2009 Draft Results

[Cowboys 4 life]

2nd round 51st pick - Traded to Buffalo for their 2009 3rd (75th) and 4th (110th) rounders. I think they made this move because a few guys they really wanted went in the picks just before they had their chance. Could have traded some of those later round picks to move up but didn't?

Pick 69 - Jason Williams - OLB - Western Ill
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 241 | 40-Time: 4.49

Official Bio

Strengths:
Great athleticism...Outstanding speed...Quick and agile...Has a burst to close...Explosive leaper...Good strength...Does an excellent job in coverage...Good blitzer...Terrific sideline-to-sideline range and tracks well in pursuit...Super active...Special teams potential...Experienced.

Weaknesses:
Did not play against top competition...Marginal instincts...Can be too aggressive at times...Plays more of a finesse game and isn't overly physical..Will miss some tackles...Height and bulk are merely average.

Notes:
A three-year starter for the Leathernecks...Began his college career as a strong safety before moving to outside linebacker in 2006...Named 1st Team All-Missouri Valley Conference as a junior and senior...Also garnered All-American notice in 2007 and 2008...Ended his career with 14 forced fumbles, setting a new FCS record and tying the NCAA all-division mark...Had an impressive performance at the East-West Shrine Game...Put on a show during his Pro Day workout, running in the 4.4's, registering a 39-inch vertical and bench pressing 225 pounds 26 times...Small school sleeper with a fantastic blend of physical tools and production...Profiles as an ideal weakside ' backer at the pro level.

This pick kind of shocks me. I have the Cowboys needs being a hard hitting Safety, more CB's for depth, a prospect WR, and maybe an O guard. They go outside LB and not even the best guy left on the board. Maybe they see something I don't. This guys draft stock has been rising though so who knows.


Pick 75 - Robert Brewster - OT - Ball State
Height: 6-41/8 | Weight: 325 | 40-Time: 5.24

Official Bio

Strengths:
Adequate height...Great bulk...Long arms...Very athletic...Quick with nimble feet...Understands leverage, positioning and angles...Terrific mobility...Natural knee bender...Active and super aggressive...Offers some versatility...Incredibly tough...Durable...Has tons of experience.

Weaknesses:
Tweener?...Needs to get stronger...Is not real stout at the point of attack...Doesn't get a great push in the run game...Could use his hands better...Played out of a 2-point stance...Had some conditioning issues.

Notes:
Was a four-year starter...Played both right tackle and right guard as a true freshman in 2005...Settled in at right tackle the following year and held that spot down for the next three seasons...Was named 1st Team All-MAC in 2007 and 2008...Never missed a game in college but was hampered by a knee injury as a senior...Best fit at the next level might come inside at offensive guard...Veteran of the college wars with the talent to potentially start but should at least be a valuable backup.

The OL is one of the most important aspects of the game. Give the QB time to go through the progressions and the WR's to run their routes. I can understand this pick but I thought there were better guys available but he is a tweener and can fill multiple roles. Again I'm no genious so maybe they know something I don't.


Pick 101 Stephen McGee - QB - Texas A & M
Height: 6-27/8 | Weight: 225 | 40-Time: 4.66

Official Bio

Strengths:
Good size and bulk...Great athlete...Arm strength is adequate...Above average accuracy...Can buy time in the pocket...Real mobile and is a threat to make plays with his feet...Can throw on the run...A first-rate competitor..Tough...Team leader...Great work ethic...Loves the game.

Weaknesses:
Poor mechanics and technique...Raw footwork...Isn't comfortable in the pocket...Impatient...Gets happy feet...Small hands...Didn't play in a pro style offense and will face a big adjustment...Health / Durability?

Notes:
Was one of the Top 50 recruits in the entire country coming out of high school according to Rivals...Father, Rodney, played quarterback at Blinn Junior College...Redshirted in 2004...Backed up future pro Reggie McNeal in 2005...Took over the starting job in 2006 and led the nation in interception percentage (2 in 313 attempts)...Led the Aggies in both passing and rushing in 2007...Named Honorable Mention All-Big 12 as a sophomore and junior...Underwent surgery on his left shoulder prior to the 2008 season...Hurt his right shoulder early in the 2008 season and only wound up starting three games as a senior...Also tore a muscle in his throwing arm in 2006 but played through it...Earned Academic All-Big 12 honors...Played in an option offense most of his college career...Big things were expected of him as a senior with Mike Sherman installing an NFL system but the injury derailed those plans...Has some physical tools to work with and possesses top-notch intangibles but is very much a project who will require a lot of grooming...Really helped himself with strong showings at the East / West Shrine Game and Scouting Combine...An intriguing developmental signal caller and may have long-term starting potential.

