Marion Barber could be a free agent after next
season, so the Cowboys could be looking ahead by drafting Tashard Choice.
Cornerback Jacques Reeves has shown promise as a nickel corner, but Jones'
uncertain status led the Cowboys to make a move in the first round to select
Mike Jenkins.
Round 1, Pick 22 (22) (From Browns) Felix Jones RB 6'0" 200 Arkansas
With Julius Jones leaving as a free agent, Felix Jones should fit right in as a
great complement to Marion Barber. Jones rushed for 2,956 yards and 20
touchdowns on 386 carries at Arkansas while sharing carries with Darren
McFadden.
Round 1, Pick 25 (25) (From Seahawks) Mike Jenkins CB 6'0" 200 South Florida
Although he had just six interceptions in 48 games, Jenkins has good coverage
skills. He's also a good tackler with great speed.
Round 2, Pick 30 (61) Martellus Bennett TE 6'6" 259 Texas A&M
Bennett has the size to be an effective blocker. However, his speed and
technique are issues that could pose problems as he attempts to make an impact
in the passing game.
Round 4, Pick 23 (122) (From Browns) Tashard Choice RB 5'11" 215 Georgia Tech
He plays the game with intensity and will run with power like Lamont Jordan.
Considering the Cowboys took Felix Jones in the first round, Dallas likely
viewed Choice as the best player available at this point.
Round 5, Pick 8 (143)
(From Bears through Bills and Jaguars) Orlando Scandrick CB 5'10" 192 Boise State
Scandrick was a three-year starter at Boise State but has major character
concerns. His off-the-field issues hurt his draft stock and he will need to get
those issues squared away once he gets to the NFL.
Round 6, Pick 1 (167) (From Dolphins) Erik Walden DE 6'2" 238 Middle Tennessee State
Walden only had two sacks as a senior, but still produced 22.5 during his time
at Middle Tennessee State.
Dallas Cowboys
2008 NFL Preview
The Cowboys are odds on
favorites in the NFC, they could even win the Super Bowl. First they
have to win their first playoff game which they have not done since
1996. Tony Romo will probably have another big year and T.O. can
always find the end zone. He also has premier tight end Jason Witten
when they just need a few yards. Now they have added a potential
game breaker in Felix Jones both out of the backfield and on special
teams. The defense is going to be very fast, and Adam Jones has been
reinstated and could be a valuable addition.
Offense: The Cowboys secured long term extentions for Terrell
Owens, Terence Newman, Marion Barber, and Flozell Adams. Felix Jones
replaces the departed Julius Jones and will be paired with starter
Marion Barber to form a thunder-and-lightning backfield. Then there
is Tony Romo who is one of the best regular season quarterbacks in
the NFL. The problem with Romo so far is that he is 4-7 in December
and January with 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Much of that is
youth and inexperience, but he needs to learn how to play better
when its all on the line. If this offense stays healthy, they will
post some big numbers.
Defense: Zach Thomas for Akin Ayodele. That is just an
amazing trade for Dallas as Thomas' football mentality and instincts
will pay big dividends. They also took a chance on Pacman Jones and
he has fit right in and stayed out of trouble so far and the Cowboys
also added Mike Jenkins in the first round, so the defeensive backs
should be much improved. Then there is ROLB DeMarcus Ware who should
be a defenseive player of the year candidate. Overall a very good
defense and a very balanced team.
Overall: The Cowboys have 6 straight playoff losses dating
back to 1996. Owens is happy and Romo has all the tools so the
Cowboys should walk in the East and go on to the Championship.
The amount of
talent the Cowboys have is surreal. They sent an NFL-record 11
players to the Pro Bowl in 2007. With an outstanding rookie class
that brought two more first-round contributors and an impact
second-rounder, plus the additions of Zach Thomas and Adam Jones,
Dallas has no noticeable flaw. Anything less than a Super Bowl
appearance would be a monumental disappointment in 2008
