The Cowboys Off-Season Thread

[mavs413]

addition by subtraction

[chumdawg]

Thank goodness Doc doesn't look that deeply at the Cowboys. Under Payton's tutelage, the Cowboys' quarterbackers of the past three years (and yes, that includes your very own Q-STAR), pretty much set new team marks for proficiency.

Don't make the mistake of putting gameplanning on Payton. When it came to actual playcalling, the guy was very, very good. (Anyone remember the game-breaking plays Aveion Cason made three years ago? Or the flea-flickers for touchdowns the past two years? Or all the times Terry Glenn got behind the defense? Payton could make it happen.)

This is an un-good thing for the Cowboys. Very un-good. Payton can coach, man. Doc wouldn't begin to understand how, but the guy can flat-out coach.

[dirno2000]

Being OC for Parcells is like coaching with a choke collar. Bill doesn't allow his assistants to talk to the press but if you listen to Bledsoe, you can tell that Payton was in the trenches with is QB in trying to get Big Bill to loosen the reins.

I’d much rather have lost Zimmer. Not that I don’t think he’s a good coach but I couldn’t help but be a little jealous watching 3-4 vet Dick LaBeau orchestrate that defense Sunday. I was disappointed in how vanilla our version of the 3-4 was. Maybe (hopefully) it was because of our youth and inexperience on that side of the ball.

[jthig32]

Gotta agree with the last two posts. I am not happy at all to lose Payton.

[alby]

could have gotten norv, but too late now =]

[Dtownsfinest]

Yea the Payton move could end up being a killer. We'll never know until the next season begins. Now you have to find a offensive coordinator who doesn't mind not getting credit for his playcalling as well as take blame for when the playcalling is bad. Just remember that everything goes through Parcells. Parcells okay's every play given to him by Payton.

[dirno2000]

Mel Kiper's 1st Mock Draft:

1. Houston -- *Reggie Bush, RB, USC
2. New Orleans -- Matt Leinart, QB, USC
3. Tennessee -- *Vince Young, QB, Texas
4. New York Jets -- D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
5. Green Bay -- *Mario Williams, DE, NC State
6. Oakland -- A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State
7. San Francisco -- DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
8. Buffalo -- *Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
9. Detroit -- Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
10. Arizona -- DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
11. St. Louis -- *Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
12. Cleveland -- Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
13. Baltimore -- Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
14. Philadelphia -- *Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
15. Atlanta -- Michael Huff, DB, Texas
16. Miami -- *Winston Justice, OT, USC
17. Minnesota -- *LenDale White, RB, USC
18. Dallas -- Jimmy Williams, DB, Virginia Tech
19. San Diego -- *Ko Simpson, DB, South Carolina
20. Kansas City -- *Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State
21. New England -- Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State
22. Denver (from Wash.) -- Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College
23. Tampa Bay -- Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State
24. Cincinnati -- Claude Wroten, DT, LSU
25. New York Giants -- *Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State
26. Chicago -- *Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
27. Carolina -- *Anthony Fasano, TE, Notre Dame
28. Pittsburgh -- *Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State
29. Jacksonville -- Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP
30. Indianapolis -- *Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
31. Denver -- *Darnell Bing, DB, USC
32. Seattle -- *Chad Jackson, WR, Florida

[Male30Dan]

There are several things in this mock draft that suprise me... LenDale White at 17 is probably the biggest suprise as I think people are seriously underrating this kid.

I also think Huff, Carpenter, and Bing will go a bit higher, with Ferguson, Cutler, and Hagan dropping. It is still so early though, so this will change quite a bit between now and draft day.

[dirno2000]

There are several things in this mock draft that suprise me... LenDale White at 17 is probably the biggest suprise as I think people are seriously underrating this kid.

With White it's all about the 40 time. If he can run in the 4.4/4.5 range he'll shoot up the board.

[capitalcity]

18. Dallas -- Jimmy Williams, DB, Virginia Tech
19. San Diego -- *Ko Simpson, DB, South Carolina
20. Kansas City -- *Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State

mid-late 1st rounders... and I don't know anything about these guys. Anybody seen these guys live?

