Cowboys' 2008 draft class looks to build on strong rookie showing
By Blake Fomby
Dallas Sports Examiner
When training camp gets underway in less than two weeks, a lot of eyes will be focused on the new rookie class of hopefuls. It is with good reason because training camp is the time for these players to prove themselves in order to earn spots on the team. They will be the most scrutinized people in San Antonio. Last year’s draftees know all about the feeling.
Felix Jones was the first Dallas pick of the 2008 draft, selected in the first round, 22nd overall. A lot of Cowboys fans were very happy with the selection, while others had their eyes set on Rashard Mendenhall, who was scooped up by the Steelers with the next pick. Jones had to work on getting those Mendenhall supporters on his side. The Cowboys’ pick at that spot was looked at as a toss-up. Several mock drafts had Dallas selecting Jones, while some others had Dallas selecting Mendenhall. While you could probably get the feeling Jerry Jones would be more likely to pick the Arkansas Razorback, when the Cowboys were on the clock, it really could have gone either way. The same sort of situation arose in 2005 when it was a toss-up between DeMarcus Ware and Shawne Merriman at #11 overall. Half of the mocks had Ware in Dallas, the other half had Merriman. Obviously, Ware was the pick, and he has become one of the best and most feared defensive players on the field, while being one of the classiest off it. Not to slight Merriman, as he has also proven to be a very good player, but there is little doubt the Cowboys made the right choice that year. If rookie seasons are a sign of the future, then there is reason to believe the powers-that-be made the right choice again in 2008. Mendenhall saw little action and made little impact. Felix, on the other hand, came out of the gate running. He looked every bit the player who was Darren McFadden’s sidekick at Arkansas. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to injury after six weeks. Now that a new season is arriving, he will be out to show last year was no fluke.
Three picks after Jones, at #25, Dallas picked cornerback Mike Jenkins out of South Florida. While he didn’t drop jaws like Felix, he did show a lot of promise in his rookie season, and he is expected to be one of the starters in the secondary opposite Terence Newman. As with many rookies, Jenkins had his ups and downs. One of the good moments came in week 2 against the Eagles, when Jenkins made a terrific pass break-up on a deep throw to Philly wide receiver Greg Lewis. If not for his great extension, it would have almost certainly been a touchdown. In week 9 at New York, he returned an Eli Manning interception 23 yards for a touchdown. However, later in the game, it was a play he didn’t make that clinched the win for the Giants. His lack of a tackle had plenty of fans calling for his head. He spoke about it later and the debate went on and on. My standing on the situation is that it’s over and done with; time to move on. Move on he will, as Jenkins will be more under the spotlight with the subtraction of Adam “Pacman” Jones from the roster. He should have more chances to shine like he showed in stretches in 2008.
The next selection, in the second round, was looked at as a “what are you doing?” kind of decision. 61st overall was Martellus Bennett, a tight end from Texas A&M. Tight end? But the Cowboys already had a pro-bowler at that position in Jason Witten. Why spend a second round pick on a tight end? It was confusing and many had their doubts. But those doubts went away during the season when Bennett’s athleticism and skill was put on display. In a three week span in November, Bennett had three touchdowns, including an impressive leap and grab for the winning score against the Redskins in enemy territory. He was no doubt a solid piece to team with Witten, as both a backup and a dual threat in two TE formations. We should expect more of the same from Martellus this year. But as fans, it’s hard not to be greedy and want even more. It wouldn’t come as a surprise for him to deliver.
After Bennett at #61, the next pick wasn’t for another 61 picks exactly. In the fourth round at #122, Dallas chose Georgia Tech running back Tashard Choice. At first this had the appearance of gathering depth at the position, with Felix Jones already having been picked, and with Marion Barber already the main man. But with this pick, the Cowboys may have found a hidden gem, much like when Barber himself was found in the 4th round back in 2005. Choice was given few carries in the first six weeks. When Felix Jones went down, Choice was seen a little more. His opportunities eventually got more prevalent, and on Thanksgiving, he recorded his first double-digit carry game. It was during the month of December when Choice gave the team a glimpse of what could come in 2009. He ran for 325 yards -- over 5.0 Y/A -- and two touchdowns against an ensemble of strong defenses in the Steelers, Giants, Ravens, and Eagles: teams that would finish the season 2nd, 9th, 3rd and 4th respectively in run defense. Choice can complement Jones and Barber very well this season.
Defensive back Orlando Scandrick was the pick in the 5th round, 143rd overall. He arguably had a better rookie season than fellow DB draftee Mike Jenkins. Scandrick recorded nearly twice as many tackles as Jenkins and even picked up a sack on the Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger. But the difference in round selected will likely keep Jenkins higher in the depth chart, at least for now. But Scandrick will be solid competition for Jenkins during camp for the starting spot with Terence Newman. If Jenkins keeps that position, Scandrick will still be a very capable slot corner. In addition, Scandrick could see some time at safety with the loss of Roy Williams.
These five players made their mark in their rookie season and each will try to carry it to the second year and avoid the dreaded “sophomore slump.” The Cowboys’ 2008 draft was very impressive, based on the early returns. Another full season with this draft class should indicate just how good it can be, and it looks to me that it can be very good.
