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Introduction

While the Cowboys have been relatively quiet this off season the media channels make it seem like they are the most active team. Every day there is a new rumor or expansion of a rumor associated with them. It seems every NFL player that is unhappy where they are seems ready to jump to Dallas.

Even though they often name other teams Dallas is always focused on for three years. One, they are the Cowboys,  America’s Team. Everybody loves or hates them so they are sure to draw ratings just by virtue of who they are. Second, they are competitive. An impact player here or there could make them the Super Bowl favorites. Third, Jerry Jones is willing to take risks to get his team to the top.

So, I’ve been thinking about all these rumors and the upcoming draft and about what the Cowboys could feasibly do over the next couple months.

No McFadden

There’s been a lot of speculation about the Cowboys jumping up the draft to get Darren McFadden. Besides not needing a top-five back the money they would have to pay him is simply too great. The Cowboys will sit pat towards the tail end of the draft and, if anything, move out of the first round.

Unfortunately for those who love McFadden and the Cowboys he will not have a star on his helmet come next year.

Pacman Jones and Chad Johnson

These are the two prominent rumors regarding the Cowboys right now. “Pacman” Jones has made it clear that he wants to play for the Cowboys. If he’s willing to suck it up and take 90% of the risk then he will. He’s good enough for the Cowboys to take a little chance on but he won’t be commanding huge money or a high draft pick.

Chad Johnson has made it clear he wants to play anywhere but Cincinnati. He mentioned the Cowboys and suggested that with his addition the Super Bowl is guaranteed. While that’s certainly a stretch an throwing game combining the likes of Owens, Johnson, and Witten would be formidable to say the least.

While I originally thought the Adam Jones trade was much more likely I’m beginning to think there’s a real possibility with Chad Johnson. This is solely based on some comments by Jerry Jones. He stated that the Cowboys are assuming Terry Glenn won’t be back and their number one priority is getting some firepower opposite Terrell Owens. When pressed about whether he thought that firepower would come from the draft Jerry Jones said it wasn’t likely.

The Draft

Well, the Cowboys have two first round picks this year. That gives them an edge in this year’s draft. Combine that with the fact that they have no glaring needs and they have many options. They will not trade one of these picks to get Chad Johnson or Jones directly but could use them to maneuver.

For the purposes of this piece that’s what I will assume the thinking is. These first two choices will be looked at as pieces to build towards these trades.

Pick 22: From the Cleveland Browns for QB Brady Quinn

There is much speculation about what the Cowboys will do with this pick. In this scenario they are going to trade this bad boy to either the Falcons or the Dolphins (who ever offers more). I’m going to assume the Falcons will in order to #### up a QB the Dolphins otherwise would have. So…

***Dallas Cowboys trade pick 22 to Atlanta Falcons for 2009 First Round Pick and pick 34 (Second Round, pick 3)***

Atlanta Falcons select Quarterback Brian Brohm from Louisville.

This is a repeat of what happened last year when the Browns traded from early in the second round up into the first to insure they got Brady Quinn. Here, I’m betting the Falcons fear the Dolphins scooping up Brohm enough to want to jump up.

Pick 28: Antoine Cason CB/S (Arizona)

This is called hedging your bet. The Cowboys select a good young DB just in case “Pacman” doesn’t shake out. They also give themselves someone to groom behind Henry and Newman. If Newman’s price is too steep after next season then they will have his replacement waiting. Cason also gives them some depth at Safety and could be moved there if necessary.

This pick gives them lots of options moving forward. They have fulfilled a serious need and set themselves up for the future. They also protect themselves against Jones if they manage to get him and he tanks.

Pick 34: From the Atlanta Falcons for QB Brian Brohm

The Cowboys now have two picks in the second round. They also have two first round selections in 2009. One of which is from a team that seems destined to struggle for years to come (but isn’t that what they thought about Cleveland too?).

I think this is where they make their big move. ..

***Dallas Cowboys trade pick 34 (Second Round, pick 3), pick 61 (Second Round, pick 30), and LB Bobby Carpenter to Cincinnati for WR Chad Johnson***

This is about as close to market value as the Browns can hope to get for Chad Johnson. It gives them a lot of options are where to go. They will have three picks in the second round to help bolster their defense and add a talented receiver or whatever they want.

For the Cowboys, it removes a few things. First, Bobby Carpenter hasn’t really found a place in this defense. He’s out of favor with the coaching staff and seems to need a fresh start. He’s young and talented and with the right team could become a stud Line Backer.

Second, they don’t have to worry about busting on a WR selection. This will give them the ability to continue to wait on two promising young Wide Receivers (Sam Hurd and Isaiah Stanback) while assuring they are competitive on the field.

Third, they will have some leeway with Terry Glenn. He won’t be called on to step immediately back in and will be given some time to heal. If he’s anything like what he once was then a one-two-three punch of Owens-Johnson-Glenn will be nearly unstoppable (not to mention the continued presence of Barber, Romo, and Witten).

…and the Rest

The rest of the draft is relatively uneventful (though I’m not sure anything could compete with what they did above). The Cowboys use the later rounds to shore up their Defensive and Offensive lines. With the final few picks they may pick up a DB or two just to keep the churning going on there.

The real story of the rest of the Cowboys draft is this…

***Dallas Cowboys trade pick 157 (Round Five, pick 30) to the Tennessee Titans for Adam “Pacman” Jones***

Jones and the Titans get their wishes. Those are, respectively, to play for the Cowboys and to be rid of Jones.

As the Cowboys demonstrated by using their first round pick on Cason they are not playing games with Jones. He will either come in to compete for a job and stay on the straight and narrow or will be dismissed without hesitation.

With this scenario the Cowboys would be stupid not to at least pick him up. He’s a proven talent and a dynamic return man. If he really has learned then the Cowboys have their DB’s for the future in Cason and Jones. Henry would be moved to Free Safety and Hamlin to Strong Safety (if the Cowboys so desired) and Williams released after the conclusion of the 2008-2009 season.

Summary

Cowboys acquire WR Chad Johnson from the Bengals, draft CB/S Antoine Cason with the 28th overall pick, and acquire Adam “Pacman” Jones from the Tennessee Titans

WR’s: Terrell Owens (81), Chad Johnson (85), Terry Glenn (83), Patrick Crayton (84),Sam Hurd (17),  Isaiah Stanback (86)

CB’s: Terrance Newman (41), Anthony Henry (42), Antoine Cason (43), Adam “Pacman” Jones (32), Alan Ball (20)

Conclusion

So after being fairly quiet the Cowboys absolutely take over the hype of the offseason. Their two trades dominate headlines and promise to make them better on both sides of the ball.

By being crafty the Cowboys assure they have two picks in 2009 and many more options then and shore up their Defensive Backfield. The only obvious missed opportunity was a RB but the Cowboys have one more trick up their sleeve when they trade for Ricky Williams…

…just kidding. The Cowboys use a later pick (or two) on a Running Back their willing to take a chance on. It could be a committee of three to at least begin the season but Marion Barber is clearly the starter.

Keep in mind this is a hypothetically and purely for fun. There’s no way this would go down but it would be a lot of fun if it did. It would also significantly improve the Cowboys on both sides of the ball and give them plenty of options for the future.

This is an update of a previous post.

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Brian Leonard
I was reading some draft related materials today and I came across this little tidbit from Pete Prisco of CBS. He writes in his column from the 15th of April, that an athlete by the name of Brian Leonard hopes to make the leap from the college ranks to the pro ranks as a running back.

This dream is shared by many who are entering this year's Draft but there is a problem with Leonard's dream: he's white.

He also may not be a running back. Most scouts have him rated as a top fullback but his idea of becoming a running back is shunned. He has good size, is strong, and is a powerful runner. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield. The scouts just aren't sure he has the explosivenss (and maybe skin tone) required to be a featured running back in the NFL.

A White Running Back?
The sighting of a white running back at an elite level is about as rare as that of a Snow Leopard. White running backs are rarer than Black Quarterbacks, especially in terms of starters; and very few are on rosters as backups. Not a single white guy started at running back for any team in the NFL last year.

It's something I've noticed before. There simply aren't any white running backs. Fullbacks yes, but not running backs. The idea of a white guy being a running back is ludicrous. The thought of a white guy breaking off a long run and taking it to the house is laughable. White people can't run. Plain and simple, white meat is not made for the "skill positions" of running back, cornerback, and wide reciever.

If you're on offense and you're white you can play Quarterback, Lineman, Tight End, or Fullback. On defense, Linebacker, Lineman, or Safety. Those are your options.

Really?
Is that really the truth? Are white people really not cut out to play the "skill positions?"