[dirno2000]

Originally Posted by capitalcity

18. Dallas -- Jimmy Williams, DB, Virginia Tech
19. San Diego -- *Ko Simpson, DB, South Carolina
20. Kansas City -- *Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State

mid-late 1st rounders... and I don't know anything about these guys. Anybody seen these guys live?

It's hard to get a read on d. backs without coaches tape...even then it's not easy. I once heard Zimmer say that CB is the hardest position to grade because the top college DB's are rarely challenged.

I remember Youboty getting burned a couple of times against Texas but he made a couple of plays against Michigan and in the Fiesta Bowl.

I watched two Va tech games and don't remember Jimmy Williams at all...that may be a good thing.

I watched SC play GA and although I don't remember Simpson in particular, I went to work and mentioned to one of my co-workers (an SC alum) how impressed I was with their secondary play as a whole.

That being said, I wouldn't draft a d. back if Huff is off the board

[#1MavsFan]

....

[#1MavsFan]

Agreed the only DB I would draft at 18 would be Huff.

Who do you guys think is in line to replace Payton?

[dirno2000]

Who do you guys think is in line to replace Payton?

Mickey brought up an interesting name the othe day: Chris Palmer. Coached with Bill for 3 years in N.E. went on to be the head coach of the Browns and the OC of the Texans.

Beyond that I have no idea. Payton will probably take a couple of coaches with him, so when the dust settles I'm sure we'll have more then one position to fill on the coaching staff.

[sike]

will they miss him? I mean was there a more predictable offense in all the league? (unless you count flea flickers I mean )

[dirno2000]

Payton can't bring Sparano along

Sources: Parcells not allowing Cowboys assistant to join Saints

12:47 AM CST on Thursday, January 19, 2006

By JEAN-JACQUES TAYLOR / The Dallas Morning News

Now that former Cowboys assistant Sean Payton has been formally introduced as New Orleans' head coach, his first task is putting together a staff.

It apparently will not include Cowboys offensive line coach/running game coordinator Tony Sparano. Two sources said coach Bill Parcells, who has the contractual authority to hire and fire assistant coaches, decided Wednesday not to let Sparano join the Saints as offensive coordinator.

Payton had spoken with the Cowboys about allowing Sparano and linebackers coach Gary Gibbs to join his staff as coordinators. Each coach is under contract with Dallas through the 2006 season.

Parcells, though, has given Gibbs permission to speak with other teams about becoming a coordinator. League rules do not require a club to let an assistant under contract join another team – even for a promotion.

Parcells and owner Jerry Jones, who was at a league meeting in New York, could not be reached for comment.

At his introductory news conference at the Saints practice facility, Payton said he has a no-nonsense style that he expects to produce a winner. New Orleans, which has the second pick in the NFL draft, finished 3-13 in 2005.

Payton, the 14th head coach in Saints history, said he hopes his team's performance on the field next season will bring comfort to an area that has been devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

"Obviously 2005 was a traumatic year for this area; it was a tough time for this team," Payton said. "I hope that in some small way the effort of this team in 2006 and beyond will represent this city and this region well."

[snoop]

I dont think you let to many assistants go, Parcells trains these guys to work with him so he puts time and effort into it giving him the right to want to keep them

[sike]

but does he still want to be here???

[jthig32]

Man, I would hope that Sporano is in the running for our OC. If he's not, that's kind of sorry. Not letting someone take a promotion, just doesn't sit well with me. I dunno how often this happens, but it seems like most of the time, when a promotion if available, teams let guys go.

[u2sarajevo]

I didn't know Tony was on our Coaching staff.... I thought his business was all mob-related?

That's pretty cool though.

[dirno2000]

Maranelli, the new Lions coach has been the defensive line coach in Tampa for the past few years. From what I understand, Gruden would never let him interview for DC positions. He waited for his contract to expire and was able to cash in this off-season.

What this tells me is that Bill feels that our poor offensive line play was a functon of talent and not coaching.

[dirno2000]

Posted on Tue, Jan. 24, 2006
Jones: Palmer to interview for Cowboys job
By MAC ENGEL
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER

IRVING – The recent marks on Chris Palmer’s resume don’t glow, but in the NFL circles it’s about who you know.

And the former Texans offensive coordinator and Cleveland Browns head coach appears to know the right people, enough so that he might land in Dallas as the Cowboys' next offensive coordinator.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones told the Star-Telegram at the Senior Bowl in Alabama that Palmer was coming in for an interview with the Cowboys on Wednesday at the team’s facility in Valley Ranch.

“The fact that they know each other, they’ve worked together, that’s No. 1,” Jones said at Senior Bowl practice Tuesday. He added that he plans to return to the Dallas-Fort Worth area tonight, and might see Palmer on Wednesday morning.

It appears that Palmer is the first, and only, candidate to replace Sean Payton as the team’s passing game or offensive coordinator. Payton was recently hired as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints.

“Bill really trusts him,” one Cowboys source said.

But enough to call the plays?

There is some debate whether Cowboys coach Bill Parcells or Palmer – or whomever is the next offensive/passing game coordinator – will call play-action pass here or run-up-the-middle there. Last season, Payton called the plays with the tacit approval of Parcells.

Palmer was the receivers coach and quarterbacks coach in New England with Parcells for four seasons. Palmer worked with quarterback Drew Bledsoe in 1996 and the Patriots reached Super Bowl XXXI.

Palmer, however, didn’t fare well in his two seasons as a head coach, finishing with a combined 5-27 record in the first two years of the then-expansion Browns. He eventually became the offensive coordinator for the expansion Texans, but was fired this past September after a 27-7 defeat against the Steelers.

Staff writer Rick Herrin contributed to this report.

[capitalcity]

Well at least he's familiar with shitty offensive lines.

[snoop]

lets hope the boyswork something out with ellis. Jerry says hes staying and I hope so, great player for a long time.

[dirno2000]

false alarm

[dirno2000]

Updated: Jan. 30, 2006, 1:44 PM ET
Cowboys hire ex-Browns coach PalmerBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Former Cleveland Browns head coach Chris Palmer, who most recently served as the Houston Texans' offensive coordinator, has agreed to join the Dallas Cowboys' staff.

The exact title for Palmer, who agreed to a two-year contract, is unknown. Ostensibly, he replaces assistant head coach/passing game coordinator Sean Payton, who left Dallas two weeks ago to become the New Orleans Saints head coach. It is expected that Palmer will work with the Dallas quarterbacks and have major input into the passing game.

Dallas is not expected to have an assistant with the title of offensive coordinator.

Palmer, 56, will be reunited with quarterback Drew Bledsoe, with whom he worked four seasons (1993-96) with the New England Patriots. It will also be the second time in his career that Palmer will serve on a Bill Parcells-led staff. In addition, he will work closely with current Cowboys running game coordinator Tony Sparano, whom he coached in college at New Haven.

Recently, Palmer met with Payton about the Saints' offensive coordinator position, and spoke to New York Jets officials about a similar job.

Despite having been dismissed by the Texans during the first month of the 2005 season, Palmer, a 15-year NFL veteran, is a highly respected passing games designer. He began his professional coaching career in the CFL in 1993, and also worked in the USFL before joining the Houston Oilers' staff in 1990.

He spent three seasons with the Oilers, and his resume includes stops at New England (1993-96), Jacksonville (1997-98), Cleveland (1999-2000) and the Texans (2002-2005). He was the coach of the expansion Browns and compiled a 5-27 record in two years.

[sike]

Originally Posted by capitalcity

Well at least he's familiar with shitty offensive lines.

cap just keep on making me laugh...

[jleefilled]

Read this article over at the Cowboys website. When I heard that Henson would be going to Europe, I figured that the Henson-experiment was officially over. I kind of wondered where Henson's head was at after having been relegated to third string this past year, but it seems like Henson is staying optimistic. Good to know.


By Drew Henson
Dallas Cowboys

(Editor's Note: Cowboys quarterback Drew Henson is spending the off-season playing for the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe. Henson will be writing a season-long diary for NFLEurope.com and DallasCowboys.com, keeping fans up to date with what happens on and off the field in Europe. Currently, Henson is in Tampa, Fla., finishing the first week of a three-week training camp.

TAMPA, Fla. - I tossed around the thought of coming to NFL Europe last year with the Cowboys, but it wasn't good timing. I just came back from playing baseball with the New York Yankees so that wasn't really a good time. When playing quarterback, the fastest way to improve is to get game reps and this is the best and only option. I don't know if the Cowboys organization would've asked me to come over here, but I went to our owner Jerry Jones and said, "If you guys want me to come to NFL Europe then I'm all for it."

I want to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, so the fastest way for me to improve is to play games. Practice is good, but it only can go so far. Watching from the sidelines helps, but the fastest way for me to make progress is to play games. On top of playing football, how often do you get the chance to go to Europe, spend three months and live for free at age 25. That was my thinking about this decision initially. I'll get back from Europe around the same time that they finish the off-season program. I'll still have the same break that my teammates will before the start of training camp. I'll play 10 or 11 games, whereas if I stay (in Dallas), I'll just have mini camps. To me it's a no-brainer. I've talked to some guys on our staff that have played (in NFL Europe) and everyone had good things to say about it. I was hoping (the Cowboys) would send me here, and it all worked out.

My family took the decision well because ultimately they just want me to be happy and they want success for me. (My parents) plan on coming over to watch a couple of games.

What I'm looking forward to the most during this training camp is to get a lot of snaps. I'm ready to get in this new system and hear what other coaches have to say, and I get to look at things the way they do. The more coaches I can get around will only help me improve and make me better.

During this first week in training camp nothing has really come as a shock to me. I know how it is and this is just like an NFL training camp. Our combination and setup is the same as the Dallas Cowboys. We live apartment style and we use modules for our classrooms, so for the most part it's all the same. I really haven't had to make that much of an adjustment being here, because training camp is training camp. It's not meant to be posh and comfortable. You're here to work.

When I found out that I was coming to the Rhein Fire I got on Google earth. I didn't know what city Rhein was in, so I finally figured it out that it was Düsseldorf. I talked to a couple of my buddies who've been to Germany to see what they had to say. I heard that it was probably the prettiest city out of all the other teams in our league. I heard about downtown, the restaurants and the shops. I heard that all of that is suppose to be great, so it'll be a great three-month vacation. I'm going to like hanging out with my girlfriend to just live life.

From a football perspective, I'm going to enjoy playing games over there and the goal is to go over there and win the World Bowl. Anytime that you're on a team, regardless if it's only four months, your job is to win the championship. It's not about me having numbers. If the team has success, a lot of guys are going to be able to turn that around and make something out of it when they get back here.

This is my first time going to Europe, but I've been to the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada. I've probably only had one off-season in my life, between both sports. I love to travel, but it's never really been there that much for me.

[alby]

Unless he lights that league on fire, its over for Henson

[dude1394]

Life sounds pretty rough for henson.

[chumdawg]

I found it interesting that Parcells called Todd Dodge, the esteemed coach of the Carroll Dragons, to gauge his interest in coaching the tight ends. It's a big jump, from high school to the pros. But then again, Parcells did hire another high-school coach, and an assistant coach at that, to round out his staff. I think the guy's name is Vincent Brown. He played for Parcells in New England. I think he going to coach inside linebackers.

[jayC]

There are a few QB options out there. The Chargers are letting Drew Brees test the market. Daunte Culpepper could be had for a second round pick.

The Cowboys have to address the line and Linebacker. Followed by safety and wide reciever. Edgerrin James will probably walk after this season. I could also see Shaun Alexander being cut. He had one great game in the playoffs. The Cowboys need a free or strong safety. A value pick might be Dwanye Slade the guy is six foot 2 and runs at least a 4.4.

[dalmations202]

I am wondering if the Cows try to pick up the Center from New Orleans. He seems like a beast.

I still think they spend at least 3 draft picks on LB, and they need to hit on one stud at least.

Does Burnett move back inside with James?

[jleefilled]

I'm hoping the Cowboys acquire a stud of a kicker. If they had one this past year, they probably would've made the playoffs.

[capitalcity]

Perhaps Ty Law is the saftey we're looking for...

Pro Bowl CB Law among seven Jets cap casualties
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2339793

...The Jets and Law agreed to not exercise contract options for the next three seasons that were part of the deal when he signed last year. The 32-year-old cornerback spent his first 10 seasons with New England and tied for the NFL lead with 10 interceptions last season.

"We were very fortunate to have a player of Ty's caliber in 2005," general manager Mike Tannebaum said. "Ty is a warrior and a class act and we appreciate his contributions this past season."

[Ninkobei]

hm, I hope they(benny and the Jets) let go of Coles, too. I'd like to see him in a dallas uni

[endtroducing MASKED]

from Yahoo:

It's Justice and McNeill who have a chance to move up the draft board. As many as eight teams could be looking for a tackle in the first round, and both Justice and McNeill could join Ferguson as projected rookie starters at left tackle. And we're not talking about just any college players, either. Justice protected the blindside of golden boy Matt Leinart last season, and McNeill helped protect three of last season's first-round picks – quarterback Jason Campbell and running backs Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams.

"They brought a lot to the table so I think they owe me a lot of money," said McNeill, drawing a chorus of laughter from a throng of reporters. "I haven't received my check this year so I don't know what to say about that. … Carnell needs to be doing something. He needs to be lobbying for the Buccaneers to draft me, or put some money in my pocket. He hasn't sent me anything. I had to struggle this year just like I did when he was broke with me."


Dallas would love Big Marcus

[jayC]

llen, Cromartie perform damage control
Insider
McShay
By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive
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The final day of this year's scouting combine was highlighted by the performances of two cornerbacks who suffered season-ending injuries in 2005 -- Tennessee's Jason Allen and Florida State's Antonio Cromartie. By posting impressive marks across the board and showing little rust in position drills, both Allen and Cromartie relieved much of the concern regarding their health.

Allen, who missed the final six games of the season because of a hip injury, is actually a tweener corner/safety prospect. In addition to answering questions about his hip, Allen also displayed the ability to play the cornerback position in the NFL. He finished near the top of the defensive backs in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump (39½ inches), broad jump 10-11), short shuttle (3.81), long shuttle (11.17) and three-cone (6.75). Once considered a first-round lock, Allen has seen his stock decline dramatically, but the strong showing in Indy will at least get him back into the second-round mix.

Cromartie entered this week as an even bigger enigma. Instead of returning to Florida State for his final season of eligibility, he elected to make the NFL leap, despite missing the entire 2005 season with a knee injury. NFL decision-makers were left with very little film to study and lots of stones unturned.

Although it wasn't quite the exhibition he hoped for, Cromartie's showing at the combine has to be considered a success. Not only did he pass his physicals and look smooth during coverage drills, Cromartie (6-foot-2, 208 pounds) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds and led all defensive backs with an 11-foot broad jump. It might not be enough to elevate him to the first round, but Cromartie will not last long in Round 2.

Defensive backs
Allen and Cromartie were certainly not the only defensive backs who ran well on Tuesday. The new surface inside the RCA Dome was set ablaze, as nine defensive backs ran sub-4.4's in the 40-yard dash. Clemson corner Tye Hill (4.30) edged out Florida WR Chad Jackson (4.32) to earn the distinction of being the fastest man at the combine.

Cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph (South Carolina) and Tim Jennings (Georgia) and defensive back Michael Huff (Texas) turned in sub-4.35 times, while safety Daniel Bullocks (Nebraska), safety-returner Willie Andrews (Baylor), DB Antoine Bethea (Howard), DB Jason Allen (Tennessee) and CB Kelly Jennings (Miami) all finished in the 4.36-4.39 range. It's safe to say that prospects will no longer fear a slow track in Indy, which means the participation rate should continue to increase in coming years.

The defensive backs were divided into two groups -- the first group worked out in the morning and the second in the afternoon. Of the 59 defensive backs in attendance this week, seven chose not to run. USC safety Darnell Bing did not run, but participated in the position drills -- both as a safety and linebacker. Virginia Tech's Jimmy Williams and Ohio State's Ashton Youboty were the most notable players who chose not to run. USC corner Justin Wyatt was medically excused.

Bing checked in as the heaviest defensive back at 227 pounds, while Kelly Jennings (178 pounds) was the lightest. Tim Jennings (5-7¾) was the shortest defensive back in Indianapolis.

Miami's Devin Hester is a late-Day 1 prospect because of his explosiveness in the return game, but he is a man without a true position. Hester ran the 40-yard dash (4.41 seconds) and worked out with the defensive backs, but he also worked out earlier in the week with the wide receivers. His marginal technique in both areas was obvious, which is the biggest reason I think he made a poor decision in leaving school early.

Williams (6-2) checked in as the tallest defensive back at this year's combine. For most of the year, I've graded Williams as a cornerback and Huff as a safety, but my opinion of both is beginning to change, especially after watching Huff run the 40-yard dash in the 4.3s.

While Huff's value continues to ascend, Williams has gone in the opposite direction. Williams has reportedly performed horribly in his interviews, seeming emotionally unstable. He admits to not being as sharp or consistent in 2005 as he was in 2004, but has been unable to give any logical explanation as to why. What seems to be bothering teams the most is Williams' apparent lack of discipline, competitiveness and mental toughness -- all three are critical to surviving as a cover corner in the NFL.

The big question surrounding Nebraska safety Daniel Bullocks was his speed. After performing very well during the week of the Senior Bowl, Bullocks posted an impressive time in the 40-yard dash (4.38) on Tuesday. He is now one of the fastest rising players in the entire draft. Bullocks could come off the draft board in Round 2, just as his brother, Josh Bullocks (Saints), did last year.

Georgia's Greg Blue confirmed Wednesday what I've been saying for months now; his NFL future is at the outside linebacker position. Blue is a big hitter, but simply lacks the speed and change-of-direction skills to cover enough ground at the safety position. At 6-2, 216 pounds, Davis has the size potential to make the move up to weakside linebacker in the NFL, where his 4.7-speed is deemed far more acceptable.

Ohio State safety Donte Whitner improved his value with a terrific all-around performance, which included an impressive 40-yard dash (4.4) and broad jump (11). Others who impressed in the afternoon session of defensive backs included Florida CB Dee Webb, who had a strong 40-yard dash (4.41), Maryland CB Gerrick McPhearson, who performed well in the 40-yard dash (4.42), broad jump (11-1) and vertical jump (41½), and Florida State free safety Pat Watkins who also posted solid numbers in the 40-yard dash (4.42), broad jump (10-9) and vertical jump (41).

Linebackers
High expectations were met by outstanding results from a linebacker class that also benefited from the surface at the RCA dome. Of the 38 linebackers in attendance, only four opted out of running and four others were unable to run for medical reasons. Four linebackers ran sub-4.5s in the 40-yard dash. Stanford's Jon Alston led the linebackers (4.40), followed by UTEP's Thomas Howard (4.42), Louisville's Brandon Johnson (4.44) and Florida State's Ernie Sims (4.49).

The biggest winners at the linebacker position were Alston and Virginia Tech OLB James Anderson. Alston is an undersized linebacker who might be moved to safety or nickel linebacker in the NFL. By working out so well at the combine -- broad jump (11-1) and three-cone (6.9) -- Alston proved he is fast and athletic enough to play multiple roles on defense.

Anderson is a little bit bigger and stronger than Alston, which is why he grades out higher as a possible future starter at the weakside linebacker position In addition to his impressive 40-yard dash time (4.58), Anderson turned heads by finishing in the top two of all the linebackers in the vertical jump (41), three-cone (6.67) and short shuttle (4.07).

Ohio State outside linebacker A.J. Hawk did not run as well as expected (4.61 and 4.59 in his two 40-yard dash attempts), but it shouldn't affect his draft stock much. Those are still very good times for a linebacker his size (6-1, 241 pounds), and he showed throughout position drills why he is considered the premiere linebacker prospect in this year's draft. Hawk showed impressive quickness and change-of-direction skills in the short shuttle (3.96) and three-cone (6.82). Hawk's vertical jump (40) also helped his cause.

Iowa OLB Chad Greenway (6-2½, 242 pounds) was surprisingly weak on the bench press (225 pounds), with only 16 reps. He also ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.7s. On the positive side, Greenway was consistently one of the quickest and most technically sound linebackers during the position-specific drills. He also did some work with the defensive backs, which helped to prove his versatility. Regardless, Greenway entered the draft process as a top-15 prospect, but his poor workout scores could cause him to slip to the latter part of the first round.

By bulking up to 231 pounds and still running as fast as he did at the combine, Sims solidified his position as a first-round pick. On top of his impressive time in the 40-yard dash, Sims also showed explosiveness in the vertical jump (41) and broad jump (10-5).

Howard (6-3, 239 pounds) confirmed that he's one of the best athletes in this year's draft class with his excellent all-around combine workout. In addition to his blazing time in the 40-yard dash, Howard finished in the top of the linebacker heap in the broad jump (10-4) and short shuttle (4.13). However, his impressive performance still won't make up for his obvious deficiencies in terms of recognition skills and technique, which is why I still refuse to give Howard a first-round grade.

On the flip side, Ryans did not finish among the top five linebackers in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, short shuttle, long shuttle or three-cone drill. However, his instincts, toughness and tackling skills help make up for what he lacks in those areas. Despite his underwhelming combine performance, Ryans should still come off the board in the first round.

Miami (Ohio) OLB Terna Nande was under a lot of pressure to perform in Indy this week and should feel good about what he accomplished. Nande is a late-round prospect who fell off the map a bit after missing five games with a lacerated liver he suffered against Kent State in 2005. He looked to be back in peak physical condition and impressed NFL brass with 41 reps on the bench press. Nande also did well in the 40-yard dash (4.51) and broad jump (10-4).

LSU OLB Cameron Vaughn was the tallest linebacker of the group (6-3¾) and Alabama ILB Freddie Roach was the heaviest (257 pounds).

Missing in Action
As a final note, Penn State's lack of participation in this year's combine is embarrassing. In what is being dubbed as the "Nittany Lion Boycott," DEs Tamba Hali and Matt Rice, QB/RB Michael Robinson and corners Alan Zemaitis and Anwar Phillips all steered clear of Indianapolis. Somebody is obviously giving these young men advice that is only hurting them.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN Insider.

[jayC]

Arrington was released by the Redskins. Arrington is a playmaker the Cowboys could use playing on the otherside with Demarcus Ware.

[Male30Dan]

Originally Posted by jayC

Arrington was released by the Redskins. Arrington is a playmaker the Cowboys could use playing on the otherside with Demarcus Ware.

He is also a head case that floats too much for a 3-4. With our defense, it is so important for the linebackers to have assignments that they follow to a T without them wanting to do their own thing... I pass on this guy and go after Willie or someone in the draft if I am Parcells, (despite the difference in age).