Cowboys Pre-Draft Visit Tracker

by One.Cool.Customer on Apr 8, 2011 10:01 AM CDT

The Dallas Cowboys hosted 29 national draft prospects earlier this week. They will fill up their quota of 30 allowed visits by hosting Prince Amukamara next week. In recent years, these visits have been a pretty good indicator of which players and which positions the Cowboys were going to select in the ensuing draft. The Cowboys' last five top picks — Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Spencer, Felix Jones, Jason Williams and Dez Bryant — all visited Valley Ranch as part of the Cowboys' pre-draft visits.

Today, the Cowboys are hosting "Dallas Days" for draft-eligible players with local roots. Rainer Sabin from the DMN explains that "local" appears to be defined by a map of the Dallas-Fort Worth region in the 2011 Rand McNally Road Atlas. Be that as it may, the player visits today will be headlined by Texas A&M's Von Miller and TCU's Andy Dalton leading a septet of prospects from TCU.

After the break we look at an updated list of which players visited the Cowboys this week.

The last top pick the Cowboys did not invite for a visit prior to the draft was DeMarcus Ware in 2005. Perhaps the Cowboys brass thought they knew all there was to know about Ware, perhaps it was all part of an elaborate plot to throw other teams off the Cowboys' scent. Who knows?

2011 could be the 6th consecutive year the Cowboys bring their top draft pick in for a pre-draft visit. If so, his name is on the table below that summarizes the known visitors to Valley Ranch this year by position. The numbers in front of the player names indicate their ranking on the CBS Sports big board.

The table contains all 30 invitees [Thanks to BTB member sgitr for providing the last two]. Additionally, the Cowboys have a private workout scheduled with Alabama QB Greg McElroy next week which doesn't count against the 30 names. Also, the names of the local players invited for Dallas Days are still trickling in, so the list is not complete yet for those players.

At the bottom of this post I've summarized all the players (that I could find) invited for pre-draft visits to Valley Ranch over the last three years. And with the benefit of hindsight, it's easy to say that the invite list is a good indicator of whom the Cowboys will draft. But can you tell which players the Cowboys will pick in three weeks from the table below?

Offensive Line		Corner		Receiver		Linebacker		Safety		Running Back		Defensive Line
14	Tyron Smith, OT, USC	8	Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska	55	Jon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh	38	Martez Wilson, ILB, Illinois	60	Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA	58	DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma	15	J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
16	Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College	33	Aaron Williams, CB, Texas	84	Edmund Gates, WR, Abilene Christian	61	Bruce Carter, LB, North Carolina	67	Quinton Carter, FS, Oklahoma	173	Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville	53	Christian Ballard, DE, Iowa
20	(Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin)	65	Brandon Burton, CB, Utah	171	Cecil Shorts, WR, Mount Union	134	Kelvin Sheppard, ILB, LSU	122	Da'Norris Searcy, SS, North Carolina	183	Stevan Ridley, RB, LSU	64	Kenrick Ellis, DT, Hampton
21	Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida	88	Shareece Wright, CB, USC	407	Andre Holmes, WR, Hillsdale	144	Nate Irving, ILB, North Carolina	240	Eric Hagg, FS, Nebraska
22	Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State	99	Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville
24	Nate Solder, OT, Colorado	259	Korey Lindsey, CB, Southern Illinois
78	Will Rackley, OG, Lehigh
Local prospects invited for "Dallas Day"												Other Positions
51	Marcus Cannon, OT, TCU*	247	Josh Thomas, CB, Buffalo	162	Jeremy Kerley, WR, TCU*	2	Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M*	473	Jonathan Nelson, FS, Oklahoma*	- -	Phillip Tanner, RB, Middle Tennessee*	63	Andy Dalton, QB, TCU*
133	DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas*	396	Jason Teague, CB, TCU*	287	Jimmy Young, WR, TCU*			- -	Collin Zych, FS, Harvard*			169	Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama*
228	Jake Kirkpatrick, C, TCU*	- -	Antareis Bryan, CB, Baylor*	656	Raymond Radway, WR, ACU							517	Zack Eskridge, QB, MWSU*
				- -	Jessie Poku, WR EnMex*							594	Evan Frosch, TE, TCU*

[**It appears Carimi wasn't at Valley Ranch after all]

In previous years, a good indicator of what the Cowboys were going to do on draft weekend was the amount of invites per position. The Cowboys were looking for a corner and a running back in 2008 and brought in eight corners and five backs. In 2009 they went looking for linebackers and found one. In 2010, the priorities appeared to be corner, receiver and a whole shopping list worth of offensive linemen. After only inviting three linemen in the two previous year, the Cowboys suddenly wanted to talk to eight of the big guys at once. The Cowboys did end up picking a lineman with the 179th pick in Sam Young, but that was perhaps not as high as their shopping list would have indicated.

Going simply by number of invites in 2011, the Cowboys will be going after offensive linemen, corners and receivers. That is, if the past three years are any indication of what they could be doing this year.

