Talkin' wide receivers

by Dave Halprin (Grizz) on Apr 11, 2008 12:39 AM CDT in News Comment 34 comments

I have to agree with this Todd Archer article about drafting a WR. I know all the arguments as to why we need to get serious about getting a WR, and they’re valid. But the only way I see solving that problem, at least solving it this year given this draft class, is to trade for a vet. The WR class is less than stellar this year, and all the top guys have questions about their game. Malcolm Kelly has injury concerns along with a bad Pro Day, DeSean Jackson is tiny, Devin Thomas has exactly one year of quality play at the top-level and Limas Sweed has the wrist injury plus some other questions. Sure, anyone of these guys could prove to be the guy, but none stand out as a "must-have in the first round" kind of guy, at least for me. I’d rather wait to draft a WR later and go to the strong field of RB’s and CB’s in the first round, or even better, trade for one of the rumored vets who might be moved.

Archer sums up in this paragraph the reason why I don’t think it’s necessary to reach for a WR in the first round this year.

Without {Terry} Glenn – forget the last game – last season, Tony Romo had the best statistical season ever for a Cowboys quarterback. He has a top-five receiver in Owens. He has a top-three tight end in Jason Witten. He has a solid player in Crayton, if people can forget his ill-timed drop in the postseason. And if Glenn can come back close to form, then Romo has a reliable target.

While a lot of people are down on Crayton, I’m not tossing him overboard for one horrid playoff performance. If we return the same set of WR’s again this year, we’ll be just fine. And don’t forget about the possibility of Isaiah Stanback contributing.

Nick Eatman has more on the WR draft class of 2008.

Yesterday was Pacman’s one-year anniversary. Congrats Pac!

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Whats up

with Isaiah Stanback?

Can he help us this year? If so, to what extent?

by coolaid on Apr 11, 2008 1:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Grizz made me giggle!

I love ya, Grizz, but the "possibility of Isaiah Stanback contributing" made me snicker. I suppose anything is possible, but I just don't see it happening.

Crayton is a good 3, but a mediocre 2.

by Baked Potato Soup on Apr 11, 2008 1:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

+1 Baked Potato

I sure hope we aren't counting on Crayton, who like you said is a #3 WR, not a #2. Stanbach in a project at best and it's unclear if the kid will see the end of training camp. He hasn't shown a whole lot except for getting injured. We need another guy to play opposite TO not named Crayton or Stanbach. From Jerry's comments recently he seems to agree.

by Cowboys81 on Apr 11, 2008 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm interested

in what Stanback might potentially do down the line, but next year is pretty unlikely.

Personally, I'd like to see Dallas give Sam Hurd a legitimate shot.

Let him who hath understanding Reckon the number of the beast For it is a human number, it's number is 31.

by no1cowboysfan on Apr 11, 2008 1:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Stanback is the key to our future WR plans

If he turns out to be another Hines Ward, then Dallas won't have to worry about getting a WR down the road.

I think he'll see more action this year (my hope anyway), but I doubt he's going to push Crayton for any playing time.

Hurd still has some potential, he'll be fighting for playing time. The ace he holds is that he can play any WR position. Pretty handy to have a guy that can do that.

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

by APerfectStar on Apr 11, 2008 1:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Stanback is unlikely

The Cowboys obviously saw something that made them reach for him with their third selection in last year's draft, but he's a small school QB with nothing on his ledger aside from athletic skills. Those players have worked out before, but It's a long shot. Personally, I'm more intrigued by Sam Hurd. I think he could become a very solid possession receiver.

http://heartbreakplex.blogspot.com/

by BudLight on Apr 11, 2008 7:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Small school QB?

Since when did U of Washington who plays in the Pac-10 get considered a small school?

That #38 sure can hit!

by Aaron Novinger (Bigrigga31) on Apr 11, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not a small school at all

University of Washington is a major college football program. Jim Mora JR even wanted to coach there instead of in Atlanta ;)

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

by APerfectStar on Apr 11, 2008 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mora

University of Washington is a major college football program. Jim Mora JR even wanted to coach there instead of in Atlanta

Can't really say that I blame him.

