Back to blogging at BTB

by Dave Halprin on Apr 21, 2008 5:06 PM CDT in News Comment 13 comments

Thank goodness, we’ve made the changeover to BTB 2.0 fairly successfully. At least we did it without a lot of obvious pain. I know there are still some bugs and quirks we’re trying to work out and I can assure you the tech guys are working furiously behind the scenes. Everything seems to be going as well as could be expected. Our tech guys put up a welcome post introducing the new site this morning so I haven’t blogged all day in hopes that most people would see the post and learn all about the new 2.0 version of the blog. But I couldn’t wait any longer and had to post, so you can find that introduction here or just go to the post preceding this one. They also have an email address where you can send bug reports and they are monitoring the comments on that thread for any problems. So take advantage of that if you have encountered issues with the new format.

Also, I created a Roll Call FanPost, here. Please sign in and let us know who all is here. If you’re a vet of BTB, let us know you’re still here. If you're new - I noticed a few lurkers took this opportunity to join the discussion - let us know so we can welcome you. If you’re a vet but had a name change, fill us in on that information, too.

And a big Hat Tip to thebigham, the first person to use the FanShots, here. A perfect use of FanShots, something I hope more of you will take advantage of; if you just want to post a link, a video, a picture or something quick with little commentary, use a FanShot.

OK, so what’s going with the draft. I mean, that’s really what it’s all about right now, unless the Pacman deal crops up again. Over at the Star-T they agree that in the first round the Cowboys should go RB or CB.

Which of the three "need" positions -- RB, WR, CB -- can the Cowboys afford to address last in the NFL draft this weekend?

NEW DAWG: Easy one: Wide receiver. The Cowboys lost their nickel and dime backs in free agency. You must have four good corners with the schedule they play. RB Marion Barber needs a backup, and the Cowboys may need to let Barber go after this season if he’s hellbent on a $60 million contract. I say the Cowboys use the 22nd pick on a running back because Pittsburgh and San Diego will probably take one before the Cowboys’ 28th selection.

BUCK: I’ve said all along -- even with a pickup of Pacman -- the Cowboys’ first-round priorities in this draft are cornerback and running back. Wide receiver is something they get through free agency or a draft-day deal. If not ... Rounds 2-4. The Cowboys have their full complement of picks. Don’t panic. Don’t get cute. In other words, don’t Quincy around on us, please.

I know some of you don’t want to pick a RB in the first round but I think we should if one of the top four are still on the board and there’s no value left at the CB position. I hear everybody say you can get a RB later in round 2 or 3, and that’s true, but that doesn’t mean everyone of those backs are worthy NFL contributors. You still have to get the right one or you blew it. I’m going with the quality of the first round instead of trying to hit on one later. But if a quality CB is available, that’s my pick.

Speaking of CB’s, my friend Matt Miller has this to say about the Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys are hoping to find Antoine Cason (Arizona) on the board with the 22nd pick in the first round. We also hear the team likes Brandon Flowers (Virginia Tech) as a physical man-to-man corner. Cornerbacks in a 3-4 defense must be able to man-up, with so much emphasis being placed on the pass rush.

More and more talk is bubbling up about the Cowboys and Antoine Cason. In mock drafts, we always see Felix Jones associated with the Cowboys but now Cason’s name keeps coming up. The Star-T:

22. Dallas Cowboys Felix Jones, WR, Arkansas Julius Jones, who left for Seattle, could be replaced by another Jones, who is used to sharing carries.
28. Dallas Cowboys Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona Terence Newman and Anthony Henry played hurt last season, and Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones left in free agency.

The Kansas City Star:

22 DALLAS COWBOYS (from Cleveland) RB Felix Jones, Arkansas Cowboys don’t want to wait until pick No. 28.
28 DALLAS COWBOYS CB Antoine Cason, Arizona Cowboys could trade pick to team looking to take QB.

But the guys at the DMN – Todd Archer – blow the clean sweep.

