Dallas Cowboys Stick To Plan, But Did They Succeed?

This was one of the most gut wrenching drafts for me to watch. Mainly because there was plenty of opportunities for JJ and the Cowboys to do as they have done in years past, and completely deviate from the plan, and try to make a splash.

Now I know everyone wanted to see the Cowboys draft a player or players that would have an immediate impact in one or more of the positions of need. I too would have loved to see them land a top notch Safety or O- Lineman to compete for a starting spot. However by the time the Cowboys went on the clock, all of those players were gone. It was at that particular point in time that my heart began to race, for this is the exact spot in years past when management has overreacted and reached for someone. This year however it was different, Jerry trusted his scouting department, and trusted their board.

The Dallas Cowboy scouting department felt that there was a handful of players that may be available to them with the 51st pick that held 1st round talent, but after that you could throw a blanket over the rest. Simply meaning once the first rounders were gone everyone else was of equal talent. The 2009 NFL draft then became more about “value” than “name”.

As Cowboy fans we have spent much of our time since Jerry took the rains of the team, being upset that they could not separate the difference between a “name” and an actual “football player”.

The verdict on this draft will not be known for at least 3 years. As the draft began to unfold I realized what was happening and could not believe how stupid I was at not figuring out their plan before hand. The plan was a simple one, but like many of you I had become so mesmerized by what positions needed upgrading, that I completely lost focus about what the true intentions of the draft are. The same things I have for years blasted Jerry for doing I was now doing. The art of drafting college players to become NFL players, is an art, and an art not many have had a lot of success doing. Those who have had success will all say that “if you draft out of need you are going to fail, but if you trust your board and take the best available talent that fits your scheme then you are going to succeed.”

In 2008 the Dallas Cowboys had 3 major areas of concern; (1) Special teams (this team lost at least 3 games last year due to there piss poor kick coverage) (2) Secondary (the corner play last year was better, but the lack of a ball hawking safety hurts.) (3) O-Line depth (as you all remember when Kosier went down last year so did the play of this unit)

When the Cowboys time on the clock came, and Louis Delma, Patrick Chung, Darcel Mcbath, Eric Wood, and Max Unger were gone, the Cowboys made a move to collect another draft pick. If you look at the needs of this team, which of the three areas noted could they have the most positive effect on in this draft? SPECIAL TEAMS! This unit has been horrific for several years now, and in dire need of drastic changes. This unit was slow, old, and very poorly coached. The Cowboys took care of the coaching side of things with the hiring of Joe D, and with the exception of the 101st pick (Stephen McGee) they totally revamped the special teams unit. Every single player they drafted this past weekend can be immediate players!

Sometimes in life what we think we want is not necessarily what we need. If this special teams unit plays to there capabilities this year they will impact this team far more than ANY OTHER PLAYER THAT WAS AVAILABLE AT 51. There is no one player that could have made the Cowboys 12-4 last year! but with the load they pulled yesterday this unit could have!

Welcome to the team gentlemen!

Jason Williams – ILB – Western Illinois

Robert Brewster – T/G – Ball State

Stephen McGee – QB – Texas A&M

Victor Butler – OLB – Oregon State

Brandon Williams – OLB – Texas Tech

DeAngelo Smith – CB – Cincinnati

Michael Hamlin – S – Clemson

David Buehler – K – USC

Stephen Hodge – S – TCU

John Phillips – TE – Virginia

Mike Mickens – CB – Cincinnati

Manuel Johnson – WR – Oklahoma

2009 Draft Picks-Time to decide your future

Well the Cowboys waited, they traded, and then delivered in a seemingly common fashion in this year’s draft. It’s no shocker to see that things weren’t as projected. The Cowboys themselves swept us off our feet, following through with 12 picks and none of them necessarily a jaw dropper so I thought I’d go through them and Tell you what I think.

Jason Williams OLB Western Illinois: Projected to be able to dominate the inside with his speed, size, and strength. He’s a big hitter and has the speed to make some plays.

Verdict: He makes the team edging out Bobby Carpenter.

Robert Brewster OT Ball State: Versatile lineman capable of guard and tackle positions but can be sloppy in game scenarios. However, he moves quickly for being 325.

Verdict-Second string option for any position, expect him to start over time.

Stephen McGee QB Texas A&M: Stephen is reunited with Martellus Bennett and a good thing. In the wildcat offense McGee will get his chance and will have a target he’s comfortable with. His speed, size, and arm strength will give us the back up we’ll be looking for and a viable option if Romo goes down.

