were in step with Jerry. But regardless where each individual stood, the information presented by Hill is that the scouts wanted Floyd because he was so high on the board, the coaches were not sold on his fit in Kiffin's 4-3 (possibly because of his low sack total in college since Kiffin is all about pressure on the quarterback all the time), and Jones did not want anyone except offensive line or safeties. With no players fitting Jones' desired profile, the trade option was selected. The scouts lost out in a three way disagreement where they got outnumbered, and they felt that the team erred in deviating from the board at that point.

This is exactly how it's pretty much reported. Jerry went Frederik after talking with the guys coaching the actual defense. The fact that Floyd was projected that high, when we went 4-3 clearly shows it wasn't Kiffen and Marinelli that had him so high on the boards that Dallas should have selected him sooner.

 

[khiladi]

As far as Garrett's philosophy, this is what he stated in 2012 before they went Frederik:

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2013...-nfl-draft-2013-do-you-live-by-the-bpa-theory

"In a perfect world, what you want to try to do is go into the draft without needs," coach Jason Garrett said. "I think you tend to draft worse when you say, 'I think we need to draft this position or that position.' And regardless of how objective you want to make that process, you invariably say, 'OK, we have a need here, so maybe we bump a player up ahead of this guy when they're really probably pretty similar."

"In an ideal situation you want to address your needs prior to the draft. Hard to do that, but you're trying to do that so you can draft as purely as possible. We couldn't do that last year."

He explicitly states the year they got Smith, they drafted based upon need. He said they were unable to do it the year prior.

In 2011, Stephen Jones said this:

"We're going to take the best player that's available when it comes time for us to pick," Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said. "I know that's the old saying that people get tired of hearing about, but that's what we need to do with this team. You never know who is going to be injured and who is not going to work out from year-to-year, so you just need to take good football players, and that's what we're going to do."