"Being with a woman all night never hurt no professional baseball player. It's staying up all night looking for a woman that does him in." -- Casey Stengel

by kameleon1 on Apr 11, 2008 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree Bud

For all we know Stanbach could be another Skyler Green. I wish Jerry would give up on these project players. Just because Stanbach is fast and athletic doesn't mean he can learn to play WR. If this kid doesn't work out it could be one of the worst draft picks we had in some time.

by Cowboys81 on Apr 11, 2008 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't throw out the projects

As the Tuna taught us, in the salary cap age, if you're going have long-term success, you need to get lucky with a few young "project" guys, and you also need a few minimum-wage one-year deal sort of veterans to prove they've still got some tread. You can't put a steak on every plate, and you'll bust yourself trying (see: Washington Redskins).

by Incredifan on Apr 11, 2008 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with Archer as well

Reaching for a WR this season would be stupid considering we have more important needs and our current WR corp is pretty darn good.

Stanback will evetually blow people away with his ability and become our future #1 go to WR. Phillips said last season nobody could cover him in practice and I can believe that, the kid is a star waiting to happen.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 11, 2008 7:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Remember the preseason game

last year? Stanback made some great catches and we saw glimpses of his athleticism when he was healthy enough to grab passes from Matt Moore.

That #38 sure can hit!

by Aaron Novinger (Bigrigga31) on Apr 11, 2008 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember it well

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 11, 2008 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This year

we could see some significant contributions from Stanback even if he is not ready to start.

No giggling about that.

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

by OskieOskie on Apr 11, 2008 7:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wide Receiver

I agree with Terry that we have a good wr corps. My concern is the age of T.O., who is the key to the offense. Take T.O. away due to injury, or put him on the field at less than 100%, and we have all seen what happens. I hope that Stanback does become a star at that position. But, should we wait for that occurrence, or should we protect ourselves by picking a wr who has flashed star potential as a collegian? I think our need for a running back is less than that for a wide receiver. You can get a very good running back in the later rounds, but the impact wide receivers will be gone.

by RB on Apr 11, 2008 8:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

On "Talkin' Cowboys" this Monday...

Bill Jones was saying how young Sam Hurd is. Going into his 3rd year in the league, Hurd will be 22. He was younger than every WR drafted last year except for Craig "Buster" Davis, and will be the same age as most of the WRs this year. A couple years of tutelage under T.O. and getting valuable experience has to put him above any guy Dallas can draft at the position.

Like last year, the Cowboys will have a tough 53 for another receiver to crack. That guy from the CFL couldn't do it last year, neither could Jerheme Urban even though he had a good preseason (he's now on AZ).

Teams keep 6 WRs at the most. Already there are T.O., T.Glenn, Crayton, Sam "I thought you" Hurd, speedy Miles Austin, and the developmental Stanback. That's 6. Where would a 1st or 2nd round WR fit in? Glenn's situation may create one slot if he's put on PUP for the 1st six weeks. Who knows, maybe they'll end up trading Miles? He and Hurd are such good special teams players though.

Bottom line: the only way I see Dallas drafting a WR high or trading for a vet is to replace T.Glenn. If they draft one in the lower rounds, the dude's on the practice squad unless he's a KR/PR.

That #38 sure can hit!

by Aaron Novinger (Bigrigga31) on Apr 11, 2008 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think what some fans forget

is that Jason Witten is essentially the #2 receiver on the team. So all of the talk about Crayton not being a good #2 is a moot point as he doesn't really have to be a #2. I mean if you look at Witten's stats last season, they are the stats of a top flight WR. I am not too concerned with another WR this draft but agree we need to figure out the situation for after TO is gone.

by DC_fan on Apr 11, 2008 9:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I totally agree

most fans don't look at Witten as a WR but in reality Romo looks to him as much as any receiver on the team. When a team has a superstar stud TE then having multiple threats at WR isn't as necessary.

