Comments on the Cowboys' Draft

Jerry Jones' draft has been universally criticized by everyone who isn't paid by him. However, considering the depth on their current roster, we here at FFP like the moves they made during the draft. Here's a pick-by-pick breakdown of how we see each player fitting in with the teams' needs.

Round 3 Pick 5: Jason Williams (OLB, Western Illinois)

Besides the incredible athleticism, Williams comes to Dallas with a reputation as a great locker-room presence and leader. Most of the Cowboy’s picks this year were high-character guys, but Williams stands out among all 12. Should be a special-teams demon from day one. Will play in the nickel and dime packages on defense and may be subbed as a safety on goal-line or obvious running downs. His lack of size will prevent him from being an every-down player. Random tidbit? Williams tied the college football record for forced-fumbles in a career with 14.

Rd3, P11: Robert Brewster (OL, Ball State)

Dallas has said that they plan to use Brewster as their swing guard in addition to his college role of tackle. His versatility would have been a huge addition last year when injuries took their toll on several linemen. Brewster has great feet and an incredible mean streak on film, and those are two characteristics you want in a young lineman. His game should benefit from being in an NFL weight-lifting program.

Rd4, P1: Stephen McGee (QB, Texas A&M)

McGee is a great fit for this roster. Every team should have a developmental quarterback on the roster, and Dallas didn’t have one before the draft. McGee won’t be asked to do anything except learn for a long time. He was the quarterback that best fit the Cowboys roster in this draft. He has great physical tools and will have time to learn the pro game. An additional note worth mentioning would be that Romo has always been the future at the QB position, and now the Cowboys have a young, developmental QB. Romo will notice and should be better for it.

Rd4, P10: Victor Butler (DE, Oregon State)

Will play LB in Dallas ’ 3-4. Should team with Jason Williams to lead and improve the Cowboys’ special-teams unit. Very powerful, violent tackler. Described by teammates and coaches as a great leader. Tied for second in sacks in the Pac-10 last year with 12, and then had 4 sacks versus Pittsburgh in the 2008 Sun Bowl. Ran poorly at the Combine in comparison to his 4.58 effort at the OSU Pro-Day. Should struggle early on in coverage, as he has little-to-no experience there.

Rd4, P20 Brandon Williams (DE, Texas Tech)

Dallas’ scouts rant and rave about explosive Williams’ first step, and it’s easy to see why when you put on the tape. Williams was consistently double-teamed as Texas Tech’s only pass rusher and still led the Big XII in sacks. His 10 yard split is good (1.69), but certainly not great, so this was a “swing-for-the-fences” type pick. Of all the Cowboys’ picks, Brandon Williams’ career will be the most extreme. In four years he’ll either be known as a huge draft-day steal or out of the league.

Rd5, P7 DeAngelo Smith (CB/FS, Cincinnati)

Smith will rotate between cornerback and safety and provide some depth returning kicks and punts (more on that in a little while). Due to lack of ideal speed, adequate size, great ball skills, and physical style of play, Smith might end up making a permanent move to safety at some point in his career. Was outshone his entire college career by Bearcats teammate (and fellow Dallas draftee) Mike Mickens, but ended up being drafted two rounds higher due to Mickens’ injury.

Rd5, P30 Michael Hamlin (FS, Clemson)

Hamlin is not an elite athlete, but makes up for it by being a very intelligent, playmaking free safety. Fits Dallas ’ defensive needs perfectly. Is able to line up his fellow defenders and can read the field very well. Considered the team leader and was elected team captain by his teammates at Clemson. Aggressive defender who is sound fundamentally and rarely misses tackles. His lack of ideal athleticism may lower the ceiling of his pro-potential, but considering how well he fit Dallas ’ needs and the point where he was picked (end of the fifth round), this was a great pickup for the Cowboys.

Rd5, P36 David Beuhler (K, USC)

A head-scratcher at first glance until you look over the emphasis Dallas put on special teams throughout this draft. Beuhler’s leg strength on kickoffs should keep opposing offenses from starting their drives at the thirty-five, as they did far too often last year. Dallas has said that they plan to carry two kickers into every game next year, but they have to be considering the chance that someone will want to trade for Beuhler in the event of an injury or slump.

Rd 6, P24 Stephen Hodge (SS, TCU)

Another special-teams ace is added into the mix. Hodge, Butler , and Jason Williams will all make for some serious collision-potential on kickoff coverage, as Hodge fits the mold of super-athletic set by the other two. Built like a brick shithouse, the 5-11, 236 pound former safety ran a 4.58 forty and should contribute immediately on special teams. Dallas plans to move him to ILB.

Rd 6, P35 John Phillips (TE, UVA)

Phillips will take the third TE spot that was vacated by Tony Curtis’ departure. Phillips is more the Jason Witten than Martellus Bennett type, and, while he won’t hurt you down the middle of the field, Phillips is a good blocker and has sure hands.

Rd 7, P18 Mike Mickens (CB, Cincinnati)

Mickens was considered to be a much better prospect than his draft position would lead you to believe. However, after tearing cartilage in his knee during his senior season, Mickens’ draft stock took a hit. If he can fully recover from his injury, the Cowboys got one of college football’s elite cover guys for the past four years in the seventh round. Has good elusiveness in the open field and can make quarterbacks pay for their mistakes with the football.

Rd 7, P20 Manuel Johnson (WR, Oklahoma )

A good route-running, sure-handed receiver who isn’t afraid to go over the middle. Willing blocker with a good work ethic. Characterized as a leader by his teammates and coaches. His lack of size and elite athleticism may hinder his ability to make it in the NFL, but his willingness to work suggests that he should latch on somewhere.


Other thoughts

Dallas’ decision not to address the WR position until the seventh round means that two players will play more snaps at WR next year: Martellus Bennett and Felix Jones.

Bennett has incredible physical tools, a year studying the offense under his belt, and no T.O. around to be negatively influenced by. Bennett should again be Dallas ’ go-to-guy in the red zone, a role that he played for several games last year. He’ll get more opportunities in their base offense, as well, to split out. This would provide a little more explanation as far as the John Phillips pick goes, as well.

Felix will probably take as many snaps in the slot as in the backfield next year. His world-class long speed has to be accounted for every time he steps on the field, and if Jason Garrett uses the personnel on the roster effectively (meaning you run the hell out of the ball and play action), Felix would provide a dynamic element in the passing game. These increased responsibilities, however, could potentially take away from his effectiveness as a return man (think Devin Hester last year), and that’s another reason that DeAngelo Smith makes sense in the fifth round.

Dallas obviously recognized the impact that Roy Williams' (the safety) injury had on kickoff coverage. They went out and got three athletes that will run down on kickoffs in an attempt to shore up this weakness on their roster.

Of all the undrafted free agents, I think Ogletree is the only one with a shot to make the roster. His size/speed ratio is intriguing for someone who wasn't drafted. His production wasn't terrible and he comes from a respectable program (Virginia), so it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see him latch on somewhere, if not in Dallas.