I’ve always wondered what it feels like to get traded from one losing team to another one. Is it just complete deflation, or are they as excited to move as they make it seem? The answers may differ from player to player, but Anthony Henry (who I said the Cowboys would be interested in back on March 1st: http://cowboys.mostvaluablenetwork.com/index.php?p=8) fits a description of a man starting over. As far as the average Cowboy fan is concerned, Anthony Henry is a no-name they’ve never heard of before; a proverbial rookie. An advantage of this over a guy like, say, Ty Law or Fred Smoot, are the expectations, or lack thereof. Henry doesn’t have to have a 100 tackle 7 interception year for us Cowboys fans to cry ‘Success.’ That takes a huge burden off the shoulders of Henry and just lets him play the game like he knows how, which is very well. But now, without futher ado, I introduce you to the newest member of the Cowboys’ secondary, former Browns cornerback Anthony Henry.

Vitals:
Name: Anthony Henry
Age: 28
College: South Florida
Position: Cornerback
Height/Weight: 6’1, 205
NFL Experience: 4 years (all with the Browns)

Bio: Henry has had some impressive years numbers-wise in Cleveland, even when the help he had over the top and underneath wasn’t the best. In Dallas the thing to be most excited about is his fit in the Cowboys’ defense. Terrence Newman is the other corner, and he’s a pure speed guy in that he doesn’t like to get too physical at the line. Newman uses his quickness to get between the receiver and the ball. Henry, who will play opposite Newman, is the perfect compliment to that style, in that he’s big, physical and likes to push guys around at the line. In the past, if the Cowboys have faced bigger wide receivers, they haven’t been able to match-up as well because the #1 CB is a speedster and the #2 guys have always just sucked. Henry was known for giving up the big plays in Cleveland, but with more help from the safety position this year, we could be looking at big numbers and great things from Henry.

Introductions can be awkward. Like that time you went to the father-in-law’s house for the first time and spilled red wine on his suit because you “fell over the dog.” Or when you met that girl at Starbucks and introduced yourself as “Derrrrrr.” Maybe Jason Ferguson won’t feel exactly like that when he walks into Texas Stadium for the first time, but it’s never easy going from New York to Dallas (ask Vinny). So I’d like to introduce you to one of the newest members of the Cowboy family, Mr. Jason Ferguson.

Vitals:
Name: Jason Ferguson
Age: 30 (Birthday – 11/28/74)
College: Georgia
Position: Defensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’3, 305
NFL Experience: 8 years (all with Jets) - drafted by Bill Parcells in 1997

Bio: Ferguson is an old-school DT that the NFL doesn’t see too much of anymore. He’s big, low to the ground, slow and doesn’t let anything by him. The impact of massive defensive tackles is pretty evident these days, but teams are phasing them out in favor of smaller, more athletic players. Don’t get me wrong, defensive tackles will always be abnormally large, but no more do we have players like Gilbert Brown and Ted Washington coming out of the draft. Ferguson is one of “those players.” Offensive guards and centers have a whale of a time uprooting Ferguson from his position (most likely nose tackle this year). Ferguson is what I like to call a “pocket collapser.” After allowing a ridiculous amount of points get by them last year, the Cowboys’ pass rush should be a lot better off with Ferguson.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – Travis Johnson – DT, Florida State – Johnson is the best DT in the draft and if he’s there at 17 the Bengals have to pounce on the opportunity. He’s increased his stock quite a bit through the combine, and he’s an athletic, big guy. He’ll have success in Cincy and should help build up that D-Line.

18. Minnesota Vikings – Brandon Browner – CB, Oregon State – The Vikings have to draft somebody for their weak secondary, and they could go two ways with it. Fabian Washington ran a 4.28 in the combine, and they could certainly go the speed route, but if you ask me Browner is the direction they need to go in. He’s a large human (6’3, 202) and he’s got a tremendous upside for a weak Vikings secondary. He’s naturally tough and physical and will create problems for the opposing defenses. Go for it, Vikes.

Marcus Spears

19. St. Louis Rams – Marcus Spears – DE, LSU – The Rams have needed an anchor on their defense for awhile now (that Week 17 game against the Jets shouldn’t have gone like it did) and Spears is what experts call a “physical specimen.” He’s big for a DE but small for a DT, so the Rams could have their work cut out for them as far as training is concerned, but Spears has a long NFL future ahead of him. For such an offense-oriented team for so long now, a defensive cornerstone is a must.

20. Dallas Cowboys – Brodney Pool – S, Oklahoma – Talked about him already… but for the love of God Cowboys, do not take Roddy White. I will throw things if you do.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars – Troy Williamson – WR, South Carolina – Fastest wide out in the draft, and for a young Jags passing attack Williamson will stretch the field and provide a great compliment to Leftwitch. Williamson went under the national radar but impressed a lot of people in the combine and should impress in the NFL as well.

22. Baltimore Ravens – Roddy White – WR, UAB – He’s a great talent at WR, and should compliment Derrick Mason well. Don’t be fooled, the Ravens passing woes are not cured just because Mason has arrived on the scene. They should still be worried about Boller getting the ball to his receivers, so a compliment to Mason would be nice. The defense is solid, so offense should be the name of the game.

23. Seattle Seahawks – David Pollack – DE, Georgia – He broke a bunch of records at Georgia for pass rushing, and while semi-undersized he should provide help to a front 7 that doesn’t need too much. The Seahawks were one short defensive stop away from Round 2 of the playoffs, so that little bit should make them better.

24. Green Bay Packers – Thomas Davis – OLB, Georgia – He played safety in college but at 225 he’s ideal for a linebacker. He punishes ball carriers and naturally has great speed (you can’t play safety in college and not). Great athletic ability and should help out the D.

25. Denver Broncos – Demarcus Ware – DE/OLB, Troy – Having followed Shawne Merriman and a team that is also switching to 3-4, I understand the desire here. Ware is a quick small outside linebacker can play and help out a lot on the flats and against quick TEs.

26. New York Jets – Justin Miller – CB, Clemson – The Jets, like so many others, are looking to upgrade in the secondary and they need all the speed they can get. Miller is deceptively fast and will be physical with wide receivers and stick with them. He’s a bit of a gamble at #26, but he’s got the tools to succeed.

27. Atlanta Falcons – Mark Clayton – WR, Oklahoma – After spending so much money on defense in the off-season, the Falcons need to go with offense. The first thing people see about Clayton is his size (5’10, 185) but he is still one of the best WR prospects, and if the draft pool weren’t so stacked this year he’d go a lot higher than this. He has amazing anticipation, hands and jumping ability and should provide Atlanta the capability to start over with WR since the Price experiment has failed.

28. San Diego Chargers – Channing Crowder – ILB, Florida – San Diego’s passing attack is super solid and if you ask me they need to look on the defensive side of the ball for improvement. ‘Clam Crowder’ is great in pass-coverage and can step up to stop the run, but he is not destined to be a starter right away (not many are this low in the draft). Under tutelage from Donny Edwards he should blossom into a great linebacker in the NFL.

29. Indianapolis Colts – Darryl Blackstock – OLB, Virginia – It seems like every year the Colts only have defense on their mind come draft time and they’ve done well recently. Mike Doss was a great pick-up, and Blackstock is a superb OLB at #29. He fills gaps well and does all the right things mentally, which can only help the Colts blossoming defense.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers – Heath Miller – TE, Virginia – Far and away Miller is the best TE in the draft and at #30 he’s an absolute steal. He’s big, physical, blocks well and will be a nice target for Roethelisberger come game time.

31. Philadelphia Eagles - ??? – Who knows what the Eagles will do. They’re deep at every position and could literally do anything they wanted. My guess is they’ll go for something at the offensive end… maybe a guard or tackle to help after the departure of Jermaine Mayberry. Some names to watch for are Marcus Johnson and Adam Terry.

32. New England Patriots – Odell Thurman – ILB, Georgia – The Patriots will probably have to play without Teddy Bruschi this year and linebacker is the only place they’re starting to thin out in. Thurman is a 3-4 type player with speed but ideal bulk on the inside. Again, the Pats don’t have any pressing needs, but Thurman should help out on the defense.

Again, this isn’t necessarily the way these teams will draft, just what I’ve assessed as their needs at the time being. Until April 23rd though, we won’t know for sure…

This years’ draft is an interesting one, in that I can see 10 different guys going at #1, and they’d all be legit #1 picks. I disagree with the top talent rating corps (Mel Kiper and Scouts Inc., mainly) on what these teams truly need occasionally, so I decided to set up my own draft board. This isn’t so much how I think the draft is going to go as it is how I think these teams should draft. Truth is these teams probably won’t pick this way. But without further jawin’, let’s get into it.

1. San Francisco – Mike Williams – WR, USC – So much ado is made about whether San Fran will draft Smith or Rodgers, but I don’t think they need a QB. I think Rattay can be a fine QB if you put role players around him and set up that offense to be successful. In my eyes, Williams is the best WR in the draft. He’s bigger than Braylon Edwards, has much more potential and has impressed me in the combine. Without a doubt, the addition of Williams alone gives San Fran the ability to win games now, which is what they need. Their defense, if healthy, can hold it’s own with any team in the league (of SF’s 14 losses, 9 of them were by 10 points or less).

2. Miami Dolphins – Alex Smith – QB, Utah – Forget Ronnie Brown. Forget a running back period. Miami has not had a QB since Dan Marino, and that should be their biggest concern. AJ Feely… no. Brian Griese… no. Jay Fiedler… of course not. It’s almost like they haven’t been trying to get a QB, and it’s anybody’s guess as to what Saban has in mind for this problem. Smith has good size, an amazing arm and has probably the biggest upside of any QB in the draft. With him under the tutelage of this offense, and with plenty of weapons to throw to, I think putting him in right away would be the perfect opportunity for both parties.

3. Cleveland Browns – Aaron Rodgers – QB, Cal – To be honest, the Browns could draft anybody at #3 and it would be an upgrade. Since Cleveland seems to be a graveyard for QB’s, they’ve got to try something new, and Rodgers is new. He’s got better arm strength than folks thought he did before the combine, and the Browns can’t help but try anything at this point.

4. Chicago Bears – Ronnie Brown – RB, Auburn – Without a doubt in my mind, Brown is the best RB in the draft. He is a strong runner who is quick on his feet, which Chicago needs. If Grossman stays healthy and Mushin can provide a solid target at WR then Brown can have a serious impact on this offense. If not, well, we might be looking at another Ki-Jana Carter… wrong place, wrong time.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cedric Benson – RB, Texas – He is a serious gamble at #5, seeing as he’s got some off the field problems and he has so many miles on his legs already. Regardless, he’s such a strong runner that somebody has to take the chance on him, and I believe the Bucs are willing at this point.

6. Tennessee Titans – Antrelle Rolle – CB, Miami – Adam Jones seems to be the popular pick at #6, but his lack of ideal size, tendency to bite on play fakes and propensity to get pushed around by more physical WRs is too much. Rolle is bigger, more physical and is not too far behind in terms of speed. Rolle also has the ability to play the run a lot better than Jones, and after the off-season clearing-house that was Tennessee this off-season, they need as many 2-way defenders as they can get.

7. Minnesota Vikings – Braylon Edwards – WR, Michigan – He proved to the world that he could perform in big game situations in the Rose Bowl, making a case for himself for the Heisman. A big too late, but Edwards’ quick hands and tough demeanor will provide the Vikings with a very different alternative to Randy Moss. He’s not nearly as big of a vertical threat, but he’ll add a different dimension to the Vikings’ offense. Expect the Vikes to have a very different offense this year.

8. Arizona Cardinals – Derrick Johnson – LB, Texas – As much as I hate to say it as a Cowboys fan, Johnson should be gone by #8. His lateral speed is undeniable and the Cards are looking pretty thin in their front 7. Johnson is one of the few LBers that can make an immediate impact on a defense, and that’s not something that can be ignored. The Cards don’t know what they’ve got in this guy… I don’t think anybody truly does.

9. Washington Redskins – Adam Jones – CB, West Virginia – Washington needs a CB to bolster the best D in the league, and with Jones they would have no problem doing so. Jones is quick, can keep up with any WR in the league but lacks size. Washington can afford to take a gamble on him because their defense is already established as dominant.

10. Detroit Lions – Erasmus James – DE, Wisconsin – He has great size, great closing speed and a wide array of moves to get past offensive linemen. The Lions need bolstering in their front 4 and James can provide that down the road. The only concern about James is durability as he missed ’03 with a hip injury. Aside from that, James should make a serious impact on a Lions team that could make some noise in ’05.

11. Dallas Cowboys – Shawne Merriman – LB/DE, Maryland – I’ve already talked about him: he’s great, but I’m crossing my fingers for Johnson.

12. San Diego Chargers – Dan Cody – DE, Oklahoma – I had the pleasure of seeing Cody live a couple of times, and it just seems like he’s playing at a different speed then everybody else. He’s real fast off the ball and has a vicious spin move, and best of all, he never quits. His motor is always running it seems. He lacks serious bulk, but all San Diego needs on D right now is speed, and Cody definitely provides that.

13. Houston Texans – Alex Barron – T, Florida State – Ever since Carr arrived in Houston 3 years ago, he’s lacked serious pass protection, and as he gets better, his pass protection needs to improve. Barron is far and away the best tackle in the draft and he will bolster a line that will feature him for years to come.

14. Carolina Panthers – Carnell Williams – RB, Auburn – The guy is a workhorse and might fall this far just because of team needs being met. He’s a big running back (think a smaller Jerome Bettis) and cuts/finds lanes very well. The Panthers could go with a WR here (Troy Williamson) to replace Muhammad, but they have some pressing concerns at RB right now. My prediction is that DeShaun Foster doesn’t last another year in Carolina.

15. Kansas City Chiefs – Carlos Rogers – CB, Auburn – For a team as desperate for defensive talent as the Chiefs, they sure haven’t taken advantage of it. Larry Johnson? Rogers, the best CB after Jones and Rolle, excels in man-to-man coverage, which KC likes to play. Rogers has average size and average speed, but at #15 he’s a solid defensive pick-up.

16. New Orleans Saints – Jammal Brown – OT, Oklahoma – An accomplished pass rush defender, Brown has an opportunity to help a Saints line that needs all the help it can get. Brown is incredibly athletic but is inexperienced, and he’ll have to play behind somebody before he can be considered a viable starter.

That’s it for the first (read: more interesting) half of the draft. This draft could go a million different ways, but I think those picks are the best for their respective teams. For all we know, Maurice Clarrett could go #1. Well… maybe not…

Let’s face it: there is not a more boring time in professional football as the end of March-beginning of April. It seems even the summer is more exciting than this. Free agent signings are done with, the draft info has been broken down, digested and re-digested (or in Maurice Clarett’s case, re-re-digested) and we just have to wait until the draft… April 23rd never seemed as far away as it does now.

So, I got an idea from our own Dolphins writer Sean Fowler and I decided to simulate a Cowboys season in Madden ‘05. For fun I added Drew Bledsoe, Jason Ferguson and Marco Rivera to the team to see how they did, and what the heck… the Cowboys went 14-2 and won the Super Bowl. I mean, I’m not saying this is a sign of things to come or anything, but in my fake Madden season the ‘boys beat the Eagles 42-6 in the NFC Championship Game… oh how sweet it is! I’ll settle for a virtual drubbing of the birds anyday.

And to give this some redeeming value, here’s a photo of Roy Williams hitting Patrick Ramsey really hard.

The Cowboys need look no further than three successive drafts (1988, 1989, 1990) to find why they had a dynasty in the 90’s. Those of course were the years Michael Irvin, Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith were drafted by the ‘boys, respectively, and it seems like since then they have been inept at judging college talent. Bad draft judgement has set the Cowboys back several years at least, and after a quick spark from Parcells in ‘03, things have settled down a bit. With the release of former head scout and Jerry Jones lacky Larry Lacewell this past off-season, hopefully we’ll see some kind of change in strategy. If Parcells called me tomorrow and asked what my advice for the draft would be, this is what I’d tell him.

1. If Derrick Johnson is there at #11, take him
-Rumor has it that the Cowboys front office doesn’t even see Johnson as a first round player, which I fear is an extreme misjudgement on their part. Linebacker is far-and-away the thinnest position on the Cowboys roster, and they need a player like Johnson for the 3-4. Parcells has questioned his ability to take on blocks and tackle from the backside, which doesn’t make too much sense to me. If Derrick Johnson is still around when the Cowboys pick and they pass on him, it’s nobody’s fault but theirs for passing on the most talented defensive player in the draft (sorry Antrelle). Merriman will be fine if drafted, but I’m predicting great things from Johnson.

2. Forget wide receiver with #20. Draft a safety.
-I think we all underestimated the impact that Darren Woodson had on this team, and with his retirement comes a huge hole in the secondary that has yet to be fixed. Until I see Anthony Henry play and perform in some real game-time situations, he’s still another Larry Brown, and Terrence Newman is certainly not yet attained the title of a “shut-down corner.” The secondary is still very much in doubt, and injecting some fresh new talent is just what the defense needs. I truly hope Parcells isn’t going to try and move Pete Hunter over to safety, because not only does he have little experience (read: no experience) at the position, but there is no depth at the position either. Chances are Troy Williamson, the only wide out the Cowboys could really use effectively, will be gone by #20, and even if he isn’t, a safety can be better implemented right away.

And who is this safety? Roy Williams’ fellow Oklahoma Sooner, Brodney Pool. His only downside is he is another heads up safety in that he likes to run up to the line and provide run support and he’s not the best cover safety out there, but if you ask me, he is just what the ‘boys need in the secondary. He led the Sooners in tackles last season, and lemme tell you, he hits… hard.

3. Don’t take the lesser known guy: take a proven player.
-The Cowboys have this nasty habit of drafting on potential rather than proven skill, and until they show some discretion I will continue to question their methods. They have drafted so many no-name players in the past 10 years it makes my head spin. Shante Carver, Ebenezer Ekuban, David Lafleur, Robert Jones, Kevin Smith… the list goes on. The ‘boys need to take better notes at the combine or something, because the less chances they take, the better off their picks will be.

Texas Stadium is divided into 7 parts: Upper & Lower Sidelines, Upper & Lower Corners, Upper & Lower Endzone and Suites. And in 2005, every single one of them will see a noticeable price hike from the previous two years. It seems the price increases range anywhere from $10-$20, which in the eyes of some, is a small price to pay for the extra cash Jones dished out on free agent talent this year.

Personally, while I’m not a fan of the price hikes ($20 extra for a $53 ticket is asking a bit much - and who knows what Jones is really doing with the money), I truly believe this years’ $66 ticket average is a small price to pay to watch Cowboys football. The ‘boys have sold out 120 straight games and loyalty like that isn’t something that a moderate price hike is just going to stamp out. The Cowboys have always had one of the cheaper tickets in the NFL, and hopefully with all other teams jacking up their prices as well, that won’t change much.

Do I think raising prices is fair? No. Is it necessary? Maybe. Will it matter come GameDay in the fall? Not a darn bit.