The Digs: In-Depth post-game wrap up of Cowboys preseason opener

[Stash]

The point that you miss is the effect a great runningback would have on the Cowboys offense. McFadden had good rushing numbers because of the Oline, but he wasn't game planned for or feared by opposing defenses. When you have players like Dez Bryant, they make defenses have to account for them the whole game. Elliot has the talent to be that kind of guy, which will create a lot more space for the receivers and quarterback. McFadden does not.

McFadden also didn't have the Dez Bryant you mention, or Tony Romo for that matter. I'm not a big McFadden guy, but the playing field and surrounding cast for him wasn't the same either.

 

[Stash]

True, but it's not like Dallas ignored defense in the draft. They spent 3 of their first 4 picks on defense this year, and they spent quite a few on defense in last year's draft too. Dallas had a chance to draft their top guy on the board at #4. Obviously you hope to have an evenly balanced collection of superstars on both sides of the field, but you don't look over elite talent because you are worried that worried about it.

That's great, but they didn't maximize their draft equity to help the defense as much as they could have. And let's be honest, one of those "3 of their first 4 picks" won't be playing for the defense at all this year. I don't know if that goes into the investment category right now. Long term? Hopefully, yeah. But short term? No help right now.

 

[UTmodisette]

McFadden also didn't have the Dez Bryant you mention, or Tony Romo for that matter. I'm not a big McFadden guy, but the playing field and surrounding cast for him wasn't the same either.

McFadden doesn't really break tackles. That won't change with Dez or Romo in. He used to have elite speed, but I would say now it's just good, not great. I liked him a lot for team last year, but with Elliot and Morris he doesn't have as much value for this team. His lack of special teams work only hurts his case.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

True, but it's not like Dallas ignored defense in the draft. They spent 3 of their first 4 picks on defense this year, and they spent quite a few on defense in last year's draft too. Dallas had a chance to draft their top guy on the board at #4. Obviously you hope to have an evenly balanced collection of superstars on both sides of the field, but you don't look over elite talent because you are worried that worried about it.

The Cowboys view Jalen as an elite talent. And it wasn't so much drafting offense (though tthat's a big part of it)....it's also about drafting a RB.

 

[Stash]

McFadden doesn't really break tackles. That won't change with Dez or Romo in. He used to have elite speed, but I would say now it's just good, not great. I liked him a lot for team last year, but with Elliot and Morris he doesn't have as much value for this team. His lack of special teams work only hurts his case.

I'm not making a case for McFadden, or for keeping him. My case has everything to do with him being another great example of this offensive line making running backs, and therefore, using the #4 overall pick on a running back a luxury and not a necessity.

And as a result, the expectations for Elliott's and the running game's productivity should be justifiably off the charts. If a 3rd round back like Murray can go for 1,800 yards, and a declining player like McFadden can go for 1,100 yards with no quarterback or top wide receiver out there with him, and a late start, the expectations for return on the #4 overall pick should be sky high.

 

[stilltheguru88]

I believe Jalen would have made bis way to Safety. And even if he didn't his talent in th secondary would have made everyone's job easier.


As to heath.... I'm not as hard on the kid as some. But come on man. We are talking different level of prospects.

I'm not saying Heath is comparable to Ramsey. I'm saying I'm fine with him as our nickel safety. He has more range than Church and is more athletic.

 

[Vero_F250]

I think that again incorrectly presumes that you're stuck at #4 where I don't think that's the case at all.

I get the trade back scenario, but clearly Dallas didn't like what was being offered. You don't take less value in a trade just to trade. Dallas had two players they loved and if they trade back to 6 they may miss on both, so make it worth your while if you are gonna trade.

Ravens wouldn't give the 3rd and only offered a 4th (Dallas losing 114). Dallas wanted a 3 (Dallas gaining 40).

The trade back would have been so perfect, especially two spots back...the two teams just couldn't come to an agreement.

 

[Stash]

I get the trade back scenario, but clearly Dallas didn't like what was being offered. You don't take less value in a trade just to trade. Dallas had two players they loved and if they trade back to 6 they may miss on both, so make it worth your while if you are gonna trade.

Ravens wouldn't give the 3rd and only offered a 4th (Dallas losing 114). Dallas wanted a 3 (Dallas gaining 40).

The trade back would have been so perfect, especially two spots back...the two teams just couldn't come to an agreement.

That assumes that the trade with Baltimore was the only option as well. Your scenario paints an either/or where they had to get either Elliott or Ramsey. I think they could have traded down and gotten both Lynch and either Ogbah or Dodd at the end of round 1.

 

[Vero_F250]

That assumes that the trade with Baltimore was the only option as well. Your scenario paints an either/or where they had to get either Elliott or Ramsey. I think they could have traded down and gotten both Lynch and either Ogbah or Dodd at the end of round 1.

I can only go off what was reported. And the Ravens were said to be the only team with serious interest in moving up. I know that doesnt mean there werent other teams trying but that's all I found to be reported.

And between Elliott and Ramsey that's just what the Cowboys said. Those two were elite (to Dallas), then a drop off. I would have loved to get Ogbah and wish Jerry had tried to trade back into the first for him. I just think with this draft class there wasn't a ton of reasons to trade up to 4 and that's where the Cowboys got snagged. Just my opinion, but I do agree that trading back would have been the best case.

 

[Stash]

I can only go off what was reported. And the Ravens were said to be the only team with serious interest in moving up. I know that doesnt mean there werent other teams trying but that's all I found to be reported.

And between Elliott and Ramsey that's just what the Cowboys said. Those two were elite (to Dallas), then a drop off. I would have loved to get Ogbah and wish Jerry had tried to trade back into the first for him. I just think with this draft class there wasn't a ton of reasons to trade up to 4 and that's where the Cowboys got snagged. Just my opinion, but I do agree that trading back would have been the best case.

Perfectly reasonable.