Cowboys Rookie Class
It’s 110 degrees here in Abu Dhabi and I’m
falling asleep reading over these reports on Abu Dhabi bank lending tendencies
and liquidity issues so the only way to keep myself awake is to write about
something much more important. That would be the Cowboys and in particular the
potential impact of the rookies that they’ve drafted this year.
Everyone knows that this is a make or break
year for the Cowboys and they desperately need some production from these
rookies, even if it is small but positive contributions, in order to snatch
success from 2012. OTA’s are done, there
will be mini-camps on going and training camp is right around the corner, so
lets run down the Class of 2012 and see what we have.
 |
| Claiborne is a generational talent |
# 1- Morris Claiborne-CB-LSU- This was a
huge nut-up move, jumping up to take Claiborne. He was touted as the best
defensive player in the draft so the burden of reputation is upon him. People
lambasted him for his HORRIFIC wonderlic test scores, but that means fuck-all
when you play cornerback. He has the physical tools, and has to rely on
reactive instincts. He does not have to call the signals-plus he said he didn’t
even bother trying on the test (sounds dubioius but...) in all his interviews
he does sound like an intelligent guy. Despite any rookie setbacks he may have
(and he will have them as did Patrick Peterson last year) he will be a large improvement over Terrence
Newman, and sooner rather than later he will be a star in this league.
# 2- Tyrone Crawford- DE- Boise State- This
is the one pick that I already have my doubts about. If you watch tape of him
from his days at Boise State, he doesn’t stand out in too many ways. He often
missed tackles or seemed like he couldn’t get involved in the play. The Cowboys obviously feel that he can be a
good pass-rushing end, something they need more of, but I have my doubts.
Hopefully I’m wrong because it’s a sad thing to waste your second pick.  |
#3- Kyle Wilber-OLB-Wake Forest- This could
be an interesting, and very much under the radar pick. Wilber is a big body
that has a good instinct for the ball and a motor. Former NFL scout and
ESPNDALLAS’ in-house scout, Bryan Broaddus, likened him to Aaron Kampan (who
was a terrific pass rushing end for the Packers a few years ago and now is a
forgotten man in Jacksonville). That is a huge compliment, as high-motor guys
will create havoc and he could potentially be our answer to the incumbent and
inconsistent Anthony Spencer. Keep your eye on this kid.
#4- Matt Johnson-S-Eastern Washington-
Everyone, including me, scratched their head when the Cowboys used a 4th
round pick on a no-name, small-school, white kid at safety, a position that has
been in need up real upgrades for a decade. Even though Matt has yet to even
step on the practice field, (which by the way none of the above-mentioned have
yet as they deal with injuries—Johnson is just graduating) I am more optimistic
about him as a long term solution at safety. I don’t think he will make an
impact on defense this year but I think he will be a special teams stand-out.
In the years to come I really believe he has a chance to be an everyday
starter. He has great ball instincts, is very fast and is a sure tackler. One
of the reasons he was knocked by many scouts was he lacked some punch in his
tackling last year—this turned out to be because of a shoulder injury he was
playing through. I think he could turn into one of those fan-favorite, hard
hitting, white safteys.  |
| If you white...then you Wes Welker |
#5 Danny Coale-WR-Virginia Tech- Whenever a
small, speedy, and strong, white receiver is drafted, the Wes Welker
comparisons always flow in. This is exactly the case here, as we’ve heard a
great number of comparisons between Coale
and Welker. Their work ethic, shiftiness, crisp route running, fantastic
hands, and overt toughness. I can only hope that Coale exudes some of these
qualities, as the Cowboys are in need of a pesky slot receiver who Romo can
trust. Romo has not been able to trust most of his 2nd or 3rd
option receivers since Patrick Crayton. I think Coale could also be a potential
hot-find. He is scheduled to rehab his broken foot in time for training camp.
#6 James Hanna-TE-Oaklahoma- Hanna is a big
TE who has exceptional speed (in 4.5 range) He could very well turn into a
viable receiving candidate. The problem is he wasn’t overly productive in
college, his blocking skills are not good and John Phillips (barring injuries)
should be the # 2 TE. Phillips physical traits aren’t as pronounced as Hanna’s
but he runs efficient routes and can block. I think Hanna will have some trouble
getting on the field this year.
# 7 Caleb McSurdy- ILB-Montana- McSurdy is
one of those old school type of football players. He is not the most
athletically gifted players (hence 7th round pick) but he has a
passion for the game that translates
into good work ethic and a nose for being around the ball. I think he will be
one of those second string backers that is a constant force on special teams,
and adequate as a situational and replacement linebacker. The Cowboys always
need players like this, so I believe this will be a late round pick where real
value can be found, and not just a toss-up pick. There are a few undrafted rookies to keep an eye on, who have a chance of either making the roster or the practice squad.
Cole Beasley- WR-SMU
Lance Dunbar- RB- North Texas
Ronald Leary- G- Memphis
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