Undrafted Free Agent Thread

Did browner get picked up in the draft? i sure hope not.

The Cowboys should look at undrafted UNLV safety Jamaal Brimmer. He supposedly had really bad workouts but has been one of the best safeties in the country the last two years and had been predicted as high as a first-rounder at various points throughout his college career. He was almost singlehandedly responsible for UNLv’s big upset at Wisconsin two years ago. I can’t believe he wasn’t drafted. And he’s a position the Cowboys sorely need help at. I hope Bill and the rest of the staff look into this.

ericp,

Browner went undrafted. So did Shazor. Wonder why?? I hope Dallas gives Browner a look at safety.

what about undrafted recievers, any favorites still out there?

T.A. McClendon, a runningback from NC State is a diamond in the rough – can catch and run and has good size. I’d like to see Dallas take a look.

i have been wanting to stay away from DB looking to be FS, but that Brandon Browner sure does look like a real football player.

i join the bandwagon, sign that kid now!

Mark,

I like him too. There are a few players that I thought would get drafted that fell through the cracks.

T.A. McLendon has nice size too, could do the Richie Anderson thing.

Browner reminds me of Considine. Any thought Rafael?

… not so much there size, but the way they play, especially in a zone.

How did Browner go undrafted? He is rated almost as high as Adam Jones in some magazines. Shouldn’t Dallas at least take a stab at him??

my vote for a look at FA would be

Lang Campbell QB for William and Mary……..Payton Award Winner

Great QB…….pocket passer………can air it out………threw for yards against bigger better ACC schools………worth a try out anyway

Browner might be worth taking a shot at, but he has serious character issues and thats the reason he wasn’t drafted. I read that he quit his high school football team after being disiplined for showing up late. Then he went to Oklahoma and quit during his rookie season for the same thing. He then went to the arena league and didn’t have a single interception, even though they pass on just about every down. He has the physical tools to play, but this guy sounds like a jerk. Still, it’s worth checking him out.

I hope the Cowboys give Jason White a look. I know there are some injury reservations and maybe even skepticism because he won the Heisman Trophy (and the Maxwell Award, the Davey O’Brien Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award), but guys like this usually don’t go undrafted. The injury issue must be very relevant. Anyone with that hardware will usually cost teams much more than a rookie free-agent contract and there’s too much upside with Jason, injury status notwithstanding, not to give him a look—kick the tires, drive him around the block…

His name is tyson thompson RB from from San Jose State. At personal workouts for teams over the last few weeks, he ran the 40 in 4.17 and 4.16. He will probably be used as a kick/punt returner.

 6’0" 200lbs and catches well, so could also be used as a third down back or maybe we’ll try to convert him to an H-back or slot receiver.

he is what the cowboys are trying to work a deal out with now

uh………Steve a 4.17 and goes undrafted?

who has the clock in his hand Tyson Thompsons agent?

Nobody broke 4.2………nobody

its actually 4.37, either way thats damn fast

There’s no upside to jason white.

There’s no upside to jason white.

jason white is just a colllege Qb, you have to look in the system he was in, doesn’t have a strong arm.

well from a report on scout.com he ran a 4.16 he came to the cowboys local players practice. just tellin you who they are targettinga nd what info i was given on him

ull Scouting Report:
Full Name: Tyson Thompson School: San Jose State Pos: RB
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 210 40: 4.42 Year: 4Jr

Bio: Junior college transfer who led San Jose State in rushing with 151/811/5 during his only season in the program. Also added 16/231/2 as a pass catcher.

Pos: Quick footed, elusive runner with the ability to create. Displays good vision, waits for blocks to develop then follows them. Wiggles through the small openings in the defense, displays the ability to bounce it to the outside and easily avoids piles. Has the speed to get around the corner, cuts back against the grain and makes defenders miss. Solid pass catcher out of the backfield.

Neg: Slow adjusting off the initial tackle and lacks power in his overall running. At times lazily finishes runs by scampering out of bounds.

Analysis: A back with solid ball carrying skills and instincts, Thompson has the skills to be used as a third down back at the next level.

Derrick,

And besides that the guy wears two knee braces during the game. Everyone complains about Bledsoe not being mobile, what do you think a guy with two knee braces would be like?

Jason White! I’d rather have Danny White.

another vote for Browner. Hopefully he’s either wooed to us based on our need or based on our cash. $20k signing bonus?

I’d love to know what goes on in the organization as they choose whom to approach. How are players targetted? Are our guys on the phones immediately after the draft or during the draft with their agents? How does the team convince the player? For sure we need some able bodied FS candidates. Perhaps even SS. I assume we’re set at cornerback at this point. We’ve enough B-level CBs.

Can someone please call-up Jerry and ask him to bring in Browner?

by the way, on the post draft meeting, Jerry says they’re “probably not” considering Hunter at Safety. He gave no detail why. Assuming that stands, we have NO prospect at FS as of now. Zero. We’ll have 10 great players on D and plus some knob we’ll throw out there.

I assume we’ll have to go into existing, experienced free agents for our FS. (Rafael – maybe this could be new thread? ‘What the hell are you going to do at FS?’ ) It seems like an obvious and unfortunate and significant kink in our defensive armour. Too bad.

Otherwise, we’ve got players everywhere in the D (even slot cover).

If he has tht much trouble showing up 2 practice, Parcells will eat him alive anyway. I dont know his story, but Parcells doesnt fool with headcases too much, even if they are good. Oh well, Id like to haveseen fs handeled, but were alot closer to good than we were 48 hrs ago.

How about Orien Harris from Miami? DT, this guy was a first rounder in the beginning of the year and was supposedly better then vince wilfork. I guess he must have had a really undproductiive season. I think hes worth looking at if we want to add another ‘wave’ lineman. Ermast Shazor and Browner definately. Also Stubblfield from Purdue. This guy led the nation in catches, even with a sub-par 40 time. I remember Anquin Boldin having a poor 40 time as well, so I think it’d be worth it take a look at him too.

What ‘s up w/ Jason White? (Danny White ’s another discussion—besides, what’s wrong with Danny White?)

Aside from injuries and limited mobility, you’d be hard pressed to find many negatives in JW’s NFL.com draft profile.

“Above-average pocket passer with good field vision and a strong arm… Gets good depth on his drop and set, showing the ability to stand in the pocket and deliver the ball with good zip and delivery…Has great poise and leadership qualities, setting a good example by staying calm stepping up in the pocket”

Read it in its entirety if you want: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2005/white_jason

The profile doesn’t mention being crippled or being the beneficiary of some super system. It doesn’t matter if he has to wear two knee braces just to hold a clipboard, to run a practice squad and to backup your backup. He would be a short-term solution at best, not a starter. I don’t think the system he was in matters a great deal either, he can learn a new one as most have to coming out of college or moving around in free agency. Even Alex Smith will have to learn to go under center coming out of a shotgun system.

Mickey Spagnola stated this week that they will likely bring a fourth QB to training camp to compete with Romo. The upside on JW as I see it now is that he could be a most capable and willing (?) back up and he wouldn’t carry a big price tag to discover if that’s in fact the case. He has good credentials on paper and I’m only suggesting the Cowboys explore his potential to live up to that paper value in any capacity that benefits them. If not, he doesn’t make the final cut and they move along.

I initially posted the topic knowing he wasn’t a favorite in hopes of finding out why. Whatever I’ve read here isn’t very convincing so far and only seems to contradict what I’ve read elsewhere. I welcome any lucid opinion contrasting my current position on JW.

I know Jason White has the injury problems, but it would not hurt to give him a look. He won a Heisman for god sake. I know alot of Heisman QBs dont pan out well in the NFL, but aleast this one wont cost the team a valuable draft pick.

Here are some interesting free agent pick ups I haven’t seen listed in this blog.
I got the profiles from nfl.com

Tony Madison
Position: Wide Receiver/Kickoff Returner
College: Kansas State
Height: 6-1
Weight: 204
OVERVIEW
An athletic receiver who has big-play potential and an NFL-type body, Madison was called by Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder, “the complete package at receiver — speed, hands and size.” The team was eager to get Madison on the field in 2004, as he redshirted in 2002 and was then ineligible to play in 2003. He appeared in only nine games as a senior, managing 13 receptions for 204 yards (15.7 avg.) and two touchdowns.
ANALYSIS
Positives: Has a lean, athletic physique with solid upper body muscle definition, long arms, tight waist and hips, good bubble, muscular thighs and calves and minimal body fat … Strong open-field runner with long legs and solid muscle tone in his upper body … Has that explosive initial step needed to gain advantage over the defensive backs coming off the line of scrimmage … Not afraid to deliver a hand punch to rock the defenders back on their heels while escaping press coverage … Excellent cut blocker who immediately gets into the second level to stalk and engage the linebackers … Shows good route-awareness ability, maintaining balance while working the sidelines … Has the deep acceleration and hip swerve to avoid defenders up field in order to gain yardage after the catch … Has the ability to come back for the off-target throws, willingly sacrificing his body to take the hit in order to get to the ball … Standout special teams performer whose acceleration and balance make him a dangerous kickoff returner.
Negatives: Gets a little undisciplined in his route running and must show more crispness in his patterns … Has the explosive leg drive to escape contact up field, but sometimes will try to overpower the defender rather than elude the opponent … Needs to show better concentration, as he tends to try and head upfield before properly securing the ball … Has natural hands, but must time his leaps better and be more assertive with defenders when trying to get to the ball at its high point.
INJURY REPORT
No injuries reported.
AGILITY
Campus: 4.41 in the 40-yard dash (indoors) … 4.46 40-yard dash (outdoors) … 4.22 20-yard shuttle … 11.67 60-yard shuttle … 7.13 three-cone drill … 275-pound bench press … 691-pound safe squat … 302-pound power clean … 371⁄2-inch vertical jump … 9-foot-1 broad jump … 33 3/8-inch arm length … 9 3/8-inch hands … Right-handed.

Patrick Body
Position: Free Safety
College: Toledo
Height: 6-1
Weight: 201
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
OVERVIEW
Body is one of the fastest athletes in college football, boasting a 4.25 clocking in the 40-yard dash. The three-year starter at free safety began his collegiate career as a weakside outside linebacker, but the coaches felt his speed and range were more suited for the secondary.
ANALYSIS
Positives: Has a tall, slender frame with defined muscle tone in the chest and arms … Has outstanding straight-line speed, range and change-of-direction agility … Center-field type that excels playing the deep zone … Quick to step up vs. plays in front of him and is known for making cross field tackles … Good program player who works hard in the weight room and practices … Has the leaping ability to get to the ball at its highest point … Could also bring some value on offense as a receiver or ball carrier due to his quickness and experience there … Shows good explosion behind his tackles and, in 2004, showed marked improvement staying low in his pads and playing closer to the line to initiate, wrap and secure ball carriers … Takes good angles in pursuit and has the burst to chase down plays, whether playing deep or shallow … Has an effortless running style with an explosive closing burst … Shows a good feel for the crease while playing offense … Has learned the proper technique of positioning himself and lowering his shoulders to drive the opponent back … As a possible returner, he displays the burst to make the initial tacklers miss and the speed to easily break it into the open.
Negatives: While he’s a physical tackler, he seems to have trouble anticipating the ball while staying tight with the receiver … Lacks deep coverage instincts and could be more suited for zone work at free safety, even though his speed would be beneficial as a cornerback … Slow to read and react to plays at times, especially when he plays too deep in the zone … Shows some hip tightness in his backpedal and looks awkward through transition … Lacks natural hands for the interception … Willing in run support, but spends too much time inspecting the action rather than initiating it when working inside the box.
INJURY REPORT
2002 — Suffered from pharyngitis (defined as an infection or irritation of the pharynxand/or tonsils — the etiology is usually infectious) in late September and was sick for two weeks, but did not miss any games.
2003 — Sat out the Syracuse game after he hyper-extended the first toe on his right foot in the first quarter vs. Pittsburgh (Sept. 20).
2004 — Left the Motor City Bowl vs. Connecticut in the second half when he broke a bone in his right arm.
AGILITY
Campus: 4.26 in the 40-yard dash … 325-pound bench press … Bench pressed 225 pounds 15 times … 790-pound leg press … Leg pressed 450 pounds 20 times … 4.1 20-yard shuttle … 11.76 60-yard shuttle … 7.05 three-cone drill … 421⁄2-inch vertical jump … 10-foot-4 broad jump … 321⁄4-inch arm length … 83⁄4-inch hands … Right-handed.

