Rookie review

by Dave Halprin on May 7, 2006 1:23 AM CDT in Dallas Cowboys News

Big ups to DallasCowboys.com for actually writing some articles about the players at rookie mini-camp and not about Billy P and Eldorado. But Grizz - you might ask - haven't you been writing about Billy P and Eldorado? Yes I have, but if I could attend practices and get interviews in the locker room, you can bet the ranch that's what I'd be writing about.

First up from dallascowboys.com - Bobby Carpenter. The Tuna's personal waterboy has been fetching him water at mini-camp and reportedly doing a good job with it.

"They said it used to be bottled but I think he's gone to tap now," said Carpenter, who has brought Parcells a fresh cup in each of the Cowboys' first three mini-camp practices. "The trainers and everybody, they get the order ready. I'm just the delivery boy."

OK, we got that cleared up. Bobby knows the role they have in mind for him.

Asked his duties in the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme, Carpenter said, "On the outside have some pass rush, have some coverage, be a physical run stopper and hopefully do all three of those things pretty well."

There's more about Carpenter in the article so check it out.

Next they cover some of the rookies in this article.

New FS Pat Watkins is a details guy and wants to stay ahead of the game. He even wanted to stay in Dallas after the mini-camp but NFL rules say players have to go back to college until the semester officially ends.

"Down here they're gonna be working on things for the fall," Watkins said, "and if I'm in Tallahassee, I'm not going to be here with the team."

I like the way Watkins is thinking. Cory Procter is kind of a forgotten guy on our roster, but the offensive lineman got some ink today.

One of the beneficiaries of the off-season conditioning program has been second-year guard Cory Procter, whose strength has improved dramatically from a year ago.

Procter, along with only a few other teammates - including second-year outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware - recently cleaned 400 pounds during the ongoing off-season workouts.

It would be nice if someone like Proctor, Colombo or Peterman had a break-out training camp.

Everybody's favorite new Cowboy, Montavious Stanley got some ink, too.

Rookie nose tackle Montavious Stanley got rough with Matt Tarullo, tossing the first-year offensive lineman to the ground twice in blocking drills.

Love to hear that, but 7th round draft choice E.J. Whitley to care of business right after that.

Rookie center E.J. Whitley stonewalled him [Stanley] moments later, though.

The other 7th round draft pick, Pat McQuistan, gets his own article and it's a good thing Parcells doesn't have requirements about hair-length or McQuistan and Carpenter would be in trouble.

With his past shoulder-length red hair twisted into wet strings and matted against his face, his lip bloodied and his breath coming out in heavy, audible bursts, this 6-6, 314-pound offensive lineman is a sight to behold.
Walking up to the man is intimidating, to say the least.

That's great and all, but we just need to know if he can block. At least we know what position they want him to play.

"It's been hectic," he said Saturday. "I was a left guard in college, and now I'm trying out at right tackle here. It's different, but it's fun. It's good."

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Just maybe...

a few of these unknown O linemen will work out, boy if we could only be so lucky.

"They're going to leave me over here by myself and thats when I'm gonna sink my fangs into them." - Terry Glenn

by Terry on May 7, 2006 10:24 AM CDT reply actions

That's what I'm hoping...

I think Colombo might have the best chance. He obviously once had the talent given where he was drafted, and Parcells makes it sound like he's finally getting stronger and putting the injuries behind him.

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by Dave Halprin on May 7, 2006 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Trying out new positions

may not indicate the primary position for a rookie. Since he played left guard they can see his moves on tape. If he can also transition to right tackle it adds to his value and increases the chances of making the club. Same for Whitney who worked at center but has played all the OL positions. His versitility may free up a spot on the roster for another position (safety?).

I agree that they are all long shots. Coach Parcells Friday said all talent acquisition is a 50-50 proposition. So there are three or four rookie linemen in camp and maybe two can become contributors. Columbo also continues to be mentioned. This quote does not look good for Turillo though. Maybe a wakeup call?

Or maybe also a positive sign that we have our backup nose tackle?

by lee3022 on May 7, 2006 9:38 PM CDT reply actions