Since commenting closed in the other May rosterbation fanpost this is the new one.

Will we resign Bourn? Will we trade one of Jurrjens or Minor. How will we replace Chipper next season? Is Francisco the answer at 3B?

I think we should resign Bourn for 3 years $36M with a player option for $12M and a team option for a 5th year at $12M. Move Prado to 3B and sign Pagan to play LF, 3 years $24M should be enough. If we can squeeze some extra cash out of Liberty Media we should discuss extensions with McCann and Beachy and Heyward.

I have been watching baseball for many years now and one thing I've noticed is that the quality of baseball umpires has gone down. It seems that very few can hold a consistent strike zone throughout the game and they have blown many high profile calls over the last few years. This doesn't however take away from the 99% of calls they get right.

It seems that over the last 5 years they have been very quick to throw players out of a game for arguing balls and strikes. I understand that they are pressured by MLB to keep games moving but why isn't there some sort system set up to punish umpires when they are wrong. It's gotten to the point where if a player even questions a call he's getting thrown out. I understand that there is Kzone set up to make sure they are calling a consistent strike zone but does anyone really think its even still used or for that matter does anyone the results really matter.

These are just some things that I think need to be changed about baseball. MLB needs to limit the power of umpires. There needs to be a stricter adherence to the strike zone. Its all in the name of making the game consistent.

These are some of my thoughts, now whats yours. Should the umpires be left alone or should more attention be paid to them making better calls and not being so quick to toss a player.

I started work on this about 3 weeks ago and was hoping to get through 7 rounds but I ran out of time. 4 rounds is good enough for me.

1. Indianapolis, Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

2. Washington, Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

3. Minnesota, Matt Kalil, OT, USC

4. Cleveland,Morris Clairborne, CB, LSU

5. Tampa Bay, Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

6. St. Louis, Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.

7. Jacksonville, Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

8. Miami, Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina

9. Carolina, Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

10. Buffalo, Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

11. Kansas City, Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

12. Seattle, Nick Perry, DE, USC

13. Arizona, Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

14. Dallas, Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

15. Philadelphia, Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

16. N.Y. Jets, Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

17. Cincinnati, David DeCastro, G, Stanford

18. San Diego, Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

19. Chicago, Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

20. Tennessee, Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

21. Cincinnati, Stephen Gillmore, CB, South Carolina

22. Cleveland, Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

23. Detroit, Mark Barron, S, Alabama

24. Pittsburgh, Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

25. Denver, Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin

26. Houston, Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

27. New England, Doug Martin, RB, Boise St.

28. Green Bay, Andre Branch, OLB, Clemson

29. Baltimore, Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

30. San Francisco, Mike Adams, OT, Ohio St.

31. New England, Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi St,

32. N.Y. Giants, Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

2nd round

33. St. Louis, Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan St.

34. Indianapolis, Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

35. Minnesota, Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

36. Tampa Bay, Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

37. Cleveland, Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

38. Jacksonville, Devon Still, DT, Penn St.

39. St. Louis, George Illoka, S, Boise St.

40. Carolina, Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska

41. Buffalo, Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma St.

42. Miami, Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forrest

43. Seattle, Bobby Wagner, OLB, Utah St.

44. Kansas City, Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida St.

45. Dallas, Kendall Reyes, DE, UConn

46. Philadelphia, Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

47. N.Y. Jets, Chandler Jones, OLB, Syracuse

48. New England, Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

49. San Diego, Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern St.

50. Chicago, Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

51. Philadelphia, Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

52. Tennessee, Ben Jones, C, Georgia

53. Cincinnati, Mohammed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

54. Detroit, Bobby Massie, OT, Mississippi

55. Atlanta, David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

56. Pittsburgh, Kelechi Osemele, G, Iowa St.

57. Denver, Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

58. Houston, Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama

59. Green Bay, Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma St.

60. Baltimore, Vinny Curry, OLB, Marshall

61. San Francisco, Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma

62. New England, Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise St.

63. N.Y. Giants, Isiah Peed, RB, Cincinnait

3rd round

64. Indianapolis, Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

65. St. Louis, Brandon Mosley, OT, Auburn

66. Minnesota, LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

67. Cleveland, Chris Polk, RB, Washington

68. Tampa Bay, Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

69. Washington, James Brown, G, Troy

70. Jacksonville, Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian St.

71. Buffalo, Josh Robinson, CB, UCF

72. Miami, Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan St.

73. Miami, Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

74. Kansas City, Brandon Washington, G, Miami

75. Seattle, Jemell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

76. Houston, Senio Kelemete, G, Washington

77. N.Y, Jets, Mike McCants, OT, UAB

78. San Diego, Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virginia

79. Chicago, Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

80. Arizona, Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas

81. Dallas, Dwight Bentley, CB, La-Lafeyette

82. Tennessee, Sean Spence, OLB, Miami

83. Cincinnait, Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina

84. Atlanta, Tony Bergstrom, OT, Utah

85. Detroit, Michael Brewster, C, Ohio St.

86. Pittsburgh, Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

87. Denver, Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona St.

88. Philadelphia, Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

89. New Orleans, Marvin Jones, WR, Cal

90. Green Bay, Bernard Price, RB, Temple

91. Baltimore, Brandon Brooks, G, Miami (OH)

92. San Francisco, Billy Winn, DE, Boise St.

93. New England, Leonard Johnson, CB, Iowa St.

94. N.Y. Giants, Josh Kaddu, OLB, Oregon

95. Oakland, Mike Martin, DT, Michigan

4th round

96. St. Louis, Nigel Bradham, OLB, Florida St.

97. Indianapolis, Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

98. Minnesota, Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

99. Houston, Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

100. Cleveland, Jeff Allen, OT, Illinois

101. Jacksonville, Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego St.

102. Washington, Mychal Kendricks, ILB, Cal

103. Miami, Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise St.

104. Carolina, Rishard Matthews, WR, Nevada

105. Buffalo, Orson Charles, TE, Georgia

106. Seattle, Demario Davis, OLB, Arkansas St.

107. Kansas City, Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona St.

108. Denver, Phillip Blake, C, Baylor

109. Washington, Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

110. San Diego, Kheeston Randle, DE, Texas

111. Chicago, Nate Potter, OT, Boise St.

112. Arizona, Robert Turbin, RB, Utah St.

113. Dallas, Trenton Robinson, S, Michigan St.

114. Philadelphia, Matt Reynolds, OT, BYU

115. Tennessee, Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego St.

116. Cincinnati, LaDarius, Green, TE, La-Lafayette

117. Detroit, Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

118. Cleveland, Marcus Forston, DT, Miami

119. Pittsburgh, Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M

120. Denver, Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati

121. Houston, Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri

122. New Orleans, Keenan Robinson, OLB, Texas

123. Green Bay, Quentin Saulsberry, C, Mississippi

124. Buffalo, Chris Rainey, RB, Florida

125. San Francisco, Lucas Nix, G, Pittsburgh

126. New England, Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina

127. N.Y. Giants, Shaun Prater, CB, Iowa

128. Minnesota, DaJohn Harris, DT, USC

129. Oakland, Cam Johnson, OLB, Virginia

130. Baltimore, Tauren Poole, RB, Tennessee

131. N.Y. Giants, Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

132. Green Bay, Malik Jackson, DE, Tennessee

133. Green Bay, James-Michael Johnson, ILB, Nevada

134. Minnesota, Janzen Jackson, S, McNeese St.

135. Dallas, David Molk, C, Michigan

Every year I like to look back at the draft from 10 years ago. For this I will be looking at the 2002 draft.

Coming off of a 5-11 season the Cowboys owned the 6th overall pick. They would eventually trade that pick to Kansas City for their 1st (8th) and 3rd (75th) and a 2003 6th round pick. The 6th round pick in 2003 would turn into 186th overall and end up being Zuriel Smith, WR, Hampton.

Continue reading this post »

Some of you are going to find it to soon to start looking ahead to the off season and what needs to be done to ensure that we don't have to play a meaningful game 162.  I think different, the front office needs to look at this team right and begin the work that needs to be done.

It's clear that this team needs some kind of a shot in the arm during the off season.  They looked flat and careless for the last month of the season and only played inspired baseball for a few innings in game 162.  I believe that the first change that needs to be made is firing Parish.  We won and were tough to beat in 2010 by drawing a lot of walks.  He tried to turn us into a slugging team and it just didn't work.  You cannot rely on hitting home runs to win games.

I also believe that this roster needs some change.  To many players slumped this season and you can't count on them simply showing next year and playing like their old selves.

Moves:

Send Lowe to AAA.  No one is going to take him in a trade unless we eat his entire salary.

Let Gonzalez walk.

Trade Prado and Jurrjens to Arizona for Drew.

Prado sucked pretty much the last 2/3 of the year, but he still has value.  Jurrjens really wasn't the same after the All Star break but is a quality number 3 starter.  Both of these players are going to be getting expensive and both are expendable.  Drew would give us a good hitting SS who is young and signed through 2012 with an option for 2013.  You might be wondering why would Arizona trade for a LF when Parra is already there?  Prado would move back to 2B where Johnson has sucked this year and likely won't be back and also be a super utility player for them.

Sign Michael Cuddyer.

He's a solid veteran and true pro who raises the game of the players around him.  He's also 33 years old and could likely be had for 3 years at $27M.

That leaves us with this roster.

Starters:

C.  McCann

1B.  Freeman

2B.  Uggla

3B.  Jones

SS.  Drew

LF.  Cuddyer

CF.  Bourn

RF.  Heyward

SP1.  Hudson

SP2.  Hanson

SP3.  Beachey

SP4 and 5.  A combination of Teheran, Minor, and Delgado.

Bullpen

Kimbrel, Venters, O'Flaherty, Varvaro, Martinez, Vizcaino, and Medlen.

Bench

Ross (C), Constanza (OF), Diaz (OF), Pastornicky (INF), Hinske (1B and LF).

After the 2012 season when Lowe comes off the books we will have to use a sizable portion of that $15M to resign Bourn.

I think this team could stand a good chance of competing and winning the NL East.

The bullpen needs to be better managed.

This team has been amazing this year and the great news is that most of this team is signed for next year.

Catcher:  McCann $8.5M, 

First Base:  Freeman $400K

Second: Uggla $13M

Third: Jones $13M

Short Stop: Open

Left Field: Prado Arb. made $3.1M this year probably $5-6M next year

Center Field: Bourn Arb. made $4.4M this year probably $6-7M next year

Right Field: Heyward $400K

Starting Pitchers:

Hudson $9M

Hanson $500K

Jurrjens Arb. made $3.25M probably $5.5-6.5M this year

Lowe $15M

Beachy $400K

Bullpen

Kimbrel $400K

Venters $400K

O'Flaherty Arb. made $895K this year probably $1-1.25M

Vizcaino $400K

Moylan Arb. made $2M this year probably won't make much more next year

Martinez $400K

7th spot Open

Bench

Ross $1.625M

Hinske $1.5M

Constanza $400K

Conrad $400K

5th bench spot Open

Total $88.475M

There are 3 spots on this 25 man that would need to be filled: SS, RP, and Bench spot.

Best case scenario is we find a team that will take at least half of Lowe's remaining salary.  At this point I think we could be safe trading Jurrjens also.  I know he's a good young pitcher but we have 4 guys in the minors that are ready and Jurrjens is going to leverage this season into a big gain in arb.  He made $3.25M this year and would not at all be surprised if he was able to double it next year.  We could probably move Jurrjens for a 3B prospect or a good corner outfield prospect.

I think resigning Gonzalez is the way to go at SS.  He's a solid defender and has his moments on offense.  This years FA class at SS really isn't very good.  The only guy right now set to be a FA that's under 30 years old is Jose Reyes.

My plan for the offseason would be to resign Gonzalez for $3M.  He only made $2.5M this year so it would be a raise and since he'll turn 35 before next season he has to know that there won't be a long term deal around.

I would then move and sign Infante.  He can play 2B, SS, 3B and OF for short periods and was a fan favorite.  He's not having a good year so a big contract is out of the question.  I think 2 years $7M is fair.

I would then see if Sherrill would sign for $1.5M next year.  He has been pretty good adds a veteran presence to a young bullpen.  If he would sign for that then we would need to find a guy who has a proven healthy record and doesn't mind middle relief.

I firmly believe that one or both of Jurrjens and Lowe will be traded.  As much as $20M could come off the books and maybe allow us to spend a little more in extending players.  Right now priority for extensions would be Prado, McCann, Hanson, Bourn.

I know its early to look ahead but thanks for reading.

Now that the trade deadline has passed I'd like to pick the 5 teams that did something good and the 5 teams that did something bad at the deadline.

Winners

5.  Indians.  While they gave up a lot for Jimenez, giving up pitchers Alex White (2), Joseph Gardner (7), Drew Pomeranz (4), and UT Matt McBride.  They also got a guy who can be a very dominant ace of your staff who's signed for 2012 at $4.2M and has option for 2013 at $5.75M and 2014 at $8M.  If he returns to last years form he's very cheap.

4.  Blue Jays.  They got Colby Rasmus, INF Mark Teahen, and pitchers Brian Tallet, Trever Miller, and P.J. Walters.  Mostly they gave up Jason Frasor and Octavio Dotel.  They got a young controllable CF for 2 relief pitchers.

3.  Phillies.  They needed a right handed corner outfielder and went out and got the best available player that fit that need.  They did buy on Pence during a little bit of an above average year but he is controllable 2012 and 2013 as an arb. eligible player.  While the prospects they gave up weren't high on the overall list they did once again gut their own system.  Singleton was their number 2 prospect and while he just 19 at A+ he does have high potential.  Same goes for Cosart who's 21 at A+ and their number 4 prospect.  Zeid the other player in the deal is 24 and struggling at AA.

2.  Braves.  They held onto their top 4 pitching prospects and still got the player that fits this team the best.  Bourn takes care of the 3 biggest needs; lack of speed, no true leadoff hitter, and great defensive CF.  They gave up 4 guys who may never be anything more than good role players.  Schafer is a great defensive CF but the bat may never allow him to be an everyday player.  Oberholtzer (7), Clemens (10), and Abreu (23) are good players but only Oberholtzer figues to be a starter at the majors and even then just a back end guy.

1.  Rangers.  They already have a great offense and a pretty good starting rotation but the one hole has been backend of the bullpen.  First they went and got Uehara for pitcher Tommy Hunter and INF Chris Davis.  Neither of these guys are prospects.  Hunter can be a decent starting pitcher and is only 25.  Davis also 25 has great power but can't get on base enough to be an everyday player.  They weren't done though.  They then went and got Mike Adams from the Padres.  Giving up Robbie Erlin (3) and Joe Wieland (19).  Erlin is the real deal just 20 at AA.  Wieland 21 has dominated A+ and now AA.  They gave up a lot but from the 7th inning on they became really hard to beat.

Losers

5.  Royals.  They are very far out of contention and had some pieces that could have made them better for the long haul.  Instead they make 1 trade that sends Mike Aviles to Boston for Yamaico Navarro (15) and Kendal Volz (UR).  Navarro should be a good utility player, but he's 23 and really hasn't shown he can hit that well so he'll be nothing more than a backup.  Volz is also 23 and an alright relief pitcher at A+.  Aviles is nothing special but he does put bat on ball and can play a couple positions. 

4.  Astros.  They gave up 2 very good players and got 2 high ceiling guys (Singleton and Cosart) who are probably 2 years away and 3 lower ceiling guys (Oberholtzer, Clemens, and Abreu) who could be up next year.  They failed to get even Minor out of the Bourn deal.  This could change if Schafer shows he can hit or if Singleton lives up to the potential.

3.  Reds.  Whether they want to admit it or not they are out of it, 6.5 games back with 3 teams in front of them.  So what did they do at the deadline, nothing.  They didn't sell and they didn't buy.  Buying here would have been really dumb but not selling a couple expendable pieces isn't smart.  With all the teams needing a catcher and Ramon Hernandez having a solid year and expendable with his replacement at AAA they deserve a bad rating. 

2.  Angels.  They pulled within 2 games of Texas who greatly improved and could have went out and got a piece that maybe pushes them.  Instead they decided to nap through the deadline.  When your 2 games back and have holes that could be filled you need to do something.  They could have used a backend starter, another bullpen arm or an OF.  All were available and Angels did nothing.

