Draft Owen Schmitt
by patrickindenton on Jan 15, 2008 3:41 PM CST
41 comments
There's a couple of areas in need on this team. Mel Kiper says the Cowboys are old and getting older at WR. True. In addition, anyone with a functioning set of eyes and a brain could see we can't afford to have Facemask Reeves out on the field in anything other than injury-driven desperation.
The one area that I've not seen a whole lot of conversation about (granted, it's only Tuesday), though, is the running game. I think it's a unique opportunity for improvement for a couple of reasons. First, we've already got the difficult-to-find pieces in Jones (game breaker) and Barber (bruiser). Second, the draft this year provides an opportunity to get the missing link that will tie it all together: Mountaineer fullback Owen Schmitt.
What got the Cowboys in an offensive funk down the stretch, what's caused Julius Jones to be such a letdown as a feature back and what wore MB3 down in the second half of the Giants game is that they don't have a decent fullback on this team. The Cowboys haven't had a decent fullback since Moose retired. If Jerry had sprung for both Eddie George AND Lorenzo Neal, I think Eddie's time here would have been quite different.
Owen Schmitt is exactly the kind of player the Cowboys need to connect the rest of the pieces of the running game. He's going to be the Lorenzo Neal or Moose Johnston or Tom Rathman of this upcoming draft class...maybe this generation...of players. Here's how he instantly improves the running game for Jones and Barber and possibly even improves Romo's game:
Julius Jones: Jones is a second level runner, a guy who can break a run if he can get into the open field. The problem, up to now, is that he can't get past the first level. He is constantly brought down by arm tackles at the line or by linebackers plugging the hole. Jones is the kind of runner who needs a fullback to lead for him. Schmitt's got the size and the resume to fit that need perfectly.
Marion Barber: MB3...well, what can you say about how hard this guy runs? He's a hell of a lot of fun to watch. The problem is his running style gasses him as we very clearly saw on Sunday. Besides splitting carries with another back, what can be done to help him stay in the game longer? Give him a lead blocker. MB3 is a first level runner, but first level runners expend a whole lot of energy breaking through those linemen and linebackers. A lead back with Schmitt's size would be perfect to reduce the wear on MB3 while keeping his brutal running style in the game for longer.
Tony Romo: Who wouldn't want 6'3 250lbs next to you in the shotgun to pick up the blitz? Just imagine if the guy can learn to catch passes in the flat like Moose used to...
Schmitt's not going to fly under anyone's radar and we'll have to wait and see what happens in free agency before we'll see if he might figure into their draft plans. At the end of the day, however, I think that he presents a unique opportunity to make both our feature backs...and possibly our quarterback...better.
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I wouldn't mind...
having a crazy guy like this blocking for me.
I forgot that he did this during the Louisville game this year...
by smt83 on Jan 15, 2008 3:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I like Owen Schmitt
but JuJo is not going to be here next year.
by Burt D on Jan 15, 2008 3:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yep
I wanted to cover that part in a little more depth, Burt D, but that initial diary was getting long!
I wonder if the Cowboys are going to try and resign Jones...he strikes me as a Parcells guy and I think we all know he'd probably prefer to go somewhere where he's the undisputed #1 instead of splitting series/carries with MB3. I think he'd be significantly better if he'd have a lead blocker like Schmitt to help him get through the first level of the defense, but I've not kept up enough with interest in him as a FA to know if we've got a shot to see that in Dallas next year or somewhere else.
Bringing this around to Schmitt, I think that's what makes him such an intriguing pick: He's going to make the running game as a whole much better, whether he's blocking for Julius Jones and Barber, Felix Jones and Barber, Steve Slanton and Barber or [insert name of draft-eligible RB here] and Barber.
by patrickindenton on Jan 15, 2008 6:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
getting old? Cowboys are 4th youngest team in NFL
by Terry on Jan 15, 2008 3:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
He said at WR
by Dave Halprin on Jan 15, 2008 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That should be qualified because
even though T.O. is 34 in chronological years, he really has the body of a 27 year old. His trainer said that he probably could play at his high level for another 5 to 6 years if he really wanted to.
So in reality, TG is our only WR who is old and getting old.
by Terry on Jan 15, 2008 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It wasn't even the point of the article
by Dave Halprin on Jan 15, 2008 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I know, but I just think Kiper is wrong because
we're actually very young at WR.
by Terry on Jan 15, 2008 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Did everyone forget
about Deon "Cricket" Anderson? Give him a chance next year before drafting another FB.
We have secondary, Wide Receiver, and Running Back needs. Whether that be FA or draft these areas need to be addressed before spending another draft pick on another FB. If Hoyte won't be here next year, we probably go FA. I wouldn't go with a 2nd year and a rookie FBs.
If Hoyte stays, then we are already filled at FB.
by DaveTroll on Jan 15, 2008 3:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Anderson would be great depth at FB
and I would rather have him devote all his energy to ST's, we need people like Davis and Anderson who only do special teams.
by Burt D on Jan 15, 2008 3:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dunno if we have room for backup FBs
on the active roster every game. Anderson seems a more natural fit than Hoyte at FB and Deon should get the opportunity. Who was Julius' lead blocker those two years where he actually looked good?
by albyman32 on Jan 15, 2008 4:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
when Cricket was healthy
both him and Hoyte where active on game day.
by Burt D on Jan 15, 2008 4:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good news for Hoyte
He doesn't need neck surgery as previously thought
by Deke on Jan 15, 2008 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hoyte is welcome to compete for a job
But this team definitely needs more blocking help.
Owen "I have the strength of 10 men" Schmitt would be a welcome addition. We could carry Cricket and Schmitty as our FB's.
by APerfectStar on Jan 15, 2008 4:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We need to acquire
another stud WR this offseason. I think we also need to draft one. Maybe with our second first round pick or second round pick. Manningham will be a late first or second round pick. We have to go get a #2 WR to play opposite TO next year and that should be accomplished through FA or a trade.
by Cowboys81 on Jan 15, 2008 5:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Come on guys..Schmitt IS the guy we NEED.
You are sold on Crickett Anderson? ... why ? because we used a 6th rounder on him warrants that he starts ? I don't think so.
What has he done ? nothing...has great attitude, tenacity, and driven to overcome limited abilities.
He'd make a great back up and special teams ace..I am a season ticket holder, and former player/alum of UConn, and Anderson doesn't come close to Schmitts ability,I have covered him throughout his college career, and would like to keep him on the team, as a backup and special teams ace only.
Owen Schmitt should be a priority, and I'd trade up in the third round to get him, our 3rd and a 6th/7th rounder or both to move into early third round.I've played FB for years, it's takes much more than lead blocking ability, and Schmitt brings much to the table, an extra pass protect guard in passing game, a more then viable receiving option on check downs, and would be my #1 run option on 3rd and 1's, and goal line.
Patrickindenton was exactly correct in his assessment, well noted.
IMO, FB is as much a need as CB and RB.I don't see anyone worthy in FA. So here's our draft order and how it should go :
1a) RB or CB preference to get Felix Jones.
1b) CB or RB would love to see McKelvin here.
- CB hope he's here, Rodgers-Cromarte
- FB Owen Schmitt- battering ram for years.
- WR-SS wishful thinking-Josh Barrett-SS
- QB will be several servicable QB's.
- traded in 3rd- to aquire Schmitt
- traded in 3rd - or OG
by BoyzRback07 on Jan 15, 2008 5:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
He was injured and put on IR
so you want to get rid of him without seeing what he can do????? I never said to start Anderson anyway.
Obviously, the coaching staff saw enough of him to keep him and play him. But why spend more money on a position that is already filled? We have more needs in other positions than at FB.
by DaveTroll on Jan 15, 2008 8:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
During those few games in the middle of the
season when we had fullback problems I came to realize how important they are and how you need to have good depth.
by Burt D on Jan 15, 2008 8:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But we don't need 3 FBs
that just takes a position from somewhere else. Isn't that why we don't keep 3 QBs?
Yeah, Anderson would be good on ST, but he would still be classified as a FB. There is no set position of ST player.
by DaveTroll on Jan 15, 2008 8:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
cuz Hoyte is not that good
we need 2
by Burt D on Jan 15, 2008 9:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, so you say Hoyte is gone
so we bring in another young FB?
I am just saying Anderson is a hard hitting player as well (that's how he hurt his shoulder was blowing through a wedge on a kickoff), when he got his chance to start he did pretty good (not great) for a rookie: 6 receptions for 55 yards, avg 9.2 yards and long 17 yards. I can't vouch for his blocking because no stats for his blocking. And I don't have video footage of his blocking.
by DaveTroll on Jan 15, 2008 9:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Anderson was improving as a blocker
when he got hurt, Wade said he had his best game against the Eagles and I think Grizz confirmed this in his game review.
Hoyte is a non-option in the passing game, and while he is a good blocker when he gets his hands on someone, he often does not make the block he should.
by Burt D on Jan 15, 2008 9:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, who did you like better
Hoyte or Polite?
by DaveTroll on Jan 15, 2008 9:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hoyte
he is a better blocker... but why is that relevant?
by Burt D on Jan 15, 2008 9:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just curious
that's all, because now you say we should let him go.
by DaveTroll on Jan 15, 2008 10:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
we let him go only if we draft a FB better than
him, which I hope we do. Romo needs a safety valve and Hoyte doesn't provide that.
by Burt D on Jan 15, 2008 10:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok,
sorry just trying to see why give up a more experienced player for a rookie. He may not be what he was before, but I think his neck injury may have something to do with it. I don't know, because they had to rush him back after Anderson got hurt. We didn't get anyone to fill in while both were hurt.
I just feel there are much more needs than another young FB.
We shall see. Appreciated this, thanks Burt D!!
by DaveTroll on Jan 15, 2008 10:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No prob
but Hoyte is not that experienced he is a second year player who was a linebacker in college.
by Burt D on Jan 15, 2008 10:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ummmm...pay attention DaveTroll...
I never once said get rid of Anderson, just don't start him. I want him on the team, I think he is a great team mate, a valuable special teams guy, and an viable back up FB.
And if you said he shouldn't be starting, why in the world would you object to bettering the position, and have Crickett for depth.
And how do you figure the position is filled ?????
cuz you saw a live body line up in front of our RB's ?... Hoyte is lousy..i'm sorry, and Anderson hasn't shown you anything to think the position is "filled" ...
It is filled with a converted LB and a marginal 6th round rookie, that has played but a few games....think again my friend, this position is far from filled.
And what needs, please do tell, are you going to fill with our 3rd round pick that would immediatly improve the position ?
Oh...so you Don't want to spend more money on a position that is filled ?????????????????????????? ummm...cuz draft picks cost money, starter or not,
ummm...We can draft 7 CB's ??? next year and none of them will start over Newman and Henry, we draft 3 RB's??? and none will start over MBIII, why not draft a WR ??? oh, cuz none would start over TO,TG,Crayton,Hurd,Stanback,Austin ???? How bout draft 2-3 more offensive lineman to groom for the future too, while we're at it??? cuz not one lineman we draft would start next year for the Cowboys.... ...you following me here ?
FB is the ONLY position on our team that we can actually draft someone to start and be a major upgrade over our existing FB's, come right in and have him start this upcoming season...now that sounds like an open position to me...not filled..get it ? ...good
Dave, enlighten me, please explain to me who would be a better pick than Owen Schmitt in the 3rd round of this years draft ? and please explain why he would be a better, more logical pick..not some generic "we have more needs in other positions than at FB" ...thank you.
by BoyzRback07 on Jan 15, 2008 10:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like Schmitt
But CB, RB and WR are priorities; however, there are a number of FB prospects in this draft and I agree we should upgrade this position. Besides, FB's are similar to LB's in special team skills (which definitely needs an upgrade, not to mention a new position coach)!
by Long Ball on Jan 15, 2008 6:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The Glaring Area Of Need
Besides a solid corner to keep Jacques Reeves off the field I think that kick and punt coverage is the one thing that we absolutely have to significantly improve this offseason.
