Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

The Cowboys draft was so-so for the third year in a row.  Their war room misses Bill Parcells.  Jones was every draft guru's projection for Dallas in round one and they got him.  However, that doesn't make it the correct move.  Also, after trading Fasano, they had to grab a tight end early.  So instead of having Fasano as a backup tight end and a receiver like Manningham, Hawkins, or Caldwell, the Boys have Bennett.  Choice and Scandrick were good picks both in terms of talent and value.  Robertson, Davis and Bradford could be free agent finds. 

DRAFT PICKS

Felix Jones was a game breaker in college.  However, his workout numbers do not make me feel confident that he will be as dangerous in the NFL.  My pick would have been Chris Johnson.  I'll go far as to say Dallas passing on Johnson will be looked at down the line as the single biggest lost opportunity in the entire 2008 draft.  Johnson with his 4.24 speed, was the ideal fit for the Cowboys.  In addition to being an explosive outside runner, he has the skills to spilt out wide and catch the ball downfield.  He will be better in the New-Orleans-Reggie Bush-role than Reggie Bush.  The Cowboys signing of Barber to a big contract (and drafting of Choice) only reinforces my opinion.

Jenkins was an excellent selection.  He is strong and fast and has has good man cover skills.  He will be better on the outside than covering slot receivers because he is more fast than quick.

After trading Fasano, I have no argument with the selection of Bennett, who would be a better fill in for Witten's role should Witten go down with injury.  I would just rather have had Fasano and one of the receivers than Bennett.

If Barber gets hurt, look for Choice to carry the load, not Jones.  In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if Choice ends up splitting carries with Barber down the line over Jones.  Choice runs hard and is sneaky fast (note he is sneaky fast with similar forty speed to Jones who is suppose to have game-breaking speed).  

Scandrick was another good pick.  With his combination of speed and quickness he could be a long term answer for the Cowboys as a nickel back.

Walden is practice squad material.  He played defensive end in college but will be tried at outside linebacker in the Boys' 3-4 defense.  This is another spot where there was an ideal player on the board who I would have drafted if I were Cowboy management.  Josh Barrett is a big strong safety with excellent speed.  He could have offered the-box presence of Roy Williams and had upside in coverage because of his tremendous speed (4.33 in the forty).  He would have been worth a shot in round six.

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Amendola is a polished receiver with good hands and below-average speed and athleticism.  He is the type who can hang onto a last receiver spot if he shows he can play on special teams because coaches have confidence he will run good patterns and hold onhto the ball if needed in a pinch.

Bradford is bigger, faster, stronger and more athletic than Amendola.  He is also a heady receiver.  At worst, he should spend a year on the Cowboys' practice squad.   He will need to show he is durable since he spent time on the shelf at Stanford.

Crosslin is a good goal line and short yardage runner.  He is not a top blocker, but has body and strength to develop.

Lattimore is Ray Lewis' kid brother.  He was productive in college and could be a consideration for the Cowboys' practice squad.

West has good hands and can make crisp, sharp cuts.  However, he will have his hands full with Bradford and Amendola also fighting for roster and practice squad spots.

Davis picked a good spot.  He could be a sleeper in Cowboy camp.  He has a nice mix of size, speed, quickness, strength and athleticism.  He could replace Davis as the Boys' backup safety/special teams stud.   He could also be more down the line.

Dixon has the size to be a base end in a 3-4 defense.  He will need time to develop and could be a priority for Dallas to place on their practice squad.

Robertson would have gone in round three or four if he was able to workout.  However, he was injured while working out for the Combine and teams needed to see Robertson because he was being projected to move from defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker.  It wouldn't surprise me if he moves past sixth round pick Walden when healthy.