2016 Draft - Never too early

[Mr B]

Not sure if I have ever said this in the past, nevertheless I am one of those football guys that don't like to be held hostage in the NFL by CB's and WR's. It never works out and if someone can prove me wrong, please chime in and give it to me. There is a reason why the Steelers have 6 trophy's and they also fully believe in that line of thinking as a business model. It just sickens me to see so many of Cowboy nation screaming for a WR and CB with our 1st 2 picks. I call it insanity.
I can remember a time, say around 1966 to 1974. Lets see, we had a DT named Bob Lilly with LB's by the name of Howley and Jordan. Then from 1975 to 1983 we had a DT named Randy White with LB's Henderson and Breunig. If memory serves me correct, both those Cowboy teams were extremely successful. Multiple Super Bowls, Championships and division titles. With 4 different QB's, Meredith, Morton, Staubach and White. Common denominator = Doomsday I and Doomsday II that was built and stretch over a 17 year period. ITS CALLED DEFENSE. When we haven't been strong up the middle as a defense, we have never gone anywhere and I really don't care about the rules today compared to yester year.

You threw out those QB names like they were a bunch of spares. Staubach is a HOF'er, Morton won a Super Bowl with the Broncos and was AFC Player of the year and went to multiple Pro Bowls, and both White and Meredith were arguably better than Romo. You can also include Troy Aikman.

The Steelers also had a HOF QB in Bradshaw and one soon to be HOF'er during their runs.

I'm not saying defense wasn't one of the main reasons those teams won because it was (Dallas had the #1 defense in '92). However you can't just throw out the fact that those teams also had great QB's. The QB is also much more important in this era of football. It's a passing league now. The last 12 Super Bowl winners had very good/great QB's. Two of which will be 1st ballot HOF'ers and 3 others that will also be HOF'ers.

The fact is you need a great QB just as much as you need a great defense to be successful in today's NFL. Romo has about 2 years left and I for one would love for the Cowboys to be Championship caliber beyond the next 2 years. I have no interest in repeating the years we went through after Aikman retired.

First of all, Morton never won no damn Super Bowl. He actually cost the Cowboys Super Bowl V. He lost to the Cowboys in Super Bowl XII. Bradshaw IMO is no hall of fame QB. He had a hall of fame Defense for almost a decade.
Tell me QB's like Dan Marnino and Dan Fouts wouldn't have cashed in on a ring or two with a defense. As great as Elways was, he faced the agony of defeat till Denver finally put a championship defense around him with a better running game.

What you think about Bradshaw is irrelevant. He's a HOF'er and that's a fact. If you don't believe it go to Canton and you'll see his bronze bust in the hall. Morton may not have actually won the SB but he got there and as I stated was AFC MVP. Also as I stated he wasn't exactly some spare. You don't get to 2 SB's by being a spare.

Like I said defense is definitely important but so is have a good to great QB. You need both. Right now (with Romo hurt) the Cowboys have neither. They are in a perfect position to get the QB. Blows my mind that some Cowboys fans can't see that. It's basic common sense.

[bluejerseyjinx]

You threw out those QB names like they were a bunch of spares. Staubach is a HOF'er, Morton won a Super Bowl with the Broncos and was AFC Player of the year and went to multiple Pro Bowls, and both White and Meredith were arguably better than Romo. You can also include Troy Aikman.

The Steelers also had a HOF QB in Bradshaw and one soon to be HOF'er during their runs.

I'm not saying defense wasn't one of the main reasons those teams won because it was (Dallas had the #1 defense in '92). However you can't just throw out the fact that those teams also had great QB's. The QB is also much more important in this era of football. It's a passing league now. The last 12 Super Bowl winners had very good/great QB's. Two of which will be 1st ballot HOF'ers and 3 others that will also be HOF'ers.

The fact is you need a great QB just as much as you need a great defense to be successful in today's NFL. Romo has about 2 years left and I for one would love for the Cowboys to be Championship caliber beyond the next 2 years. I have no interest in repeating the years we went through after Aikman retired.

First of all, Morton never won no damn Super Bowl. He actually cost the Cowboys Super Bowl V. He lost to the Cowboys in Super Bowl XII. Bradshaw IMO is no hall of fame QB. He had a hall of fame Defense for almost a decade.
Tell me QB's like Dan Marnino and Dan Fouts wouldn't have cashed in on a ring or two with a defense. As great as Elways was, he faced the agony of defeat till Denver finally put a championship defense around him with a better running game.

What you think about Bradshaw is irrelevant. He's a HOF'er and that's a fact. If you don't believe it go to Canton and you'll see his bronze bust in the hall. Morton may not have actually won the SB but he got there and as I stated was AFC MVP. Also as I stated he wasn't exactly some spare. You don't get to 2 SB's by being a spare.

Like I said defense is definitely important but so is have a good to great QB. You need both. Right now (with Romo hurt) the Cowboys have neither. They are in a perfect position to get the QB. Blows my mind that some Cowboys fans can't see that. It's basic common sense.

Its not common sense to me to draft a QB when Romo is coming back with another 3 years we are committed to by contract. We have so many needs I can't see drafting a QB to sit on the damn bench. I can't buy this logic unless we are going to blow up the whole thing, which I suggested we do 2 years ago.
Morton will always be a scrub in my book, sorry. HE PRETTY MUCH WAS THE MAIN REASON WE LOST SUPER BOWL V.

[Mr B]

Do you honestly think Romo is going to finish the next 3 years? He'll be 36 years old this year and has had several major/long term injuries in his career. You may not know this but NFL players don't typically get injured less as they get older. As for his contract, you are right he has 3 years left but only the next two are mandatory as far as his cap hit is concerned. After that he can and likely will retire (again look at his injury history). That is perfect time to groom his replacement. Right now the Cowboys have absolutely no one in place to take over for Romo.

You may be ok with this team having to go through another decade of retreads and and cast offs with the hope that they will get lucky again and find another Romo but I'm not. And by what Jerry has been saying he's not ok with that either. So regardless of what you personally think get ready for the Cowboys to pick a QB. If Goff is there he will be the guy.

[bluejerseyjinx]

Do you honestly think Romo is going to finish the next 3 years? He'll be 36 years old this year and has had several major/long term injuries in his career. You may not know this but NFL players don't typically get injured less as they get older. As for his contract, you are right he has 3 years left but only the next two are mandatory as far as his cap hit is concerned. After that he can and likely will retire (again look at his injury history). That is perfect time to groom his replacement. Right now the Cowboys have absolutely no one in place to take over for Romo.

You may be ok with this team having to go through another decade of retreads and and cast offs with the hope that they will get lucky again and find another Romo but I'm not. And by what Jerry has been saying he's not ok with that either. So regardless of what you personally think get ready for the Cowboys to pick a QB. If Goff is there he will be the guy.

Despite me being hard on Romo from time to time, I have to admit, he could possibly play out his contract barring any more major set backs. I just don't see anything out there in this year's draft I want to groom. And for sure, I don't want a high priced back up sitting on the bench when our defense sucks royally. All the more reason to go all out on defense this year. If we do start grooming a QB starting next year, all the more reason to put a defense around him. And no, I'm not o.k. with retreads for another decade. But that's exactly what we have on defense. I wanted to blow this whole team up 2 years ago, so retreads have never been on my radar.

[Mr B]

Do you honestly think Romo is going to finish the next 3 years? He'll be 36 years old this year and has had several major/long term injuries in his career. You may not know this but NFL players don't typically get injured less as they get older. As for his contract, you are right he has 3 years left but only the next two are mandatory as far as his cap hit is concerned. After that he can and likely will retire (again look at his injury history). That is perfect time to groom his replacement. Right now the Cowboys have absolutely no one in place to take over for Romo.

You may be ok with this team having to go through another decade of retreads and and cast offs with the hope that they will get lucky again and find another Romo but I'm not. And by what Jerry has been saying he's not ok with that either. So regardless of what you personally think get ready for the Cowboys to pick a QB. If Goff is there he will be the guy.