Don't know if Schmitt can help with that tall order or not!
by patrickindenton on Jan 15, 2008 6:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Is schmitt better than
hillis?
I don't know schmitt and never seen him play.I am high on hillis though.so this is a genuine question.
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 15, 2008 6:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
yeah trueblue24...he is better...
Schmitt is much larger, considered a dominant lead blocker, with a nasty disposition...he looks for people to destroy..he can catch, pass protect, and run...
Hillis is more of a Larry Centers type FB, Not nearly as good as Centers, but he's not considered a a good blocker, he's more known for his offensive production, he a great receiver though, and can run as well...even returns punts...Hillis will do well in NFL, if used properly, He's more of an H-back like Cooley from Washington.
Schmitt is more like a Lorenzo Neal blocker, but has offensive ability like Mike Alstott.
He is just a much bigger version of Daryl "Moose" Johnston.
by BoyzRback07 on Jan 15, 2008 11:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree mostly, but Hillis can block - just not...
... as well as Schmitt!
Oh my Owen Schmitt is gonna be the TOP FB in the draft.
Talk about killin' people for our tailback, I'd love it if we landed this moving boulder.
by kcbrett5 on Jan 16, 2008 11:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
top fullback or not
I wouldn't waste any pick higher than a fifth on a fullback, Anderson showed alot of progress before he was injured, the kid loves contact.
by Deke on Jan 16, 2008 11:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I seen some video on Schmitt
mainly running the ball and catching some passes. Anybody have a video of him blocking to show how good of a blocker he is? If I understand what people say we need a blocker that apparently Anderson isn't.
by DaveTroll on Jan 15, 2008 9:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Anderson is a good blocker...but...
not nearly as powerful as Schmitt, can't run like Schmitt, and not as good of a receiver either.../
by BoyzRback07 on Jan 15, 2008 11:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I understand people arguing that we have more
pressing needs than a fullback, but I am going to have to agree that if we can get Schmitt in the 3rd, we should jump on him.
We have three picks in the first two rounds, and should select, in order, CB, WR, RB, only because of the depth of RB in this draft and the fact that we can get a solid back in the second round, and don't have to waste first round money. There are our top three draft priorities, done.
After that we are in thet hird round, and if we can move up to get Schmitt, who i see as a once in an offense changing type of player, we grab him.
Being from Connecticut, I love Cricket. LOVE him. He would be a very good backup fullback in a similar mode to how Lorenzo Neal was a backup to Mike Allstott in Tampa way back in the day. in the goal line, Neal would line up at fullback with Alstott as the deep back. In a similar vein, we could put Cricket in front of Schmitt in the goal line.
Or better yet, imagine a goalline setting with Fasano and Witten at both TE, lining up with Barber deep back and both Cricket and Schmitt split in front of him, with Schmitt motioning out to line up behind Columbo and Witten, and running an offtackle behind Cricket, Bigg, Columbo, Schmitt, and Witten. There will be no team who could stop us from converting any 3rd or 4th and short.
by CTBoy on Jan 16, 2008 7:10 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
lol..CTBoy...I love that scenerio
You are totally right with everthing you wrote. My point exactly. Crickett would still be a big part of the team on special teams, and power backfield sets. Owen Schmitts don't grow on tree's....We are one of very few teams that can totally stock up all our needs in the first 2 rounds....leaving rounds 3-7 to position ourselves for the best available players. FB is the only position in the draft we can actually obtain a top FB early, and have him start immediately.
It would be hard pressed to find a first year starter at any other position, unless it was Desean Jackson as our #2 receiver, or McFadden as our #1 RB. or Jake Long at OT, Philips at SS, Dorsey or Long at DE,...
.Those are the only guys in this draft I feel can come here and start. And all will be gone in the first 10-15 picks.
by BoyzRback07 on Jan 16, 2008 10:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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