Transcript: CowboysZone 03/01 Draft Chat feat. The Huddle Report Drew Boylhart

[WoodysGirl]

For everyone who missed it....

ABQCOWBOY -> ZoneChat: Hey Drew, Welcome!
Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Hey, thanks for asking us...glad to be here!
Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: We're ready to take any questions you have. Thanks!

HoleInTheRoof -> ZoneChat: Hey Drew. Is the McFadden concerns a case of over-analysis?

HoleInTheRoof -> ZoneChat: I hear a lot of people say that Mendenhall will be a better pro. Thoughts?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: McFadden...yes, it seems to be over-analysis. It looks to be a reaction to the Michael Vick situation...I don't have any major concerns there.


ABQCOWBOY -> ZoneChat: Drew, what are your thoughts on this CB class. Many here like Cason as a lower round option. Do you think his skills transfer well to the CB or Safety position?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Cason...yes, I think he'll be a very good player -- CB or S. He's probably better zone CB than man-to-man, but even that's debatable. Good size, great intelligence and superior instincts. He also tackles very well.

HoleInTheRoof -> ZoneChat: Thanks Drew! Okay... Malcolm Kelly or Limas Sweed. Better pro, and who do they compare to?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Malcolm Kelly is like an Eric Moulds type of receiver. Sweed...I just don't have confidence that he'll show up every year that's NOT a contract year -- good talent, but questionable attitude/work ethic.

HoleInTheRoof -> ZoneChat: Thanks again!

HoleInTheRoof -> ZoneChat: Felix Jones. Thoughts?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Felix Jones...I like him, but think he has a lot to learn. He really hasn't played that much at the college level...he doesn't have the RB skills of a McFadden or the other RB's coming out in this draft. Good talent...I think he's a 2nd round pick.

theogt -> ZoneChat: Most people seem to have Long to Miami at #1 now. What do you think of his ability to play 3-4 OLB and what is your opinion on the "value" of that pick if he's playing 3-4 OLB?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Long to Miami -- I think he's a pure DE in a 4-3 defense. I don't think he has the skills to play OLB -- that's not his impact position.

ABQCOWBOY -> ZoneChat: Drew, I watched the DTs at the Combine. I love the kid from ND. Do you think he can play in Phillips' 34 as a NT or perhaps better suited to 34 DE?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Trevor Laws (ND) is better suited for a DE in a 3-4...he's not a NT.
CATCH17 -> ZoneChat: At the end of the day who is the best cornerback in this draft?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: End of the day, best CB in this draft is Cromartie-Rogers (Tennesee State). He has the most talent and is the most ready to impact at the next level.

Woods -> ZoneChat: Drew, I am a member of thehuddlereport.com. In your write up, you weren't particularly high on Talib as a CB, but rather a safety. After the Combine, do you still feel the same way?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Talib as a CB -- yes, I still don't think he has the lateral agility, mental approach to the game nor the quick twitch needed to play the CB. He's a ball hog and likes to play in front of him, therefore, more a safety.

IronCowboy -> ZoneChat: Will level of competition effect Dominuqe Rogers-Cromartie's draft stock?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: DRC -- I had questions about the level of competition as well until I saw him in the Senior Bowl. After that, I have no hesitation about how he will impact immediately even with the level of competition he's played in in college.

parcells316 -> ZoneChat: Drew, thanks for your time. Sleeper receiver the Cowboys can get if they don't address that position in the first 2 rounds?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Top 3 Sleeper WR's: Lavelle Hawkins (Cal), Marcus Monk (Arkansas) and James Hardy (Indiana)

KevinU -> ZoneChat: Just curious, how does Mike Hart look to compliment MB3?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Mike Hart wouldn't be a good complement to Marion Barber, in my opinion. I think you want more of a scat-back -- someone like Justin Forsett (Cal).

Woods -> ZoneChat: A lot of people are positive on McKelvin at CB. But why is his production so "low" then? Was it no one threw his way?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: McKelvin...yes, it's because no one threw his way. There aren't that many QB's he played against that were strong either. I think McKelvin is over-rated a bit, his LTI is longer than most think, but I would still get him early because of his talent.

CATCH17 -> ZoneChat: Why is nobody talking about Paul Smith out of Tulsa? To weak of an arm or something?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Paul Smith...yes, he's just a back-up QB. His arm strength just isn't there, smart kid though.

theogt -> ZoneChat: Drew, Tracy Porter gave up nearly 60% of the passes targeted at him and gave up 5 TDs in his last season (both are the highest of all top CBs) -- how do you factor in college production for projecting how a corner will translate to the NFL?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: A CB's production is important in college, but it isn't everything. Porter has some technique issues, but is talented. You want to probably take him somewhere in the first 3 rounds and hope that you can correct the technique problems.

parcells316 -> ZoneChat: Where do you project PSU's Justin King?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Justin King - at this point, even though he has good athleticism, he won't be taken until 4-5th round. He has some character issues and might end up switching to free safety because of lateral agility concerns.


ABQCOWBOY -> ZoneChat: I've Watched Beau Bell play at UNLV a lot. I really like him but he didn't really show well in Sr. Bowl Games. Have your opinions of him changed at all and do you think he fits a 34?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Beau Bell...no, my opinion has not changed. I think he would be an excellent 3-4 ILB. Sometimes, athletic talent doesn't tell the whole story. Bell reminds me a lot of David Harris who is now starting for the Jets and why Jets traded Vilmer recently.

Yeagermeister -> ZoneChat: i know they aren’t in the draft this year but what is the opinion on the univ of memphis wrs?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Univ of Memphis...sorry, am just working on current prospects right now, not looking at the future until this draft is over. Thanks!

Woods -> ZoneChat: How high is the "bust factor" on Red Bryant at NT? Is there another one or two you prefer?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Red Bryant...I don't think the bust factor is too high. I think he'll be a solid T for the team that takes him. Others I like are: Sedrick Ellis, DeMario Pressley (NC State) and Ahtyba Rubin (Iowa State).

CATCH17 -> ZoneChat: has Lance Legget done anything to turn some scouts heads after having an absolutely disapointing college career?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Legget...no, has not done anything to generate interest in him as a prospect.

theogt -> ZoneChat: Most overrated/underrated in the draft right now?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Over-rated: Glen Dorsey and Kenny Phillips (S Miami). Under-rated: Ray Rice (RB Rutgers) and Marcus Monk (WR Arkansas)

Woods -> ZoneChat: In Round 1, do you prefer Hardy or Doucet, or do you have them about equal?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Hardy v. Doucet...Doucet is a more finished product, but Hardy has more long-range potential. Hardy has a little bit of Randy Moss in him. I would prefer Hardy, but if needed someone to impact quickly, I might pick Doucet ahead of Hardy.

ABQCOWBOY -> ZoneChat: I really like Slaton of WV. He is not big but he runs with hart and he makes things happen. Willing inside runner. I like him as a compliment to MBII.

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Slaton (WV)...good kid with talent and heart, you're right. I agree that this would be a good complement to Barber.

Hostile -> ZoneChat: I'm late. Hello Mr. Boylhart. Thank you for coming. My favorite playe rin this draft is Owen Schmitt. Will there be teams clamoring for him?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Owen Schmitt...yes, I like him, but it will be up to the teams to decide if they are crazy for a pure FB. It's a mystery to me, at this point, where he will be taken. Keep checking THR's value board to see where stat's put him as we get closer.

CATCH17 -> ZoneChat: Drew do you think Allen Patrick from OU would compliment Barber well? With the way he hits the hole isn't he a little under rated?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Allen Patrick (OU)...he seems to run tough between the tackles, but he's easily knocked off his feet. His RB skills, in general, are not as far along as they should be with the experience he's had at OU. Not ready to be a starting RB in the NFl.

TheCount -> ZoneChat: Hello Drew, I'm wondering if you think there is any upside in taking a chance on a kid like Jack Ikegwuonu, inspite of his injury. Do you think he'll be drafted, or will he have to make a team as a FA?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Jack Ikegwuonu...the severity of his injury will dictate whether or not he's drafted. At this point, it doesn't look like he'll make a full first season; therefore, he would be considered a FA.

skinsscalper -> ZoneChat: To ask a question from the zone: Would it be insane for the Cowboys to take two CBs in the first round?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Two CB's in the first round...I don't think it would be smart. They have other holes to fill and this is a deep draft for CB's, so you could get great value later in the draft for CB's. Check out Trey Williams (South Florida) could be had later.

dannyboy -> ZoneChat: Drew, Where do you see jammel Charles RB from TX going?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Charles from UT: Rob's value board really is a better predictor of where prospects will be drafted on Draft day. Charles is more of a situational runner at this stage of his career and with his speed, should go in rounds 1-3.

