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* Scout.com NFL expert Ed Thompson
* Scout.com draft expert Chris Steuber
* Scout.com senior NFL reporter Adam Caplan
* Scout.com lead NFL analyst and former pro scout Tom Marino
How is Zach Thomas doing in Dallas? He's old. Does he look it? And how is Mike Jenkins doing? Is he looking at some playing time during the season?
—Brandon from Los Angeles
ET: Thomas is fired up about his opportunity in Dallas as the starting weak-side inside linebacker. He'll get plenty of playing time if he stays healthy. From that position in Dallas' defense, he's going to get plenty of opportunities to put up well over 100 tackles. By the time the season starts, he'll be 35 years old, but he's so smart and tough that he plays much younger than his chronological age.
CS: Zach Thomas is a savvy veteran and I'm sure when the season starts he will be ready to go. But you always have to worry about concussions with Thomas. He's a hard-nosed player and gives maximum effort on every down. Mike Jenkins will see playing time this season, whether that time comes as a starter or in nickel situations; that will be determined during training camp.
AC: The expectation is that Thomas will start over former first-round pick Bobby Carpenter. The only issue with Thomas is whether he'll play on third downs. The feeling is Jenkins will back up veteran CB Anthony Henry this season and will see time in sub packages (nickel and dime) depending on the status of suspended CB Adam "Pacman" Jones.
TM: Zach Thomas is undersized, is up there in age, and has never been what I would consider any better than an adequate athlete, but when they blow the whistle all he does is show up week to week and make plays. He's smart, lines people up, and plays his butt off. Mike Jenkins was the most talented of all the college corners in this year's draft, but is going to have to improve his work habits and commitment to the game. Brandon, he has crazy talent.
Most Cowboys fans are not counting on Terry Glenn to make a comeback this year. If he does we will be very happy. Does Isiah Stanback look like he can be a solid No. 2 and the next Hines Ward? Patrick Crayton is a No. 3 in my eyes.
—Todd from Graham, Texas
ET: I agree with you on Crayton being more of a No. 3 wide receiver. He's a steady, but not spectacular receiver. That said, the former seventh-round draft pick has been a real bargain for Dallas and is currently the second-best receiver on the team. But I don't think Stanback is the answer at No. 2 or 3 on the depth chart. Don't be surprised to see Miles Austin turn some heads during training camp this year. With his speed, jumping ability and body control, I like his chances this season more than Stanback's to grab the No. 3 spot.
CS: I don't see Isaiah Stanback being a No. 2 receiver this season; he's still developing his skills as a receiver. Stanback has a lot of potential, but he's still another year away from making an impact. You may think Patrick Crayton is a No. 3 receiver, but he will be the Cowboys No. 2 receiver behind Terrell Owens. One player you should keep an eye on during training camp is Danny Amendola. He had a breakout year last season for Texas Tech, hauling in 109 receptions for 1,245 yards and six touchdowns. An undrafted free agent, Amendola runs solid routes, moves well inside and has great hands. Amendola doesn't possess great size, but he's a polished receiver and will compete for playing time.
AC: The team is happy with the progress of late from Stanback, but understand he didn't catch a pass in his rookie season and the team isn't in pads during OTAs so there's only so much you can see.
If Glenn isn't on the team, Stanback will compete against Sam Hurd for the No. 3 job. If Glenn is on the team, Stanback will compete for the No. 4 job.
I'd agree with you on Crayton, he's more of a slot receiver, but Stanback hasn't proven a thing yet as a receiver. If Stanback makes huge progress this season, he could push for a starting job in 2009.
TM: Wow, Stanback was a college QB, who was injured in '07, but you think he is going to line up in front of Glenn, Crayton, and No. 17 Hurd? Todd, I've got to tell you, I'd be more then a little surprised if that were to happen. He is a very good athlete, but I find it hard to believe that he could pass those people up so quickly.
http://sfo.scout.com/a.z?s=69&p=2&c=763432
* Scout.com draft expert Chris Steuber
* Scout.com senior NFL reporter Adam Caplan
* Scout.com lead NFL analyst and former pro scout Tom Marino
How is Zach Thomas doing in Dallas? He's old. Does he look it? And how is Mike Jenkins doing? Is he looking at some playing time during the season?
—Brandon from Los Angeles
ET: Thomas is fired up about his opportunity in Dallas as the starting weak-side inside linebacker. He'll get plenty of playing time if he stays healthy. From that position in Dallas' defense, he's going to get plenty of opportunities to put up well over 100 tackles. By the time the season starts, he'll be 35 years old, but he's so smart and tough that he plays much younger than his chronological age.
CS: Zach Thomas is a savvy veteran and I'm sure when the season starts he will be ready to go. But you always have to worry about concussions with Thomas. He's a hard-nosed player and gives maximum effort on every down. Mike Jenkins will see playing time this season, whether that time comes as a starter or in nickel situations; that will be determined during training camp.
AC: The expectation is that Thomas will start over former first-round pick Bobby Carpenter. The only issue with Thomas is whether he'll play on third downs. The feeling is Jenkins will back up veteran CB Anthony Henry this season and will see time in sub packages (nickel and dime) depending on the status of suspended CB Adam "Pacman" Jones.
TM: Zach Thomas is undersized, is up there in age, and has never been what I would consider any better than an adequate athlete, but when they blow the whistle all he does is show up week to week and make plays. He's smart, lines people up, and plays his butt off. Mike Jenkins was the most talented of all the college corners in this year's draft, but is going to have to improve his work habits and commitment to the game. Brandon, he has crazy talent.
Most Cowboys fans are not counting on Terry Glenn to make a comeback this year. If he does we will be very happy. Does Isiah Stanback look like he can be a solid No. 2 and the next Hines Ward? Patrick Crayton is a No. 3 in my eyes.
—Todd from Graham, Texas
ET: I agree with you on Crayton being more of a No. 3 wide receiver. He's a steady, but not spectacular receiver. That said, the former seventh-round draft pick has been a real bargain for Dallas and is currently the second-best receiver on the team. But I don't think Stanback is the answer at No. 2 or 3 on the depth chart. Don't be surprised to see Miles Austin turn some heads during training camp this year. With his speed, jumping ability and body control, I like his chances this season more than Stanback's to grab the No. 3 spot.
CS: I don't see Isaiah Stanback being a No. 2 receiver this season; he's still developing his skills as a receiver. Stanback has a lot of potential, but he's still another year away from making an impact. You may think Patrick Crayton is a No. 3 receiver, but he will be the Cowboys No. 2 receiver behind Terrell Owens. One player you should keep an eye on during training camp is Danny Amendola. He had a breakout year last season for Texas Tech, hauling in 109 receptions for 1,245 yards and six touchdowns. An undrafted free agent, Amendola runs solid routes, moves well inside and has great hands. Amendola doesn't possess great size, but he's a polished receiver and will compete for playing time.
AC: The team is happy with the progress of late from Stanback, but understand he didn't catch a pass in his rookie season and the team isn't in pads during OTAs so there's only so much you can see.
If Glenn isn't on the team, Stanback will compete against Sam Hurd for the No. 3 job. If Glenn is on the team, Stanback will compete for the No. 4 job.
I'd agree with you on Crayton, he's more of a slot receiver, but Stanback hasn't proven a thing yet as a receiver. If Stanback makes huge progress this season, he could push for a starting job in 2009.
TM: Wow, Stanback was a college QB, who was injured in '07, but you think he is going to line up in front of Glenn, Crayton, and No. 17 Hurd? Todd, I've got to tell you, I'd be more then a little surprised if that were to happen. He is a very good athlete, but I find it hard to believe that he could pass those people up so quickly.
http://sfo.scout.com/a.z?s=69&p=2&c=763432
