Cowboys offseason Thread

[FilthyFinMavs]

1. San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith (jr.), QB, Utah
A smart player who will pick up an NFL system quickly, Smith has good size, is mobile enough to hurt teams with his running ability and is also an efficient passer who can make all the necessary throws.

2. Miami Dolphins: Cedric Benson, RB, Texas
A strong, tough runner with good speed for his size, Benson would help fill the void left by the retirement of Ricky Williams. But there is speculation the Dolphins will attempt to fill their running back need through trade, perhaps for Buffalo's Travis Henry, so stay tuned.

3. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Rodgers (jr.), QB, California
Rodgers is a smart, accurate passer with a quick release. His arm strength is adequate and he is a better prospect at this point in his career than former Cal QB Kyle Boller, now the starter for the Baltimore Ravens.

4. Chicago Bears: Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan
Edwards has the size, speed and athleticism to take over games, and he did that several times in 2004. He also significantly cut down on dropped passes and concentration lapses this past season, pushing his stock even higher.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carnell Williams, RB, Auburn
A creative, deceptive runner with tremendous natural skills. Williams can get tough yards inside despite lacking ideal size, a point illustrated by his 29 rushing TDs over the last two years. Was also coached by Tampa head coach Jon Gruden in the Senior Bowl.

6. Tennessee Titans: Adam Jones, CB, West Virginia
A good cover man who will also contribute as a kick returner, Jones has very good closing speed and is a willing tackler in run support. That may be his most important quality with the NFL hurting pass defenses by focusing on downfield infractions by defensive backs.

7. Oakland Raiders: Dan Cody, DE, Oklahoma
A fiery, intense player who always goes all-out, Cody is similar to former NFL standout Kevin Greene in his ability to play on his feet as an outside linebacker, or in a three-point stance as a defensive end.

8. Arizona Cardinals: Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn
Perhaps the most complete back in the draft, Brown can carry or catch the ball with equal skill. He has size, instincts and quickness that allowed him to put up excellent numbers at the college level.

9. Washington Redskins: Mike Williams (jr.), WR, USC
Williams did not play in 2004 but dominated the college game for two seasons while at USC. His 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame gives him a big advantage over defensive backs, and he has excellent hands. Would be a great help in the development of quarterback Patrick Ramsey and help take some pressure off Clinton Portis in the running game.

Marcus Spears
Marcus Spears bolstered his stock immensely in Mobile.
10. Detroit Lions: Marcus Spears, DE, LSU
Spears boosted his stock immensely with an outstanding performance at the Senior Bowl. He showcased his speed, strength and athleticism against some of the best offensive linemen in the nation, and his size would make him a welcome addition for a team that needs to boost its pass rush.

11. Dallas Cowboys: Travis Johnson, DT, Florida State
Spends a lot of time in opposing backfields after collapsing the pocket or gaining penetration against the run. Came on strong and raised his stock significantly during his senior year.

12. San Diego Chargers (from NYG): Derrick Johnson, OLB, Texas
Has the speed and strength to chase ballcarriers from sideline to sideline and make things happen when he gets to the ball.

13. Houston Texans: Troy Williamson (jr.), WR, South Carolina
Perhaps the fastest wideout in the draft, Williamson would be a nice complement to budding superstar and physical wideout Andre Johnson.

14. Carolina Panthers: Alex Barron, OT, Florida State
With light feet for a player his size, Barron is a consistent blocker who is equally adept in both the pass and run games.

15. Kansas City Chiefs: Shawne Merriman (jr.), DE/OLB, Maryland
A workout warrior who would help shore up a defensive line that had trouble pressuring the quarterback last season. Expect Kansas City to commit nearly its entire draft to the defensive side of the ball.

16. New Orleans Saints: Brodney Pool (jr.), S, Oklahoma
A complete safety who excels in coverage and is more than adequate in run support, Pool has excellent size, covers a lot of ground and shows good anticipation in diagnosing plays.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Roddy White, WR, UAB
A big-play wideout who averaged 20.0 yards per catch last season, White's combination of size and speed is in the elite category.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Shaun Cody, DL, USC
A versatile lineman who can play end or tackle, and was a leader on the nation's best rush defense..

19. St. Louis Rams: Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin
Has to answer questions about his durability, but when healthy, James was a force along the line who commanded double-team blocks on a regular basis.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from BUF): Antrell Rolle, CB, Miami
A good cover man who did not see a lot of balls thrown his way in 2004, Rolle was still a force in run support and is adept at blitzing off the corner.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Khalif Barnes, OT, Washington
Another player who raised his stock at the Senior Bowl, where he answered questions about a wrist injury that sidelined him for the final six games of 2004. Excellent in both run and pass blocking and earned the respect of Iowa DE Matt Roth at the Senior Bowl, with Roth calling Barnes the best tackle he faced all season.

Mark Clayton
Mark Clayton would be a great weapon for Kyle Boller.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Mark Clayton, WR, Oklahoma
Has excellent speed and is one of the best in years at running after the catch, making Clayton a big-play threat who would give young QB Kyle Boller another option on the outside.

23. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Roth, DE, Iowa
A tremendous natural pass rusher who has fire and intensity, Roth's outstanding consistency this season helped raise his stock.

24. Green Bay Packers: Thomas Davis (jr.), OLB, Georgia
A punishing tackler who played safety in college, Davis has the size and speed to become a force in the front seven at the pro level.

25. Denver Broncos: Demarcus Ware, OLB, Troy
Needs to add a little bulk to his frame, but his quickness would give a boost to a Denver pass rush that was lackluster in 2004.

26. New York Jets: Carlos Rogers, CB, Auburn
A physical player who is an asset in run support and also has the speed to be an outstanding cover man. Rogers was the best player on a very good Auburn defense thanks to his consistency and durability.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Browner (so.), CB, Oregon State
With his good size and speed, Browner is a consistent cover man who would be a nice complement to last year's top pick, fellow CB D'Angelo Hall.

28. San Diego Chargers: Roscoe Parrish (jr.), WR, Miami
A speedy guy who would round out a receiving corps bolstered this season by the addition of Keenan McCardell and the emergence of TE Antonio Gates. Parrish would also be an asset in the return game.

29. Indianapolis Colts: Anttaj Hawthorne, DT, Wisconsin
His combination of size, strength and athleticism make Hawthorne an ideal 4-3 defensive tackle. He knows how to handle double-team blocks and can create lost-yardage plays.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Heath Miller (jr.), TE, Virginia
A tremendous pass receiver and a willing blocker along the line, Miller would give young quarterback Ben Roethlisberger another weapon to complement his wide receivers and also be a help to the Pittsburgh running game.

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Reggie Brown, WR, Georgia
Has excellent size and hands and gained plenty of attention with a good Senior Bowl showing. Would be a nice addition to a receiving corps led by Terrell Owens.

32. New England Patriots: Channing Crowder (so.), MLB, Florida
Crowder immediately became one of the best linebackers in college after setting foot on campus. He has all the skills and instincts to be a tremendous middle linebacker at the next level.

Borderline first-rounders

The players below are on the very fringe of the first round and depending on how things shake down some, all or none of them could ultimately end up being taken off the board in the first 31 selections:

# Darryl Blackstock, OLB, Virginia
# Jammal Brown, OT, Oklahoma
# Jason Campbell, QB, Auburn
# Charlie Frye, QB, Akron
# Bryant McFadden, CB, Florida State
# David Pollack, DE, Georgia
# Justin Tuck (jr.), DE, Notre Dame



Never would've thought Rolle would be so low on someone's mock draft and if DJ is there when the Cowboys pick they better not pass him up.

[capitalcity]

Never would've thought Rolle would be so low on someone's mock draft and if DJ is there when the Cowboys pick they better not pass him up.

there are no excuses -
gotta take DJ if he's there at 11
gotta take Rolle if he's there at 20

we'll find that DT somewhere else.

[Ninkobei]

Completely agree. However if DJ isn't there at 11 I'm not convinced we should spend that pick on Rolle. Getting both of those guys would be such a steal. I would be very impressed if we managed it.

[FilthyFinMavs]

Yea that's what I was saying. I would've took Rolle with the 11th pick but in the situation the Cowboys are in they should attempt to see if Rolle can slip to their 2nd pick. DJ and Rolle would both be steals in the first round if you could get those two. Key pieces to the defense.

[endtroducing]

a physical corner like Rolle isn't something you need to pick up in the first round. he got away with murder in college, and he won't in the NFL. if Roddy White is available at 20, Dallas should pick him.

