The 2012 Cowboys Draft Thread

[CDCB14]

Originally Posted by LonghornsLegend

I'm willing to move back if there are some good options out there. In fact if we can get an extra 1st next year I'm all for it. Like D said that's prime time to be looking at QBotf and we could draft a franchise guy in the 1st and still take our time without rushing him. This is not a SB contending team, I want to continue to build that way but if something presents itself to get a franchise QB next year and another 1st to play with put me in that boat first.


I don't see anybody we could pick as of now to put us over the hump.

While I don't agree about not being a superbowl contender, I am on board with getting another first for next year in order to try and trade up for a guy like Barkley. This team has enough money in free agency to get the pieces we need, and a top 14 pick in every round. If we just address the interior OL, get a true NT, and some CB's, I think with a little luck this team could make a deep playoff run.

Anyway, back to the next year's extra 1st for a QB.. sadly, it will never happen. Listen to Jerry's interviews. He's committed to Romo, and he never drafts QB's to let them groom, let alone in the first round. Like it or not, he is going to give romo another 4-5 years here.

I'm on board with you. Romo has 2 years left on his deal. He'll only be 33 and that's not old for a QB, but do you want to sign him to another mega deal? Because you know some team with nothing at QB will throw the world at him. Getting a guy next year, let him sit behind Romo for a year, then let him take over. But it will never happen with Jerry running the show. Also, what do you do if Romo is still performing at a pro-bowl level? Do you just let him leave as a free agent after throwing for 4,500 yards and 35 touchdowns and hopefully leading us into a playoff run for an uproven rookie, even if he is a first round pick.

I'm for the idea, but it will never happen with Jerry, ever. He just doesn't do those kind of things. Just like the CB position and getting overkill on it because it could be a good thing, Jerry just doesn't do it.

That's his one fatal flaw. Now I like jerry, and i'm not pulling a Bob here, but facts are facts. Jerry never builds on strengths, he only tries to fix weaknesses. It's a shame, because look at examples like Aaron Rodgers behind favre for 3 years, what the giants do with their DL pretty much every year in the draft, what the patriots are doing right now with Mallet behind brady, etc. etc.

Watch, I bet you we get one good CB whether it be draft or free agency this off-season, and do nothing else. No body who can play at all at #4 or #5. So if one of the top 3 goes down, we're screwed. But that's just the way Jerry does it. It's the one thing this organization doesn't do, and it's a shame.

I hope to death i'm wrong, but it's never happened before. I can't think of one time we've ever seriously built on a strength over the past decade. Maybe you can say taking Dez when we already had Miles, Roy Williams, and Crayton, but that's even stretching it. The one thing I can't give the organization (specifically Jerry) a pass on. We never build on strengths when the time is right to do so.

[yanksknicks]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

This is what I do in that crazy awesome FA deal you made up.

Round 1: DE Michael Brockers, LSU - I have yet to find a flaw worth knocking him for. Love this dude. Complete Animal.

Round 2: ILB Vontaze Burfict, ASU - Didn't want him in the 1st round, but hell, I'm starting to see him fall into the 2nd! If he's there for us, damn that would be the definition of "dream" for me.

Round 3: CB Jayron Hosley, VT - If we sign Carr in FA, then our top 3 CBs are Carr, Jenkins and Scandrick. That's a solid trio that will be much better with an improved front 7. Now we need an elite caliber Nickel CB and there are only a few that come to my mind. Boykins (who I think goes in the 2nd), Hosley and Cliff Harris. All 3 can return kicks but if Boykins is off the board, I do have a man crush on Jayron too and I think he'll last till our spot in the 3rd because teams will knock him on being undersized. Perfect for us. Or should I say... "dreamy". :)

Round 4: C Phillip Blake, Baylor - I've said all I need to about him. I think he's ready physically from Day 1.

Round 5: DE/OLB Donte Paige-Moss, UNC - Would a Cowboys draft be complete without an injured LB that would've gone higher if he were healthy? DPM could be a terror if developed right and his potential is filled.

Round 6: NT Hebron Fangupo, BYU/USC - Dude was a muscular ox at USC that grew into a fat cow at BYU, but his athleticism stuck and the guy can play on the next level with some proper grooming. There's really not a lot that separates him from Ta'amu in my mind. Just better draft value. Hebron can be just as special if not more.

Round 7: RB Bryce Brown, Kansas St/Tennessee - Definitely worth a late round flier here and Brown was an uber talented prized prospect for Kiffin while he was a Tennessee. Stock has fallen, but not forgotten.

There's my shot at it.

First two picks give me "football" wood.

In fact, I like the whole damn thing.

[MetSox17]

I doubt Bryce Brown will even be drafted, we could just scoop him up with the rest of the scraps in UDFA.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by MetSox17

I doubt Bryce Brown will even be drafted, we could just scoop him up with the rest of the scraps in UDFA.

Or he could choose where he wants to go.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by yanksknicks

First two picks give me "football" wood.

In fact, I like the whole damn thing.

Cool! Now only if there was a way to turn dreams into reality. :D

[leroyisgod]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

Cool! Now only if there was a way to turn dreams into reality. :D

I'm too lazy, what was our FA pick-ups that made you draft this way?

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by leroyisgod

I'm too lazy, what was our FA pick-ups that made you draft this way?

Originally Posted by CDCB14

Actually, I just got potty trained! But alright, let's cut the garbage.

What is you dream first 3 round if we don't trade. Mercilus is not an option. We acquire Nicks and Brandon Carr in free agency.

Go.

That's it leroy. CDCB asked the question and I responded.

No way I think we land Nicks and Carr in FA though.

[MetSox17]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

Or he could choose where he wants to go.

He'd have a highly publicized press conference announcing where he's choosing to go, then change his mind, then get kicked off that team.

[leroyisgod]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

That's it leroy. CDCB asked the question and I responded.

No way I think we land Nicks and Carr in FA though.

I'd love both of them. Carr will probably get a nice payday out on the open market and we all know Nicks will. Nicks made a public statement yesterday saying he wants to stay in NO. That's gonna be a monster deal.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by leroyisgod

I'd love both of them. Carr will probably get a nice payday out on the open market and we all know Nicks will. Nicks made a public statement yesterday saying he wants to stay in NO. That's gonna be a monster deal.

Surprise surprise! I remember when somebody not to long ago said that he wanted out! LMAO.

He wants to stay and he's gonna stay. Book it.

No worries though. We got Bill Callahan, the guy who made him.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by MetSox17

He'd have a highly publicized press conference announcing where he's choosing to go, then change his mind, then get kicked off that team.

I see what you did there... ^_^

[CDCB14]

Originally Posted by D-Unit

Surprise surprise! I remember when somebody not to long ago said that he wanted out! LMAO.

He wants to stay and he's gonna stay. Book it.

No worries though. We got Bill Callahan, the guy who made him.

Actually, that report has no value, and obviously he is going to be politically correct.

Read this:

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4828/carl-nicks

He isn't going back to New Orleans. Look at the politically correct world we live in, he isn't going to flat out say in public "yeah I want to leave I don't like it here." Let's be real.

Apologies accepted. Anyway, I will do a mock off-season later tonight in this thread.

[chrlopez1]

If we want Nicks...JJ can get him....it up to him if he wants to spend the money. But becarefull what u wish for. I think it would be great to get Nicks, but at what price? If u are set on gettiing Nicks...than u pretty much are out of the running for aother top FA.

Using the top overall rankings and pickinig 5 players within our picks...what players would u like?

14 Kirkpatrick
DeCastro
Upshaw
Brokers

45 Bruce Irvin
Ta'amu
Stephen Gilmore
Vinny Curry

90'ish Sean Spence
Joe Adams
Billy Winn
Burfict

[MetSox17]

Looking at it from a contractual standpoint, if he wanted to play his cards in NO, he would have kept his mouth shut and not publicly said he wanted to stay in NO, as he loses leverage the minute he does. I think he's preparing himself for open free agency where he tests his market value and asks the Saints to match it. It's a pipe dream to get him, but i don't think he's an absolute lock to re-sign with the Saints just yet. We don't know how NO is gonna play their cards yet either.

