Phillips applauds Cowboys' 2008 draft
Tom Orsborn- Express-News Wade Phillips put his stamp of approval on the Dallas Cowboys' 2008 draft class Tuesday, saying the six picks have “progressed quite a bit” since training camp started five weeks ago.
“I'm real pleased,” the coach said. “All of those guys have really shown a lot.”
That would be especially true of Felix Jones, the team's first pick at No. 22 overall. The speedy running back from Arkansas has preseason averages of 4.2 yards per carry and 12 yards per reception.
Jones' lone glaring error came when he fumbled in the red zone during the third quarter of last week's 23-22 win over Houston. But that mistake wasn't enough to overshadow all the positive plays he made did during camp and the first two exhibition games.
“He's shown so many good things,” Phillips said.
That includes a few Phillips wasn't expecting.
“He's a good blocker and a real good receiver,” Phillips said. “Those two things I didn't know about him, and he's done real well in those areas.”
Now it looks like Jones will get a chance to show his value in yet another area. With Miles Austin and Isaiah Stanback sidelined with injuries, Jones is a candidate to return kicks, something he did exceptionally well in college.
Jones left the Razorbacks after his junior season as the NCAA's ninth-ranked career kickoff returner with an average of 28.2 yards per attempt.
Phillips was noncommittal about Jones returning kicks in the preseason finale Thursday against Minnesota, saying he wanted to get a look at how the team's other first-round pick, cornerback Mike Jenkins, handled the chore.
“I'm still undecided on whether we'll let Felix run them back this game or not,” Phillips said, “but it's still a possibility he will in the (Sept. 7 season opener at Cleveland) even if he doesn't in this game.”
With 2007 Pro Bowl pick Marion Barber and Jones ahead of him on the depth chart at running back, fourth-round pick Tashard Choice is also aiming to make an impact on special teams.
“He's really come a long way on special teams,” Phillips said of the ex-Georgia Tech standout. “We use him more in coverage. Early, he had some problems.”
A mental error by Choice was a factor in the Texans returning the opening kickoff 68 yards. But Phillips pointed out Choice didn't hang his head after the play.
“Later on, he made the right decisions and made the tackle,” Phillips said. “Those kind of things from young players you want to see.”
The Cowboys have seen plenty from fifth-round pick Orlando Scandrick, a cornerback from Boise State who defensive coordinator Brian Stewart says plays “with a swagger.” After a slow start, Scandrick has made so many plays he's now a candidate to become a starter in the nickel and dime packages.
While questions remain about second-round pick Martellus Bennett's attitude, the tight end from Texas A&M flashed his potential against the Texans with a 29-yard reception. His blocking has also been praised.
Jenkins took advantage of a groin injury that sidelined Terence Newman for most of camp and the preseason, getting increased reps in practice and starting the first two games. Although he struggled at times, the former South Florida standout impressed the coaches and his teammates with the way he learned from his mistakes and continued to compete.
“He has great feet, good technique,” receiver Terrell Owens said. “It's all about going out, getting a feel, getting some reps and having himself feel comfortable out there. Once he does that, he's going to be one of the best corners in the league.”
Linebacker Erik Walden, a sixth-round pick, has mostly struggled while making the transition from defensive end at Middle Tennessee to outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. But an injury to 2007 first-round pick Anthony Spencer has increased his chances of making the team.
Notebook: Minnesota coach Brad Childress said none of his starters would play Thursday. Phillips said he expects to rest the majority of his regulars. ... Cowboys third-string quarterback Richard Bartel said he has been told he'll play the entire game. ... NFL commissioner Roger Goodell hasn't made a ruling yet on whether he'll fully reinstate suspended Cowboys cornerback Adam Jones, but Phillips said he's game planning for Cleveland with the assumption Jones will be cleared to play.
“I'm real pleased,” the coach said. “All of those guys have really shown a lot.”
That would be especially true of Felix Jones, the team's first pick at No. 22 overall. The speedy running back from Arkansas has preseason averages of 4.2 yards per carry and 12 yards per reception.
Jones' lone glaring error came when he fumbled in the red zone during the third quarter of last week's 23-22 win over Houston. But that mistake wasn't enough to overshadow all the positive plays he made did during camp and the first two exhibition games.
“He's shown so many good things,” Phillips said.
That includes a few Phillips wasn't expecting.
“He's a good blocker and a real good receiver,” Phillips said. “Those two things I didn't know about him, and he's done real well in those areas.”
Now it looks like Jones will get a chance to show his value in yet another area. With Miles Austin and Isaiah Stanback sidelined with injuries, Jones is a candidate to return kicks, something he did exceptionally well in college.
Jones left the Razorbacks after his junior season as the NCAA's ninth-ranked career kickoff returner with an average of 28.2 yards per attempt.
Phillips was noncommittal about Jones returning kicks in the preseason finale Thursday against Minnesota, saying he wanted to get a look at how the team's other first-round pick, cornerback Mike Jenkins, handled the chore.
“I'm still undecided on whether we'll let Felix run them back this game or not,” Phillips said, “but it's still a possibility he will in the (Sept. 7 season opener at Cleveland) even if he doesn't in this game.”
With 2007 Pro Bowl pick Marion Barber and Jones ahead of him on the depth chart at running back, fourth-round pick Tashard Choice is also aiming to make an impact on special teams.
“He's really come a long way on special teams,” Phillips said of the ex-Georgia Tech standout. “We use him more in coverage. Early, he had some problems.”
A mental error by Choice was a factor in the Texans returning the opening kickoff 68 yards. But Phillips pointed out Choice didn't hang his head after the play.
“Later on, he made the right decisions and made the tackle,” Phillips said. “Those kind of things from young players you want to see.”
The Cowboys have seen plenty from fifth-round pick Orlando Scandrick, a cornerback from Boise State who defensive coordinator Brian Stewart says plays “with a swagger.” After a slow start, Scandrick has made so many plays he's now a candidate to become a starter in the nickel and dime packages.
While questions remain about second-round pick Martellus Bennett's attitude, the tight end from Texas A&M flashed his potential against the Texans with a 29-yard reception. His blocking has also been praised.
Jenkins took advantage of a groin injury that sidelined Terence Newman for most of camp and the preseason, getting increased reps in practice and starting the first two games. Although he struggled at times, the former South Florida standout impressed the coaches and his teammates with the way he learned from his mistakes and continued to compete.
“He has great feet, good technique,” receiver Terrell Owens said. “It's all about going out, getting a feel, getting some reps and having himself feel comfortable out there. Once he does that, he's going to be one of the best corners in the league.”
Linebacker Erik Walden, a sixth-round pick, has mostly struggled while making the transition from defensive end at Middle Tennessee to outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. But an injury to 2007 first-round pick Anthony Spencer has increased his chances of making the team.
Notebook: Minnesota coach Brad Childress said none of his starters would play Thursday. Phillips said he expects to rest the majority of his regulars. ... Cowboys third-string quarterback Richard Bartel said he has been told he'll play the entire game. ... NFL commissioner Roger Goodell hasn't made a ruling yet on whether he'll fully reinstate suspended Cowboys cornerback Adam Jones, but Phillips said he's game planning for Cleveland with the assumption Jones will be cleared to play.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:28 PM
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