Despite me being hard on Romo from time to time, I have to admit, he could possibly play out his contract barring any more major set backs. I just don't see anything out there in this year's draft I want to groom. And for sure, I don't want a high priced back up sitting on the bench when our defense sucks royally. All the more reason to go all out on defense this year. If we do start grooming a QB starting next year, all the more reason to put a defense around him. And no, I'm not o.k. with retreads for another decade. But that's exactly what we have on defense. I wanted to blow this whole team up 2 years ago, so retreads have never been on my radar.

With the rookie pay scale in place even 1st round picks won't kill your cap. Also factor in that the cap will be going up and the Cowboys will have a lot of dead money coming off their books.

As I stated before I definitely see the need to improve the defense and alone with a quality QB a top defense is required to be successful. With that in mind they do have another option...

They could always trade down. Carson Wentz is another guy that will be on the Cowboys radar and they will get a very close look at him in the Senior Bowl. I think after the Senior Bowl and after the Combine Wentz could end up vaulting himself into the top half of the 1st round if not higher. The Cowboys could trade down picking up and extra 1st (next year) and a 2nd this year. If they can sign Lamar Miller and a WR like Alshon Jeffrey (or Calvin Johnson if he's cut) they could spend their two 2nd's and their 3rd on defense and go into next year's draft with two 1st rounders.

[Otis Driftwood]

You know BJJ… I think the correct answer to “taking a QB” falls into the category of “what do you think this team is right now”. Are they the 12-4 team that appeared to be missing a piece or two… are they this 4-12 mess we viewed this season… or are they the 8-8 team of the last few years (I kinda think that’s where we really are – not as bad as 2015 and not as good as 2014).

Then – ask the following question… “Where will we be in 5 years?” Because – in 5 years (if I’m still around which isn’t a given in my advancing years) this team can easily be back to the Campo era. I don’t want any part of that. I don’t fancy my team as the Browns. Or the Dolphins.

So – if we actually do have a legitimate QB choice at #4 – and he’s the guy they are certain takes us into the next 10 years - and you can build around Romo with an eye on the future (like GB did when they transitioned from Favre to Rodgers), then you have to at the very least consider the possibility that this is the year we pull the trigger on drafting a QB and drafting one in this spot of the draft. We Cowboys fans can’t use the “Tom Brady” argument. Tom Brady is an anomaly. So is Tony Romo. What I do NOT want to see them do is reach for any guy that doesn’t belong at #4 just because he’s a QB… or DT… or CB… or any other area of need. Take the best guy available. Period.

Only concern I have is this. If you think Goff is “the guy” (and for this draft, I’m starting to think he is), problem is - the Browns are certain to take a QB. And the Chargers almost certainly will. That means the Cowboys will probably have to move up if they want Goff. That – I’m not in favor of. And I’m not in favor of drafting Lynch that high either. I’m actually more intrigued by Carson Wentz anyway. And right now – he’s a late 2nd/early 3rd.

Keep the pick and use it wisely. We have 4 of the Top 100 picks in this draft. Stay the course and continue to build this team the right way.

[bluejerseyjinx]

You know BJJ… I think the correct answer to “taking a QB” falls into the category of “what do you think this team is right now”. Are they the 12-4 team that appeared to be missing a piece or two… are they this 4-12 mess we viewed this season… or are they the 8-8 team of the last few years (I kinda think that’s where we really are – not as bad as 2015 and not as good as 2014).

Then – ask the following question… “Where will we be in 5 years?” Because – in 5 years (if I’m still around which isn’t a given in my advancing years) this team can easily be back to the Campo era. I don’t want any part of that. I don’t fancy my team as the Browns. Or the Dolphins.

So – if we actually do have a legitimate QB choice at #4 – and he’s the guy they are certain takes us into the next 10 years - and you can build around Romo with an eye on the future (like GB did when they transitioned from Favre to Rodgers), then you have to at the very least consider the possibility that this is the year we pull the trigger on drafting a QB and drafting one in this spot of the draft. We Cowboys fans can’t use the “Tom Brady” argument. Tom Brady is an anomaly. So is Tony Romo. What I do NOT want to see them do is reach for any guy that doesn’t belong at #4 just because he’s a QB… or DT… or CB… or any other area of need. Take the best guy available. Period.