[CDCB14]

Ok, here is my optimal off-season.

As a disclaimer, I will be operating with 22.5 million in cap space. I have read reports of being between 20-25 million after we cut Newman and possibly other things, so I will cut it down the middle at 22.5.

Serious needs: CB, interior OL, pass rushers, true NT.
Lower level needs: Centerfield FS, ILB depth, back-up TE, overall athletes.

Free Agency:

Carl Nicks, G. 26 years old. Sign him for around 7 million a year. I am basing that off the contract Jahri Evans just got, which is about 7 a year. Anyway, I don't get why people think this is some pipe dream. I will be shocked if he stays in NO. We have the money, need interior OL bad, haven't made a free agency splash in a while, and he has connections to Bill Callahan. Once we get closer to free agency and rumors start leaking we will have a much better idea, but I say there is a decent chance if he hits the open market.

Terrell Thomas, CB. 27 years old. Sign him to a 3-4 million a year deal. In my opinion will be the steal of this free agency for whoever signs him. Was becoming a stud before he got hurt. Isn't going to wow you running a 4.3 and will never be a Darrelle Revis/Champ Bailey type, but he has good size and does his job. Know what you are going to get from him. We need more guys like that on this team, especially in the secondary. I have no idea if the team has interest, but you guys will probably catch me on the news streaking if we land him.

Paul Soliai, NT. 28 years old. Sign him to a 2.5 million a year deal. Finally get that true mammoth at NT. 6'4 and 355 pounds. Didn't have the best season in Miami, but he didn't have much help either. Would probably be a pretty solid player if he is playing alongside Ratliff and Hatcher, with DeMarcus coming off the edge. Miami is switching to a 4-3 and have no intention of bringing him back. Could be a nice under the radar pick up. With Jerry's comments at the senior bowl saying "if we change the way our defense is alittle bit" that hopefully Sean Lee and Bruce Carter could be our version of what the 49ers have at ILB, the only real logical thing to do would be to get a true NT. It's about time..

Michael Griffin, S. 27 years old. Sign to a 5-6 million a year deal. Is not going to be re-signed by the Titans. Had a solid year but isn't going to demand ridiculous money on the open market, hopefully we can land him and fill our decade long revolving door at the FS position.

In total, that is between 17.5 and 19.5 in used cap space. Save the rest for draft picks, and i'm sure we can find a way to squeak out more.

So, needs addressed threw free agency: OG, true NT, CB, FS.

The Draft:

1st. Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama. As much as I don't like this pick, I don't see a lot of other options with the free agents I signed. As much as I would love Kirkpatrick, Scandrick will NEVER be our 4th CB with the contract he just got. No DeCastro with the signing of Nicks, and it's too early for Konz and I don't think trade down scenarios are realistic right now, way to early at this point. Even if he is just a Spencer clone, it's some new, younger blood that comes from a winning program.

2. Ben Jones, C, Georgia. Is probably a bit of a reach here, but give me something at center to battle with Costa. I believe in Kowalski, but that can't keep you from trying to get better at the position. Garrett is always preaching about churning the roster and competition, and the best place for it is probably along the offensive and defensive lines. I like all of the young guys and the battles they are having in training camp. If Costa need to hold down the fort for one more year than so be it, hopefully Jones is ready to start by 2013. We can win with Costa next year if there is better guard play (Nicks, healthier Kosier, possibly Arkin?)

3rd. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana. One of my favorite sleepers/prospects, could end up being one of the steals of the draft. I love tall corners with the WR's in the NFL now. Can run for a guy who is 6'3'' 205, and probably has more upside than Kirkpatrick if you can develop him properly, which he would have the opportunity to do sitting at our #4 CB spot. Would probably be my favorite pick.

4a. Bobby Wagner, ILB, Utah State. Might be gone by now, but i'll hold out hope. Short at only 6' even, but an absolute tank. Hopefully could help take some snaps at ILB and be a special teams ace. Didn't have enough money to address ILB in free agency, but hopefully our player personal department can find a bargain free agent under the radar who can play, a la Sammy Morris, Laurent Robinson, Fiammetta, etc.