Dallas Sports Examiner
When training camp gets underway in less than two weeks, a lot of eyes will be focused on the new rookie class of hopefuls. It is with good reason because training camp is the time for these players to prove themselves in order to earn spots on the team. They will be the most scrutinized people in San Antonio. Last year’s draftees know all about the feeling.
Felix Jones was the first Dallas pick of the 2008 draft, selected in the first round, 22nd overall. A lot of Cowboys fans were very happy with the selection, while others had their eyes set on Rashard Mendenhall, who was scooped up by the Steelers with the next pick. Jones had to work on getting those Mendenhall supporters on his side. The Cowboys’ pick at that spot was looked at as a toss-up. Several mock drafts had Dallas selecting Jones, while some others had Dallas selecting Mendenhall. While you could probably get the feeling Jerry Jones would be more likely to pick the Arkansas Razorback, when the Cowboys were on the clock, it really could have gone either way. The same sort of situation arose in 2005 when it was a toss-up between DeMarcus Ware and Shawne Merriman at #11 overall. Half of the mocks had Ware in Dallas, the other half had Merriman. Obviously, Ware was the pick, and he has become one of the best and most feared defensive players on the field, while being one of the classiest off it. Not to slight Merriman, as he has also proven to be a very good player, but there is little doubt the Cowboys made the right choice that year. If rookie seasons are a sign of the future, then there is reason to believe the powers-that-be made the right choice again in 2008. Mendenhall saw little action and made little impact. Felix, on the other hand, came out of the gate running. He looked every bit the player who was Darren McFadden’s sidekick at Arkansas. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to injury after six weeks. Now that a new season is arriving, he will be out to show last year was no fluke.
Three picks after Jones, at #25, Dallas picked cornerback Mike Jenkins out of South Florida. While he didn’t drop jaws like Felix, he did show a lot of promise in his rookie season, and he is expected to be one of the starters in the secondary opposite Terence Newman. As with many rookies, Jenkins had his ups and downs. One of the good moments came in week 2 against the Eagles, when Jenkins made a terrific pass break-up on a deep throw to Philly wide receiver Greg Lewis. If not for his great extension, it would have almost certainly been a touchdown. In week 9 at New York, he returned an Eli Manning interception 23 yards for a touchdown. However, later in the game, it was a play he didn’t make that clinched the win for the Giants. His lack of a tackle had plenty of fans calling for his head. He spoke about it later and the debate went on and on. My standing on the situation is that it’s over and done with; time to move on. Move on he will, as Jenkins will be more under the spotlight with the subtraction of Adam “Pacman” Jones from the roster. He should have more chances to shine like he showed in stretches in 2008.
The next selection, in the second round, was looked at as a “what are you doing?” kind of decision. 61st overall was Martellus Bennett, a tight end from Texas A&M. Tight end? But the Cowboys already had a pro-bowler at that position in Jason Witten. Why spend a second round pick on a tight end? It was confusing and many had their doubts. But those doubts went away during the season when Bennett’s athleticism and skill was put on display. In a three week span in November, Bennett had three touchdowns, including an impressive leap and grab for the winning score against the Redskins in enemy territory. He was no doubt a solid piece to team with Witten, as both a backup and a dual threat in two TE formations. We should expect more of the same from Martellus this year. But as fans, it’s hard not to be greedy and want even more. It wouldn’t come as a surprise for him to deliver.
After Bennett at #61, the next pick wasn’t for another 61 picks exactly. In the fourth round at #122, Dallas chose Georgia Tech running back Tashard Choice. At first this had the appearance of gathering depth at the position, with Felix Jones already having been picked, and with Marion Barber already the main man. But with this pick, the Cowboys may have found a hidden gem, much like when Barber himself was found in the 4th round back in 2005. Choice was given few carries in the first six weeks. When Felix Jones went down, Choice was seen a little more. His opportunities eventually got more prevalent, and on Thanksgiving, he recorded his first double-digit carry game. It was during the month of December when Choice gave the team a glimpse of what could come in 2009. He ran for 325 yards -- over 5.0 Y/A -- and two touchdowns against an ensemble of strong defenses in the Steelers, Giants, Ravens, and Eagles: teams that would finish the season 2nd, 9th, 3rd and 4th respectively in run defense. Choice can complement Jones and Barber very well this season.
Defensive back Orlando Scandrick was the pick in the 5th round, 143rd overall. He arguably had a better rookie season than fellow DB draftee Mike Jenkins. Scandrick recorded nearly twice as many tackles as Jenkins and even picked up a sack on the Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger. But the difference in round selected will likely keep Jenkins higher in the depth chart, at least for now. But Scandrick will be solid competition for Jenkins during camp for the starting spot with Terence Newman. If Jenkins keeps that position, Scandrick will still be a very capable slot corner. In addition, Scandrick could see some time at safety with the loss of Roy Williams.
These five players made their mark in their rookie season and each will try to carry it to the second year and avoid the dreaded “sophomore slump.” The Cowboys’ 2008 draft was very impressive, based on the early returns. Another full season with this draft class should indicate just how good it can be, and it looks to me that it can be very good.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:04 PM
<< Home