Head 'Dallas Cowboy scout is on duty
Head 'Boys scout is on duty
By RICK HERRIN
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
MOBILE, Ala. - Cowboys chief scout Jeff Ireland is on the clock.
Ireland and his scouting staff have been busy this week at the Senior Bowl practices poring over and interviewing players. Today's 57th Senior Bowl kicks off at 3 p.m. and features players who could soon be Cowboys.
Ireland, who took over for the retired Larry Lacewell, enters his second draft on the momentum created by last year's draft class.
That group included first-round picks and starters DeMarcus Ware and Marcus Spears. In all, six drafted rookies started at least one game for the Cowboys last season.
After such an impressive first draft, Ireland has the pressure-packed task of doing it over ... and over.
"I have to follow that up, there's no doubt about that," said Ireland, whose official title is vice president of college and pro scouting. "I've got to follow that up with solid drafts. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was a championship football team. It takes consecutive good drafts."
This year's draft presents more of a challenge. Ireland evaluates NFL and college talent and is looking at free agents. And he attended every Cowboys game this season. He hasn't been able to scout as many college players as last season. Last year, he was promoted after working as a national scout.
"I may not have the leg up that I did," Ireland said. "But I still have a good grasp of what's out there."
The Cowboys' scouting department, along with owner Jerry Jones, have studied the offensive linemen in Mobile very closely.
But Jones said the Cowboys are more likely to draft a safety or linebacker with the 18th pick in the first round.
By RICK HERRIN
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
MOBILE, Ala. - Cowboys chief scout Jeff Ireland is on the clock.
Ireland and his scouting staff have been busy this week at the Senior Bowl practices poring over and interviewing players. Today's 57th Senior Bowl kicks off at 3 p.m. and features players who could soon be Cowboys.
Ireland, who took over for the retired Larry Lacewell, enters his second draft on the momentum created by last year's draft class.
That group included first-round picks and starters DeMarcus Ware and Marcus Spears. In all, six drafted rookies started at least one game for the Cowboys last season.
After such an impressive first draft, Ireland has the pressure-packed task of doing it over ... and over.
"I have to follow that up, there's no doubt about that," said Ireland, whose official title is vice president of college and pro scouting. "I've got to follow that up with solid drafts. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was a championship football team. It takes consecutive good drafts."
This year's draft presents more of a challenge. Ireland evaluates NFL and college talent and is looking at free agents. And he attended every Cowboys game this season. He hasn't been able to scout as many college players as last season. Last year, he was promoted after working as a national scout.
"I may not have the leg up that I did," Ireland said. "But I still have a good grasp of what's out there."
The Cowboys' scouting department, along with owner Jerry Jones, have studied the offensive linemen in Mobile very closely.
But Jones said the Cowboys are more likely to draft a safety or linebacker with the 18th pick in the first round.
posted by The Gryphon at 9:39 PM
<< Home