Woods -> ZoneChat: Drew, after D Jackson's weigh in at the Combine, where do you see him going? Does he fall to Round 2?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: If you're talking about Deshawn Jackson (Cal), then I think you're looking at late 1st round - early 2nd.

KevinU -> ZoneChat: Drew, how far does Manningham fall after a poor combine performance?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Manningham -- I'm not a big fan in the first place. I think there are a lot of problems with this kid. See my profile for more details. I wouldn't take him in the first 3 rounds of this draft -- all I've seen him do is catch the deep pass.

Hostile -> ZoneChat: Who are your 3 favorite sleepers in this Draft?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Top 3 sleepers overall: Ray Rice (Rutgers), Marcus Monk (Arkansas) and Anthony Collins (LT Kansas)

Hostile -> ZoneChat: Did Spencer Larsen's 4.9 time in the 40 push him out of the Draft to UDFA?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Larsen...I don't think it pushes him out of the draft, but I do think it makes him more of a systems LB. When you get labeled as a "systems" player, it's difficult to predict where you will be taken.

theogt -> ZoneChat: How does Vernon Gholston compare to Merriman and Ware? Is he in the same league as those guys?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Gholston -- yes, he's in the same league with Merriman and Ware. Should be as impactful as both of those have been.

Biggems -> ZoneChat: How do you rate DeShawn Jackson's receiving ability to that of the other prospects. I know he is superb as a Kick Returner, but I am not sold on him as a WR.

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: DeShawn Jackson -- I'm not sold on him as a WR either. He doesn't exhibit mental toughness; he doesn't do the hard, tough patterns. Lot of flash, no substance.

Oh_Canada -> ZoneChat: Drew, how about Carl Nicks?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Carl Nicks -- Very, very talented; lacks mental stamina, has weight problems and tends to be lazy. Unfortunately, very talented, but needs a better work ethic.

peacockaja -> ZoneChat: Where do you think DRC will go

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: DRC will go anywhere from the 11th pick to the 15th pick -- anywhere in this range.

Woods -> ZoneChat: What are your favorite developmental QBs you'd look at between Round 4-7? Basically, someone to groom behind Romo.

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Favorite developmental QB's would be: Dennis Dixon (oregon), Josh Johnson (San Diego) and Matt Flinn (LSU) -- I think Flinn has 1st round talent, but no one else seems to agree.

Vintage -> ZoneChat: Drew, what's your opinion on Hardy?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Hardy -- I like him a lot.

CATCH17 -> ZoneChat: Drew is the Calais Campbell a tad over-rated?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Calais Campbell -- yes, he's very over-rated.

BrAinPaiNt -> ZoneChat: Who are some centers that could be had later in the draft that could be considered steals?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Steal centers would be Mike McGlynn (currently a tackle, but I think would make the best center in this draft); Mike Pollak (Ariz St) should be a good one and John Sullivan (ND)

TheCount -> ZoneChat: What about Flacco, Drew?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Flacco reminds me of vinny testaverde...has a difficult time taking pressure in his face and has a long road to becoming a starting NFL QB.

Hostile -> ZoneChat: What do you think of Heath Benedict of Newberry?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Sorry, no film from Newberry. Have heard of him, but cannot give you an honest (not regurgitated) opinion of him without film.

PuertoricanBoy -> ZoneChat: What you opinion about Heath Benedict and Mike McGlynn. Solid 2 day picks? 4 or 5 round?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Mike McGlynn should be a solid pick -- I have a 1st round talent grade on him, although he won't be taken there. I would take him before 4th or 5th, though.

CATCH17 -> ZoneChat: Just curious drew but who do you think is the top 3 prospect in next years draft?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Sorry, Catch, haven't looked that far out yet -- too much to do right now on current draft.

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Sorry...lost some questions due to scrolling. Was great being here; we always appreciate the invitation to be here. Feel free to check out the site and email us any questions we missed or we can wait until next month's installment! Thanks again!

ABQCOWBOY -> ZoneChat: Drew, many thanks to you and to Robby for taking time for us. You are welcome here any time. Please come back and we will bombard you with questions. LOL

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Thanks, ABQ...looking forward to next month!

ABQCOWBOY -> ZoneChat: As are we Drew. You guys are GREAT!

ABQCOWBOY -> ZoneChat: Guys, check the Draft Board. There is a schedule posted for more sessions with Drew. Fortunatly, The Huddle has set up time for additional chats.

 

[This is Our Year]

Great read thanks... Man it's a shame DRC will go to high for us to take probably.