Greg Jones
Position: Free Safety/Cornerback
College: West Virginia
Height: 6-1
Weight: 184
Hometown: Slickville, Pa.
OVERVIEW
Pound for pound, one of the strongest athletes in collegiate sports, Jones was a standout wrestler during his career at West Virginia. He became the 39th wrestler in NCAA history to win three national titles. Jones also became only the 20th wrestler in NCAA history to win multiple national titles at different weight classes.

The Slickville, Pa., native won as a freshman at 174 pounds and added two more at 184 pounds in his final two seasons. Jones was dominant in winning his third national title, going 5-0 and being named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler in 2005. He is the first and only Eastern Wrestling League grappler to earn that honor and finished the season with another undefeated season at 25-0. Jones closed out his career as WVU’s all-time wins leader with a 126-4 mark.

ANALYSIS
Positives:Has a lean, athletic build with minimal body fat (4.4 percent) … Shows very good upper- and lower-body muscle definition, good bubble, thick legs and a V-shaped torso … Split a little high, has fluid moves and very good reactionary skills … Very competitive with excellent hand/eye coordination … Has quick feet and hips, showing fluid redirection agility … Runs with a normal stride and with steady acceleration … Has the top-end speed to quickly get to the ball … Has the foot agility to get good depth in his pass drops and is quick to turn and run with the receiver … Has good leaping ability and appears to have natural hands … Aggression is part of his game and he shows the range to make plays working in space.

Negatives:Has no football experience and is basically a work in progress … Has very good timed speed and strength, but needs to add more bulk to his frame … Might be better suited to play in the secondary in his quest to play football, as the learning time at that position is shorter than as an offensive player.

Clinton “C.J.” Brooks, Jr.
Position: Guard
College: Maryland
Height: 6-5
Weight: 309
Hometown: Rex, Ga.
OVERVIEW
A four-year starter, Brooks started the most games of any player in Maryland history (51). He shifted from tackle to guard prior to 2003 and developed into a very technical blocker who has a firm grasp of the offense and blocking schemes. He has good feet and ideal size for his position. One of the strongest blockers in the nation, Brooks boasts a 565-pound squat and benched 225 pounds 30 times in spring testing (2004). The 695-pound squat he recorded in 2003 is second best in school history by an offensive lineman.
ANALYSIS
Positives … Has good size for his position and a frame that can carry additional weight … Plays with good initial quickness … More of a wall-off, finesse type despite his weight room strength, but shows the ability to slide and mirror the defender in pass protection … Shows good speed getting to the edge and while inconsistent with his hands, when he does get them to lock on to an opponent, his long arms allow him to gain separation … Plays with good awareness, picking up twists and games quickly … Works to stay in front of a defender as a run blocker … Has enough acceleration to chip up to the next level and neutralize the linebacker … Adequate on pulls and traps … Offers value and versatility with his ability to play both guard and tackle … Has a smooth running stride when getting out front on sweeps … Has the burst to come off the snap and accelerate up field to the second level … Has the lower body strength to firmly plant and maintain position at the point of attack … Shows a quick retreat in his pass set … Has the lateral agility needed to redirect … Tough player who will play hurt … TAKES WELL TO HARD COACHING… Runs with a normal stride and has the ability to adjust and change direction … Flashes explosion off the ball and that initial quickness allows him to gain an advantage.

Negatives … Tall athlete who has been a hard worker in the weight room, but sometimes, that production fails to translate to the football field, as his frame needs to add more bulk, he has a soft midsection, big legs, marginal overall muscle definition and slow feet … Drives hard and gets decent hand placement in the short area, but falls off too many of his blocks when on the move … Has very good potential, but needs to have a patient coach redo his technique … For a player his size, you would expect him to be much stronger at the point of attack, but he’s more of a finesse type … Did a good job of locating targets in the second level in 2003, but he appeared too heavy-footed in 2004, resulting in Brooks getting knocked and dragged down as he failed to get good hand placement on the move … Shows a strong base in pass protection, but lacks pop behind his blocks … Will get pushed around a bit by the bigger defensive tackles and falls off blocks too easily … Needs to do a better job of generating a hand punch, as he relies too much in leaning into the defender in attempts to sustain … Lets the defender get into his body too much and bends at the waist, rather than his knees in his pass set … Needs to slide his feet better, as he struggles to mirror vs. the quicker rushers … Has the size and that superb initial quickness, but needs to add more strength and his technique sorely needs an overhaul, as he stands too erect in his stance, fails to bend his knees properly, leaves his feet too often and fails to sustain his blocks for too long … Loses his balance when trying to make reach blocks, as he will lunge and over-extend, failing to keep his feet in front of him on the move … His impressive weight room figures are negated, as he does not deliver a strong hand punch, despite his upper body strength.

INJURY REPORT
 

2001 — Underwent right shoulder surgery to correct a dislocation and torn ligaments in April.

2003 — Bothered in August camp by lower back tendonitis.

AGILITY
 

Campus: 5.4 in the 40-yard dash … 375-pound bench press … Bench-pressed 225 pounds 30 times … 695-pound squat … 4.71 20-yard shuttle … 281⁄2-inch vertical jump … Right-handed. Combine: 5.14 in the 40-yard dash … 2.96 20-yard dash … 1.74 10-yard dash … 4.56 20-yard shuttle … 7.61 three-cone drill … 311⁄2-inch vertical jump … 9-foot broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 24 times … 36 3/8-inch arm length … 101⁄2-inch hands.

You could also throw in some of the guys that have already been mentioned
Brandon Browner etc

Dallas site has a list of FA’s Dallas is negotiating with now. The include…

TCU wide receiver Reggie Harrell
Notre Dame linebacker Mike Goolsby
NW Missouri State Jamaica Rector
Fresno State kicker Brett Visintainer.

You can read the article here (names at the bottom of the page):

http://www.dallascowboys.com/draft_detail.cfm?art=7736C6EE-D273-2484-E8E9A6CC0220CA2F

oh well my vote signed with Cleveland

Lang Campell over 3000 yards passing his senior season……..Payton Award Winner………..lost National Championship Game to JMU Div IAA…… 21 TDs 5 Int and 8 rushing plus over 300 yards rushing….his senior season….6’2" and 200lbs………William & Mary Graduate……….this guy can throw the long bomb……..W&M airs it out…….he will make the roster in Cleveland………

probably signs for league minimum and will make the team as a backup but do not bet against this guy……….he scorched ACC offenses like UVA, NC State and Maryland when those bigger schools signed up W&M as a doormat……….often getting more than they bargained for from Lang Campbell and the Tribe……..

oh well………..

Jason White……..may only be a college QB, but the guy was a big time winner on that stage. He looks like a backup in the NFL to me. At least he played on big stage in televised games………he had a great system and awesome recievers……..hmmmm………maybe DA Raiders?

Bryan Randall from Va Tech is another guy not great arm strength but a solid guy on a big stage. He is a gamer, whether or not he could ever be an NFL guy not sure, he is not Michael Vick but is somewhat mobile……..

There are also innumerable guys with agents. AFL smaller football leagues. Guys that did not finish college or lost scholarships. Believe me nobody has more contacts in the football world than Bill Parcells……….Just ask Erik Bickerstaff the guy was a Janitor in Wisconsin Stadium before Bill signed him……….and he deserves a shot………and he shows the other guys……….hey any of you guys thing you are all that………THAT GUY WAS A JANITOR LAST YEAR>………and now he is a backup RB……….Special Teams Guy………..and Bill loves him……….even put him in for a TD………….

believe me Bill has contacts from years………..if there is a prospect out there……….worth looking at he will have him.

FS……..is not a highly drafted position…………CB with size would have been my choice but Rafael was right after our 42nd PICk the CBs were picked over and not a whole lot that was any better than what is already on our roster………Jimmy used 4 corners in the secondary until he drafted Woodson…….and converted him to S…………..Frazier, Reeves, Thornton, Jones………Hunter? who knows one of those guys needs to step up……….

Also I think Terrence Newman is going to have a great year. He got picked on last year as did Roy in coverage. I think Newman is a gamer, and will do the work he has to do improve. If he gets Better, and Henry has a good year along with the committee at Corner for Nickel or FS………we will be ok in the secondary…………..believe me I would have loved a player like Rolle………I think he was the best player available in the DRAFT………most impressive college player to me………..but hey if Ware is what Parcells referred too………..and Spears certainly is a 300 lb DE………occassional DT………add Burnett and Canty in there……….still got Ellis and Glover………….guys we do not need John Abraham or Darren Howard……….we are going to have some pass rush………..

Mr. McNabb meet Mr. Ware………..Defensive Rookie of the Year…….Mr. Manning meet Mr. Spears………..runner up Defensive Rookie of the YEar…………..

Spears was fast at 305-310 Parcells wants him at 295………he is going to be a monster on that line…………Greg Ellis and Laroi Glover are going to love lining up with the power rush of Spears, the man in the middle Ferguson and a speed rush off the end like Ware.

Jon

I think Campbell is a solid choice as well, too bad he’s not in the Cowboys’ mix. He may have even given Henson a run at starter. Who knows? Dilfer, Frye & Harris will soon discover. I would imagine he’ll displace Harris in Cleveland.

Other teams evidently tried to sign him though, I wonder if Dallas was one? I don’t think they were very persuasive, whoever they were. To quote the AP report:

“Campbell says the 10-to-15 minutes after the draft ended were hectic but he hopes he made the right choice. One point that helped sway him is that the Browns quarterback coach is Rip Scherer — a former Q-B at William and Mary and coach at James Madison.”

Star

You in VA?

I was thinking of asking you the same thing. Yes, Richmond.

I had a friend that played TE at UofR. Anyway I went to their annual meeting at W&M and saw Lang Campbell light it up on his way to 2 yards shy of 4000 yards 30 touchdowns and only 5 ints. Not to mention only one INT in regular season. He was throwing the ball on the MONEY 20-30-40-50-yards down the field. I think he had close to 400 yards passing that game. Looked better than Matt Blundin, Mike Groh or Bryan Randall all of whom I have seen play.

UofR has a Reciever that is going to get a shot at NFL WR, but he is headcase already. What is it about WRs? And a friend of his an O Line guy got a FA contract from the Patriots.

Dallas should go after Shazzur he’s a decent S and could be a good player in 2 or 3 years. In the meanwhile they should sign Brock Marion to add a veteran presence in the defensive back field.

I think Pete hunter will be a safety as he was in college. TheBoys missed out a Rb here at my alma mater FVSU ala Peppi Zellner ..His name is Derrick Wimbush.. he had the long run at the Hula Bowl and ran for 1850 yard in 9 1/2 games. He ran a slow 40. 4.7 and signed with the Jaguars.. I am happy to see him sign but i wanted Jerry to get him.

There are a lot of guys under Radar that make teams and eventually win games and go to Super Bowls.

Who knows next time you are shopping at the Grocery store, ask the bag boy if he can throw the GO and FADE routes? If he can call Jerry and tell him to try him out!!!!

Current Undrafted Free Agent Signings
Keith Joseph Teaxas A&M FB
Reggie Harrell TCU WR
Mike Goolsby Notre Dame MLB
Roger Cooper Montana State OLB
Claude Sanders Fresno State DE
Sam Wilder Colorado OT
Harvey Dahl Nevada Reno OT
Tony Curtis Portland State TE
Jamaica Rector NW Missouri State WR

No Brandon Browner here. He’s now a Bronco. I do Like Rector! and Goolsby for depth and special teams.

It does not suprise me to see people hating on Jason White on a Dallas Cowboys blog, after all Jason never lost to Mack Brown… but let us remember that your beloved Roy Williams came from the OU system to be greatly loved in Dallas.