1.  Yankees.  They have needed a SP since last off season and all they have done is bring in Garcia and Colon.  Both have pitched well but they are ifs in the playoffs.  The Yankees should still make the playoffs but after Sabathia their rotation is not good.  There were plenty of SP available and money shouldn't have been and issue for them.  They got cheap with the Astros and only wanting to pay $21M of his remaining $38M.  There's still August but by standing pat they are telling their offense to score 6 runs when Sabathia isn't pitching.

I am planning on taking a trip to a few different stadiums later this year and would like to get everyone's take on their favorite and least favorite stadium.  This will only be major league stadiums.  I'll admit that I haven't been to many different stadiums and being from the midwest I haven't had a chance to get to Turner Field yet.  I have been to Kauffman (Royals), Wrigley (Cubs), and both Busch's (Cardinals). 

My favorite is kind of a tie between new Busch and Kauffman.  Kauffman offers cheap ticket prices, a good atmosphere, and you can see all the action from most seats.  New Busch has all the modern stuff, you can see pretty well, and the food is really good.

My least favorite is Wrigley.  Take away the history and the place sucks.  Everything is very expensive ($6.50 for half a can of Old Milwaukee), their is random stuff hanging from the rafters, and I was would strongly recommend not going in April.  I went to a night game in late April and it was about 40 degrees after the sun went down with a wind blowing right at you.

Anyway that's my take.  As I said I haven't been to many parks and I know many of you had so I would like your opinion.

I know this isn't Braves related but with Pujols set to become maybe the biggest free agent ever I thought it might be interesting to examine possible landing spots for him.

I don't think Pujols will be willing to play for a team that he will have to DH a majority of the time.  I also think that at this point in his career he is predominatly a 1B.  He hasn't played significant time at any other position since 2003 when he played 113 games in LF.  I also think his outfield days are behind him. 

AL East:

Boston:  They already have Adrian Gonzalez who is only 29 yrs old and signed through 2018.

New York:  Teixeira signed a 8 year $180M contract before last season.

Tampa Bay:  The Rays could use him but don't have the money.

Baltimore:  The Orioles have used Derek Lee at 1B mostly.  They could use an upgrade and put in a decent offer to Teixeira last year but its doubtful they would have the money.

Toronto:  Adam Lind has played the majority of the games and has pretty good so its unlikely they would have much interest.

AL Central

Chicago:  Konerko has been very good and is signed through 2013. 

Cleveland:  LaPorta hasn't been great but they don't have the money to even consider it.

Kansas City:  Could kinda be considered a dark horse being that he is from Kansas City but they have some decent players at 1B already and don't have the money.

Detroit:  Money really isn't an issue but they already have Cabrera and he is just as good.

Minnesota:  Small market team that wagered their future on Mauer, plus they have Morneau.

AL West

Texas:  Currently using Mitch Mooreland who is decent but not great.  Have shown they have money to spend and could be a dark horse.

LA Angels:  They have a young Trumbo currently holding the position and he's been alright and they also expect Morales back next year, but Pujols would be a great addition.  They have missed out the last two years on Teixeira and Crawford so this could be their big splash.

Oakland:  This team has been pretty bad offensively and Barton isn't helping that.  With that being said they have no where near the money.

Seattle:  This team has struggled offensively with their offense since they moved into SafeCo but Justin Smoak hasn't really been part of the problem this year. 

NL East

Philadelphia:  Probably have the money but they also already have Howard.

Atlanta:  Could we use him? Sure.  Do we have they money?  No.

Florida:  They don't have the money plus they already have a fine young 1B in Gaby Sanchez.  I do however give them a 1% chance for one reason.  They are moving into a new home soon and Pujols would sell out for quite awhile.

NY Mets:  No one is really sure how they financials are going to work out, plus they already have Ike Davis.

Washington:  LaRoche has sucked this year and they seem to be interested in every FA out there.  Not sure how much money they'll have after signing Werth last year.

NL Central:

Cincinnati:  Already have Votto.

Milwaukee:  They'll first try to resign Fielder and if they can't do that then they surely don't have the money for Pujols.

Pittsburgh:  Overbay has been pretty good this year.  Signing a expensive FA should be far from their mind.

Chicago:  Pena has been pretty awful this year.  They have proven that they have money to spend and getting Pujols would be a huge move for them.

Houston:  Team is up for sale and they already have a decent 1B in Brett Wallace.

NL West

San Francisco:  Huff has been part of their problems this year and he's signed to a moveable contract.  Still unlikely landing spot.

Colorado:  Helton is past his prime but is having a good year.  Another team though that doesn't have the money.

Arizona:  Team with many issues but 1B isn't one of them.

LA Dodgers:  Outside of St. Louis this is probably the best place for him to go.  However with the divorce and them having no money its a zero chance, but if a new ownership takes over and wants to spend money this becomes a likely spot.

San Diego:  Hawpe hasn't been good but they couldn't afford to keep Gonzalez so signign Pujols probably isn't going to happen.

Basically Pujols do to his price tag and other teams not really needing a 1B his options are down to about 3 or 4 teams.

He'll take a discount to stay in St. Louis because he is so loved there and his home is close by.  Outside of St. Louis I see the Angels and Cubs as being strong bidders and if new ownership takes over the Dodgers I'm sure they would jump into it as well.

With the 2011 NFL draft about 2 months away I figured it would be a good time to take a look back at the 2001 Dallas draft.  Ten years is a good amount of time to properly grade a draft since most of the players have either retired or are at the end of their careers.

Dallas traded their 1st round pick in both 2000 and 2001 to Seattle for Joey Galloway.  Galloway had a decent career in Dallas but didn't come close to measuring up to 2 first round picks.  By the way the 2001 pick was 7th overall.

Dallas did have the 37th pick which they sent to Indianapolis for their 2nd (52) and 3rd (81).

Dallas then trade their 2nd (52) to Miami for their 2nd (56) and 4th (122).

Dallas then trade two of their three 3rd round selections (70 and 81) to the Saints for the 53rd pick.

2nd round (53rd) Quincy Carter, QB, Georgia

Carter had a short but decent stay in Dallas.  He started 15 games in 2001 and 2002 before starting all 16 in 2003.  In 2003 Dallas qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1999.  However Carter was released before the start of the 2004 season and only lasted one more year in the league (2004 with the Jets).

Stats with Dallas: 2001-2003, 31 starts, 5,839 yards. 29 TD's. 36 INT's, 56.2% completion.

2nd round (56th) Tony Dixon, S, Alabama

Dixon was supposed to be the player that took the reins from Woodson.  Instead he never made it above special teams player and was let go after the 2004 season.

Stats with Dallas 2001-2004, 56 games, 14 starts, 64 tackles, 6 sacks, 1 INT

3rd round (93rd) Willie Blade, DT, Mississippi St.

Blade missed all of 2001 and 2002 while injured but did start in 2003.  Was a classic example of a player who started simply because there was no one better on the roster.  Was let go after the 2003 season and played 2004 in Jacksonville, out of football after that.

Stats with Dallas, 2001-2003, 15 games, 14 starts, 11 tackles, 1 sack

4th round (122nd) Markus Steele, OLB, USC

Steele's career actually started off pretty well as he made 10 starts as a rookie, but he would make only 2 starts after that and would be let go after the 2003 season and would not join another teams roster.

Stats with Dallas, 2001-2003, 42 games, 12 starts, 46 tackles

5th round (137th) Matt Lehr, C, Virginia Tech

Sadly Lehr was one of the better players that Dallas selected in 2001.  He would make all 16 starts in 2003.  Although his career in Dallas ended after the 2004 season he went on to make 29 starts between the Falcons and Saints.  He has been out of football since 2008.

Stats with Dallas 2001-2004, 43 games, 22 starts

6th round (171st) Daleroy Stewart, DT, Southern Miss.

Stewart didn't play at all in 2001 or 2002 and was mostly a rotational guy in 2003.  He played 1 game in 2004 for Dallas before being released and playing in 10 games between the Jets and 49ers.

Stats with Dallas, 2001-2004, 16 games, 0 starts, 17 tackles, 1.5 sacks

7th round (207th) Colston Weatherington, DT, Central Missouri St.

Weatherington barely played for Dallas.  Missing all of 2001 and getting into 3 games in 2002.  Out of the NFL since.

Stats with Dallas, 2001-2002, 3 games, 0 starts, 1 tackle

7th round (240th) John Nix, DT, Southern Mississippi

For a 7th round pick Nix wasn't bad.  He would be let go after the 2002 season spending 2003 in Cleveland and 2004 in Arizona.

Stats with Dallas, 2001-2002, 30 games, 0 starts, 18 tackles, 0 sacks

7th round (242nd) Char-ron Dorsey, OT, Florida St.

Dorsey showed some promise as a rookie making 2 starts but it didn't last long.  Released after the 2002 season he spent 2003 in Houston and hasn't played since.

Stats with Dallas, 2001-2002, 10 games, 2 starts

The 2001 draft was clearly hampered by the Joey Galloway trade.Galloway would be trade for Keyshawn Johnson after the 2003 season.  He never caught more than 61 passes in a year.

The players that Dallas did select failed to have any lasing impact on the team.  Lehr was the last one in the league spending 2009 on the Colts practice squad.  Carter and Dixon hurt the most because they we highly drafted players who failed to be good pros.  Carter failed because of drug issues and Dixon simply wasn't a good player.

Drafts like 2001 and 2000 have lasting effects that hurt your team for many years.  While 2001 wasn't a great draft overall it did produce some players who Dallas could have taken at 7th if they had that pick.  Players like: Steve Hutchinson, Casey Hampton, Nate Clements, and Reggie Wayne all went in the 1st round after 7.

This draft played a part in Dallas picking 8th in the 2002 draft.

1.  Carolina, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

I know this team needs help on the defensive front but if they want to give Clausen any chance of succeeding in this league and also want to prolong Smith's career they need to give them both some help.  Green is the best WR prospect since Johnson and should help this team from the start.

2.  Denver, Nick Fairly, DT, Auburn

With Fox as the coach now they will probably transition back to the 4-3.  Peterson will be the popular pick but it all starts up front.

3.  Buffalo, Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

Miller has been shooting up boards for the last month and by draft time this will be far from a reach.  When you can consistently rush the QB it helps solve a lot of other problems.

4.  Cincinnati, Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Dunlap looks like he'll be solid on one side but the other DE spot is owned by Odom who can't stay healthy.  Bowers gives them a feared pass rush and between him and Dunlap they should improve on the 26 sacks last year.

5.  Arizona, Robert Quinn, OLB, North Carolina

They play the East which is improving but the other 3 teams could all be using young QB's next year.  They best way to rattle a young QB is to put pressure on him.

6.  Cleveland, Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Another team switching back to the 4-3.  The Browns two biggest needs; WR and OT are both reaches here so they improve their defensive line.

7.  San Francisco, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Not exactly a huge need but it is more of a BPA pick.  Peterson is one of the top players in this draft and would be able to start and replace Spencer or Clements right away.

8.  Tennessee, Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

I'm assuming that the team doesn't bring Babin back.  If they do then this pick changes.  Smith would give this team another solid pass rusher and young duo along with Morgan.

9.  Dallas, Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Newman is aging and Jenkins was very inconsistent.  This pick would allow Newman to move to a slot corner position and would take a lot of wear off his body.

10.  Washington, Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

This team is going no where with the current set of QB's and nothing if Free Agency is going to help much.  Recently QB's taken high in the draft have been able to start and play well as rookies.

11.  Houston, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

The Texans are really stuck here and would likely move back if they could.  Johnson is an elite talent but has some injury questions and there is really no one else on that team worthy of the number 2 spot, so Jones gives them another play maker to take pressure off of Johnson.

12.  Minnesota, Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Farve and Jackson are gone.  Webb played alright as a rookie but is he really the future.  Newton is an elite talent who will take some time to develop but could a future franchise QB who does everything.

13.  Detroit, Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

Very thin position on the team and they get lucky to have Ayers fall to them.  Will be like a younger version of Peterson who they let go.

14.  St. Louis, Cameron Jordan, DE, California

Another team that would likely try to trade down if it fell this way.  Jordan is a solid player who could play both DE and DT for them.  Perfect RE type player on running downs and DT on passing downs.

15.  Miami, Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

Brown and Williams are both FA's and its unlikely both will come back.  Williams is at the end of the road and Brown has battled injuries and inconsistent play.  Ingram gives them a solid runner to help of poor passing attack.

16.  Jacksonville, J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

When you play in the same division as Manning and Shaub you have to be able to pressure the QB.  Jacksonville simply doesn't do that very well.  Watt is a high motor disruptive type player who will help any team.

17.  New England, Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

Teams with few needs can afford to take a reach every now and then.  Houston likely won't be there at 28 and the Patriots need to rush the passer better.

18.  San Diego, Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St.

A slight reach but also someone who help right away.  They need to start getting younger up front and Heyward would help that.

19.  N.Y. Giants, Derrek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi St.

Whether fans deem this a need or not Sherrod is simply to good of a value to pass up.  Would step in and start at LT from day 1.

20.  Tampa Bay, Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

Not exactly a huge need but Harris could end up being the best corner in this draft and Tamp needs to get younger at CB.

21.  Kansas City, Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

The teams that beat Kansas City last year forced them to pass.  When that happened the Chiefs offensive line showed its weaknesses.  Albert should be at RT after giving up 10 sacks last year which would allow the athletic Solder to start and LT and give this line a talent boost.

22.  Indianapolis, Tyron Smith, OT, USC

This team has to keep Manning upright.  Smith's size will scare some teams away but this guy is a supreme talent.  He will work well in the Colts line and help prolong Manning's career.

23.  Philadelphia, Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

With Dallas and New York both sporting big WR's the Eagles have to have a big corner to help Samuals.  Smith gives this team along with Samuals and Allen a very solid secondary.

24.  New Orleans, Martez Wilson, ILB, Illinois

In the 4-3 defense the ILB has to be able cover from sideline to sideline and Shanle simply isn't that guy.  Wilson has great size and great speed and would instantly upgrade this defense.

25.  Seattle, Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

Seattle really needs to upgrade the CB position and while this may seem like a reach now CB's tend to move up on draft day.

26.  Baltimore, Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

Boldin was a nice addition but this team needs someone to stretch teams deep down the field.  Look at what Wallace did for the Steelers.

27.  Atlanta, Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

Baker is more suited for the RT spot so this team needs to find a protector for Ryan.  Castonzo doesn't fit many teams blocking schemes but he fits in well with Atlanta.

28.  New England, Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Light is at the end of his career.  Carimi might not be ready for the LT spot yet but he's a smart player who should learn quickly.

29.  Chicago, Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida

Basically ever position on the Bears line could use an upgrade so they take the best lineman available.  Pouncey starts at LG from day 1.

30.  N.Y. Jets, Ryan Kerrigan, OLB, Purdue

The Jets face a lot of elite QB's and they need to put pressure on them.  Imagine what a good pass rush would do with that secondary.

31.  Pittsburgh, Benjamin Ijalana, OG, Villanova

This guy is a beast.  Dominated his level of play.  He's an early second round pick so taking him here really isn't much of a reach.

32.  Green Bay, Jon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh

A Super Bowl ring might be the perfect way for Driver to retire and Jones is a FA.  After that its Jennings and Nelson.  Jennings is very good but Nelson should be more of slot guy.  Baldwin would give this team a excellent weapon alongside Jennings.

The day after the Super Bowl is usually the day that most teams start making roster moves and getting ready for Free Agency and the draft.  This year as of now is a bit different.  With no CBA there won't be a Free Agent period.  The draft will still go on however.

To know your teams strengths and weaknesses you must take a close look at each position and see if it is in of an upgrade.

Quarterback:  Romo, Kitna, McGee.

All three made at least 1 start this year.  Romo is the starter next year and Kitna was very solid as a backup.  I'm still not that excited about McGee and we signed someone as a UDFA and he showed promise I wouldn't mind McGee being released.  That being said these three are more than likely all coming back next year.

Running Back: Jones, Choice, Barber, Miller.

I have been in favor of a Jones and Choice rotation at RB for awhile now.  Barber is overpaid and really saw his production diminish.  Barber likely won't be back next year.  Whether or not someone else needs to be brought in depends on how much you like Miller.  He played very little last year.  If a solid RB fell into the 6th or 7th round I would not object to us drafting one.