Verdict: No brainer, he becomes the third quarterback and a franchise back up.

Victor Butler OLB Oregon State and Brandon Williams Defensive End Texas Tech: I put these two together because they are very similar. They look to become hybrid players. I’m not sure I like Butler’s chances as much as I like Brandon Williams’ chances to sure up the end. They’re speed is the thing here, both very quick and have the ability to get to the quarterback. Victor Butler has a small problem with strength and open field tackling.

Verdict: Williams makes the team as Second String beating out either Hatcher or Bowen. Butler will have to compete but can surely contribute; his future depends on what the Cowboys are thinking about doing with Ellis.

DeAngelo Smith CB Cincinnati: The truth is that we need Cornerback Depth and this boy can play. He’s got great ball skills and is a hawk. His speed is an issue but with proper training he’s going to be a good young talent.

Verdict: He’ll make the team because of the lack of depth but contribution will start with the special teams, he controls his own destiny.

Michael Hamlin S Clemson: A Talented safety who was mocked by some to be taken by the ‘boys in the 2^nd. With him you’ll get a safety that can contribute immediately.

Verdict: A lock to make the team but if he becomes a starter will be determined by Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith who may make the switch to safety.

David Beuhler PK USC: A lot view this as Jerry’s fun pick. Not a need at all with Nick Folk being a NFL Elite. Beuhler has the ability to kick deep and accurate, he’s more of a luxury then a necessity.

Verdict: He’s an insurance option, but I can’t see the Cowboys using him for much. I don’t expect to see him on the 2009 roster.

Stephen Hodge OLB TCU: This dude is a speed demon who really can produce on the field. He’s not expected to start but I personally predict him to be a special teams monster. Say goodbye to Keith Davis… Say Hello to his replacement.

Verdict: One of my favorite picks, this Local will be a role player on this franchise and will receive his time to shine.

John Phillips TE Virginia: Blocking Tight end, not very gaudy on his passing game. However, With Bennett and Witten ahead of him, he doesn’t need to be.

Verdict: He’ll compete for the third spot but will need some serious training, He could do it though, but if not he’ll be on the practice squad awaiting his chance.

Mike Mickens CB Cincinnati: STEAL ALERT. This years Scandrick, this player dropped from 2^nd to third round talent. He can play safety or corner; he has speed, he’s aggressive, and can find the ball and makes plays. With mentorship from Terrance Newman, you’re looking at a real potential to be a key player for the Cowboys in the future.

Verdict: Done deal, Mickens will continue to impress and will get adequate opportunities to show what he has. Expect big things from him in a couple years.

Manuel Johnson WR Oklahoma: He’s a tough receiver possibly possession style. He has trouble separating which will give him trouble given the type of talent playing DB in the NFC East. It’s hard to expect that much.

Verdict: He’ll have to outplay Stanback, but if he can he’ll be able to show what he has. Coach Sherman is who holds his future.

Final Analysis: Hamlin, Mickens, Hodge, McGee, Brewster, Jason Williams, Smith, and Brandon Williams are looking to immediately contribute. The others all have a good chance but will it will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and skill.

Another one gone

Tight end Tony Curtis has been with the Cowboys for a few years and was almost always the teams third tight end behind Jason Witten and either Martellus Bennett or Anthony Fasono. He became a restricted free agent this year and the Cowboys, seemingly not willing to give him anymore time, did not make him any offers. Instead they signed former practice squad tight end Rodney Hannah to a contract this week.
So it’s really sweat off anyone’s back that the Chiefs, who are very recently in the tight end market after sending their perennial pro bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta for a 2010 second round pick, signed Curtis today.

Big Trades, Keeping Busy, and the Draft

Talk about a lag … it’s been a full week since the last post here. Not to worry, we’re not going anywhere, just got a big project going for the site and figured the lull before the draft was the best time to take care of it. Not quite ready to reveal what the deal is, but we will soon.

For now though, got a few things to cover. First on my list is the trade today that sent the long time Chief Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta. The Falcons gave up their 2010 second round pick for what few will argue is the best tight end to ever play the game.

The move is a certain upgrade for Atlanta as they haven’t really had a good tight end in recent years, let alone a great one that still has a few years left before retirement. Surprisingly though, Kansas City GM Scott Pioli basically said that the Chiefs would be better off without Gonzalez and I just have a hard time swallowing that.

You don’t get rid of a capable player who has been to 10 Pro Bowls in 12 years, and has started all but two games in those very long 12 years. Of course he did want a trade because he wants the chance to win a Super Bowl before he retires, and considering that the Falcons are on the incline with their second year starting QB Matt Ryan and coming off a division title year with an 11-5 record, Tony is definitely making the right move.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs are left with no real replacement for the massive production that Gonzalez provided year in and year out. I guess they’re hoping for a good draft year … we’ll see.

We know too that since the restricted free agent signing period ended that Miles Austin, who did not actually receive an offer from the Jets, has been locked in as a Cowboy for 2009. Along with WR Sam Hurd, TE Rodney Hannah, and RB Alonzo Coleman, Austin has not only signed his tender but has signed a longer term contract as well. The Cowboys have no more RFA’s to resign.

They do still have a free agent out there to work on though in Keith Davis as he has yet to sign with anyone. It’s almost a no brainer that the Cowboys need Davis around with his near flawless special teams play, and because he was a capable backup when injuries took down all but him, and even him before it was all over with, at the safety position. He did interview with Kansas City a few weeks ago, but those talks seem to be dead at this point.

And now we head into the draft tomorrow, a time that will be a little hard to sit through as the Cowboys are unlikely to make their first pick before the sun sets, but we could all get a better idea of what’s going on before they actually take that 51st pick by watching a few names.

On my own list, I’ll be watching for Patrick Chung, Louis Delmas, and Brian Robiskie. Coming out of Ohio State he hasn’t really impressed anyone with his good, but not great, combine numbers, and his days at Ohio State can be summed up in much the same way. The real intrigue of Robiskie is in his relationships in the NFL. Being the son of Falcons wide receivers coach terry Robiskie, it figures to be interesting to see if he actually learned anything from the old man.

It’s typical for rookie wide receivers to struggle there first year simply because of adjusting to play at the NFL level, yet this young man might very well have the knowledge to come right in and play. Even if he does have the mental stuff down, it’s still no safe bet that he’ll either be able to execute it or have the talent to go with it, the Cowboys have a better idea than most since they worked him out recently.

Oh yes, this draft is looking more and more interesting for Dallas and we’ll be there for it all as our very own Bryan Martin will be keeping tabs on all the hot moves come Saturday and Sunday. And come Monday morning, not only will we finally have our questions answered, but hopefully we’ll be able to announce our plans here as well.

2009 Cowboys Schedule

The NFL released the 2009 schedule as promised this evening at six. And while we already knew who the Thanksgiving Game opponent was, we’ve also learned that will not, in fact, be opening the season against the Broncos, but instead we’ll be going to Tampa to face the Bucs before finally getting to open our stadium in the regular season against the Giants.

I can’t say that the schedule is as difficult as last year’s was, but it certainly isn’t the easiest either. Not to mention that we’ll be finishing it off against Philly again, so let’s hope that our playoff hopes don’t come down to the final game again.

Week 1 – @ Buccaneers
Week 2 – vs Giants
Week 3 – vs Panthers
Week 4 – @ Broncos
Week 5 – @ Chiefs
Week 6 – BYE
Week 7 – vs Falcons
Week 8 – vs Seahawks
Week 9 – @ Eagles
Week 10 – @ Packers
Week 11 – vs Redskins
Week 12 – vs Raiders
Week 13 – @ Giants
Week 14 – vs Chargers
Week 15 – @ Saints
Week 16 – @ Redskins
Week 17 – vs Eagles

Take It or Leave It: A look at Dallas Day

Dallas Day is coming up and you’ll find a lot of people blubbering about why more big name prospects aren’t invited. The truth is that Dallas Day is a diamond in the rough. This is what you get; You get a chance to feel out local prospects who are predicted lower round picks and some unknown players to fill key needs. This is a blessing. Look at Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin, and a guy you might be familiar with…uhh I think his name is Tony?—All Players who were not looked upon as game breakers, but have developed amazingly.

These players aren’t worse in caliber, just because they are a PREDICTED lower round draft choice doesn’t mean that they can’t compete and a ridiculously high level. College Football is a complex structured maze with turns and loops unknown. It’s impossible to scout all players, some great players are playing for lower division schools and won’t even be seen. It’s honestly a flawed system.

This year the Cowboys don’t have any true pressing needs so they’re in position to take the “best available” player. However, we can surely identify some points of interest in Quarterback, Defensive Line, Wide Receiver, and Safety. These can be addressed at Dallas Day with prospects like Lendy Holmes (FS, Oklahoma), Rhett Bomar (QB, Oklahoma/Sam Houston), Henry Melton (DE, Texas) and Thomas White (WR, Baylor).

White runs a 4.5/40 yard dash, and has put up 20 reps of 225 lbs. Bomar finished his season with a 136.27 passer rating, 3405 yards and 27 TD’s. Lendy Holmes runs a 4.6/40 yard dash, and finished his season with 78 solo tackles and 5 interceptions and Finally, Henry Melton showed improvement this season with 4 sacks and 45 total tackles.

I know reading through those stats may be mildly unimpressive and boring, but the truth is that there is talent out there. The cowboys don’t have to may chances to draft big name players so they need to make their picks count and Dallas Day is the next step towards the future of this franchise. Take it or Leave it.

Cowboys Interested in Roscoe Parrish?

First and foremost on the agenda for the Cowboys should Austin depart for New Jersey is wide receiver depth and lineup since Austin is projected as the second starter opposite Williams if he stays. The release of Owens was a clear sign that the team is moving in a younger direction that is hopefully more team oriented than Owens’ has ever been.

But if Austin leaves, and that is definitely possible, it would remain Sam Hurd and Isaiah Stanback as the only youth amongst our wide outs. The problem is that both Hurd and Stanback have had issues being productive on the field, when either can stay healthy enough to get on the field.

Read complete story at A Cowboy Nation ….

Take Roscoe Parrish if Austin Walks?

Today marks the beginning of the rest of Miles Austin’s career as he awaits an imminent offer from the Jets, and as we wait along with him to see just how determined the Jets are to acquire him, there are some things to consider in Dallas.
First and foremost on the agenda for the Cowboys should Austin depart for New Jersey is wide receiver depth and lineup since Austin is projected as the second starter opposite Williams if he stays. The release of Owens was a clear sign that the team is moving in a younger direction that is hopefully more team oriented than Owens’ has ever been.
But if Austin leaves, and that is definitely possible, it would remain Sam Hurd and Isaiah Stanback as the only youth amongst our wide outs. The problem is that both Hurd and Stanback have had issues being productive on the field, when either can stay healthy enough to get on the field.

Continue reading →

Jets Say Offer is Coming for Austin

Miles Austin has finished up his visit with the New York Jets, and while it isn’t clear yet if he’s left the area where his family is during this Easter weekend, he did leave the Jets facilities without an offer being made.

It’s anything but a sign of the Jets intentions that they did let him leave without making an offer since the type of offer they could make would take a few days to develop. According to Dave Hutchinson at The Star-Ledger in New Jersey, the Jets informed Austin that they plan to put together an offer for him over the coming days.

The NFL has some say in how long they wait, as the signing period ends next Friday, April 17th, and that would leave the Cowboys exactly one week to match any offer made by the Jets before draft weekend, or receive the Jets second round draft pick in return for Austin. The Jets could make an offer to Austin at any time before then as well, which would still give the Cowboys seven days to match it.

Since Terrell Owens was released in early March Miles Austin’s stock has been on the rise. Known in Dallas as a speedy receiver with the ability to stretch the field and make big plays, Miles Austin poses a threat to any team that he plays for in 2009 with his inability to stay healthy for a full season yet. He does have the talent and upside to be well worth a second round pick in this year’s draft however.

The real issue at this point for the receiver slated to replace T.O. this year in Dallas rests in how creative the Jets get with their offer to the fourth year receiver. The Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum could decide to include a poison pill in the offer similar the one they made to Curtis Martin a decade ago to snag him away from New England.

An example of this poison pill could be a clause stating that Austin’s entire contract would become guaranteed should he play five games in the state of Texas. This type of language would virtually prevent the Cowboys from matching the offer and would thus send Austin to the Jets in return for the 52nd overall pick in this years draft.

Dallas released Owens saying that it was a move in favor of letting the younger guys on the team step up, specifically Miles Austin. They’ve been grooming since signing the undrafted free agent as a rookie.

But if the Jets do decide to put a poison pill in the offer, the Cowboys would have no choice but to let him go and try to replace him through the draft and free agency. Matt Jones, Marvin Harrison, Torry Holt, and Plaxico Burress are some of the most notable free agent receivers on the market right now, and there are some good receivers in the draft that could come in and play behind Williams and Crayton this year.

Picking midway through the second round at 51 and 52, should the Jets get Austin, the Cowboys wouldn’t be likely to find a receiver to step in as the number 2 receiver this season unless they package some picks together to move up in the second round, or into the first round. For Dallas, the upcoming offer to Austin from the Jets could change the outlook of the season drastically. Stay tuned for more.

Dallas Cowboys Nation

Monthly Archives: April 2009