22. Cowboys (Archer) - Arkansas RB Felix Jones
28. Cowboys (Archer) - Kansas CB Aqib Talib

0 recs | Comment 13 comments

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Comments

If Stewart or Mendenhall drops

I think you have to take them at 22. Otherwise I’d like a corner at 22, followed by Felix if he’s available, or perhaps a trade-down to get a Jamaal Charles-type in round 2.

The beauty of the Cowboys situation is that they could presumably take anyone that drops if there’s a lot of value in the pick, or pull a Brady Quinn. Both a corner and a RB will be available at 28, or in the 2nd or 3rd, so I think you have to consider best available if a top 10 or 15 talent falls in our laps. I wouldn’t be opposed to trading up for DRC if he falls enough, either.

by MeanMr.Mustard on Apr 21, 2008 5:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Stewart

I’m fascinated by Stewart. I think a 1-2 punch of Barber and Stewart would make an impression. However, he’s out until, perhaps, September. Don’t the Cowboys need a running back who can play in the first game? Does that limit their ability to draft Stewart? In fact, don’t they really need two more running backs? If so, do they draft another or grab a free agent cast-off?

by Shotgun_twelve on Apr 21, 2008 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dallas Draft..

I am a big Cason..I think he is what this team need…Speed..both in the return game and on offense..He will probably be available at #22…The #28…if the guy they are after is there ok..Maybe one of the corner backs..BUT..this is where i believe the boys will trade down..and still get a good back..Maybe Jamal Charles..in the second..or another corner in the third..and..of course..This depends on the signing of Pac Man..

by bevomav on Apr 21, 2008 6:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good points.

Purely speculation on my part, I bet we stand pat with a first round CB even without Pacman and try to pick one up off some team’s practice squad or land a cheap veteran after training camp cuts.

by MeanMr.Mustard on Apr 21, 2008 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Holy crap!

Where am I?? This is like Grizz moved from a frat house to a Blog Groupie Party Crib.

I’d be quite happy with Cason, and we could always use another Jones around valley Ranch…

by dunkman on Apr 21, 2008 7:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

CB, Safety

CB at 22, Safety at 28, RB in the second round.

We do not need a 1st RD running back..backing up MBIII

by tb0n3 on Apr 21, 2008 7:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

for conversation sake, why not?

by Dave Halprin on Apr 21, 2008 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Theoretically

A Pro Bowl RB should be able to carry enough of the load to wait until 2nd, 3rd, or later to find a capable backup. Just playing Devil’s advocate — I personally think we should take one either in the first or the early 2nd if Jerry can squeeze an extra pick out of a trade-down.

I think we need a good backup both as insurance in the event of injury or Rosenhaus and as a change of pace.

by MeanMr.Mustard on Apr 21, 2008 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

WR

What am I miss on Sam Hurd. He seem to catch what thrown his way and Stanback is fast, but I will assume he will be ready (healthy) this year. IMHO CB at 22 and RB 28.

I live and die with the Dallas Cowboys

by stxshooter on Apr 21, 2008 9:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Fill the Need for Speed......

If DRC falls to 15, I would like to see the Dallas attempt to trade up with their 1-22 plus their 3rd-rounder and/or player.

Then select Chris Johnson with 1-28, and Donnie Avery their 2nd-rounder.

That would add some speed.

Otherwise, I agree with tb0n3….CB, S, RB on the first day.

Carry on

by FortyThree on Apr 21, 2008 9:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

CB & RB

CB & RB make sense, but Matt Miller’s analysis-“Cornerbacks in a 3-4 defense must be able to man-up, with so much emphasis being placed on the pass rush”-isn’t right. The front seven doesn’t determine the coverage scheme of the secondary. Plenty of 3-4 teams play primarily zone.

by BlueStarDude on Apr 22, 2008 6:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wait on the reciever

This will be a top heavey draft for running back and cornerback. We need to draft one of the top guys at each position before we are left with the scraps. The wide recievers in this draft are deep but none are really considered first round talents. We should be able to get one of the top guys in this draft as late as the third round.

Which would not bother me since JErry really seems to want to get a vet anyway. If we don’t get one in the draft or by trade I would think that he would make a major move to sign Roy Williams as a free agent next year.

by rlgiv on Apr 22, 2008 8:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs