The Valley Ranch Review: Working out with Marion Barber and More Pre-Draft Visits

by Aaron Novinger on Apr 10, 2009 6:00 AM CDT in News Comment 72 comments

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, Sidney Rice, blogged about his grueling workouts with MBIII and his brother, Dominique. Here's what he said about how the Barbers do it:

We're not due back for offseason training until April 6, so I've been in Miami working out hard with Marion Barber of the Cowboys and his brother Dominique who plays for the Texans.

This workout is the hardest I've ever done.

Rice on the specifics of the workout:

Our workout is different every day, we use sleds, climb ropes to the ceiling, pushups, running, jumping rope. Pushing the sleds kills me every time. We're slamming balls into each other, and there aren't too many breaks as you go through the circuit.

Everybody throws up almost every time we go through it.

Comments

A special thanks for the info regarding Marion Barber.

by DannyG on Apr 10, 2009 6:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Can you imagine throwing up after every single time you work out?

These guys are impressive.

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Apr 10, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can you imagine

throwing up after partying all night at Cabo?

Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.

by OskieOskie on Apr 10, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

.....

Necessary?

They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.

by AirforceBat on Apr 10, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

Sorry guys. Just funning.

Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.

by OskieOskie on Apr 10, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if we get William Moore

at #51 – that’d be cool

by BishopWest on Apr 10, 2009 7:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

only if it's the 2007 version and not the 2008 version

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 10, 2009 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm for trading down from #51 for another second next year.

A first and second next year should be enough ammo to land Taylor Mays. So the real question is who could be sitting at #51 that is too good to pass up?

Sure William Moore would be cool there but Jerry could probably get still get a decent safety (Rashad Johnson, Patrick Chung, Courtney Greene, your favorite other guy here) at #69.

I don’t expect Jerry to draft a center at #51 this is just another example. The top rated center, Alex Mack, will likely go at the bottom of the first. The next two best centers Unger and Wood or Wood and Unger should go in the second. Maybe one of them is there at #51. Are either of these guys so much better than the next center prospects (Luigs and Caldwell ) that Jerry should pass on the Taylor Mays trade down?

by birdness on Apr 10, 2009 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hes the Overall Number 1 Prosect in next years draft.....

All you can hope for is a injury or a drop in his skills caz the way your looking at it now hes gonna be a top five pick..

09+24+28+23+82+11+94+41+26+31+90+32+56=2009 Success!!!!

by regaberto on Apr 10, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me no likey Mays.

Athletic ability is unquestionable with Mays, but he seems to always be late to the party. He jumps on a lot of piles, so it seems like he’s making a lot of plays. He just always seems to be a hair late. He’s like a more athletic Myron Rolle, who has the same problem.

Hell of an athlete though. Reminds me of Laron Landry.

"I see the door, I just get off on running through the wall." - Young Tripp

by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Apr 11, 2009 7:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw him play Arizona

The cats of a young scat-back that had been stringing together 100 yard games. First two plays he dashed through USC for first downs. The third time he went for another 8 yards through the line and was meet by Taylor Mays – drilled him right into the ground, kids helmet bounced. The scat-back sat the rest of the game and hasn’t been the same since.

He reminds me of Landry too.

by birdness on Apr 11, 2009 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Austin apparently did not meet with the Jets on Thursday...

but is still expected to meet with them. Look at the comments to the Daily News story below. Jets fans are freaking out over the prospect of giving up their 2nd for him. Too funny. www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/2009/04/austin-still-expected-to-make.html

by Boundforbeach on Apr 10, 2009 8:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I thought the meeting was to be

Friday not Thursday

by BishopWest on Apr 10, 2009 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

actually I hope

Austin decides to not meet with them at all and just stays in Big D

by BishopWest on Apr 10, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Austin's from Summit, NJ

It’s essentially a homecoming for him. He’ll meet with them, if for no other reason than to see what kind of contract offer they might give him. He’d be a fool not to.

by Boundforbeach on Apr 10, 2009 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I grew up in Florham Park..

…where the Jets new facility is (and it’s really nice). Summitt is a 10 minute drive from there.

Can’t imagine Miles fit in all that well growing up in Summitt, having played them in high school sports quite a bit during my time there.

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Apr 10, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I read some of the Jets

fans comments and they are pretty stirred up about it. They don’t want him to come in. But management doesn’t always listen to the fans. Oh, yeah they never consult the fans for their moves.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Apr 10, 2009 8:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wouldnt you be?

If you were a Jets fan, would you want to trade a mid-2nd round pick for a guy who has caught 18 balls in the NFL, has suspect hands, injury concerns and although fast has absolutely no wiggle?

by TCBinNYC on Apr 10, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you draft a WR

with #52 you know even less about him. That argument doesn’t make sense and never has. If the Jets don’t believe a player at #52 is better than Austin they’d be stupid not to. I’d hate to lose him and then have to hope a 2nd round receiver can contribute his rookie year, most do not

by cow_fanatic on Apr 10, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed....

The top prospects will be long gone by the 51 and 52 pick. If we lose Austin we have to move into the first round and draft a WR.

by Boyzfan94 on Apr 10, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's not true.

You can know a lot about a college wide receiver who you’ve seen play in game situations for the last 2 – 3 years. Take Michael Crabtree, for example. I feel I know a lot more about his game than Miles Austin’s. I’ve watched every Cowboys game since Austin’s been on the team and I’ve still seen much more of Crabtree than Austin.

And what I’ve seen of Austin is probably all the Jets staff has seen of him. They might have had someone at an open practice, but other than that, what do they have to go on?

In addition, they’ve seen the college player in his pro day (ok Crabtree is now a bad example because he didnt have one, but you get the point) and might have even coached him in a college all-star game. True they could have seen Austin in the same scenario, but that was 4 years ago. The stronger case is that they know more about college players than they do current NFL players on other teams.

by TCBinNYC on Apr 10, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So Miles Austin didn't play college football?

You don’t know how Crabtree is going to play in the NFL because he never has. You know more about Crabtree then Austin because you saw Crabtree on TV playing college football? How does that relate to the NFL?

You could not be more wrong that you can know more about a college football player because of his college tape then you would know about someone who has been in the NFL for 4 years. All you know is potential upside, that’s it.

By the way, comparing the possible upside of arguably the most talented football player in this year’s draft to an undrafted free agent is unfair as well.

by cow_fanatic on Apr 10, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So your point is that scouting college players is of no value to the NFL? A lot of NFL scouts would be out of jobs is that were the case. Where else do you think these scouts spend their time? The answer, as you well know, is watching college games. The correlation of playing against college teams vs NFL teams is not exact, but its the best evaluation they have. The players in the NFL are bigger, faster and stronger. But you can still judge how well a player runs a route or uses his body against a defender, or catches the ball, or hustles.

And there is no question that NFL scouts (besides the Cowboys scouts) know more about Michael Crabtree than they do Miles Austin. Take the total number of snaps Austin has seen at WR in the NFL and it probably equates to about a half a season. At best, these other scouts have seen him in a half a season, a handful of Cowboys open practices, and then 5 years ago at a DivII college which plays a level of football slightly better than a state champion high school team. I don’t believe Austin went to the NFL combines, but add that if you want. The point is, they have very little by which to judge Miles Austin. I don’t understand how you are refuting that point. Inversely, they can see a high profile WR in a big college program play college ball for multiple seasons.

Regarding Crabtree vs Austin, I never compared their “possible upside” like you claim. I was using Crabtree as an example of a high profile player at the same position as Austin from a college program on TV every weekend. I used him not to compare talent, but visability. If it makes you feel better, insert the name of the guy who starts opposite Crabtree at TexasTech because that would get the same effect.

by TCBinNYC on Apr 13, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm stating scouting college players

has value to determine upside but no tangible evidence that a college player is going to be successful in the NFL. Do you want the 52nd and let Ausin go to the Jets?

by cow_fanatic on Apr 13, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree, evaluating college players

is an inexact science and virtually a crap shoot. It is extremely difficult to determine how well a college player will make the transition to the NFL. Measurables can give scouts somewhat of an idea, but no scout can really see into the heart and soul of an individual and determine whether they have the intestinal fortitude to take their game to the next level.

Its almost like rolling dice, it really is.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 13, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Archer is right, Cowboys cannot let Austin go

Right now, the Cowboys have only two offensive players with homerun hitting ability to use a baseball analogy, and they are of course Austin and Jones.

If the Cowboys lose Austin, teams will not fear getting beat deep and will obviously crowd the LOS and that will hurt our running game and our offense overall.

The Cowboys can’t afford to lose their most explosive and fastest WR because we aren’t getting one with pick #51 thats as good as Austin.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 10, 2009 9:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Uncertain we would pick another receiver if he goes...

I agree we need to keep him, unless the Jets make an offer that is simply too high to match. But based on Raf’s post yesterday and horizontal and vertical rankings, I think it’s far from assured that even if we got the Jets pick at #52, we would use either pick #51 or #52 on a WR.

by Boundforbeach on Apr 10, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

IF that did happen.

Which I don’t think it will, I think it would probably be more prudent of Dallas to try and trade down one of those second rounders.

They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.

by AirforceBat on Apr 10, 2009 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Latest DMN speculation has Boys reconsidering Matt Jones

if Austin is signed away. Probably a push vs drafting a WR at #51 or 52. Stay tuned, this could get interesting

'It is not enough for me to win. My enemies must lose' - David Merrick

by tdships on Apr 10, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't believe it.......don't want that bum...

He will also be suspended as many as 8 games this season so don’t count on it

by Boyzfan94 on Apr 10, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I second that, exactly, why would you want him Parcells cut QC, because his next

positive test will result in suspension. Matt Jones is dumb. extremely dumb, he needs to go to a rehab center.

by dcfanz on Apr 10, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about Stanback?

In a lot of ways, Austin is holding back Stanback’s development. I’d rather have Austin personally, mainly because I don’t believe in Stanback, but I would gladly take a 2nd rounder for him. I thought Miles was going to have a breakout year last year, and he really didn’t. If we’re just looking for someone to go deep and get a step and either catch it or draw pass interference, I think any fast guy can do that.

by Baked Potato Soup on Apr 10, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont know about that.

Austin has made plays with his limited time and has earned more reps. Im a Stanbach fan and think he will earn more and produce some this year but its still too early for extended playing time.

by squidlo97 on Apr 10, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

When will he ever be ready?

At some point they have to find out what he’s got. How long of a contract does he even have?

I like Austin’s potential, but I don’t know that 13 catches last year justifies the type of importance that he’s been granted. I think the Cowboys brass agrees, which is why they only gave him the 2nd round tender. I mean, we lost TO in exchange for nothing, surely a 2nd rounder should more than compensate for Miles Austin.

by Baked Potato Soup on Apr 10, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd say 2009 is it for Stanback

He’s got to 1)stay healthy, 2)contribute on the field, and 3)show progress as a WR. If he fails to do those 3 things, he’ll probably be elsewhere in 2010. Even if he does those 3 things, if he doesn’t impress the staff, he’s probably gone. IMO, if he can just stay healthy and get some legit chances (streaks and posts) during regular season games he will impress.

Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft

by APerfectStar on Apr 10, 2009 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by Boyzfan94 on Apr 12, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Year 3 is the tell all.

First of all Moss and the 4th are illrevelant, The fact that they gave him a second speaks volumes of their interest in him and his ability to play. I dont think his first year counts at all coming from a small school and being an undrafted FA. Hell his 2nd year only counts a little because he was so unpolished when we got him. He showed lots of flashes in games. He picked up key TDs and 1st downs. He average 21 yards a catch. He only played in 9 games. He has alot more to show but has shown enough to warrant to trust him more than 95% of the rookie WRs

by squidlo97 on Apr 10, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rice and Barber are slamming balls into each other?

That’s an unusual workout, but whatever it takes.

by TCBinNYC on Apr 10, 2009 9:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL

by BishopWest on Apr 10, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha

Red and Black!! Red and Black!! Red and Black!! Congrats boys first time in team history over .500

by aussie_cowboy on Apr 10, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's probably why he is vomiting

by quincyyyyy on Apr 10, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like they are doing Crossfit workouts, brutal stuff

Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey

by Seanrude on Apr 10, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I do the Crossfit workouts....It's brutal

It sounds simliar, all they need to do is incorporate the Ketal Bells, Ropes and Tires like the Crossfit workouts do. As you know you can make up all sorts of different workouts with Crossfit.

by Boyzfan94 on Apr 10, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It does not shock me that MBIII is a crossfitter

If I was to pick one guy on the team to do those workouts, he’d be the one

Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey

by Seanrude on Apr 11, 2009 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was about to post a similar comment

An unfortunate choice of words to describe their routine.

Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft

by APerfectStar on Apr 10, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol! I thought the same thing.

Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Say that fast, five times!

by Aaron Novinger on Apr 10, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does Gilbert profile as a 3-4 DE or an OLB candidate?

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Apr 10, 2009 11:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm enjoying the new VRR morning posts, by the way

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Apr 10, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

DE

by quincyyyyy on Apr 10, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he can play anywere

Although he would be a big olb hes got the speed and athleticness.. but i think he would be a dt in a 43 or a de in a 34

09+24+28+23+82+11+94+41+26+31+90+32+56=2009 Success!!!!

by regaberto on Apr 10, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought he was strictly a DE

Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft

by APerfectStar on Apr 10, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

In Yahoo Sports lastest mock they have him going to tennessee to replace Hanynsworth.

09+24+28+23+82+11+94+41+26+31+90+32+56=2009 Success!!!!

by regaberto on Apr 10, 2009 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I meant in a 3-4 base

I agree, in a 4-3 he could play either DT or DE

Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft

by APerfectStar on Apr 10, 2009 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh i dont know about 34

I would think he was to big to be a OLB but hes got the speed and size.

09+24+28+23+82+11+94+41+26+31+90+32+56=2009 Success!!!!

by regaberto on Apr 10, 2009 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good info Bigrigga

Sounds like one helluva workout. I’ll pass ,thanks anyway. Are they really projecting Moore to go that high. I figured you could get a decent safety at 69. Is that just wishful thinking.

by oldboysfan on Apr 10, 2009 11:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Free Reign!?

How did I miss that Marc Columbo, Leonard Davis, and Cory Procter started a heavy metal band? No wonder they’re keeping Procter around, they needed a drummer.

http://www.myspace.com/freereign

by Baked Potato Soup on Apr 10, 2009 2:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Heavy Metal Band

The keyword is “Heavy” hope one of them doesnt try crowd surfin

by DCBoys on Apr 10, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

proctor

That’s probably why we resigned him, to keep the band together.

by blee on Apr 10, 2009 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We're gettin the band back together Elwood!!!

We’re on a mission from gad.

by staubachfan on Apr 10, 2009 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lol..I'm a sooooouuul maan!

by Benthere on Apr 10, 2009 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is fantastic

I really want to see one of their shows. I had no idea BIgg was into heavy metal.

This has got to be the highest combined weight for a band in history, right? Or at least the highest average weight per member?

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Apr 10, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know much about rock so maybe one of you guys can help me out.

But my first impression when I saw them is “they suck.”
If I’m right, being the hip-hop dude that I am, it’s pretty bad that even I know they suck.
Am I right? Do they suck?

"I see the door, I just get off on running through the wall." - Young Tripp

by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Apr 11, 2009 7:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

If you measure them against other bands, then yeah, they’re not very good. At all.

But if you measure them as offensive linemen who just happen to be in a band, then they’re not half bad, in my opinion. I bet they’re better than the offensive line of, say, the Tampa Bay Bucs or some other team. I would go so far as to say that we have one of the top 3 musically talented offensive lines in the league. So there’s something to hang your hat on.

Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.

by Tim Wilson on Apr 11, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

by regaberto on Apr 10, 2009 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

by regaberto on Apr 10, 2009 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you put a gun to my head right now

I would probably take the 2nd.

"I see the door, I just get off on running through the wall." - Young Tripp

by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Apr 11, 2009 7:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just take the 2nd rounder then

Leave the gun in the holster or cabinet :)

by BishopWest on Apr 11, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Zach to Kansas City

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to terms with free-agent LB Zach Thomas (Cowboys). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

by Boyzfan94 on Apr 12, 2009 10:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs