Scouting report

by Dave Halprin on Apr 22, 2007 10:18 AM CDT in Dallas Cowboys News

In this DMN article, Jerry Jones reiterates the idea that this draft will be all about the scout’s input. The coaches are spending their time getting to know the current roster and creating the offenses and defenses that we’ll use. They’ve already given the scouts info on the type of players they want, leaving it all up to the guys who spend everyday thinking about college players.

It all sounds good and proper, the way you’d think a professional football organization would run its draft. But I still worry about one thing – the super scout. The one who can overrule all the other scouts. In Dallas, that super scout is Jerry Jones. Let’s hope he can manage to stay out of his own way.

From the article you also get this interesting little story from an early Parcells’ draft in Dallas.

The night before the 2003 draft, scouts and personnel people wanted the team to draft Terence Newman, the cornerback from Kansas State, if he was available.
Parcells preferred Oklahoma State defensive tackle Kevin Williams.
Owner/general manager Jerry Jones took Parcells out to dinner and convinced him Newman was the better choice. The next day, Dallas selected Newman as the No. 5 pick in the first round, and he's started every game since.

Rick Gosselin has his second mock draft out and selects a player for Dallas that none of us have really mentioned over the last month.

Dallas Michael Griffin S Texas COMMENT: Best special-teamer in the draft

I’ve seen Griffin’s name before on a mock draft or two, but never really considered him as the pick. But if Goose says it, I guess we have to consider it. He’s not the guy for me even though I’ve seen some good things about his aggressive play and his versatility.

Thoughts?

Goose also breaks down the defensive line candidates, here.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I like him

I've heard nothing but good things about Griffin. Supposedly he is a smart kid and a good special teamer like you said.

I'm always for drafting those Texas boys.

If we can't manage a trade to get out of the first round, I like him and Aaron Ross.

by Jordan2 on Apr 22, 2007 11:31 AM CDT reply actions

cornerback

just take one..

by Junit3123 @ Blogging The Boys on Apr 22, 2007 11:53 AM CDT reply actions

Michael Griffin

Would be my pick in the 1st and I would look to Fred Bennett later in the draft.

I think Fred has the most upside for the later pick cb's. Between Fred and Quincy Butler we might have a good option to Henry by the 08 - 09 season.

I like all I've heard about Griffin's character and leadership. Plus, and I imagine I'm not the only one with this thought, but Griffin could play SS in case Roy becomes just too much of a coverage liability.

by JJshairgel on Apr 22, 2007 1:53 PM CDT reply actions

Griffin is an attractive pick

and can play either safety position. He has good speed and good technique in coverage and plays the run very well. It is not clear if he is the leader we need in this position. Griffin is also a special team monster.

As for Hamlin, Coach Phillips said he signed Hamlin for his leadership and direction for the secondary. I would think that Griffin is 3rd on the depth chart there behind Hamlin and Watkins.

There are two CB (Ross and Houston) still on the board when Gosselin picks Griffin for the Cowboys. I would rather take one of them. I also don't think you draft in the 1st round for special teamers.

by lee3022 on Apr 22, 2007 2:18 PM CDT reply actions

Gosselin is way off

No way we take Griffin over Bowe or even Staely. He will not be the BPA when pick number 22 is on the clock.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 22, 2007 2:28 PM CDT reply actions

I can't see us taking Griffin

I still say CB or WR.

But Griffin is one of the top 3 safeties, and a great college player. I've seen him projected to NE in a lot of mocks, and that sounds more realistic.

by APerfectStar on Apr 22, 2007 3:08 PM CDT reply actions

Not drafting a true FS at 22

Forget about FS guys, not with the 22nd pick anyway. With our 22nd pick we are either drafting a true CB or a WR. We have two starting CB's (Glenn, Henry) that may not be on the team come this time next year.

Everyone keeps forgetting Watkins has a ton of potential and was a rookie last year. Lets not throw him under the bus just yet. Another year could do wonders for him. He has the speed and size to be a very good FS in this league. Are priorities are CB, WR, NT, C, in this draft, NOT a FS

by Cowboys81 on Apr 22, 2007 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I disagree

although Watkins showed promise last season, you can't pass on a guy like Nelson if he falls to you at 22. Don't forget, Phillips defense won't work without a great centerfielder.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 23, 2007 7:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Not sold on Nelson..

Nelson is good, not great. If are strategy is to take a FS I would trade down a few spots and get Merriweather. There is not much of a drop off between the two, in fact I like him better than Nelson, plus he can play CB.

We need to draft a player that will contribute right away that's why CB or WR makes the most sense. Many mocks have us taking Aaron Ross or Robert Meachem. I will also throw in Tedd Ginn Jr. I think one of those three will be drafted by us.

Something to keep in mind also is if Branch slips to around 15 Jerry might consider moving up to get him. I've seen him in the 13 to 15 range on a lot of mocks

by Cowboys81 on Apr 23, 2007 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions