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Dallas Cowboys select TE Martellus Bennett at #61

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With the 61st pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the Dallas Cowboys select….Texas A&M TE Martellus Bennett.

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Comments

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sorry

couldn’t help myself

by amr512 on Apr 26, 2008 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We obviously need...

the opposite of a recommend.

by GhettoBear04 on Apr 26, 2008 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Its called

a -1

And the secret sources in Cincinnati get the last laugh....

by miles on Apr 26, 2008 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

third

Tar Heels football will surprise this year

by DalaiLuke on Apr 26, 2008 7:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I think this is too early for a tightend

Trade up a few spots to get ahead of Houston and draft Jonathan Stewart, thee best all around Back in the draft.

by Deke on Apr 26, 2008 7:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

co-sign

Isn’t OT-Michael Oher still on the board?

www.brainfriednetwork.com [NEWS/SPORTS/FOOTBALL]

by silverblue5 on Apr 26, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

nope

Oher announced he was leaving then reversed course and stayed at Ole Miss for his senior year. Houston Nutt (new coach) has developed good linemen. I bet big Mike goes top 5.

Speaking of Ole Miss linemen, I am still sad we didn’t grab Shawn Andrews in the 5th round a few years back.

by 325424 on Apr 26, 2008 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks 325424.

www.brainfriednetwork.com [NEWS/SPORTS/FOOTBALL]

by silverblue5 on Apr 26, 2008 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

From NFL.com

“Regarded as the “most complete” prospect at his respective position in the 2008 NFL Draft, Bennett combines excellent size, strength and quickness to excel not only as a clutch mid-range receiver, but also as a devastating blocker.”

by dieselT8 on Apr 26, 2008 7:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Our starting TE was a 3rd round pick

and we have drafted two 2nd round backups. UGHHH

by Impatient on Apr 26, 2008 7:54 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Great pick

Jerry is on fire again, glad quitter’s not making the picks now…

just got ownaged

by Longhorn on Apr 26, 2008 7:54 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

maybe he really is the best on our board?

Tar Heels football will surprise this year

by DalaiLuke on Apr 26, 2008 7:54 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

This pick makes no sense

Why in the world did we trade Fasano?

Bennett is going to play a ton, just seems like a high price to pay to replace a gu we just traded away.

by tasan on Apr 26, 2008 7:54 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Bennett >>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Fasano

just got ownaged

by Longhorn on Apr 26, 2008 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

holy crap

abstract comment art; i like it.

I'm one of the guys who built the new SB Nation

by odacrem on Apr 26, 2008 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am very pleased so far....

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

by BoyzRback on Apr 26, 2008 7:54 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Can this guy block or what?

conflicting reports on that and I don’t think I watched a single A&M game this year.

by Philosopher on Apr 26, 2008 7:55 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Bennett=Bust

Horrible pick. I’ve never been so pissed about a pick in my life. This was a dumb move.

by groves on Apr 26, 2008 7:55 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

6-6 / 259 ... i like those numbers

Reading his bio on NFL.com… i would not be surprised if he was high on our draft board

Tar Heels football will surprise this year

by DalaiLuke on Apr 26, 2008 7:57 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

and runs a 4.6

that’s insance.

just got ownaged

by Longhorn on Apr 26, 2008 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

insane*

just got ownaged

by Longhorn on Apr 26, 2008 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If he's the top guy

on the board left, then I guess I’m okay with that, just very surprised.

by tasan on Apr 26, 2008 7:58 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

and I don't understand that either

What did he accomplish at A&M? He has brick hands and a big mouth. All talk.

by groves on Apr 26, 2008 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fran neglected him in the offense

Bennett is a beast. Great pick.

And with the 22nd overall selection the Dallas Cowboys select Jonathan Stewart.

by TheBZA on Apr 26, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no

And the secret sources in Cincinnati get the last laugh....

by miles on Apr 26, 2008 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dumb

thing to say.

Lebron runs a 4.4 40

And the secret sources in Cincinnati get the last laugh....

by miles on Apr 26, 2008 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's not the sexy pick

We still need a WR, but likely can get value at 92 / 100

We could use a safety … and depth at OLine

The question is whether we can fill these holes later in the draft. With Curtis and Witten, I just don’t see our need.

Tar Heels football will surprise this year

by DalaiLuke on Apr 26, 2008 7:58 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

But damn...

Can he catch touchdowns or what?

by accidental innuendo on Apr 26, 2008 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't have a feel for Curtis

Some people were saying they felt he was every bit as good as Fasano…. maybe we made the trade yesterday with this pick in mind. He may be a steal if he proves to be a quality TE and special teams guy.