*Trade Felix Jones for a late 4th.*

4b. Chris Rainey, WR, Florida. Might be gone by now as well after running a 4.25 at the combine, but you never know. I've been preaching adding speed and athleticism for a while now and this pick is not shying away from that at all. Laurent Robinson, thanks, but it's not worth the money. Find another guy who can produce when your the 4th option and get single coverage. Robinson is good, but we have to many other needs to spend 5+ mill a year on a #3 WR. Anyway, back to Rainey. Dude can fly. Would add another dimension to this offense, especially when we spread it out it would just be another thing a DB would have to think about when they already have to worry about Dez, Miles, and Witten. Would be a weapon on returns as well and wouldn't be a key player/starter so you won't need to be scared he is gonna get hurt every time returns a kick. An underrated player would could turn out to be a nice find if used properly.

5. Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State. So many running backs to like in this range (Creer, Gannaway, Green, Turbin, etc.) but i'll take the proven workhorse from a top flight program. Just give me a steady guy who can start for a few games if Murray goes down. I'm sorry, but felix jones is a bust, get a 4th rounder for him while we can. Dan Herron will get you 4 yards and fall forward. That's what we need. I'm tired of guys who will make 1 flashy play ever 4 games, then leave so many yards on the field on every other play, and those overlooked yards are the ones that win you football games, not a 40 yard run in the 2nd quarter every now and then. Herron would be a solid pick. Now, I don't think this happens either because Jerry likes felix (has nothing to do with him being from arkansas, I hate when people say that) and will probably want him to succeed so he isn't going anywhere, but I can hope.

Needs addressed in the draft: Pass rusher, ILB depth, interior OL, overall athletes.

Picking the 6th and 7th round is just dumb especially in February. Still don't know what I want to do at 4th ILB and back-up TE. Will figure that out soon. That's what I have for now, will refine it a lot as free agency starts to get closer and we see what the team looks like.

[Trogdor]

... So Paul Soliai is going from being franchised at $12.476 million down to 2.5mil/per. It's puff, puff, PASS.

On another funny contract issue is that Jahri signed his extension two years ago and you expect to sign Nicks for LESS. He has already said he expects more than Evans... Evans is making about $8.1 mil/yr. If you want Nicks you're going to be around the $8.5mil/yr mark. If are speaking purely on "salary" and ignoring the bonuses, escalators, etc then you can safely project 7 mil. If that's the case disregard.

In that scenario we didn't resign Robinson, Fiammetta, and replaced Anthony Spencer with..... his clone.

If you are a huge fan of track guys with little football talent we have one on our practice squad in Teddy Williams. Replacing Felix (who is an excellent low carry back) with any 5th round RB is asking for trouble. Felix isn't the "flashy" no yards back either. He is statistically (per carry) 0.2 yards after contact behind Murray. If you want to hate Felix for being made out of glass that's a fair complaint. Asking him to run behind a ****** offensive line and calling him essentially soft is laughable.

Overall we won't be able to nail all those FAs you need to skip down off the top tier of guys and look at ones with minor flaws. If we want an OLB who is great at setting the edge, playing the run, and occasionally making a play then our coaching staff will stick with the guy they rave about... Almost Anthony. No need to waste a 1st rounder to take his clone.

[leroyisgod]

Originally Posted by CDCB14

Ok, here is my optimal off-season.

As a disclaimer, I will be operating with 22.5 million in cap space. I have read reports of being between 20-25 million after we cut Newman and possibly other things, so I will cut it down the middle at 22.5.

Serious needs: CB, interior OL, pass rushers, true NT.
Lower level needs: Centerfield FS, ILB depth, back-up TE, overall athletes.

Free Agency:

Carl Nicks, G. 26 years old. Sign him for around 7 million a year. I am basing that off the contract Jahri Evans just got, which is about 7 a year. Anyway, I don't get why people think this is some pipe dream. I will be shocked if he stays in NO. We have the money, need interior OL bad, haven't made a free agency splash in a while, and he has connections to Bill Callahan. Once we get closer to free agency and rumors start leaking we will have a much better idea, but I say there is a decent chance if he hits the open market.

Terrell Thomas, CB. 27 years old. Sign him to a 3-4 million a year deal. In my opinion will be the steal of this free agency for whoever signs him. Was becoming a stud before he got hurt. Isn't going to wow you running a 4.3 and will never be a Darrelle Revis/Champ Bailey type, but he has good size and does his job. Know what you are going to get from him. We need more guys like that on this team, especially in the secondary. I have no idea if the team has interest, but you guys will probably catch me on the news streaking if we land him.

Paul Soliai, NT. 28 years old. Sign him to a 2.5 million a year deal. Finally get that true mammoth at NT. 6'4 and 355 pounds. Didn't have the best season in Miami, but he didn't have much help either. Would probably be a pretty solid player if he is playing alongside Ratliff and Hatcher, with DeMarcus coming off the edge. Miami is switching to a 4-3 and have no intention of bringing him back. Could be a nice under the radar pick up. With Jerry's comments at the senior bowl saying "if we change the way our defense is alittle bit" that hopefully Sean Lee and Bruce Carter could be our version of what the 49ers have at ILB, the only real logical thing to do would be to get a true NT. It's about time..

Michael Griffin, S. 27 years old. Sign to a 5-6 million a year deal. Is not going to be re-signed by the Titans. Had a solid year but isn't going to demand ridiculous money on the open market, hopefully we can land him and fill our decade long revolving door at the FS position.

In total, that is between 17.5 and 19.5 in used cap space. Save the rest for draft picks, and i'm sure we can find a way to squeak out more.

So, needs addressed threw free agency: OG, true NT, CB, FS.

The Draft:

1st. Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama. As much as I don't like this pick, I don't see a lot of other options with the free agents I signed. As much as I would love Kirkpatrick, Scandrick will NEVER be our 4th CB with the contract he just got. No DeCastro with the signing of Nicks, and it's too early for Konz and I don't think trade down scenarios are realistic right now, way to early at this point. Even if he is just a Spencer clone, it's some new, younger blood that comes from a winning program.

2. Ben Jones, C, Georgia. Is probably a bit of a reach here, but give me something at center to battle with Costa. I believe in Kowalski, but that can't keep you from trying to get better at the position. Garrett is always preaching about churning the roster and competition, and the best place for it is probably along the offensive and defensive lines. I like all of the young guys and the battles they are having in training camp. If Costa need to hold down the fort for one more year than so be it, hopefully Jones is ready to start by 2013. We can win with Costa next year if there is better guard play (Nicks, healthier Kosier, possibly Arkin?)

3rd. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana. One of my favorite sleepers/prospects, could end up being one of the steals of the draft. I love tall corners with the WR's in the NFL now. Can run for a guy who is 6'3'' 205, and probably has more upside than Kirkpatrick if you can develop him properly, which he would have the opportunity to do sitting at our #4 CB spot. Would probably be my favorite pick.

4a. Bobby Wagner, ILB, Utah State. Might be gone by now, but i'll hold out hope. Short at only 6' even, but an absolute tank. Hopefully could help take some snaps at ILB and be a special teams ace. Didn't have enough money to address ILB in free agency, but hopefully our player personal department can find a bargain free agent under the radar who can play, a la Sammy Morris, Laurent Robinson, Fiammetta, etc.

*Trade Felix Jones for a late 4th.*

4b. Chris Rainey, WR, Florida. Might be gone by now as well after running a 4.25 at the combine, but you never know. I've been preaching adding speed and athleticism for a while now and this pick is not shying away from that at all. Laurent Robinson, thanks, but it's not worth the money. Find another guy who can produce when your the 4th option and get single coverage. Robinson is good, but we have to many other needs to spend 5+ mill a year on a #3 WR. Anyway, back to Rainey. Dude can fly. Would add another dimension to this offense, especially when we spread it out it would just be another thing a DB would have to think about when they already have to worry about Dez, Miles, and Witten. Would be a weapon on returns as well and wouldn't be a key player/starter so you won't need to be scared he is gonna get hurt every time returns a kick. An underrated player would could turn out to be a nice find if used properly.

5. Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State. So many running backs to like in this range (Creer, Gannaway, Green, Turbin, etc.) but i'll take the proven workhorse from a top flight program. Just give me a steady guy who can start for a few games if Murray goes down. I'm sorry, but felix jones is a bust, get a 4th rounder for him while we can. Dan Herron will get you 4 yards and fall forward. That's what we need. I'm tired of guys who will make 1 flashy play ever 4 games, then leave so many yards on the field on every other play, and those overlooked yards are the ones that win you football games, not a 40 yard run in the 2nd quarter every now and then. Herron would be a solid pick. Now, I don't think this happens either because Jerry likes felix (has nothing to do with him being from arkansas, I hate when people say that) and will probably want him to succeed so he isn't going anywhere, but I can hope.

Needs addressed in the draft: Pass rusher, ILB depth, interior OL, overall athletes.

Picking the 6th and 7th round is just dumb especially in February. Still don't know what I want to do at 4th ILB and back-up TE. Will figure that out soon. That's what I have for now, will refine it a lot as free agency starts to get closer and we see what the team looks like.

I'd cream my pants for all those FA's, but that in my opinion is living in fantasy world. All of those players are either the top player or close to the top player at their respective position in FA. For a team to land all those top players would be a dream.

[CDCB14]

Originally Posted by Trogdor

... So Paul Soliai is going from being franchised at $12.476 million down to 2.5mil/per. It's puff, puff, PASS.

On another funny contract issue is that Jahri signed his extension two years ago and you expect to sign Nicks for LESS. He has already said he expects more than Evans... Evans is making about $8.1 mil/yr. If you want Nicks you're going to be around the $8.5mil/yr mark. If are speaking purely on "salary" and ignoring the bonuses, escalators, etc then you can safely project 7 mil. If that's the case disregard.

In that scenario we didn't resign Robinson, Fiammetta, and replaced Anthony Spencer with..... his clone.

If you are a huge fan of track guys with little football talent we have one on our practice squad in Teddy Williams. Replacing Felix (who is an excellent low carry back) with any 5th round RB is asking for trouble. Felix isn't the "flashy" no yards back either. He is statistically (per carry) 0.2 yards after contact behind Murray. If you want to hate Felix for being made out of glass that's a fair complaint. Asking him to run behind a ****** offensive line and calling him essentially soft is laughable.

Overall we won't be able to nail all those FAs you need to skip down off the top tier of guys and look at ones with minor flaws. If we want an OLB who is great at setting the edge, playing the run, and occasionally making a play then our coaching staff will stick with the guy they rave about... Almost Anthony. No need to waste a 1st rounder to take his clone.

1. Jahri Evans is better than Nicks. Also, he made 6.8 this year and is making 7.2 next year. All that matters towards the cap is base salary. Bonuses don't count against the cap.

2. Robinson isn't worth the money. Fiammetta is a RFA. Just tender him with a 4th rounder, no one will take him.

3. Felix Jones is terrible, get over it. Dude can't play. Curse of pick #22.

4. Soliai isn't that good of a player, but he is huge. The dolphins franchised him because they had a ton of cap space and no other option. I bet you he doesn't command that much interest on the open market.

5. If we get a true NT and move ratliff to DE, Upshaw would be good enough.

It's a realistic scenario if we are pro-active. Will it happen? No, but it's what I would do.

[leroyisgod]

Originally Posted by CDCB14

1. Jahri Evans is better than Nicks. Also, he made 6.8 this year and is making 7.2 next year. All that matters towards the cap is base salary. Bonuses don't count against the cap.

2. Robinson isn't worth the money. Fiammetta is a RFA. Just tender him with a 4th rounder, no one will take him.

3. Felix Jones is terrible, get over it. Dude can't play. Curse of pick #22.

4. Soliai isn't that good of a player, but he is huge. The dolphins franchised him because they had a ton of cap space and no other option. I bet you he doesn't command that much interest on the open market.

5. If we get a true NT and move ratliff to DE, Upshaw would be good enough.

It's a realistic scenario if we are pro-active. Will it happen? No, but it's what I would do.

I think you're just way off base on your value of some of these FA's. Teams will spend the money on these types of players. I think this is more your wish list than a reality list.

Felix isn't "terrible". I think that's a big overstatement. He has some really solid games this year. I'm not saying he has lived up to the #22 pick and I'd say mainly due to being injured too much.

[Trogdor]

Originally Posted by CDCB14

1. Jahri Evans is better than Nicks. Also, he made 6.8 this year and is making 7.2 next year. All that matters towards the cap is base salary. Bonuses don't count against the cap.

Nicks is by far the best OG on the market and will command the top contract. Rates go up yearly and the best players don't always make the most money. Supply and demand. You aren't signing Nicks for less than what Evans signed for.

2. Robinson isn't worth the money. Fiammetta is a RFA. Just tender him with a 4th rounder, no one will take him.

Robinson was the most consistent weapon in our offense and has two injury-prone starters in front of him. You NEED three reliable receivers in Garrett's offense. Fiammetta and Robinson are must signs this off-season.

3. Felix Jones is terrible, get over it. Dude can't play. Curse of pick #22.

Check your expectations. Felix is a well-above-average backup/change of pace back. Give him 10 touches a game and you can expect things to happen. If you judge him as a starting RB then yes he is a disappointment.

4. Soliai isn't that good of a player, but he is huge. The dolphins franchised him because they had a ton of cap space and no other option. I bet you he doesn't command that much interest on the open market.

Soliai is going to command 3.5m+.

5. If we get a true NT and move ratliff to DE, Upshaw would be good enough.

If we are settling for "good enough" either draft someone later in the draft or resign Spencer. First round picks are dynamic impact players not JAGs.

It's a realistic scenario if we are pro-active. Will it happen? No, but it's what I would do.

Responses in bold.

[CDCB14]

Originally Posted by Trogdor

Responses in bold.

I don't agree with you on the money for some of these guys, but fine. If you think they are worth more, take Michael Griffin out of the equation and go with Barry Church. He is the least important of them anyway. Sign Nicks, Soliai, and Thomas. We have enough money to do that.

As for Upshaw vs. Spencer, you need to remember that upshaw will cost less than half of what Spencer will. I guarantee you Spencer will get 6 mil a year from somebody. With the new rookie wage scale Upshaw won't even be close to that.

Last year the 14th overall pick was Robert Quinn. He signed a 5 year, 9.4 million dollar deal. THAT ISN'T EVEN 2 MILLION A YEAR!!!!!

Spencer will probably get some like 5 years, 35-40 million. Not even close.

The problem is nothing matches up with our needs at 14. I'd take a CB even if we sign Thomas, but Jerry won't. Mercilus can bust way to easily. I'd take DeCastro even with Nicks, but Jerry won't. Too early for Konz. Already got a true NT and it's too early for Poe.

There's my response.

[CDCB14]

I don't know if anyone has seen this, but it gives me hope that we will have a good off-season:

http://www.dallascowboys.com/multime...6D855643967DF8

You can click part 2 on the bottom. I think Garrett knows what he is doing.

[Witten4HOF]

McShay has the boys taking Jenkins at #14 in his latest mock
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft...est-projection

I'll pass, Jenkins value may rise back to the mid first round range but he is too much of a character issue for that price. Pac Man part two in the making, I'd much rather trade down and select someone else. Cliff Harris is not as polished but his quick twitch athleticism paired with his balls skills are comparable the Jenkins and can be had in the third round.

[MetSox17]

We have enough stupid players on the team already, as much as i dig Jenkins' talent, i also am against taking him. If we must go CB in round one, i'd prefer to roll the dice with Kirkpatrick and hope he pans out as a S at worst.

[Witten4HOF]

Originally Posted by MetSox17

We have enough stupid players on the team already, as much as i dig Jenkins' talent, i also am against taking him. If we must go CB in round one, i'd prefer to roll the dice with Kirkpatrick and hope he pans out as a S at worst.

Kirkpatrick getting caught with the Mary J wasn't an Ivy League move either.... It all depends on how he runs as well. Talent wise Jenkins is the better cover corner... systematically Kirkpatrick fits better with his bump and run ability... eitherway both are knuckleheads.