Grade The Cowboys' Draft: A For Effort?

By Richie Whitt Mon., Apr. 26 2010 at 1:00 PM

Categories: Dallas Cowboys

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Better than Bobby?

The good news: The Dallas Cowboys likely drafted the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year and a linebacker who will signal the end of the Bobby Carpenter era.

The bad news: The Dallas Cowboys still don't have a play-making free safety or any depth along the offensive line.

The Cowboys picked only six players over the three-day NFL Draft, fewest in 10 years. After Dez Bryant and Penn State linebacker Sean Lee, they selected safety Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Notre Dame offensive tackle Sam Young, Texas Tech cornerback Jamar Wall and defensive tackle Sean Lissemore.

Hard not to call the draft a success when the Cowboys (who began with picks No. 27 and 59) nabbed two players rated among the top 16 on their draft board.

And with Bryant, the Cowboys not only have a more talented team, but an arsenal of offensive weapons that rivals the group that won three of four Super Bowls in the 1990s. Granted, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Irvin are Hall of Famers, but quarterback Tony Romo can now hand the football to Felix Jones, Tashard Choice and Marion Barber or throw it long to Miles Austin and Bryant or short to Williams and Jason Witten. So stockpiled is Dallas' lineup that receivers Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd are seeking trades.

The Cowboys are a better team, with players who will make positive impacts right here, right now. But they failed to address their two most glaring needs.

Add it all up and I give Dallas' draft an A-minus. You?

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Dez Bryant, football, Jerry Jones, Sean Lee

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Someone wake me up when they can win 2 consecutive playoff games. I'll leave my phone on--thanks.
Oh, and A++. THIS is the year! If feel it this time.
They drafted for Talent this year, which is right. They can go to free agency for proven fill-ins for need. I hate it when they draft for need as college greatness doesn't always translate immediately and they need fill-ins immediately.
Goose rated the draft yesterday RW, anyway I like the Dez pick, never liked white lb's and don't know how to pronounce the safety project..helluva first pick Jerra
I agree with the talking heads. They couldn't pass on Bryant and Lee which warrants an A- but the issue is not resolved at left tackle. We put Flo out to pasture with no backup. I hope there is a plan in place. I think we can play pre safety by committe but protecting Tony off that end will be a challenge. The big kid from ND will be an asset down the road and I like the upside of the kid from D2 at corner but I'm having nightmares about left end! Go Boys!
Damn, RW, I heard the Ticket talking about the draft. Can't you quit copying them?
Definitely got an overall B to B+ draft. But Richie your colors are showing.
B I'm glad they didn't reach. You never go wrong when you draft the best player. As for depth in the OL, who's to stay Brewster doesn't develop? Or they pick up a veteran? As for safety, if worst comes to worst you can move Scandrick to FS. Ball could go either way and they did draft a couple of CBs, so let the need issues play out and see what develops in August.
B I'm glad they didn't reach. You never go wrong when you draft the best player. As for depth in the OL, who's to stay Brewster doesn't develop? Or they pick up a veteran? As for safety, if worst comes to worst you can move Scandrick to FS. Ball could go either way and they did draft a couple of CBs, so let the need issues play out and see what develops in August.
Sean Lee is a great pick. Character, Work Ethic, great instincts, athletic and smart. This kid is all about being prepared and taking care of business. Typical Joe Pa guy.
"Hard not to call the draft a success when the Cowboys (who began with picks No. 27 and 59) nabbed two players rated among the top 16 on their draft board." The only problem with this statement is the premise that the Cowboys can identify talent. It doesn't matter if they got 2 of the top 16 on their board if their board stinks -- based upon Jerry's history of talent evaluation, it is more likely than not that their board did stink.
Bravo Jerry. I think the addition of Dez Bryant will take some of the media & attention away from R. Williams & allow him to perfom this season. As for the Safety position, I think that Jerry & staff see something in AOA & the current players that will handle the job. I'm a little concerned about left tackle. Once again, I'll just have to trust in all the footbal knowledge that is the DALLAS COWBOYS staff. Thats what they get paid for. GO COWBOYS
I like. The talent added, along with those from last year who will return from season ending injuries, should provide some strong depth. I just wish the salary of R. Williams wasn't tying their hands... Crayton is much more of an asset.