Man the Browns made things difficult by being good this year UGH!

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Excellent chat! Nobody gets everything right, but I like how he was very clear in calling out certain guys as overrated.

 

[Big Dakota]

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: DRC will go anywhere from the 11th pick to the 15th pick -- anywhere in this range.



If this kids falls to #15 or #16 I'd give #22 and #61 to get this kid.

 

[hendog]

Sounds like Drew thinks that Leodis may be able to slip to us.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: DRC will go anywhere from the 11th pick to the 15th pick -- anywhere in this range.



If this kids falls to #15 or #16 I'd give #22 and #61 to get this kid.

I agree if Mendenhall or whoever is the top rated corner drops to around that spot yes yes yes.

According to the draft value chart that puts us at pick 14.

28 and 61 puts us about 17.

22 and 28 puts us at about 7 or 8.

Our third round would bump us up about 3 spots from either first rounder.

 

[Big Dakota]

I agree if Mendenhall or whoever is the top rated corner drops to around that spot yes yes yes.

According to the draft value chart that puts us at pick 14.

28 and 61 puts us about 17.

22 and 28 puts us at about 7 or 8.

Our third round would bump us up about 3 spots from either first rounder.

I'd consider trading up for Mendenhall(14-20 range) or DMac(in that 10-20 range), but not Stewart. I'd consider trading up for DRC or McKelvin(in that same 12-21 range), but not Jenkins. If Stewart and or Jenkins fell to # 22 then I'd take one but i wouldn't trade up much more than one or two spots for either.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

very solid read....thanks.

 

[hendog]

I'd consider trading up for Mendenhall(14-20 range) or DMac(in that 10-20 range), but not Stewart. I'd consider trading up for DRC or McKelvin(in that same 12-21 range), but not Jenkins. If Stewart and or Jenkins fell to # 22 then I'd take one but i wouldn't trade up much more than one or two spots for either.

I think as of right now I'd rather have Mendenhall over Stewart as well.

 

[lkelly]

King in the 4th-5th round? I'll believe that when I see it. Character concerns? Is he talking about the apartment fight? If so, do a little research. They declined to even indict him, and it turned out he was a peacemaker who stayed around to apologize for his teammates after the event. King graduated in less than 4 years too. Do your research Drew. Switch to free safety? King's not a very good tackler.

Makes me question the rest of his analysis if he's so far off on this question.

 

[SDogo]

Vintage -> ZoneChat: Drew, what's your opinion on Hardy?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Hardy -- I like him a lot.

That's really breaking it down there.:

 

[Sandyf]

I still think DRC will end up being there at 22. Yes, he looked great at the Senior Bowl and did well not spectaular at the combine but the playing at Tennessee State is going to put doubt in some minds.

We all know that once a run starts whether it be CB or DT or DE or whatever, it also pushes other good players down.

I do remember the Steven Jackson draft when he was a sure fire top ten pick and no worse than 15, yet where was he drafted, in the 20s actually 24. What if McFadden gets past Oakland and the Jets, which he very well may happen, then really the first team that actually might take him is Carolina. Trades would be much easier once he gets past #6.

DRC could be the 1st corner taken, he also could fall easily to 22. Drew does good work but so do many of the other scouts and services. NFL Draft Scout has him listed at #20 and as the 3rd best corner in the draft. They have been fairly on the money the last few years also.

Lots to happen before the draft and on draft day. Just not letting anyone influence me as to what will actually happen just yet.

 

[WoodysGirl]

That's really breaking it down there.:

That was one of those you had to be there kind of answers. There was a bunch of sidebar conversations going on and questions were getting lost in the scrum.

 

[tomson75]

I'm not so sure about Drew's CB analysis. His #1, most ready to make an impact guy was widely considered a mid round pick two months ago. I'm not saying I don't like DRC, because I do, but that sort of rise in draft stock should raise some concern...at least enough to warrant some re-emphasis of college production and competition level. He doesn't like Talib's lateral agility, but, coming from someone who wasn't high on Talib until recently, that certainly doesn't seem to be the case. Talib, IMO, looked to be one of the more fluid DB's at the combine. His #'s were pretty good too. I certainly wouldn't consider him a safety.

 

[HoleInTheRoof]

No disrespect to Drew Boylhart, but take his answers with a grain of salt.

Here are a few questions/answers from a chat he had on a different message board last year.

Q Recently, I read where one draft guru from ESPN stated that Robert Meachum would never be a "true #1" receiver. Do you agree with that? And if so, why?

I disagree with that totally. He's in my personal top 10 players of the draft -- I think he's a good ballplayer.
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Many believe that Dallas will take a OLB/DE or WR or CB at 22, but considering the grades on the players isn't it more likely that Jerry will try and trade down for an extra picks?

I think Jones wants to make a splash as this is his first draft without Parcells. So he may try and move up, but if not, he'll stay right where he is and pick a player with a lot of speed at any one of those positions you mentioned.
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Drew, do you see this draft as being a heavily trading draft come draft day with so many players not matching the team needs or what each team perceives as the BPA?


I think after the first round, you'll start to see a lot of trades in the draft. Free agency wasn't that good this year, so you have a lot of teams going into this draft with unfilled needs.
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I agree with the speed issue but wouldn't Anthony Spencer at OLB be the speed guy in the mode of Shaun Phillips for Wade's defense to help offset Ware? Do you think if Spencer, Ginn and say Ross or Houston is there that Wade would opt for Spencer and move Carpenter inside?

I just don't feel that Spencer gives the Cowboys the "bang for the buck" at 22. I believe that Jones will look for more speed and flash at this pick.
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Do you see Oakland taking Calvin Johnson or taking JaMarcus Russell or will they actually take Tampa Bay to the mat and trade the #1 to them?

Oakland -- if they stay at #1, I think they'll take Calvin Johnson. It's a very good possibility, they'll trade out and if they do, I think they'll go for a big defensive lineman instead.
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What are the odds the cowboys trade down or even out of the 1st round, to the early 2nd round, and get extra pick (maybe another 3rd round pick) for doing so?

I think that the Cowboys are more inclined to trade up than down. Jones likes to impact with the draft, both in talent and in marketing.
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I personally feel that NT is a big need for us, not because Ferguson is an imediate problem, but because we have no depth at all, and given Feruson's age and the demands of his position he needs to have occassional rests in the short term and he could break down and need a replacement at any time. I also know there are only a few big bodied NT's in the draft. Do you see this as a need for Dallas and if so, at what point do we address it and with who?

Well, I think NT is a concern, but you do still have Stanley on the roster right now. I felt he was a good pick in the draft last year. If he can step up, then the concern may not be as great as fans may think. However, if you're looking for a good NT in this draft on the 2nd day, look for Paul Soliai (Utah) or Louis Leonard (Fresno State).
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[tomson75]

No disrespect to Drew Boylhart, but take his answers with a grain of salt.

Here are a few questions/answers from a chat he had on a different message board last year.

[/B]

Lmao...well at least he got the "Spencer at 22" thing right.

 

[theogt]

Lmao...well at least he got the "Spencer at 22" thing right.

Where he messed up was going from just evaluating talent to trying to predict what Jerry would do. Even the people that follow him daily can't even begin to do that.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

DRC TO THE COWBOYS!

 

[Big Dakota]

I'm not so sure about Drew's CB analysis. His #1, most ready to make an impact guy was widely considered a mid round pick two months ago. I'm not saying I don't like DRC, because I do, but that sort of rise in draft stock should raise some concern...at least enough to warrant some re-emphasis of college production and competition level. He doesn't like Talib's lateral agility, but, coming from someone who wasn't high on Talib until recently, that certainly doesn't seem to be the case. Talib, IMO, looked to be one of the more fluid DB's at the combine. His #'s were pretty good too. I certainly wouldn't consider him a safety.

Kinda reminds one of DWare, doesn't it?

OBTW, i was reading his name as a "sleeper" day 1 pick months ago.

 

[ThatsmyQB]

parcells316 -> ZoneChat: Drew, thanks for your time. Sleeper receiver the Cowboys can get if they don't address that position in the first 2 rounds?

Drew_Boylhart -> ZoneChat: Top 3 Sleeper WR's: Lavelle Hawkins (Cal), Marcus Monk (Arkansas) and James Hardy (Indiana)

OK, this tells me not to trust ANYTHING this guy says about ANYONE in the draft!
1st off He thinks James Hardy is a SLEEPER?
The guy's 6'-5 217 pounds and ran under 4.5, and he thinks he's a SLEEPER who we could get after round TWO if we don't address the W.R. situation in the 1st 2 rounds????????
I'm sorry, if Hardy gets out of round 1 I'd be SHOCKED, and to even SUGGEST he'd be available after round 2 ends is LAUGHABLE and discredits EVERYTHING he says in the future and is a JOKE as far as the draft goes IMO!