I have to say that I am pretty happy after this draft. This is the first time I have said this in a long, long time. I truly believe that this is our best draft since the Jimmy days, although much of this hinges on Demarcus Ware. You will probably see a hybrid defense out of Dallas this year, but it is clear that they got the pieces to transition to a 3-4 defense. Demarcus Ware - a DE for Troy, this guy is a pass rusher, pure and simple. He's only average against the run, but it seemed unanimous that he was the best pass rusher in the draft. Dallas had 2 first round picks, and they were targeting Ware, Shawne Merriman, and Marcus Spears. Ware and Merriman were close to the same on the Dallas board, but Ware got the nod. I have to admit I'm a little disappointed that Merriman wasn't the selection here, but I think Ware is a good addition anyway. He will be Bill's LT or McGuinest. Marcus Spears - LSU's 300+ lb DE will play a majority of the time at one of the end positions. Dallas comtemplated taking him at #11, but felt he had the better chance to fall to #20 than Ware or Merriman. They desperately tried to trade up from #20 a few spots to get him, but could never find the price. Fortunately, he still fell to him without any cost. Spears will be asked to cut a few pounds to come in slightly less than 295. He will be Bill's Richard Seymour. Tennessee's Burnett will play OLB as well, and may start sooner than later, maybe even at an inside position in the 3-4. I like this guys talent and think he was a steal in round 3. Marion Barber from Minnesota is a good back that looks a lot like Julius Jones. Not quite the talent of Jones, but when Jones takes a breather, there will be a seamless offensive transition due to the similarities. I knew the would go RB here, but I thought the pick would be Sproles from KSU in the Dave Meggett mold. I would have been happy either way. Dallas wanted Canty at the beginning of the 4th, but wanted Barber worse. Canty continued to fall, so Dallas made a deal to move up into the 4th again to grab him. Canty has some issues with injuries (knee, eye) that will have to be watched. But at 6'7, he'll be another good option at DE. The only reason I feel good about this pick is because I'm confident that his injuries are not a huge issue. Dallas should have a better report on this guy than anyone else. He comes from Al Groh's 3-4 defense at Virginia, and as you may know, Groh and Parcells have a good relationship going. The rest of the picks, Beriault at FS, Petitti at OT, and Ratliff at DE were all decent value picks that filled a need. Other than the Ware/Merriman debate, I have no qualms about this draft. It raises a lot of personnel questions and positioning to be answered in camp though. I also expect that several undrafted FA's will be signed quickly, and I think the June cuts will net another player or two.
Ware, Spears, Burnett, & Barber were excellent choices. Dallas earns an A. Hopefully, the 3 defenders listed above knock the iggles around a bit. Quite a bit actually.