Derrick Johnson = Karlos Dansby...don't see too much of a huge impact coming from him, a value pick in the 2nd round would be better in terms of linebacker...Alex Barron would be a much better selection at 11.

[bo319]

Dansby had a pretty damn good rookie year in AZ.

[capitalcity]

Derrick Johnson = Karlos Dansby...don't see too much of a huge impact coming from him...

your distaste for anything Big XII is getting old.
DJ has been one of the TOP 3 playmaking linebackers in college football since his sophomore season.

[dirno2000]

Never would've thought Rolle would be so low on someone's mock draft

Scouts Inc's latest mock draft has Rolle going to Tenn. #6, Rodgers going to the Cowboy's at #20 and Pac Man out of the 1st round.

Honestly, mock drafts before free agency and the combine have about as much value as pre season rankings. The only reason these things are put out is to satisfy the insatiable hunger of draftniks and desperate fans looking for a little hope for next season.

Then cornerback is the hardest position to project IMO since elite college corners rarely get tested so there are limited opportunities to judge a players ball skills against top competition.

I wouldn't take a corner in the 1st round. I'm hoping we come away with some combination of DE, DT, LB or WR.

[endtroducing]

Originally posted by: capitalcity

your distaste for anything Big XII is getting old.
DJ has been one of the TOP 3 playmaking linebackers in college football since his sophomore season.

uh, Dansby was an All-American. they're both fantastic college players, but they don't possess an immediate threat to be gamebreakers in the NFL...really, no linebacker does. Johnson will be a great player in his career eventually, but not for at least 4 to 5 years. just like Dansby.

it's funny that you point out my 'distaste' for the Big XII when we're not even talking about college ball...the SEC has more first round picks and more players in the NFL than I can even keep track of. would I be wrong if I said Ronnie Brown was a better overall player than Benson? or would that be because of my 'distaste' of the Big XII?

[dirno2000]

but they don't possess an immediate threat to be gamebreakers in the NFL...really, no linebacker does.

Off the top of my head, Ray Lewis, Joey Porter and Johnathan Vilma were linebackers that made a big impact as rookies. It not only depends on the player, but the system and if Dallas goes to a 3-4 suddenly they're linebackers have more opportunities to make plays.

would I be wrong if I said Ronnie Brown was a better overall player than Benson? or would that be because of my 'distaste' of the Big XII?

You may or may not be wrong, but I highly doubt that you could be objective.

[capitalcity]

Originally posted by: endtroducing

uh, Dansby was an All-American. they're both fantastic college players, but they don't possess an immediate threat to be gamebreakers in the NFL...really, no linebacker does. Johnson will be a great player in his career eventually, but not for at least 4 to 5 years. just like Dansby.

it's funny that you point out my 'distaste' for the Big XII when we're not even talking about college ball...the SEC has more first round picks and more players in the NFL than I can even keep track of. would I be wrong if I said Ronnie Brown was a better overall player than Benson? or would that be because of my 'distaste' of the Big XII?

whatever End - I refuse to argue speculation.
Johnson has a magnetic attraction to the football which superceeds his position or experience. Those who pass on him will regret the move.

And yes, you'd be wrong. Ronnie Brown = KiJana Carter

[endtroducing]

wah wah wah Big XII wah wah wah, you like Auburn wah wah wah, we embarrass ourselves every year in bowl season wah wah wah.

look, all I'm saying is that a guy like Roddy White would vastly help the anemic Dallas offense, along with an extremely powerful tackle like Barron. defense can be found in free agency, but players like those two can't.

[dirno2000]

look, all I'm saying is that a guy like Roddy White would vastly help the anemic Dallas offense, along with an extremely powerful tackle like Barron. defense can be found in free agency, but players like those two can't.

Now that Jets have indicated that they intend to franchise Abraham, where's the big time pass rusher in this FA class?

As far as Roddy White, he's fast but he played against sub-par competition. What did he have 2 or 3 catches agains FSU?

Edit to address your point that you can't find players like Barron and White in FA...how about Walter Jones and Plaxico Burres?