Pre-draft visitors to Valley Ranch, 2008-2010

Pick	WR	Pick	OL	Pick	CB	Pick	S	Pick	DE	Pick	LB	Pick	FB	- -	- -
2010
24	Dez Bryant	17	OG Mike Iupati	29	Kyle Wilson	37	Nate Allen	10	Tyson Alualu	55	Sean Lee	125	Clay Harbor	- -	- -
39	Arrelious Benn	18	C/G Maurkice Pouncey	27	Devin McCourty	49	Taylor Mays	28	Jared Odrick	91	Navorro Bowman	139	John Conner
78	Brandon LaFell	61	OT Vlad Ducasse	76	Chad Jones	71	Morgan Burnett			190	Travis Goethel
82	Emmanuel Sanders*	73	OG John Jerry	96	Brandon Ghee
90	Taylor Price	80	OC J.D. Walton*	126	Akwasi Owusu-Ansah
191	Dezmon Briscoe*	106	OT Bruce Campbell
		194	OT Ramon Harewood
		228	OG Reggie Stephens
2009
Pick	WR	Pick	OL	Pick	CB	Pick	S	Pick	DE	Pick	LB	Pick	QB	Pick	TE
36	Brian Robiskie	58	OT Sebastian Vollmer	42	Jairus Byrd	33	Louis Delmas	68	Jarron Gilbert	16	Larry English	101	Stephen McGee;	122	Anthony Hill
50	Mohamed Massaquoi			66	Bradley Fletcher	48	Darcel McBath			69	Jason Williams	174	Tom Brandstater	152	James Casey
83	Brandon Tate					166	Michael Hamlin			125	Lawrence Sidbury	- -	Chase Daniel
87	Patrick Turner									150	Jasper Brinkley
										154	Marcus Freeman
2008
Pick	WR	Pick	OL	Pick	CB	Pick	S	Pick	DE	Pick	LB	Pick	RB	Pick	TE
41	James Hardy	15	G Branden Albert	11	Leodis McKelvin	- -	- -	- -	- -	9	Keith Rivers	13	Jonathan Stewart	61	Martellus Bennett
51	Malcolm Kelly	26	OT Duane Brown	16	Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie					10	Jerod Mayo	22	Felix Jones
53	Limas Sweed			20	Aqib Talib*					104	Beau Bell	23	Rashard Mendenhall
105	Will Franklin			27	Antoine Cason							24	Chris Johnson
128	Keenan Burton			35	Brandon Flowers							73	Jamaal Charles
				40	Tracy Porter
				62	Terrence Wheatley*
				67	Charles Godfrey

* denotes players who count as a local prospects

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Comments

Demarco Murray

Looks like the kind of all-around back Dallas has had a lot of success with drafting in the 4th round ( barber, choice)

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 8, 2011 10:08 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

Living in OKC, I have had the opportunity to watch a lot of Sooner football

Although, the Dallas Cowboys will always be the #1 Football team in my household.

DeMarco looked like Reggie Bush his Freshman year at OU. After some knee issues he seemed to have lost a step, but put on some muscle and was a really nice back. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Cowboys make a stab at him if he is still around in the late 3rd or early 4th Round. He could add some quality depth and contribute from Day 1 if needed.

by RE1D on Apr 8, 2011 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions

The Cowboys value all-around backs

Guys that can run, catch, and block. They value guys that can do it all over specialists in one area (such as a Micahel Turner who can’t catch passes)

Could you see him as an upgrade to Barber or the next neo-Tashard-Choice? A guy who gives you versatility and is legitimately good in all areas?

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 8, 2011 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions

They do value all-around backs

Could you see him as an upgrade to Barber or the next neo-Tashard-Choice? A guy who gives you versatility and is legitimately good in all areas?

Absolutely. It is crazy but to me he looks slow (because I saw how quick he was as a Freshman), but the reality is that he became a more complete/stronger back once he couldn’t rely on his initial burst and agility.

Demarco Murray RB 4.37 7.28 4.18 34.50 130 21

Per ESPN.com

I think he could be an upgrade to Barber (not so much as the Barbarian, but in his present state). Also, possibly the next neo-TC. At OU he caught a lot of passes out of the backfield and could line up in the slot. An all around quality RB. Although I would not expect him to ever become Elite.

by RE1D on Apr 9, 2011 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Love this series of posts

By the way, I think this is good news.

The Cowboys have a private workout scheduled with Alabama QB Greg McElroy next week

Someone will get a steal with this kid in the late rounds. Why not us?

PS – Great list of invites this year. I would be happy with the clear majority of names on the list. I am a little surprised by the CB invites, clearly we aren’t looking to trade down for one of the 1st rounders, but good to know they are looking at top of the 2nd and 3rd round CBs.

"I am a true believer. Anthony Spencer will have 7 or more sacks in 2011 and Stephen Bowen can ball!" - Kegbearer
"Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable."
- Tom Landry

by Kegbearer on Apr 8, 2011 10:14 AM CDT reply actions

Im down

I never really saw it with Steven McGee

F**** establishing a culture, we need to establish dominance...

by Holchr31 on Apr 8, 2011 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions

+1 on MeElroy

the guy is so smart & has just enough talent to get the job done as a quality backup. he reminds a lot of teams of Jason Garrett & the Giants are also taking a look at him so someone will take this kid in the draft
either its a big smoke screen or Dallas doesn’t see a real need at CB or FS in this draft. it could also be they plan to wait until FA for a replacement at the FS position bc having a rookie wouldn’t really help this season. i love the kid Moore but being realistic it might be out of the question to think he could learn everything he needs to know in time to start the season.

Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth! Garrett & Ryan working as a team should create a physical environment at Valley Ranch that shows up on gameday.

by DCNation73 on Apr 8, 2011 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions

-1 on McElroy

His entire college career has been handing off to all-american RBs with the occasional play-action mixed in.

Never seen a thing from him as a potential NFL passer.

by CMDR on Apr 8, 2011 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions

so J.Jones become an elite WR from handoffs?

Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth! Garrett & Ryan working as a team should create a physical environment at Valley Ranch that shows up on gameday.

by DCNation73 on Apr 8, 2011 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions

lol

yes McElroy did have some talent around him but he played in a prostyle system and he’s a very intelligent player

by mikemike78 on Apr 8, 2011 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions

i didn't say he was the next Tom Brady but i did say he had just enough talent to get the job done as a backup

plus his dad works for the Cowboys lol.

Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth! Garrett & Ryan working as a team should create a physical environment at Valley Ranch that shows up on gameday.

by DCNation73 on Apr 8, 2011 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions

#30- Quinton Carter, S, OU

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4679045/players-coming-into-valley-ranch

Also, DeMarcus Love, Arkansas for Dallas Day

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4679084/von-miller-will-not-attend-dallas-day

by sgitr on Apr 8, 2011 10:14 AM CDT reply actions

Thank you

by One.Cool.Customer on Apr 8, 2011 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions

#30

I also have Nate Irving, LB from NC State on my list. I’ll look for a link.

by sgitr on Apr 8, 2011 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions

Yep, got him, he was in Eatman’s original list, though I can’t seem to find the article anymore.

by One.Cool.Customer on Apr 8, 2011 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Senior Bowl

The Cowboys used the Senior Bowl to talk to Ware, probably they got all that they needed to know from there.

IMO that’s the case, the Cowboys also talked to Cameron Jordan and based on the ranking of Odrick last year (15th – 1st Round), it’s obvious that they are going to have Jordan.

Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Apr 8, 2011 10:36 AM CDT reply actions

the sheer number of OL and DB prospects

portends that these positions will be addressed in the draft without giving up to much info as to whom they might pick. The seemingly small number of DL they’ve invited may be more of a ruse as to what they are actually thinking when it comes time to address DL. Overall the spread of invitees from different positions is really interesting and if they can get 1 in each round they pick, I’d be ecstatic.

by pfloyd1 on Apr 8, 2011 10:54 AM CDT reply actions

Von Miller not attending

…if you believe Calvin Watkins

by doomsdayreturns on Apr 8, 2011 10:54 AM CDT reply actions

He's going to be such an awesome linebacker in the NFL

Too bad we couldn’t suck it up bad enough this year to get the #1 overall pick!

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 8, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions

He's suppose to come with the locals

I don’t know where Watkins gets his info.

by pfloyd1 on Apr 8, 2011 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions

It’s just a scheduling conflict that prevents Miller from being in Dallas today. I’m sure they’ll talk to him in detail at some point.

by One.Cool.Customer on Apr 8, 2011 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions

Von Miller is too busy suing the NFL to attend interviews.

Wars are won in the trenches and we need some new big uglies!

by BigDinLA on Apr 8, 2011 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions

or getting drafted to high to waste his time

by AustonianAggie on Apr 8, 2011 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions

or being totally awesome

I think I’m developing a man-crush

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 8, 2011 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Safest pick in the draft IMO.

Lock n Load

by DIRE WOLF on Apr 8, 2011 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions

really?

by Archie Barberio on Apr 8, 2011 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions

He'd be my #1 overall if I was the Cowboys

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 8, 2011 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Really,

Who’s any safer? The only thing that keeps this kid out of the pro bowl is injuries, IMO.

Lock n Load

by DIRE WOLF on Apr 9, 2011 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Just Remember Bobby Carpenter was considered the sfe pick at #18

not saying anything about Von….Just making a comment about safe picks.

by bad knees on Apr 9, 2011 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Really,

I guess you can say that about anyone in any draft. Carpenter was the 2nd best LB at Ohio State, Miller is the best LB in the draft. BIG DIFFERENCE!!!

Lock n Load

by DIRE WOLF on Apr 9, 2011 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Ya, I know,,,,but I had to say it.

I love good LBs, the one thing about winning that last game aginst the Eagles….We don’t have to pass on an OT for a great CB or LB,,,but we could have traded back. CRAP WHY DID WE HAVE TO WIN THAT GAME!

by bad knees on Apr 9, 2011 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions

It was a terrible horrible embarrasing game we deserved to lose

And yet we won and it cost us 3 draft spots. If the 49ers end up getting Von Miller I will never forgive Steve McGee.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 9, 2011 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions

I will say this again

If Miller makes it past Arizona..Jerry pulls the Trigger to get him…I will guarantee it….though no money involved, cuz I ain’t got any!!!!!

Von Miller+Demarcus Ware+Jay Ratliff+Rob Ryan=Nightmare for Opposing OC's

by I am Ironman!!! on Apr 10, 2011 1:54 AM CDT up reply actions

Niners fan here.

