Stephen Jones says the 1 priority in the offseason is to find a backup Qb

[AbeBeta]

Are the Cowboys good enough to win big next year with Romo? Yes, so you go get someone that can contribute now.

While you're grooming your next drafted QB, half your team will retire, leave in free agency, get hurt, or decline. That's why you strike while the iron is hot.

Stay young, but win now, especially if you're lucky enough to have a Romo. I'd rather go out and trade for a Mettenberger than draft some coin flip from Memphis.

Treadwell from Ole Miss. Ragland from Alabama. Somebody immediately awesome.

I think we are much more inclined to look at 2-3rd round options. We can say backup is the #1 priority but cooler heads will prevail and our real focus is going to be at DB or LB as we likely go into next year looking to replace Ro and Mo. That's more of a priority than backing up Romo

 

[CowboyRoy]

Then why did Jerry admit multiple times he wanted Manziel and if he had gotten his way they probably would have taken him?

To run the concession stands at AT&T?

My guess is the reason why no QB has been taken in recent years is because there was none that really peaked their interest at the spots they were drafting. Not because Jones is afraid to insult Romo. If that were the case, Jones would never had admitted multiple times he wanted Manziel and had to be talked into taking Martin instead.

And people better get prepared.............. the Cowboys may not view Lynch or Goff as elite level QBs to waste a Top 5 pick on. In recent years, they've gone BPA on their board in the first round and they won't reach just for the sake of filling a need.

They have continually passed on QB's higher on their draft board then other positions year after year. Jones said recently he wouldnt take a QB because of the controversy.

Why did he say he wanted Manziel then? Because he is stupid? And he couldnt stop himself when wanting the glitz of Manziel in a Cowboys uniform.

Jerry really is a mystery. Doesnt make a whole lot of sense the things he does. No set plan. No strategy. Changes year in and year out.

 

[BigStar]

"you don't get to the SB laying up, you go for the green." - GM that drafted Quincy Carter in round 2 of NFL Draft.

history has taught us anything is possible.

I hope the team doesn't over reach to that extent (QC) but would hope avg vets would be brought in to allow the talent on the O (WR.OL) to not be completely wasted. This team is in a different place than was displayed with post Aikman days. Still want/hope Romo starting (if not a total shell of himself, etc.) but also no more restructures with the mindset that he is our only chance. Draft a young QB and sign a serviceable vet (Orton type of talent). Let's hope we can reasonably cover our bases this time and the expected annual increases expected towards the cap, this shouldn't be completely unfeasible.

Gotta draft/groom a young QB and not hope to luck into another Romo (UDFA talent that came out of nowhere).

 

[CowboyRoy]

Where is this quote? And when was it said? last week? 2 years ago? 5 years ago?

Recently. You can do your own research. If you didnt see it, then no wonder you dont agree.

 

[Sydla]

They have continually passed on QB's higher on their draft board then other positions year after year. Jones said recently he wouldnt take a QB because of the controversy.

Why did he say he wanted Manziel then? Because he is stupid? And he couldnt stop himself when wanting the glitz of Manziel in a Cowboys uniform.

Jerry really is a mystery. Doesnt make a whole lot of sense the things he does. No set plan. No strategy. Changes year in and year out.

In the last 3-5 years where there has seemed to be a shift from need to taking the BPA, who are all these QBs that were higher on their draft board that they ignored to take a positional player that was ranked lower?

 

[Doc50]

That's what I've been saying, Romo will never again play a full season. The rookie will probably end up playing as much as Romo, during his rookie year. This happened to Big Ben, he was suppose to sit behind Maddox, but in the first game of the season Maddox got injured and they went with Ben instead of Hatch. Same thing is likely to happen with the rookie. Imagine what happens if Romo gets injured in the first 2 or 3 games of the season next year.

The sooner they draft the next QB the better. NFL ready QBs will only get harder to find because most college teams run the stupid spread offense.

Romo's clavicle didn't break because it was old; it was because of the specific impact position and amount of force applied.

His back will be more prone to injury, but our OL is supposed to keep the QB clean.

He may play 16 games next year ( I'd rather it be 19). But I'm not taking any bets on that.

 

[Sydla]

Recently. You can do your own research. If you didnt see it, then no wonder you dont agree.

I ask because I just did the research and I find nothing that Jones has uttered "recently" that says he hasn't drafted a QB because he didn't want to create a controversy. In fact, I found information to the exact opposite, such as a story with quotes from Jones saying that prior to the 2015 draft, they had talked about trading up if a certain QB they liked fell but during the draft nothing materialized.

So I'll ask again, where are all these recent quotes from Jones that he's refused to take a QB because he didn't want to create a QB controversy and insult Romo?

 

[BigStar]

I think we are much more inclined to look at 2-3rd round options. We can say backup is the #1 priority but cooler heads will prevail and our real focus is going to be at DB or LB as we likely go into next year looking to replace Ro and Mo. That's more of a priority than backing up and taking over for when the inevitable happens; injury Romo

Wouldn't that turn that first round pick into something worth more/giving it more value than the slightly talented DB or LB? Agree with you though, don't reach for QCarter just to have a QB to groom. I don't have faith in grooming a QB who doesn't already posses the intangible more common with blue chippers given the coaching staff/GM.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Are the Cowboys good enough to win big next year with Romo? Yes, so you go get someone that can contribute now.

While you're grooming your next drafted QB, half your team will retire, leave in free agency, get hurt, or decline. That's why you strike while the iron is hot.

Stay young, but win now, especially if you're lucky enough to have a Romo. I'd rather go out and trade for a Mettenberger than draft some coin flip from Memphis.

Treadwell from Ole Miss. Ragland from Alabama. Somebody immediately awesome.

QB is the most important position on the field. There is no way you pass up good QB's every year and certainly not now. And the answer is "maybe", not "yes". Or more like "not likely".

But you seem to agree with Jones thinking so I dont see anything changing there. For me, I draft as many good QB's as I can and let the chips fall where they may. If that is at the expense of the LB position or WR position ect...ect... then so be it. Finding and maintaining stellar QB play is the best way to stay competitive year and year out and the best way to build a championship caliber team. I could care less if the next Aaron Rogers sits on the bench for 2 or 3 years. If he is so great, then trade Romo or trade him.

 

[CowboyRoy]

I ask because I just did the research and I find nothing that Jones has uttered "recently" that says he hasn't drafted a QB because he didn't want to create a controversy. In fact, I found information to the exact opposite, such as a story with quotes from Jones saying that prior to the 2015 draft, they had talked about trading up if a certain QB they liked fell but during the draft nothing materialized.

So I'll ask again, where are all these recent quotes from Jones that he's refused to take a QB because he didn't want to create a QB controversy and insult Romo?

Here is a snippet I found when he was asked if he would use a first round pick in the upcoming draft on a young QB:

"Well, I don’t know about first round, necessarily – at all," he said. "But again, I go back to Weeden. Weeden was an opportunity to develop the future. Again, he hadn’t played much football and he had some age on him because he played baseball – but still it was an opportunity for us to develop for the future. It did not work. There’s your first-round pick. Half of the first-round picks that are made don’t work."

now combine it with this snippet and you basically get the full picture that he isnt doing it. And then throw in his love for Weeden and you just have to shake your head. This clown really thinks Romo is going to be good for another 4 or 5 years?

"This is not a damn debate, guys," Jones said. "This is not a debate we're having here. Do you know that I don't know if he's got four or five years? You asked me my opinion and I can give you all the reasons why: the back, or I can give you clavicle, or I can give you any other type of injuries that are there.

"But you're asking me what I think, and I think we've got outstanding quarterbacking ahead of us for the next four or five years."

 

[Sydla]

So basically you have nothing that suggests Jones has refused to draft a QB because he doesn't want to insult Romo or create a controversy.

And guess what? There's a lot of people besides Jones around here that also is a bit weary of using a Top 6 pick on a QB in this draft........... because there are A LOT of questions about Lynch and Goff and most scouting guides say these two aren't as good as Winston and Mariota last year. I heard Brian Billick on the radio this morning and he said everyone he's talked to has said the same thing......... that these two are good QB prospects but certainly not at the level of some other guys in recent years like Winston, etc.

 

[CowboyRoy]

I ask because I just did the research and I find nothing that Jones has uttered "recently" that says he hasn't drafted a QB because he didn't want to create a controversy. In fact, I found information to the exact opposite, such as a story with quotes from Jones saying that prior to the 2015 draft, they had talked about trading up if a certain QB they liked fell but during the draft nothing materialized.

So I'll ask again, where are all these recent quotes from Jones that he's refused to take a QB because he didn't want to create a QB controversy and insult Romo?

So its not just Jerry, but an organizational thing which is actually worse.

Here is your answer to why THEY didnt draft Manziel:

"Do you remember two years ago when we sat there right to the last second on the clock with Manziel? My whole point is, there you are," Jones said. "That was the whole purpose of doing that. At that particular time, for a first-round pick, I thought that Romo had more time. And if we sat there and worked with Manziel for four or five years, now we all know what's happened. We know the off-the-field issues. But on our board, one of our top five or six picks dropped down to us and it was at the quarterback position, and I absolutely was a vote of one in that room to basically go there. And I understood why.

"I understood the risk that was involved. And we got a great player instead. But those are the circumstances that come up when you're thinking for the future. I was at that particular time, debating the value of him for the future as well as debating a backup."

 

[CowboyRoy]

So basically you have nothing that suggests Jones has refused to draft a QB because he doesn't want to insult Romo or create a controversy.

And guess what? There's a lot of people besides Jones around here that also is a bit weary of using a Top 6 pick on a QB in this draft........... because there are A LOT of questions about Lynch and Goff and most scouting guides say these two aren't as good as Winston and Mariota last year. I heard Brian Billick on the radio this morning and he said everyone he's talked to has said the same thing......... that these two are good QB prospects but certainly not at the level of some other guys in recent years like Winston, etc.

No, I have read it, just cant find it at the moment. But from the quotes I gave you, it should be more than obvious he wont do it. Now if you cant read between the lines or get the gist, then that isnt my fault or my problem.

Two questions:

1. Do you think Jones is a capable GM?
2. Do you like the way he handles drafting QB's?

 

[CowboyRoy]

So basically you have nothing that suggests Jones has refused to draft a QB because he doesn't want to insult Romo or create a controversy.

And guess what? There's a lot of people besides Jones around here that also is a bit weary of using a Top 6 pick on a QB in this draft........... because there are A LOT of questions about Lynch and Goff and most scouting guides say these two aren't as good as Winston and Mariota last year. I heard Brian Billick on the radio this morning and he said everyone he's talked to has said the same thing......... that these two are good QB prospects but certainly not at the level of some other guys in recent years like Winston, etc.

Then there is always the statistic where in the last 15 years Jerry has used one 3rd round pick on a QB and thats it. Combine that with him saying Romo has 4 to 5 good years left and that says it all right there.

 

[CowboyRoy]

So basically you have nothing that suggests Jones has refused to draft a QB because he doesn't want to insult Romo or create a controversy.

And guess what? There's a lot of people besides Jones around here that also is a bit weary of using a Top 6 pick on a QB in this draft........... because there are A LOT of questions about Lynch and Goff and most scouting guides say these two aren't as good as Winston and Mariota last year. I heard Brian Billick on the radio this morning and he said everyone he's talked to has said the same thing......... that these two are good QB prospects but certainly not at the level of some other guys in recent years like Winston, etc.

I would only use a top pick on a QB if they were worthy. And from what I have seen, I am not tickled with any of these guys in college.

 

[CowboyRoy]

And yet two years ago, if Jerry got his way, we would have drafted Manziel in the first round. His own words confirm it. So there goes the current theory Jerry doesn't want to hurt Romo's feelings and take a QB in the draft. Maybe he learned from the Aikman situation?

Ok, well this quote from Jerry should put this argument soundly to sleep:

Jerry Jones was high on Manziel but didn’t want a QB controversy
Posted by Michael David Smith on May 10, 2014, 7:00 AM EST

AP
Cowboys owner and General Manager Jerry Jones said Johnny Manziel “was probably the highest player on the board” when the Cowboys were on the clock with the 16th overall pick on Thursday night. But Jones passed on Manziel because the Cowboys are totally committed toTony Romo.

“I said last night, it was all about Tony Romo,” Jones said. “I was just looking at it today and thought, ‘You put that with the Dallas Cowboys and you put that with the quarterback controversy over Romo, and you’ve got an explosion.’”

 

[CowboyRoy]

So basically you have nothing that suggests Jones has refused to draft a QB because he doesn't want to insult Romo or create a controversy.

And guess what? There's a lot of people besides Jones around here that also is a bit weary of using a Top 6 pick on a QB in this draft........... because there are A LOT of questions about Lynch and Goff and most scouting guides say these two aren't as good as Winston and Mariota last year. I heard Brian Billick on the radio this morning and he said everyone he's talked to has said the same thing......... that these two are good QB prospects but certainly not at the level of some other guys in recent years like Winston, etc.

Ah, here it is. That should settle this:

Jerry Jones was high on Manziel but didn’t want a QB controversy
Posted by Michael David Smith on May 10, 2014, 7:00 AM EST

AP
Cowboys owner and General Manager Jerry Jones said Johnny Manziel “was probably the highest player on the board” when the Cowboys were on the clock with the 16th overall pick on Thursday night. But Jones passed on Manziel because the Cowboys are totally committed toTony Romo.

“I said last night, it was all about Tony Romo,” Jones said. “I was just looking at it today and thought, ‘You put that with the Dallas Cowboys and you put that with the quarterback controversy over Romo, and you’ve got an explosion.’”

 

[BoysFan4ever]

Jerry is full of it! Isn't the real story that Stephen stopped his dad from picking Johnny? That Johnny was Jerry's choice?

 

[Sydla]

No, I have read it, just cant find it at the moment. But from the quotes I gave you, it should be more than obvious he wont do it. Now if you cant read between the lines or get the gist, then that isnt my fault or my problem.

Two questions:

1. Do you think Jones is a capable GM?
2. Do you like the way he handles drafting QB's?

Well those aren't easy questions to answer.

One, I don't think Jones is really the GM anymore. I think Stephen has a lot more influence now. If Jerry Jones were still the GM and made all the decisions, we'd be wondering if we are going to cut Manziel this offseason instead of thanking our lucky stars that we have Zach Martin for the next 8-10 years.

Two, it's hard to argue with their first round picks over the last 4-5 years. 4 out of the last 5 years they hit home runs. They went need with Claiborne and that bit them in the *** but they stuck to their boards in the other years and ended up with 4 pro bowlers. They took heat for the Frederick pick and they proved everyone wrong. So it's hard for me to call this front office awful or bad when they've done fairly well in the draft. 2nd round has been kind of a disaster, I admit, but Lawrence might buck that trend.

Three, I don't particularly like the way they've handled the QB situation but I also know that it's not easy finding a capable backup. I also am not sure that Weeden and Cassel are incapable of winning a game here or there. I think our coaching is a bigger problem than player selection but that's another discussion. In terms of the future, how many teams really do what people here are *****ing about? Everyone keeps talking about the Packers but that was a bizarre situation where a guy that some thought might go Top 3 slipped to 24. I suspect if the Cowboys were picking 24th next draft and Lynch was their #2 prospect and he slipped to them, they'd probably take him too. But what other teams have invested #1 or even a high #2 pick in the heir apparent? NE took Garappolo at the end of the 2nd round a few years ago. Guess that works and frankly, I am hoping that maybe we take a kid like Wentz in the 2nd this year or Hackenberg if he even slips to the 3rd.

 

[Fletch]

QB is the most important position on the field. There is no way you pass up good QB's every year and certainly not now. And the answer is "maybe", not "yes". Or more like "not likely".

But you seem to agree with Jones thinking so I dont see anything changing there. For me, I draft as many good QB's as I can and let the chips fall where they may. If that is at the expense of the LB position or WR position ect...ect... then so be it. Finding and maintaining stellar QB play is the best way to stay competitive year and year out and the best way to build a championship caliber team. I could care less if the next Aaron Rogers sits on the bench for 2 or 3 years. If he is so great, then trade Romo or trade him.

Massive bumpage brah! *obligatory explosion*