Tar Heels football will surprise this year

by DalaiLuke on Apr 26, 2008 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

never seen him but i’m sure they wouln’t have wasted a 2nd if he wasn’t worth it>>>>

"I guess I'm gonna fade into Bolivian." Mike tyson.

by hashishkabob on Apr 26, 2008 8:00 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

You mean like they did for Fasano

I hate this pick.

T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003

by APerfectStar on Apr 26, 2008 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This guy has so much upside you have no idea....

trust me….once he gets here…your gonna love the move…

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

by BoyzRback on Apr 26, 2008 8:00 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Please let you be right.

I could see a TE in the 3rd, but this surprised the hell outta me!

That #38 sure can hit!

by Aaron Novinger on Apr 26, 2008 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bennett

Not who I would’ve picked, but still should be a productive player. There just really wasn’t a whole lot on the board that filled a need, since Jerry is intent on grabbing a vet WR instead of grooming a rook for down the road

by MeanMr.Mustard on Apr 26, 2008 8:00 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

his size and speed sound good..

"I guess I'm gonna fade into Bolivian." Mike tyson.

by hashishkabob on Apr 26, 2008 8:01 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

6-6

is not tall enough to be a power forward…..

And the secret sources in Cincinnati get the last laugh....

by miles on Apr 26, 2008 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

later guy...

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

by BoyzRback on Apr 26, 2008 8:03 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

no trades

I’m realley excited about this year’s draft, I think it was a killer draft: getting jones, jenkins and bennet just made my day

by kermitisbell@aol.com on Apr 26, 2008 8:04 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Meh.......

ok draft I guess

And the secret sources in Cincinnati get the last laugh....

by miles on Apr 26, 2008 8:06 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

not sure how i feel, but it seems like a smart draft nothing fancy….

"I guess I'm gonna fade into Bolivian." Mike tyson.

by hashishkabob on Apr 26, 2008 8:07 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Not a fan at all.

What about Mario or Early?

Bourn to Run!

by jsams on Apr 26, 2008 8:08 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Mario scored a 6

on his wonderlic and seems to be a serious attitude problem

by 325424 on Apr 26, 2008 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll give you that, but

I just don’t understand a TE in the 2nd round.

Bourn to Run!

by jsams on Apr 26, 2008 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who

cares about wonderlic. How does that correspond with football?

And the secret sources in Cincinnati get the last laugh....

by miles on Apr 26, 2008 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Plus we could've used a WR

not a TE. I think I’m just bitter with this draft because of the whole Mendenhall thing. I was upset from then on.

Bourn to Run!

by jsams on Apr 26, 2008 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

same

And the secret sources in Cincinnati get the last laugh....

by miles on Apr 26, 2008 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

they both suck...

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

by BoyzRback on Apr 26, 2008 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Plus hate

passing on Mendenhall for Jones.

Bourn to Run!

by jsams on Apr 26, 2008 8:08 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Rick Gosselin Rankings

of the players we selected (for what it’s worth):

21. Felix Jones (taken at 22)
15. Mike Jenkins (taken at 28)
46. Martellus Bennett (taken at 61)

Rick’s a knowledgeable draft person, so I’d say we got pretty good value.

Note: He had Mendenhall ranked at 10.

by kindablue on Apr 26, 2008 8:10 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I agree Dallas didn't reach for anyone

I don’t like that we traded Fasano and then spent #61 on a TE, even if he does have great measurables. He’s not going to beat out Witten, so what’s the point? Love the 1st round, disappointed with 2nd round.
Still some good talent at other positions left.

T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003

by APerfectStar on Apr 26, 2008 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Could see the return of the 2 tight-end set more

Especially if we don’t land a veteran impact WR.

by mikedallas45 on Apr 26, 2008 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe da King is finally maturing

He made the best decisions for the team in Day 1 without trying to wheel and deal just for the sake of grabbing personal headlines.

Love Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins picks in Round 1.

I just hope they use Bennett as a weapon on O. .. esp if they were gonna draft him in the 2nd round.

Like the pick, but not in Round 2.

www.brainfriednetwork.com [NEWS/SPORTS/FOOTBALL]

by silverblue5 on Apr 26, 2008 8:12 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Another 2nd round TE

that I tried to justify was Fasano. And that was obviously a waste of a 2nd pick.

Bourn to Run!

by jsams on Apr 26, 2008 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am really scared of what mendenhall is going to do to us in the later weeks of the season. players like him will probably hold a grudge, just like randy moss

by Zak on Apr 26, 2008 8:13 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Mendenhall

reminds me of Joseph Addai. Did Jerry every say why he took Felix over him? Who by the way looks like Dave Chappele’s character, Tyrone.

Bourn to Run!

by jsams on Apr 26, 2008 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he'll probably be doing nothing

maybe 2.3 yards per carry.

just got ownaged

by Longhorn on Apr 26, 2008 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What happened to Jammal Charles?

He slid badly.

T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003

by APerfectStar on Apr 26, 2008 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mendenhall

is going to be better than Charles, I know that.

And the secret sources in Cincinnati get the last laugh....

by miles on Apr 26, 2008 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

why would he hod a grudge

there was guarantee that dallas would select him

Trade up a few spots to get ahead of Houston and draft Jonathan Stewart, thee best all around Back in the draft.

by Deke on Apr 26, 2008 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

when?

"I guess I'm gonna fade into Bolivian." Mike tyson.

by hashishkabob on Apr 26, 2008 8:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

They lied

And the secret sources in Cincinnati get the last laugh....

by miles on Apr 26, 2008 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Please some thoroughly explain to me why we did not pick a TE vice a WR????

We need a WR in ref to I currently selections…are we utilizing a 2 TE set formation? Or are we expecting Mr. Stanback to come in this year and be that complimentary receiver to TO…Patrick Crayton can catch, yet he simply is a very solid 3rd Receiver (at best) – no speed and for the most part sure hands…we need a WR…I love Glenn (when fully healthy), yet his time may have come and gone…Again, please someone tell me why a TE vice WR????

by DallasFanSince79 on Apr 26, 2008 8:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Bennett May Have Been the Best Player

On their board. Drafting for need is tricky, especially with wide receivers, who have the highest bust factor in the draft, and usually don’t hit their stride until their third year if they are good. They could be drafting for immediate impact.

I’ve heard the organization also wants to see what Stanback can do. They think he could be the eventual Glenn replacement, although getting info on his is hard.

It’s unusual, but not insane.

by kindablue on Apr 26, 2008 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What receiver would you take at #61 "79" ???????

We have:
TO
Glenn
Crayton
Stanback
Hurd
Austin
Jefferson

Are you looking to shore up our 6th, 7th, or 8th WR spot ???

PLEASE !!!!

You guys gotta realize we can get the SAME talent in round 3 or 4 than we could have gotten with our 2nd rounder…..

OR didn’t thje fact their were NO WR taken in the 1st round any indication of this years class ???

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

by BoyzRback on Apr 26, 2008 8:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

well said

here’s hoping we shore up some defensive backups tomorrow

by llutherr on Apr 26, 2008 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here, here

That #38 sure can hit!

by Aaron Novinger on Apr 26, 2008 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

DaJuan Morgan was still available

That was the player I was hoping for. Oh well, hope Bennett pays off in the long run.

T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003

by APerfectStar on Apr 26, 2008 8:37 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Tom....going on what I've read on Bennett....We're in for huge upgrade at TE position....

He’s much better than Fasano….NFLDRAFTSCOUT.COM #1 rated TE

He played for a terrible Texas A&M team…..NOW we can have a power running game to open up our devastating passing game…

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

by BoyzRback on Apr 26, 2008 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Personally..I wanted Charles Godfrey CB/S.....but i'm not complaining...

Morgan-FS
Godfrey-FS
Barrett-SS
Zbitkowski-SS
Demps-FS
Steltz-SS

plenty of Safeties still available in the 3-4 spot…

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

by BoyzRback on Apr 26, 2008 8:41 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Kindablue - thanks for the full explanation on our selection w/our #61 pick

In understanding the overall scheme (selection process and all), I do understand…as noted that it takes 3 yrs to see what a wide receiver can become (starter or otherwise). As far as selected a WR, I thought either Mario or Early would have got the call…unsure if they will be available at our next pick in the 3rd??? Either way, I am 90% satisfied with our selections…now for a slight change…whats the deal with Jones vs Mindenwhooooo…I personally Jones…

by DallasFanSince79 on Apr 26, 2008 8:44 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Why we took a TE

It does make sense when you consider what was out there and what are needs were. Yes we could use an upgrade at No. 2 WR. But we also needed a backup TE because of the trade.

Think about this: in the system the Cowboys use, TE’s are basically just receivers who are closer to the O-Line and sometimes block on pass plays. On run plays, Cowboys WR’s are supposed to block. More important to this idea, look at the number of targets and catches Jason Witten got last year compared to the WR’s.

Name: Receptions/Targets
Witten-96/141
TO-81/141
Crayton—50/81
Fasano-14/21

Witten was Top 3 among league TE’s in Targets and Receptions, TO Top 16 among WR’s. If you notice, Witten got as many targets as TO did, and ended up catching more.

So if you’re wondering why the Cowboys would take a TE, realize what type of TE they took. This is not a blocker only. He is an athletic freak, who would have gone higher had he been in a system that featured him more. He can at least contribute as much as Fasano did last year, right now. How many WR’s can you say would be able to come in and produce as much as Crayton did right away? More to the point, how many WR’s of those that were available at 61. The answer is not many. So they took a receiver who can replace what they lost over the offseason (2nd TE blocking and 15 catches) right now, as opposed to a WR who most likely wouldn’t be able to replace Crayton’s numbers (50 catches).

The Cowboys staff will have to develop Bennet more, but he has the chance to be a very good TE. Fortunately for him (and us), he does not have to be a very good TE right now.

by GhettoBear04 on Apr 26, 2008 8:49 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

From NFLDraftcountdown.com-- They have him ranked higher than Fred Davis at #3TE!

Martellus Bennett
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 259 | 40-Time: 4.68

Official Bio

Strengths:
Excellent size with long arms and a huge frame...Outstanding athleticism...Has big reliable hands and can pluck the ball away from his body...Real tough, strong and physical...Terrific ball skills and body control...Decent route runner..Above average blocker with the potential to get even better..Probably has a considerable upside.

Weaknesses:
Lacks elite timed speed…Not real quick or explosive…Not a vertical threat who will stretch the field…Could stand to bulk up…Needs to get stronger…Is still raw from a technique standpoint…Not very elusive and won’t do much after the catch…May still be a tad bit immature…Does he truly love the game and is he dedicated to it?

Notes:
Is also an outstanding basketball player who saw action on the hardwood for the Aggies…Actually entered the NBA Draft out of high school before withdrawing his name…Gave up basketball in January 2007 to focus on football..Was underutilized in the Aggies run-orientated offense..Talented player with a unique set of physical tools who could be a very good all-around tight end at the next level…The type of prospect who could turn out to be even better in the pros than he was in college.
—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-
Career Statistics
Year GP Rec Yds YPC TD
2005 11 18 162 9.0 3
2006 13 38 497 13.1 3
2007 12 49 587 12.0 4
Totals 36 105 1,246 11.9 10

That #38 sure can hit!

by Aaron Novinger on Apr 26, 2008 9:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Oops-- his strenghts didn't copy right.

Strengths:
Excellent size with long arms and a huge frame…Outstanding athleticism…Has big reliable hands and can pluck the ball away from his body…Real tough, strong and physical…Terrific ball skills and body control…Decent route runner..Above average blocker with the potential to get even better..Probably has a considerable upside.

That #38 sure can hit!

by Aaron Novinger on Apr 26, 2008 9:12 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

i can see why they would take a te, but i didn’t see it coming…

"I guess I'm gonna fade into Bolivian." Mike tyson.

by hashishkabob on Apr 26, 2008 9:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I like his numbers.

He’s 2” taller, 40 pounds heavier, and just as fast as Malcolm Kelly, so they might be able to use him the same way the Colts use Dallas Clark.

by Baked Potato Soup on Apr 26, 2008 10:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Goal line offense looks good.

If we go 2 RB, 2TE, 1 WR on the goal line, we get Barber who is obviously lethal, Witten and TO, plus a 6’6” TE who can jump. That is going to be extremely difficult to defend. Plus, Jones gives us a potential Reggie Bush or Brian Westbrook type of player that can be moved all over the field.

Jenkins was a good pick, especially as a 3rd or 4th corner, and possibly a future FS. A lot of “experts” think he would make a very good FS, and if PacMan works out at CB, they can move Jenkins to FS next year and Hamlin back to SS.

So far, I’ll go with a B+ grade.

by Baked Potato Soup on Apr 26, 2008 10:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Yall are complaining about not picking a WR...

But who the hell would you have taken?

Manningham is an idiot and a serious attitude problem. Early Doucet is a small receiver that isn’t a vertical threat… The WR board really got shot to hell when Donnie Avery went off the board first, and people went nuts picking them throughout the 2nd round…

No WR left on the board would have been value where we were at…

Bennett is big, physical, and EXTREMELY athletic. He rotted for 3 years in Fran’s BS offense, but the kid has every physical tool you look for in an NFL player. Him, Witten and TO in the red zone is going to be a real problem…

by N41D on Apr 26, 2008 10:58 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Watched every game Bennett has played

great pick. I was so happy with this pick (partly because I’m an aggie and a cowboys fan).
I really think that he will pan out. He is crazy athletic and crazy good at the game. He should be 1/2 TE in the draft but was in a run oriented offense and was still our leading receiver as a TE. It kind of worked out though because he’s a great run blocker and a fantastic receiver. I will be extremely surprised if he doesn’t work out. Glad to see him go to a great team!

by carsondude on Apr 27, 2008 1:06 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Well that is good

Great run blocker and he still lead the team in receptions. I won’t bust on this pick anymore, I know he was highly rated. He was rated #46 by Goose, #48 by PFW, and #47 by The Huddle report. (Those are the 3 most accurate top 100 boards over the last 3 years, so I printed off a copy of each to follow along while watching Day 1) To get him at #61 is good value. I’m glad to hear from someone that watched him play every game that they love the pick.

T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003

by APerfectStar on Apr 27, 2008 1:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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