Wade pushing for Jamaal Charles?

[Chief]

Charles wants to be a Cowboy
11:23 AM Wed, Apr 23, 2008 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon E-mail News tips

Texas RB Jamaal Charles, who is projected to be a late first- or early second-round pick, enjoyed his visit to Valley Ranch last week. He's crossing his fingers that he'll have a locker there next season.

"It couldn't be much better than to play high school, college and pro football in the state of Texas," Charles told the Port Arthur News, his hometown paper. "My family and friends could come to the games, like they did at Texas. And I'd be going to a good team.

"I had a good visit with Wade Phillips and Jerry Jones. I talked with Wade for a long time. Since he's from Port Neches, it was like I already knew him. One of their scouts told me he was really pushing for me. I think it could be Dallas, Tampa Bay or Tennessee."

Charles would address two major needs for the Cowboys: Adding a breakaway threat to the offense and another native Texan to the roster

 

[ajk23az]

I would like Charles in the 2nd round. He definitely has the home run ability.

 

[theogt]

Wouldn't mind it if he's there at our 2nd round pick.

 

[jbsg02]

he'd be a great compliment to marion with his speed and ability to break runs

 

[Thick 'N Hearty]

Exactly the kind of change-of-pace back the Boys need. Don't know about his return ability. Maybe that is going to be addressed with either the WR or CB selection. The wild card with that could be Pacman, even though it's been reported there's been no movement. When Sunday rolls around, that could change.

 

[Future]

Is he projected to go early or late in round 2...I really like him but just feel like he won't be there when we pick in the 2nd round.

 

[ddh33]

Like Felix Jones, who everyone seems to be against, I think Charles brings that speed element that would really help this team.

I never saw enough of Charles in catching passes or helping on special teams though. Any ideas?

 

[bobtheflob]

Is Wade pushing for him or that scout?

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Interesting... That would suggest that we're either not going RB in round one, or we're trading back a little from one of our picks. Makes you wonder if we *would* take a WR in the first, or some unsuspected position like LB or OL.

Charles does have a lot of potential, and I love his speed. Our last Big XII 100m champ worked out pretty well.

Is Wade pushing for him or that scout?

Good question. It's not very clear, is it?

 

[Verdict]

Charles has tons of athletic ability. He just never seemed to perform up to the level that his skill set says he can. He has been a combine type of athlete his entire career. I'm not sure he will have great success in the NFL.

 

[montgod]

Jamaal Charles
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 200 | 40-Time: 4.38

Official Bio

Strengths:
Has outstanding speed...Explosive with a burst...Smooth athlete...Quick and agile with good change of direction...Can get outside and turn the corner...Big play guy who is always a threat to take it the distance...Is tough and runs hard...Has great hands and is a pretty good receiver out of the backfield....Patient with good vision and instincts...Solid intangibles...Productive....Still improving and has some upside.

Weaknesses:
Is not very strong or powerful...Just an average inside runner...He goes down too easy...Isn't very elusive and does not have a lot of wiggle...Has some issues with ball security...Is not a great blocker...May be more of a situational type...Was not utilized as a return man...Durability is a concern...Basically just a one-year starter.

Notes:
Was also a prolific track star in high school and college and only recently began to focus strictly on football....Worked in a rotation early on in his career before finally assuming the full-time starting job as a junior..Really came on down the stretch in '07, including a 290 yard / 3 touchdown performance against Nebraska...Does not project as a workhorse at the next level but could excel as a change of pace type and 3rd down back...Not just a track guy and his best football is still ahead of him.

----------------------

If he is selected in the late 2nd or early 3rd, I wouldn't have a problem, but not earlier then that in my opinion.

Seems like you could put Felix Jones and Charles in the same category. Either way, if they are looked at as a backup or change of pace back, then I would definitely hope they were selected no earlier then the second depending on who is still there in the first (i.e. one of the top CBs, Mendenhall, Stewart)

 

[Sarge]

Charles is similar to Felix Jones minus the return ability.

 

[tomson75]

As much as I'd lament not going after Rice, I'd be down with Charles at 61.

 

[montgod]

Charles is similar to Felix Jones minus the return ability.

And of course... seems like he could be had later in the draft then Felix as well.

What's more interesting is that Charles wasn't used as a return guy at all with his speed. And he was timed faster then Felix Jones.

 

[superpunk]

It might be nice to have a home run back that is actually capable of hitting home runs.

No more Julius "Luis Aparicio" Jones.

 

[Chief]

Is Wade pushing for him or that scout?

I took it to mean Wade since he was referenced in the previous sentence, but reading it again, it could be either one.

 

[Tobal]

Charles seemed to "get it" after his running back coach came back from fighting cancer he started running really tough, which was always my complaint about him.

He can run with power, he's more than a speed back. If you asked me after the 1st 3 games, i'd have said no, but his display the rest of the season would make love to have him on the boys. He won't last to our 2nd round pick though so a trade down at 28 would be my preference.

 

[montgod]

Charles seemed to "get it" after his running back coach came back from fighting cancer he started running really tough, which was always my complaint about him.

He can run with power, he's more than a speed back. If you asked me after the 1st 3 games, i'd have said no, but his display the rest of the season would make love to have him on the boys. He won't last to our 2nd round pick though so a trade down at 28 would be my preference.

Very true... and even though it was only for a year, he WAS a starter unlike Felix Jones. The only thing is that their numbers are pretty similar except for TDs.

I wouldn't mind Charles with a trade down which is what I am expecting from Jerry Jones. There are just too many teams out there that would give up a lot for our 28 in order to draft a qb. Easily get a early or mid 2nd and a 3rd or 4th for that pick. Definitely would be worth it if no one else was at 28 that we would be interested in.

 

[DFWJC]

I guess I'd be okay with taking Charles late in Rd2--if he is there. I watched every game this year of Charles and Chris Johnson (both due to family/friend interests) and they both look very explosive. CJ looks slightly more explosive but it could have been some of the the competition. They both have good hands--at least for now, CJs seems better. Both have spells of inconsistency though, but CJ protects the rock much better and picks up blitzes well. Both may be gone by late Rd2. If not I'd be fine with the one remaining.

 

[The30YardSlant]

No

No

No

No

No

Tiki Barber thinks this guy has problems holding onto the football. He has world class straight line speed but doesnt create his own runs very well, and benefited greatly from an elite offensive line at Texas.

There's about 6 backs I would take before picking Charles.