Drafting Arkansas RB
by CTBoy on Dec 28, 2007 7:15 AM CST
47 comments
This is my first diary. Sorry if it sucks.
I know the 2008 Draft is far away, but I just wanted to get people’s opinions.
I know there has long been talk of the cowboys picking an Arkansas running back in the 2008 draft, by trading up using our two first round picks (in a bigger package) to the Dolphins for the #1 pick and take Darren McFadden. While I love McFadden and feel that he will be a beast in this league, what then would become of Marion Barber? I know he works best as a tandem back (Maroney in College, JJ here), but with McFadden on the team, do you really think we would be maximizing those two backs? I know that Purple Jesus and Chester Taylor up there in Minnesota are working well this year, but seriously, how many of you think that Taylor will get even a third of the carries next year with a fully healthy AP. I know most Cowboy Fans wouldn't want to relegate MB3 to 1/3 of the carries, again, especially after how he has performed this year.
SO, the point of the Diary, is to suggest that we draft the OTHER Arkansas running back, Felix Jones, assuming he declares for the draft (he's only a Junior, like McFadden). He's a quick back, very good receiver, with good speed = A GREAT complement to Barber's bruising style. He's basically a quicker Julius Jones (nothing against JJ, I still really like him and would actually be totaly fine with him coming back in a similar role).
We could most likely draft Felix with our late first round pick, and certainly with the pick the Browns give us (GO TITANS!!!), so rather than drafting a player who we all know will be great but take away from an already great player, draft a player who looks as if he would be the perfect complement to our already great player.
Thoughts?
Also, I'm going to the game sunday. Looking forward to stomping on some Hogs after Brad Johnson throws a TD pass to Miles Austin.
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I totally agree
If Felix Jones comes out and we lose JJ in FA, then he would make a great 1st rd pick.
I think trading up to acquire McFadden is stupid because I really see him as a taller version of Reggie Bush rather than a clone of AP, who is built much sturdier and stronger. To me, McFadden looks like a WR playing from the RB position.
Considering that Reggie Bush is just a complimentary back, and McFadden would be the same type of player in the NFL, giving up several picks and players is too much for that kind of player.
Fact is MB3 is a better back than McFadden will be in the NFL and we just need a back to compliment him, like JJ currently does, a speed back, like Felix Jones.
I know a lot of BTB bloggers are in love with McFadden, and he is a great player no doubt, but in my opinion, isn't worth multiple picks and players. A lot of people were in love with Bush when he came out as well and he was just as impressive in college as McFadden, but he's just not an every down back and I don't see McFadden as one either.
by Terry on Dec 28, 2007 8:04 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
i agree with you 100% terry
felix jones ,IMO is the better back FOR OUR TEAM!
by TrueBlue24 on Dec 28, 2007 7:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes and No
Yes - McFadden is not worth trading multiple picks for, especially when we have needs at corner and possibly at WR.
Yes - With MB3, I realistically would love for us to add Felix Jones instead of Darren McFadden, because Jones has the ability to be a Dave Meggett type of versatile back with the ability to do multiple things on offense and even in special teams.
No - I don't see McFadden as a receiver or just a Reggie Bush clone. In many of his games, he has proven that he can quickly hit the hole for a long rushing TD (Bush didn't run north-south with as much frequency in college as D-Mac has) and has shown that he also has the strength to withstand the punishment inside while keeping his strong leg drive moving for additional yardage turning a one-yard gain into a five-yard run.
Like you, this is just my opinion, Terry... the way I see it.
I guess we can agree to disagree, Bro.
by kcbrett5 on Dec 29, 2007 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good Post CTBoys.
I could not agree more. You do not have to have an elite RB to win SBs - history has shown us that. We have an upper 1/3 RB in Barber. I say, continue to build the secondary and our line on both sides. We need a change of pace RB (I do not want to resign JJ) - I am even in favor of getting a small, elusive type back further down in the draft. But if we traded down with one of the first round picks and could get Felix in the early to mid 2nd - maybe. I just don't think we should address RB in the first 2 rounds (3 picks) unless we can get a great value pick there.
by ibleed blue on Dec 28, 2007 8:06 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Felix Jones would be a great value pick.
If we are somehow going to aquire Felix Jones...It will be in the first round...Any selection after the 15th pick would be a value pick... Not only will he bring instant homerun threat ability to the backfield, He is the best return man in college. So if you need to move up a few picks, or stay put at 24th pick...You are getting a top notch runner, receiver, punt returner, and kickoff returner....alas...a poor man's Reggie Bush.Then with the 31st pick we will still get our biggest need, a quality cover CB. Felix Jones is the key to our future success, If we don't get him, or someone as good as him, I'd rate the draft a failure.
We must have a top quality back to compliment MBIII, not some also ran mid rounder. One with great return ability, elusiveness, a receiving skills..That would make this offense unstoppable for many years to come.
Julius Jones and Tyson Thompson will not be on the Cowboys roster next year.
by BoyzRback07 on Dec 28, 2007 8:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
I did a lengthy write-up on this a little while back. I agree, Felix Jones is a perfect match for this team.
If he's gone, incidentally, Jamaal Charles is a very similar type of player.
by Or Moyal on Dec 28, 2007 8:24 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'm also jumpin' on the Jamaal wagon...
I just started reviewing this guy....He would be my second choice behind Felix Jones.
He's got blazing speed. 10 yards per carry average in the forth quarter this season..over 500 yards rushing in the fourth quater alone, to lead the country.......... ummm...I like...
Just imagine MBIII beating up on poor defenders all game..then you bring in this guy.......can you say...goodnight.
by BoyzRback07 on Dec 28, 2007 9:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Me too, Boyz.
We're on da same page on this one.
As best for our team, let's re-sign Marion Barber and draft with either our 2nd first round pick or our second round selection Felix Jones or Jamaal Charles.
by kcbrett5 on Dec 29, 2007 11:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Great
Must have missed your comment earlier Or Moyal. Glad to see that people are on board with that idea.
One more thing. While I'd be one of the first people to praise the team for picking players in the top part of the draft at positions that are not necissarily flashy skill positions (I'd take Anthony Spencer over Brady Quinn anyday, same with Ware over Mike Williams, Troy Williamson, or Cedric Benson, even before their careers have panned out how they have) I would like to hope that the cowboys do address both the RB position as well as the WR position in this draft. Even with Crayton locked up, and with TO still have 3 or 4 good years left, we need a young guy to groom to work with Crayton and become a Number 1 in a couple of years. I would have loved to have picked either of the USC receivers from last years draft, and even though neither has done all that great this year, I still think they will both pan out. The fact that the G-Men got Steve Smith really irked me because i KNOW he will come back to haunt us in the coming years. So A combination of Felix Jones and possible Early Ducet from LSU would make me pretty happy. I'm sure there are good receivers to be had in the second or thrid round, but i'd like a more polished guy as opposed to a Skyler Green/Issaih Steinbech, although i still hope Steinbech pans out.
by CTBoy on Dec 28, 2007 8:51 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I disagree about the WR position
our future #1 WR is more than likely on the team already. Our young trio of Hurd, Austin and Stanback are much better than any WR we could draft. I think they are all superior to players such as Doucet, Sweed, and Jackson.
If we draft a WR, I'm hoping he's more of a punt returner because although Crayton is very serviceable, we need a true threat at that position.
by Terry on Dec 28, 2007 9:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
IMHO, if one player kept dropping in the draft...
... and his name was Mario Manningham (WR/Michigan), I'd love for us to draft him.
He's a game breaker.
My wish (just my fantasy -- you're all entitled to yours)...
a corner with the first 1st rounder (Aqib Talib or Malcolm Jenkins or even Leodis McKelvin).
Manningham with the second 1st rounder.
Felix Jones or Jamaal Charles or Jonathan Stewart or Steve Slaton with our 2nd rounder.
I sure as heck hope that the King actually KEEPS ALL OF HIS DRAFT PICKS THIS YEAR instead of being too cute. I would love for us to plug up some holes/weaknesses (like at corner) and plan for the future by adding depth.
As much as I love the progress of Crayton, Hurd, Austin... and the prospects of Stanback... there's still question marks because Hurd, Austin and Stanback has not proven themselves as starting full-time receivers against top-flight competition. And that's why I'd love for us to at least add Manningham.
As Jimmy J used to believe, the better the talent in training camp, the better the competition/effort/determination/motivation for each player to prove themselves. If we were able to draft MM, it would bring out the best in our current receivers (for the future, TO might have two more years left, and I realistically don't see us re-signing Terry Glenn) to prove themselves next season.