Another odd pick but very good value here. I thought Kitna filled this need. This guy might be a career back up due to lack of arm strength. He can run the ball well but I thought Bomar was the better option if you are going QB.

Pick 110 - Victor Butler - DE - Oregon State

The Good: Displays an explosive first step off the snap and possesses the pass-rush ability to consistently reach the quarterback. Showcases good footwork and body control off the edge and exhibits the flexibility to dip under tackles. Redirects well in space and has great closing speed for the position. Has a motor that runs nonstop and plays with natural leverage. Does a great job fighting through blockers and working hard in pursuit.

The Bad: Is a DE/OLB tweener who played mostly with his hand on the ground at Oregon State. Will need to make the transition to OLB in the 3-4 and rush from a two-point stance. Struggled learning the nuances of the position at the East-West Shrine Game as an OLB in a 4-3.

I didn't have this guy ranked in the top 25 so picking him here is shocking. I thouoght we took care of DE in the FA market with Igor

Pick 120 - Brandon Williams - DT - Texas Tech
Height: 6-21/2 | Weight: 261 | 40-Time: 4.92

Official Bio

Strengths:
Excellent athleticism...Great explosion with a burst...Nice agility and balance...Very quick off the snap...Can really bend off the edge...Does a nice job in pursuit. .Good range...Pretty productive...Still has upside.

Weaknesses:
Just average size and bulk...Lacks great timed speed...Not very strong or powerful...Isn't stout at the point of attack...Not a very good run defender...Struggles to shed blockers...Motor?..Isn't fluid in coverage.

Notes:
A three-year starter for the Red Raiders...Named 1st Team All-Big 12 in 2008 and led the conference in sacks...Came out as a junior but probably would have been better off staying in school...Has some tools to work with but was quite a bit smaller and slower than expected at the Scouting Combine...Classic one-dimensional pass rush specialist who could excel in a situational role in a 4-3 scheme at the next level.

Probably more of a special teamer but as mentioned above he might fill a situational role.

Pick 163 - Deangelo Smith - CB - Cincinatti
Height: 5-105/8 | Weight: 194 | 40-Time: 4.55

Official Bio

Strengths:
Good athleticism...Ideal height...Super physical...Nice hands and ball skills...Flips his hips well...Aggressive...Rangy...Active with a good motor...Decent instincts and awareness...Versatile with experience at more than one position...Nice change of direction skills...Quick to break on the ball...A very willing run defender...Can also return kicks.

Weaknesses:
Does not have great speed or quickness...Misses some tackles...Allows a big cushion...Gives up too much separation...May struggle to match up in man coverage...Has some trouble shedding blocks...Throws caution to the wind and gambles...Limited schematically?..A 'tweener?

Notes:
Was a two-year starter for the Bearcats...Named 2nd Team All-Big East in both 2007 and 2008...Intercepted 11 passes and returned 5 for touchdowns during his senior season in high school...Started at both cornerback and safety in college...Best fit at the next level might come in a zone scheme...Was overshadowed by Mike Mickens throughout his career at Cincinnati but is a terrific pro prospect in his own right and could even be selected ahead of his more highly-touted teammate.

Alright we finally pick one of our needs at CB but is he ready. I felt this was our 2nd biggest need along with a WR. We still need a hard hitting Safety.

Pick 166 - Michael Hamlin - FS - Clemson
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 214 | 40-Time: 4.58

Official Bio

Strengths:
Great size and bulk...Has long arms...Nice instincts...Reads and reacts quickly...Tough and physical...Reliable tackler...Does a terrific job against the run...Good hands and ball skills...Can do some damage in the open field...Active and aggressive...Smart with a fantastic football IQ...Has a ton of experience...A team captain and leader...Productive.

Weaknesses:
Average athleticism...Does not have great speed...Hips aren't fluid...Is not overly explosive and lacks a burst...Range is limited...Will struggle to match up in man coverage situations...Does not change directions all that well...Has trouble shedding blocks...Some durability concerns.

Notes:
Was a four-year starter for the Tigers...Named 2nd Team All-ACC in 2007 and 1st Team in 2008...Brothers, Markee and Marquais, play football at South Carolina St...Missed three games with a broken foot in 2006...Required surgery to repair a stress factor in his foot in February of 2007...Profiles as a strong safety...Definitely has the ability to be a starter so long as his coverage responsibilities are minimized to a degree...An excellent college player with top-notch intangibles but his lack of speed will likely hinder him at the next level.

Here is another great need of ours after losing Roy. Good value here and fits the exact need for the Safety position. They got a bargain here in my opinion and now I'm kind of glad they didn't grab one a few picks ago


David Buehler - K - USC

Positives: Has NFL bloodlines. Good athlete — was recruited as a safety. Ran in the 4.5-range at the Combine and bench-pressed 25 reps. Good open-field tackler. Very good short-to-intermediate distance — 20-of-22 inside 40 yards for his career. Gets good lift and height on his kicks. Has a leg to handle kickoffs and tallied touchbacks on 55 percent of his kickoffs as a senior. Mentally tough.

Negatives: Did not attempt a kick beyond 49 yards at USC. Made only 2-of-5 kicks between 40-49 yards. Was not tested in many clutch situations to evaluate performance under pressure. Lacks experience kicking in inclement weather.
Summary: Well-built, strong-legged, athletic kicker who cannons the ball on kickoffs and has upside as a placekicker. Long-distance accuracy and ability to handle pressure remain question marks, but he can win a job as a kickoff specialist for a team looking for a luxury.
Grade: Late draftable prospect/priority free agent.

Didn't think we really needed a kicker but oh well.


Stephen Hodge - S - TCU

The Good: A thick, powerfully built safety who seeks and destroys on contact at the second level. Is a big-time hitter with good lower body strength and explosion through the point of attack. Does a nice job picking his way through traffic and seems to always reach and wrap up on the ball. Possesses good footwork and body control in his drop with the short-area quickness to hold his own in zone coverage.

The Bad: Might need to make the move to outside linebacker. Isn’t real fluid in and out of his breaks and lacks the speed to cover the center field-type role. Doesn’t do a great job using his hands to keep blockers off his body and is a bit reluctant to take on blocks in the hole.

Might as well grab another just in case the other one doesn't work out. Both hit hard so they are an upgrade against the run.

John Phillips - TE - Virginia

The Good: A big, physically built tight end with good power and technique out of his stance. Showcases the strength to handle defensive ends one on one in the run game and seal the edge. Is a smart, instinctive receiver who knows where to sit down in zone coverage. Has reliable hands and does a nice job gaining initial separation and using his body to shield defenders from the ball.

The Bad: Lacks any kind of explosion to his game. Won’t be able to get down the field at the next level and doesn’t have the ability to get on top of linebackers quickly. Isn’t going to make anyone miss after the catch.

Adds depth to the position but no immediate need

Mike Mickens - DB - Clemson

The Good: Displays good overall body control and foot quickness out of his back-pedal. Does a nice job locating the ball down the field. Displays good instincts and knows how to read and react quickly. Showcases a good burst out of his breaks and has the closing speed to consistently make plays on the ball. Showcases excellent body control and uses his length and long arms to go up and attack ball at the highest point.

The Bad: Lacks flexibility and overall compactness in his back-pedal. Has a tendency to open his hips too quickly and allow receivers to break off routes in front of him. Not a real consistent wrap-up tackler in the open field.

Fills depth and a need but won't contribute significantly for a year or 2.


Manuel Johnson - WR - Oklahoma
Height: 5-107/8 | Weight: 189 | 40-Time: 4.50

Official Bio

Strengths:
Smooth athlete...Reliable hands...Runs good routes...Good instincts and awareness...Nice quickness and agility...Very tough...Isn't afraid to go over the middle...Solid blocker...Good work ethic...Team player.

Weaknesses:
Average height and bulk...Doesn't have great timed speed...Not very elusive...Was never a featured target in college...Minor durability concerns... Wasn't super productive ...Overall upside might be limited.

Notes:
Just a one-year starter for the Sooners...Dislocated his elbow in 2008 but only missed one game and played with a brace...Really emerged as a senior and gave his draft stock a major boost...The type who does everything well but nothing great...Certainly won't ever be a star but could excel in a complimentary role as a #3 or #4 wideout in the pros.

Good value here. Played with elite talent. Might be limited upside but who knows.



Overall not a great draft but not horrible. I give em a C.

[Tyeattolah]

Jason Williams - OLB was a surprising pick with the CB, OL, and WR needs. I lke the aggressiveness of Williams and the team will definitely need to continue playing smash mouth D to give their offense a chance.

Brewster - OL was ok Iguess, I too thought there were better people available at the position. I'm starting to wonder if Al Davis is picking for us!

[LS2throwed]

Guys, Jason Williams isn't an OLB, he's a ILB and was drafted to replace Burnett as the Nickel backer on passing downs initially and the future replacement for Brooking in the middle next to Bradie...I think it was a great pick, I had followed him for a few months prior and I was looking at him in the 3rd, he's a phenomanal athlete that fits perfectly for Wade's attacking style defense.


The two DE's we picked up are going to be OLB's for us, Butler and Williams both...Spencer was a DE at Purdue too, so they'll start out as pass-rushing specialist and see how that goes and who steps up, but getting some youth there allowed us to part ways with Ellis and free up much needed cap space.


Mike Mickens was the best pick of our entire draft, he was a 3rd-4th round corner that fell because of his knee but he's healthy now, has been practicing already, and he'll be our 4th corner this year...He only has Alan Ball to beat out and he's alot more talented then him, Mickens was a steal and he has Orlando Scandrick 2.0 written all over him, corner who goes way too late and plays with a chip on his shoulder...I don't know why you thought he wouldn't contribute for a year or two, but by all accounts he's been ready to play he just needs to work on his conditioning, but he was very easily our best pick, we got him probably 4 rounds later then where he should have gone, he can really play.


Deangelo Smith was also a good pick, he's a rangey FS type, he and Mickens went to school together so they should push eachother, but one thing that stands out about him is he is a play-maker when the ball is in the air...He's been lining up at FS and that's where we intend on him playing, so we got two very solid prospects in Smith(FS), Hamlin(SS), Mickens(CB), two pass rushing OLB's, and Williams(ILB), that's a nice haul on the defensive side of the ball.


I think Williams will be a stud, he runs a 4.4, played some safety, Wade loves LB's that can move like him and are athletic freaks because he does so much stunting and moving on that side, he's going to be able to get very creative on that side of the ball now, and getting a future ILB was very high on the priority list, we can't keep plugging in 34 year old LB's and expecting it to be ok.



Once we got a kicker I was mad, until I found out he was a kickoff specialist then I immediately loved it, honestly we have a crap load of picks so you have this type of luxury, Folk is a great at FG's but can't kick a touchback to save his life, it killed us too many times, I know some people don't care about ST's but as many close games as we were in ST's were the backbreaker and always seem to be.


It's very promising that every single one of these guys will contribute on ST's, ALL of them, and while some outsiders may knock that method it was a huge weakness for us all last year and previous years...Teams getting good field position don't have long to go to score, we couldn't cover punts, it was terrible, and these guys not only love to play ST's, are willing to go balls out to do it, but they have future starter ability at their respective positions(at least a handful of them do)...All these guys won't end up being stars, but they all want to contribute now on ST's, and quite frankly if our ST's unit is better that's enough to make the playoffs, that and a healthy Felix Jones.


It would of been very easy to ignore that, and go into this year with the same problems, at least we are devoted to changing things up and not going for the flashy picks/players, yea we could of traded up for a few guys we wanted but lets see how our own guys pan out before we start to play the wish game...I wanted Sean Smith as a FS, Jarron Gilbert as a DE to replace Spears next year, and I REALLY REALLY wanted William Beatty once he fell all the way to 51 as a future replacement for Flozell...Looks like next year we'll be spending a 1st to get a LT then, but I'm happy with how our class ended up, I'm excited about the 09 season already.