I come in peace.

Just wondering, what do you guys think the chances are that the Cowboys trade up to #6 (or higher) to grab Patrick Peterson?

We don't need 8 in the box. We have 52 in the box.

by these3words on Apr 8, 2011 11:05 AM CDT reply actions

It has been a topic kicked around alot around here

I think the general idea is that it could happen if he fell to 6-7-8 but to move up higher would cost too much in draft picks. Most seem to prefer to take care of the OL issues either take Smith at 9 or trade back and take BPA OT/OG latter in round 1……but since it is Jerry’s World, who knows

He who laughs last, thinks slowest
Well.....my days of not taking you seriously have certainly come to a middle
"Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name"

by BigBad Joe on Apr 8, 2011 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions

If you look at the list of Dallas invitees

There’s a lot of guys projected to go in the 15-25 spots in the first round and only a hand-full (Smith, Miller, Amukamara) that they would pick at #9. The signal seems to be a trade down is way more likely than a trade-up.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 8, 2011 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions

interesting.

I’ve been thinking it’s fairly likely that someone trades up to #6 for Patrick Peterson, knowing the 49ers will take him at #7 if he’s there. I figured Dallas was a prime candidate, since they need a Corner and would only have to trade up 3 spots.

But if not Dallas, there’s only so many teams that could do it. This bodes well.

We don't need 8 in the box. We have 52 in the box.

by these3words on Apr 8, 2011 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions

Eh...

There is a small crowd that wants to trade up and get him. But to be honest, We are no different than you in wanting to trade down ourselves.

F**** establishing a culture, we need to establish dominance...

by Holchr31 on Apr 8, 2011 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions

One thing people around the league misunderstand is that this team has a lot of holes

The Cowboys have all the talent to win, but enough losers to beat ourself! Our team is a mix of stars and scrubs. For exmaple, K.C. Joyner just did a great analysis showing our free safety play alone was responsible for over 550+ yards of loss on his own and just bringing that one position up to the league average would equate to about 1.5 wins a season.

My line of thought is that the Cowboys need to less interested in using this draft to get the next star player, and more interested in replacing the guys who are sabotoging the production of the stars we already have on the roster.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 8, 2011 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree with this soooo much

It’s time for a meat & potatoes draft. Get as many solid football players as possible. Forget about all these potential stars. It’s the one key reason I’m not on the Tyron Smith bandwagon: Even though he’s a lineman, we would once again be chasing potential.

I firmly believe that everything that’s wrong with the Cowboys drafting strategy is summed up in Bob Sturm’s most recent headline: ‘Potential Cowboys draft pick Tyron Smith ’should be amazing’ by 2013.’

You know how everybody keeps coming down on Jerry for going after “shiny things” in the draft? Tyron Smith is the “shiny thing” of the 2011 draft, except that because he’s playing on the o-line, everybody suddenly thinks that’s ok.

It’s not. /end rant

by One.Cool.Customer on Apr 8, 2011 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions

"Should be amazing by 20XX" is a very interesting insight

Think about how that applies to Marty B, Anthony Spencer, Felix Jones, Mike Jenkins, Orlando Sancrick. They should be amazing next year! I know they haven’t done anything this year or last year or the year before that but, oh, you just wait, next year!!!

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 8, 2011 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions

"There is always next year"

I hear that way too much here in Chicago

He who laughs last, thinks slowest
Well.....my days of not taking you seriously have certainly come to a middle
"Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name"

by BigBad Joe on Apr 8, 2011 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Tyron Smith isn't a good comparison to the guys you listed...

Smith would be a top 10 pick…a top 10 pick better be very good. They better be good very quickly…

None of the guys you listed are busts…in fact they’ve all been good contributors with more upside. Worthy of the spots they were picked…

You’ve already clearly stated our problem…we have some guys on the team that are keeping us back. The two that come immediately to mind is Safety and Right Tackle. Do we have the better option already on the team? Could previous coaching or owner philosophy be a reason those positions haven’t been shored up?

by CaliFanInTx on Apr 8, 2011 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions

good contributors with more upside

There’s that word again – “upside”

We have quite a few players with “upside” that have been on this roster for 3-4 years. After 3-4 years in the league I think a player is what he is. Rookies have upside, not veterans.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 8, 2011 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Upside is not a bad word...especially when added to "good contributor"

All the players you listed were productive and good players…it would be different if you listed a bunch of scrubs. We got Scandrick in the 4th round and I can argue he outplayed his draft spot…same goes for the rest. These are good players with still a chance to be great players.

by CaliFanInTx on Apr 8, 2011 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Scandrick did

by Archie Barberio on Apr 8, 2011 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Just saying...

Gil Brandt’s recent rankings show T. SMith as a Top 10 talent and Gil shows he had Smith on the list early on (as opposed to Von Miller who is recent). This tells me that T. Smith shows mad skills before the combine showed mad measurables. Others have compared him to a better prospect than some Top 5 picks in the past.

I guess what I am saying is I think people may be confusing how much upside Smith has, with how good he already is. Yes, it would probably take until 2013 to see Smith max his potential – as an All Pro LT – but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be one of the best RTs his rookie year or in 2012. Let’s not confuse the “project” of getting Smith to reach his long term potential, with the immediate upgrade and better play for the Cowboys at RT. He isn’t a boom or bust prospect, he is a solid or elite prospect. At least in my 9and many others’) eyes.

by Kegbearer on Apr 8, 2011 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions

sorry Keg but Miller has been on top of the legit boards the whole season.

in Jan Smith wasn’t even considered a 1st rd talent bc he looked more like a TE then an OT.
if your not concerned about a kid that puts on 30 lbs of muscle in less then 3 months, has academic issues & had a poor work ethic until after the football season was over then i don’t know what to tell ya. now if the insiders know something we don’t & none of those issues worry them taking him in the top 10 then i don’t have any problem having him on the team but i really hate to get stuck with a moron that jucied up just for the draft only to become giant bust .

Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth! Garrett & Ryan working as a team should create a physical environment at Valley Ranch that shows up on gameday.

by DCNation73 on Apr 8, 2011 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Von MIller

Was NOT Top 10 before the combine. If anything, they both made the jump after the combine, but again, there are several esteemed draft analysts (Wes Bunting and Gil Brandt) that had Smith Top 10 before the combine.
Again, you claim work ethic and academic issues without pointing any out. The weight gain is a good thing, to claim otherwise is simply trying to create a flaw where work ethic exists.

by Kegbearer on Apr 8, 2011 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Just because you don't agree with picking Smith doesn't give you the right to slander him and make this kind of stuff up.

The only leg you can attempt to stand on here is the academic concern. You claimed in a pervious post that he had to leave school and enter the draft as he is stupid and is about to be thrown out of school for failing.
The truth is that he was inegilible for 1 game in 2009 for academic reasons. And honestly, that doesn’t really concern me as a 1 time deal. These kids are basically working a full time job with football during the season. With all the workouts, traveling for games, meetings, film, etc. He was 18 and screwed up once, then pulled it together and it didn’t happen again.

The claim that he isn’t considered 1st round talent because he is actually in good shape and not fat like you seem to think a OT should be. That is laughable. There is no rule that says OL have to be fat, and in fact being in good shape should help him a lot. And FYI Wes Bunting was talking about how good Smith was last fall. We even talked about him during game threads back well before the season ended.

The over 30 lbs in less than 3 months is as true as the other claims. His official weight was 285 back last summer. His last football game at USC was Dec 4th, 2010. At the combine he weighed in at 307. So even if you want to claim he was at 285 lbs Dec 4th, that is less than 30 lbs in almost 4 months while working with a top flight team of trainers, a dietitian as well as others to help him get in the best possible shape so as to answer concerns about his being “underweight” that teams had.

As for the poor work ethic you keep claiming. One look at the guy will tell you that that has no basis. You don’t look like that if you don’t work hard at being in shape.

by Rena on Apr 9, 2011 5:00 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs

+1

couldn’t have said it better Rena..rec’d

Von Miller+Demarcus Ware+Jay Ratliff+Rob Ryan=Nightmare for Opposing OC's

by I am Ironman!!! on Apr 9, 2011 6:12 AM CDT up reply actions

Just out of curiosity

do you know what his grades were ? If not, whos to say that he did not leave for those reasons ?

He who laughs last, thinks slowest
Well.....my days of not taking you seriously have certainly come to a middle
"Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name"

by BigBad Joe on Apr 9, 2011 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions

If you are posting accusations of this nature the burden of proof is on you.

I did a web search the 1st time he posted about this. Which is how I found out about the 1 game Smith missed. The only other grade info I could find was a 3.0 GPA coming out of high school. I also did a search for his Wonderlic score but I could only find the top and bottom ones listed. Which means he was somewhere in the middle.

Several different people have asked for proof of the accusations DC has been making, but he has ignored them and just kept posting them on new threads.

by Rena on Apr 9, 2011 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm with Rena here

I’m not a Tyron Smith fan to say the very very least. But we try to be factual on these boards. If there aren’t facts to back up the claims, just say “oops” and move on. Don’t keep making claims you can’t back up with facts.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 9, 2011 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions

No Problem

with Smith as he is right now. RT is the immediate problem and there are other players in the draft that could fill this need. Smith is a " shiney thing" and if Dallas can get better value trading down to fill the need and get another position player of need I’m all in. Just get that player and don’t out smart yourself and miss by reaching for potential.

by oldboysfan on Apr 9, 2011 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions

I like the trade down also. I have said before I would rather have, say, Sherrod + Wis than just Smith.

by Rena on Apr 9, 2011 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Valid argument

Well said. The value for trading down should certainly be measured. Though I still have an issue with viewing potential as a bad thing. Ware had tons of potential even though he was also day 1 ready.

by Kegbearer on Apr 10, 2011 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Sturm in an interview also said...

Bob Sturm: I think in many cases, you don’t want projects when you can have ready to play guys. But, 2011 Tyron Smith is very good already. Comparable to those in the tackle class based on his film on record from USC. But, the projectable stuff is very exciting, too. He is still growing into his body. He is going to get much bigger. He is going to learn proper technique. He can really become better than he is now. He just turned 20. I think you can plug and play. And then, in 2013, he should be amazing.

by Kegbearer on Apr 8, 2011 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions

In the article he said that Tyron Smith is "very good already"

He goes on to say that by 2013, he’ll be amazing. The implication being he would be a solid pro now and mature into an All-Pro down the line.

by somebodyquiet on Apr 8, 2011 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions

All I'm hearing is could, should, would

We can have a “very good” right tackle much further down in the draft. We would be drafting Smith higher based on potential alone, which in my book makes him a “shiny thing”.

by One.Cool.Customer on Apr 8, 2011 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions

and don't forget the word "best"

I’m always amazed at the effect the adjective “best” has on people’s psyche to create irrational exuberence.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 8, 2011 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions

OCC, I respect your thoughts and opinions and love your posts

What I don’t understand is why so many people are scared of Smith, just because people describe him as having a “high ceiling”? I realize that is usually indicative of someone who does not yet posses Elite skills, but the kid is 20. Most people would argue that he could become an amazing LT. Fortunately we aren’t the Cleveland Browns (drafting Joe Thomas) and don’t require for someone to come in and start at LT immediately (a luxury we have because of Doug Free). However, this is football and we all know how thin and old we are along the OL. If we get Smith at 9 and he can start and be a great RT immediately and provide arguably the best option to back up Free at LT (and potentially take over the spot in 2013), what is so wrong with that?

Honestly, I understand what you mean about Jerry and “shiny things” but we also know Jerry has a tough time drafting OL and especially taking them in the 1st Round. However, if Garrett thinks this is his guy and worth the risk, what is the harm in making it sound “shiny” just to help Jerry rationalize picking an OL in the 1st Round? We all know addressing the OL will help put the Offense back to Elite status and help keep Romo healthy and upright.

by RE1D on Apr 9, 2011 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions

Interesting idea and if that is what it takes to get a top OL then I wouldn't cry about it.

by Rena on Apr 9, 2011 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

At then end of the day, we're just trading opinions here

If the Cowboys think he’s good enough for the 9th pick, then that’s the way it is.

But let me ask you this, if he is soo good (correction “has such a high ceiling”) why isn’t Smith mocked to a single team above the Cowboys, can’t the other teams see the All Pro potential of this guy? Are 8 teams passing on a potential All Pro left tackle, when in nine of the last 10 years a tackle was taken in the top 10?

In many ways Smith (like Ingram to Miami) seems like the default option for the Cowboys – you can slot him there without much thought. But if Smith isn’t taken at No. 9, how far would he fall, and is that perhaps a better indication of his value? If Ingram doesn’t go to Miami at 15, most mocks see him barely staying in the first. Would the lions take Smith, or would they rather go for Castonzo? Would the Giants take him? The Colts? How far would he fall?

by One.Cool.Customer on Apr 9, 2011 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions

well over at the ODS

they have him at 15(Miami)…so drafting him at 9 would be a slight reach….However if the ODS is correct and No other team takes a o-line(though they have Minn. taking Constanzo), then trading down to #14 (rams) would be the Ideal set-up…

However If We do trade with St Louis, would Washington start an early run on Linemen?

And if that Happens What should Dallas do? would reaching for Carimi/Sherrod at 14 be any worse than Reaching for Smith at #9?….

Now if Dallas Trades down to 14 and Smith/Constanzo are still there? Then it worked, if not, then you are stuck with the same issue as before, either reach slightly(only now you are reaching for the third and fourth best OT instead of either the second or top OT) or trade down, and hope that the players fall to you….

So lets say we trade down to 17, And Sherrod and Carimi are taken at 15 and 16…now What?….Sure we have all these picks… but now we either have to hope that:
a. We can Draft one in the second round AND B. that he is actually able to step in day one….

That is a Scary thought OCC….Personally I say just stay at #9, take Smith.

Von Miller+Demarcus Ware+Jay Ratliff+Rob Ryan=Nightmare for Opposing OC's

by I am Ironman!!! on Apr 9, 2011 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions

To piggy back off of OCC...

Tyron Smith has never started 1 game at left tackle. All he’s ever played is right tackle, even in college. I think that gives you serious serious pause.

Fairley is getting negative press because he’s a “one-year wonder” — Smith is a zero-year wonder.

He’s being sold 100% on potential and hype, not proven results.

That’s why he scares me.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 9, 2011 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Seriously..

Tyron Smith has never started 1 game at left tackle.

Please could someone explain this statement to me? And How this has ANY relevance to Dallas’ problem? Dallas would not be asking him to start at LT, he would start at RT….he would only start at LT in two scenarios:

A. Doug Free (knock on wood) gets injured,

B. Doug Free leaves via Free agency…

In either of those scenarios is Dallas any better off with Carimi, Sherrod or Constanzo?

No, because of 1 inescapable fact. Regardless of how “NFL ready” any of them are, they are still rookies. And none of them are without flaws. Not even Smith.

Von Miller+Demarcus Ware+Jay Ratliff+Rob Ryan=Nightmare for Opposing OC's

by I am Ironman!!! on Apr 10, 2011 1:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Most teams above Cowboys

Don’t have a huge OT need. In my opinion, the Top 10 is BPA (best players in the draft, but still drafted based on team needs). I think that is why Smith’s ceiling seems to be #9 to the Cowboys…though I have heard someone at FFToolbox mocked him at #3 to the Bills. Personally, I think Smith is Top 10, but not Top 5 – though may be a little lower for 4-3 teams due to the 4-3 heavy DL top tier prospects.

by Kegbearer on Apr 10, 2011 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

sometimes its a lot better to pick safe solid players then take these flyers on players with questionable character or work ethic. this team can’t afford for the IQ to fall any lower then it already is or were going to be in trouble for years to come.

Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth! Garrett & Ryan working as a team should create a physical environment at Valley Ranch that shows up on gameday.

by DCNation73 on Apr 8, 2011 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Stop it!

Stop saying he has academic issues and work ethic issues without proof. The only character issue he has had is ONE missed game due to a weekly academic suspension. That does not consitute low IQ and academic issues. Let’s remember Dez had FAR greater academic issues.
As for work ethic, I have only heard good things. He is also day 1 ready for RT and not some boom or bust flyer. He is a solid or elite prospect – that is the risk.

by Kegbearer on Apr 8, 2011 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah really wheres you proof

by Archie Barberio on Apr 8, 2011 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions

one game missed one

by Archie Barberio on Apr 8, 2011 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Very Unlikely

It would cost Dallas a 3rd round pick to jump from 9 to 6. Peterson will be a great CB, and if Dallas only had a major need for CB, it would be worth it.

Unfortunately, Dallas needs a couple of offensive lineman, a DE, an ILB, S, and a CB, so giving up a 3rd doesn’t make sense. This draft also seems to be pretty deep in CBs – Dallas can get what they need in the 2nd or 3rd.

by doomsdayreturns on Apr 8, 2011 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions

what about JJ Watt?

its a huge gap between him & the next player listed on the DL

Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth! Garrett & Ryan working as a team should create a physical environment at Valley Ranch that shows up on gameday.

by DCNation73 on Apr 8, 2011 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions

It's unfortunate RT is such a pressing need

I think Watt could be a very good 5-technique in the NFL.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 8, 2011 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

I would have no issue drafting Watt at #9 (or after trade down) IF the draft had more starting ready OTs and/or the team didn’t need a swing tackle and starting RT so badly.

by Kegbearer on Apr 8, 2011 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions

I actually like Cam Jordan

better than Watt.

by pfloyd1 on Apr 8, 2011 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions

I would rather have Clayborn

Von Miller+Demarcus Ware+Jay Ratliff+Rob Ryan=Nightmare for Opposing OC's

by I am Ironman!!! on Apr 8, 2011 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions

niners fan

ur no threat to us any,more (not yet at least)…u may proceed…lol

by mikemike78 on Apr 8, 2011 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions

I find it interesting that

alot of mocks have us taking IronHeads kid, Cam at 40, but he was not on the list of invitees.

He who laughs last, thinks slowest
Well.....my days of not taking you seriously have certainly come to a middle
"Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name"

by BigBad Joe on Apr 8, 2011 11:12 AM CDT reply actions

Maybe Jerry is trying hard to conceal his true agenda

We should go OL in the first, but notice how few DL they’ve invited so far. Heyward would be perfect for the 34, so maybe Jery’s being a little foxy in trying to conceal which DL he’s really interested in.

by pfloyd1 on Apr 8, 2011 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Jason Teague? Any relation to a nother Dallas Defensive back?

by bad knees on Apr 8, 2011 11:47 AM CDT reply actions

man Dallas se, to always bring in a gud pool of players to interview...

that actually plays well!!!!

I just hate we had a chance at unger and miss then could have got vollmer but traded back in the 3rd and pick up brewster.. what luck..

Also i see chia guy shorts is on here.. he seem like a gud option for a later round pick..

by lostar2009 on Apr 8, 2011 12:44 PM CDT reply actions

Bruce Carter

I gotta tell ya guys. If this guy falls to #40 it would be a huge steal. I know i am biased but I have watched him for 4 years and this guy is flat out a playmaker. He truly is a freak of nature with his size and speed. He has all the goods. And on top of that, his production on the field is off the charts. The guy is a playmaker. Sacks, interceptions for touchdowns, blocked punts, you name it. He does it. He’s coming off an injury but he is without a doubt worth the pick at 40.

We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''

What else makes a strong leader?

"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.

"That's' what we're going to do.''

by TARHEEL PAUL on Apr 8, 2011 1:21 PM CDT reply actions

too much of a risk at 40

71 yes, that would be ideal

by Archie Barberio on Apr 8, 2011 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions

i wouldn't count out K.Sheppard later in the draft.

a lot of mocks have him going to Dallas & Garrett has the true inside scoop on LSU players with his friendship with Les Miles.
its hard to believe Les Miles coached in Dallas back in the day. a lot of people think he’s stupid but honestly the guy can make a mountain out of a mole hill once ya get past the clock management.

Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth! Garrett & Ryan working as a team should create a physical environment at Valley Ranch that shows up on gameday.

by DCNation73 on Apr 8, 2011 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Carter's car crash in Dec

and his knee injury are causing him to fall. I agree with Chia, 2nd round is too early, 3rd is OK.

by pfloyd1 on Apr 8, 2011 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions

with so many OTs listed i'm starting to think Dallas will trade down to get one or pick one in the 2nd rd

a lot of great players on that list from the 2nd-7th rounds…

Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth! Garrett & Ryan working as a team should create a physical environment at Valley Ranch that shows up on gameday.

by DCNation73 on Apr 8, 2011 1:55 PM CDT reply actions

The OT list is primarily 1st rounders

The only guys that may slip to #40 are Sherrod or Solder. Rackley is a 3rd rounder. Very few 1st rounders invited at other positions. I think the list just about confirms ’Boys are going OL in the 1st and are trying to figure out whether they will trade down before doing so.

by Kegbearer on Apr 8, 2011 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions

i just don't see many other teams looking for a trade up but it could change come draft day

i don’t argue Dallas is looking for a RT in this draft but if they get stuck with the 9th pick i think they go safe with Watt or Jordan unless a Peterson or Miller happen to fall.
i just can’t imagine a team blowing a top 10 pick on a player thats going to be a RT for the next few years at the least. thats the type of pick you use on a day 1 ready LT & i don’t see any of these OT’s being that good.
i just hope Jerry doesn’t do anything crazy like thinking the Prince kid is top 10 pick.

Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth! Garrett & Ryan working as a team should create a physical environment at Valley Ranch that shows up on gameday.

by DCNation73 on Apr 8, 2011 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Agree about Prince, not Top 10. However, I have no issue drafting a swing tackle (someone who could back up LT rookie year and with the potetial to become an all-pro LT) to play RT for a year or two. In fact, that is how a good team should do it. Draft a LT but start him at RT for a year or two. We are in a perfect position to do so with Free, especially considering that Free is already 26, has contract questions, and more than likely will not become the elite LT we hope (though he is above average for sure).

by Kegbearer on Apr 8, 2011 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions

i could live with a OL or DL with the 9th pick but sometimes Jerry does some crazy things during the draft.

i really hope Garrett/Ryan have a plan going into the draft that doesn’t involve Jerry until its time to call the kid getting drafted.

Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth! Garrett & Ryan working as a team should create a physical environment at Valley Ranch that shows up on gameday.

by DCNation73 on Apr 8, 2011 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Actually, I hope the scouting department gets the biggest say during the draft...

by CaliFanInTx on Apr 8, 2011 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, I have my questions about Garrett's player evaluation skills

- In 2008 he watched Brand Johnson throw every day and didn’t think twice about it. They didn’t even have a 3rd QB on the roster that year. Oops.
- In 2010 he watched Barber get knocked down in the backfield on first contact, Choice explode for huge gains every time he touched the ball, and still started Barber in every day while leaving Choice to warm the bench.

I think there’s some reason to be skeptical of Garrett.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 8, 2011 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions

It's not so much a scepticism for Garrett as it is a desire to be more process oriented.

The Scouts are paid to evaluate talent, and if they do a poor job, then you need to replace them. This should go for every position in the organization. Garrett is at the pulpit when preaching about “process orientation”.

- Given that Garrett has only been coordinating for 4 years, I think I can give him a mulligan on Johnson. Besides, he didn’t repeat his mistake. This time when Romo went down, I think we can safely say that he was prepared…even with the 3rd string QB.

- Barber is the best blocking RB we have on the team. Do you fault him for keeping him in the game to block for his less than mobile 38YO QB? Even at the sacrifice of some running ability?

It still amazes me that people are still unconvinced about Garrett. Whereas, I’m not predicting he’s the second coming of Landry, but can you name another Coordinator that has been as successful as he has been his 1st 4 years? I don’t even think Belichick can boast that start. The guy has had one of the top ranked offenses every year he’s coached.

by CaliFanInTx on Apr 8, 2011 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions

It's not binary. Garrett isn't only hall-of-fame or bust

I like what he’s doing from a scheme perspective and I love what he’s doing from a leadership perspective for this team. But in the third area of player evaluation I give him an incomplete so far. We don’t have enough information to tell. There are some reasons to believe he’s got it, and there are other reasons to believe he might not be the best.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Apr 8, 2011 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions

I wasn't trying to make it black or white...just responding to your post.

Your initial post/critique was not as moderate as this last one…I agree that it’s a wait and see…

by CaliFanInTx on Apr 8, 2011 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions

as the case with Barber

Im not sure he had the pull at that time to sit Barber for Choice, Barber was the big money back and we all know how much Jerry likes to admit he made a mistake

but agree with Brad Johnson, that was BAD

He who laughs last, thinks slowest
Well.....my days of not taking you seriously have certainly come to a middle
"Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name"

by BigBad Joe on Apr 9, 2011 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions

All the talk about OTs and DBs is great,

but Dallas has to take Uncle Henry. The new MOOOOOOSE.:)

Lock n Load

by DIRE WOLF on Apr 8, 2011 2:20 PM CDT reply actions

i can't believe they didn't invite ijalana

butglad they invited that safety from harvard

by ratware on Apr 8, 2011 6:58 PM CDT reply actions

I am kinda glad they didn't.

With his double hernia surgery and not being able to work out. Then possibly no OTA’s or TC I would be very concerned if he would be able to start next year.

by Rena on Apr 9, 2011 5:08 AM CDT up reply actions