I'm not really sure what to say. After we had a chance at Stephen Jackson, and passed, I was dumbstruck the rest of the day. I think everyone else was too. We did fill our needs. RB, G, T, and CB. We did get an extra 1st rounder for next year. I guess I have to make the assumption that Stephen Jackson was not rated significantly above Julius Jones on the Dallas draftboard...enough to say no to that trade anyway. As much as many teams didn't need a starting RB, I still think a very good back would have been picked up before #22. I assumed Jackson and Kevin Jones would be gone before Dallas got to pick. The fact that all of them made it until #24 tells me these can be good backs, but few thought these were top-notch. We'll see whether they are right or not. I am still stunned today. I sure hope some talent becomes available on the free agent market, though I'm not holding my breath. Wow...
I dont think the Cowboys brain trust thought they would have a shot at Jackson or Kevin Jones going in. When the opportunity presented itself they thought it over and made a concious decision to take the #1 and go with Julius Jones, who they thought they would get all along. Julius Jones said Parcells told him that if he was on the board when they picked then the Cowboys would select him. Neither Jackson or Kevin Jones was invited to visit Valley Ranch before the draft but Julius Jones was and Parcells had an extended visit with him at that time. Julius Jones will return punts and platoon with the other backs this year. Right now this draft is being rated by most as almost a sure bust. Three years down the road this may turn out better than the Herschel Walker deal. We get the first look at the picks this Sunday at the minicamp for the rookies. To me the two OL are just as important to our sucess at this time. Later
You are right Tuna, but who would have thought that lol. Given the choice, Dallas had Kevin Jones rated ahead of Stephen Jackson. Whether Jones is third or fourth or whatever, we won't know. After Dallas traded down into the second round, they tried to move back to the end of the first round. Obviously they didn't get it done, but Jones was the guy they were trying to move up to get. The Lions evidently offered something better. Draft grades mean little in a lot of cases. If we can pull three contributors out of our first three picks, then that extra first rounder next year will make a big difference.
I can't say that I'm "pleased" with the way the draft went, but then I'm not in Dallas, I don't spend everyday at the Ranch and I don't know the thinking behind the scenes there. I can only hope that Parcells has a firm grip on what transpired. I think Jones is a capable back, probably better than Hambrick out of the gate, and that's a plus. I've heard rumors, and if anyone can verify or deny what I've heard it would help. 1. Ricky Watters has been contacted by Dallas about possibly playing this year. 2. The Cowboys have contacted Kerry Collins agent about the possibility of being in Dallas this year. I would welcome and applaud both of these additions if they came through. Collins is a proven winner, as is Watters, and I think both veterans would give and show the younger players the work ethic and maturity it takes to win in the NFL. What do you guys think??
I haven't heard anything solid one way or the other regarding Watters. I'll treat it like any other rumor at this point. Its a possibility, and I wouldn't be surprised to see some veteran come in at a relatively low price. Collins will not be in Dallas. I don't know what the Giants asked Collins to take a pay cut down to. Since they started at $7 million, I doubt it was much less than $3-$4. If Collins was against that, I don't think Dallas would pay him any more. Besides, if he stayed in NY, I think he might have had a chance to start one more year before Manning took over. At his age, Dallas wouldn't be offering him any more than a year as well. I still see Vinny as the June 1 signing for much less. He won't be asked to start unless needed, but he will have that veteran aspect Parcells needs.
I stand corrected....well sort of. Dallas inquired about Collins at least. Supposedly, they immediately said they have no further interest and are happy with their current staff, but that's typical Jones-speak. I still don't think Collins will have a star on his helmet. But as predictable as as Jerry is, Parcells is still tricky.
