ADDRESSING A NEED WITH SOME CREATIVITY
I have to be honest, I wasn't really looking forward to this draft. Heading in, I felt that our talent level was already pretty high, and with no first round pick, it was hard to imagine how this draft could have any impact on our immediate future. It hadn't occurred to me that this draft could be used to make necessary improvements to our special teams units. When Parcells was here, I always knew special teams was a big factor when he made personnel decisions. With Jerry, not so much. So I didn't even give the idea a thought.
But there we were, on draft day, addressing special teams, and doing it creatively I might add. The selection of kickoff specialist, David Buehler, was met with some harsh reaction, but it's actually a brilliant move when you think about it. Here is a guy who can not only help solve the issues we were having with Folks' rather short kickoffs, but he's also quite capable of assisting with the pursuit & tackle of the opposing returner. Both factors, I'm sure, helped contribute to his exceptional kickoff statistics. With Buerhler handling kickoffs, USC prevented the opponent from crossing the 20 yard line on kickoffs well over half the time. Simply amazing.
THE TRADE
The trade out of the second round was also something met with harsh criticism, but considering our primary objective (special teams), it was a move that made perfect sense. The move allowed us to acquire players of similar talent while addressing a wide range of depth issues at the same time. Even had we needed an immediate impact type of player, I'm not sure our chances of finding him in the 2nd round would have been all that great anyway. What we did manage to do is acquire a number of players, such as Jason Williams, Victor Butler, Stephen Hodge, and the previously mentioned David Buehler, who should immediately contribute to our coverage units.
In the case of Jason Williams, the potential exists for him to become a special teams standout in the NFL. He not only possesses the speed, determination, and tackling instincts that you look for, but also has a knack for jarring the ball loose, which could be a factor that helps decide some games in our favor.
SENDING A MESSAGE
Special teams wasn't the only thing that was addressed on draft day, however. The selection of quarterback, Stephen McGee, sent a very important message in my opinion. Tony Romo is definitely our franchise quarterback, and we are fortunate to have him. However, at times, his commitment has been questionable. But now, having added veteran Jon Kitna, and a promising young quarterback to develop, the choice is now Romo's to either maintain a high level of focus or prepare for us to move in another direction.
POTENTIAL STARTERS FOR THE FUTURE
Obviously a number of the players we selected have the potential to be starters in the NFL, but two standout in my opinion: safety Michael Hamlin and cornerback Mike Mickens. In Hamlin's case, it's his leadership ability that stands out. He's a born leader, one that can generate a significant reaction from those around him. Combine that leadership with the fact that he's also a very smart player with good recognition skills and range, and its not to hard to imagine him filling a starting role at some point in the future.
With Mike Mickens, it's almost a given that he will someday be a quality starting cornerback, assuming he fully recovers from his knee injury. And it's not just the tools he has that is so compelling, it's the confidence he plays with. Lots of cornerbacks have the tools, it's confidence that seperates starters from back-ups and quality cornerbacks from mediocre ones. Mickens has tons of confidence, and that should help with his recovery as well.
COMPLAINTS
Count me among those who simply doesn't get Jerry's (or Wade's) lack of regard for nose tackles. I know Wade's defensive system is one that employs single gap responsibility for it's down lineman, which reduces the importance of size at nose tackle. But, considering the type of results he's gotten with defenses that included the likes of Ted Washington, Pat Williams, and Jamal Williams, you'd think we'd at least be somewhat open to the idea of adding a true nose tackle to the rotation. Again, I don't get it.
OVERALL
At this point, just judging this draft on face value, I'd give it a solid B+. Jerry managed to improve an already talented team by adding key players to our special teams unit and depth chart while providing some promise for the future at the same time. My only knock, again, being that we did nothing to address the nose tackle position, which leaves us in a somewhat vulnerable position at that spot.
Oh yeah, let me ask you this. Which receiver would you want?:
Roy Williams, Dallas Cowboys
Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
Percy Harvin, Florida
Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina
Kenny Britt, Rutgers
Brian Robiskie, Ohio State
Yeah. I liked the trade.
The Cowboys are coming off one of their best draft classes of all-time last year, so I don't think anyone is in the position to question the Cowboy's scouting department.
RB Felix Jones- Electric playmaker.. Perfect compliment to Barber.
CB Mike Jenkins- Started making strides down the stretch of the season, optimistic for the future.
TE Martellus Bennett- Absolute hit. Alot of people questioned bringing in a TE in the 2nd round.. was everything you would want in a 2nd-string rookie TE in an offense full of weapons.. 20 catches, 283 yards, 4 TDs.
RB Tashard Choice- All he did was run for 88, 91, and 90 yards in consecutive games against the top three defenses in the league.. Steelers, Giants, Ravens..
CB Orlando Scandrick- The star of the draft. Has already been declared a starter for next year. Outplayed Jenkins and Jones, was one of the defense's top players as the 3rd CB, was the primary reason the Cowboys parted ways with Anthony Henry.
LB Erik Walden- Only miss of the draft.. Didn't make roster, can't expect much out of a 6th round pick.
Not to mention that despite not making the playoffs last year, the Cowboys are still one of the most talented and deep teams in the league. Don't really think that's due to any "poor" management.