Grade the Draft

[Wolverine]

Grade The Dallas Cowboys Draft

Sporting News: D

Sporting News Today - April 27, 2009 (http://today.sportingnews.com/sportingnewstoday/20090427/?sub_id=DoY7dWGra1dRT&folio=CGI)

[Champ]

I. we had a plan and drafted that way. we lack sexy picks, but we got solid players.

[Texecutioner]

Who did Dallas get and why did they take the guys that they did?

[Champ]

i'll answer it better later, but Williams was picked because they like his speed and ability to rush the passer

[MarvinMartian]

I'll give this draft a B-, based only on the fact that they did address positions of need, and by adding depth, but not getting anybody flashy.

I actually think they'll get more players producing out of this draft than last years(with Felix Jones, Scandrick, and Jenkins being the main producers from last year).

I think both Jason Williams plays this year, maybe even wins the old Burnett "Nickle LB" spot, and both Cincy DB's, Mickens and Smith, will both play, especailly Mickens, who I think steps in as the 4th CB(he'll definately be on the Dime packages), and Smith will compete with Rookie Hamlin and Sensebaugh for playing time.

Hell, if Ken Hamlin doesn't return to his 07' form, you might see some combination of Sensbaugh, Smith and/or Rookie Hamlin starting by mid, or late season...which wouldn't quite be a bad thing IMO.

I think they got a good group of LB's, and as I said J Williams will play. But I also think Victor Butler and Brandon Williams will both get some time on Special Teams and in pass rushing situations...while Hodge from TCU, should be a nice back up LB this year or next(if he makes the roster).

All we can hope for out of Manuel Johnson is at best Patrick Crayton IMO, and if he can get into the Sam Hurd or Miles Austin(before this year) realm, then he'll be a good pick.

I think McGee and Buehler picks are both really sneaky picks and will pay dividends.


Basically, don't be surprised if you see a HUGE turnover on the bottom of the Cowboys roster, and while you may say that it's not a big deal because the top of the roster is so talented that these guys won't see the field...I think people will be hugely misjudging this draft.

The bottom 3rd of the roster is special teams players, and aobut 6-8 of these guys will make this roster based on Special Teams and potential, and I dont' think that's a bad thing. There will be a TON of competition for those final 10-12 spots, and competition makes players better IMO.

This was a sneaky good draft, not great, but solid.

[Champ]

I think Hodge moves to ss.

[MarvinMartian]

^I thought so at first, but I've heard him, and the coaches, on the radio saying they plan to use him on Special Teams, obviously, and at OLB.

They have the Rookie Hamlin, and are planning on moving DeAngelo Smith to Safety.

[CatClaw]

They have the Rookie Hamlin, and are planning on moving DeAngelo Smith to Safety.DeAngelo Smith would probably make a better safety. He has good coverage skills and is a good tackler. The Cowboys got a steal in Mickens. As long as his knee heals up he will push for playing time right away. The Bearcats had a pretty good pass rush, but Mickens was able to be very productive and active. He seemed to always get his hands on the ball. Really wish the Bengals would have drafted him...especially when he kept slipping in the draft.

[Champ]

if he's not 100%, I could see them hiding him on ir.

[Hawkeye]

I think they deserve better than a D. This isn't the sexiest group on paper, but they did aggresively fill holes and add depth. McGee wasn't the QB I hoped they would draft, but will be a handful for defenses in spot duty. They have several nice prospects at safety and got a couple of LBs to boot. I would say B-.

[MarvinMartian]

I think they deserve better than a D. This isn't the sexiest group on paper, but they did aggresively fill holes and add depth. McGee wasn't the QB I hoped they would draft, but will be a handful for defenses in spot duty. They have several nice prospects at safety and got a couple of LBs to boot. I would say B-.

I agree 100%.

I had them at a high C, low B- myself.

I think people are getting too caught up in the fact that they don't know ANYONE they drafted(which normally happens in the 3rd round on every year), and forget where they were drafting, lol.

And then you have guys like Rashad Johnson, who kept falling, obviously for some reason, who fans did know about, and the Cowboys decided not to draft him, and that makes fans think the Cowboys don't know what they are doing anymore.

Which in of itself is a stupid way of thinking, considering the Draft Classes the Cowboys have put together over the last couple of years, including AFTER Big Bill left(some guys give him too much credit IMO).

Then there's the whole "they drafted backups like they did in the late 90's, and didn't get anyone who can help now" group who has no clue what they are talking about.

Sure the Cowboys did draft some depth at some positions...but they do believe some of these guys will be competing for starting spots, if not this year, then in the next few.

And once again, when you are drafting that late, you not going to immediately think they're going to help.

But what if 3 or 4 of these guys hit? What if Mikens is another Scandrick, or Brandon Williams replaces Kevin Burnett pretty easily...or if Hamlin or Smith is starting, or getting tons of plays, at one of the Safety Spots midway through the season?

Then this draft will have been a HUGE success, and I doubt any of those people who doubted this draft will be saying anything about how wrong they were, lol.

[Hawkeye]

Then there's the whole "they drafted backups like they did in the late 90's, and didn't get anyone who can help now" group who has no clue what they are talking about.

People that say that kind of stuff don't know what they are talking about. The end of the 90s produced 7 year starters Dexter Coakley and Dat Nguyen. It also produced Greg Ellis and Flozell Adams who are still with the team.

[Champ]

The thing is people like the idiots at Espn think we reached on our first 2 picks. Funny thing is that Goose(his top list is always the best) had both of our guys going about where we took them. Every pick except McGee has the chance to make an impact. We didn't need rookies to step in and start, so we drafted guys that can help now on special teams and likely become starters in the future.