[endtroducing]

Roddy White was at the Senior Bowl and practiced great...the main point of drafting WRs is physical tools. White has them...a very similar skill set to Roy Williams.

my point about free agency is that good defensive players are MUCH more plentiful than good offensive players...of all of the truly good offensive players in the NFL, how many do you think are actually 'available' without giving up a ton in compensation?

[dirno2000]

Roddy White was at the Senior Bowl and practiced great...the main point of drafting WRs is physical tools. White has them...a very similar skill set to Roy Williams.

He only practice two days (one in pads). Sure tools are important, but so is production...otherwise you end up with Alexander Wright (maybe before you're time but he went to Auburn so you may know him). If White had skills like Williams, he's be slotted to go higher. I don't know if you realize how athletic Roy is...just watching him play basketball in high school, he was jumping out of the gym....plus he's an inch taller.

my point about free agency is that good defensive players are MUCH more plentiful than good offensive players...of all of the truly good offensive players in the NFL, how many do you think are actually 'available' without giving up a ton in compensation?

I just don't know how you support this? How many truly good defensive players are available without giving up a ton?

[dalmations202]

on another Cowboys offseason issue.... if Bledsoe becomes available, does Big Bill drop Vinnie, and pick up Bledsoe as the veteran QB ? ?

[dirno2000]

^^^I hope not...Bledsoe isn't much better than Vinnie

[mary]

Originally posted by: dalmations202
on another Cowboys offseason issue.... if Bledsoe becomes available, does Big Bill drop Vinnie, and pick up Bledsoe as the veteran QB ? ?

According to Buffalo newspapers, Bledsoe will be released by the end of the month.

[Ninkobei]

Here's to hoping he doesn't sign them both.

[dirno2000]

I think it's encouraging that the Cowboys haven't contacted Vinny's agent, but we're not out of the woods yet with "old Drew" out there. I understand Bill's reason for being so cautious last season but this year, we need to see what "young Drew" has.

[endtroducing]

JP Losman or bust?

just a question...coming out of college, who do you think was better? Takeo Spikes or Derrick Johnson?

[sike]

Originally posted by: dirno2000
I think it's encouraging that the Cowboys haven't contacted Vinny's agent, but we're not out of the woods yet with "old Drew" out there. I understand Bill's reason for being so cautious last season but this year, we need to see what "young Drew" has.

amen

[FilthyFinMavs]

Originally posted by: dirno2000
I think it's encouraging that the Cowboys haven't contacted Vinny's agent, but we're not out of the woods yet with "old Drew" out there. I understand Bill's reason for being so cautious last season but this year, we need to see what "young Drew" has.

Exactly. You see what the Bills did? They cut a servicable starting quarterback to see what their young quarterback has. I'd be very discouraged if the Cowboys take on that servicable quarterback and continue to not see what Henson has. Only way i'd sign Bledsoe is if Bill is confident Henson has nothing in the bag. The Cowboys have so many holes that they can't afford to spend so much on a quarterback.

[Dooby]

I agree with what you guys are saying but if Bill Parcells stands up at a press conference and says, "Behind Door Number One is Vinny Testeverde and behind Door Number Two is Drew Bledsoe and there is no Door Number Three, which do you want?" I am taking Bledsoe.

[endtroducing]

I think Bledsoe could end up in Cleveland or Tampa Bay...what do you guys think about some of the possible value QB picks in the draft, like Walter, Orton or Campbell?

[madape]

Beldsoe is a bad-ass... one of the best Qbs in the NFL. You'd have to have a screw loose to pass on him.

[u2sarajevo]

Vinny Testaverde's stats lead Bledsoe in almost every category except interceptions. Vinny had a higher QB rating than Drew.

No thank you. Give me a Drew, but make his last name Henson.

[dirno2000]

Originally posted by: madape
Beldsoe is a bad-ass... one of the best Qbs in the NFL. You'd have to have a screw loose to pass on him.

Are you doing shtick?

[jayC]

Bledsoe has more touchdowns 20 then Vinny had touchdowns. I mean even a slight upgrade you have to take it. Trust in Big Bill. Neil ODonnel has the same QB rating as Troy Aikman who are you going to take? QB rating is overrated.

[FilthyFinMavs]

Originally posted by: jayC
Bledsoe has more touchdowns 20 then Vinny had touchdowns. I mean even a slight upgrade you have to take it. Trust in Big Bill. Neil ODonnel has the same QB rating as Troy Aikman who are you going to take? QB rating is overrated.