Like I said, just my humble opinion...
by kcbrett5 on Dec 29, 2007 11:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Manningham is overrated
to be honest and is slipping on the mocks. He is going to have a monster combine workout to stay in the first round. I wouldn't touch him until the 2nd round. There are other WR's I would take before Manningham including Limas Sweed (Texas) Desean Jackson (California) Malcolm Kelly (OSU) all expected to go before Manningham.
by Cowboys81 on Dec 29, 2007 1:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, if MM drops...
... to the 2nd round and he's up when we draft, I do hope we take him.
by kcbrett5 on Dec 29, 2007 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I have not problem with that
We could have an extra 2nd rounder also if Jerry trades down. I do think a WR will be taken anywhere from the 2nd to the 4th round this draft.
by Cowboys81 on Dec 29, 2007 1:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I've said it before
I really think that felix Jones will stay in school for another year, dont have any info on it one way or another, I just think he'll stay another year to boost his stock, this year is just a deep class at running back.
The guy I really like to see the cowboys draft is Jonathan Stewart, he's the most complete back in this draft. Probably have to trade up a couple spots to get ahead of houston to probably get him, so I'll be hoping for Houston to win this weekend and for Cleveland to lose. if that happens, clevelands pick for us will be number twenty, houston around seventeen depending on what other teams do this weekend.
MB3 isn't a lead back, at his size if he continues to take and deliver the pounding the way he does, he'll never last in this league for very long, its best to have a lead back and for MB3 to get 15 touches a game where he'll continue to be really effective for us for a long time. Jonathan Stewart is the lead back this team needs.
by Deke on Dec 28, 2007 9:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
the RB class is only deep if you include juniors
the senior class of RBs really suck IMO. Guys like McFadden, Jones and Stewart will make it deep who are underclassmen.
by Terry on Dec 28, 2007 9:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Re: Jonathan Stewart
I agree that he's a good back. But what we need is the home run hitter, not a short yardage back. MB is perfect in that role.
Supposedly, Jamaal Charles is staying for his senior season. I don't know about Jones, but my fingers are crossed that he opts out.
As to wideouts... if we pick one, I hope It's a tremendous upside type og uy. We already have enough guys on this team who project as #2; but none of them really have the speed nor the hands to lead a receiving corps. I'd target a project like Desean Jackson with the #20 pick. If he or (Miami safety)Kenny Phillips is there, jump for joy.
by Or Moyal on Dec 28, 2007 10:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Emmitt Smith
wasn't a home run hitter, he's only the all time leading rusher. Be carefull what stats indicate in college, most of them are over blown.
I thought Cedric Benson would be a top ten bust, and thus far he hasn't done alot in the Pros to prove me wrong.
Jonathan Stewart can take it the distance, and the guy drags tacklers, he's an all around back. I'd be estatic if the cowboys could land him. I like Desean Jackson too but at this point, he would be a target of the eagles at around fifteen in the draft. Forget kenny Phillips, he'll be long gone by the time we pick with Clevelands pick.
by Deke on Dec 28, 2007 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
what Moyal is saying Deke is that
Stewart and MB3 are the same type of back. Its always better to have 2 backs with different running styles, like JJ and MB3.
by Terry on Dec 28, 2007 1:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
they are not the same backs
Stewart is a franchise all around lead type back, he's bigger, faster and more elusive than Barber, I'm not taking anything away from barber, he is a great compliment back when his carries are limite, he is highly sucessful, I want him to be effective for us for the long haul, the continuing pounding he takes will only shorten his career dramatically with his style.
by Deke on Dec 28, 2007 2:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jerry isn't going to draft Stewart
if he signs MB3 to a multi year deal worth 5 million a year.
by Terry on Dec 28, 2007 3:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And you know this how ?
maybe he going after Dmac
5 mil a year maybe he won't pay him
And as good as [Marion] Barber is, most scouts don't rate him in the class of McFadden, who some suggest will be as good as Adrian Peterson, this year's running back phenomenon
by Arkcowboys on Dec 28, 2007 6:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
he's no where as good as AP
just a taller version of Reggie Bush. Overrated.
by Terry on Dec 28, 2007 11:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yea I will love torching you next year
when Dmac is a star and Dallas should have gone after him
by Arkcowboys on Dec 28, 2007 11:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, just like Bush is a star
by Terry on Dec 28, 2007 11:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Terry how in
the world can you say he is not as good as AP when the kid hasn't played a down in the NFL. He could be as good or better than AP. Think before you speak man! C'mon, I know you are a DMAC hater but think before you speak. He is not even close to a Reggie Bush. If you want to compare him to anyone right now it's AP, not Reggie Bush. DMAC and AP are simliar in size and speed with AP being about 10 pounds heavier.
Did you know that DMAC was rated as a better pro in college than AP? When this kid is tearing it up in the NFL next season your going to eat some major crow.
by Cowboys81 on Dec 29, 2007 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jerry is drafting someone
because it won't be MB3 doing it by himself next season.
by Cowboys81 on Dec 28, 2007 8:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Charles will go back
Charles in charge
Texas junior running back Jamaal Charles says he at least would need to be projected as a first-round NFL draft choice next year in order to forgo his senior year in 2008.
Most likely I'm coming back, said Charles, who ranks 13th nationally with 121.5 rushing yards per game.
Asked what would happen if he were projected in the second round, Charles said, I don't know. I want to be a first-round pick.
by Arkcowboys on Dec 28, 2007 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cleveland pick #20
If Tennessee beats Indy, Cleveland is out of the playoffs, regardless if the Browns win or lose.
If the Titans win and Cleveland wins, the Browns will be the only 10-6 team to not make the playoffs, and will be pick 20.
If the Titans lose, Cleveland makes the playoffs regardless of a win or loss. Cleveland can make the playoffs at 9-7 (if Tennessee and Cleveland lose, the Titans will have a worse Conference record).
If Tennessee wins (10-6), Cleveland loses (9-7), Minnesota wins (9-7), and Washington wins (9-7), then Minnesota is pick 20 and Cleveland is pick 19. Minnesota will be pick 20 because of a higher Strength of Schedule.
So...Cleveland and SanFran kickoff at 1PM ET. The game should be over before Washington and the Cowboys kickoff at 4:15PM ET. If the 49ers pull off a miracle and beat the Browns, then the Cowboys are better off loseing to Washington.
by DeRat on Dec 28, 2007 11:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Tennessee will win
The colts already said they're resting most of their starters, anothe rteam that has nothing to play for, manning may play a quarter, if that. Thats why I have Cleveland with the twenty pick
by Deke on Dec 28, 2007 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Go After the 3rd Arkansas RB
IMO the best Arkansas back for the Cowboys is Peyton Hillis.
Oliver Hoyte has a neck injury, this is the end for most FB's. Somebody is opening holes for McFadden and Jones, and Hillis is also a great receiver.
Unless Jonathan Stewart falls to the Cowboys, I wouldn't use a first round pick on a RB. You can find a complement to MB3 in a later round.
by DeRat on Dec 28, 2007 10:54 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
you could them all
Starting with Dmac unlikey as it seems tho
Felix Jones
Peyton Hillis - FB
R Felton - OG
M Monk - WR
by Arkcowboys on Dec 28, 2007 3:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree....Peyton Hillis would be...
A great selection, a much needed FB with great blocking ability and receiving skills...Hoyte will be gone, and with Anderson coming back from season ending injury, doesn't have the tools...
A top notch FB selected in the third round is as big of a need than any position on our team...
Owen Schmitt or Peyton Hillis...would be a very welcomed addition.
This is the way I see it :
1)pick 20 Felix Jones-RB
1)pick 31 McKelvin-CB
2)pick 62 Rodgers-Cromarte-CB
3)pick 93 Hillis-FB
4)pick124 ILB,DE,C/G
5)pick155 WR,SS,QB
6)pick186 RB,OLB
7)pick217 OG,DE
by BoyzRback07 on Dec 28, 2007 10:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I do like
the Felix Jones pick trading one Jones for the another, but we need a cover corner and a damn good wideout. I know we resigned Crayton, but Owens and Glenn r getting up there, eventhough Owens will be back I think Glenn is gone. And we need a replacement. !!!!!!!!
by thefan on Dec 28, 2007 6:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Everyone would like
a cover corner, but there is no such thing anymore and sure as heck is not one in the 2008 draft. CB is not a priority for this team. WR is also very weak where we are picking. We are better off sticking to Hurd and Austin and maybe get a FA WR in the offseason or make a trade for one.
by Cowboys81 on Dec 28, 2007 8:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
cover corner is a big need
for this team, and one will be taken in the first round, Henry has a history of injuries, and both newman and henry will be in their thirties when the season starts next year. Nate Jones has to go, he cant cover in man, he's nothing more than a warm body, the guy was cut earlier this year and no one even called to pick him up, that should tell you all you need to know about his ability and reeves cant cover other teams third receiver, he give too much cushion, he's solid as a fourth corner. This draft has some very good corners, dallas will be in the market for one early.
