The 2009 Cowboys Draft Thread

[Bosanac01]

Originally Posted by thule

Brinkley is way too big to play our WILB....our WILBs are in that 240-250 range...Brinkley is in that 270-280 range.

Which is why Ellerbe would be a great pick. He had a great season last year and will just improve this year for the dawgs.

[thule]

If you guys want to take a look at which JR. LB to watch out for...I'm going to bring up Brandon Spikes....Florida could lose a lot of talent this year...in which case some juniors might not want to stick around. Spikes has great speed and is right around that 245lbs we are looking for. I'm going to have to watch him more closely this year...but this kid has a lot of the things I'm looking for in a LB in our scheme.

[D-Unit]

Shoot Ellerbe was a beast against Hawaii. Even picked Colt off.

I'd be ok with him, but Maualuga really would be special. We have extra 3rd and 4th rounders... So we have the ammo to move up if need be.

[thule]

Originally Posted by Bosanac01

Which is why Ellerbe would be a great pick. He had a great season last year and will just improve this year for the dawgs.

Ellerbe is way to small to make a difference right away...something like 225 lbs or something like that...We need a guy who can see snaps year one imo. Just to add on he looks pretty filled out right now...not sure how much weight he could add to his frame and keep his quickness...overall I really don't like the fit....he'll be lucky to measure 6'1 his proday...I just don't like the fit at all.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by thule

Ellerbe is way to small to make a difference right away...something like 225 lbs or something like that...We need a guy who can see snaps year one imo. Just to add on he looks pretty filled out right now...not sure how much weight he could add to his frame and keep his quickness...overall I really don't like the fit....he'll be lucky to measure 6'1 his proday...I just don't like the fit at all.

Well, I've seen him listed at 235... height doesn't usually concern me as much as some other factors for MLBs.... smarts, instincts, range, intensity, technique, production, injury history, etc. Unless he's under 6'0 then that really makes it more difficult as his body would limit him physically. But Ellerbe definitely passes the eye ball test and plays with a passion.

Spikes is intriguing. Who's at Miami? They always pump out guys.

[thule]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

Well, I've seen him listed at 235... height doesn't usually concern me as much as some other factors for MLBs.... smarts, instincts, range, intensity, technique, production, injury history, etc. Unless he's under 6'0 then that really makes it more difficult as his body would limit him physically. But Ellerbe definitely passes the eye ball test and plays with a passion.

Spikes is intriguing. Who's at Miami? They always pump out guys.

Colin McCarthy looks to be the only decent play miami has on defense this year...they just got a new DC...so we could see some slight changes. But McCarthy is only a Jr...and I highly doubt he would come out early...He is suppose to be the center of that defense this year tho

[D-Unit]

I always thought it'd be a little funny if we drafted Michael Hamlin. They'd be the Hammer Brothers.

[draftguru151]

For the UM backers, Darryl Sharpton is likely going to be the playmaker this year. He's a bit short at 5-11 but is a really thick guy, and he is really explosive. He has experience at all the LB spots and this year the new DC plans to move him around all over the field to get him in the best situation to make plays. He's going to be blitzing a lot (had 2/3 sacks in the spring game) and is a guy who could definitely have a big year. Last year when he was healthy he was a much better play than McCarthy (I like McCarthy but he gets a little too much hype at this point, potential is there though).

[Cribbs>Hester]

So you guys want to draft another ILB? What are you doing with Bobby Carpenter then...letting him waste away on the bench for his career? At least do him a kindness and trade or release him so he can try to make it somwhere else.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by Cribbs>Hester

So you guys want to draft another ILB? What are you doing with Bobby Carpenter then...letting him waste away on the bench for his career? At least do him a kindness and trade or release him so he can try to make it somwhere else.

I'll run it by Jerry next time he has his weekly meetings with random fans off internet forums.

[Cribbs>Hester]

Originally Posted by Paul

I'll run it by Jerry next time he has his weekly meetings with random fans off internet forums.