Yea but that slight upgrade last year got us a 5-11 record. IMO, you have to make an significant upgrade this offseason. No more fillers.

[FilthyFinMavs]

Originally posted by: Dooby
I agree with what you guys are saying but if Bill Parcells stands up at a press conference and says, "Behind Door Number One is Vinny Testeverde and behind Door Number Two is Drew Bledsoe and there is no Door Number Three, which do you want?" I am taking Bledsoe.

Well I don't know. Bledsoe is definately the better qb but Vinny will get what? 1 mill a year? Won't Bledsoe see atleast 4 mill? Cowboys have so many holes that I don't think they can afford to pay Bledsoe that much money who isn't that much of an upgrade over Vinny. If you could get Bledsoe for the 2-3 million range then i'd definately take him.

[dirno2000]

Originally posted by: jayC
Bledsoe has more touchdowns 20 then Vinny had touchdowns. I mean even a slight upgrade you have to take it. Trust in Big Bill. Neil ODonnel has the same QB rating as Troy Aikman who are you going to take? QB rating is overrated.

Without looking, I'd bet you that his playoff rating is lower than Aikmans.

QB rating may have it's downfalls, but for a guy like Bledsoe who may be slower than Vinny, it's a pretty good gauge.

[Dooby]

Originally posted by: FilthyFinMavs

Well I don't know. Bledsoe is definately the better qb but Vinny will get what? 1 mill a year? Won't Bledsoe see atleast 4 mill? Cowboys have so many holes that I don't think they can afford to pay Bledsoe that much money who isn't that much of an upgrade over Vinny. If you could get Bledsoe for the 2-3 million range then i'd definately take him.

Well, yeah. I am not willing to turn away a free agent (i.e. less cap space) to have Bledsoe over Vinnie either. But, uh, with bonus, how much you think we paid Vinnie this year? ***toungue planted firmly in cheek***

[FilthyFinMavs]

Originally posted by: Dooby

Well, yeah. I am not willing to turn away a free agent (i.e. less cap space) to have Bledsoe over Vinnie either. But, uh, with bonus, how much you think we paid Vinnie this year? ***toungue planted firmly in cheek***

Bonus? Vinny recieved a bonus for doing what?

[dirno2000]

The bonus isn't as important as the years. The advantage of going with Vinny is that he'll sign for one year...I doubt Bledsoe would do that.

[madape]

With Drew, you're talking about a guy two seasons removed from a 4300 yard, 25 touchdown, 15 int season. He took a crappy team to the brink of the playoffs last year. He's a veteran guy who Parcells knows and trusts. He's started every game for three years now. Bledsoe is a smart, skilled, dependable pro. It seems like a perfect fit to me.

[dirno2000]

With Drew, you're talking about a guy two seasons removed from a 4300 yard, 25 touchdown, 15 int season.

You have any idea how many times he's been hit since then? Hell, he was sacked 37 times last season alone! The last two years, he's fumbled 24 times and lost 15...so basically he's going to lose you a fumble every other game...those are Chutch like numbers!

He took a crappy team to the brink of the playoffs last year.

I'd trade Moulds and Evans for our receivers and, unlike Vinny, he had a competent RB all season. Plus the Bill had a pretty good defense and overall, they finished about where they were picked to finish at the beginning of the season.

[mavs413]

Originally posted by: endtroducing I think Bledsoe could end up in Cleveland or Tampa Bay...what do you guys think about some of the possible value QB picks in the draft, like Walter, Orton or Campbell?

I dont know if the Cowboys think Henson could start next year or not. If they are not so sure, sign Bledsoe because he is the best option out there right now. But, would Bledsoe sign a 1 year deal? I dont think that Dallas is the best option for Drew.

Walter has to be in the top 3 QB prospects in this draft. He's got the size, arm strength, and touch to be a potential star in the NFL. He passed most Jake Plummer, Carson Palmer, & Elway Pac-10 records in his career. He will drop, and has dropped because of his injury late in the season and because he wasnt in the senior bowl and wont be at the combine.

[endtroducing]

I like Walter a lot. I drafted him on my Madden dynasty...of all the young QBs, I think he fits in best with this WR corps...

[sike]

any new draft previews?? who are the Cowboys taking now?