Wide Receiver: Austin, Bryant, Williams, Hurd, Ogletree, Johnson

If the team decides to release Williams this becomes an area of need.  Austin is very solid and Bryant showed a lot of promise as a rookie but there isn't much depth.  Hurd is a good ST player but not much more and Johnson really doesn't possess any of the tools that say he's going to be the next great one.  Ogletree really took a step back last year and due to his being inactive for most of the season he may have fallen out of favor with the coaching staff.  A 4th or 5th round pick should be used to take someone with good upside.

Tight End:  Witten, Bennett, Phillips, Rucker.

Witten is one of the best TE's in football, Bennett has the potential but has failed to put it together, and Philips is coming off a major injury.  Rucker was mostly ST depth.  I would be in favor of trading Bennett if someone offered a 4th for him.  Phillips is a solid blocker.  I really don't see a need to bring anyone else in except for a UDFA.

Tackle: Free, Colombo, Barron, Parnell, Young

Free was very solid at LT and should be there for a long time.  Colombo sucked at RT and is more than likely gone.  Barron is also more than likely gone.  Parnell and Young didn't see any action and neither has much of a chance of replacing Colombo next year.  The is a priority in the offseason to replace Colombo.  Whether it be through the draft or FA someone has to come in that can start right away.  The tackle class in this draft is nothing special but if we draft it early we could come out with someone like Sherrod or Carimi.

Guard: Costa, Davis, Kosier, Holland.

Kosier is a FA and probably won't be back.  Davis is on the downside of his career but he will be back and starting at RG next year.  Holland is a solid backup but him starting scares me some.  Costa started one game and was alright.  I would like to see Costa given the chance to start at LG.  If he could start and play well then we would at least have a young left side of the line.  Otherwise we will need to sign or draft someone.

Center: Gurode.

Gurode had a solid season and will start next season, however there isn't much depth behind him.  I would be a fan of taking Wisnewski at 40.  He could start at LG if Costa didn't work out and then take over at center in 2012.

Defensive End: Bowen, Geathers, Hatcher, Olshansky, Spears.

Two of those guys are probably gone.  Spears is a FA and Olshansky just isn't that good.  Bowen and Hatcher are decent role players but neither is that impressive as a starter.  This position will have to be dealt with this year.  Whether we draft someone at 9 who can start, sign a FA to fill at least one of the spots or shift Ratliff outside something has to be done.

Nose Tackle: Brent, Lissemore, Ratliff.

I really liked what I saw out of Brent this year.  That is one reason why I would like to move Ratliff outside and use Brent in the middle.  If you go that route however another player will need to be brought in to rotate will Brent.  Someone like Taylor from Baylor would be a welcome addition.

Outside Linebacker: Ware, Spencer, Butler

Ware is a dominant force, Spencer can be and Butler has shown flashes.  I still have faith in Spencer but would like to see Butler get some more time.  A mid to late round pick could be used here but is unlikely.

Middle Linebacker: Brooking, James, Lee

Brooking has been a nice addition but his playing days have passed.  James isn't far behind.  I liked what I saw out of Lee.  He is a smart athletic player who should be starting next year.  Depth is a bit of an issue and we should pick someone up late in the draft to replace James in a year or two.

Cornerback: Newman, Jenkins, Scandrick, McCann

This position needs an upgrade but not a 1st round upgrade.  Newman still has a little left.  I'm not giving up on Jenkins after one down year.  Scandrick was solid as a slot corner and McCann gave us some decent plays.  I would like to use a 3rd round pick on one of the second tier corners.

Safety:  Sensabaugh, Ball, Church, McCray, AOA

Sensabaugh is a FA who is likely gone.  Ball is also hopefully gone.  Church and McCray were both UDFA who showed some promise and AOA has great potential.  However someone has to be picked who can play FS right away and make an impact.  I would really like Moore from UCLA in the second round.

Kicker/Punter: Brown, Buehler, McBriar

Buehler was inconsistent and Brown didn't play for us.  I am not against Buehler getting another shot because I think some of his problems can be worked out.  McBriar is amazing end of story.

Heading into the offseason LG, RT, S, and DE are all positions that need to be fixed.

I just completed a 7 round mock draft for all the teams, but here is what Dallas ended up with. Full 7 round draft can be found here:

http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2011/1/30/1964646/7-round-mock-draft

Continue reading this post »

First 7 rounder of the year.  I will be doing another after Free Agency (hopefully) and all workouts are finished, and compensatory picks are awarded. I included explanations for 1st round only.

 

1.       Carolina, Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

With a young QB and good running game this team needs to fix its defense.

2.       Denver, Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Bailey is done in Denver so they need a replacement, Peterson is best CB prospect since Bailey.

3.       Buffalo, Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

Will move to OLB in the Bills 3-4 to help a poor pass rush.

4.       Cincinnati, Da’ Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Cincinnati’s biggest need is DE and the best one falls to them.

5.       Arizona, Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

It’s a reach but when you have WR’s like Arizona does you must get them the ball.

6.       Cleveland, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

Gives them someone who might actually scare defenses a little.

7.       San Francisco, Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Will move to DE in their 3-4.

8.       Tennessee, Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

A reach but he will sit a year behind Collins and then start in 2012.

9.       Dallas, Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Newman is getting old and Jenkins regressed so Dallas takes 2nd best CB in draft.

10.   Washington, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

No QB worth taking so they grab a weapon for whoever does play QB

11.   Houston, Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

They need to put pressure on the QB and Miller is very good at.

12.   Minnesota, Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

Not a huge need but no need players worth picking, Harris will start from day 1.

13.   Detroit, Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi St.

They must keep Stafford healthy and Sherrod will protect his blind side.

14.   St. Louis, Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St.

This year the defense gets first pick.

15.   Miami, Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

Both RB’s are FA’s and Ingram replaces one or both of them.

16.   Jacksonville, Cameron Jordon, DE California

Big DE to fill one of teams bigger needs.

17.   New England, Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

The rich get richer as New England grabs a solid pass rusher.

18.   San Diego, Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri

Pass rush has been lacking since Merriman, Smith helps fix that.

19.   N.Y. Giants, Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Athletic tackle for aging line.

20.   Tampa Bay, Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St.

They need a DE and overdraft Heyward because of the rush on DE’s.

21.   Kansas City, Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

Along with Hali gives them a feared pass rush.

22.   Indianapolis, Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Team must try to extend Manning’s career.

23.   Philadelphia, Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

All their CB’s have injury issues so depth never hurts.

24.   New Orleans, Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

With his size he can play inside or outside for them. 

25.   Seattle, Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

Team needs to better protect whoever plays QB next.

26.   Baltimore, Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

Young QB with old WR’s.  Adding Smith helps that.

27.   Atlanta, Jon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh

Big WR to pull double teams away from White.

28.   New England, Mike Pouncey, G, Florida

Bit of a reach but if Mankins leaves Guard is a huge hole.

29.   Chicago, Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

Bears rely heavily on defense keeping games close so they must address a weakness on that defense.

30.   N.Y. Jets, J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Should be a solid DE for a number of years.

31.   Pittsburgh, Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

If they don’t get to the QB its to easy to pass on this team.

32.   Green Bay, Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

Matthews needs someone on the other side to help rush the passer.

 

Second Round

33.   New England, Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

34.   Buffalo, Jake Locker, QB, Washington

35.   Cincinnati, Mikel LeShoure, RB, Illinois

36.   Denver, Drake Nevis, DT, LSU

37.   Cleveland, Allen Bailey, DE, Miami

38.   Arizona, Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh

39.   Tennessee, Martez Wilson, ILB, Illinois

40.   Dallas, DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas

41.   Washington, Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

42.   Houston, Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

43.   Minnesota, Quinton Carter, S, Oklahoma

44.   Detroit, Stefen Wisniewski, C, Penn St.

45.   San Francisco, Muhammad Wilkerson, DE Temple

46.   Denver, DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson

47.   St. Louis, Rodney Hudson, G, Florida St.

48.   Oakland, Davon House, CB, New Mexico St.

49.   Jacksonville, Rahim Moore, S, UCLA

50.   San Diego, Christian Ballard, DE, Iowa

51.   Tampa Bay, Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh

52.   N.Y. Giants, Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech

53.   Indianapolis, Jurrell Casey, DT, USC

54.   Philadelphia, Danny Watkins, OT, Baylor

55.   Kansas City, Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy

56.   New Orleans, Greg Jones, ILB, Michigan St.

57.   Seattle, Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville

58.   Baltimore, Marvin Austin, DE, North Carolina

59.   Atlanta, Ahmad Black, S, Florida

60.   New England, Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky

61.   San Diego, Marcus Cannon, OT, TCU

62.   Chicago, Orlando Franklin, G, Miami

63.   Pittsburgh, Kenrick Ellis, DT, Hampton

64.   Green Bay, Jarvis Jenkins, DE, Clemson

 

3rd round

65.   Carolina, Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

66.   Cincinnati, Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami

67.   Denver, Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU

68.   Buffalo, Sione Fue, DE, Stanford

69.   Arizona, Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida

70.   Cleveland, Brandon Burton, CB, Utah

71.   Dallas, Benjamin Ijalana, G, Villanova

72.   New Orleans, Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada

73.   Houston, Jaiquawn Jarrett, S, Temple

74.   New England, Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi St.

75.   Detroit, Curtis Brown, CB, Texas

76.   San Francisco, Christian Ponder, QB, Florida St.

77.   Tennessee, Stephen Schilling, G, Michigan

78.   St. Louis, Tandon Doss, WR, Indiana

79.   Miami, Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware

80.   Jacksonville, Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia

81.   Oakland, James Carpenter, OT, Alabama

82.   San Diego, Quan Sturdivant, ILB, North Carolina

83.   N.Y. Giants, Kristofer O’Dowd, C, USC

84.   Tampa Bay, Colin McCarthy, ILB, Miami

85.   Philadelphia, Will Rackley, G, Lehigh

86.   Kansas City, Jerrell Powe, DT, Ole Miss.

87.   Indianapolis, Chris Hairston, OT, Clemson

88.   New Orleans, Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina

89.   San Diego, Ronald Johnson, WR, USC

90.   Baltimore, Chimdi Chekwa, CB, Ohio St.

91.   Atlanta, D.J. Williams, TE, Arkansas

92.   New England, Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut

93.   Chicago, Titus Young, WR, Boise St.

94.   N.Y. Jets, Jeremy Beal, OLB, Oklahoma

95.   Pittsburgh, John Moffitt, G, Wisconsin

96.   Green Bay, Terrence Toliver, WR, LSU

4th round

97.   Carolina, Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada

98.   Seattle, Tyler Sash, S, Iowa

99.   Buffalo, Ian Williams, DT, Notre Dame

100.            Cincinnati, Kelvin Sheppard, ILB, LSU

101.            Cleveland, Derek Newton, OT, Arkansas St.

102.            Arizona, Clint Boling, G, Georgia

103.            Philadelphia, Mark Herzlich, OLB, Boston College

104.            Houston, Chris Rucker, CB, Michigan St.

105.            Minnesota, Andy Dalton, QB, TCU

106.            Detroit, K.J. Wright, OLB, Mississippi St.

107.            San Francisco, Korey Lindsey, CB, Southern Illinois

108.            Tennessee, Lee Ziemba, G, Auburn

109.            Dallas, Jerrard Tarrant, S, Georgia Tech

110.            Miami, Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee

111.            St. Louis, Mason Foster, OLB, Washington

112.            Oakland, Tim Barnes, C, Missouri

113.            Jacksonville, Niles Paul, WR, Nebraska

114.            San Francisco, DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma

115.            Tampa Bay, Sam Acho, DE, Texas

116.            N.Y. Giants, Robert Sands, S, West Virginia

117.            Kansas City, Thomas Keiser, OLB, Stanford

118.            Indianapolis, Austin Pettis, WR, Boise St.

119.            Philadelphia, Jeron Johnson, S, Boise St.

120.            Jacksonville, Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona

121.            Buffalo, James Brewer, OT, Indiana

122.            Baltimore, Nate Irving, ILB, North Carolina St.

123.            Atlanta, Greg Little, WR, North Carolina

124.            New England, Lawrence Wilson, OLB, Connecticut

125.            N.Y. Jets, Shareece Wright, CB, USC

126.            Chicago, Jake Kirkpatrick, C, TCU

127.            Pittsburgh, Casey Matthews, ILB, Oregon

128.            Green Bay, Zack Hurd, G, Connecticut

5th round

129.            Carolina, Dwayne Harris, WR, East Carolina

130.            Buffalo, Lance Kendricks, TE, Wisconsin

131.            Cincinnati, Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama

132.            Tampa Bay, Pierre Allen, DE, Nebraska

133.            Arizona, Lawrence Guy, DT, Arizona St.

134.            Cleveland, Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina

135.            Houston, Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh

136.            Minnesota, Chris White, ILB, Mississippi St.

137.            Detroit, Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas St.

138.            San Francisco, Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego St.

139.            Tennessee, Cliff Matthews, OLB, South Carolina

140.            Dallas, Martin Parker, DE, Richmond

141.            Washington, Chris Conte, S, California

142.            St. Louis, Brandon Fusco, C, Slippery Rock

143.            Miami, Joe Lefeged, S, Rutgers

144.            Jacksonville, Tyrod Taylor, QB, Virginia Tech

145.            Oakland, Mike McNeill, TE, Nebraska

146.            Philadelphia, Jermale Hines, S, Ohio St.

147.            Minnesota, Derek Hall, OT, Stanford

148.            Tampa Bay, Bryant Browning, G, Ohio St.

149.            Indianapolis, Ricky Elmore, OLB, Arizona

150.            Philadelphia, Cecil Shorts III, WR, Mount Union

151.            Kansas City, Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse

152.            Washington, Eugene Clifford, S, Tennessee St.

153.            Seattle, Brandon Hogan, CB, West Virginia

154.            Baltimore, Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa

155.            Atlanta, Ross Homan, OLB, Ohio St.

156.            New England, Markus White, DE, Florida St.

157.            Chicago, Willie Smith, OT, East Carolina

158.            N.Y. Jets, Chris Carter, OLB, Fresno St.

159.            Pittsburgh, Curtis Marsh, CB, Utah St.

160.            Green Bay, Shane Vereen, RB, California

 

6th round

161.            Carolina, Rashad Carmichael, CB, Virginia Tech

162.            Cincinnati, Will Hill, S, Florida

163.            Cleveland, Doug Hogue, OLB, Syracuse

164.            Buffalo, Jordan White, WR, Eastern Michigan

165.            Cleveland, David Arkin, G, Missouri St.

166.            Arizona, D.J. Young, OT, Michigan St.

167.            Minnesota, Ugo Chinasa, DE, Oklahoma St.

168.            Seattle, Greg Salas, WR, Hawaii

169.            San Francisco, Ryan Whalen, WR, Stanford

170.            Tennessee, Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida

171.            Dallas, David Carter, DE, UCLA

172.            Washington, Jalil Brown, CB, Colorado

173.            Houston, Chas Henry, P, Florida

174.            Miami, Darvin Adams, WR, Auburn

175.            St. Louis, Jamie Harper, RB, Clemson

176.            Oakland, Andre Smith, TE, Virginia Tech

177.            Jacksonville, Jason Kelce, C, Cincinnati

178.            San Diego, Shiloh Keo, S, Idaho

179.            Detroit, Wayne Daniels, OLB, TCU

180.            N.Y. Giants, Scott Tolzien, QB, Wisconsin

181.            Philadelphia, Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon St.

182.            Kansas City, Mike Person, OT, Montana St.

183.            Indianapolis, Roy Helu, RB, Nebraska

184.            Denver, Rob Housler, TE, Florida Atlantic

185.            San Francisco, Brian Rolle, OLB, Ohio St. 

186.            Baltimore, Justin Boren, G, Ohio St.

187.            Atlanta, Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma St.

188.            New England, Nathan Enderle, QB, Idaho

189.            N.Y. Jets, Jeremy Kerley, WR, TCU

190.            Chicago, Ricky Brewer, OLB, Colorado St.

191.            Pittsburgh, Ryan Donahue, P, Iowa

192.            Green Bay, Rob McGill, OT, Louisiana, Tech

7th round

193.            Green Bay, Owen Marecic, FB, Stanford

194.            Denver, Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville

195.            Buffalo, Kendrick Burney, CB, North Carolina

196.            Cincinnati, Ricky Henry, G, Nebraska

197.            N.Y. Jets, Alex Henery, K, Nebraska

198.            Seattle, Jerrod Johnson, QB, Texas A&M

199.            San Francisco, Curt Porter, OT, Jacksonville St.

200.            San Francisco, Cedric Thornton, DE, Southern Arkansas

201.            Tennessee, Adrian Moten, OLB, Maryland

202.            Dallas, Supplemental Draft

203.            Washington, Anthony Gray, DT, Southern Mississippi

204.            Houston, Colby Whitlock, DE, Texas Tech

205.            Minnesota, John Graves, DT, Virginia Tech

206.            St. Louis, Chykie Brown, CB, Texas

207.            Miami, Julian Vandervelde, G, Iowa

208.            Miami, Marcus Gilchrist, CB, Clemson

209.            Oakland, Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee

210.            Dallas, DeAndre Brown, WR, Southern Mississippi

211.            N.Y. Giants, J.T. Thomas, OLB, West Virginia

212.            Tampa Bay, Keith Williams, G, Nebraska

213.            Kansas City, Steven Ridley, RB, LSU

214.            Indianapolis, Mitch Mustain, QB, USC

215.            Baltimore, Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia

216.            New Orleans, Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington

217.            Seattle, Kevin Kowalski, C, Toledo

218.            Baltimore, Stanley Havili, FB, USC

219.            Atlanta, Mario Butler, CB, Georgia Tech

220.            Atlanta, Ryan Winterswyk, DE, Boise St.

221.            Chicago, Supplemental Draft

222.            Detroit, Nate Williams, S, Washington

223.            Pittsburgh, Eric Hagg, S, Nebraska

224.            Green Bay, Mike Mohamed, ILB California

Only two thoughts really, but I wanted everyone's opinion on these.

Continue reading this post »

There is no doubt that offensive line and secondary are our two biggest need areas.  I have never been a big fan of filling holes on your team with FA's.  They tend to be older players and you almost always have to overpay for them, but sometimes it is inevitable. 

Continue reading this post »

It is almost strange to look at the similarities between the 1989 Cowboys and the 2010 Cowboys.  There are only 2 major differences. 

First:  We entered this season with an established QB who we thought could lead us the the Super Bowl and

Second:  We entered this season with much higher expectations than in 1989.

In 1988 we selected a WR from Miami named Michael Irvin in the first round.  In 2010 we selected a WR from Oklahoma St. named Dez Bryant and both wear number 88.

In we went 3-13 and this season could very easily get that same record (although I'll be surprised if this team wins any more games).

After 1988 we fired Landry and hired Johnson.  Irvin made a list of all the players on the team that were going work hard and were committed to winning.  He gave that list to Johnson who then went to work trimming the roster of players who weren't there to win.  Bryant needs to be doing the same thing right now.  He seems to be the only one who still cares enough to work hard.

After this season we have some veterans who need to go.  We have to many guys who are just there to get paid.  I don't want to imply anything but Ware has not been the same player since signing his new contract.

Its yet to be seen if we take a QB in the 2011 draft like we did in 1989.  This team has many holes to fill and if a great coaching staff comes in that will be enough to get the current roster close the playoffs.  I know there are many huge Romo supporters here and while I'm not a Romo hater I do wonder if he will still be playing at a high level in 2 or 3 years when this team is competitive again.  He is 30 years old now and has taken some hits in his career.  He makes a lot happen by moving around in the pocket and as he gets older that skill will only diminish.

This team needs an overhaul.

Make it a 2 or 3 year project.  After those years these are the only players currently on the team that should be remaining.

QB:  Romo

RB:  Choice and Jones

WR:  Austin and Bryant

TE:  Bennett and Phillips

OL:  Free

DL:  Ratliff

LB:  Ware and Spencer

SEC:  Maybe Jenkins

Its looking like we're going to have a high draft pick next year and OL is clearly the most pressing need, however there are no high end lineman.  Next I think we need a shutdown corner.  Newman is good but is aging and hurt a lot.  That's why I would take Peterson or Amukamara.  Then take Solder early 2nd.

By next season we need at the very least a new LG.  Gurode is good enough, Davis is making to much money, and Colombo could stand to be replaced.

In FA I would target an inexpensive Guard and ILB.  Release Kosier and Brooking.  Safety is another huge need, but you can use the draft to fill it.

The 2011 season is far off but I wanted to take a look at what our team could potentially look like in 2011.

Catcher:  Brian McCann ($6.5M), and David Ross ($1.67M) total: $8.17M

First Base:  Freddie Freeman ($400,000) total: $400,000

Second Base:  Martin Prado first time arb. eligable ($2-3M), Omar Infante ($2.5M club option likely to be picked up) total:  $4.5-$5.5M

Third Base:  Chipper Jones ($13M), Brooks Conrad ($400,000) total:  $13.4M

Short Stop:  Alex Gonzalez ($2.5M club option likely to be picked up) total $2.5M

Left Field:  Matt Diaz (arb. eligable for final time, $3.5-$5M), Melky Cabrera (arb. eligable $4.5-$6M) total: $8-$11M

Center Field:  Rick Ankiel ($6M mutual option), Nate McLouth ($6.5M) total:  $12.5M

Right Field:  Jason Heyward: (400,000) total:  400,000

Starting Pitching:  Derek Lowe ($15M), Tim Hudson ($9M), Jair Jurrjens (first time arb. eligable $2-3M),  Tommy Hanson ($400,000), Kenshin Kawakami ($6.67M),  Kris Medlen ($400,000) total:  $33.47-$34.47M

Bullpen:  Jonny Venters ($400,000), Peter Moylan (2nd arb. year, $2M), Eric O'Flaherty (1st time arb. eligable, $1M), Michael Dunn ($400,000), Kyle Farnsworth ($5.25M club option) total:  $9.05M

Total:  $82.49M-$87.49M

Options that I think will be picked up I put in the roster.  We have 24 players accounted for next season.  Medlen may miss next season but his salary is minimal and would probably be replaced by Minor if he pitches well this season.  I strongly believe that Kawakami and McLouth will not be Braves next season but I included them becasue their contracts are guaranteed.  If those 2 are gone that's $13.17M off the books, not including that salary that came back.

Some of our free agents that could come back are Erik Hinske and Takashi Saito.  I'm going to hold Wagner to his word that he is retiring.

I would love for us to get involved and try to sign Carl Crawford of when the Yankees sign him try to get Gardner or Swisher from them.

As most of you have now heard, the Phillies acquired Roy Oswalt earlier today.  That makes them a better team and it will be interesting to what if any response comes from the Braves in the next couple days.

I was not really that surprised that the Phillies got Oswalt, what surprised me was how little they gave up.

They gave up J.A. Happ who is a decent pitcher but turns 28 later this year and becomes arb. eligible for 2011-2013.  Nothing against Happ but when he's healthy he's a decent number 3 starter but not much more and that's when he's healthy.

The Astros also got two minor league prospects in the deal; Anthony Gose and Jonathan Villar

Gose was the Phillies number 6 prospect and shortly after the trade the Astros sent him to Toronto for Brett Wallace.  Wallace who started out as a Cardinal 3B prospect was sent to Oakland as part of the Holliday deal and then sent to Toronto as part of the Lee trade from last off season.  Wallace who had to move to 1B because of defensive issues at 3B is the guy who will probably take over for Berkman next season if he doesn't get moved before the deadline.  Gose is a not yet 20 year old CF at A+.

Villar was the Phillies number 22 prospect and a guy who is said to have upside but is a long way away.  He is a 19 year old SS who is at A ball.

What's even more surprising is that the Astros didn't get much in return and sent $11M along with Oswalt to cover most of the $16M he's owed next season.  The deal hinged on Oswalt waiving his no trade clause which he did without forcing the Phillies to pick up his 2012 option for $16M.  All the Phillies did was raise the buyout $1M to $3M.

It seems to me that with the Astros eating that much salary why didn't more teams get involved.  Happ was the only major league ready player in the deal.

My question is if the Braves offered Medlen and our 6 and 22 prospects which are Mike Minor and David Hale would you have done the deal with the same financials.

I can tell you that I would have.

1.  St. Louis, QB, Sam Bradford, Oklahoma

This team has went the safe route long enough, now they need a franchise QB.

2.  Detroit, DT, Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Will help with the run defense and will be starter from day 1.

3.  Tampa Bay, DT, Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma

Disruptive player who will be good to build a defense around.

4.  Washington, OT, Russell Okung, Oklahoma St.

With Samuels gone this team needs a franchise LT.

5.  Kansas City, S, Eric Berry, Tennessee

Gifted player who will help bad pass defense.

6.  Seattle, OT, Trent Williams, Oklahoma

Team needs to find a way to keep Hasselbeck upright and he doesn't have any baggage.

7.  Cleveland, CB, Joe Haden, Florida

Team really needs 2 CB's but Haden is a good start.

8.  Oakland, OT, Bruce Campbell, Maryland

Davis likes great athletes and they need to protect Russell.

9.  Buffalo, OT, Anthony Davis, Rutgers

Whoever plays QB will need to be protected.

10.  Jacksonville, DE, Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

Team has tried to find players to get sacks hopefully this guy finally does it.

11.  Denver, WR, Dez Bryant, Oklahoma St.

I think Marshall gets traded at some point and Bryant is the best WR is this class.

12.  Miami, ILB, Rolando McClain, Alabama

Great player to play alongside Dansby, which will make a great tandem.

13.  San Francisco, OT, Bryan Bulaga, Iowa

High upside guy who might need a little time before he starts.

14.  Seattle, DE, Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida

Should improve pass rush

15.  N.Y. Giants, DT, Brian Price, UCLA

Making up for the money wasted on Canty.

16.  Tennessee, OLB, Sergio Kindle, Texas

Injuries hit this position hard and he would be great teamed with McRath.

17.  San Francisco, S, Earl Thomas, Texas

Team needs a ball hawking FS and Thomas is that.

18.  Pittsburgh, NT, Terrence Cody, Alabama

One of the few teams that Cody could succeed with and Hampton is getting old.

19.  Atlanta, CB, Patrick Robinson, Florida St.

Robinson was a good sign in FA but this needs 2 CB's.

20.  Houston, DT, Dan Williams, Tennessee

A lot has been invested here and it hasn't panned out so far.

21.  Cincinnati, DE, Brandon Graham, Michigan

This team has to get a pass rush out of their DE's and injuries hurt this position last year.

22.  New England, OLB, Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri

Continue to get younger at linebacker.

23.  Green Bay, CB, Kyle Wilson, Boise St.

No offensive lineman worth taking and Woodson and Harris are both getting old and slowing down.

24.  Philadelphia, S, Taylor Mays, USC

Failed to replace Dawkins last year and Mays will work well in a 4-3 defense where he can play close to the LOS.

25.  Baltimore, TE, Germaine Gresham, Oklahoma

Need to give Flaco more weapons.

26.  Arizona, OLB, Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio St.

Great outside rusher for the 3-4.

27.  Dallas, S, Nate Allen, South Florida

Bit of a reach but he allows team to move on from Hamlin.

28.  San Diego, RB, C.J. Spiller, Clemson

Will give San Diego a very fast backfield and can take returns from Sproles.

29.  N.Y. Jets, WR, Golden Tate, Notre Dame

Another weapon for Sanchez who can stretch the field.

30.  Minnesota, QB, Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame

Will fall like Rodgers and Quinn and he will get to sit a year and learn behind Farve.

31.  Indianapolis, DT, Jared Odrick, Penn St.

Quick DT that this team needs.

32.  New Orleans, OLB, Dekota Watson, Florida St.

Fast and much more talented than what the Saints have.

This isn't exactly Cowboy related but I wanted to get everyone's opinion about how the 2010 draft schedule looks.  The draft starts on Thursday April 22 at 6:30 CST with round 1.  On Friday April 23 they do rounds 2 and 3 starting at 5:30 CST.  The draft concludes on Saturday April 24 with rounds 4-7 starting at 9:00 a.m. CST. 

Personally I really like what the NFL is doing with the draft.  It started last year when they shortened the first round picks to 10 min. each and the 2nd round to 7 min. each.  With the old system the 1st round sometimes took 3 or 4 hours and by the end of it you still had the 2nd and 3rd rounds to get through.  This year is the first year with the draft covering 3 days and I really like it.  I personally used to get tired of watching it after the 1st round and would only tune in every now and then when I expected it was about time for the Cowboys to pick. 

You can also use this post to put your personal mock drafts if you want.

With some downtime between games I wanted to get everyone's opinion on the announcers for NFL and college football games.  I also want to know if I'm the only one who can't stand most of the announcers anymore.

I don't watch many games on CBS but they don't seem to be that bad.  I don't mind Al Michaels on NBC he seems unbiased and knows the game well, but Collinsworth I can't stand.  On a side note was anyone else getting sick of listening to Gibbs and Theisman talk about Theisman's punt 30 years ago.  For ESPN I don't mind Tirico and a game caller but Jawarski just gets annoying about 5 minutes into the game.  On FOX I usually get stuck with Buck and Aikman and I really don't like Buck. 

For college I like the FSN crew more than anything that ESPN/ABC has to offer.  Musberger isn't bad but he's nothing great.

I don't tend to watch pregame shows but when I do I usually watch FOX.  Bradshaw isn't bad, Long serves no purpose at all, Strahan has loads of money and still can't close his front teeth and Johnson looks the same now as he did in 1993 and thats weird.

It seems to me that football hasn't been the same since Madden and Summerall and Keith Jackson retired.  No one has proved worthy of replacing them.

That's just my opinion feel free to agree or disagree I just need to vent on bad announcing.

I know what your all thinking, we still have 3 games left and shouldn't be thinking about guys to replace Phillips but lets face it unless they win out and win at least 1 playoff game Phillips is gone.  I'm not going to say whether I think that we can that because that's not the point of this post.

I have narrowed my coaching candidates done to 3 guys. When doing this I am hoping that Jerry Jones doesn't go after a coach who has been fired already.  Philips was never a good head coach and we hoped that the talent on this team would be enough to get us to the Super Bowl.  I have read here a lot that people really like Mike Shanahan.  I have nothing against him and think that he's a very good coach but if he was hired he might want to completely change the system that we run and that would take a couple years and I don't want to wait.

My first choice would be Bill Cowher.  We all know his history and what he can do.  He's 1-1 in the Super Bowl and his teams have had a lot of success.  The thing that draws me to him the most though is that he would bring great discipline to this team.  I'm not sure if he would come out of retirement to coach us but it would be the best opportunity for him.  He would be going to a team that isn't far away and would give him a chance to win right away.

My next choice would be Russ Grimm.  I'm not sure if the former Redskin would be interested but if he was then he would be a solid candidate.  He's done a great job as an offensive line coach at both the Steelers and Cardinals.  He's more than ready to be a head coach and bring some toughness to our team.

My third choice would be Ron Rivera.  We got to watch his defense hamper the Dallas offense all game today.  Everywhere he has been a defensive coordinator his defense's have been solid.  He led the Bears defense that went to the Super Bowl and after he left that defense slipped greatly.  While at the Chargers his defense has been solid. 

I'm sure there are other candidates but those would be my top 3 choices.  I want Dallas to go with someone young who would bring some fire to this team.  After watching Phillips with his head down today it made me disgusted to be a fan.  It looked to me like he had given up hope with about 2 minutes left to play.  Was the game over, sure but as a head coach you have to set an example that your players follow and his lack of discipline has cost us his entire tenure in Dallas.  I read someone's comment earlier and he made a great point saying that there are teams playing much better then we are with less talent. 

To finish up I am not against Jason Garrett remaining as the offensive coordinator.  I know he has his critics but he has been getting better as the season has gone along and he can't do anything when the defense gives up 7 minute drives.  As for the goal line situation in today's game we probably should have called a pass but there is no excuse for your offensive line not being able to get 1 yard in 3 plays.  That falls on the players.