tfydraft:Grading the Draft: NFC East

[cowboyjoe]

http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=5403

Grading the Draft: NFC East
29 May
The NFC East had just one team in the playoffs this season, the first time that’s happened since 2004. The Giants were close and the Cowboys lost their quarterback, so a return to multiple teams in the playoffs isn’t out of the question. Draft reviews have been mixed for this division and, while no team combined drafted value with filling needs, there will be a solid influx of talent to this division this season.

Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has had issues protecting Tony Romo in recent seasons and it hurt them last year, when Romo missed a good portion of the season due to injury. Enter USC’s Tyron Smith, the draft’s highest-rated tackle. Smith played right tackle in college but has the size (6-5, 307) and athleticism to man the blind side in the NFL. His instincts need some work but he can be a starter this season, possibly by Week 1. Second-round pick Bruce Carter has the sideline-to-sideline speed teams like in a middle linebacker and, if it wasn’t for a season-ending knee injury, could have gone closer to round one. He’ll fit well in Dallas’ 3-4 scheme. DeMarco Murray has the size (6-0, 213) and speed (4.4) of a featured NFL runner, but he enters a crowded backfield and has had injury issues in the past. David Arkin played tackle at Missouri State but will move to guard to take advantage of his interior blocking ability. He won’t start right away but he offers potential as a fourth-round pick. Josh Thomas has the physical skills and aggressive nature to develop into a solid second or third corner in the NFL, but must improve his awareness and instincts to stick.

Dallas did well filling needs will their early and mid-round selections and also grabbed some talented players in the process. Murray is a player Dallas may view as their featured back of the future considering Marion Barber’s expected departure and the inconsistencies of Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Overall, it was a solid draft for the Cowboys. Grade: B

 

[CCBoy]

Thanks, Joe...

I can quickly see three and very possibly four players that make a significant contribution with one to three years here. That alone would make this a very solid draft. I'm really rooting for David Arkin to develop up and leave a mark in the offensive line's interior.

 

[cowboyjoe]

Thanks, Joe...

I can quickly see three and very possibly four players that make a significant contribution with one to three years here. That alone would make this a very solid draft. I'm really rooting for David Arkin to develop up and leave a mark in the offensive line's interior.

yw buddy, its kinda quiet from lots of cowboys articles to post, since memorial day weekend and lockout

 

[big dog cowboy]

For the most part I agree with what was written. However.....

Dallas has had issues protecting Tony Romo in recent seasons and it hurt them last year, when Romo missed a good portion of the season due to injury.

The reason Romo got hurt was a missed block from our fullback not OL.

But I am very glad we addressed the OL and rebuilding it was over due.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

For the most part I agree with what was written. However.....

The reason Romo got hurt was a missed block from our fullback not OL.

But I am very glad we addressed the OL and rebuilding it was over due.

The OL lucked out that it was the FB. As bad as they were blocking it was only a matter of time before they got him killed too.

 

[Future]

The OL lucked out that it was the FB. As bad as they were blocking it was only a matter of time before they got him killed too.

Agreed. Though Tony is usually pretty good about not taking big hits.

 

[funkytown]

Good article. I think the Boys had the best draft of any NFC East team.

Only draft that scares me is NY Giants. If Prince and Austin pan out, that defense will be tougher. Not to mention Greg Jones was a productive LB in college.Getting Brewer in the 4th was a nice pick, and will help their offensive line.

Jerrel Jernigan to go along with Nicks, Manningham, Steve Smith was not a need pick, but their WR group is scary.


But I think a few years from now we look back, and see the Boys got 4 starters out of this draft. Smith and Arkin on the offensive line. Murray takes over the lead back role from Felix. Bruce Carter at ILB. Nagy is a sleeper at center. Josh Thomas and Dwayne Harris have a chance to be solid role players at the least. Solid draft.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

Interesting, no mention of Harris.

 

[TD-33]

http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=5403

Grading the Draft: NFC East
29 May

Dallas Cowboys
Smith played right tackle in college but has the size (6-5, 307) and athleticism to man the blind side in the NFL. His instincts need some work but he can be a starter this season, possibly by Week 1

I'm guessing there's probably ZERO chance of Tyron starting @ left tackle week 1. (if there is a week 1- which there may not be.)

1. Free is doing a very good job at left tackle and is the starter.
2. The Cowboys have to decide if they plan to keep Free or lose him. If he stays it will prob be a salary for a starting left tackle... so pay him then demote him to right tackle? nah
3. There's a real possibility any practice snap time @ left tackle will be very limited.
4. He would start against one of the best defenses in the league as a fresh rookie in game 1.
5. Barring injury, there is no rush for Tyron to start left. He can win the job if/when he's ready.

 

[speedkilz88]

They have to just let him concentrate on right tackle now. But they aren't going to say that until Free is signed.

 

[LandryFan]

I'm guessing there's probably ZERO chance of Tyron starting @ left tackle week 1. (if there is a week 1- which there may not be.)

There will be a week one, it's just a question of when week one will occur.