by Deke on Dec 28, 2007 8:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like Leodis McKelvin
with one of our first rd picks
by Terry on Dec 28, 2007 11:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Mckelvin will be a 2nd round pick
I wouldn't touch him higher than the 26th pick in the first round.
by Cowboys81 on Dec 29, 2007 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ok tell me Deke how do we get 12-2 record
without a decent CB's - I just don't understand how we did it this year sure was not our pass rush
I go CB in the second round
CB Dwight Lowery – 6-1 #190 San Jose St
CB Terrell Thomas 6-1 #200 USC
CB Charles Godfry 6-1 #208 Iowa
CB Trae Williams - 5 - 10 South Florida
later rounds
CB Justin Tryon 5 – 10 #180 ASU
by Arkcowboys on Dec 28, 2007 11:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I mean 13-2 ??????????
I mean
1 Sun, Sep 9 NY Giants W 45-35
2 Sun, Sep 16 @ Miami W 37-20
3 Sun, Sep 23 @ Chicago W 34-10
4 Sun, Sep 30 St. Louis W 35-7
5 Mon, Oct 8 @ Buffalo W 25-24
6 Sun, Oct 14 New England L 27-48
7 Sun, Oct 21 Minnesota W 24-14
9 Sun, Nov 4 @ Philadelphia W 38-17
10 Sun, Nov 11 @ NY Giants W 31-20
11 Sun, Nov 18 Washington W 28-23
12 Thu, Nov 22 NY Jets W 34-3
13 Thu, Nov 29 Green Bay W 37-27
14 Sun, Dec 9 @ Detroit W 28-27
15 Sun, Dec 16 Philadelphia L 6-10
16 Sat, Dec 22 @ Carolina W 20-13
was all smoke an mirrors ?
by Arkcowboys on Dec 28, 2007 11:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Its called having a great QB
all the great teams in the league have one
by Terry on Dec 28, 2007 11:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
wishful thinking Deke
but it's not going to happen. Not in the first round, maybe the second. Do you honestly think a rookie can come in here be a major contributor to this defense. The problem is not the CBs, its the safety play. When will you guys start to realize this? People have to take in account the injuries we had at the CB position this year, the reason for the inconsistent play. Also, the inexperience of Jones and Reeves.
I do think we need to get CB, either through the draft or FA. If Jerry doesn't package both picks he will take a RB with the Browns pick, maybe Felix Jones and Jerry will trade down our pick for an additional 2nd or 3rd round pick. Maybe then he will take a CB with the 2nd round pick. Leodis Mckelvin will probably be there in the top of the 2nd round.
by Cowboys81 on Dec 29, 2007 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's like you read my mind, CT...
I don't even like the University of Arkansas football team, but I gotta admit that whenever I get the chance to watch Darren McFadden and Felix Jones play... I relish the opportunity to be entertained.
Especially D-Mac.
And as much as I'd like to see him don the white, blue and silver... realistically, I too would love for us to re-sign The Barbarian and draft FJ.
I could envision the many creative ways Red Ball could use FJ -- and not just handing the ball off to him.
by kcbrett5 on Dec 29, 2007 11:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Kevin Smith
I wouldn't mind jones. What about kevin Smith in the second round. The guy is ubeleivable. He is close to breaking barry sanders record for rushing and he can return kicks
by emmitt22 on Dec 29, 2007 12:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Smith is a really nice back
but there has been talk of him staying in school one more year
by Deke on Dec 29, 2007 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I heard that, too...
by kcbrett5 on Dec 29, 2007 1:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
not sure
OrlandoSentinel.com
OK, so word is that UCF junior Kevin Smith will officially announce his intention to stay in school for his senior campaign next season on Tuesday.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbc...
I've already got my class schedule for next semester," said Smith, who stuck around for a weightlifting session almost an hour after the Knights got off the practice field. "I don't know if anybody knows that yet or not, but I'll be back in school.
"Unless coach kicks me off the team, I'm going to be here and have my senior season," Smith continued. "I still have a lot to work on in football. It's great that I can run for some good numbers and that people are considering me for (the NFL), but that's just something that will drive me even harder in the offseason."
"The numbers, yeah, I'm surprised by those. But the way I'm playing, really the game has slowed down for me," Smith said. "Obviously, my offensive line is blocking great and coach is giving me the rock. Not every play is a long run, but I try to stay patient. And if I keep getting the ball a lot in games, eventually, I'm going to do something big with it."
so who knows
by Arkcowboys on Dec 29, 2007 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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