Wide receiver is much more diverse and that thinking with regards to wideouts is breaking down. Personally, I think Wes Welker and Brian Finneran are two of the most underrated players in the league. Both are white, both play wide reciever, and I think both are good.

I can't think of the last time I saw a white corner. But the idea of a white corner is not so outlandish as the thought of a white running back. I would actually believe it if somebody told me a team's number one CB was white.

But running back? White's don't belong as running backs. They just aren't cut out for it.

Running Back is Made For Blacks
A couple years back a white guy named Brock Forsey had a good game. Not that big of a deal, except that he's a white running back. While playing for the Bears he ran for 134 yards agains the Arizona Cardinals.

After the game he recalled being asked, "Is it surprising you came out and had a great game and you're white?" He didn't think they would be so direct but everybody was thinking it. Emmitt Smith called him Brian Piccolo, though Forsey clearly isn't that good since he's no longer in the league, but most were simply shocked that a white guy could be a running back.

"'They can't compete with us," says Eric Dickerson, the NFL's all-time single-season rushing leader, who dominated with the Los Angeles Rams during the 1980s. "The black athlete, especially at that position, is faster, more elusive. That's just a position made for agility.'" (Harris and Robinson)

Discrimination
There is a great deal of stereotyping going on here. Athletes and scouts, coaches and commentators just don't feel white people are capable of being the featured back.

According to Harris and Robinson's article, which was written in 2004, and from which much was taken for this blog, the best runner in highschool from central Florida was white. His name is Kevin Harris and he decided to go to Wake Forest because they were one of two schools to commit to making him a running back.

His dad, who was also his highschool coach, was told by one school's rep, "Coach, I could never bring back a white running back to my university. That's just the way it is. They just wouldn't accept it."

In his Freshman year at Wake Forest Kevin tied the school record for the most touchdowns by a red-shirt Freshman (6) and was 10th in the ACC.

I think the biggest issue is perception. I recall watching ESPN's coverage of the 60th anneversary of Jackie Robinson's breaking the color barrier in baseball. In one of their segments they interviewed the only two black players on a traditionally black school's baseball team. They said black kids just didn't think of baseball as a "black sport." I think the same holds true for the running back position.

White athletes have been taught that they can not be running backs. It's just not a "white position." Instead, they refine their skills to be linbackers or tight ends or fullbacks. But they don't even try to be tailbacks, running backs. They are taught that since they are white they will not succeed at that position.

White kids are told not to try to be tailbacks. They are told to bulk up and become fullbacks or seek some other position because a white running back simply isn't acceptable.

The first black coach to win a Superbowl, Tony Dungy, had this to say:

You've got guys in high school, white players, who are discouraged from being wide receivers, defensive backs or running backs -- I think we do have that. It's "this position is a white position or black position." I definitely believe they are channeled early on.

Conclusion
I believe the fact is, over the years, more black guys have been better at the running back position than white guys. For whatever reason they've just proven over the years to be better. White guys are not broadly disciminated against (hell, most quarterbacks are white, many tight ends are white, plenty of linemen are white, and some of the best linebackers are white). But there is something interesting going on at the running back position. In 20 years there really hasn't been a white guy good enough at that position? Really?

There is simply a bias against white running backs. It's not malicious prejudice like was experienced by minorities in the past, but there is no doubt it exists. When a white guy steps up to compete as a running back most people will see him as "more of a fullback." In this day and age it's simply unthinkable that a white guy would be averaging over a 100 yards a game, and maybe be the first in twenty-some years to crack a 1,000 yard season.

But stereotypes and biases are only strong until they're disproven. They are there to challenge people to rise above them and to smash them. They exist to give someone a goal to achieve, a record to set, and minds to change.

I don't know if Brian Leonard is the man to do that. I haven't seen him play and know little about him. If his heart is in it, a team could maybe take a chance on him. Pick him up and give him the ball. Maybe he'll be the first great white runner in years. Maybe he'll even end up leading a team to the Superbowl. Maybe.

But if not, hey, you could always just use him as a fullback.







Further Reading
Thanks to Chris Harry and Charles Robinson who wrote a nice piece about this in 2004.
Endagered Species: A racial dividing line exists at the running back position, and there doesn't seem to be a clear reason why.


Update!
Brian Leonard Drafted by St. Louis Rams
Well, seems like this question will be answered. If Brian Leonard is truly a good runningback then he couldn't have landed on a better team. The Rams love Steven Jackson and will look to Leonard to give him a breather. They also love to pass out of the backfield so Leonard's pass catching ability will be utilized. He certianly will never be the starter in St. Louis (barring a major injury to Jackson) but it's a start and a good one at that.

A New Hope (brought to you by the Darkside)
Demon found this video a of runningback named Sam McGuffie. He seems to have good skills. He appears fast, strong, and agile. Changes direction well and doesn't go down easily. If he keeps this up (watch the video, very good!) then he may well be the first white dude to rush for 1,000 yards in a season since the 80's.

Check out the original post here

2007 NFL Draft
This year’s draft was nearly as exciting for me as last year’s. I’m not quite sure why. Maybe because there were no clear needs for the Cowboys to fill? Or maybe because there was no concensus pick for the Cowboys? Or maybe there just weren’t as many superstars this year to get excited about.

But one thing I did get excited about was Brady Quinn’s saga.

Brady Quinn
The Notre Dame quarterback was called by many the most “NFL ready.” The year before potential number one pick Matt Lienart slipped all the way to number 10 and the Arizona Cardinals. Meanwhile, the quarterback declared the most “NFL ready” that draft went with the next pick to the Denver Broncos.

The year before, Aaron Rodgers had been projected as the potential first pick in the draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Instead, he slipped all the way to pick number 24 for the honor of backing up Brett Favre in Green Bay.
The sam thing ended up happening to Quinn. But the commissioner was compassionate and let him stay in his suite to avoid the humiliation of being passed over again and again…and again. This got my attention. As soon as Ted Ginn was taken thoughts entered my head, but I dared not entertain them.

There was some discussion of the Cowboys taking Quinn. They hadn’t had a true franchise quarterback since Troy Aikman retired in 2000. They had gone through the likes of Quincy Carter, Ryan Leaf, Vinny Testeverde, and Drew Bledsoe all to no avail. Then last seaons they introduced the world to Tony Romo.

But here was a potential cornerstone of the franchise. A quarterback most NFL teams had in the top three of their draft boards, if not higher. I was genuinely afraid the temptation would be too much for Jerry Jones to handle. But he did, masterfully. He traded out of the spot to snag the Browns’ number one pick next year.
This did two things. One, showed confidence in Tony Romo and two, gave the Cowboys the ability to get a “wow” player in the ‘08 draft.

Anthony Spencer
The Cowboys didn’t stay out of the first round. Instead, they traded with the always confusing Eagles to get back into it. The Eagles allowed the Cowboys to swoop in and pick up a defensive end they will convert to outside linebacker and who many feel could be a major force in the pass rush. The Eagles drafted Kevin Kolb to replace Donovan McNabb in the event Spencer lays him out.

From what I understand Spencer is a great pass rusher. He recorded 93 tackles last season as a defensive end and 10.5 sacks. If Wade Phillips can convert him into a DeMarcus Ware or Shawne Merriman type player then the Cowboys may resurrect Doomsday.

Raiders
Personally, I think the Oakland Raiders made a mistake. Not by taking JaMarcus Russell, at this point they pretty much had to. They made a mistake by not signing a veteran quarterback which would’ve allowed them to take Calvin Johnson.

The Raiders need a new dynamic on offense. They traded for Randy Moss to give them that, and he never did. Instead, Randy Moss curled up in his shell and refused to come out. He was unhappy and rather than channeling that into effort he let it drag him into depression. He underperformed in Oakland and never gave 100%.

The Raiders should’ve signed a veteran QB, drafted Johnson, and then moved Moss somewhere to get more picks this year. Oakland needs a lot more help on offense than Russell alone can give them. If they bundled Moss with a pick or two they could’ve gotten another second. That would’ve allowed them to get another offensive weapon on the first day.

New England Patriots
But the Raiders didn’t do that and they wound up trading Randy Moss to the New England Patriots for a fourth round pick next year. There’s no doubt somewhere in there a shade of the ability he once showcased still exists. If he can bring that back he could help make the New England offense prolific once again.
New England has made some big moves this offseason.

First, they signed Adalius Thomas (rated as maybe the best free agent) to bolster their aging line backing corps. His presence should help make the defense as aggressive as it once was and as formidable as it was during the Superbowl years.

Meanwhile, they have worked hard to correct the issues with their receiving corps. Last season they did little to add Tom Brady after being forced to trade away Deon Branch. They learned their leason and worked hard to fix that issue.

They signed Donte Stallworth who showed tremendous skill in Philadelphia last season. They signed Kelley Washington who was a talented but unused wideout in Cincinnati. Then they grabbed up a player who is all effort, Wes Welker, who will not only help them at wide reciever but also assist their return game. Finally, they traded for Randy Moss.

The Patriots are positioning themselves for another title run. They have loaded up and had two first round picks this year. They traded one away for a first rounder next year, assuring they will have plenty of opportunities next season as well. They’ve really set themselves up and they will be more dangerous than ever next season.

(Don’t be surprised if the Patriots sign Keyshawn Johnson)

Brian Leonard
I wrote an earlier post about white running backs and Leonard’s desire to be one. He ended up being drafted in the second round by the St. Louis Rams. Now, he certainly won’t start over Steven Jackson, but if he can succeed anywhere it’s in St. Louis. He’ll probably play a hybrid Half back/Fullback role. He has good hands and the Rams like to throw out of the backfield so I wouldn’t be surprised if they role him out to the flat regularly.

Conclusion
I enjoyed the draft, felt the Cowboys did quite well. They scored the player they wanted and someone to rush on the opposite side of DeMarcus Ware. They also got themselves a first round pick next year from a team who will very likely have a top ten pick. They got themselves several tackles to help on the offensive line and even a kicker for the future.

The draft went well for my team. How did your team do?

Brian Leonard
I was reading some draft related materials today and I came across this little tidbit from Pete Prisco of CBS. He writes in his column from the 15th of April, that an athlete by the name of Brian Leonard hopes to make the leap from the college ranks to the pro ranks as a running back.

This dream is shared by many who are entering this year’s Draft but there is a problem with Leonard’s dream: he’s white.

Continue Reading

To take my Real Blogger virginity I can think of nothing better than the Dallas Cowboys.

Draft

The draft is fast approaching and mock drafts have long ago saturated the internets. The Cowboys have done a good job meeting their immediate needs through free agency. First, the resigned center Andre Gurode and then moved on to sign Leonard Davis. This will hopefully shore up their offensive line and add some stability to the tumultuous area.

Second, the Cowboys signed Ken Hamlin to patrol the defensive backfield. While Hamlin is not the center-fielder needed to maximize Roy Williams’ ability his experience should help to minimize Williams’ faults. Hamlin’s simple “football” knowledge should help him cover the backfield and make a difference over what the Cowboys have been through the past few seasons.

In the draft I’m looking for the Cowboys to address three key positions:

Wide Reciever- The Cowboys have a solid receiving corps of Terry Glenn, Terrell Owens, and Patrick Crayton. Behind them they have Miles Austin and Sam Hurd who were surprises last season but show serious promise. However, there is no guarantee either of them can develop into “number one” recievers and Crayton seems like more of a slot or position receiver.

This year the Cowboys could have several options at pick 22. Dwayne Jarrett, Ted Ginn Jr., Robert Meachem, and Dwayne Bowe are possibilities. At least one of those recievers will be available by the time the Cowboys pick and any of them seem like potential home runs. I’d like to see them get Jarrett or Ginn but any of them would be a steal.

Beyond that they may have some options for receiver in the second round at pick 53. USC’s Steve Smith may still be on the board as well as LSU’s Craig Davis and Ohio State’s Anthony Gonzalez.

The question is how much faith do the Cowboys have in getting a potential number one receiver (in a year or two) out of the second round (or even beyond) guys? If it’s high then maybe they should pass and select a different position in the first. For me though, it’s rare to have a shot at some the talent they could get so I think they should scoop up the best available receiver with 22.

Continue Reading at Real Sports Bloggers

Dallas Cowboys Re-Sign Pro Bowl Center Andre Gurode

The Dallas Cowboys have re-signed center Andre Gurode to a new 6-year deal. Gurode had spent the 2005 season as a backup to center Al Johnson. In 2006 he was the starter all season (as he's bigger and stronger) and was the victim of one of the most disgusting acts of sports aggression I've ever seen. He did a job good enough to get him to the Pro Bowl (once Bears Center Olin Kreutz bowed out due to injury).

**(As an aside, Albert Haynesworth shouldn't have played another down in the 2006 season, at the least)**

He was set to become an unrestricted free-agent but the Cowboys decided they liked him enough to ink him to a multi-year deal. Gurode is young and strong. He can also play as a guard and versatility is always good. But most importantly, this will give the Cowboys some continuity.

Upgrading the O-Line

The Dallas Cowboys signed Marco Rivera to a big deal in the hopes he would anchor the right side of the Offensive line. Instead, he's had two back surgeries (on the same disc) and played "Okay." They let Adams go and replaced him with Kyle Kosier (who did a servicable job) and Flozell was re-signed to a mulit-year deal a couple years back but hasn't played the same the past couple seasons.

This year the Cowboys could improve their O-Line significantly. They must make a decision about Marc Colombo. He's due to become a free-agent and the Cowboys will have to decide if his play is worth a new contract. The rumor mill has been churning with suggestions that tackle Leonard Davis could be brought in (presumably to replace Colombo).

Many mock drafts, including Fox Sport's, suggest the Cowboys will draft Offensive Tackle Justin Blalock (who can also play guard). If that's the case then the Cowboys could let Rivera's massive contract go and insert Blalock in at Guard.

**Potential Lineup 1: Flozell Adams - Kyle Koiser - Andre Gurode - Justin Blalock - Leonard Little.**
**Potential Lineup 2: Leonard Little - Kyle Koiser - Andre Gurode - Marco Rivera - Justin Blalock.**
**Potential Lineup 3: Pat McQuinstan - Kyle Koiser - Andre Gurode - Justin Blalock - Marc Colombo.**
**Potential Lineup 4: Pat McQuinstan - Kyle Koiser - Andre Gurode - Marco Rivera - Justin Blalock.**

Regardless of what the Cowboys ultimately decide to do, they must improve their Offensive Line. While the weakness that it is was somewhat hidden once Romo was inserted it still broke down far too often. I've seen some mock drafts suggesting the Cowboys take a Defensive Back with the 22nd pick but I think if Blalock is on the board then they should take him. Their offensive line isn't going to get better (or younger) on it's own.

Keeping Owens, Dumping Glenn?
I've seen quite a few articles suggesting the Cowboys will have to make a decision on these two. They keep talking about the bonuses they're do and how they're getting older etc. I think it's really a moot point. The Cowboys signed Owens in a cap-friendly way and then re-did Glenn's deal to keep him in Big D for a few more years. They knew what they were doing and I don't think there's any real consideration of cutting Glenn. Owens? Well, with Owens you never know...

Two-Back System Entrenched in Dallas
Julius Jones recorded his first 1,000 yard season this year. He split time with Marion Barber who seemed like the bruiser back while Jones (occasionally) provided some finesse. There were whispers of the Cowboys shopping Julius Jones last year during the draft and I think those rumors will fly again this year.

Even with that 1,000 yard season I don't think the Cowboys are completely sold on Jones. They've got to make a decision soon on the direction they want to go and if Jones is the man to pair with Marion Barber.

If the Cowboys decide to trade Jones there are two free backs that are attractive targets.

First, you have Jamal Lewis. While he's still officially under contract with the Ravens most feel it's only a matter of time before he gets cut. He would be a good addition to the Cowboys and maybe break some of those big runs Jones appers to miss.

Second, there's Super Bowl MVP Dominic Rhodes. It's rare that the player who played the best in the Super Bowl becomes a free agent but these are interesting times in Indianapolis. The Colts have decided to put the tag on Freeney. This may encourage Rhodes to test the market and see what kind of a deal he can score.

If he hits the market then he must command attention from the Cowboys and could be their answer if they decide to move on from Jones.

They could also draft for a running back. They have plenty of picks to tie to Jones and get a nice spot in return. I doubt they'll go this route, however, and all things considered I think they will opt to keep the Jones-Barber tandem. Even if they do trade Jones they'll be looking for another back to pair with Barber and are firmly in the "two-back" camp.

So, I'm assuming those of you reading this are Cowboys fans or are just really interested in the draft/free agency signings. I've been watching the mock drafts and sliding down to spot 18 to see who they think the 'Boys will take. Most have them taking Marucs McNeill (OT, Auburn), Winston Justice (OT, Southern Cal), Santonio Holmes (WR, Ohio State), or Ko Simpson (S, South Carolina). A few had them taking Jay Cutler (QB, Vanderbilt) but that was before he started climbing the ladder towards Leinart and Young.

Now, the Cowboys have three major needs going into the offseason. In no particular order they are: Free Safety, Right Tackle, and Kicker. For those of you who've paid attention, Parcells' trust is a hard thing to earn. And to do so you've got to perform and meet a high standard. Once you've earned this trust, though, he keeps an eye on you and tries to bring you with him if he can (Drew Bledsoe, Keyshawn Johnson, Terry Glenn, Richie Anderson, Curtis Martin etc.).

I also think this talk of the Cowboys needing some youth at Wide Receiver is overblown. First of all, Patrick Crayton looked pretty strong last season and Terrance Copper also looks good. Finally, they're high on this guy named Tom Crowder in Dallas. They say he's the fastest guy on the team and are developing him into a Wide Receiver. I think they're confident enough in him, Crayton, and Copper to hold off on taking a Wide Reciever this year. For this reason I think they'll also take a pass on possibly signing T.O.

I think they'll sign Jason Fabini and put him on the right side. He played his first two years under Bill in New York at Right Tackle. Then if they can they may well pursue Adam Vinatieri (a Parcells' signing in New England) but that depends entirely on how much he's asking and how much some of the other quality kickers ask. Then I think they'll draft Ko Simpson. They may also sign another Linebacker and may even spend more time and money there than any other position but I think they'd make a mistake not getting Fabini and drafting a solid Safety.

Everyone was talking about the three Heisman candidates leading up to the Rose Bowl. Two of those candidates were winners of the coveted award. The third would go onto to have possibly the greatest individual performance in College Football history. At least two of them are turning pro this up coming season, the third probably will. But now the quetion is who will go where? Further, will the Heisman finalists go with the first three picks?

1-Houston Texans:
They will not take Vince Young, period. David Carr is still their star QB and they have no intention of giving up on him. As good as Vince is the front office still has plenty of confidence in Carr and seeks to rebuild their offensive line to protect him. This applies to Leinart as well. Reggie Bush's case is a bit different. What a backfield Bush and Davis would make but I think the Texans would have trouble building their team and keeping both of them. I foresee the Texans trading the pick to get some pieces on both lines.
Of the Three: Reggie Bush

2-New Orleans Saints:
Of the top 5 they're the most likely to pick a QB. Why? Cause they've basically told Brooks they're moving on without him. I think Young would be the best fit here. A scrambling QB would be a good thing for the Sainst as Brooks was the fourth most sacked QB in the league last year. However, a big reason for that was their lack of a run game. If Duece stays healthy next year it will open things up for the Quarterback. If the Saints are confident about this they may want to take Leinart who seems slightly more NFL ready. While not a problem in college I do think Vince will have to adjust his throwing motion in the NFL. Still, if it was me, I'd take Vince Young on upside alone.
Of the Three: Vince Young

3-Tennessee Titans:
Another team that may well take a QB. They probably will let McNair go and may well decide to let go of Volleck as well. If they don't feel Volleck is the key to their franchise then they'll probably take which ever QB the Saints don't. The Titans don't have the same need for a QB that avoid the pressure and may opt to take Leinart. Again though, maybe it's just spite, I'd still take Vince Young.
Of the Three: Matt Leinart

4-New York Jets:
This is a team that may surprise everybody and take a QB. I'm by no means a Jets fan but if I was I'd be sick of waiting for Pennington to get healthy. If his line is the problem then maybe Vince would be a could fit to aviod the sack. But they also have a need for a running back and Reggie Bush would be a great fit for the Jets. This may even be the team that trades with the Texans but I wouldn't be surprised if they stayed right here hoping for Bush but "settling" for Lendale White or even Adrian Peterson (remeber him?).
Of the Three: Reggie Bush

5-Green Bay Packers
Ahman Green should be healthy again next season and Aaron Rodgers was at times considered the number one pick last year. Therefore, I highly doubt if some how either Leinart or Young fell this far they would take either of them. Reggie Bush would be welcome but I think they'd do better to trade down to fix their own O-Line problems. Unlike the Texans, however, the Packers D may be enough to enable the Pack to take Reggie and let him make a few plays here and there and keep games low-scoring and close.
Of the Thee: Reggie Bush

And so those are the prospects for the top five teams. While I still think the Texans will trade the pick the lure of Reggie Bush may be too great. Or maybe they're pulling the wool over everyone's eyes and will take the home town hero, Vince Young. I picked Leinart to the Titans simply because of the USC presence there and his familiarity with the system. The other teams have their QB situation more or less figured out and I think would be more likely to take a running back. Ideally, of course, Vince Young will fall to the number 19 spot and be picked up by the Dallas Cowboys but something tells me that just won't happen. Your thoughts?