I was talking about Jerry Jones. You think I was asking "Paul" to release Bobby Carpenter? I want to know what Jerry Jones has up his butt towards Carpenter. It is one thing if you think he's not good enough for your team, but to keep him buried on the depth chart here instead of letting him go find a different oppurtunity is just a kick in his face and a direct insult. It's simply a grudge against Carp for not being the stud he was suppose to be.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by Cribbs>Hester

I was talking about Jerry Jones. You think I was asking "Paul" to release Bobby Carpenter? I want to know what Jerry Jones has up his butt towards Carpenter. It is one thing if you think he's not good enough for your team, but to keep him buried on the depth chart here instead of letting him go find a different oppurtunity is just a kick in his face and a direct insult. It's simply a grudge against Carp for not being the stud he was suppose to be.

Calm down. You sound like an idiot who knows nothing. Carp is being given a chance to perform on the field. But only a fool would give the guy a guaranteed starting spot if he hasn't earned it. So far, Carp has been a disappointment. At some point you need to start looking towards the future. Contrary to what you seem to believe, draft pick status does not determine NFL success. Yes, Carp was a first rounder and scouts graded him relatively high. However, we don't even hear enough positive news about him coming from practice. If he was rippin' it up that would be one thing, but he hasn't even forced the coaches hands to make them give him more PT. The solution isn't to cut him or release him. What sense does that make for us? That doesn't make us a better team right now. Trade him? Who wants to trade for him. Please let me know your sources so we can tell Jerry asap. Thanks.

[Cribbs>Hester]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

Calm down. You sound like an idiot who knows nothing. Carp is being given a chance to perform on the field. But only a fool would give the guy a guaranteed starting spot if he hasn't earned it. So far, Carp has been a disappointment. At some point you need to start looking towards the future. Contrary to what you seem to believe, draft pick status does not determine NFL success. Yes, Carp was a first rounder and scouts graded him relatively high. However, we don't even hear enough positive news about him coming from practice. If he was rippin' it up that would be one thing, but he hasn't even forced the coaches hands to make them give him more PT. The solution isn't to cut him or release him. What sense does that make for us? That doesn't make us a better team right now. Trade him? Who wants to trade for him. Please let me know your sources so we can tell Jerry asap. Thanks.

You're taking me completely wrong. Obviously it makes no sense to cut or trade anyone this year because depth is always a good thing. You guys, however, are talking about drafting Rey Mauluga and other ILB's. If you do infact draft one then it would only be an insult to Carpenter if you keep him around. Also, I'm not saying he is good enough to start because he would be starting if he were or you guys wouldn't have went out looking to upgrade at ILB with Zach Thomas. I'm saying let him go, if you do indeed draft another ILB. Maybe a system change, coaching chance, change of scenery or whatever will help him perfom better.

Oh yeah, and "Calm Down" ??? If I ever get heated or my blood pressure raises over an internet forum then I'll give you permission to have me committed. I don't know what you took as me getting angy. I was simply explaining myself that I wasn't asking "Paul" to release or trade Carpenter and that I was wanting to know if Cowboys fans had any inside information as to why Jerry Jones hates the guy.

Who knows maybe it is your fans who are actually wrong, maybe Jerry Jones does like the guy and wont draft another ILB high in the draft.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by Cribbs>Hester

You're taking me completely wrong. Obviously it makes no sense to cut or trade anyone this year because depth is always a good thing. You guys, however, are talking about drafting Rey Mauluga and other ILB's. If you do infact draft one then it would only be an insult to Carpenter if you keep him around. Also, I'm not saying he is good enough to start because he would be starting if he were or you guys wouldn't have went out looking to upgrade at ILB with Zach Thomas. I'm saying let him go, if you do indeed draft another ILB. Maybe a system change, coaching chance, change of scenery or whatever will help him perfom better.

Oh yeah, and "Calm Down" ??? If I ever get heated or my blood pressure raises over an internet forum then I'll give you permission to have me committed. I don't know what you took as me getting angy. I was simply explaining myself that I wasn't asking "Paul" to release or trade Carpenter and that I was wanting to know if Cowboys fans had any inside information as to why Jerry Jones hates the guy.

Who knows maybe it is your fans who are actually wrong, maybe Jerry Jones does like the guy and wont draft another ILB high in the draft.

You still sound angry to me. Whatevers.

You are right. Maybe we won't address ILB at all in the draft. However, we're in a team draft thread and we're simply discussing possibilities of what "we" would like best for our team "in this moment in time". Things could certainly change that. For one, seeing Carp actually become a productive player.

Your suggestion to just drop him, now or later, still makes no sense. In the 3-4 LB depth is crucial and with the injury history of Thomas and Burnett in mind, and the aging of Bradie James... it would only hurt to release Carp even if we address ILB in Round 1. Especially since Carp is versatile enough to provide depth at ILB or OLB.

As for Maualuga, yeah, odds are that ain't happenin' here in Dallas. But at this point of the game, no one is out of bounds for discussion.

[Burns336]

Originally Posted by Cribbs>Hester

You're taking me completely wrong. Obviously it makes no sense to cut or trade anyone this year because depth is always a good thing. You guys, however, are talking about drafting Rey Mauluga and other ILB's. If you do infact draft one then it would only be an insult to Carpenter if you keep him around. Also, I'm not saying he is good enough to start because he would be starting if he were or you guys wouldn't have went out looking to upgrade at ILB with Zach Thomas. I'm saying let him go, if you do indeed draft another ILB. Maybe a system change, coaching chance, change of scenery or whatever will help him perfom better.

Oh yeah, and "Calm Down" ??? If I ever get heated or my blood pressure raises over an internet forum then I'll give you permission to have me committed. I don't know what you took as me getting angy. I was simply explaining myself that I wasn't asking "Paul" to release or trade Carpenter and that I was wanting to know if Cowboys fans had any inside information as to why Jerry Jones hates the guy.

Who knows maybe it is your fans who are actually wrong, maybe Jerry Jones does like the guy and wont draft another ILB high in the draft.

Carpenter should be insulted as I don't even think he qualifies as "depth" -- he is just another guy that BP drafted early and missed on (like most of his early picks in Dallas) that we keep around as a body because he was a high pick. We should have traded him, but I understand the coaches wanting to find out if he could finally turn it on.

ILB can get thin real fast though with KB57 possibly leaving in FA/ Being an injury risk, Carpenter sucking, and Zach Thomas possibly retiring at seasons end.

We may be forced to draft 2 guys. I just hope we can get some O-line this year along with them.

[D-Unit]

Well, well, well... Week 1 has come and gone by oh so quickly.

It's now that time of year where I put up my weekly rankings of my favorite draft prospects who I think is in our draft range. Right now it's still wide open, so here we go!

1. S Taylor Mays - The man continues to live up to my lofty expectations. Lead the Trojans in tackles (6) against Virginia... accounted for 1.5 tackles for loss, had a Pass Break Up and would've had an INT if not for Kevin Thomas who came flying in from nowhere to steal the pick away from Taylor.

2. WR Michael Crabtree - While he was 3rd in receiving yards on his own team with 73 yards versus 164 yards from Morris and 163 yards from Lewis, Crab did tie them with 9 receptions and he overdid them in TDs with a solo TD. Amazing athlete who deserves mention here in my book.

3. OT Andre Smith - Alabama had a big win this past weekend and so did Andre Smith who held Clemson without a sack against stone footed John Parker Wilson. Smith has been a marvel ever since he started as a Freshman for the Tide, and I think he's heads and shoulders better than the top rated Senior OT prospect, Eugene Monroe.

4. LB Ray Maualuga - The man has an intimidating presence on the field and does things that don't always show up on the stat sheet. However, if he doesn't fill up that stat sheet, he just may see his stock dip more than he wants it to. 2 tackles is all he was credited for on this past week's scorecard. Not exactly great.

5. LB James Laurinaitis - Came up with 5 tackles and put in a decent day's work in the gridiron office.

6. OG Herman Johnson - At 6-7, 365 Johnson is the mammoth that plays LG for the Bayou Bengals. We have a stop gap solution at LG this year, but Herm the Perm could easily fill that gap.

7. OG Duke Robinson - Johnson's size is about the only thing that makes me want him more than Duke at this point. Duke is arguably the better overall prospect. Only question remains, will Jerry ever draft an OL player in Round 1? I'd gladly take Jeremy Perry in a later round to fill in at LG.

8. OT Ciron Black - I didn't see him play this past week, but I still love what I saw from him last year. He's gonna be a good option at LT or RT for some NFL team.

9. WR Darrius Heyward-Bey - With Maryland's QB controversy it will undoubtedly hurt DHB's ability to build chemistry and consistency from the start and it has already showed. While leading the Terp WRs with 4 receptions and 70 total receiving yards aren't bad, he'll need to show that he can continue to improve.

10. OT Jamon Meredith - MOTH is gonna love this mention. I think Meredith is underrated as of now, but will end up seeing his stock reach Round 1 conversation before the season's through.

[johnstonolb]

I hate Laurinaitis -- he reminds me a Tampa II LB. Smith in Alabama looks too fat IMHO.

Give me Ray (Rey) Malauga -- big physical and can run. To me he is priority one in spite of my love affair with Crabtree and Bey

But so much time till draft. Hell who was the TCU guy who was a 1st rounder that cracked up and went UDFA or similar?

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by johnstonolb

I hate Laurinaitis -- he reminds me a Tampa II LB. Smith in Alabama looks too fat IMHO.

Give me Ray (Rey) Malauga -- big physical and can run. To me he is priority one in spite of my love affair with Crabtree and Bey

But so much time till draft. Hell who was the TCU guy who was a 1st rounder that cracked up and went UDFA or similar?

I don't hate Laurinaitis. I think he plays smart with a poised aggression. Maualuga is better though and that's why I have him ahead.

As for Smith, yeah, he's pudgy, but he doesn't play pudgy. He's nearly impossible to get around and is a complete mauler in the run game. He's our kind of lineman.

Anyways, this is the first list of many MANY more.

[LonghornsLegend]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

Yeah, he's not a real burner. 4.55ish guy is my guess.

But he's big and catches everything. Could play the role of #1 WR... maybe.



Plus he can jump! Look at that vert!



hahha... I can't believe that's what it appears. That defender must be on the ground or falling...

Well I watched your boy the other day, he definately stood out quite a bit, although there were a few times I felt he should of came up with a huge catch and he didn't, one time it was a TD that was slightly over thrown but had he sprawled out he would of caught it...Though I had to take notice at his size/speed ratio, he looks like Randy Moss on fade routes or reverses...He still has to refine his overall game, but if he was a guy around in the 2nd I would really like that pick, not sure where his stock is now or where it will end up, but if he times out in the 40 as fast as he looks in the games he won't be around long.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by LonghornsLegend

Well I watched your boy the other day, he definately stood out quite a bit, although there were a few times I felt he should of came up with a huge catch and he didn't, one time it was a TD that was slightly over thrown but had he sprawled out he would of caught it...Though I had to take notice at his size/speed ratio, he looks like Randy Moss on fade routes or reverses...He still has to refine his overall game, but if he was a guy around in the 2nd I would really like that pick, not sure where his stock is now or where it will end up, but if he times out in the 40 as fast as he looks in the games he won't be around long.

I didn't get a chance to see that game. Though I wish I did. Fresno St is legit this year. In fact, I think they'll represent the WAC again in a BCS Bowl game this season over Utah. They have a huge game against Wisconsin this weekend at home. But back to Britt, I really think he's gonna bust out big time this year. This week's past loss probably didn't look to good for a lot of Rutgers players, but I'm glad Britt caught your eye. That must mean something.

[RUred&Dallasblue]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

I didn't get a chance to see that game. Though I wish I did. Fresno St is legit this year. In fact, I think they'll represent the WAC again in a BCS Bowl game this season over Utah. They have a huge game against Wisconsin this weekend at home. But back to Britt, I really think he's gonna bust out big time this year. This week's past loss probably didn't look to good for a lot of Rutgers players, but I'm glad Britt caught your eye. That must mean something.

Rutgers football is something I can talk about.. especially since I have season tickets and seen the game in person. Kenny has excellent size, hands, and is a long strider with deceptive game speed. My guess is he runs in the range of 4.48 and 4.5 forty but does have an extra gear on game day. On the pass the grazed off of his fingertips he easily had a 6 or 7 yard cushion on the defender. His game reminds me of Marques Colston. The problem in the Fresno game was the lack of a rushing attack in which RU average a whopping 3.1 ypc average. The combination of three new starters on the o-line and no ray rice the run game was terrible. In fact the only success on the ground was from draws and delays set up by the passing game. Fresno mainly running man on the outside with a safety deep and another with bracket coverage on Britt. It was very successful in the red zone bcuz it took away the fade route.. which is one of Teels fav throws inside the 20.

[Modano]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

I didn't get a chance to see that game. Though I wish I did. Fresno St is legit this year. In fact, I think they'll represent the WAC again in a BCS Bowl game this season over Utah. They have a huge game against Wisconsin this weekend at home. But back to Britt, I really think he's gonna bust out big time this year. This week's past loss probably didn't look to good for a lot of Rutgers players, but I'm glad Britt caught your eye. That must mean something.

I just finished to watch the game and the announcers agree with you about Fresno State representing the WAC in a BCS bowl game.
Regarding Britt, he showed the ability to go deep. He could've had a very long TD reception but the ball was a bit overthrown. He surely stood out more than Underwood (who also had an horrible drop IIRC) and he has very good size. But I agree with LL, there were a few times in which he could've come up with a huge catch but he didn't.

[Paul]

I think O-line, more then anything else, is the thing I'll be keeping my eye on. Bigg, Gurode and maybe even Colombo are pretty much entrenched at there spots for the next few years, but I wouldn't mind addressing the left side in the draft. Kosier, as many have pointed out, could be upgraded. Flozell, who I love and who I believe could still play at a high level for the next couple years, is getting a little long in the tooth and collects false starts like candy, so I wouldn't mind spending a early pick (2nd-3rd) on a quality tackle who can develop under him. The popular names out there right now are Monroe, Herman, Andre Smith, Duke and Loadholt, all who have that size that Houck loves, and all guys I will be looking out for this year.

And yes I know we still have Mcq, Free and Marten, but I wasn't exactly giddy watching them play against the opponent's 2nd team defense this preseason.

[Modano]

Originally Posted by Paul

I think O-line, more then anything else, is the thing I'll be keeping my eye on. Bigg, Gurode and maybe even Colombo are pretty much entrenched at there spots for the next few years, but I wouldn't mind addressing the left side in the draft. Kosier, as many have pointed out, could be upgraded. Flozell, who I love and who I believe could still play at a high level for the next couple years, is getting a little long in the tooth and collects false starts like candy, so I wouldn't mind spending a early pick (2nd-3rd) on a quality tackle who can develop under him. The popular names out there right now are Monroe, Herman, Andre Smith, Duke and Loadholt, all who have that size that Houck loves, and all guys I will be looking out for this year.

And yes I know we still have Mcq, Free and Marten, but I wasn't exactly giddy watching them play against the opponents 2nd team defense this preseason.

I saw Andre Smith against Clemson and damn he looks really big. He had a great game and he was moving people around with ease. I'd love to have him playing LG and then move to LT when Flozell leaves.

[D-Unit]

Week 2 came and went! Here's my new Top 10.

01. S Taylor Mays - Week 2 already presented a bye week for the Trojans who will rip through OSU this upcoming weekend. No change here.

02. WR Michael Crabtree - 7 catches, 158 yards and a TD. Stock strong as a rock.

03. OT Andre Smith - Still highly regarded in my eyes. Didn't deserve to drop.

04. LB Ray Maualuga - Bye week. Position steady.

05. OT Ciron Black - Big move up the board. Reminded myself that OT is more worthy of a 1st round pick than OG.

06. WR Darrius Heyward-Bey - DHB scored for the second consecutive game, this time on a beautiful 80 yard catch and marvelous run all the way to the end zone. He would fill that perfect need for us to stretch the field.

07. LB James Laurinaitis - Fell down the board, even though he had a good individual performance against Ohio with 9 tackles, an INT and PB.

08. OG Duke Robinson - Jumped ahead of Herman during LSU's bye week.

09. OG Herman Johnson - No game this past week for the big fellah.

10. S Michael Hamlin - Racked up 13 tackles in Game 1, 10 tackles and 3 interceptions in game 2! That's eye opening!

Archive
Week 1
1. S Taylor Mays
2. WR Michael Crabtree
3. OT Andre Smith
4. LB Ray Maualuga
5. LB James Laurinaitis
6. OG Herman Johnson
7. OG Duke Robinson
8. OT Ciron Black
9. WR Darrius Heyward-Bey
10. OT Jamon Meredith