Cowboys need a WR that can stretch the field more than anything. T.O. can do that as well but they need another WR with wheels. Hopefully Glenn will remain healthy this season to fill that role.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 11, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Both of you are contradicting yourselves

You say we don't need multiple threats at WR but ask for a WR that can stretch the field, which, ostensibly, would be a threat.

Witten is what he is -- an excellent receiver that does have to block often, and teams CAN plan to take him and T.O. out of the game. Please don't understate our need for another high-caliber WR.

That said, I believe a RB is a more pressing need for this draft. And this might burn Terry, but if we had Pacman, we could perhaps take a flier on a first-round WR like Sweed, Jackson, or Thomas alongside a RB draft pick like Felix Jones.

by goodjobtimmyheresabluestar on Apr 11, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if you're trusting Pacman, you're making

a very huge mistake, hopefully Jerry and Stephen will know better.

I got news for you Timmy, you're not getting a high-caliber receiver in this draft that will contribute this year, Sweed and Jackson will both be reaches in the 1st rd.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 11, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which is why I said it'd be a flier

And I can't count on Pacman if he's not here, right? But one situation can lead to another, and I was just throwing out a hypothetical. I am worried about you Terry -- especially about the Pavlovian response in you elicited by the name Pacman Jones.

Also, because we're a great passing team, the WR we draft does not have be a superstar in his very first year. He just needs to catch the occasional ball thrown his way when T.O. and Witten are covered. In our system, that's contribution aplenty.

by goodjobtimmyheresabluestar on Apr 11, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess that the Cowboys' plans for Stanback

would determine what kind of receiver they do need to draft. Any WR drafted will be a project, but the higher the talent the more chances he'll be a contributor this year and next.

If Stanback is being prepped as a #1 or #3 receiver, then the idea to get a field stretcher like Glenn is still a need.
If he's looked at as someone who can stretch the field (a #2), then they're set to wait for the right guy to groom as an eventual replacement for T.O. or competitor for Crayton.

I think for Stanback, the Cowboys just wanted a gifted football player who they'll find a position for. That's really hopeful thinking at this point, though.

That #38 sure can hit!

by Aaron Novinger (Bigrigga31) on Apr 11, 2008 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is no reason for the cowboys to draft a WR

in the first round. Are you forgetting they had the number 2 offense last year. All this talk about TO getting hurt and his age is crazy too. TO is a physical god. He has atleast 3 more good years.

Also dont WR usually have their break out year in their 3rd year? So hurd and austin one of them should step it up. Stanback will be able to help to just watch.

We all can agree calvin johnson was one of the best wr ever to come out of the draft in a long time.. well look how much he did in detroit. His number where no better then craytons. And there is defn no one even close to his talent in this draft.

The point is the learning curve is probably the biggest with WR so drafting a WR in the first 3 rounds this year is crazy. Cowboys had the number 2 offense last year they can repeat that by getting another rb not wr.

by thebigham on Apr 11, 2008 11:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Calvin Johnson

Had numbers comparable to Crayton's in his FIRST year in Detroit while partially hurt. What does that tell you about Crayton?

Again, I don't usually recommend drafting a WR in the first, but with these constant quotes by the Joneses about bringing in a free agent, I'm starting to think it's just a ruse.

by goodjobtimmyheresabluestar on Apr 11, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What does calvin's numbers tell me?

It says that the WR's is this draft wont even get half that! The WR's in this draft dont have the talent johnson does. Come on everyone was saying he was going to have a randy moss esque rookie year. He didnt get close to that at all.

And as sam stated There really is only one WR spot open on the team, do you really think one of the questionable WR's can crack that?

Now im not against drafting a WR just one in the first three rounds. Sure the cowboys need a WR soon so draft one on day two and hope for the best in training camp. If the player doesnt pan out then they arent losing much in the deal money wise and they already have a great offense anyway.

by thebigham on Apr 11, 2008 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Johnson was the concensus top player in that entire draft class.

http://heartbreakplex.blogspot.com/

by BudLight on Apr 11, 2008 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Production

The amount of talent a WR supposedly has doesn't automatically translate to production. Dwayne Bowe supposedly had less talent than Calvin Johnson, wasn't as fast, and yet he produced more than Calvin Johnson in his rookie year and Patrick Crayton.

A new WR doesn't have to be Calvin Johnson or Dwayne Bowe, hell, he doesn't have to be Patrick Crayton right away. He just has to be able to provide more production than Miles Austin and Sam Hurd. Do you really think that's that difficult of a proposition?? I really like Sam Hurd and Miles Austin was a guy that I thought could be a real sleeper at the WR position, but replacing a total of 24 receptions between them isn't rocket science. They both had chances to step up last year when TO was hurt and neither took their opportunity. Austin only proved that he had bricks for hands and what has Hurd proved?? That he's a good special teams player who can catch an occasional ball thrown his way. While I'm in no way saying that we should "reach" for any WR in this draft regardless of round to say that Hurd and Austin have their positions locked up is wrong IMO. In true Parcells fashion, it's time for Hurd and Austin to get "churned".

"Being with a woman all night never hurt no professional baseball player. It's staying up all night looking for a woman that does him in." -- Casey Stengel

by kameleon1 on Apr 11, 2008 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well said bigham

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Apr 11, 2008 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Drafting A WR Not Necessary

It's been my opinion for quite a while now that drafting a WR isn't really necessary this year. I make this statement not because of the lack of 1st round talent, but more because of what we currently have on the roster. Could we use another top flight WR to pair up with T.O.? Yes, but then you are making the assumption that Terry Glenn is out for this year. That is something that has yet to be determined. Letting Glenn loose would cost us dearly against the cap; it would at least cost us more to cut him than it would to keep him. Unless he is physically unable to give what he has done in the past, I think they keep him. So, you have T.O., Glenn, and Crayton as the starters. Does anyone out there really think Stanback and Hurd are going anywhere? Those 5 are your actives on game day. Sure, the sixth spot, currently held by Miles Austin, may be up for grabs, but you don't want a #1 pick to be inactive. You could instead make Stanback inactive, but if he is going to make the team, he is going to have to be active on game day. If the Cowboys draft a WR with one of the top 3 picks, it is making one of the two following statements: 1. Terry Glenn is done and/or 2. Stanback is a bust. While this might leave us a little shorthanded at the WR position for the '09 season, drafting one is not going to help us in '08.

By the way, I loved the draft picks that were made in "mocking the draft". If we landed those two players, I would be very happy.

by Sam on Apr 11, 2008 12:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I guess I still don't

understand this idea that Hurd and Austin have their positions set in stone. Austin had 5 catches last year. His only production last year was as a KR. Is that really going to that hard to replace?? Hurd is a nice utility WR. He's nice to have but it's not going to hurt this team if we find someone better and have to let him go.

Say a guy like Devin Thomas is the BPA on the Cowboys draft board when they pick at #28. How hard would it be for him to beat out either Hurd or Austin?? Thomas is an excellent KR in his own right and has more "talent" than either Hurd or Austin. Or Crayton for that matter. I don't think it'd be as hard for him to crack our lineup of WR's as most people think.

"Being with a woman all night never hurt no professional baseball player. It's staying up all night looking for a woman that does him in." -- Casey Stengel

by kameleon1 on Apr 11, 2008 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

I've never seen people so critical of a 4th round pick. The kid has potential, if he pans out, fantastic, if not, we are out a 4th round pick. You have to take a shot on guys like this, and the 4th round is a great place to gamble.

Any earlier is a real risk, but any later and he's gone. Im sorry but with his injury history, Chris Canty was a 4th round gamble. Any complaints?

And when the hell did the University of Washington become a small school?

by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Apr 11, 2008 2:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs