The 2008 NFL draft is now over, and it looks like the Cowboys have at least done what they wanted to do. They wanted to plug holes at cornerback and running back and get players that can make an impact this next year.
In the first five picks, they chose two running backs (Felix Jones of Arkansas and Tashard Choice of Georgia Tech), two cornerbacks (Mike Jenkins of South Florida and Orlandro Scandrick of Boise State), and a tight end (Martellus Bennett of Texas A and M). These five players stand an excellent chance of both making the team and contributing this next season -- at least on special teams (which needed improvement).
The sixth draftee is a much longer shot to make the team. He is a defensive end who will probably be converted to an outside linebacker (Erik Walden of Middle Tennessee). The Cowboys like this guys work ethic, but they're pretty happy with the linebackers they already have. I guess it comes down to a question of whether he's better than Carpenter or not. I think that's who he's have to beat out to get a spot on the squad.
Yesterday, the Cowboys announced the acquisition of 12 free agents. These are the guys who are really a long-shot to make the team. But having said that, it is not unusual for a free agent or two to work their way onto the team. They are:
Danny Amendola (Texas Tech) wide receiver
Drew Atchison (William and Mary) tight end
Mark Bradford (Stanford) wide receiver
Andrew Brecher (Harvard) offensive tackle
Julius Crosslin (Oklahoma State) fullback
Dowayne Davis (Syracuse) safety
Keon Lattimore (Maryland) running back
Marcus Dixon (Hampton) defensive end
Brandon Hale (Sam Houston State) offensive tackle
Daniel Polk (Midwestern State) wide receiver
Jay Ottovegio (Stanford) punter/kicker
Darrell Robertson (Georgia Tech) defensive end
If I had to guess right now who might make the team out of this dozen, I'd have to put my money on Danny Amendola. He reminds me of a past Cowboy named Bill Bradley in that he's too small and too slow -- all he does is make great plays when his team needs it the most. The guy is just a player.
But this is all just guesswork right now. We really won't know anything until at least the pre-season games. But as a Cowboys "homer", I can always dream can't I?
From what I've read, getting Choice in Round 4 may turn out to be one of the best steals in the draft. The Cowboys may not win 13 games this year, but should be a better team anyway.
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