Only concern I have is this. If you think Goff is “the guy” (and for this draft, I’m starting to think he is), problem is - the Browns are certain to take a QB. And the Chargers almost certainly will. That means the Cowboys will probably have to move up if they want Goff. That – I’m not in favor of. And I’m not in favor of drafting Lynch that high either. I’m actually more intrigued by Carson Wentz anyway. And right now – he’s a late 2nd/early 3rd.

Keep the pick and use it wisely. We have 4 of the Top 100 picks in this draft. Stay the course and continue to build this team the right way.

Right now. A team that needs a healthy Dez, another WR to go along with our great offense O-line to open things up for everyone, with a lousy defense going on for 2 decades. In 5 years, not sure. Our biggest cancer is Jerry Jones and it doesn't appear he is going anywhere. So predicting a hypothetical when Jerry is calling all the shots is hard to gage. I can only guess what it may be, with no real mission statement or system philophocy going forward.
I'm not saying you guys are wrong. I just don't think that "GUY" is out there, as far as QB. I don't like either QB mentioned here, so I really want to go in another direction. I really want best DT or LB on the board. I don't want to move back to get extra picks either. Its time we start taking best avaiable player, for a position of need. Please tell me we don't need a DT, LB or even another CB. I want the next Gino Atkins or Aaron Donald. I'd settle for a stud LB though.

[Mr B]

You know BJJ… I think the correct answer to “taking a QB” falls into the category of “what do you think this team is right now”. Are they the 12-4 team that appeared to be missing a piece or two… are they this 4-12 mess we viewed this season… or are they the 8-8 team of the last few years (I kinda think that’s where we really are – not as bad as 2015 and not as good as 2014).

Then – ask the following question… “Where will we be in 5 years?” Because – in 5 years (if I’m still around which isn’t a given in my advancing years) this team can easily be back to the Campo era. I don’t want any part of that. I don’t fancy my team as the Browns. Or the Dolphins.

So – if we actually do have a legitimate QB choice at #4 – and he’s the guy they are certain takes us into the next 10 years - and you can build around Romo with an eye on the future (like GB did when they transitioned from Favre to Rodgers), then you have to at the very least consider the possibility that this is the year we pull the trigger on drafting a QB and drafting one in this spot of the draft. We Cowboys fans can’t use the “Tom Brady” argument. Tom Brady is an anomaly. So is Tony Romo. What I do NOT want to see them do is reach for any guy that doesn’t belong at #4 just because he’s a QB… or DT… or CB… or any other area of need. Take the best guy available. Period.

Only concern I have is this. If you think Goff is “the guy” (and for this draft, I’m starting to think he is), problem is - the Browns are certain to take a QB. And the Chargers almost certainly will. That means the Cowboys will probably have to move up if they want Goff. That – I’m not in favor of. And I’m not in favor of drafting Lynch that high either. I’m actually more intrigued by Carson Wentz anyway. And right now – he’s a late 2nd/early 3rd.

Keep the pick and use it wisely. We have 4 of the Top 100 picks in this draft. Stay the course and continue to build this team the right way.

Right now Carson Wentz is being projected as a high second. That will likely change after the Senior Bowl and Combine. Another guy that is creeping up the board is Christian Hackenberg from Penn St. He was a top recruit coming out of HS and didn't have a whole lot to work with on that Penn St team. After the Combine he could rise as high as the mid-2nd round. Both Wentz and Hackenberg will need a year or two before starting in the NFL.

Goff is the only one of the QB's that I'd take at #4. If Goff is gone I shoot for Wentz or Hackenberg in the 2nd (whichever is still on the board).

[bluejerseyjinx]

I respect your line of thinking. If I'm wrong, I hope you are right. I know I'm in the Cowboy nation minority on this one.

[Otis Driftwood]

You know BJJ… I think the correct answer to “taking a QB” falls into the category of “what do you think this team is right now”. Are they the 12-4 team that appeared to be missing a piece or two… are they this 4-12 mess we viewed this season… or are they the 8-8 team of the last few years (I kinda think that’s where we really are – not as bad as 2015 and not as good as 2014).

Then – ask the following question… “Where will we be in 5 years?” Because – in 5 years (if I’m still around which isn’t a given in my advancing years) this team can easily be back to the Campo era. I don’t want any part of that. I don’t fancy my team as the Browns. Or the Dolphins.

So – if we actually do have a legitimate QB choice at #4 – and he’s the guy they are certain takes us into the next 10 years - and you can build around Romo with an eye on the future (like GB did when they transitioned from Favre to Rodgers), then you have to at the very least consider the possibility that this is the year we pull the trigger on drafting a QB and drafting one in this spot of the draft. We Cowboys fans can’t use the “Tom Brady” argument. Tom Brady is an anomaly. So is Tony Romo. What I do NOT want to see them do is reach for any guy that doesn’t belong at #4 just because he’s a QB… or DT… or CB… or any other area of need. Take the best guy available. Period.

Only concern I have is this. If you think Goff is “the guy” (and for this draft, I’m starting to think he is), problem is - the Browns are certain to take a QB. And the Chargers almost certainly will. That means the Cowboys will probably have to move up if they want Goff. That – I’m not in favor of. And I’m not in favor of drafting Lynch that high either. I’m actually more intrigued by Carson Wentz anyway. And right now – he’s a late 2nd/early 3rd.

Keep the pick and use it wisely. We have 4 of the Top 100 picks in this draft. Stay the course and continue to build this team the right way.

Right now Carson Wentz is being projected as a high second. That will likely change after the Senior Bowl and Combine. Another guy that is creeping up the board is Christian Hackenberg from Penn St. He was a top recruit coming out of HS and didn't have a whole lot to work with on that Penn St team. After the Combine he could rise as high as the mid-2nd round. Both Wentz and Hackenberg will need a year or two before starting in the NFL.

Goff is the only one of the QB's that I'd take at #4. If Goff is gone I shoot for Wentz or Hackenberg in the 2nd (whichever is still on the board).

Here's my concern about Hackenberg... and Connor Cook for that matter. They both have this annoying habit of staring down receivers. I got a first hand view of Cook at the Cotton Bowl Classic with my grandson (I won tickets - first thing I've ever won besides a Bee Gees Greatest Hits record). The entire game - I watched him stare down one receiver after another. That INT right before halftime - my grandson leaned over and said "He did it again". When I was talking about it with some PSU grads the next day, they all said the same thing - "Welcome to the world of Hackenberg". I know a lot of that is coaching... but it's also instinctual as well.

If Wentz is there in the 2nd (which it's starting to sound like he won't be) - I'd take him in a second. I wouldn't take either of the two aforementioned B1G QB's. Not in the 2nd anyway... and probably not in the 3rd either.

[Otis Driftwood]

I respect your line of thinking. If I'm wrong, I hope you are right. I know I'm in the Cowboy nation minority on this one.

I don't think you're in a complete minority here BJJ. We have way too many needs - especially on defense. Everyone knows that. And - I don't take QB (a need - whether you are willing to admit it or not) UNLESS it's the guy you are sure you can build around the next 10 years. And - I'm not in favor of trading up either. We need to use these quality draft picks and continue to build by getting younger.

We need quality. We don't need another Kavika Pittman and we don't need three CB's that can't play CB and we don't need another Jason Rogers. We need guys that can play. Period.

[Mr B]

You know BJJ… I think the correct answer to “taking a QB” falls into the category of “what do you think this team is right now”. Are they the 12-4 team that appeared to be missing a piece or two… are they this 4-12 mess we viewed this season… or are they the 8-8 team of the last few years (I kinda think that’s where we really are – not as bad as 2015 and not as good as 2014).

Then – ask the following question… “Where will we be in 5 years?” Because – in 5 years (if I’m still around which isn’t a given in my advancing years) this team can easily be back to the Campo era. I don’t want any part of that. I don’t fancy my team as the Browns. Or the Dolphins.

So – if we actually do have a legitimate QB choice at #4 – and he’s the guy they are certain takes us into the next 10 years - and you can build around Romo with an eye on the future (like GB did when they transitioned from Favre to Rodgers), then you have to at the very least consider the possibility that this is the year we pull the trigger on drafting a QB and drafting one in this spot of the draft. We Cowboys fans can’t use the “Tom Brady” argument. Tom Brady is an anomaly. So is Tony Romo. What I do NOT want to see them do is reach for any guy that doesn’t belong at #4 just because he’s a QB… or DT… or CB… or any other area of need. Take the best guy available. Period.

Only concern I have is this. If you think Goff is “the guy” (and for this draft, I’m starting to think he is), problem is - the Browns are certain to take a QB. And the Chargers almost certainly will. That means the Cowboys will probably have to move up if they want Goff. That – I’m not in favor of. And I’m not in favor of drafting Lynch that high either. I’m actually more intrigued by Carson Wentz anyway. And right now – he’s a late 2nd/early 3rd.

Keep the pick and use it wisely. We have 4 of the Top 100 picks in this draft. Stay the course and continue to build this team the right way.

Right now Carson Wentz is being projected as a high second. That will likely change after the Senior Bowl and Combine. Another guy that is creeping up the board is Christian Hackenberg from Penn St. He was a top recruit coming out of HS and didn't have a whole lot to work with on that Penn St team. After the Combine he could rise as high as the mid-2nd round. Both Wentz and Hackenberg will need a year or two before starting in the NFL.

Goff is the only one of the QB's that I'd take at #4. If Goff is gone I shoot for Wentz or Hackenberg in the 2nd (whichever is still on the board).

Here's my concern about Hackenberg... and Connor Cook for that matter. They both have this annoying habit of staring down receivers. I got a first hand view of Cook at the Cotton Bowl Classic with my grandson (I won tickets - first thing I've ever won besides a Bee Gees Greatest Hits record). The entire game - I watched him stare down one receiver after another. That INT right before halftime - my grandson leaned over and said "He did it again". When I was talking about it with some PSU grads the next day, they all said the same thing - "Welcome to the world of Hackenberg". I know a lot of that is coaching... but it's also instinctual as well.

If Wentz is there in the 2nd (which it's starting to sound like he won't be) - I'd take him in a second. I wouldn't take either of the two aforementioned B1G QB's. Not in the 2nd anyway... and probably not in the 3rd either.

Both Cook and Hackenberg are projects. Both would benefit from Romo still being here for at least the next 2 years. If either are drafted the Cowboys will also need to go out and still sign a quality backup and carry 3 QB's for the next 2 years. My concern with drafting either of these guys (or any QB for that matter) is the Cowboys "QB Coach". Wade Wilson is a bum. That guy hasn't developed anyone since he's been in Dallas. Outside of Romo every QB that has come through Dallas has regressed. The ones that have moved on to other teams have played better with their new teams.

[Mr B]

I respect your line of thinking. If I'm wrong, I hope you are right. I know I'm in the Cowboy nation minority on this one.

I don't think you're in a complete minority here BJJ. We have way too many needs - especially on defense. Everyone knows that. And - I don't take QB (a need - whether you are willing to admit it or not) UNLESS it's the guy you are sure you can build around the next 10 years. And - I'm not in favor of trading up either. We need to use these quality draft picks and continue to build by getting younger.

We need quality. We don't need another Kavika Pittman and we don't need three CB's that can't play CB and we don't need another Jason Rogers. We need guys that can play. Period.

We also do not need another Morris Claiborne. The biggest difference with the team now as opposed to when all of those other guys were drafted is Will McClay. He actually knows what he's doing when it comes to drafting guys.

[bluejerseyjinx]

My point all along. They need development. We need players that can play now, unless its the "GUY".

[Mr B]

My point all along. They need development. We need players that can play now, unless its the "GUY".

I don't know how much you ever watch the Cowboys website/app or how much you pay attention to Rick Gosslin from the DMN but over the last 20 years or so he's been pretty respected when it comes to predicting the draft. He was on the website the other day with Brian Brodus and they seemed to really be hyping up Paxton Lynch.

Gosslin didn't say that the Cowboys will take Lynch at #4 but in his opinion both Goff and Lynch are worthy of the 4th pick. Lynch compares to Rothlisburger. Big guy with a cannon arm from a small school. He also compared him to Bortles. In a re-draft would with of those guys be worth the 4th pick in this draft?

[Otis Driftwood]

Right now Carson Wentz is being projected as a high second. That will likely change after the Senior Bowl and Combine. Another guy that is creeping up the board is Christian Hackenberg from Penn St. He was a top recruit coming out of HS and didn't have a whole lot to work with on that Penn St team. After the Combine he could rise as high as the mid-2nd round. Both Wentz and Hackenberg will need a year or two before starting in the NFL.

Goff is the only one of the QB's that I'd take at #4. If Goff is gone I shoot for Wentz or Hackenberg in the 2nd (whichever is still on the board).

Here's my concern about Hackenberg... and Connor Cook for that matter. They both have this annoying habit of staring down receivers. I got a first hand view of Cook at the Cotton Bowl Classic with my grandson (I won tickets - first thing I've ever won besides a Bee Gees Greatest Hits record). The entire game - I watched him stare down one receiver after another. That INT right before halftime - my grandson leaned over and said "He did it again". When I was talking about it with some PSU grads the next day, they all said the same thing - "Welcome to the world of Hackenberg". I know a lot of that is coaching... but it's also instinctual as well.

If Wentz is there in the 2nd (which it's starting to sound like he won't be) - I'd take him in a second. I wouldn't take either of the two aforementioned B1G QB's. Not in the 2nd anyway... and probably not in the 3rd either.

Both Cook and Hackenberg are projects. Both would benefit from Romo still being here for at least the next 2 years. If either are drafted the Cowboys will also need to go out and still sign a quality backup and carry 3 QB's for the next 2 years. My concern with drafting either of these guys (or any QB for that matter) is the Cowboys "QB Coach". Wade Wilson is a bum. That guy hasn't developed anyone since he's been in Dallas. Outside of Romo every QB that has come through Dallas has regressed. The ones that have moved on to other teams have played better with their new teams.

I don't take a project at #4. Don't care if he's a QB or not. I take someone who is ready to contribute at #4. As much as I respect Rick Gosselin... that's not the place for a project to be drafted.

Second round - that's different. But the list of failed "project" QB's taken in the first round is a long one.

[bluejerseyjinx]

My point all along. They need development. We need players that can play now, unless its the "GUY".

I don't know how much you ever watch the Cowboys website/app or how much you pay attention to Rick Gosslin from the DMN but over the last 20 years or so he's been pretty respected when it comes to predicting the draft. He was on the website the other day with Brian Brodus and they seemed to really be hyping up Paxton Lynch.

Gosslin didn't say that the Cowboys will take Lynch at #4 but in his opinion both Goff and Lynch are worthy of the 4th pick. Lynch compares to Rothlisburger. Big guy with a cannon arm from a small school. He also compared him to Bortles. In a re-draft would with of those guys be worth the 4th pick in this draft?

I've seen every game the past 20 years and I believe I've seen all but 7 games since 1970. My family, friends and relatives wish I would pay more attention to them at times than the Cowboys. Funny. You said "pretty respected". I guess that's why we haven't done much and been mediocre during this span. I guess we just plain and simple see things different and want to take this team in separate directions. I've seen enough now the past 20 years to make my long, 4 year bitching for a defense, now more credible. SERIOUSLY, please tell me who the hell on defense we really have and can count, on besides Sean Lee for 6-8 games a year when he is healthy. Currently, a lot of band aides with 3 other players with possible good upsides.

[Mr B]

Here's my concern about Hackenberg... and Connor Cook for that matter. They both have this annoying habit of staring down receivers. I got a first hand view of Cook at the Cotton Bowl Classic with my grandson (I won tickets - first thing I've ever won besides a Bee Gees Greatest Hits record). The entire game - I watched him stare down one receiver after another. That INT right before halftime - my grandson leaned over and said "He did it again". When I was talking about it with some PSU grads the next day, they all said the same thing - "Welcome to the world of Hackenberg". I know a lot of that is coaching... but it's also instinctual as well.

If Wentz is there in the 2nd (which it's starting to sound like he won't be) - I'd take him in a second. I wouldn't take either of the two aforementioned B1G QB's. Not in the 2nd anyway... and probably not in the 3rd either.

Both Cook and Hackenberg are projects. Both would benefit from Romo still being here for at least the next 2 years. If either are drafted the Cowboys will also need to go out and still sign a quality backup and carry 3 QB's for the next 2 years. My concern with drafting either of these guys (or any QB for that matter) is the Cowboys "QB Coach". Wade Wilson is a bum. That guy hasn't developed anyone since he's been in Dallas. Outside of Romo every QB that has come through Dallas has regressed. The ones that have moved on to other teams have played better with their new teams.

I don't take a project at #4. Don't care if he's a QB or not. I take someone who is ready to contribute at #4. As much as I respect Rick Gosselin... that's not the place for a project to be drafted.

Second round - that's different. But the list of failed "project" QB's taken in the first round is a long one.

I can understand your point and I hear that argument all the time but the list of pro bowl QB's taken in the 1st is a long one too! You are more like to miss on a QB taken after the 1st round than you are to hit on one (project or not). You increase your odds of hitting the higher you draft one.

With colleges going to the spread offense pretty much every QB that comes out now is a project. Lynch and Wentz are the only two that consistently took snaps from under center while in college.

[bluejerseyjinx]

And you need great defensive players to prevent those players from making plays. Something we haven't had on that side of the ball in a very long time. And that goes for every position, not just QB. Let me see, my crystal ball has informed me Bob Lilly, Ed "too Tall" Jones and Randy White are just a few that were drafted in the first round. How did that turn out for us? Why does it have to be a QB? You can make all the comebacks at me that you want. I'm one Cowboy fan in Cowboy Nation that doesn't want a mother..... QB in any round this year. There is no way anyone in here can or will convince me, so just stop, except my opinion or lets talk about something else.

[Mr B]

My point all along. They need development. We need players that can play now, unless its the "GUY".

I don't know how much you ever watch the Cowboys website/app or how much you pay attention to Rick Gosslin from the DMN but over the last 20 years or so he's been pretty respected when it comes to predicting the draft. He was on the website the other day with Brian Brodus and they seemed to really be hyping up Paxton Lynch.

Gosslin didn't say that the Cowboys will take Lynch at #4 but in his opinion both Goff and Lynch are worthy of the 4th pick. Lynch compares to Rothlisburger. Big guy with a cannon arm from a small school. He also compared him to Bortles. In a re-draft would with of those guys be worth the 4th pick in this draft?

I've seen every game the past 20 years and I believe I've seen all but 7 games since 1970. My family, friends and relatives wish I would pay more attention to them at times than the Cowboys. Funny. You said "pretty respected". I guess that's why we haven't done much and been mediocre during this span. I guess we just plain and simple see things different and want to take this team in separate directions. I've seen enough now the past 20 years to make my long, 4 year bitching for a defense, now more credible. SERIOUSLY, please tell me who the hell on defense we really have and can count, on besides Sean Lee for 6-8 games a year when he is healthy. Currently, a lot of band aides with 3 other players with possible good upsides.

Gosslin is pretty respected. He's not a scout for the Cowboys so they don't always takes the player he thinks is the best. So you're right, maybe that's why they haven't done much and been mediocre during this span.

As for the defense I agreed with you before that they must put more in to it. They can't completely ignore the future at the QB position either. After Romo is gone (likely after 2 years) what do you suggest the Cowboys do? What would your plan be for life after Romo?

And as for who they can count on, on defense... I'm not certain I would put Sean Lee in that category. He's all heart but his body is failing him. They can count on Hitchens, Byron Jones, and Lawrence. After that it's a bit sketchy. Scandrick will come back healthy, Gregory shows promise, and Crawford is solid (not spectacular).