Stories to Watch on Draft Day

We’re on the home stretch for the NFL Draft, and as every year, the high drama always seems to revolve the Cowboys with trade rumors all offseason. Come draft day we’ll see if any of these rumors come to fruition. I’m going to take a look at some topics to watch come draft day.

Garrett Effect

At the end of the season, it looked like Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett was on his way to taking the head coaching job in Baltimore. Garrett opted to remain with the Cowboys, and in doing so, he received a hefty raise, and the Assistant Head Coach title. What made Garrett return to Dallas? His love for the organization, the chance to be the Cowboys Head Coach in 2009? Who really knows, but I do know this…having Garrett back is going to make this offense that much more better. To me, its going to be interesting to see which way this draft goes. All the mockers are targeting a cornerback with the first pick, but what if the Cowboys were to take an Offensive Lineman at #22, and then a WR or RB with the #28 pick or visa/versa? If we see this scenario, it could be seen a as a draft geared for Garrett. You know Garrett wants nothing but big offensive lineman, and tall receivers.

If you look at last year’s draft picks, you could even say the Garrett influence started last year. Yes, we drafted Spencer in the 1st round, but the bulk of the draft was offensive intensive with James Marten (6-7, 303) in the 3rd, Isaiah Stanback (6-2, 208) and Doug Free (6-6, 306) in the 4th, Nick Folk and Deon Anderson in the 6th round, and last picks in the 7th on Courtney Brown and Alan Ball. Marten, Stanback, and Free have the big physical attributes Garrett wants at those positions.
With all this being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cowboys took another offensive lineman somewhere early, whether it be a tackle, guard, or even a center. Another tall receiver could be picked up too, really depends on how Stanback is progressing. Lastly, I think Garrett would still like to get his “Moose” in the backfield, and to me that’s Owen Schmitt from West Virginia, or maybe Jerry’s fellow alum in Peyton Hillis. We’ll see.

Insurance Picks

With potential contract issues with Marion Barber and Ken Hamlin, the Cowboys have the luxury of insuring both positions in the first round, whether that be with Kenny Phillips at #22, and Felix Jones at #28 or visa/versa. Phillips is going to be a solid player, and if the supposed leak mock board leak was true or not, they did have Phillips high on that board. So drafting both in the first would be smart moves, and would contributing forces on day one. Now, assuming we eventually sign Barber and Hamlin to long term deals, the offense and defense will be that much better.

Draft Day Trading

For some reason, I see the Cowboys trading that #28 pick to someone wanting back into the 1st round to pick up a quarterback or some other position. I think Atlanta will be one of those teams looking to leapfrog back into the 1st, They will take an offensive player in the first, but if they take defense, they will trade back into the 1st, they have the firepower to jumpback into the 1st, and the Cowboys would be the prefect trading partner. What about taking Chad Johnson with the #22 or #28 pick. Chad Johnson has turned up the heat on wanting out of Cincinnati, he wants to be a Cowboy, thus the increased banter is in full effect and his strategy could pay off come draft day, they may fully oblige a trade to Dallas.